May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Happy New Year 2020 - And Blog Milestone - 800th Post
A double event, it's New Years Eve 2020 and this marks the 800th Post here at Blackthorn.
May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
Monday, December 30, 2019
"In-Fighting" For Combatives
This very brief article was written by my former Instructor, the late Carl Cestari. What follows is advice on how to properly use elbow strikes, as well as what techniques to use for what is referred to these days as "Fighting in the Clinch". The old school boxing term for this was "In-Fighting" which works for me because, well, I'm not exactly young anymore. ;)
“ELBOWS & FISTS”
By: Carl Cestari
My only real input on the various elbow attacks of Muay Thai is to make SURE you CLOSE your hand into a TIGHT FIST when you use these strikes. I believe that in the convulsive adrenaline surge of a real balls to the wall street fight you will DO THIS anyway, you are also PROTECTING your fingers from ANY "expected"(Uncle Murphy) mishap. It really DOESN'T affect the technique. It may seem to reduce speed a bit, BUT remember that POWER is MORE important than "blazing" speed in a STREETFIGHT.
Also it is EASIER to combine brutal punching attacks with follow-up elbow battering if your hands are already CLOSED.
Your up close and personal arsenal should include:
Head butting.
Chin grinding.
Biting.
Spitting.
Dirty clinch tactics.
Elbows.
Knees.
Stomps.
“ELBOWS & FISTS”
By: Carl Cestari
My only real input on the various elbow attacks of Muay Thai is to make SURE you CLOSE your hand into a TIGHT FIST when you use these strikes. I believe that in the convulsive adrenaline surge of a real balls to the wall street fight you will DO THIS anyway, you are also PROTECTING your fingers from ANY "expected"(Uncle Murphy) mishap. It really DOESN'T affect the technique. It may seem to reduce speed a bit, BUT remember that POWER is MORE important than "blazing" speed in a STREETFIGHT.
Also it is EASIER to combine brutal punching attacks with follow-up elbow battering if your hands are already CLOSED.
Your up close and personal arsenal should include:
Head butting.
Chin grinding.
Biting.
Spitting.
Dirty clinch tactics.
Elbows.
Knees.
Stomps.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Better Living Through Alcohol
A 2007 Study shows that wine kills the bacteria that cause Sore Throats and Dental Plaque.
Who Knew??
A 2007 study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry explored wine’s ability to fight off oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria cause dental plaque and sore throats, respectively.
The bacteria had the poorest survival rate in wine and grew the most in milk and water. Beer and soda allowed only a small about of bacteria to survive. Researchers surmised that the acidity of the beverages was related to whether or not the bacteria survived. And they suggested that their findings would be helpful to people traveling to places where traveler’s diarrhea is common.
What was more surprising was that the scientists learned that neither wine’s alcohol nor its acidity is responsible for its antibacterial properties. Instead, it’s due to a group of organic compounds found in the alcoholic beverage.
The researchers isolated the compounds, including lactic, malic, succinic and tartaric acids. They then neutralized the compounds’ acidity and tested their bacteria-fighting capabilities. (1, 2)
They learned that, when isolated, these compounds were more effective at killing bacteria than wine. Each compound killed more than 99.9% of the oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria they were inoculated with. Because of this, the researchers think that something present in wine may decrease its ability to kill bacteria.
Who Knew??
Wine Kills Germs That Cause Sore Throats And Dental Plaque, Says Awesome Study
Wine Kills Germs
You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of wine and internally rolled your eyes a bit. Sure, wine goes great with dinner, but it can’t actually make you healthier, right? Well, what you might not know is that a glass of cabernet can help you fight off your next sore throat.A 2007 study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry explored wine’s ability to fight off oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria cause dental plaque and sore throats, respectively.
Bacteria Beware
But this study isn’t the first to research wine’s antibacterial properties. In a study published in 1988, researchers put pathogens that cause gastrointestinal infections into seven common beverages. Scientists inoculated wine, beer, sour mix, soda, diet soda, milk, and water with Salmonella, Shigella, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. After two days, they took a count of how much bacteria was left in each beverage.The bacteria had the poorest survival rate in wine and grew the most in milk and water. Beer and soda allowed only a small about of bacteria to survive. Researchers surmised that the acidity of the beverages was related to whether or not the bacteria survived. And they suggested that their findings would be helpful to people traveling to places where traveler’s diarrhea is common.
A Glass of Wine for a Sore Throat
The study from The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry is the first to research wine’s effects on germs in the mouth. They found that both red and white wine kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque and sore throats. And red wine is slightly more effective in fighting bacteria than white wine is.What was more surprising was that the scientists learned that neither wine’s alcohol nor its acidity is responsible for its antibacterial properties. Instead, it’s due to a group of organic compounds found in the alcoholic beverage.
The researchers isolated the compounds, including lactic, malic, succinic and tartaric acids. They then neutralized the compounds’ acidity and tested their bacteria-fighting capabilities. (1, 2)
They learned that, when isolated, these compounds were more effective at killing bacteria than wine. Each compound killed more than 99.9% of the oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria they were inoculated with. Because of this, the researchers think that something present in wine may decrease its ability to kill bacteria.
So Remember, if you have a problem.........
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Opposing Viewpoints On The "2nd Ammendment Sanctuary Cities/Counties" Movement In Virginia
It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out next year and whether the State Legislature will actually enact all the Gun Restrictions they are proposing or whether this pre-emptive resistance will cause them to reconsider any of what they are proposing. Additionally, one of the proposals about restricting magazine capacity could be come Moot if, or more likely when, the current Civil Rights case winding it's way through the California Federal courts make it to SCOTUS. Considering the current make-up of SCOTUS at this time, I believe things will not go well for the California State Attorney Generals Office.
If the decision in Duncan vs Berrera is against Cailfornias latest magazine restriction ban goes against the state, every magazine ban in the country will fall by default. This case has the potential to be as big as Heller.
I believe 2020 will be an interesting year for Gun Rights in 21st century America.
First, the Pro-Sanctuary Current situation;
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/uprising-90-of-virginia-counties-join-gun-sanctuary-movement-expands-to-9-states
Now, the opinion of the Virginia State Attorney General;
https://wtvr.com/2019/12/06/attorney-general-virginia-2nd-amendment-sanctuary-01/
If the decision in Duncan vs Berrera is against Cailfornias latest magazine restriction ban goes against the state, every magazine ban in the country will fall by default. This case has the potential to be as big as Heller.
I believe 2020 will be an interesting year for Gun Rights in 21st century America.
First, the Pro-Sanctuary Current situation;
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/uprising-90-of-virginia-counties-join-gun-sanctuary-movement-expands-to-9-states
Now, the opinion of the Virginia State Attorney General;
https://wtvr.com/2019/12/06/attorney-general-virginia-2nd-amendment-sanctuary-01/
Friday, December 27, 2019
An Outline For Combining Combatives & Grappling For Personal Protection
This is for all those that believe my old Instructor, Carl Cestari, ever thought that a solid grounding in Grappling shouldn't be part of their Personal Protection training along with Combatives. (Article circa 2003);
“Your Personal Self Defense Program”
by Carl Cestari
The following is a base line, “nuts and bolts” approach designed to get you the maximum
output from the least amount of input time. Remember, anything you do is better than
nothing. This is not meant to detract from any serious course of training you are doing
now.
This method of self training has been proved to work. It is designed to bring you up from
no previous training OR even serve as an adjunct to your current training.
