Merry Christmas

State of The Mueller Investigation in Plain English by Pat Buchannan

Presented in a linear form as individual bullet points with no emotional hyperbole.

http://www.wnd.com/2017/12/unlike-nixon-trump-will-not-go-quietly/

No Time to Exercise?

Sure, whatever you say.........

Another News Item That Never made it to Mainstream News Outlets

While a few challenges are still winding heir way through the Lower Federal Courts, for the foreseeable future, SCOTUS is upholding the travel ban.

https://apnews.com/b8244def36484dfb93fd958962b7d649/Supreme-Court-allows-full-enforcement-of-Trump-travel-ban

Drones made in China, Digital info being Transmitted....

..all the usual bullshit.

I originally posted about this a while back. The link below is a follow-up to the issue. As I said in the original blog post, the U.S. federal Government as well as state and local agencies shouldn't buy surveillance equipment from companies that are located in foreign countries.

Latest link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/29/technology/dji-china-data-drones.html

My original post: http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2017/08/this-is-what-happens-when-you-outsource.html

Things are Heating up in Saudi Arabia

"Regime Change" in Saudi Arabia since the quiet coup-de-tat.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5108651/American-mercenaries-torturing-Saudi-princes.html

The Quiet Coup in Saudi Arabia and the True Effect Fracking has had on the Kingdoms Economy

The quiet coup that is happening in the Kingdom has gotten almost no airplay on any of the major News Outlets including FOX. Mohammed bin Salmin, originally 3rd in line to the throne is to become the defacto ruler in a few weeks. The current King will remain as figurehead while the true power goes to MBS (as Mohammed is referred to).

Last week over 200 royal family members. ministers, military officers and prominent businessmen
were arrested on charges of corruption. All part of the movement for MBS to consolidate power. Now the intrigues of Middle Eastern Politics notwithstanding, there are numerous factors at play here.

Prominent is the issue of the rise of Natural Gas Fracking around the world. Last year the Kingdom recorded a 79 billion dollar deficit. Not enough to cripple them, but enough to make them realize just how badly they've been hurt the Natural Gas boom. In any event the Kingdom's soon to be new ruler is willing to forgive and forget if the 200 "detainees" agree to hand over 70% of their assets back to the kingdom's coffers. This is estimated to be at least 100 billion dollars, and is expected to be far more in actuality.

Add into the mix that Israeli and Saudi security forces have agreed to share intelligence on Iranian activities is another sign that the times are a changing in the potluck stew that is the Middle East.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/16/saudi-offer-in-corruption-crackdown-cough-up-the-cash-and-go-home


AND ON THE SUBJECT OF STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Israel and The Kingdom to share intelligence, with most people thinking it pertains to their mutual distrust of of Iran.

Oh yeah, interesting times indeed.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-israel-iran/israeli-army-chief-says-ready-to-share-information-with-saudi-arabia-idUSKBN1DG29N?il=0

John Robb & The Global Guerillas Blog

John Robb is a retired USAF Lt. Col. who runs a blog called Global Guerillas. I've mentioned him and his Blog before and if you guys haven't checked it out yet, you should. There is a direct link to his Blog at the right side of this page. A lot of the content deals with how economic, technological, social and media changes and pressures are impacting all aspects of modern warfare, guerilla activity and old political/economic alliances.

In light of the level and tactics of terrorist activity in the world today, US, UK, Europe, Africa, etc., I'm providing a link to an article that he wrote that I think is worth reading. And just in case you don't notice when you read it, it was published in 2007.

A full decade ago.

https://www.city-journal.org/html/coming-urban-terror-13026.html

So not only is Big Brother Watching, But The Chinese as Well

As I stated in my other post -- http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2017/08/this-is-what-happens-when-you-outsource.html -- on outsourcing where the US Military buys their equipment, what are their procurement people doing?

Again, welcome to the 21st century, just check your brains at the door.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/surveillance-cameras-made-by-china-are-hanging-all-over-the-u-s-1510513949

Apparently Edward Snowden Has now been demoted to Amateur Status

This is absolutely unbelievable. Where the fuck is this going to end?

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/12/us/nsa-shadow-brokers.html

The Historical Pre WW2 Photo that Volkswagen Hopes NEVER goes Viral

Talk about a Public Relations nightmare!!

Ever Wonder how Facebook Really Works?

Here's an interview with Facebooks founding president, Sean Parker;

https://www.axios.com/sean-parker-unloads-on-facebook-2508036343.html

October 8, 2017 Misc. Stick & Unarmed Self Defense Training

Hooked up with my friend and Instructor Ralph and a few other guys today out in Queens. Best training session I've had in a while. We covered;

Basic 2 handed long stick strikes
Drilled with opponents
Used 2 handed stick work against an opponent closing with boxing type strikes
Worked with both baton length and cane length sticks
Some basic unarmed strikes, chokes, eye gouges, and bear hug & headlock escapes

I'm feeling it in my legs today. They're stiff and feel worn out. Ralph sets a good pace but knows when to call breaks. When we put on the headgear and gloves for the stick vs boxer drill I was a little concerned about my stamina/wind. I held up better than I thought, but it's apparent that being over 60 is not to be brushed off. I was glad I'd been doing some interval drills the last couple of months.

I have to say though that it (stick vs boxer) was my favorite drill of the day.

This drill was essentially force on force for 20 to 30 seconds at a time. This goes back to what I have said in reference to a small knife class I went to about a year and a half ago run by Chris Fry from MDTS training.

I had tried some different interval work for a while after that class, but had gotten away from it. As I said above I had started up again and now I'm glad I did. Nothing like actually trying to either chase down or get away from an opponent while either attacking or defending to work your footwork, balance, speed, and cardio/stamina. BOBs and heavy bags are great to hit, but they don't move around or try to hit back.

As for the drill, nothing complicated. The stick guy has a stick (PVC pipe core with closed cell foam wrapping with a nylon casing over it), protective gear not needed. The attacker wears a padded helmet with face-guard, and a pair of Lacrosse gloves. The attacker comes in throwing conventional punches while the stick guy delivers two handed strikes (think Kendo grip) to the head, hands, and legs until Ralph calls a stop. As I said, generally about 20 to 30 seconds. The idea is to keep the attacker off of you using stick strikes and footwork.

