Heading for Denmark

Copenhagen in particular.

Since "Women in Copenhagen can now swim and walk around in public pools without their bikini tops."

C'mon feminist of America, get with the times. Make us stare at your siamese twins.

I Knew It!!

You're 60% Irish

You're very Irish, and most likely from Ireland. (And if you're not, you should be!)

How Irish Are You?

I just lost my train of thought

Your Thinking is Abstract and Random

You are flexible, adaptable, and creative. There's many ways that you can learn - and you're up for any of them. You relate well to other people, and you do well working in groups. You can help people communicate together and work with each other's strengths. You don't work well with people who are competitive or adversarial. You prefer to work toward a common goal... not toward conflicting goals.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

Do I Talk Funny?

Your Linguistic Profile:

60% General American English 15% Upper Midwestern 10% Dixie 10% Midwestern 0% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

More of 'em

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISTP)

Your personality type is reserved, methodical, spirited, and intense. Only about 6% of all people have your personality, including 3% of all women and 8% of all men You are Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

You Are Mr. Burns

Okay, so you're evil... You have big plans to rule the world, and you'll destroy it in the process if necessary! You will be remembered for: the exploitation of the masses Life philosophy: "One dollar for eternal happiness? I'd be happier with the dollar."

The Simpsons Personality Test

What Your Shamrock Says About You

You are charming, witty, and larger than life. At times, you can be a bit impatient and inflexible. You don't like to be distracted. You don't really consider yourself a lucky person. In your view, people create their own luck. You are stylish, in a classic sort of way. You are particular about how you like things.

The Shamrock Personality Test

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Yep

In case you hadn't figured out, I am slightly bored tonight. So here are a couple more.

You are a PC

You're practical, thrifty, and able to do almost anything. Appearances and trends aren't important to you. You just like to get the job done.

Are You a Mac or a PC?

Well, damnit. That just throws my whole persona right out the window.

You Are 25% Redneck

The wheels still turning, but the hamster's dead. You're just fakin' bein' a redneck.

How Redneck Are You?

Daggumit.

Thank God

Well, that's a relief.

You Have Not Been Ruined by American Culture

You're nothing like the typical American. In fact, you may not be American at all. You have a broad view of the world, and you're very well informed. And while you certainly have been influenced by American culture (who hasn't?), it's not your primary influence. You take a more global philosophy with your politics, taste, and life. And you're always expanding and revising what you believe.

Has American Culture Ruined You?

It's MY Planet

Come for a visit if you like.

You Should Rule Saturn

Saturn is a mysterious planet that can rarely be seen with the naked eye. You are perfect to rule Saturn because like its rings, you don't always follow the rules of nature. And like Saturn, to really be able to understand you, someone delve beyond your appearance. You are not an easy person to befriend. However, once you enter a friendship, you'll be a friend for life. You think slowly but deeply. You only gain great understanding after a situation has past.

What Planet Should You Rule?

Now That's Scary

You Are Most Like George W. Bush

So what if you're not exactly popular? You still rule the free world. And while you may be quite conservative now, you knew how to party back in the day!

What Modern US President Are You Most Like?

I was never much of a "partier" though. Just site back and quietly get drunk, while watching everyone else make fools of themselves.

Hmm....

I really figured it to be much higher.

You Are 16% Abnormal

You are at medium risk for being a psychopath. It is somewhat likely that you have no soul. You are at medium risk for having a borderline personality. It is somewhat likely that you are a chaotic mess. You are at low risk for having a narcissistic personality. It is unlikely that you are in love with your own reflection. You are at low risk for having a social phobia. It is unlikely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement. You are at low risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is unlikely that you are addicted to hand sanitizer.

How Abnormal Are You?

Blood, Guts, Gore, and Zombies

This one is especially for Contagion.

It has blood, guts, gore, farts, and ZOMBIES.

As I watched it, I just kept saying "Oh, my god."




As found at Holy Taco.

Now that's Awesome

I love videos like this.

Bullet v. Object. Awesome results. This is the fun you don't really get to see when shoot. It happens way to fast.

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

I think they are using a handgun actually. The bullet looks short, almost like a ball ammo-something used more in handguns. If it was rifle ammo I would expect for the bullet to be longer.

Way freaking cool. I'd love to see what happens with a .50 Cal.

Yes. I am just slightly nuts.

Seems to be pretty on the ball.

I'm not totally sure on the ethics thing. But otherwise, yep its me.

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 85% Conservative, 15% Liberal Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal Personal Responsibility: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal Ethics: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

As found via a friends profile on myspace.

Gun Rights Man of the Week

Presenting this week's recipient: Mr. Ronnie Barrett, Founder and Owner of Barrett Firearms.

For those of you who don't know of the great Mr. Barrett. In 1982 he invented a rifle in his garage that has become one of the greatest tools in military, law enforcement, and personal use. The Barrett .50 caliber 82A1/M107 semi-automatic rifle has had far reaching influence on firearms around the world.

And now, the Chief of Police in Honolulu, Hawaii is pushing an agenda to try and get the state legislature to ban .50 caliber rifles. Mr. Barrett's response is very simple: "If Hawaii or any state bans the sale of the .50-caliber rifle, we will immediately stop the sale and service of all Barrett products to that state’s government agencies. We will also welcome all small arms manufacturers to take the same action."

Damn. Now THAT is a serious position. I like it.

Barrett also says: "It is the law. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing cannot sell our products to those who break the law even though the officials responsible may not yet be indicted. Barrett will not support a state or local government that is obviously in violation of the United States Constitution thereby jeopardizing the safety and security of its citizens."

Talk about a quick shot to the nuts. Telling police that they are breaking the law. Beautiful. I love it.

