And for those who like it in color

Nose art rocks

JR, Dan, Greg, and I were able to reach out and touch some history today. We got an up close and personal view of a B-25 and a B-17G. Let's just say it was pretty kick ass.

In Progress....

My buddy Larry up at Rock Ranch Custom Guns is putting together this masterpiece for me....

Kimber bottom end mated to a McCormick top end, with a ramped Barsto bbl, SVI ambi safeties and Heinie Straight 8 sights.

After seeing JRs blue paint job, I just couldn't take it, and ordered up this fantastic finish.





Larry's bringing the pistol down for the annual Double Tap Championship match next weekend. Now I hope I just don't drop it in the woods somewhere.

300, a review

How do you know when a movie has hit a nerve? Well, for starters, when the mainstream press has a massive conniption fit over a movie, for one. For another, when the thug in charge of Iran whines and snivels about how a movie unfairly treats Persians.

More on that later. Let's get to the good stuff.

I watched 300 with JR and Dan last night. Very entertaining flick. The CGI stuff is just utterly stunning. It is incredibly hard to believe that not one scene of this movie was filmed outdoors.

The movie, as you probably know by now, is loosely based around the battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 B.C. A small band of Spartans, 300, hold off a massive Persian army invading Greece for 3 days, giving the rest of the Greek city-states a chance to build up their armies and fleets and devise a plan to turn the Persians away.

There are many historical inaccuracies. Some are major omissions, others are fairly minor. None of them really change the overall perception of the battle as it has been told through history. The armor wasn't right; the Spartan's helmets were not the Corinthian style; none of the Spartans wore breastplates in the movie; the swords used in the movie were way off; the Spartans wore a waist length cloak; at the time of the battle, the Greek Lambda was not uniform on the Spartans shields, that came later, etc etc etc.... These were what I would consider fairly minor omissions and like I said, take nothing away from the tale.

The major omissions to me would be:
1. Leonidas was not fighting an illegal war, as is suggested in the movie. Yes, the Spartans were forbidden from fighting due to their annual games - BUT - Leonidas was allowed to take a token force of Spartans to the Hot Gates with the approval of Sparta as a whole.
2. Leonidas did not goad Xerxes into battle. Xerxes was bent on avenging the defeat of his father's armies at the hands of the Greeks; it was that simple. The intrigue that was alluded to in 300 is fantasy.
3. There were as many as 7,000 Greeks in total fighting the Persians, and not just the 300 Spartans and a handful of others. All the Greeks fought together for the first two days of the battle, and when it became apparent they were surrounded, the bulk of the Greeks retreated, leaving only the Spartans and the Thespians to die on the 3rd day.
4. No mention is made of the fantastic sea battles raging in the straits near Thermopylae. The Greek navy was able to hold off the larger Persian force, and inflict serious damage; further slowing the Persian advance.

But, all said and done, the movie is very good. The concepts of duty, honor, and glory are stressed throughout the movie, which is a large reason why the movie gets hammered by college professors secure in their ivory towers. Yes, Sparta was a very very inhospitable place if you were not a Spartan. The Spartans were renowned for their abuses and the violent lives they led. What this jackass refuses to admit is that the Spartans, for all their 21st century image problems, were the best heavy infantry the ancient world produced. One could probably argue with some success that they were the best heavy infantry - ever.

What the good professor also refuses to point out is that without the Spartans holding the pass, the Persians would have steamrolled into Greece and that would have been that. No Greek culture would have flourished. No democracy, philosophy, logic, art, nothing would have survived. Very likely, no Roman Republic would have been born under the iron thumb of the Persians. And, dear reader, very likely, we would not be here on the internets today.

What is also glossed over by the good Doctor is the psychological victory at the Hot Gates, won by the Spartans. Can you imagine when, a year later on the plains at Plataea, Persian survivors of the Hot Gates looked across the field and saw not a handful of Spartans, but thousands? Can you say pucker factor?