Ralph described the drill as;

“The drills are live drills. The boxer will eventually get you because he has a helmet on and lacrosse gloves and can take a pounding to get in. However the test is for the stickfighter to see how many damaging shots he can deliver before the boxer gets in. If there were no helms/gloves and the stick wielder was using a wooden cane, the boxer would be busted up after 1-3 good hits. The drill tests your footwork, stamina, and the ability to get in multiple hits.”

A good time was had by all.

Ever Wonder How The USA got so Screwed Up?

Here ya' go....
(Don't forget to click on the picture to get all the dialog)

Just Call him Kim Jong....OOPS!

So, the governmental agencies of several countries near North Korea, including China, all informed N. Korea that they were detecting serious seismic activity in the area surrounding the mountain under which good old Kim does all his nuclear device testing. China specifically warned them to stop testing.

What happens?

Just a few days later, on Halloween no less, one of the main testing tunnels under the mountain collapses killing 200 personnel, and raising fears of radioactive leaks.

Of course this gets minimal play in the media because everybody's busy talking about the Paul Manafort indictment and the by now relatively common ISIS style truck attack in NYC.

As the old Chinese curse goes, "May you live in interesting times".

Interesting indeed.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4806082/north-korea-nuclear-base-collapses-killing-200-radioactive-leak-fears-latest-updates/

And Now for some Saturday Morning Philosophy

Friday Night Philosophy

Ah yes, A Practical use for Drones!!

A drone story that even sticks it to Shia LaBoeuf!

Cool!!

https://www.yahoo.com/news/flaming-drone-targets-shia-labeoufs-anti-trump-art-163116707.html

Fuck Andrew Cuomo

http://gothamist.com/2017/10/24/gravity_knife_reform.php

Newsday Prints an article against Gun Control!!!!!

Oh My God!! Was the editor asleep when someone authorized including this piece in an otherwise perfectly disreputable newspaper like Newsday????

https://www.newsday.com/opinion/commentary/strict-gun-control-will-never-work-in-america-1.14453352

Holy Shit!! Even Jimmy Carter Didn't Vote For Hillary!!!

Okay, he voted for Bernie on a write-in, but still, even he knew. He also doesn't believe that the Russians interfered with the election.

Even he knows better!

http://www.dailywire.com/news/22585/jimmy-carter-unleashed-russians-didnt-alter-joseph-curl

Paladin Press Closes its Doors

Lawsuits and bad press couldn't do it, but digital media has succeeded. The Action Library has become another victim of ever advancing technology. Almost a half a century of books and videos about every aspect of Military History, Martial Arts, Self Defense, Survival, and just about every other politically incorrect subject you can think of.

Good bye guys, it's been a blast!

http://paladin-pressblog.com/2017/09/28/paladin-press-is-closing/

One Hand Opening Knife Ban Repeal Breathes Life Once Again

Once again unto the Breach!

Let's see if Cuomo actually signs it this time. Supposed they rewrote the Bill to address his complaint with a certain part of the wording. According to Knife Rights and AKTI, the revised Bill still eliminates One Hand Openers from the banned list.

Hope springs eternal!

Link;

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103550698648&ca=75f1fef8-1724-4460-bafc-705ef8ebe9e3


Knife Rights' New York Gravity Knife Law Reform Bill Passes


Knife Rights' New York Gravity Knife Law Reform Bill passed the Senate by a unanimous 62-0 vote. The identical Assembly version, A 5667A, was substituted for S.4769A and was the version passed.

We'd like to express our sincere appreciation to Senator Diane Savino for her extraordinary efforts and perseverance as the Senate sponsor that finally resulted in this bill being brought to the floor for a vote. Our Assembly sponsor, Assemblyman Dan Quart worked very hard to get this done. Thanks also to everyone who called and emailed Leader Flanagan. That was a huge help to Todd Rathner, Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, who spent this week in Albany lobbying to get the vote done before the deadline. Finally a shout out to our good friends at the the Legal Aid Society and the NRA, whose lobbyists also worked very hard on this effort.

The bill previously passed in the Assembly by a vote of 128-1. The bill is now ready to be transmitted to Governor Cuomo. We will advise when the bill is transmitted, which may take some time. Only at that point will it be time to again call and email the Governor.

In response to the Governor's objections to last year's bill, this year's bill removes "centrifugal force" from the definition of a gravity knife and adds "solely" to create a bright-line definition that even overzealous New York City law enforcement and prosecutors can understand, as desired by the Governor. It would preclude the unconstitutionally vague "wrist flick" test that has resulted in over 60,000 arrests and prosecutions in New York City which the Governor himself described as "absurd" in vetoing last year's bill on New Year's Eve.

Any true gravity knife, as the term is understood everywhere but in New York City, will still be prohibited by the "released from the handle or sheath thereof solely by the force of gravity" portion of the definition, but common folding knives could no longer be considered gravity knives.

As the Original 'Most Interesting Man in The World' Says..

Dammit!!

If I'd only known.....

Southern Poverty Law Center = Money Stashing Tax Exempt Cash Cow

They designate who everybody in the USA should hate. Every year they issue a Hate Map or Hate Group list that every mainstream media organization fawns over.
However even the Obama Administration DOJ under Geoffrey Holder stopped using them as source. And now it would appear that the SPLC has been hiding their assets in offshore tax havens for several years now.

The article linked to below shows that the SPLC has assets of $328 million dollars. Yeah that's right, almost a third of a billion USD. They take in an average of $50 million a year, spend $20 million on salaries, yet in 2015 only spent $61,000 on actual legal expenses for court cases.

Oh yeah, they're just out there helping "regular" people......

http://freebeacon.com/issues/southern-poverty-law-center-transfers-millions-in-cash-to-offshore-entities/

Phoenix Antifa Protestor - Not Quite Quick Enough LOL!!!

