It was "reported" on Lightfighter.net. ATS Tactical Gear's forum, that there may be a way for Jim Zumbo to get back into AR shooter's good graces. You'll probably recall that ol' Jim Z posted on his blog words to the effect of "AR's and AK's are terrorist guns, and terrorists are the only ones that use them." He lost his blog, connection with Outdoor Life, endorsements with Remington, and basically destroyed his career with some poorly chosen words. Did he deserve it? Yeah. However, several influential people have said "that's enough", and are moving towards mitigating any further vilification of Zumbo.
To that end, Denny Hansen and SWAT Magazine have gotten together with Pat Rogers and arranged to have Jim take the Carbine Operator's Course, and write an article to be published in SWAT magazine. This is due to happen soon, so the article will probably be out in a few months.
Since Zumbo comes from a hunting background and not a shooting one, apparently, his perspective on this class should be interesting. Being a firearms hunter, I would think that he would at least understand that shooting is fun, so he should have a fun, and very enlightening, experience in this class.
Kudos to all involved here: Denny Hansen, Pat Rogers, SWAT magazine, and Ted Nugent, who apparently was the conduit to contact Jim Zumbo. I think you're gonna get a kick out of this class, Jim.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
'nother new survey
Here's another one of those wacky surveys for your reading pleasure!
| Odd Facts about ME | |
| DO YOU SNORE?: | probably? |
| LOVER OR A FIGHTER?: | I love fighting |
| WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?: | I don't know |
| AS A KID, WERE YOU A LEGO BUILDER?: | Of course! All great minds were |
| WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "REALITY TV"?: | If it doesn't have guns or fighting, its useless |
| DO YOU CHEW ON YOUR STRAWS?: | No. They have no taste. |
| WERE YOU A CUTE BABY?: | There's no such thing as a cute baby. They all look like aliens |
| HOW IS THE SINGLE LIFE FOR YOU?: | I guess it works; its what I have |
| WHAT COLOR IS YOUR KEYBOARD?: | black |
| DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER?: | No. |
| HAVE YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMPED?: | Not yet |
| ANY SECRET TALENTS?: | My talents are well known. Especially Belch Oration |
| WHAT'S YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT?: | Anyplace away from work |
| HAVE YOU EATEN SUSHI?: | I love sushi, especially the less common stuff |
| HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOVIE "DONNIE DARKO"?: | only a piece in the middle |
| DO YOU GIVE A DARN ABOUT THE OZONE?: | I like it as a propellant |
| HOW MANY LICKS DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOTSIE POP?: | I ate tootsie pops |
| CAN YOU SING THE ALPHABET BACKWARDS?: | I can't even say the alphabet backwards. Why would I want to? |
| HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON AN AIRPLANE?: | Yeah, outside of takeoffs and landings, they're boring |
| ARE SPEEDO'S HOT?: | Only on fat Euros |
| WHAT'S YOUR STAND ON HUNTING?: | Can't grill it till ya kill it. |
| IS MARRIAGE IN YOUR FUTURE?: | Probably |
| DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?: | Only I can read it |
| WHAT ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO?: | Never been diagnosed |
| WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAID, "I LOVE YOU": | Said that to my Mom a couple days ago |
| IS TUPAC STILL ALIVE?: | Thank God, no |
| DO YOU CRY AT WEDDINGS?: | Only if the reception sucks and they do that stupid Hokey Pokey song |
| HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?: | eaten. Generally prepared scrambled |
| ARE BLONDES DUMB?: | My sister the valedictorian would lead me to say no. |
| WHERE DOES THE OTHER SOCK END UP?: | the trash |
| WHAT TIME IS IT?: | Time for the next question |
| DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?: | Of course. Far more people know my nickname than my real one |
| IS MCDONALD'S DISGUSTING?: | No, it just sucks outside of sausage Mcmuffins with egg and the McGriddle |
| WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE IN A CAR?: | Several months. Everyone I know has trucks or SUV's |
| DO YOU PREFER BATHS OR SHOWERS?: | Baths take too long. |
| IS SANTA CLAUSE REAL?: | As long as I get what I want |
| ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?: | No. |
| WHAT ARE YOU ADDICTED TO?: | I don't have any addictions other than brunettes with brown eyes |
| CRUNCHY OR CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER?: | Crunchy. Creamy is boring |
| HAVE YOU EVER RIDDEN IN AN AMBULANCE?: | I don't think so |
| HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BRUSHED YOUR TEETH TODAY?: | Once so far |
| IS DRUG FREE THE WAY TO BE?: | Take a look at Britney and Courtney Love. Its pretty obvious that it is. |
| ARE YOU WEARING SOCKS?: | Not at the moment |
| HAVE YOU EVER HITCH HIKED?: | I think so |
| WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?: | The color of food stains: hazel |
| WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: | This morning. |
| DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIFE?: | There are things I would change |
| WHOSE LIFE IS BETTER?: | Doesn't matter. I have this one |
| ARE YOU PSYCHIC?: | No, psychotic |
| HAVE YOU READ "CATCHER IN THE RYE"?: | I don't believe I have |
| DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS?: | Not currently. I used to |
| CAN YOU SKATEBOARD?: | Probably not |
| DO YOU LIKE CAMPING?: | Yeah. Playing in the dirt is cool |
| DO U SNORT WHEN U LAUGH?: | No. That denotes a lack of control of the sense of humor |
| DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?: | Believe in it? I believe that Magicians are illusionists, if that counts |
| IS A DOG A MAN'S BEST FRIEND?: | Hell yeah! Dogs rule |
| YOU BELIEVE IN DIVORCE?: | Its required from time to time. Its not a first choice for me |
| CAN YOU DO THE MOONWALK?: | No |
| DOES YOUR MOM KNOW YOU HAVE A MYSPACE?: | My mom doesn't care |
| WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?: | Tuna sandwich and a Coke. |
| DO YOU WEAR NAILPOLISH?: | Hell no |
| DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?: | Nobody I can do anything about |
| WHAT'S THE MOST ANNOYING TV COMMERCIAL?: | They all suck. |
| DO YOU SHOP AT AMERICAN EAGLE?: | Not currently. Can't remember the last time I bought clothes |
| FAVORITE BAND AT THE MOMENT?: | That's a tough one. Demon Hunter, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and POD are in regular rotation |
| Take this survey | Find more surveys | MySpace Surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site | |
Career killing statements and the 1st Amendment
By now I'm sure most shooters have heard about the career suicide that Jim Zumbo commited on his blog about a week ago. I've known about Zumbo for years. I'm no particular fan, but I've read a lot of stories written by him over the last long time, and while I can't really recall any of them, I didn't hate them, either. He's an experienced hunter that's been a lot of places I'd like to go hunt. He's one of the Charmed Ones: guys that get to hunt and be outdoors for a living. Its not a great way to get rich, but its a heck of a good life, and not an easy career to get into. There aren't a whole bunch of people that can have those jobs. They're somewhat rare in terms of the entire population.
Because they're rare opportunities, and are high profile gigs, words from people in positions like that carry a lot of weight. When Zumbo or any other well known writer puts his name on a product and declares it the Next Big Thing, they are essentially making it the Next Big Thing. The weight of what a major writer, or actor, musician or just about anyone else in the public eye of their particular industry, says carries way more weight than anything I have to say. I doubt anyone reading what I write has their mind changed even a little bit. Someone can read what Zumbo said and base their next major investment, perhaps thousands of dollars, on his words. I don't have that kind of power.
Zumbo's self destruction was inevitable, and is exactly what should have happened, given what he said. Personally, I wanna see that happen to anyone in his position that shares his views. Dave Petzal, you're next. When you take a large portion of the shooting populace, and the entire Coalition Military Forces, and tell them that owning an AR or AK makes them a terrorist, you deserve to have your position of influence taken away. That's the same thing that happened to the Dixie Chicks, too: open mouth, insert foot (or feet, in their case), have paydays taken away. That is the way of it.