So for all of this. I declare Mr. Ronnie Barrett my Gun Rights Man of the Week.

The full text of Barrett's letter to the Chief of Police can be found here.

h/t to Kim du Toit for first posting it.

Reaks of Bias

It is a good thing that most people in this country are idiots. Otherwise, the everyone would immediately call this article bullshit, like I am. ***Before reading the article, if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, get your meds, you'll need them.*** Evidently, "AK-47-type guns turn up more often."

Of course the article starts with a horrific incident at a child's birthday party. Then the article starts talking about how the the BATFE "has recorded a more than sevenfold increase in 7.62x39mm guns" since 1993. From 1994 to 2004, there was an "Assault Weapons Ban" in place. And the author tries to surprise you by say that since 2005 the BATFE has recorded an 11 percent increase in AK-47-style gun (whatever that means) trancings. But what they forget to mention is that prior to that, the number of tracing DURING THE BAN, increase by 675%, over the course of the ban.

But wait. How does that work? Weren't these guns banned?

Actually, NO. For those of you that don't know, the "Clinton Assault Weapons Ban" actually had nothing to do with how any gun function. It was all about cosmetics. For the real information on the ban go here, take the quiz on the sidebar.

Next, there is a story about a Miami-Dade police officer who was killed in the line of duty. And how they are not armed to the same level as the criminals. At least the officer get to carry a firearm. Why can't I carry one. Criminals carry weapons, and they break the law. Why am I punished for obeying the law.

And then of course, the author tries to make some really strange connection of an increase in guns and the war in Iraq.

One of the many total bullshit parts of article is when the author actually sites the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. After I got off the floor from laughing. For those of you that don't know, the Brady Center is a political action group trying to disarm America. Using their stats is like relying on Phillip Morris for stats on lung cancer.

And yet another fallacy of this article is when the author tries to address the "power" of the 7.62x39mm cartridge. While yes, this is a very effective round, it is far from a serious high powered cartridge. A 7.62x39mm is good for anti-personnel, coyotes, javelina, other medium sized game. It would be an effective deer round. But probably not great for larger game like elk, moose, and bear.

Follow Up to WIU Threat

A question for you all.

How would you react if you were a student at Western Illinois University and received notice of a threat of a shooting?

Since WIU is my Alma Mater, and I have A LOT of friends still in Macomb, many of them students. I have thought through this scenario many times today (and on many other occasions-or similar situations).

The campus was not actually locked down, and classes were still in session. I think I would have still gone to class. I very seldom missed class in school. No, I am not a geek, but I took my education seriously and was rewarded for it. But that is not why I would go to class. I would go because I refuse to let fear run my life. Granted, I would have been slightly nervous. The only way that I wouldn't have been nervous would be if I could have been armed with my pistol.

I still can't understand why the government wants criminals armed better than law-abiding citizens.

Now It's Getting Really Close to Home

The headline: Note Warns of Shooting at Western Illinois University.

The reality: Sometime overnight last night, a note was left in off campus housing (just barely off campus, you could throw a rock from there onto campus) that said there would be a shooting at Western Illinois University. Of course, this sent the University into maximum reaction.

The residence halls were all locked down. In order to enter, you need a key (all the dorms at Western can be locked and only those with keys, aka residents of the hall, can get in, and yes it is really a metal key), you have to show your photo student ID, and sign in. Classes are still in session, but if you don't feel like you can attend you are excused without penalty. The campus is crawling with Office of Public Safety (campus police), Macomb Police, McDonough County Sherriff, and Illinois State Police (who have a district headquarters less than half a mile from campus). All of them there for extra security. Some on foot, others in patrol cars. The University President, Al Goldfarb is meeting with the Vice-Presidents hourly and keeping up with any new developments.

WIU used their alert system to get information out to students quickly, with "Timely Warnings" at 9:30 and 2:30.

From what I can read, they have reacted in an very proactive manner in the circumstance. Hopefully, this is nothing more than and idle threat. Either way, whoever wrote the note is SCAHHAAAREWWEEEDD!! All I can say is,: Dude, they are going to nail your balls to a platter.

County Crimestoppers has offered a $1,000 reward for any tip that leads to an arrest, and then to top that off, President Goldfarb and his wife have also pledged an additional $1,000 for a tip that lead to an arrest.



What an idiot.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And like I figured it would-the news travels fast.

The Chicago Tribune

Foxnews.com

NBC-5, Chicago along with a slide show of the campus

MSNBC -via WEEK-25 Peoria NBC Affiliate.


I wonder if it will get mention on national new broadcasts tonight?

A Good Question

Joe Huffman has a post up with a very good question in it.

"Can you demonstrate one time or place, throughout all history, where the average person was made safer by restricting access to handheld weapons?"

Damn. I know that off the top of my head I can't.



And here is a question of my own. Why would the very intelligent writers of the Constitution have spelled out all the powers and duties of the Federal Government, Reserved very certain powers and duties for the States, and written a Bill of Rights with 10 Amendments, 9 of which are the Rights of the People, but included one that is a Right for the State or Federal Government? Doesn't make sense. Of course, neither does any argument against private ownership of firearms. Saying that the 2nd Amendment is a collective right is like saying that only the Government can say what they want, or print what they want, or they don't have to incriminate themselves in a trial. The logic doesn't exist.

Armed America

I thought this would be a good follow up to my last post.

I don't know if this is where I first learned of his project, but I read about it last week and again today over at the DoubleTapper.