Daily Wisdom for your Mornings

Seneca on Minimalism

"Until we have begun to go without them, we fail to realize how unnecessary many things are. We've been using them not because we needed them but because we had them."
Seneca

To put it in plain language as it applies to preparing for emergencies, natural disaster, and self protection in general, unnecessary gear as well as non-essential training does not make you more prepared.

In Honor of Todays Solar Eclipse, I give you.....

.....MASTER KEN

Luckiest Guy in the World with the habit of being in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

Lucky Brit survives two Terror attacks. Manchester and Barcelona!!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/manchester-attack-survivor-chris-pawley-barcelona-las-ramblas-arena-terrorism-a7900186.html

Kim Jong.....UMmmm Maybe not.

So N. Korea goes from;
"We'll hit the American mainland"
To;
"We'll hit Guam"
To;
"We'll hit the waters around Guam"
To;
"Guam who?"

Since Bush 1 all the way back in the late 80's, through Clinton, then Bush 2, and finally Obama, Trump is the first American president to offer something other than Bullshit talks, Money and Deals ie: A threat and despite all the angst, no nukes, no conventional weapons go off.

Maybe the Chinese actually convinced Kim that Trump was crazier than he was.

And I'm quite sure that the Chinese statement the other day that if N. Korea started the ball rolling that they would get no help from China didn't hurt either.

I'm also sure that the mainstream Media will not give Trump any credit either. But the only thing that matters is that somebody finally called The N. Koreans on their threats, and they blinked.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/north-korea-backs-off-guam-missile-attack-threat-1502751054

Here's an Inconvenient Truth For Al Gore

What Are N. Korea's Actual ICBM Capbilities

This article from Time is the most rational,non-biased account I can find that jibes with numerous other sources I have looked at.

http://time.com/4694840/north-korea-nuclear-missile-america/

The Americane Manual - Still available from Lulu.com

I originally reviewed this Manual back in 2010,

http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2010/11/americane-review.html

And I still stand by it today. The book is till available through Lulu.com in either Softcover or PDF format and is well worth the price for such a practical long-stick system.

Softcover Format:

http://www.lulu.com/us/en/shop/joshua-morale-and-ralph-grasso/americane-the-grasso-morale-method-of-personal-defense/paperback/product-13513616.html


PDF Format:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/ralph-grasso-and-joshua-morale/americane-the-grasso-morale-method-of-personal-defense/ebook/product-17516926.html

The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife; Flawed or Misunderstood?

The following article appeared in a small forum I belong to. I feel it's worth putting up here at my Blog. Many people tout the Fairbairn-Sykes as the ultimate fighting knife, while others have derided it as poorly designed.

Where does the truth most likely lay? Read on and form your own opinions.

The Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife, Flawed or Misused and Misunderstood?
by Steve Forester

I have been threatening to write on the F/S knife now for sometime. Believe it or not, it is coming. In the meantime, a bit on the Applegate/Fairbairn knife.

When this design was first announced in the 1990's I totally bought into it. I had the NATO F/S dagger and agreed with all it's shortcomings (based on my experience). When the A/F came out, it seemed to address the F/S faults and I totally bought into that Fairbairn (SOE) recognized the shortcomings of his design and collaborated with Applegate (OSS) to address. The design remained "dormaint"for 50 years (due to the war ending) before Applegate finally thought to resurrect, and offer to the public, the ultimate fighting knife. Many people recognized the ultimate fighting knife concept including Robert McKay in his book, "Modern American Fighting Knives". So, we had the end all to be all fighting knife - finally!

Hmmm! Well, maybe not so much so. Let me say first of all these opinions are all strictly my own and I have no first hand knowledge, or proof, for what I am about to offer. However...first of all, I believe Applegate was a wily old cuss who was not above seeing an economic advantage in a new generation of people (like me) who were taking an interest in WWII Combatives. As I have said before, my father and others of the generation that I knew, just wanted to leave the war behind them and move on with their lives. They never wanted to discuss, not because the war was so horrible, but because they just wanted to concentrate on the positive side of life and move on. When I mentioned WWII or anything associated with it, they just patiently smiled much as if confronted with a small child who just ask a stupid, and somewhat embarrassing, question.

Applegate never seemed to subscribe to this model. After the war, he seemed to stay with "security things", and sought to capitalize from his WWII OSS/MI experiences. Again, I am not faulting him in this except I strongly suspect it was largely for economic reasons. I notice Applegate never really engaged in major combat operations in WWII, preferring to stick with the training side. There is some note that he never really completed the parachute training in the UK, either, citing a leg injury. Not that I am faulting him for any of this. I only mention in that he seemed to be a guy that did the smart thing at the time (maybe what I would have done). Something that persisted after the war. Hence, the "wily old cuss".

So, that Fairbairn, who some describe as somewhat of a glory hound, would admit the failure of his famed fighting knife (that bore his name) only a couple of years or so after he produced it, seems a bit far-fetched to me. Especially in collaborating with Applegate (who was basically his pupil) on the failures. Maybe - maybe not!

This "ultimate fighting knife" was not so popular with everyone. From Wiki: "Applegate first approached Randall Made Knives with their design. Bo Randall made a handful of prototypes based on his "Model 2 Dagger" and sent them to soldiers for field testing, they proved not to be popular with the troops and Randall declined to produce the knife beyond the original prototype".


OK, fair enough. The original F/S knife wasn't that popular with the troops either which is why we have the M3 fighting knife and it's variants. More on this later.

So, then Applegate markets the design with various firms such as Al Mar, Blackjack, Boker, and others. With somewhat varying degrees of success.

This is where I came along and I can say the design didn't really grab me either. I bought the Blackjack version in the late 1990's and it was resigned to basement storage after awhile. It is hard to say why. It wasn't the workmanship. It was more the design. It didn't really slash, or stab, all that well. It didn't fill any particular need of mine, and soon found itself into a storage bin in the basement where it resided for at least a dozen years, or more. It was like, "I wanted to like it, but...".



I am not a fan of carrying any knife for self-defense, but, if any, it would be the Kasper-Polkowski designs of the Scorpion, Companion, and a few of his others. Polkowski and Kasper are long dead and these knives are unattainable now so I am not pushing these for economic reasons. Just saying what worked for me.