The funny thing to me, though, is that as soon as that happens, the hue and cry of "Censorship!" comes out. Allegedly, ol' Jimmy Zumbo was being censored for his comments. The Chicklets were censored because country radio wouldn't play their songs. Here's a newsflash for ya: having a First Amendment guarrantee of free speech does NOT, I say again, does NOT (underlined, and with exclamation points!) give you a pass on paying the consequences of your statements. Words have meanings. When those that supply your paychecks and free stuff (the general public, ultimately) get mad about something stupid, idiotic, thoughtless, moronic, untrue, ignorant, and/or inflammatory that comes out of your pie hole, you get to pay the bill for it. They call your sponsors, your label, your employer, and demand your head. They can do that. Its a simple matter of the populace saying "I don't like that guy. If he's associated with you, I don't want to give you any money for what you produce", and the producer feeling the pinch. That's not censorship, that's cause and effect.
Jimmy, I still don't think you understand how badly you screwed the pooch. You might have saved the job if you'd done a real appology, but you didn't. Same thing happened to the Chicklets: they didn't really apologize, either (and even if they'd done more of one, nobody in country music was gonna believe it anyway) and they paid the price. They still sold platinum, but not to the level they had before, and not to the fans that got them where they are. Eventually, I think it will be seen that they too have crucified their careers. They can have a last single called "Would You Like Fries With That, Baby?"
When you're in the public view, you better understand your audience. All it takes is one thoughtless idea to be laid bare, and all you've worked for is over. Jim Zumbo has been a writer and outdoors celebrity for something like 40 years. That's all over now, because he didn't understand. The real shame is that he probably still doesn't understand, and hates black rifle shooters even more now to boot.
Don't mess with Joe Sixpack. He'll hammer you to the backyard shed just to watch you squirm when you deserve it. You will pay a price for the things you say. How far you fall depends on how high you've been lifted up.
Because they're rare opportunities, and are high profile gigs, words from people in positions like that carry a lot of weight. When Zumbo or any other well known writer puts his name on a product and declares it the Next Big Thing, they are essentially making it the Next Big Thing. The weight of what a major writer, or actor, musician or just about anyone else in the public eye of their particular industry, says carries way more weight than anything I have to say. I doubt anyone reading what I write has their mind changed even a little bit. Someone can read what Zumbo said and base their next major investment, perhaps thousands of dollars, on his words. I don't have that kind of power.
Zumbo's self destruction was inevitable, and is exactly what should have happened, given what he said. Personally, I wanna see that happen to anyone in his position that shares his views. Dave Petzal, you're next. When you take a large portion of the shooting populace, and the entire Coalition Military Forces, and tell them that owning an AR or AK makes them a terrorist, you deserve to have your position of influence taken away. That's the same thing that happened to the Dixie Chicks, too: open mouth, insert foot (or feet, in their case), have paydays taken away. That is the way of it.
The funny thing to me, though, is that as soon as that happens, the hue and cry of "Censorship!" comes out. Allegedly, ol' Jimmy Zumbo was being censored for his comments. The Chicklets were censored because country radio wouldn't play their songs. Here's a newsflash for ya: having a First Amendment guarrantee of free speech does NOT, I say again, does NOT (underlined, and with exclamation points!) give you a pass on paying the consequences of your statements. Words have meanings. When those that supply your paychecks and free stuff (the general public, ultimately) get mad about something stupid, idiotic, thoughtless, moronic, untrue, ignorant, and/or inflammatory that comes out of your pie hole, you get to pay the bill for it. They call your sponsors, your label, your employer, and demand your head. They can do that. Its a simple matter of the populace saying "I don't like that guy. If he's associated with you, I don't want to give you any money for what you produce", and the producer feeling the pinch. That's not censorship, that's cause and effect.
Jimmy, I still don't think you understand how badly you screwed the pooch. You might have saved the job if you'd done a real appology, but you didn't. Same thing happened to the Chicklets: they didn't really apologize, either (and even if they'd done more of one, nobody in country music was gonna believe it anyway) and they paid the price. They still sold platinum, but not to the level they had before, and not to the fans that got them where they are. Eventually, I think it will be seen that they too have crucified their careers. They can have a last single called "Would You Like Fries With That, Baby?"