Photographer Kyle Cassidy has developed a very interesting book. Here is his short introduction:

I started wondering just who they were, what they looked like, and how they lived. Such was the genesis of Armed America: Portraits of American Gun Owners in Their Homes. The idea was to photograph a hundred gun owners, in their homes, and do a gallery show. I figured this would take about two years. But very soon after I started, it became evident that my ambitions were too low. My mailbox flooded with letters from people I didn't know wanting to participate -- I realized that I could probably photograph a hundred people in two months, but it wasn't a number of people that was important, it was their stories -- a cowboy in Texas, a survivalist in Montana, a deer hunter in Pennsylvania, a sheriff in Georgia, a soldier in Idaho.... What I really needed, I realized, was to get moving, to drive across the country and find America somewhere between here and there.

What started as an idea for a gallery show, turned into a book- Armed America: Portraits of American Gun Owners in Their Homes.

To learn more about the project check out Cassidy's website: Armed America.

What a cool perspective.

Why do I own a gun?
Well, actually, I don't. I own several guns and am proud of that. I own guns for several reasons. 1) I have the right to own them, and it is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights; 2) I like to hunt-birds, deer, predator, small game, anything and one of the ways to hunt is with a gun; 3) I like to shoot-target shooting is a process that uses so many skills and concentration and it is a stress relief I survived college by trap shooting every week; 4) I want to protect myself and my family-even in a rural area there is crime, break-ins, etc and I refuse to be a victim; 5) with black powder firearms it is a very intimate process to load and fire, and requires great marksmanship; 6) I like explosions, and a gun firing is a controlled explosion in your hands, with a direct projectile that wields lethal force; 7) It is an amazing and awesome feeling to hold that kind of power in your hands.


So, dear readers, why do you own a gun?

Leave a response in the comments.

Disturbing

The Pirate with a Permission Slip had a link to this LawDog Files post, where I found this VERY disturbing story.

Now, I believe I have a pretty strong stomach. When I was younger, I looked forward with great anticipation when the local locker would come out and do on the farm butchering of cattle and hogs. .22 mag to the skull, a quick slice of the throat, and get to cutting. I have seen pictures of people severed in half in car accidents, and the chunks of a body in a wagon after going through a silage chopper. But this story really made my skin crawl, to the point of a slight bit of nausea. And then throw a heaping helping of anger on top.

For those of you who didn't read the story, here is a short rundown. 24-year old Meredith Emerson was out for a walk/run along the area of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. 61-year old Gary Michael Hilton had spent some time walking with here, but was not able to really keep up, so finally, he got ahead of her and accosted her on the trail with a knife. She fought back, caused him to lose the knife, and he pulled a baton, which he also lost in the fray. The two ended up falling down the side of a hill. Finally, Hilton overpowered Emerson, bound and kidnapped her. She would continue to fight to stay alive for 4 DAYS until Hilton murdered her. During the time that Emerson was still alive, police had named Hilton as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of Emerson. On the first night of her captivity, Hilton raped Emerson. He tried to rob her by getting her ATM card and trying to make withdrawals. Emerson gave the wrong pin number multiple times, still fighting. In the end, Hilton would bludgeon Emerson with a tire iron and decapitate her.

In his interviews with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Hilton would give the details of the days, saying that Emerson nearly overpowered him in the initial fray. He talked to authorities about taking walks together during the captivity, claiming she was "free" but if she ran he would shoot her. This case is so demented that Hilton said it was "difficult" to kill her, because they had spent the 4 days together.


One of the telling parts of this story, is a quote from an agent from the GBI:
"That's one thing that broke my heart in this case," Bridges said. "She was doing everything she was supposed to do to stay alive, and we didn't get there in time."

4 days was not enough time. But what about 3 minutes. If Miss Emerson had been armed with a personal protection firearm, this may have been a very different story. Or what if it had happened at an apartment. I live in the country, about a mile outside of town, and 1/16 of a mile from the county line. The only time law enforcement comes by my home, is in pursuit of someone. The odds are that it would take at least 2-3 minutes for the town cops to get to my house, and the county would be 5-10 minutes at minimum. There is a whole lot that can happen in 3 minutes. Or put yourself in a situation that I read in Ted Nugent's "God, Guns, and Rock n' Roll." Picture this. You are in a fast food restaurant in a busy shopping mall, enjoying a hamburger. There is a young woman sitting a couple of tables over. In the blink of an eye, two men grab the woman and drag her out of the restaurant and into the commons area. What would 3 minutes feel like to this woman? What could transpire in 3 minutes? How many people could be killed in 3 minutes? How far could you run in 3 minutes? Could you get to a parking lot? What about with 5 minutes? But, an armed citizen who doesn't panic in a high stress time, could take a kidnapping, or a murder, or a massacre and turn the tables. It is like the attacks at Virginia Tech and NIU. One person armed and willing to take action to protect themselves or others, can and will make a difference. And while we have very good Law Enforcement Officers who lay their lives on the line, they cannot be everywhere all the time.

It is time to Stop Making Victims.

Another One is Called Home

Friday night, on my home from work and the bank, I got a call on my cell phone. It was my folks. They wondered if I planned to stop by the house on my way into town before they had to leave and I headed out for the evening.

I was on my way when they called, only 2 miles from the house. Got home and unpacked the lunch cooler. And Mom informed me that Great Uncle Doc had passed away.

He had been sick and in the hospital last week, and things didn't look great. And finally, Friday he was called home.

Doc was my Grandfather's brother. I didn't know him very well. I had met him on many occasions, but never really sat for any extend duration of time for a conversation.

He was a Navy Veteran of World War II (Grandpa was in the Army), and then became a teacher and coach. A good man, he will be missed.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the trip to Iowa for his funeral. Mom, her sister my Aunt, and Grandma will be going out today for the funeral tomorrow. Dad won't be able to get away from the business to make the trip. Doc is the 3rd of the 5 siblings to pass. One sister passed in 2002 or 2003 (I can't remember exactly), and Grandpa passed in October 2004. The remaining two sisters are both in pretty darn good health and should be kicking for several more years.