The photo at the top of the article is an original, WWII, First Pattern, Fairbairn/Sykes dagger. This is NOT a reproduction, but the real deal, and was one the of estimated 7,000 First Patterns produced between late 1940 and August 1941. This knife is likely from the early production run (late '40/early '41) of the First Pattern as evidenced by the early sheath with the snap closure and no side tabs.
I am mentioning all this so there can be no issue of a 2nd or 3rd pattern (or reproduction) knife not being as Fairbairn specified in the First Pattern. Collectors debate these details endlessly but for now, lets just say the following comments are based on the original Fairbairn design.

I am also using the DVD "Gutterfighting" as my main reference. So, we have an original F/S dagger, and Fairbairn demonstrating his knife method on video using the F/S knife. It doesn't get any more authentic sources than these!

Now, we come to the main question: was the F/S dagger really of inferior design, or did the Old Boy just maybe know something about knives and knife fighting and what was needed as for a knife for commando and intelligence agencies in WWII?

There is no doubt that many in the military in WWII did not find the F/S a satisfactory knife. I have a re-print of an May 1944 article in the American Rifleman called, "Giving Our Fighter an Edge". Even at this rather early date in the war, the article mentions the USMC had adopted the KA-BAR as their issue knife (with the exception of the Raider knife). The Army adopted the M3 knife by this time with the exception of the V42 by the FSSF (Devils Brigade)

Why this happened is not hard to figure out if one has ever been in the military. Soldiers and Marines use their knives as utility tools and rarely, if ever, weapons. Typical uses include popping open the steel retaining bands around C-Rations and ammo cases. Also, opening tin cans, cutting vegetation for camouflage, and even digging holes.
In my personal experience I originally carried the Gerber Mk II dagger as you can see in the photo I previously posted (technically that Mike posted). However, after only one or two field problems I was somewhat puzzled as to why people thought this was such a great knife. I remember specifically cutting vegetation for camouflage and the Mk II doing a rather poor job of it. My squad leader had a KA-BAR and I immediately thought that was a better field knife.

It has been stated (I can't find the source right now) that the F/S is a great knife, if used properly, and Soldiers and Marines in WWII just were not instructed in the Fairbairn system and didn't understand how the knife was to be utilized. I believe this to be the case. Jabbing the tip of a F/S into the top of a can of C-Rations should result in no surprise when tip breaks. It was a great design, it just was just made to stick into men and not tin cans.

Establishing that the F/S dagger was a good design for the Fairbairn system, what exactly was that system? Specifically, was slashing included or just stabbing? The best answer to that question has to be the Gutterfighting tape Fairbairn made for the OSS. Fairbairn clearly demonstrates forceful slashing, as well as thrusting. Fairbairn also writes in Get Tough of the importance of a sharpened edge. So, we have to conclude Fairbairn designed the F/S knife for slashing as well as stabbing.

I can say the model I possess would not lead one to this conclusion. The blade is narrow, even almost needle-like. I have read where some versions had more narrow blades than others, being produced by hand, and this one is markedly more narrow than the average F/S reproduction. The thin blade is designed that way for a purpose. Applegate mentions on p. 130 of "The Close-Combat Files" about the heart being a vital area for the thrust. However, the knife can be deflected by, or stuck in the ribs, and disrupt the heart thrust. The thin blade of the F/S knife helps prevent that. Just need to employ correctly which is the blade held horizontal to the ground. The v42 knife has even a thinner blade than the v42 and the thumb rest on the ricasso ensures holding correctly. The F/S knife doesn't have the thumb rest, but, as Fairbairn points out on the tape, if the thumb is against the guard then it is orientated correctly. Can feel the guard in the dark and this counters one of the F/S criticisms in that it is hard to orient the F/S knife in the dark.

Also, the blade on the knife I have is not sharp. Not sure if this necessarily indicates anything. I have read where some knives were issued unsharpened (which tends to confuse the slashing question). Even if it was sharp when issued that was pushing 80 years ago and who knows what and how it has been used since that time. At this time, I cannot say if this knife could be highly sharpened. It is hard to tell the quality of the metal as the nickel plating has become highly discolored and I don't trust myself to attempt sharpening. If anyone knows of a true artist in restoring F/S knives, please let me know.

The real clue to the slashing question lies in closely studying the Gutterfighting DVD. Fairbairn indicates slashing is used to the hands and arms to provide openings for the killing thrust. The main use of the knife is for a killing thrust, whether in sentry removal from the rear, or attacking a gestapo agent from the from the front. Sentry removal can require slashing as you stick the knife in the neck and slash outward. In a front attack, slashing is used to set up the killing thrust. Applegate mentions on p. 131 of "The Close Combat Files", that the slash can sever the tendons of the wrist which is effective against a person trying to protect themselves with outstretched arms. Same goes for the bicep.

So, yes Virginia, the F/S knife IS used for slashing, but only within the context of the Fairbairn system of Silent Killing.

To summarize, I believe much of the criticism of the F/S knife is unwarranted IF used how Fairbairn intended (for Silent Killing). The knife tip does is not break if not used to pry things or stick into metal, or throw into trees. The needle point is actually an aid to penetrating vital organs. It is capable of slashing as well as thrusting, and can be orientated in the hand during darkness. The supposed "design weaknesses" are as much an ignorance of how to use the knife as any blame in design. The handle being slippery when covered in blood may be valid, but is so in most designs.

A valid question may be asked as to how useful is the knife given these narrow operating perimeters. This is a fair question and my answer is so few units have a silent killing mission that the F/S knife does not have very widespread utility. It was designed for British Commando raids into Europe, as well as by the SOE, which had the mission of sabotage behind enemy lines. Even with these units, silent killing was somewhat rare and even the OSS adopted the M3 knife before the war's end.

In addition to not being a good field knife, it is also not really a general fighting knife. I would call it more an assassin knife as that more accurately described the intended role. For knife vs knife, in my experience, you want a robust knife with more length and weight for slashing and executing the snap cut. The F/S is best used with the strong leg and hand back and the weak hand protecting, and providing openings for, the knife attack. It is for a surprise attack and is used almost delicately compared with a heaver knife.