When you're in the public view, you better understand your audience. All it takes is one thoughtless idea to be laid bare, and all you've worked for is over. Jim Zumbo has been a writer and outdoors celebrity for something like 40 years. That's all over now, because he didn't understand. The real shame is that he probably still doesn't understand, and hates black rifle shooters even more now to boot.
Don't mess with Joe Sixpack. He'll hammer you to the backyard shed just to watch you squirm when you deserve it. You will pay a price for the things you say. How far you fall depends on how high you've been lifted up.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Starting over again
I've finally reached the end of my rope. The limit of my patience. The whatever of my whatever. I can't stand fighting with Windows any more. It appears that my ol' Dell has a dialer or something similar in a directory somewhere that I can't find. I'm rather tired of spending money to get programs to fix the things that are wrong with Windows. The bloated carcass of XP is no longer my problem. I believe I've found something better.
My boy Josh turned me on to Linux and Madtux.com. Seems like he never ever ever has trouble with his computer, and I wanted what he has. He pointed me in the right direction, answered about a hundred stupid questions, and I'm sure he agonized during the time that I was waiting for the tax overpayment money to show up. "Please! Just let him get the damn check so he'll shut up!" LOL. I got it all hooked up yesterday, and I couldn't be happier so far.
This is what I ended up buying. I wanted to add 10 terrabites more memory and the 806 million gig hard drive, but I just stuck with the base package. It comes pre-loaded with Freespire from Linspire, which already has an office suite and just about everything else that I had on my old rig. This is a nice machine! I haven't even come close to exploring the capabilities of this system yet. I'm stoked.
My boy Josh turned me on to Linux and Madtux.com. Seems like he never ever ever has trouble with his computer, and I wanted what he has. He pointed me in the right direction, answered about a hundred stupid questions, and I'm sure he agonized during the time that I was waiting for the tax overpayment money to show up. "Please! Just let him get the damn check so he'll shut up!" LOL. I got it all hooked up yesterday, and I couldn't be happier so far.
This is what I ended up buying. I wanted to add 10 terrabites more memory and the 806 million gig hard drive, but I just stuck with the base package. It comes pre-loaded with Freespire from Linspire, which already has an office suite and just about everything else that I had on my old rig. This is a nice machine! I haven't even come close to exploring the capabilities of this system yet. I'm stoked.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Joes vs Pros...vs Pros...Joes...whatever.
Typically, this wouldn't really be my cuppa tea. Mmmmmm...tea...Oh, wait. Distracted. Pros vs. Joes! That's it. OK!
The best part is seeing people run smack and have to pay for it. I love that part. Ya know you're gonna be competing against somebody who got paid to do it, and you're gonna run smack about it? Nice going. Always a good idea to piss off a guy who played a sport at a top level for a decade. More than one, actually. I love the viewing of the audition tapes. Today they were makin' fun of Spudd Webb, before shooting three pointers against him. They tried to keep up with Andre Reed, too. That was pretty funny. I absolutely loved seeing the All Sport Equivalent of Softball Guy in an octagon with Randy Couture. He's not even a submission fighter, but he put on a decent clinic of lock holds.
Just because you may be a decent D League Softball Guy doesn't mean you can compete against even the Usta Be guys. How 'bout a little introspection so I don't have to blog about how embarassed you were on national (OK, cable, but with national distribution) TV. If I cared enough, I'd get all the losers pics together and post 'em up, but that would not be all that interesting to the 20 people who read my blog.
The best part is seeing people run smack and have to pay for it. I love that part. Ya know you're gonna be competing against somebody who got paid to do it, and you're gonna run smack about it? Nice going. Always a good idea to piss off a guy who played a sport at a top level for a decade. More than one, actually. I love the viewing of the audition tapes. Today they were makin' fun of Spudd Webb, before shooting three pointers against him. They tried to keep up with Andre Reed, too. That was pretty funny. I absolutely loved seeing the All Sport Equivalent of Softball Guy in an octagon with Randy Couture. He's not even a submission fighter, but he put on a decent clinic of lock holds.