So to you Doc, a simple poem, fitting for a Navy Vet.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Ship Sails

A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon
and someone at my side says
She is gone.

Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all.
She is just as large now as when I last saw her.
Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.

And just at that moment, when someone at my side says she is gone,
there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon
and other voices take up a glad shout -
There she comes!

That is what dying is.
A horizon and just the limit of our sight.

Lift us up O Lord, that we may see further.

--Bishop Brent

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I raise a glass, to you, Doc. We'll see you soon in paradise.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Today is a wonderous day. Even with the snow.

For Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Life after Death. Victory over the grave. Salvation in the acceptance of the ultimate gift.

So in the Spirit of the Salvation, a couple of video's that I find very uplifting.

First up, "I Will Not Forget You."



And since they won't let me embed it, a link to another, the powerful "Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith.

Tumbling down

As I am sure most of you heard, last Saturday at crane collapsed in Manhattan. And then yesterday we find out that a city building inspector was arrested for failing to inspect the crane.

This whole incident is a horrific tragedy. And there is a whole lot of information out there about what occurred. And since I take an interest in this sort of stuff (no I am not sadistic, (ok, maybe a little) but a big part of my job is in safety, including work around cranes).

The crane that collapsed was a tower crane, which has a vertical tower supporting a horizontal boom. It was being employed in the building of a new high-rise, that would be 40 stories tall when completed.

Common practice in the erection and use of a tower crane is to brace them back to the building for stability. This was the process that was being done on Saturday when the crane toppled. Workers were extending the erection of the crane.

The process involves the use of 6-ton tie-backs that attach the tower to building. While installing the tie-back at the 18th floor, somehow, the tie-back fell. At the ninth story, it struck the tie-back anchoring the tower and damaged it. When the 9th floor tie back was damage it caused the stability of the crane to be compromised and the counterweight on the back of the boom pulled the entire unit over.

The tower landed on top of the an penthouse condo, which is where the woman from Miami was killed. Several other building were damaged. 6 construction workers were also killed, and I have not been able to figure out what the circumstance was in their deaths from news reports I have read. I assume that they either fell off the tower or were crushed when the tower hit the apartment building.

Some people will try to blame the collapse on the inspector. The important thing to remember is, the inspection that should have occurred was on March 4th. The collapse was on March 15th, and caused because the crane was being built taller. The odds of seeing anything on the 4th that was tied to the 15th collapse are slim. As far as I can tell, it is a freak accident that ends in tragedy. Obviously, the inspector failed to perform his duty, but that is not what caused this incident.



The incident reminded me of the "Big Blue" collapse in 1999. "Big Blue" was a 1,500 ton lattice boom gantry crane, that collapsed in a 26 mph wind while lifting a roof section onto Miller Park baseball stadium in Milwaukee, WI. 3 iron workers were killed in the collapse. They were in a suspended man basket hanging from another crane at the time of the collapse. The boom of "Big Blue" hit the cable and basket as it fell, breaking the basket loose and sending the men to their death.

In a strange coincidence, OSHA inspectors were on site at Miller Park the day of the collapse and had a video camera filming the lift, capturing the horrific collapse.



The screeching sound you hear is, I believe, the brakes on the cables. The loud pop/bang is a pin shearing, which triggered the collapse. Right after the guys filming move and look back to the boom, look just to the right of the vertical cable in the center of the screen, you will see the boom of the second crane and the small black spot is the man basket. Watch the basket and the boom of the second crane as well.

This incident was preventable. The lift should never have taken place in those kind of conditions.

A New Beginning

O what a beautiful morning. O what a beautiful day.

Spring is here. New life is trying to come forth from the the ground. The cold bitterness of winter is replaced by sunshine and showers that transform the drab brown of winter into the lush green of spring and then summer.









And this morning, I had to scrap FROST off the windows of my truck.

Just more proof that there is no Al Gore "Global Warming."

The Song That Started it All

So, for the High Holy Day of St. Patrick, I posted a LOT of videos of great Celtic music. However, one video I did not post yesterday is this one.



Yes, that is Garth Brooks singing. On the album Fresh Horses the last track on the CD was this song titled, "Ireland." I instantly fell in love with the song. I didn't actually have the CD, it was my older brother's and I would beg him to play it (I was in late elementary school when it was released). Truly, I believe this song is the root of why I listen to Celtic music all the time (I throw in stuff from across the spectrum, rock, oldies, classical, country, etc. pretty regularly). The CD case in my truck has 30-40 Celtic CD's in it, plus I have more in my desk at work, and a bunch of stuff downloaded to my computer at home and loads of videos saved on youtube.

So it is all Garth Brooks' fault. But I sure am glad it is.

I figured a mighty oak, or maybe a hedge

But did not figure on a Poplar.

However.

I suppose this could be me.

You Are A Poplar Tree

People tend to look up to you, and it's a bit lonely at the top. Inside, you are not always self confident, but you show great courage. Mature and organized, you are reliable in any situation. You tend to have an artistic or philosophical outlook on life. You are very choosy in love and take partnership seriously.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

I hold leadership roles all the time. I have been/currently serving as President or Vice President of somewhere close to a dozen organizations in the last 10 years. And, being 6'4", it is hard to find someone to make me feel short. I really noticed it in January when I went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. Waiting for the doors to open, I was standing in a crowd of about 200 people, and I realized that I could look over the top of EVERYONE'S head. I can be mature, but would rather have fun, and organized is not a word anyone would use to describe me, but I have my own system of clutter. My artistic side is in music. I appreciate certain types of art and get philosophical on occasion, usually it involves alcohol. Solved many of the worlds problems in the fraternity parking lot. And definitely picky about dating. A friend of mine told me when he was in town at Christmas that I "needed to lower my standards." I laughed and told him he was insane.

h/t to Tammi.