Since the end WWII we have seen a trend toward military knife designs that try to cover all bases: robustness and utility, as well as use for fighting. Some, like the M3 retain the narrow blade although including more substantial material, especially toward the hilt. Other's are a blend of the Bowie and dagger design. The Randall #1 is the classic knife of this design. These hybrids are probably the best for general military use although knives in general are declining in popularity with even special forces troops with the handgun being preferred as the backup weapon.

However, for what it was designed for, I believe the F/S dagger served the purpose and needed no modifications to "correct it's weaknesses".

Commercial Drones, Military applications on the cheap

As the following article shows, just as I've been saying for years, the application and use of cheap commercially available drones for low level conflicts and sabotage is happening and expanding on a regular basis. The article is from one of my favorite sources, Global Guerillas by retired USAF Col. John Robb

And it's not going to stop.

http://globalguerrillas.typepad.com/globalguerrillas/2017/07/robotic-systems-disruption-in-practice.html

Don't forget to click on the related article referenced in the Global Guerilla article above;

http://scout.com/military/warrior/Article/Small-Russian-Drones-Do-Massive-Damage-WIth-Grenade-Weapons-103103172

This is what Happens when you Outsource your Nations Military Hardware

In my opinion, despite all the talk about Russia, China remains the single greatest threat to the U.S. Both economically and militarily. The following article is just a prime example of why outsourcing production of your nations military hardware is a bad fucking idea.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-army-drones-idUSKBN1AK2C0

The Full, Current Situation in Mexico

As the headline in the attached article says, Mexico is a failed state, but nobody wants to admit it.
Mexico in 2016 was the second most deadly country in the world, with No.1 slot going to Syria.
Just another reason to get a handle on our Southern border.

http://www.breachbangclear.com/mexico-reported-second-deadliest-country/

Firearms Win in D.C.

And my guess is that as more Federal Judges are appointed by the current administration (as I mentioned in my previous post)...

http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-real-legacy-of-trump-presidency.html

...you will see more decisions like this one.

Slow and steady is the name of the game when it comes to legislation and court decisions.

Oh, and as usual, no mention of this court decision in the major media outlets.

https://www.firearmspolicy.org/dc_appeals_court_strikes_down_d_c_good_cause_handgun_cary_ban

How To Know You're Being Insulted in the U.K.

Thinking of taking a vacation in the U.K.

Here's 10 slang expressions you might want to be aware of:

1. A two-fingered salute
This has come up before on MTG, but just to reiterate: stick two fingers up at an American and they’ll be no more affronted than if you’d waved hello or nodded. Should you feel compelled to use your hands to offend in the U.S., stick to the universally recognized raised middle finger.

2. Minger
Popularized by the late, great and hilariously foul-mouthed Big Brother contestant Jade Goody over a decade ago, the term meaning unattractive female is still fair game in Britain. If you’re looking for a way to insult an American woman without her realizing, this is ideal.

3. Pillock
To American ears, this might sound like some kind of unadventurous English fish. Alas, it’s merely one of many hundred words we’ve evolved to refer to a somewhat idiotic, oafish individual.

4. Twit
American Roald Dahl fans might be familiar with this one from reading The Twits – a wonderfully vile tale of a dysfunctional married couple who keep pet monkeys and systematically abuse each other. Curiously, however, the book doesn’t shed much light on what it actually means to be a twit. It’s one of those semi-affectionate insults we might throw at a family member or friend who’s behaving in a less than cerebral manner. Synonyms include: wally, berk, prat, numpty, knob-head, nincompoop and tit.

5. Twat
This is one of the harsher terms on the list, perhaps because of its literal meaning: lady parts. Still, it’s a less offensive version of the other single syllable word that means the same thing. Brits are want to precede either word with “you daft…” or “you utter…” I’ve used “twat” around Americans and who think it’s got a satisfying ring to it. Could be one to watch over here.

6. Billy no-mates
It’s mild and reassuringly vintage but roam a UK school playground on your own looking miserable and you might still have this barked at you from across the tarmac. Shout this at an American loner kid, however, and he’ll assume you’re a lunatic.

7. Chav or pikey
These unpleasant slang terms, originally used to refer to Irish or Romani gypsies, have evolved to mean a certain type of flashy working class kid clad in designer sportswear and gold jewelry. The closest U.S. equivalent would probably be trailer trash.

8. Muppet
When a British Goldman Sacs employee resigned last year in an open letter and said that some colleagues in London had called their clients “muppets”, Americans at the firm were left wondering what he meant. Brits have borrowed Jim Henson’s name for furry, be-stringed critters and tweaked it to mean someone who’s stupid, gullible and incapable of independent thought. Let’s not mention this to Miss Piggy.

9. Slapper or slag
In the UK, we’re unhealthily attached to nasty words that describe a “loose woman”. These two clangers are the most commonly used, yet they’re insults only the most dedicated American anglophile or British gangster movie aficionado will have encountered. In the U.S., “whore” and “slut” mean much the same thing.

10. Tosser
This term, meaning one who engages in self, erm, stimulation, is a milder version of w**ker, which – perhaps you’ve noticed this too – Americans have recently adopted but serially misuse. They seem to think it’s one of those British slurs that doubles as a term of endearment. It’s not.

Congress

How could I not put this up? ;-)

Want To Know The Real meaning of Irony?

Karl Marx died and was buried in the UK in 1883. The Father of Communism, the man of the working class has a monument that's 6 ft. wide, and including the bust is about 10 ft tall.

And the icing on the cake?

If you want to actually view it up close, well, Capitalism gets the last laugh because you're going to have to pay $6.00 !!!

Political Corruption; Hillary first, Sheldon Silver second

Did Someone say Collusion????
This informative little article actually comes from the Old Gray Lady itself, the New York Times no less back in 2015.

You can't make this shit up. Well the Democraps make up a lot of shit, but that's expected from them. Come to think of it even a lot of Republ-I-Cants come up with their fair share of Bullshit.

It's all just politics 101 in 21st century America.