BARE MINIMUM (Better than nothing)
1. The Old School Series – This will give you the background and the fundamentals
you will need.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/1-os1-os5-old-school-series-set-of-5-by-carl-cestari)
2. The Seminar Series – Here you will discover a few drills along with some added
tidbits of information like, how to REALLY strangle someone in 0.5 seconds.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/12-the-fairbairn-seminar-by-carl-cestari )
3. Get a Spar Pro or BOB – This will give you a realistic target so that
you can really develop power and condition your weapons. It will also desensitize
you a bit and prepare you for really hitting someone. I have known a lot of
“thick” people, but none of them ever looked like a heavy bag. Also, the Spar Pro
gives you a chin, collar bone, neck and all the essential target areas you will want
to focus on. You will also be able to practice strangles and gouges as well!!
4. Develop a combination YOU like. One long range (eg- front kick w/ drop step,
tiger claw, edge of hand, chin jab upper cut, knee), one mid range (Short axe
hand, long axe hand, chin jab uppercut, knee) and one close range combination
(Ear box, eye gouge, knees). Choose combinations you are comfortable with. If
you have one arm however, you may not want to practice the ear box…. Practice these until
you curse the day you heard from me, and then do 11 more.
5. Get your self in better shape.
LEVEL 1 (Better than the minimum)
6. Sucker a friend into practicing with you. Especially for the grabs and holds
practice. You should get used to moving with another person and pushing them
around. Remember to continually take ground and knock your man off balance.
(Remember always be where he is standing)
LEVEL 2
7. Start training in Judo or some other grappling method. The reason I choose Judo
over anything else has more to do with the overall impact and effect rather than
technique. I like wresting and Brazilian jujutsu but judo willgive you what you want.
Even if you only go once a week.
Why Judo is appealing:
A. Most Fights start standing - going to the ground is discouraged in Judo. It
is not the goal to take the guy to the mat. You will develop a good defense
quickly. You will become difficult to take to the ground.
B. You will get the essential principles of ground grappling and
submissions. Most of the quality Judo clubs spend a lot of time on ground
technique (thanks to the Gracies). You will learn what not to do – the
purpose of your training is to not make a mistake and look for an opening
to gouge or tear to distract them to end a fight.
C. At the very least you will be difficult to move, or take down and submit.
D. You will get in awesome shape. Personally, basic uchikomi (fit in drills)
combined with ukemi (break falls) develop grip, core body strength and
toughen the body faster than anything I have done. Now, I am talking
about doing hundreds not tens.
E. Judo is a traceable, Olympic sport. The quality control of the overall
product is there. Usually it’s affordable and available in most YMCA’s
and Universities.
LEVEL 3
8. Pick up the Combat Jujutsu Series (These Videos are No Longer Available) You can
add these little bits to your Judo.
LEVEL 4
9. Do what ever you want to do.
Keep in mind, this isn’t about studying a martial art or training for competition (of which
I DO BOTH). It’s about what is a proven way to develop a fantastic self defense
program. This isn’t saying that your method won’t work. You do what’s best for you. If
you already wrestle, do submissions, whatever, great. You don’t have to worry about
Level 4 or Level 2: But you better incorporate some grappling in there.
Why don’t I talk about Muay Thai, Boxing or Karate? Again I would be lying if I said I
didn’t practice or partake in studying these arts.
The reasons they are not included is one or all of the following:
A. They take a long time to develop (So does Judo, but the effect you want has
nothing to do with scoring)
B. The require the use of protective equipment
C. The allow you to relax in the clinch
D. As you get older, you can’t participate as much your body takes a lot of
punishment in impact, striking arts, than in grappling arts. Case and point. When’s
the last time you saw a master’s Boxing or Muay Thai tournament? Not to say
they don’t exist, but there not exactly popular.
NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT
This is just a guide line for your training. It’s a big world out there and this is what
I know to work because I have seen it work. That doesn’t mean other ways don’t exist.
My experience lies in Jujutsu, Judo, Wrestling and Karate. I have seen other methods,
but it would be unfair for me to judge or comment on them because I spend all my time
doing this stuff.
“Your Personal Self Defense Program”
by Carl Cestari
The following is a base line, “nuts and bolts” approach designed to get you the maximum
output from the least amount of input time. Remember, anything you do is better than
nothing. This is not meant to detract from any serious course of training you are doing
now.
This method of self training has been proved to work. It is designed to bring you up from
no previous training OR even serve as an adjunct to your current training.
BARE MINIMUM (Better than nothing)
1. The Old School Series – This will give you the background and the fundamentals
you will need.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/1-os1-os5-old-school-series-set-of-5-by-carl-cestari)
2. The Seminar Series – Here you will discover a few drills along with some added
tidbits of information like, how to REALLY strangle someone in 0.5 seconds.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/12-the-fairbairn-seminar-by-carl-cestari )
3. Get a Spar Pro or BOB – This will give you a realistic target so that
you can really develop power and condition your weapons. It will also desensitize
you a bit and prepare you for really hitting someone. I have known a lot of
“thick” people, but none of them ever looked like a heavy bag. Also, the Spar Pro
gives you a chin, collar bone, neck and all the essential target areas you will want
to focus on. You will also be able to practice strangles and gouges as well!!
4. Develop a combination YOU like. One long range (eg- front kick w/ drop step,
tiger claw, edge of hand, chin jab upper cut, knee), one mid range (Short axe
hand, long axe hand, chin jab uppercut, knee) and one close range combination
(Ear box, eye gouge, knees). Choose combinations you are comfortable with. If
you have one arm however, you may not want to practice the ear box…. Practice these until
you curse the day you heard from me, and then do 11 more.
5. Get your self in better shape.
LEVEL 1 (Better than the minimum)
6. Sucker a friend into practicing with you. Especially for the grabs and holds
practice. You should get used to moving with another person and pushing them
around. Remember to continually take ground and knock your man off balance.
(Remember always be where he is standing)
LEVEL 2
7. Start training in Judo or some other grappling method. The reason I choose Judo
over anything else has more to do with the overall impact and effect rather than
technique. I like wresting and Brazilian jujutsu but judo willgive you what you want.
Even if you only go once a week.
Why Judo is appealing:
A. Most Fights start standing - going to the ground is discouraged in Judo. It
is not the goal to take the guy to the mat. You will develop a good defense
quickly. You will become difficult to take to the ground.
B. You will get the essential principles of ground grappling and
submissions. Most of the quality Judo clubs spend a lot of time on ground
technique (thanks to the Gracies). You will learn what not to do – the
purpose of your training is to not make a mistake and look for an opening
to gouge or tear to distract them to end a fight.
C. At the very least you will be difficult to move, or take down and submit.
D. You will get in awesome shape. Personally, basic uchikomi (fit in drills)
combined with ukemi (break falls) develop grip, core body strength and
toughen the body faster than anything I have done. Now, I am talking
about doing hundreds not tens.
E. Judo is a traceable, Olympic sport. The quality control of the overall
product is there. Usually it’s affordable and available in most YMCA’s
and Universities.
LEVEL 3
8. Pick up the Combat Jujutsu Series (These Videos are No Longer Available) You can
add these little bits to your Judo.
LEVEL 4
9. Do what ever you want to do.
Keep in mind, this isn’t about studying a martial art or training for competition (of which
I DO BOTH). It’s about what is a proven way to develop a fantastic self defense
program. This isn’t saying that your method won’t work. You do what’s best for you. If
you already wrestle, do submissions, whatever, great. You don’t have to worry about
Level 4 or Level 2: But you better incorporate some grappling in there.