One last time

I am just about to finish my last pint of the night. And tomorrow, the real world beacons. I have to finish a bid by 10:00, that I didn't get plans for until after lunch today.

So I leave you with these final thoughts of the day.

From the Dubliners:


And from the now disbanded Royal Irish Regiment Live at Ulster Hall:


An Irish Blessing:



And the classic Irish Blessing:
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again, May God hold you
In the hollow of his hand

(Evidently, I am going to have to record myself singing this song, as I can't find a version I like on you tube.)

And I will end the night with a group I just heard of yesterday and am impressed. One person even said they are the next generation's Clancy Brothers. So my final gift of the night, the High Kings performing their own arrangement of "Parting Glass."


Good night and God bless you all.

Because it just wouldn't be a party

Without some boobs.

So in honor of T1G, and for a fine finish to the party.

MAN DOWN!!!!

Help. I need help. There's blood.

I had to go and make my bladder gladder and the path to the pisser goes through the kitchen at my buddies place, which is where I am at tonight. Well, the kitchen is in pieces right now being remodeled. There is plastic and blankets over the doors. I went to duck under the plastic at one door and caught my head on the door frame. Hit it well enough to draw blood.

I need another Guinness and another song.

So, lets go to the "Sally Gardens" and maybe it will help the throbbing.



That is a little bit better.

A couple more

And that should do it for this pint.

First off, a visit with our old friends the Dubliners and the "Leaving of Liverpool."



So much better than the other 4 guys from Liverpool.

And while we are visiting cities, how about "Galway Bay" and dreaming of a return.



And it's time for another pint.

Back to the Music

I just poured another Guinness.

Laughed my ass off at Tommy.

But back to the music, with the Wolfe Tones again, and we take along "On the One Road."

As Promised

In several comments around the blogosphere today.

The very funny and Irish, Tommy Tiernan (probably contains profanity).

First off, I am not Catholic, but this is funny.



After mass, lets head for the "Drug Olympics."




Tommy was on Comedy Central last Friday, and has a new DVD out, Tommy Tiernan: Something Mental.

I'm back

After a couple of hours away.

And with 3 more songs for you.

For starters, The Dubliners, and lead singer the great Luke Kelley with "Dirty Old Town."



Next, the Wolfe Tones to grace us with a song of Irish unity and rebellion to England, and maybe one day again, Ireland long a province, will be "A Nation Once Again."



And finally lets go to sea, as Barney McKenna and the Dubliners share the longing for the place where all good sailor's hope to one day go, "Fiddler's Green."



Now, excuse me, I need another pint of Guinness, a shot of Jameson, and dram of rum.

Alright

That's enough sad bastard music for a little while. Let's pick it back up with the Bard of Cornwall and "The Star of the County Down."



How's everyone's glass? Anybody about to run dry?

And One More

Another Toast.

To the great songwriter and performer and his profound influence on Celtic music in the 20th and 21st Centuries.

To Tommy Makem. R.I.P. 8-2-2007. For you, we sing of the "Four Green Fields."

Slow it down

Which one do you like better. Both are well done.

First up, in the battle of the "Song for Ireland" is Luke Kelley of the Dubliners,



versus, the Bard of Cornwall.



To Ireland, the Emerald Ilse we Raise our Glass.

Women

The downfall of man.

With their hair tied up in a "Black Velvet Band"



Why did the guy take the watch from the girl?

Because he was drinking WHISKEY!!!

The famous Black Bush.

The Wild Rover

And it's no, nay, never (clap, clap, clap, clap)
No, nay, never, no more (clap, clap)
Will I play the wild rover (clap)
No never, no more (1/2 clap)

It's just a catchy tune. Just enjoy it and clap along. Cheers to Mulrooney and O'Meara, the professors of "clap".

Kick It Up a Notch

Well, we've had an opening toast to the Company, lamented the fallen. It is time for a couple of really happy songs.

First, lets take the "Rocky Road to Dublin" with the Chieftains and the Kelley Family.



And once we make it to Dublin, we'll see the "Spanish Lady." Take your pick and see her with the Dubliners,



or with better scenery accompanying you with Celtic Woman.

And Raise One More

To those who are no longer with us. a song and a toast to them that have lost their lives in the fighting. Raise your glass.

This is based on a real incident, involving two young friends. Written and performed by Tommy Sands, "There Were Roses."





May there be no more.

An Opening Toast

To start your drinking. A good toast for the day.

So raise your glasses, and "Health to the Company."

The High Holy Day

I am not a Catholic (and the Catholic Church actually moved St. Patrick's Day to the 15th of March since this is Holy Week) but I am part Irish by blood, and a lot Irish by feeling. While St. Patrick's Day is actually a church holiday, it has become a secular celebration as well.

Friday on my way home from work, I stopped at Friar Tuck's for and extra supply Guinness. Picked up two 8-packs of cans. When I got back to town, I made a stop at my storage unit for my Guinness Tulip Glasses, the only kind of glass to drink a proper pint from.

Saturday night I went to a Shack Attack for something like a St. Paddy's party. Played music, ate good food, good conversation, and BEER. Namely, Guinness and Smithwick's Irish Ale.

But anyway. In honor of the High Holy Day, I will be periodically posting videos and such for your enjoyment of the day.

And for starters, we all should enjoy a fine pint of Guinness, or 37. But to truly enjoy Guinness it must be poured properly. So that is where we start. With Guinness Brewmaster Fergal Murray showing the way to pour a proper pint.



My friends are the best friends
Loyal, willing and able.
Now let’s get to drinking!
All glasses off the table!

Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A cold pint-- and another one!