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-as-russians-pressed-for-control-of-uranium-company.html


On Sheldon Silver and Getting what he Deserves

Convicted last year in Federal Court on charges of corruption, his conviction was overturned due to a decision by the SCOTUS in an unrelated case. So he won't be going to Club Fed any time soon, however in the brief article from the website NYPD Confidential by Leonard Levitt Copyright 2017 dated 7-17-2017, his woes are far from over;

http://nypdconfidential.com/index.html


LAMENTING SHELDON SILVER
For those lamenting the overturn of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s corruption conviction, don’t despair. The feds of the Southern District will bleed him. They’ll try him again. And if they lose, probably again.

There is precedent for this. Back in the day, then U.S.Attorney for the Southern District Robert Morgenthau tried his longtime nemesis, Roy Cohn, three times. He lost all three times, but Cohn didn't exactly come out on top.

Even if the feds never convict Silver, his trials will cost him millions. And for Silver, isn’t money what it’s all about?

Which seems appropriate to me. Even if he remains free, he won't get to enjoy the fruits of his extracurricular political endeavors. Nor will he be able to regain his position in the N.Y. State Assembly.

ANTIFA Part 3

Sorry guys, missed part 3 of the series;

https://www.ammoland.com/2017/07/antifa-osint-profile-leaders-weaknesses-exposed-part-3/

More on ANTIFA

The links below are to a 2-part article describing the beginnings of the original Antifa movement in Italy in the 1920's as well as it's current version here in the U.S. Tactics, strategy, current weapons of choice, members, strengths, and weaknesses.

A bit of a long read, but it should be of interest to those who read this blog.

Part 1

https://www.ammoland.com/2017/06/antifa-osint-profile-violent-leftist-group-part-1/#axzz4lM6RqTE4


Part 2

https://www.ammoland.com/2017/06/antifa-profile-radical-left-anarchist-group-part-2/#axzz4l7TXqjRr

The Real Legacy of The Trump Presidency

The Democrats will be screaming for years!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-07-10/trump-begins-the-rightward-shift-of-america-s-courts

Money Won't Make You Happy....

Concealed Carry Challenge Thrown out at Texas University

Chalk up another loss for the anti-concealed carry crowd.

Then again, the challenge was brought by several college professors. The type who think that their opinions are always right.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/07/daniel-zimmerman/federal-court-throws-university-texas-campus-carry-lawsuit/

500th Post...

...And what could be more apropos, given their prevalence over the years here at Blackthorn, than a Drone Post!

Whether for good or for ill, despite attempts to both promote and restrict them, they're here to stay and their uses will simply continue to multiply.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/swarm-drones-could-replace-fireworks-and-more-but-fear-keeps-most-grounded-2017-07-03

The Czech Republic Gives A Response To EU Firearms Restrictions

The Czech Republic is not happy about proposed Firearms restrictions and is letting the EU know about it in a big way.

http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/06/29/czech-republic-passes-constitutional-right-to-bear-arms/

Nancy Pelosi - The Gift That keeps on Giving!

And the Democraps have the gall to call Trump Mentally Incapacitated.

But hey, let's look at the positive here. As long as Keeps leading the Dems in the House, the Republicans have nothing to worry about.

http://www.theamericanmirror.com/video-pelosi-confused-time-day-forgets-latest-russia-accusations-6-mins-later/

4-Wheeled Justice! or Never Piss Off a Pregnant Woman

Long story short; woman comes back to her SUV in a Walmart (where else?) parking lot an finds a thief has broken into her vehicle and is rummaging around. She starts yelling, he grabs her purse out of the car and takes off. She's 5 months pregnant runs after him for a few yards and gets a better idea, so she jumps in her SUV, chases the guy down through the parking lot and hits him with the car. The guy's alive but his right leg isn't happy.

Justice is now semi-served. He's been arrested on several charges including one felony and two misdemeanors. The woman has also been charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon.

My prediction?

The pregnant woman stands a much better of never seeing a day in jail than the thief does.

Below is a link to the story. I was however unable to find the video (yet) on Youtube (but there is video because I saw it on TV). However I'm sure it'll turn up in a day or so and believe me when I say that it's worth seeing!

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article158773739.html

How's This for Fake Fucking News

CNN is beginning to make taking a ride on the Titanic look appealing.

http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/06/28/fake-news-fake-followers-twitteraudit-reports-cnn-has-17-million-fake-twitter-followers/

Simple Math

OPEC Unable to Adapt to Fracking and Evolving Technology

Yeah, I know a lot of you guys who read this blog aren't really interested in the Geopolitical oil situation. No drones, no gun law issues or self defense training, but I always enjoy watching groups that have been sticking it to the U.S. for decades getting screwed over.

Some people in this country hate the Fracking industry.

As long as they're making OPEC miserable, it's OK with me.

https://www.bloomberg.com/gadfly/articles/2017-06-25/opec-looks-totally-bewildered-by-the-oil-market

Russia, ISIS, and North Korea are Not going to Win the War for World Domination!

- 📞 Hello! Gordon's pizza?
- No sir it's Google's pizza.
- So it's a wrong number? Sorry
- No sir, Google bought it.
- OK. Take my order please
- Well sir, you want the usual?"
- The usual? You know me? 👤
- According to our caller ID data sheet, in the last 12 times, you ordered pizza🍕 with cheeses, sausage, thick crust.
- OK! This is it ...
- May I suggest to you this time ricotta, arugula with dry tomato.🍅 ?
- What? I hate vegetables.
- Your cholesterol is not good, sir."
- How do you know?
- We crossed the number of your fixed line ☎ with your name, through the subscribers guide.
We have the result of your blood tests for the last 7 years.
- Okay, but I do not want this pizza!,I already take medicine ...
-"Excuse me, but you have not taken the medicine regularly, from our commercial database, 4 months ago, you only purchased a box with 30 cholesterol tablets at Drugsale Network.
- I bought more from another drugstore.
- It's not showing on your credit card statement 💳
- I paid in cash 💲
- But you did not withdraw that much cash according to your bank statement 📃
- I have other source of cash 💲
- This is not showing as per you last Tax form unless you bought them from undeclared income source. 💰💰💰
-WHAT THE HELL?
"I'm sorry, sir, we use such information only with the intention of helping you. ❤❤❤
- Enough! I'm sick of google, facebook, twitter, WhatsApp. I'm going to an Island without internet, cable TV, where there is no cell phone line and no one to watch me or spy on me
"I understand sir but you need to renew your passport first as it has expired 6 weeks ago

Latest Update on Repeal of NY Gravity Knife Law

Ans once again a repeal of the old 1950's era "switchblade/gravity" knife law has passed both the State Senate and the Assembly almost unanimously (there was one asshole in the Assembly who voted No)and this time the one change King Cuomo wanted (literally one word) has been addressed.