Why don’t I talk about Muay Thai, Boxing or Karate? Again I would be lying if I said I
didn’t practice or partake in studying these arts.
The reasons they are not included is one or all of the following:
A. They take a long time to develop (So does Judo, but the effect you want has
nothing to do with scoring)
B. The require the use of protective equipment
C. The allow you to relax in the clinch
D. As you get older, you can’t participate as much your body takes a lot of
punishment in impact, striking arts, than in grappling arts. Case and point. When’s
the last time you saw a master’s Boxing or Muay Thai tournament? Not to say
they don’t exist, but there not exactly popular.
NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT
This is just a guide line for your training. It’s a big world out there and this is what
I know to work because I have seen it work. That doesn’t mean other ways don’t exist.
My experience lies in Jujutsu, Judo, Wrestling and Karate. I have seen other methods,
but it would be unfair for me to judge or comment on them because I spend all my time
doing this stuff.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Nine Important Facts Of Life
Just to put things in perspective in your life;
Remember to click on the image for Full-Size view
Remember to click on the image for Full-Size view
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Monday, December 23, 2019
China Advances With It's Long Range Plans To Build It's Naval Power
As I've mentioned here before, China is committed to building 5 Carrier Battle Groups to project it's Naval Power in support of it's 'One Road, One Belt' Plan. With the launching of of it's second aircraft carrier, they are now 40% along with their schedule, and they already have a third carrier under construction. Accordingly, they are well on the way to meeting their goal of having 5 aircraft carriers afloat by 2025.
This will give them the 2nd largest number of aircraft carriers in the world.
But of course, as any Democrat will tell you, Russia is the problem......... :-/
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-adds-second-aircraft-carrier-to-its-rapidly-growing-navy-2019-12
This will give them the 2nd largest number of aircraft carriers in the world.
But of course, as any Democrat will tell you, Russia is the problem......... :-/
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-adds-second-aircraft-carrier-to-its-rapidly-growing-navy-2019-12
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Christophe Clugston Continues To Give Combatives A Bad Name
Although from a comedic perspective, he's the Gift That Keeps On Giving.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
And In The Latest News on the Sanctuary (For Firearms Rights) Movement...
Lets go to Virginia!
https://www.mail.com/news/politics/9616736-second-amendment-sanctuary-push-aims-to-defy-gun-l.html#.23140-stage-mmm1-2
https://www.mail.com/news/politics/9616736-second-amendment-sanctuary-push-aims-to-defy-gun-l.html#.23140-stage-mmm1-2
Friday, December 20, 2019
Personal Protection Skills - Trust Your Instincts
If something or someone suddenly feels wrong for no apparent reason, don't ignore the feeling.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Personal Protectionl Skills - Use People Watching To Hone Your Threat Awareness
Most people walk around glued to their phones or wrapped up in their own thoughts when out and about. Some however will engage in "People Watching". Some times they're looking for pretty women or handsome men, others look for people with funny eccentric habits, whatever. I would encourage you, whoever you may be, to expand your range of "people watching" to include potential threats.
I'm not telling you that you should become paranoid, but rather just to expand your horizons to include things that just don't look right to you when you're at a mall, a show, wherever. As another guy I know (Steve Forrester who has contributed several articles here at the blog before) at a forum that I frequent (yes, I still use forums, Mr. Zuckerberg can take FB and stick it where the sun doesn't shine) engages in the type of "people watching" that I'm talking about. Specifically, he tries to identify people that are carrying concealed firearms. He lives in sunny Florida state where concealed carry is common, and the potential for picking out people who, while they carry concealed, don't actually do it very well, thereby giving him a lot of practice.
The chart below provides a good frame work to build off of should you be so inclined to try out my advice on the subject of environmental awareness.
Remember to click on the image to see it full size.
I'm not telling you that you should become paranoid, but rather just to expand your horizons to include things that just don't look right to you when you're at a mall, a show, wherever. As another guy I know (Steve Forrester who has contributed several articles here at the blog before) at a forum that I frequent (yes, I still use forums, Mr. Zuckerberg can take FB and stick it where the sun doesn't shine) engages in the type of "people watching" that I'm talking about. Specifically, he tries to identify people that are carrying concealed firearms. He lives in sunny Florida state where concealed carry is common, and the potential for picking out people who, while they carry concealed, don't actually do it very well, thereby giving him a lot of practice.
The chart below provides a good frame work to build off of should you be so inclined to try out my advice on the subject of environmental awareness.
Remember to click on the image to see it full size.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Personal Protection Skills - Non-Combative Winter Survival Technique
Since you're more likely to slip, fall and break something than you are to be assaulted, you might want to consider working on this technique before the snow and ice arrive.
Click on the image for full size view.
Click on the image for full size view.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
Do You Even Know What Your Personal Protection Needs Are?
If you're a typical citizen who works for a living, has a full time job, and a family to support you need to think about what your most likely personal protection needs really are. It's easy to get sucked into the wonderful world of "Tacticool" gear and techniques. Spend money (that would probably be better spent elsewhere) and be able to look like all the "cool guys"
The same also applies to that "High Speed, Low Drag" Ex-Military or SWAT guy instructor. There's nothing wrong with what they're teaching, but it just might not be what you need.
The chart below might help:
Remember to click on the image for easier viewing.
The same also applies to that "High Speed, Low Drag" Ex-Military or SWAT guy instructor. There's nothing wrong with what they're teaching, but it just might not be what you need.
The chart below might help:
Remember to click on the image for easier viewing.
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Thinking About Buying A New "Smart" TV?
The digital age is wonderful, it opens up new opportunities for everyone.
Especially hackers.....
The Bullshit never ends anymore.
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/black-friday-smart-tv-buyers-should-take-this-fbi-cybersecurity-advice
Especially hackers.....
The Bullshit never ends anymore.
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/black-friday-smart-tv-buyers-should-take-this-fbi-cybersecurity-advice
Friday, November 29, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
R. E. Howard on Civilized People
This refers to the article from my 11-25-2019 Post;
So mind your manners, your mouth and your behavior. You never know when you're going to run into a middle class Savage who's trying to work for a living.
So mind your manners, your mouth and your behavior. You never know when you're going to run into a middle class Savage who's trying to work for a living.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Working Class Motorist - 1, Antifa - 0
This absolutely made my Day. You want to be a Revolutionary, well be prepared for the consequences win or lose.
https://www.redstate.com/bonchie/2019/11/23/antifa-member-tries-block-car-assault-someone-doesnt-go-well-seriously/
https://www.redstate.com/bonchie/2019/11/23/antifa-member-tries-block-car-assault-someone-doesnt-go-well-seriously/
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Socialists & Progressives Have their Sanctuary Cities, And Coming Soon From Conservatives...
Sanctuary Counties for 2nd Amendment supporters are coming Virginia.
I'm sure the Democrats are gonna' howl about this one, all the while forgetting that turnabout is fair play.
https://www.conservativereview.com/news/rights-bear-arms-point-blank-va-counties-declare-second-amendment-sanctuaries-ahead-dems-gun-control-push/
More information on the 2nd Amendment Sanctuary movement.
https://reason.com/2019/11/21/americas-second-amendment-sanctuary-movement-is-alive-and-well/
I'm sure the Democrats are gonna' howl about this one, all the while forgetting that turnabout is fair play.
https://www.conservativereview.com/news/rights-bear-arms-point-blank-va-counties-declare-second-amendment-sanctuaries-ahead-dems-gun-control-push/
More information on the 2nd Amendment Sanctuary movement.
https://reason.com/2019/11/21/americas-second-amendment-sanctuary-movement-is-alive-and-well/
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
What's The Difference Between A Street Assault And A Fight?