Where's My Money?

Governor puke (seriously, say Blagoviech, if you can even come close to pronouncing it, and think about it, it sounds like your are hurling as you say that vile name) is at it again. And this time he is targeting and stealing (more) from Illinois Hunters.

"(T)he Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has been instructed by Governor Rod Blagojevich's (D) Administration, that due to budget cuts, it will have to close down pheasant propagation sites, thus putting an end to IDNR's Controlled Pheasant Hunts."

Well thats weird. Why would the IDNR not have money to propagate pheasants? After all, that is why hunters in this state pay their license fees and user fees at state sites.

But wait, Governor puke sees any money (real or imaginary) as something that has to be spent. Nothing can be saved. You can't worry about 5 years from now, there is nannying to be done.


The reason the IDNR is not going to be able to propagate pheasant populations is because Governor puke has stolen the money that hunters are paying to ensure the sustainability of our hobby and the worthless lying crook is taking our money for his bullshit instead of the reason the fees were put in place.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after all, the puke raided the downstate teachers pension fund, which was already underfunded by about $64 million dollars, to fund his insurance charity, meanwhile the Chicago teachers pension fund (and I still have never heard a good reason why there should be different pension funds for Chicago versus the rest of Illinois-Chicago is a city in the STATE OF ILLINOIS) is over funded by about $100 million.

If you follow the link above, it will take you to the National Rifle Association article and list several locations of townhall meetings to talk to your representatives. If you can attend a meeting, or call or e-mail your state representatives and let them know that fees paid by hunters must be spent on the support of habitat and sporting programs. Be courteous, there is no quicker way to hurt your own cause that to be rude.

A Partial Victory

In committee in Springfield, Illinois, the bill to require laser imprinted bullets and shell casings for all ammunition manufactured or sold in Illinois has been defeated. And it was defeated soundly, 9-4.

However, the same committee approved 8-5 a "proposal revokes Firearm Owner Identification cards of parents or guardians that can't keep guns away from their children on two occasions. Parents and guardians can also have their gun licenses revoked if their children have serious mental illness and have taken their guns without permission." Here's a novel idea. Take personal responsibility for you firearms and there is not problem. If you have a child with a mental illness, secure your guns. Kids should not be kept away from guns, kids need to be exposed to guns and taught to respect them. If you take your kids shooting and talk with them about firearms, they won't be tempted to take them and use them inappropriately.

And they approved 8-4, a proposal "tightening state rules to provide gun locks as part of a sale or transfer in the state. Private sellers and gun dealers would have to include a safety device that makes a handgun inoperable during the sale or face a misdemeanor charge and $1,000 fine." What a crock of shit. So if I want to sell someone a gun in a private sale, I have to buy a lock to sell with the gun. A locked gun is a club. Here's an idea. I buy one lock. Sell the gun, then buy it back after the sale is over. Or I just raid the locks I have for gun I purchased new and include that.

What would you take?

Over at The Other Side of Kim du Toit, he has put up the challenge.

Go over and have read of the challenge and of responses. Throw in your 2 cents.

I am still debating in my own head, but will put my response over there probably tonight. And I will update this post with it as well.

There are a few things I know I would change in the challenge, toss out the matches, put in my flint and steel, far superior to matches, especially when you are only alloted 1,000. Get rid of the sleeping bag, take my Wilde Blanket and ground cloth. Toss out the ax in favor of a small hatchet. More than adequate. In general, treat it like a great trek.

Since Kim doesn't want you to comment on anything other than the guns, I want to know what you would change in the other supplies. Don't add stuff, just replace or simplify.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: Below is what I posted on the original post.

"I would have to go with a good lever action. Probably a 1894 Marlin in .44mag/special. Add a Ruger Blackhawk in .44mag.

This would allow for the only one type of ammo, sufficient for most of what would be encountered crossing the country. There is no need for something to take 300 yard shots. Use proper ammunition conservation and there should be no worry about having enough.

There is a whole lot of other stuff I would change but since we were requested not to post about it here, I linked to this from my own blog and asked a bunch of living history re-enactors for their opinions."

Also, why would anyone want to cross the country on a horse in 1650. There are no roads once you leave the coast. Lets be smart about this. Put together a group of 7-10 men, and a 32-36 foot canoe. The 1650 Interstate system is the rivers and lakes. Get rid of the toiletries, except the butt-wipe. I learned from my great-uncle who spent 5 months as a POW after the Battle of the Bulge, with no wipe. Gotta have the butt-wipe. I do like the idea of carrying a black powder gun or two. Probably a rifle, a fowler, and a pistol.

It has probably already happened

Over at IMAO, Harvey (also of Bad Example) has a "Newish Fakery" post up that I would say is actually more divine insight to the future than satire.

So go on over and read "Middle School Student Suspended for Having Gun in Name."

The original story that inspired Harvey's piece is just as disturbing. ***DISCLAIMER*** This is so incredibly idiotic it will make your blood boil.

GAH.....HIPPIES!!!!!!!

I have talked about this before.

And I saw the video somewhere else yesterday but can't remember where for the life of me.

At one of my favorite blogs, In My Arrogant Opinion, a.k.a. IMAO, FrankJ has put a video from "The Daily Show" which is actually mind-boggling, "If Only There Was an Organization Sworn to Defend That Free Speech."

Just for the record, I really, REALLY HATE Hippies.

And the scariest part is that these people actually believe what they are saying. A couple of the strangest quotes,

"So if there were no police, then there'd be no crime?"

"Umm... potentially."

Or

"The Marines, we don't need to be worrying about their rights. It's not an equal relationship."

There is no hope for their future.

Vote for your favorite....

BEER that is.

In the spirit of March Madness (which is an Illinois original), the Washington Post is holding the "Sunday Source Beer Madness."