I may be able to start carrying my favorite stuff again!

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103550698648&ca=75f1fef8-1724-4460-bafc-705ef8ebe9e3

The Manchester Terror Bombing...

....and just what this type of improvised explosive device (IED) does to the human body.

This short article was originally posted at the Ed's Manifesto Facebook page:

Follow Up to the 'Battle of Berkley' post I put up last month

I'll be brief. A trump supporter was blindsided by an Antifa supporter with a bike lock on the end of a chain.

Well, it took 5 weeks but thanks to the wonder of living in a world full of cameras, Police a arrested a 28 yr old former College professor for the assault.

Looks like he wasn't as smart as he thought all his degrees made him out to be.

What an asshole.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Former-professor-arrested-in-beating-at-Berkeley-11174575.php

April 2017 Gutterfighting Seminar - More Photos

The photos below were from a sequence where someone has grabbed your lapel, shirt, etc. with one hand, and is about to hit you with their other hand. You pin the grabbing hand, and use your other hand for a shoulder stop, and then Tiger Claw (or Palm Heel) the face. You could also use the web of your hand to strike the throat.



Pin the assailants right (grabbing) hand to you, and use your other hand to execute a Shoulder Stop to prevent him from striking you with his free hand.



Immediately retract your hand and Tiger Claw your assailants face. Options include a Palm Heel to the face, a Chin Jab or a Web of Hand strike to the throat

More ANTIFA Follies, or, Oh Shit, He was One Of Us?

So during one of the ANTIFA riots, er ah, I mean 'Protests' at Berkley a couple of weeks ago, a "trump" supporter was sprayed with OC and beat with a skateboard. ATt least that's what was reported. However, as usual, truth was not just stranger than fiction, but actually funnier.

Now the actual events never got any mention in either the mainstream or conservative media. Therefore I am providing a link to what actually happened.

Now just so you don't go into this blind, I will summarize the situation for you.

In short, the 'Trump' supporter turned out to be an ANTIFA idiot who lost his mask, and his hoodie fell away who got physically abused by his imbecilic buddies simply because,HEY! no mask, no hoodie, it must be one of the fascists!!

You just can't make this shit up.

http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/21/left-wing-rioter-loses-his-mask-now-fellow-anti-fascists-think-hes-the-enemy-heres-the-result/

Gutterfighting Seminar in the Dungeon April 2017

It was business as usual, and business is good! :-)

Follow The Money

So, like any entity, Antifa needs cash to keep running. Organizing, recruiting new members, transportation to and from the riots they start, banners masks, hoodies, etc. All the paraphernalia, accessories and impedimenta you need to start trouble.

So where do they get it from you ask?

Well apparently George Soros, the Billionaire Socialist (there's an oxymoron for you) seems to have special place in whatever passes for his heart for Antifa. Not hat he writes them a check directly mind you. Oh no, too obvious.

The Alliance For Social Justice, you can Google themselves to see what other delightful groups and projects they support, is essentially been used as cover by Soros whose last contribution to them was for $50,000.

Oh and Soros didn't even give the AFSJ the money directly. He had his 'charitable' Tides Foundation take care of that. Accordingly both organizations then proceeded state that they donate money to many worthwhile organizations and initiatives and that they have no control over what's done with money after it's been allocated.

In any event, the link below should provide a few more details on Antifa, their link to the RefuseFascism.org group, and the final money trail back to Soros and his not so well concealed involvement in what has become the professional political disruption business here in the U.S.

http://dailycaller.com/2017/02/03/look-who-funds-the-group-behind-the-call-to-arms-at-milos-berkeley-event/

More on Antifa and "The Battle of Berkley"

So after getting away with all sorts of mayhem for months, a couple of weeks ago a group of Antifa brown shirts tried to disrupt a pro-Trump tally at Berkley. Things however did not go as planned. They Trump supporters at this event were neither geriatric war vets or women. Neither were they able to catch one lone victim and attack with with superior numbers.

This time they wound up dealing with Vets who weren't on Social Security, as well as some Bikers. The result wound up being called, as I mentioned in the title of this post "The Battle of Berkley", and it did not go well for Antifa.

One of the reports that came out of the clash was that a Trump supporter had been sprayed with OC gas and then bashed in the head with a skateboard.

The truth however was far funnier than any fiction.

As it turned out the victim was an Antifa participant who was mistaken for a Trump supporter because his mask had fallen off during a melee' with some real Trump supporters. His buddies then proceeded to put a hurting on him.

You just can't make this shit up!

See the link below. Video is included!

http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/21/left-wing-rioter-loses-his-mask-now-fellow-anti-fascists-think-hes-the-enemy-heres-the-result/

The resulting defeat at the hands of the Trump supporters has motivated talk among these modern day socialist Brown Shirts to start talking about getting some "combat training" and obtaining real weapons (ie; guns).

See link below:

http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/04/21/antifa-wants-combat-training-and-firearms-after-losing-the-battle-for-berkely/

Suffice to say that these asshats should mind the old saying that covers their current line of thought;

"Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it"

Oh yes, we are definitely living in 'Interesting Times'.

A Bit Of Information On The Anarchists Inciting Violence At Conservative Rallies

Antifa, Anti-Fascist Action. These are the turds in masks that you see in the news starting and amping up the violence at conservative rallies all over the country.

Nothing like "Anti-Fascists" specializing in Brown Shirt tactics.

So they had a couple of setbacks recently when their intended victims weren't women or old men. So now they want ti up the ante and are talking about guns.