A fight is when you get sucked into what usually starts as a verbal dispute and then escalates into a pissing contest. A predatory assault is when some professional low-life decides you have something he wants, and he fully intends to take it by ambushing you, not squaring off to you.
Whether you train in MMA, Combatives, Boxing, or carry a legal weapon for self defense, if you don't see it coming, it's not going to help.
Awareness, common sense, and keeping your ego in check are the three most valuable assets you need to cultivate in order to keep yourself safe in any potentially bad situation.
Whether you train in MMA, Combatives, Boxing, or carry a legal weapon for self defense, if you don't see it coming, it's not going to help.
Awareness, common sense, and keeping your ego in check are the three most valuable assets you need to cultivate in order to keep yourself safe in any potentially bad situation.
"90% Of All Fights Go To The Ground" - But Do they Really?
That statement has been bandied about for the last 2 decades at the very least. Proclaimed as fact by some, disputed as bullshit by others.
Where does the truth lie?
The article linked below offers some facts and reasonable arguments stated in a non-emotional manner that appears, to me at least, to strike a well balanced response to the questions that revolve around the issue.
Read it, and decide for yourself what you believe.
http://cbd.atspace.com/articles/90percentmyth/90percentmyth.html
Where does the truth lie?
The article linked below offers some facts and reasonable arguments stated in a non-emotional manner that appears, to me at least, to strike a well balanced response to the questions that revolve around the issue.
Read it, and decide for yourself what you believe.
http://cbd.atspace.com/articles/90percentmyth/90percentmyth.html
Monday, November 18, 2019
File This Under 'Stupid People, Stupid Places, Stupid Things'
3 Judges who have probably put people in jail for behaving just like this. Welcome to America in the 21st Century.
https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/3-judges-face-discipline-in-indianapolis-shooting?fbclid=IwAR33fqXtmA7TfZfn6in-VQQDlyrzRyQA7_dgCm53ihaFV5xlSozIZqq4Cxc
3 judges face discipline in Indianapolis shooting
https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/3-judges-face-discipline-in-indianapolis-shooting?fbclid=IwAR33fqXtmA7TfZfn6in-VQQDlyrzRyQA7_dgCm53ihaFV5xlSozIZqq4Cxc
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Public Service Announcement
Stop using Google for your searches and think twice about the pictures you put up. Big Brother Tech is watching and recording. Get into the habit using Firefox as your Browser and DuckDuckGo as your primary Search Engine. I've been doing it for a while, you should too.
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/archives/6063
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/10/22/google-firearm-serial-numbers/
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/archives/6063
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/10/22/google-firearm-serial-numbers/
Mexico - Current Violence Update
A family of Mormons with dual Citizenship status (Mexican and U.S.A) were ambushed and killed by Crime Cartels in Sonora State, Mexico. While the actual motive is not known at this time, the family involved had been involved in Anti-Crime activities for over a decade, and another family member had been killed by the Cartels in 2009.
https://nypost.com/2019/11/05/eight-us-citizens-including-kids-gunned-down-by-drug-cartel-in-mexico/
https://www.daily-sun.com/post/436639/US-Mormon-family-killed-in-Mexico-attack
https://nypost.com/2019/11/05/eight-us-citizens-including-kids-gunned-down-by-drug-cartel-in-mexico/
https://www.daily-sun.com/post/436639/US-Mormon-family-killed-in-Mexico-attack
Sunday, October 27, 2019
From Blackhawk, The People Who Brought Us The SERPA....
We now have this new marvel of modern Kydex design. Man, I'd love to be a fly on the wall in their R & D department when they think this stuff up.......
https://fox59.com/2019/10/22/gun-hosters-recalled-due-to-risk-of-switching-safety/?fbclid=IwAR2B5PfM_rW4w5S-9hL1GgZUJko2M5yx09k2lrceeUr3qR1CBrA0-AiI5l0
https://fox59.com/2019/10/22/gun-hosters-recalled-due-to-risk-of-switching-safety/?fbclid=IwAR2B5PfM_rW4w5S-9hL1GgZUJko2M5yx09k2lrceeUr3qR1CBrA0-AiI5l0
Friday, October 18, 2019
Who's Running Mexico? It Ain't The Government
Call it a Failed State, or A Hollowed Out State, It doesn't matter. The Cartels have as much, if not more "juice" as the Government.
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vb5q3y/confirmed-el-chapos-son-captured-amid-gun-fights-and-chaos-in-sinaloa-mexico
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/10/15/aguililla-michoacan-13-officers-killed-ambush-mexico-police/3983988002/
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/vb5q3y/confirmed-el-chapos-son-captured-amid-gun-fights-and-chaos-in-sinaloa-mexico
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/10/15/aguililla-michoacan-13-officers-killed-ambush-mexico-police/3983988002/
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Upper Middle Class Brits Try to Educate The Working Class About Climate Change By Screwing Up Their Morning Commute To Work
Things do NOT go well;
"Get off the train ya' Fookin' Wankers!"
Make sure you watch all 3 videos.
https://summit.news/2019/10/17/angry-londoners-drag-climate-change-protesters-from-roof-of-train/
"Get off the train ya' Fookin' Wankers!"
Make sure you watch all 3 videos.
https://summit.news/2019/10/17/angry-londoners-drag-climate-change-protesters-from-roof-of-train/
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Friday, October 11, 2019
Who Says Evil Doesn't Exist
The most prolific Serial Killer in America. He's killed more victims than Bundy, Dahmer, and Gacy combined, and most people have never heard of him.
https://apnews.com/5dce207dbbd3473d889fcc1039c641b8
https://apnews.com/5dce207dbbd3473d889fcc1039c641b8
Monday, October 7, 2019
Never Give an AK 47 To An Ape
This video never gets old!!! LOL!!!
Remember, when you give an automatic weapon to a Chimp, it automatically turns you into a Chump!
Remember, when you give an automatic weapon to a Chimp, it automatically turns you into a Chump!
Friday, September 20, 2019
What Do Lowes And Home Depot Have In Common Besides Home Improvement? Why, Big Brother of Course!
Gone to the either of the two largest Home Improvement Chain stores lately?
Well than, SMILE, you're on Candid Camera..............
The wonder of technology.
https://www.investmentwatchblog.com/home-depot-lowes-accused-of-scanning-millions-of-faces/
Well than, SMILE, you're on Candid Camera..............
The wonder of technology.
https://www.investmentwatchblog.com/home-depot-lowes-accused-of-scanning-millions-of-faces/
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Sunday, September 15, 2019
The Strategic Use Of Drones To Impact The World Economy
Iranian backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a Drone attack against two major Saudi Arabian Oil processing plants on 9-14-19. The 10 Drones caused the shutdown of both plants, effectively reducing the production of processed oil by The Kingdom by a whopping 50%. This is expected to reduce the world supply by 5%. Which may not sound like much, but has the potential to massively boost the price of a barrel of oil which is currently at $60+/- to rates that haven't been seen in years.
Low cost and easy to deploy, the future of modern warfare is without doubt, upon us.
https://apnews.com/d20f80188e3543bfb36d512df7777cd4
Low cost and easy to deploy, the future of modern warfare is without doubt, upon us.
https://apnews.com/d20f80188e3543bfb36d512df7777cd4
Thursday, September 12, 2019
The Most Important Long Term Accomplishment Of The Trump Administration
150 down, 112 more to go.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/sep/11/senate-confirms-150th-trump-judicial-nominee/
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/sep/11/senate-confirms-150th-trump-judicial-nominee/
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Simple Rules For Living
I'm pretty sure I've put these up before, but still worth putting up again s a reminder.