Unspoken is the fact that the Spartans in this movie are truly manly men. We detailed their workout regimen earlier, but rest assured - the physiques you saw in the movie are not painted on in the editing room. These guys are studs. There is no emotional conflict; unlike the 21st century castrato that the media would like us to be, the Spartans in this movie are unashamedly men. Other than one brief episode, they don't cry, they don't emote, they don't worry over "did I do the right thing!?" There is no inner conflict in them and they are not only proud of their ability to fight, they do so with vigor. In today's culture, that qualifies as borderline psychotic - and shouldn't we have been watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy anyway?

And finally, any time that you can get the psycho in charge of Iran pissy is a good day.

I'd like to know exactly how the film "insulted the Persian civilization." Please. Sounds to me like someone is having a bit of an inferiority complex - because like it or not, fellas, Xerxes was the high point of the Persian civilization and they've been going steadily downhill since then.

Gun Guys : Where Everyone's a Straight Shooter!

I'm not giving these jackasses a link, because they don't deserve traffic from my site. However, you DO need to take a look at GunGuys.com.

This is the most shrill, over-the-top bunch of gun-grabbing loonies I've seen in some time - yes, even more so than our pals at the VPC. They make no bones about where they stand: they want to ban all guns. They're such chickenshits, they don't allow for comments on their ridiculous articles. I'm sure it'd really torque their psyches to have to respond intelligently to intelligent discourse on their positions.

After reading only a couple of posts, I've hit bullshit bingo - they use every single tired phrase in the gun-grabber's catalog.

What's really sad is that these lunkheads represent a small portion of people who actually think like they do. An example? Sure, here you go:

A while back we gave kudos to a South Dakota paper for putting the list of CCW permitholders in that state online and searchable– the public has a right to know who chooses to endanger their communities by carrying a concealed weapons. The Roanoke Times in Virginia recently decided to do the same thing, but the gun guys unleashed their jackbooted thugs for some Jim Zumbo-style vengeance, and now the Times has foolishly decided that a pack of barking dogs should have more influence on their activities than keeping the citizens of Virginia safe from concealed weapons.

You read it right - those of us who choose to carry concealed weapons are apparently a danger to our communities. Isn't that charming? I hope that if one of these morons is being assaulted, raped, robbed, or murdered, that a CHL holder is there. We'll see if that changes their tune.

You know, I somehow expected more....

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of the House of Representatives' email system to politely voice my displeasure with HR 1022 - the new AWB - to my Congressman, Dr. Michael Burgess. Here is the response I got today - 4 paragraphs of blather.

You'll note that what it does NOT contain is the good Doctor's position on HR 1022.

Which is why I sent a follow up email asking for clarification on that little matter.

You know, somehow, I expected more of an answer from a Republican Congressman in a strongly Republican County...

March 12, 2007


Mr. Catfish
Denton, Texas

Dear Mr. Catfish,

Thank you for contacting me with your opposition to H.R. 1022,
the Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of
2007. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-New York) introduced
H.R. 1022 on February 13, 2007. This bill would revise the
definition of a 'semiautomatic assault weapon' to include
conversion kits (used for converting a firearm to such a weapon)
and any semiautomatic rifle or pistol that has the ability to accept a
detachable magazine and includes specific characteristics including
a telescoping stock. H.R. 1022 would prohibit the transfer of such
a weapon except through a license dealer or state or local law
enforcement agency. Under this legislation the Attorney General
would establish and maintain a record of the make, model and date
of manufacture for any such weapon that has been used in relation
to a crime.

H.R. 1022 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for
further review. While I am not a member of the House Judiciary
Committee, you may be assured I will keep your views in mind
should H.R. 1022 be brought before the full House for a vote.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate
having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of
Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website
(www.house.gov/burgess) or contact me with any future concerns.
Sincerely,


Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Member of Congress

My Journey to the Dark Side is Complete

First of all, please try to keep your voices down, because I don't want my Glock to hear (she's very sensitive).

Say hello to my little friend. After a very few additional purchases (holster, springs/basepads/followers/mag holder), I shall be driving this beautiful piece of machinery in USPSA. Try not to drool on it.

Thanks, Pimp Daddy!

Your tax dollars at work

Nice work, fellas!

Ha, Ha! The Brady Center Has a Conniption...

As you might expect, the Brady Campaign is practically apoplectic over today's appeals court ruling that struck down Washington, D.C.'s ridiculous handgun ban.