Yeah, let's see how that works out for them.

http://www.lifezette.com/polizette/the-shadowy-extremist-group-behind-the-anti-trump-riots/

Hmmm, I wonder who........

Approved this advertisement, and does he still have his job.

This is without a doubt one of the most unintentionally funny ads I've ever seen. The really amazing thing is that I actually know this company because my old employers actually considered buying this product to secure access to our underground cables and conduits.

In any event, let the hilarity commence!

It's Been a Long Time Since I Did a Drone Post

But here we are. Apparently the Turkish military and police services decided to do something about the proliferation of surveillance drones being used by unknown entities. Considering their concerns with ISIS, Al Qaueda, and Kurdish separatists, I'm not surprised.

As the saying goes, for every action, their is an an equal and opposite reaction.

Anyway, read on and be enlightened about the marvels of modern technology.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/04/12/turkish-savar-drone-use-turks-azeris/

Blog Updates

Just in case some (or most) of you guys who follow this Blog may not have noticed, on the right hand side of this page is a list of site links that are in keeping with the general theme of things around here.
But to the point, I have added several links associated with WW2 based combatives. Specifically two Facebook pages and a Youtube page. All 3 are worth your time, give them a look.

Situational Awareness Part 2

Situational Awareness is not just aTalking Point

Lack of situational awareness can get get you killed.

Here we have a surveillance video of a verbal dispute that turned deadly for one of the participants in Ecuador. The victim made several mistakes. Thinking it's just a 'pissing' match (which he should have just attempted to walk away from in the first place) he allows the younger man to get right up in front of him. He then compounds this by staring the younger man in the face instead of watching the man's hands. You can watch as the younger man keeps his right hand blocked to his victims view by keeping the right side of his body angled away from the victim. You can then watch him very casually slip the knife from either his right pocket or the waistband of his pants.
Something as simple as a step to the side away from the younger man or even having his arms up in the old 'Jack Benny' stance with one arm across the body and the other with it's hand by his face or neck would have been allowed him to block or deflect the stab. What he could or would have done after that is another issue, but at least he would have been alive to either fight back or run away.

Just so you know, this video is pretty graphic towards the end

Sometimes What Happens in Vegas, Doesn't Always Stay in Vegas

Like news of a burglary attempt at a Rolex Store inside the Bellagio hotel Just before 1:00 AM that resulted in gunfire and scared hotel guests fleeing and ducking for cover.

Somebody should have told these guys that Oceans 11 was just a movie.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4348284/Las-Vegas-Bellagio-lockdown-reports-gunman.html

Another Win for Firearms Carry Rights in....The Cheddar State?

YES!! Wisconsin. An obscure regulation in the city of Madison that was enacted in 2005 banned the carrying of any weapons on public transportation. Specifically Buses. Well, eventually someone fell afoul of this regulation and a court case ensued.

Suffice to say the city of Madison did not fare well.

You may read the details here;

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/03/dean-weingarten/wisconsin-supreme-court-city-cant-ban-weapons-from-buses/

The Wheels Grind Slowly, but Slowly They Grind

This little item coming out of the Trump administration never made it to the mainstream media. Some of you will say that this is not important. But once you start adding up all the little rules and regulations that took place under the last administration over the last 8 years, you see the true meaning of the term "death by a thousand cuts".

There is now a 4 year window of opportunity to reverse the anti-firearms tilt of the government, and even if you don't hunt (or fish) regulation changes and reversals of this type need to be seen as the positive change it represents.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/03/john-boch/trumps-interior-secretary-reverses-lead-ammo-ban/

Leave It To The Einsteins At The CDC To Spend Your Tax Dollars Wisely

You can most definitely file this under "You can't make this shit up".

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/02/foghorn/cdc-bullets-can-cause-lead-poisoning/

Gutterfighting Seminar April 29th 2017

Chgicago's Anti-Gun Bullshit Gets Struck Down Again (And Rightfully So) And the Federal Judge Who Did It Is On Trump's Short List As A Supreme Court Nominee

Ever since the Heller decision Chicago has done everything it could to stop its citizens from exercising their 2nd Amendment rights. Every single time though, they get taken to court and they lose.

Every single time.

And its happened again. They never learn.

What a bunch of Assholes. LOLS!!!

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/01/johannes-paulsen/appeals-court-strikes-chicago-ban-gun-ranges/

And The Stupid Gun Owner Of The Week Award for for 1-4-2017 Goes To ....

....the guy in the link below!

If you're going to carry in modern day America, it doesn't mean you should try to be Captain America.

Another candidate for the Darwin Award.

http://wnep.com/2017/01/02/man-arrested-after-pulling-gun-on-another-man-in-dunkin-donuts-parking-lot/

Update To NY Gravity Knife Law Veto

Just to keep everyone in the loop, especially any NYC residents, regarding everybody's non-favorite Governor (who still thinks he has a shot at a Presidential run in 2020), good old Andrew "Angry Eyes" Cuomo.

http://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/officials-advocates-react-veto-gravity-knife-bill

Welcome To The New Year, Say Hello To The Same old Shit In NY

Courtesy of our illustrious Governor, Andrew "Angry Eyes" Cuomo!

If you refer to my post of 5 Dec,
See: http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2016/12/politics-strange-bedfellows-ans-archaic.html
you will see there was a bill to modify an old NY knife law that allowed Police, primarily in NYC, to arrest people in possession of one hand opening knives by calling them Gravity Knives (even if they weren't). After letting the Bill sit on his desk for months, at the absolute last moment of 2016, old Angry Eyes decided to veto the bill.
See: http://knifenews.com/new-york-governor-cuomo-vetoes-gravity-knife-and-switchblade-reform-bill/

However since the Bill was passed almost unanimously in both the State Senate as well as the Democratic party dominated Assembly, an override would be unstoppable.

My best guess is that Cuomo is counting on the override passing,at which point he can just say he did his job by vetoing the bill, and that there was nothing he could do.

As far as I'm concerned, as long as the Bill goes through, I don't give a shit what machinations it has to go through.

Especially since it's going to piss off The NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio. :-)