Simple Rules For Living
Live beneath your means
Return everything you borrow
Stop blaming other people
Admit it when you make a mistake
Give clothes not worn to charity
Do something nice and try not to get caught
Listen more, talk less
Take a 30 minute walk everyday
Strive for excellence, not perfection
Be on time. Don’t make excuses
Don’t argue.
Get Organized
Let Someone cut ahead of you in line
Take time to be alone
Cultivate good manners
Be humble
Realize and accept that life isn’t fair
Know when to keep your mouth shut
Try to go an entire day without criticizing anyone
Learn from the past, Live in the present, Plan for the future
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Monday, September 2, 2019
Jim Cantore Of The Weather Channel On Hurricane Dorian
This one's for you Kurt. Stay safe and stay dry!
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Russians Build And Launch Floating Nuclear Reactor
To quote a friend of mine, "What could possibly go wrong"
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a28802067/floating-chernobyl-nuclear-reactor/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a28802067/floating-chernobyl-nuclear-reactor/
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Cal. Governor Is So Out of His Mind That Even Left Wing News Outlets Are Calling Him A liar
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California is so desperate to dodge any responsibility for the State's Homeless problem that he just blamed Texas for it.
WTF???
However even hard-left wing news outlets are calling Bullshit on that one. Only on the Left coast folks, only on the left coast.......
https://www.redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2019/08/17/pants-fire-not-even-politifact-buying-gavin-newsom-selling-san-franciscos-homeless-problem/
This guy is an absolute tool.
WTF???
However even hard-left wing news outlets are calling Bullshit on that one. Only on the Left coast folks, only on the left coast.......
https://www.redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2019/08/17/pants-fire-not-even-politifact-buying-gavin-newsom-selling-san-franciscos-homeless-problem/
This guy is an absolute tool.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
W.E. Fairbairns Lesser Known Edged Weapon Design - Another Article by Phil 'Bristolbloke' Matthews
Well, any fans of WW2 arms, and edged weapons in particular, know about the Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Dagger, and about the Smatchet. The Smatchet being a sort of a cross between a machete and a very large knife. What most haven't heard about is an improved/upgraded version of the Smatchet called the Fairsword. Now I'm not going to go into any details about it myself. However I am going to link to another article written by Phil "Bristolbloke" Matthews who wrote the article I posted yesterday about the Life of W.E. Fairbairn.
If you're an afficionado of WW2 military history with a bent towards the Special operations groups of the Allied Forces, I hope you'll like this article by Phil as much as the last one.
http://combatives.forumotion.com/t3150-the-fairsword-by-phil-matthews
If you're an afficionado of WW2 military history with a bent towards the Special operations groups of the Allied Forces, I hope you'll like this article by Phil as much as the last one.
http://combatives.forumotion.com/t3150-the-fairsword-by-phil-matthews
Saturday, August 17, 2019
A History Of W.E. Fairbairn by Phil 'Bristolbloke' Matthews
The Article linked to below was written by, and is copyrighted to, Phil Matthews in 2007. Phil lives in the U.K. and is a long time researcher of WW2 Combatives with an emphasis on the British instructors, training, equipment and methodology that formed the basis of what people like myself practice for self defense.
The premier name among those whose methods were used to train such groups as the British Commandos, the SOE, the US Marine Raiders, the OSS, and others was William Ewart Fairbairn. If some of you reading this Blog don't know that name, you're about to find out.
But I'm not going to tell you.
I'm going to let Phil Matthews do that.
http://combatives.forumotion.com/t3148-w-e-fairbairn-the-legendary-instructor-by-phil-matthews
The premier name among those whose methods were used to train such groups as the British Commandos, the SOE, the US Marine Raiders, the OSS, and others was William Ewart Fairbairn. If some of you reading this Blog don't know that name, you're about to find out.
But I'm not going to tell you.
I'm going to let Phil Matthews do that.
http://combatives.forumotion.com/t3148-w-e-fairbairn-the-legendary-instructor-by-phil-matthews
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Epstein Commits Suicide....
I guess nobody explained to the Guards that being on Inmate Suicide Watch doesn't mean that you're supposed to watch the Inmate commit suicide.....
Suicide, Murder Conspiracy, I don't care who or how.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Current Status of NYC Fireams Regulation and SCOTUS Case
This is a follow-up to my last post about this case.
Original post;
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/07/update-on-legal-challenge-to-nyc-gun.html
Current Article;
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-06/high-court-weighs-second-amendment-showdown-after-mass-shootings
Original post;
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/07/update-on-legal-challenge-to-nyc-gun.html
Current Article;
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-06/high-court-weighs-second-amendment-showdown-after-mass-shootings
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
And New York State Is At It Again
Just 2 months after repealing the ban on Gravity Knives, the illustrious leadership has now turned their attention to banning Non-Metallic knives. The law goes into effect on Nov 1st of this year and will be a Class A Misdemeanor carrying a sentence of up to 1 year in Prison.
It never ends here in here the Empire State. Another law that will accomplish nothing.
https://nypost.com/2019/08/06/cuomo-signs-law-making-undetectable-knives-illegal/
It never ends here in here the Empire State. Another law that will accomplish nothing.
https://nypost.com/2019/08/06/cuomo-signs-law-making-undetectable-knives-illegal/
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
Details of How The USN & The USMC Downed the Iranian Drone
No Missles launched or shots fired, just new technology in the form a high tech electronic weapon designed to scramble the long range signals controlling the Drone. It wasn't even ship mounted, it was mounted on a land vehicle that was part of the armament of the Marine Detachment on board the USS Boxer.
Iran shoots down one of our UAV's, and then make the mistake of giving us the opportunity to return the favor.
Such is life.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29063/marine-anti-drone-buggies-on-uss-boxer-knocked-down-threatening-iranian-drone
Information on the Drone Killer system used
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2018/09/19/the-corps-just-slapped-a-counter-drone-system-on-an-mrzr-all-terrain-vehicle/
Iran shoots down one of our UAV's, and then make the mistake of giving us the opportunity to return the favor.
Such is life.
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29063/marine-anti-drone-buggies-on-uss-boxer-knocked-down-threatening-iranian-drone
Information on the Drone Killer system used
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2018/09/19/the-corps-just-slapped-a-counter-drone-system-on-an-mrzr-all-terrain-vehicle/
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Shoot Down A U.S. Drone, And What Happens?
You get one of your own (Iranian) Drones shot down when you get too close to a United States Naval Warship.
C'est La Vie!
https://apnews.com/10a56574703d43799a3f3a0cc8ddeb29
C'est La Vie!
https://apnews.com/10a56574703d43799a3f3a0cc8ddeb29
Monday, July 15, 2019
Update On Legal Challenge to NYC Gun Regulations
This is a follow-up to a post I put up in January of this year pertaining to a NYC rule that prohibits NYC Licensed Handgun owners from taking their firearms out of the city. You know, as in outside the City's jurisdiction? The City and the State as well were worried about a SCOTUS decision striking the regulation would open other regulations to Judicial scrutiny as well.
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-york-city-gun-owners-may-get-some.html
Accordingly the The City and the State have modified the existing regulation to "give the plaintiffs relief" from the existing situation. They have also now requested that SCOTUS declare the issue moot and refuse to review the case.
As with the repeal of the Gravity Knife Law in June of last month, the last thing the City and State need is to have a precedent set that could result in some of their other laws reviewed by SCOTUS.