“The 2-1 decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in Parker v. District of Columbia striking down the District of Columbia’s handgun law is judicial activism at its worst. By disregarding nearly seventy years of U.S. Supreme Court precedent, two Federal judges have negated the democratically-expressed will of the people of the District of Columbia and deprived this community of a gun law it enacted thirty years ago and still strongly supports.

“This ruling represents the first time in American history that a Federal appeals court has struck down a gun law on Second Amendment grounds. While acknowledging that ‘reasonable restrictions’ to promote ‘the government’s interest in public safety’ are permitted by the Second Amendment, the two-judge majority substituted its policy preferences for those of the elected representatives of the District of Columbia. ”

Oh my goodness - you mean the constituents of D.C. have been deprived of a...a...a GUN LAW?!? That has to be one of the most singularly stupid statements I have ever read in my life. "Policy preferences?" What kind of gibberish is that? If I read the judgment correctly, this "policy preference" is actually an interpretation of constitutional law. That's what the judiciary does: they judge, based on the law.

Once again, the Brady Bunch simply demonstrates what a bunch of shrill, whiny gun-grabbers they really are. If they REALLY cared, they'd spend all their money trying to enforce existing laws, instead of trying to create new ones, and supporting unconstitutional ones.

Here's what's best about this whole case: The court struck down D.C.'s argument that handguns were limited to "militia." The people who pressed this case are those who live in high-crime areas (read: all of D.C.), who wanted to keep arms in order to protect themselves. This case is a resounding victory for the private ownership of arms, as expressed repeatedly by the Founding Fathers. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a private, individual, and inalienable right, and you can't be deprived of it.

If this DOES go to the Supreme Court, well, I can hardly wait. SCOTUS will very likely affirm this judgment, and then the gun-grabbers will have to come up with a new strategy. Mark my words: they will do their dead-level best to keep it from going to SCOTUS, because they know they will lose.

Come on Sarah - I double-dog dare ya.

Man fatally shoots alleged intruder

Note the politically-correct use of the word "alleged." Alleged my ass.

The men then allegedly forced Daniels into the bathroom, tied him up and proceeded to ransack the house, the sheriff's report said. While the alleged burglars were busy in other parts of the house, Daniels freed himself and got a 9 mm pistol from a cabinet, the report said.
'When the suspects returned to the bathroom, they found Mr. Daniels, now armed and in a shooting stance,' the report said.

Okay - any more questions about "Castle Doctrine?" I can't believe there's not a law on Texas' books already that protects victims of home invasion crimes from prosecution. If you've not yet contacted your congressperson, please do so today.

300

Yeah, here at the Tattler we're all jacked up to see the movie 300. To see what the actors did to turn into Spartans, check out this link.

I think Porta's Cat would like this place.

Check out the 300 test:

25x Pull-up +
50x Deadlift @ 135# +
50x Push-up +
50x Box Jump @ 24” box +
50x Floor Wiper @ 135# (one-count) +
50x KB Clean and Press @ 36# (KB must touch floor between reps) +
25x Pull-up
300 reps total

The Kegulator

I was doing some research on Ajax technology (web stuff), and found an actual useful demonstration of it. The Kegulator allows you to input certain criteria for your next party, and tells you how much beer, ice, and cups you'll need, based on the amount of beer you anticipate will be consumed.

You're welcome.

Shotguns banned

Yep, you read that right folks. SHOTGUNS. Evil semi-autos in the Socialst Repubic of Illinois.

Chicago gun owners had until Feb.12, 2007 to remove newly banned firearms from Cook Co. or turn them over to police.
There is no grandfather clause to exempt firearms owned before the board expanded its ban to include semi-auto shotguns that have the capacity to hold more than five rounds; how many 2" shorties will your semi-auto hold?

Scratch another state off the list of places I will ever visit. Any state that doesn't recognize my right to defend myself is a state that won't be getting any tourism dollars from me.

H/T The Cathouse.

Springtime in Texas

Man, does it get any better than this??

Started a bit brisk this morning, but warmed up to very comfy 70ish degrees. Got some yard work done I've been putting off; trimming trees and that kind of thing. Broke out a nice robusto sized Punch cigar, got my tree trimmer chugging away and took care of business.