Just because you may be a decent D League Softball Guy doesn't mean you can compete against even the Usta Be guys. How 'bout a little introspection so I don't have to blog about how embarassed you were on national (OK, cable, but with national distribution) TV. If I cared enough, I'd get all the losers pics together and post 'em up, but that would not be all that interesting to the 20 people who read my blog.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
AR15 Parts: Daniel Defense
I have to cop to having a bit of a bias towards Daniel Defense, Inc. Their VP of Contract and Military Sales used to work for the same company I do, and let me live in his home for far longer than he probably should have. He's one of my favorite people in the world...and he married so far over his head, his nose musta bled for at least a week to ten days.
So why am I blogging about Daniel Defense? Two reasons: first, they're making some of the very best AR15 parts out there. Secondly, they're on the verge of pretty well dominating the market, and I like telling shooters about the Next Big Thing.
Some of you, I'm sure, are saying something along the lines of "I've never heard of 'em, and they're gonna dominate the market?" Here's why: the Army has decided that they needed a new M203 rail. Long story short, Daniel Defense won that contract. Now, with contracts come headaches; ya gotta make all those parts that they're contracted for! However, knowing my bro, and having met the head of the company, they're gonna pull it off, and they're going to have a whole lot more working capital. We're looking at the start of something amazing happening.
They already make the best rail in the business. Nobody makes a lighter rail. But, for being the lightest parts going, they're also rock solid and perfectly dimensioned.
They make more than rails: offset flashlight mounts, a great rear sling point called the EZ CAR Mount. The beauty of it is that it bolts directly over the buffer tube with no modifications to the rifle necessary. This mount is very popular with the soldiers at Fort Campbell; we've sold hundreds of 'em. Another great product from DD is the upper receiver they make. Theirs stacks up against anyone else's on the market. Great quality.
After several conversations and e-mails, I've gained some insight into Daniel Defense's vision for the future. Let's just say "its comprehensive". They are going to be making every significant part for AR's that there are, and maybe even some that haven't been made yet.
If you're looking for a rail, Daniel Defense is the way to go. They are flat out the best there is. Keep an eye on this company, though: they're going to be on top of the heap soon. You'll be able to tell all yer shootin' buds that "Yeah, I've been using them for years. I've been into DD since back in the day."
So why am I blogging about Daniel Defense? Two reasons: first, they're making some of the very best AR15 parts out there. Secondly, they're on the verge of pretty well dominating the market, and I like telling shooters about the Next Big Thing.
Some of you, I'm sure, are saying something along the lines of "I've never heard of 'em, and they're gonna dominate the market?" Here's why: the Army has decided that they needed a new M203 rail. Long story short, Daniel Defense won that contract. Now, with contracts come headaches; ya gotta make all those parts that they're contracted for! However, knowing my bro, and having met the head of the company, they're gonna pull it off, and they're going to have a whole lot more working capital. We're looking at the start of something amazing happening.
They already make the best rail in the business. Nobody makes a lighter rail. But, for being the lightest parts going, they're also rock solid and perfectly dimensioned.
They make more than rails: offset flashlight mounts, a great rear sling point called the EZ CAR Mount. The beauty of it is that it bolts directly over the buffer tube with no modifications to the rifle necessary. This mount is very popular with the soldiers at Fort Campbell; we've sold hundreds of 'em. Another great product from DD is the upper receiver they make. Theirs stacks up against anyone else's on the market. Great quality.
After several conversations and e-mails, I've gained some insight into Daniel Defense's vision for the future. Let's just say "its comprehensive". They are going to be making every significant part for AR's that there are, and maybe even some that haven't been made yet.
If you're looking for a rail, Daniel Defense is the way to go. They are flat out the best there is. Keep an eye on this company, though: they're going to be on top of the heap soon. You'll be able to tell all yer shootin' buds that "Yeah, I've been using them for years. I've been into DD since back in the day."
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