The link to the article below explains the current status of the lawsuit.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-asks-supreme-court-to-drop-gun-case-11562618240
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-york-city-gun-owners-may-get-some.html
Accordingly the The City and the State have modified the existing regulation to "give the plaintiffs relief" from the existing situation. They have also now requested that SCOTUS declare the issue moot and refuse to review the case.
As with the repeal of the Gravity Knife Law in June of last month, the last thing the City and State need is to have a precedent set that could result in some of their other laws reviewed by SCOTUS.
The link to the article below explains the current status of the lawsuit.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-asks-supreme-court-to-drop-gun-case-11562618240
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Review of W.E. Fairbairn's WW2 'Gutterfighting' Combatives Training Videos
This is an edited version of a short review I did back in 2011 (how time flies) of two remastered copies of original training films made during WW2 that show W.E. Fairbairn demonstrating both the unarmed and knife fighting techniques of his ‘Gutterfighting’ course. The audio is not in English, but the subtitles are well done, and the quality of the video is very good. Since I originally purchased this DVD the company offering it is, to my knowledge, no longer selling copies of the DVD. Copies are hard to find these days, but they do turn up once in a while for a somewhat high, but not unreasonable price.
Aside from the historical value, this DVD offers a visual insight into the actual execution of the techniques, as well as to the physical abilities of Fairbairn himself who was well into his 50's at the time. Whether you are a WW2 buff with an interest in the hand to hand combat practices of the American OSS, the British SOE or the US Marines Raiders or an practitioner of these methods for self defense, this Video is worth having.
Now on to my actual review.
To put it succinctly, this DVD was most definitely worth the money. If you already practice Combatives for self defense, there is nothing earth shattering on it that you probably haven’t seen before in books such as Get Tough. But to actually watch Fairbairn doing this stuff on a film that wasn't falling apart due to age was a real treat.
To cover the Unarmed section first; This section was distilled by Fairbairn down to 4 basic moves. The Tiger Claw, the Chin Jab, the Edge Of Hand, and the low kick. No fluff, no bullshit. And he also brought up something that my Combatives Instructor Carl Cestari always talked about. The need for speed, deception and violence of action. Fairbairn says flat out in the film that if you wait for the boxer, or the judo expert to make the first move, unless you're better than them at their own game, "you're sunk".
No ifs, ands, or buts!
One thing I’d like to mention is that Fairbairn himself says on the video is that most of his approach to kicking came from Chinese boxing. This debunks the claims of the Tenshin Ryu people.
The Fighting Knife section. Again, pretty much what has been shown before in the old manuals. However there were a couple of things that stood out, and one took me by surprise. While the thrust or lunge was covered as the endgame, or killing blow, he actually emphasized using slashes and cuts to the hands and face of your opponent to psych him out, or disable him so that you could get in the finishing blow. There were even a couple of pieces showing Fairbairn "shadow boxing:" with the FS dagger. Let me tell you, for a guy who was in his late 50s, the man could move.
One thing that did surprise me was Fairbairn shadow boxing with an FS dagger in reverse grip.
Also, in Yeatons book about the FS daggers, he quotes Fairbairn as saying that to go unarmed against a knife he "would use a lightning like kick" to disarm his opponent and then attack him. In this film however, he states that if someone attempts to use a kick against you, while you're armed with a knife, pretty much all he would get for his trouble was to have his legs cut up.
Why the discrepancy, I have no idea. I'm just telling you what's in the film.
As for the actual quality of the DVD itself; The two pieces together are just a little over 25 minutes in length (just over 12 minutes each). The quality of the film is excellent for a wartime training film that is well over 60 yrs. old. as advertised, the Knife section is dubbed in Greek, and the Unarmed in German. Now the next point is something i need to tell you. When you start the DVD up, you will see a prompt to go to the "Subtitles" area. You are then given the option to put in the English subtitles or not. On my DVD, I was able to have the Subtitles work when I played it on my PC. However I was unable to get the Subtitles to work when I played the DVD on my DVD player. Now maybe it has to do with my particular player, either the make, model or age, however it is a glitch that I feel you should know about. so if you guys try to watch the DVD on your players and don't get the subtitles, try dropping it into your PC.
Overall though, as I stated up at the beginning of this mini-review, I still feel that this DVD was well worth the cost, and is most definitely a keeper in my collection.
Aside from the historical value, this DVD offers a visual insight into the actual execution of the techniques, as well as to the physical abilities of Fairbairn himself who was well into his 50's at the time. Whether you are a WW2 buff with an interest in the hand to hand combat practices of the American OSS, the British SOE or the US Marines Raiders or an practitioner of these methods for self defense, this Video is worth having.
Now on to my actual review.
To put it succinctly, this DVD was most definitely worth the money. If you already practice Combatives for self defense, there is nothing earth shattering on it that you probably haven’t seen before in books such as Get Tough. But to actually watch Fairbairn doing this stuff on a film that wasn't falling apart due to age was a real treat.
To cover the Unarmed section first; This section was distilled by Fairbairn down to 4 basic moves. The Tiger Claw, the Chin Jab, the Edge Of Hand, and the low kick. No fluff, no bullshit. And he also brought up something that my Combatives Instructor Carl Cestari always talked about. The need for speed, deception and violence of action. Fairbairn says flat out in the film that if you wait for the boxer, or the judo expert to make the first move, unless you're better than them at their own game, "you're sunk".
No ifs, ands, or buts!
One thing I’d like to mention is that Fairbairn himself says on the video is that most of his approach to kicking came from Chinese boxing. This debunks the claims of the Tenshin Ryu people.
The Fighting Knife section. Again, pretty much what has been shown before in the old manuals. However there were a couple of things that stood out, and one took me by surprise. While the thrust or lunge was covered as the endgame, or killing blow, he actually emphasized using slashes and cuts to the hands and face of your opponent to psych him out, or disable him so that you could get in the finishing blow. There were even a couple of pieces showing Fairbairn "shadow boxing:" with the FS dagger. Let me tell you, for a guy who was in his late 50s, the man could move.
One thing that did surprise me was Fairbairn shadow boxing with an FS dagger in reverse grip.
Also, in Yeatons book about the FS daggers, he quotes Fairbairn as saying that to go unarmed against a knife he "would use a lightning like kick" to disarm his opponent and then attack him. In this film however, he states that if someone attempts to use a kick against you, while you're armed with a knife, pretty much all he would get for his trouble was to have his legs cut up.
Why the discrepancy, I have no idea. I'm just telling you what's in the film.
As for the actual quality of the DVD itself; The two pieces together are just a little over 25 minutes in length (just over 12 minutes each). The quality of the film is excellent for a wartime training film that is well over 60 yrs. old. as advertised, the Knife section is dubbed in Greek, and the Unarmed in German. Now the next point is something i need to tell you. When you start the DVD up, you will see a prompt to go to the "Subtitles" area. You are then given the option to put in the English subtitles or not. On my DVD, I was able to have the Subtitles work when I played it on my PC. However I was unable to get the Subtitles to work when I played the DVD on my DVD player. Now maybe it has to do with my particular player, either the make, model or age, however it is a glitch that I feel you should know about. so if you guys try to watch the DVD on your players and don't get the subtitles, try dropping it into your PC.
Overall though, as I stated up at the beginning of this mini-review, I still feel that this DVD was well worth the cost, and is most definitely a keeper in my collection.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Do You Want To Know What A Two Legged Cheeseburger Is?