When I was done with my work, I dug up a nice bag of mesquite wood chips, started a little bbq action and grilled up an absolutely fantastic steak that I'd had marinating all day with some soy sauce, olive oil, liquid smoke, garlic salt and Cajun spices. Finished the Punch while I was grilling away and watched the dogs play in the backyard.

I realize that technically it's not yet spring, but what a glorious day.

Life if good.

The Great Global Warming Swindle

'So the fundamental assumption, the most fundamental assumption of the whole theory of climate change due to humans, is shown to be wrong.'

What? Not all scientists agree that the sky is falling ever so rapidly because mankind is destroying the Earth?

Surely they will all be killed as heretics; all the while, the legitimate cause of Global Warming - Al Gore opening his massive pie-hole - continues to be a more serious global crises... Just imagine the overall drop in surface temperature if he'd just shut his mouth?

Coincidence, yeah, that's it

Hmmm, let's see. Someone goes on national television claiming the Russkies killed, via poison, Alexander Litvinenko.

This guy claimed that:

"A message has been communicated to anyone who wants to speak out against the Kremlin: 'If you do, no matter who you are, where you are, we will find you and we will silence you — in the most horrible way possible.'"

Shortly thereafter, he's shot in front of his house.

I'm sure it's just a coincidence.

A little weekend giggle

Enjoy this classic from one of the greatest movies of all time. Have a great fantabulous weekend.

Texas Declaration of Independence

Sorry Texicans we'd be if we weren't to represent on Texas Independence Day. Man, I wish we were a country again...

The Unanimous Declaration of Independence made by the Delegates of the People of Texas in General Convention at the town of Washington on the 2nd day of March 1836...

Happy Birthday, Texas!

Postbulletin.com: Hunting with assault rifles? Zumbo was right to scoff

And no sooner do I post on how ALL gun owners should unite to a common cause, here comes another misguided, so-called "hunter" who advocates the "middle ground," which is so eloquently illustrated thus:

I know the whole "slippery slope" argument, that any infringement on our rights to own a handgun, assault rifle or howitzer could eventually lead to the repeal of the Second Amendment. I know that hunters are a minority in this country -- and a dwindling minority at that.

But do I think my right to own a shotgun or rifle is in danger? Not at all -- because I have confidence that the majority of non-hunting Americans will ignore the yelling from both sides of the gun-control issue, choosing instead to find that middle ground in which people will be allowed to hunt, shoot recreationally and defend themselves, if necessary, with firearms.

Yeah, but what firearms? Single-action revolvers? Black powder muzzle-loaders? Bolt-action sniper hunting rifles?

From whence comes this ridiculous mentality, you might ask? How could someone be SO uninformed, SO ignorant, SO misguided? He is a Fudd of single mind and singular focus. A Minnesota Fudd. Witness:

On Wednesday's Opinions page in the Post-Bulletin, I participated in a pro-con debate about gun control. I strongly defended the rights of hunters, but I fully expect that the response from the gun community in southeastern Minnesota will be largely negative -- because I admitted there are too many handguns and assault weapons on America's streets.

The rights of hunters. Nevermind the rights of citizens. Nevermind law-abiding citizens who wish to defend themselves as they see fit from the criminal element that possesses firearms in spite of laws to the contrary. It's not about you lowly plebeian masses. It's about...the elite, the Illuminati of gun owners. It's about...The Hunters.

By the way, I do hunt. Poorly, and mostly birds, but I do hunt. And squirrels - I forgot them. Oh, and coyotes. I use a shotgun for birds, a .22 rifle for squirrels, and my AR-15 for coyotes. Oops. An evil black rifle for hunting. Yes, so get OVER it. I also use that same carbine for 3-gun matches. I have scary black guns for USPSA and IDPA competition and self-defense. I even have a scary black plastic-stocked shotgun for the same purposes. NONE of these weapons meets the Fudd definition of "sporting" firearms. Does that mean I can't have them, or don't have the right to own them?

Molon Labe.

--King Leonidas of Sparta

One last time: the Second Amendment to the Constitution does not protect your right to hunt. That is merely incidental. It protects your right to keep and bear arms - any type of arms, irrespective of some imbecile's opinion on what is a "proper" firearm.

We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

--Benjamin Franklin