Head on over there and vote for your favorites, if it is in the brackets. I only voted in three match-ups. In Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat versus Magic Hat Circus Boy I had to vote for Sunset Wheat. I am after all, a member of the Leinie's Lodge. In Oskar Blues Old Chub versus Samuel Adams Honey Porter, I voted Sam Adams. And finally, in the match-up of Yuengling Black and Tan versus Hook & Ladder, I went Black and Tan. The three I voted for were the only ones on the entire bracket I knew of, other than Miller Chill, but I haven't tried it and don't intend to either.

Contagion need to look at this thing, and 1)vote for those beers he has tried and liked 2) make a list of beers from this list he hasn't tried and get busy.

I was hoping for something bigger

I am a: Glock Model 22 in 40 cal

What kind of handgun are YOU?

I am not really a Glock fan. There are reliable and highly functional firearms, but to me, they have always seemed rather bland.

But, I suppose some people might call me "bland." I don't think so. Just selectively reserved. And I figure for more of a classic revolver than an automatic.

But I really thought I would be a much bigger bore. I was hoping for something like a .45 Colt, .44 Mag, the S & W 500 .50 Magnum, or the S & W .460 Magnum. It just seems more my style.

At least it didn't call me 9mm. I would have been so ashamed that I wouldn't have even posted it.

h/t to Tam at View From the Porch.

Hanky Panky and Liberal Media Bias

Oh what a screwed up world we live in.

New York Governor Linked to Prostitution Ring

The great crusader Eliot Spitzer, Democratic Governor of New York, who made his reputation on fighting corruption, is in hot water. And not for the first time. It seems the father of 3 isn't tapping enough at home, so he has to seek it while on the road. And this on top of a "plot to smear Spitzer's main Republican nemesis," by using the state police to find dirt on the Senate Republican leader.

The Democratic Party in action. Such fine role models for the children.

And did you notice the media bias of this story. Whenever you see a story about a political figure, there is always a (R) or (D) after their name to identify what party they affiliate with. Not this story. Never once is the Democratic Party even MENTIONED. I had to check Wiki to verify that Spitzer is in fact a Democrat. But they didn't hold off on putting in the Republican party.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update:

Another article has been written following a press conference that Spitzer held. This one has more details on the transaction of the hanky panky, but again, not a single mention of his party affiliation.

I hope I look this good...

...when I am 68!!!








Yes, kids, that right. Today, March 10, is Chuck Norris' birthday. And he is 68. Born in 1940. And if you don't believe me, you can read it here.








And just for fun, some random facts about Chuck Norris.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs. Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.
When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
Chuck Norris’ hand is the only hand that can beat a Royal Flush.
Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
Chuck Norris does not get frostbite. Chuck Norris bites frost
Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.
Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Chucktatorship.

And he is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, a supporter of the troops making trips to Iraq even during the most dangerous times of the war on terror, and he is Republican.

To hell with Mike. I wanna be like CHUCK.

I may be wrong

But I am guessing that the front fell off.

Let's Get Drunk, I'm Buying

With song.

At Foley's Irish Pub in New York City, they have banned the song "Danny Boy" for the month of March.

But, if you can sing a different Irish song, they owner will give you a free pint of Guinness.

So who's in for a trip to New York? I know I could get at least 2 or 3 people drunk on free pints. Maybe more.

What's the "incident"

So, according to CNNPolitics.com there was a "Gun Incident near President Bush's Ranch."

Could someone at CNN please explain to me what exactly the "incident" was?

A journalist is wandering around, crosses the road, crosses the sidewalk and is standing in the woman's yard. Yakking on the cell phone in a foreign language. Sweet old grandmother in her house see guy on phone talking funny and gets nervous. Look at the history of the last seven years and what has happened in Crawford, Texas. Massive influx of reporters and protesters. If there were that many liars and hippies in my town, I would be nervous. So the sweet old grandmother picks up her personal protection pistol, and comes out of the house to tell the trespasser to get off the property. Screwball is not paying attention, and doesn't hear grandmother. She tells him again to get off the property. Finally he leaves.

Grandmother NEVER threatened the report. NEVER pointed the gun at him. He didn't even know she was armed until he got back to where he had wandered away from and somebody showed him the picture taken with a telephoto lens.

Where EXACTLY is the "incident" here. The grandmother was COMPLETELY within her rights to respond the way she did. But the MSMFearmongers call it an International "Incident." WTF are they smoking.

***NEWS FLASH*** In the United States, there are still some people who believe in the right to pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness, and will take measures to protect those things.

Get a clue or get the fuck out. And that is one of the great things about this country, if there is something that you don't like, you also have the right to LEAVE.

h/t to Kim du Toit

A Response to the Shootings at NIU

*I have not posted about this event prior to this time, out of respect for the students and families of NIU.*

On February 14, the lives of thousands of Northern Illinois University students and their families were changed forever when a very disturbed 27 year old opened fire in the middle of a lecture, with a shotgun and 3 handguns.

5 Students lost their lives. 54 shots were fired-6 from the shotgun and 48 from the handguns.

The shooter (I will not use his name, he doesn't deserve to be famous) entered through a door that allowed him access to the stage where the instructor was lecturing from, and opened fire.

Now, I don't know what kind of handguns the shooter used, but I would guess he had to at least change magazines in the handguns at least once. Without having any details of what happened in that lecture hall, I can formulate a hypothesis of what happened.

The whole incident lasted maybe a couple of minutes. The shooter steps out from behind a screen, probably with the shotgun first opens fire. Shoots until the shotgun is empty, with a possible reload. Then he probably dropped the shotgun, pulled the first handgun and fired until empty. And then repeated with each subsequent handgun, probably reloading at least one of them during the spree. The last shot ended himself. When the first shot or two reported panic ensued. The sound of the gunshots breaking through the deafening screams of terrified students. Many would have gone to the floor as quickly as the could, others may have ran for the door. Some may have been so petrified that they couldn't even move out of their chairs.