"If you look like food, you will be eaten"
The following article is From Claude Werner's 'Tactical Professor' Blog. It;s amazing how many people these days fit this description.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
The Definitive Motherload Of Combatives Videos by Carl Cestari
I have no idea who the guy 'Bill' is that wrote these reviews and detailed descriptions of Carl's Instructional Videos (some of which I never even knew about), but this is the single most complete listing I have ever seen. The breakdowns, descriptions and his opinions are quite comprehensive.
However I must make one note. In the leading paragraph he states that Carl was a former Army Ranger. That statement is not correct and is most likely a misunderstanding of the fact that Carl Cestari was leaving his job with his Law Enforcement Agency to enlist.
Other than that, gentlemen, prepare for a long reading session on your PC monitor.
http://calledtoalwaysbeready.blogspot.com/2018/08/defendu-by-carl-cestari-review.html
However I must make one note. In the leading paragraph he states that Carl was a former Army Ranger. That statement is not correct and is most likely a misunderstanding of the fact that Carl Cestari was leaving his job with his Law Enforcement Agency to enlist.
Other than that, gentlemen, prepare for a long reading session on your PC monitor.
http://calledtoalwaysbeready.blogspot.com/2018/08/defendu-by-carl-cestari-review.html
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Curses, Foiled Again! It's Tough Being The Iranian Government These Days
Not only are the sanctions against them really fucking up their Economy, but their attempt to get even with the British for seizing an Iranian Oil Tanker attempting to bring oil to Syria has not worked out as well as they had hoped.
While the British government may have become inept at many things, apparently the Royal Navy still knows how to do their job.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/iranian-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-boats-tried-failed-to-seize-british-oil-tanker-in-persian-gulf-senior-us-defense-official-says
While the British government may have become inept at many things, apparently the Royal Navy still knows how to do their job.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/iranian-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-boats-tried-failed-to-seize-british-oil-tanker-in-persian-gulf-senior-us-defense-official-says
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Functional Psychopaths And The Lines Of Work You Find Them In
Two interesting articles about Psychopathic behavior that doesn't involve Homicide, and how Functional Psychopaths (Talk about a counter-intuitive term) are drawn to, and excel in, particular fields of Employment.
As the Quote goes, " Always be respectful when you speak to someone. You never know who's a Psychopath"
https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-perks-of-being-a-psychopath/
https://www.inc.com/business-insider/where-what-psychopaths-work-do-for-a-living-kevin-dutton-wisdom-of-psychopaths.html
As the Quote goes, " Always be respectful when you speak to someone. You never know who's a Psychopath"
https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-perks-of-being-a-psychopath/
https://www.inc.com/business-insider/where-what-psychopaths-work-do-for-a-living-kevin-dutton-wisdom-of-psychopaths.html
Saturday, July 6, 2019
"Run, Hide, Fight" My Ass.
This is how Schools in Utah are handling the possibility of an Active Shooter situation. And they're not just giving permission for the teachers to carry guns, they're actually being trained by local Law Enforcement.
How well will they be trained, and will all of the teachers actually be able to deal with an Active Shooter if it happens? Time will tell if the situation should unfortunately develop in a Utah school. However at least Utah is not just discounting the arming and training of teachers. Even more telling is the fact that half of the 30 teachers referenced in this news article already had Utah CCW licenses and brought their own sidearms.
While having a CCW does not automatically confer gunfighting skills, already having one and submitting to pprofessional training shows a willingness to make an actual effort to do something other than be just another unarmed victim.
https://apnews.com/f5968f1050d1493db8ed781b91120384
How well will they be trained, and will all of the teachers actually be able to deal with an Active Shooter if it happens? Time will tell if the situation should unfortunately develop in a Utah school. However at least Utah is not just discounting the arming and training of teachers. Even more telling is the fact that half of the 30 teachers referenced in this news article already had Utah CCW licenses and brought their own sidearms.
While having a CCW does not automatically confer gunfighting skills, already having one and submitting to pprofessional training shows a willingness to make an actual effort to do something other than be just another unarmed victim.
https://apnews.com/f5968f1050d1493db8ed781b91120384
Friday, July 5, 2019
Now This Is REALLY Old School...
...Seriously!
Be sure to double-click on the image to get a really good look at these late 19th century beauties.
Be sure to double-click on the image to get a really good look at these late 19th century beauties.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019
Nothing Like Those Trustworthy Middle Eastern "Allies" Of Ours....
This is what we get when we sell arms to our "Friends".
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/american-missiles-found-in-libyan-rebel-compound/ar-AADAofz
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/american-missiles-found-in-libyan-rebel-compound/ar-AADAofz
Thursday, June 27, 2019
More On Kidnapping Methodolgy in Mexico
The link below will take you to post at Eds Manifesto Instagram page. It's a shocking look into the techniques used to control kidnap victims. If you haven't read much of Ed Calderon's writing on the extents of criminal abductions in Mexico, you should really look into it. Criminal activity in Mexico aside even from illegal border crossings, has already created some spillover into the U.S. and is most likely to increase in the coming years. As with anything else, it pays to be informed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxzxvpMlPOi/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxzxvpMlPOi/
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
And South Of The Border Down in Old Mexico
Crime continues apace.
It's been a while since I did a Blog Post about conditions down in Mexico, and the article that I'm linking to below that I just read motivated me to have at it once again. The primary topic is kidnapping down in Mexico and how the targets, and financial motivations behind it are not what you would think.
I was surprised at the factors that have caused a major rise in abductions since 2005. Considering that we (the USA) share a 2,200 mile long common border with Mexico and are currently dealing with immigrants entering the country illegally, drug smuggling, Cartel violence, as well as legal trade issues, I think discussing what's driving these problems is a good fit for the Blog.
In any event, read the article, it's pretty interesting.
https://www.vox.com/2018/5/11/17276638/mexico-kidnappings-crime-cartels-drug-trade
It's been a while since I did a Blog Post about conditions down in Mexico, and the article that I'm linking to below that I just read motivated me to have at it once again. The primary topic is kidnapping down in Mexico and how the targets, and financial motivations behind it are not what you would think.
I was surprised at the factors that have caused a major rise in abductions since 2005. Considering that we (the USA) share a 2,200 mile long common border with Mexico and are currently dealing with immigrants entering the country illegally, drug smuggling, Cartel violence, as well as legal trade issues, I think discussing what's driving these problems is a good fit for the Blog.
In any event, read the article, it's pretty interesting.
https://www.vox.com/2018/5/11/17276638/mexico-kidnappings-crime-cartels-drug-trade
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
How Well Do "Keyless" Car Ignitions Deter Car Thieves?
Not Very well at all.
The following article shows the wonder of modern day digital tech and it's applications for Grand Theft Auto.
As with the new "Smart Home" concept of "Smart Door Locks" "Smart A/C and Heating", "Smart Alarms", etc. modern technology, in the end, is not all it's cracked up to be.
https://www.offgridweb.com/transportation/keyless-car-theft-how-tech-savvy-criminals-steal-cars/
The following article shows the wonder of modern day digital tech and it's applications for Grand Theft Auto.
As with the new "Smart Home" concept of "Smart Door Locks" "Smart A/C and Heating", "Smart Alarms", etc. modern technology, in the end, is not all it's cracked up to be.
https://www.offgridweb.com/transportation/keyless-car-theft-how-tech-savvy-criminals-steal-cars/
Friday, June 21, 2019
Final Decision Pertaining to Gravity Knives in NYS & NYC
After NYS repealed the "Gravity Knife" Ban, the city was forced to abide by that decision, but they (the City) stated that they intended to maintain enforcement against Gravity Knives on MTA property. ie: Subway stations, trains and buses. Knife Rights.org wanted to continue the case to also have that regulation discontinued, but NYC filed a motion to have the case NOT heard by SCOTUS since the MTA regulation was not part of the original case. They (The City) also stated that the "wrist-flick" test that was previously being used by the NYPD was no longer to be used. What the new criteria would be appears to be that actual "gravity knives" such the old German Paratrooper knife and modern clones are the targets.