How it is that more people are not dead, is a miracle.

In the hours and days and weeks that have followed, we have all tried to find sense in what happened. To find closure and and explanation.


Now, we are nearly 3 weeks since that day. Classes have resumed and the students, faculty and family are trying to return to a normal life.



There are two sides of the debate on gun control. Those who believe that guns create violence and that outlawing guns will end violence and crime. And those who know that disarming law abiding citizens will not only aid violence and raise crime, but will allow for the growth of tyranny in government. If you haven't figured out, I am in the camp of the latter.

When this tragic event occurred, I was at Winter Camp, away from all other civilization. By the time I returned home the following Sunday, the anti-gun mayor of Chicago Richard Daley was already exploiting this tragedy to advance his own agenda. Somehow, this shooting is evidence that bullets should be individually serial numbered, .50 caliber rifles need to be banned, and we should only be allowed to buy one handgun every 30 days.

Could someone explain this logic to me? I just can't seem to follow it. First, what would a bullet serial number registered to the shooter have done in this case? Nothing. Where did ANYTHING about .50 caliber rifles come from? Nothing to do with this instance. Would one handgun every month have stopped this shooter? No, he purchased handguns in August 2007, December 2007, and a couple weeks prior to the shooting. But Daley and his cronies would never share that information. They only exploit tragedy and personal loss for personal gain.

The other side of debate. My side. I read blogs and get several newsletters a week on gun rights and assaults on them. There were no instant calls for further gun rights.

I will say this, though, as a college graduate. When sitting on a college campus you feel very vulnerable. During my time, I ALWAYS had at least a pocket knife on me. I ALWAYS have a pocket knife on me. In class, I tried to always sit in the back of the room, basically with my back to a brick wall, and good view of the door(s). I lived in the dorms for one year (I did 2 years at a community college and lived at home, before transferring to University). During the time in the dorms, you are left to be a victim. I had 2 guns on campus, but because I was in the dorms I had to check them into the Office of Public Safety, a quarter of a mile from my dorm, and if I wanted to use them, it took 10-15 minutes to get them. My senior year I lived in an Interfaith House. Great move for me. I had several friends who also lived in the house, and I kept my guns in my room, usually at least 1 shotgun and 1 handgun, sometimes a scoped rifle as well. A little bit more secure.

So I put to you this scenario. A person enters a room full of students and opens fire with a shotgun. The students panic. One student in the back of the room hits the floor, and immediately draws out his concealed pistol. While watching the gunman for an opportunity, he see the gunman drop his shotgun and reach for a handgun. The student quickly rises to one knee and fires 3 quick shots, hitting the gunman center mass with all three shots. The gunman falls to floor. Immediately the student approaches the gunman, maintaining a sight picture for a potential follow-up shot, should the gunman reach for a gun. Out in the classroom there are still wounded, and possibly dead, but less than if gunman had continued to shoot. 2 minutes later the police come in to find the gunman still being covered by the student who stopped the bloody carnage.

Far fetched? In the case of Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech, yes. But it doesn't have to be. Virginia has laws that allow for private citizens to carry concealed weapons. Illinois does not. Illinois is one of TWO states that has absolutely no concealed carry program. The other being Wisconsin. Even the like of California, New York, and Maryland have a partial program.

The police in this country are by and large very well trained and highly professional. And they take their job seriously. Serve and Protect is their way of life. But, police cannot be everywhere all the time. In rural areas, it can take 10-30 minutes for law enforcement to arrive. At NIU, police arrived in 4 minutes (I believe is what I read, can't find the verification on that right now). A lot happened in 4 minutes.

So here is the Final Jeopardy question. Who in the hell do those stupid politicians think they are that they can tell me and everyone else that we do not have the right to defend ourselves. We shouldn't have to pass concealed carry and castle doctrine laws. We all have the RIGHT to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. But instead, the law tells us we are to be victims.

A very cool video for Monday

Confession time. I love music. At my desk all day long there is music playing. The radio plays all night while I sleep. There are currently a tape and a cd in th the player in my truck. Most of the time I have a song in my head.

I also love to play music. In early elementary school, I started to play the piano. I played in a hand bell choir at church for several years. I played the saxophone from 5th grade through my senior year of high school. I started playing guitar around 6th grade and played it for several years. I have started getting back into playing guitar again over the last year, and I also bought a bodhran and am trying to figure it out. I want to learn how to play the bagpipes and uilleann pipes (elbow pipes). I also sign. It took YEARS for me to break my monotone and actually be able to sign in tune. Some might even say I have a very good voice now.

By far, my favorite form of music is Celtic. I have loads of cd's, more songs downloaded, books of music, guitar tab I have pulled off the internet. I also listen to a lot of country and bluegrass.

One of the most beautiful voices in bluegrass is Soprano Allison Krause (an Illinois native, who was kicked out of the IL state fiddle championship when she was around 13 by a dear friend who passed away about a year and a half ago). I imagine that when I arrive at heaven, the angels will sound like Allison Krause.

But when you mix the voice of Allison Krause with the great Celtic music of the Chieftains, you get one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard. (and I have hear a LOT of great music, see Celtic Woman, among others)

The song itself is a sad story, but damn. I just keep listening to it.



I would love to hear them do Sally Garden or Four Green Fields

I have been remiss

Seems like forever since I posted.

But with being sick most of last week, I wasn't my usual boorish self.

But I am working on a rather long posting about the shooting at NIU. Look for it tonight.