Since the "wrist-flick" test was at the core of the 'Gravity Knife" law, SCOTUS agreed with NYC, it declared the issue Moot, and will not hear the case.
For more clarification of the issue, go to this link;
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/knife-rights-denied-cert-by-scotus-nevertheless-huge-win-for-knife-rights/
Essentially, keep your one hand opening knife concealed, keep the blade under 4", and especially don't expose it on any MTA property and no arrest will take place.
The article link above gives more information and some more specific advice. I would have loved to see a SCOTUS decision, but I've been carrying my Spyderco again for the first time in years for the last 3 weeks, and I'm not complaining.
Since the "wrist-flick" test was at the core of the 'Gravity Knife" law, SCOTUS agreed with NYC, it declared the issue Moot, and will not hear the case.
For more clarification of the issue, go to this link;
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/knife-rights-denied-cert-by-scotus-nevertheless-huge-win-for-knife-rights/
Essentially, keep your one hand opening knife concealed, keep the blade under 4", and especially don't expose it on any MTA property and no arrest will take place.
The article link above gives more information and some more specific advice. I would have loved to see a SCOTUS decision, but I've been carrying my Spyderco again for the first time in years for the last 3 weeks, and I'm not complaining.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Hell, Even Piers Morgan Thinks Trump Is Going To Win
And he can't stand Trump.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7163567/PIERS-MORGAN-Trumps-going-win-easily-2020-unless-Democrat-ostriches-drag-heads-sand.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7163567/PIERS-MORGAN-Trumps-going-win-easily-2020-unless-Democrat-ostriches-drag-heads-sand.html
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Combatives And The Use Of Foul Tactics -Part 2 -Fish Hooking
Back in November of 2018 I started writing a series of Blog Posts on the subject of "Foul Tactics". However life got in the way and I was badly sidetracked. However assorted issues have now been resolved and it's time to get back to what I started. As the title of this Blog Post says, today I'll cover the subject of 'Fish Hooking'.
To begin with, for a brief description and applications I will takes some short quotes from the book 'Karate's Grappling Methods' by Iain Abernethy;
https://www.amazon.com/Karates-Grappling-Methods-Iain-Abernethy-ebook/dp/B00A79UCSY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=katare%27s+grappling+methods&qid=1560799216&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0
'Fish-Hooking'
“By placing a hooked finger inside your opponent's mouth and pulling, it
is possible to cause great pain and to control the opponent's head. The danger of
using the fish-hook is that it can leave the finger very vulnerable to being bitten.
One way to avoid this is to place the tip of your finger at the corner of the
opponent's mouth (Your left-hand to the left-hand side of their face such that you
are reaching behind their head). You should then pull backwards and slightly out
to produce a gap between the teeth and the cheek. Once the hooked finger is inside
the mouth, keep pulling to ensure sufficient tension in the cheek....”
“The fish-hook can be effective when properly applied but should only be used as
a last resort due to the high cost of failure.”
This is your most recognized use for Fish-hooking, going into the cheek of your attackers mouth. You can also use it by jamming one or two your fingers into the nostrils of your attacker. Again, this description is from Iain Abernethy.
The nose is a sensory organ and as such it is loaded with nerves.
Manipulating the nose can be very effective. The nose can be attacked in a
number of different ways...........The fingers can be inserted into the nostrils
and then hooked, pulled or pushed (depending on the opponent's position in
relation to yourself) to cause pain and to position the opponent's head for a
follow up Technique.
Now a lot of people who follow an MMA/BJJ based program of self defense will blow off this dirty fighting tactic as no more than an unproven gimmick. On the other hand there are people who follow a Combatives or a 'Reality Based Self Defense' (RBSD for short) program who will say that when caught in a bad situation will "just poke him in the eye" or "bite a chunk out of him" or "fish-hook him" in the belief that it will just end the fight right there.
And as usual, the truth lies somewhere in-between.
Finding videos of fights involving fish-hooking on Youtube is not easy. Biting, eye attacks, etc., are pretty numerous. Fortunately I was able to find several examples to present for this Blog Post.
This first video shows two teenagers going at it. Not a criminal assault but not exactly fooling around or some non-compliant stage theatrics either. You can hear people in the background at what I can only assume was supposed to be a friendly party being shocked by the one guy fish-hooking the other. In fact the guy doing it was being called out for it.
Now in this case we have an example of the fish-hook technique being unsuccessful. The guy who used it pretty much got his ass handed to him when, after finding himself pinned by his opponent, he attempted the technique. Initially he appeared to be getting somewhere but his opponent was either resistant to the pain (possibly drunk or maybe just a high threshold of pain tolerance) or else the the other teenager had never actually used the technique before or maybe wasn't committed enough to make it work. This goes to the argument from the skeptics of the technique that if you can't train it on a resisting opponent in class, you'll never be able to make it work when it counts.
The next video again shows a fight between a couple of teenagers who seem to be more serious about whatever it was that triggered the altercation.
Now in this case the technique was initiated by the teenager who already had the dominant position. Also, instead of the classic fish-hooking of the cheek, we have an example of inserting the fingers in the nostrils. in this particular case the success of the technique was pretty definitive and also looked extremely painful if the look on the losers face was any indication.
The second video also brings up an issue that was presented by Tony Cecchine on one of his Catch Wrestling videos. He emphasized that while using fish-hooking, as well as other dirty fighting techniques, to escape from a bad situation, it was always going to be harder than using them if you were already in the dominant position.
In this final video, which lasts all of 7 seconds, we have a clip two professional MMA fighters in a match where the one fighter fish-hooks the other in order to gain the advantage and get himself into a better position to defeat his opponent. In this case we have a classic case of fish-hooking where the cheek is caught and yanked to the side in order to rotate the head of the unfortunate fighter.
This video brings up the issue of MMA/BJJ proponents and the question that is always asked about their method of training. Simply put, if these techniques won't ever work, why are they banned from professional MMA events?
So now we come to the end of this Blog Post and, as with my previous Post on Biting we are left with a split decision on this technique as well. We have seen the technique use both successfully and unsuccessfully. It's validity as a Self Defense technique is not assured just because you use it, but neither is it negated. If you're going to use fish-hooking in a serious fight with a criminal predator, you had better try to be in a superior, or at least an equal, position with your attacker. You must use be quick and use surprise and violent intent, especially if your life is on the line.
To begin with, for a brief description and applications I will takes some short quotes from the book 'Karate's Grappling Methods' by Iain Abernethy;
https://www.amazon.com/Karates-Grappling-Methods-Iain-Abernethy-ebook/dp/B00A79UCSY/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=katare%27s+grappling+methods&qid=1560799216&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0
'Fish-Hooking'
“By placing a hooked finger inside your opponent's mouth and pulling, it
is possible to cause great pain and to control the opponent's head. The danger of
using the fish-hook is that it can leave the finger very vulnerable to being bitten.
One way to avoid this is to place the tip of your finger at the corner of the
opponent's mouth (Your left-hand to the left-hand side of their face such that you
are reaching behind their head). You should then pull backwards and slightly out
to produce a gap between the teeth and the cheek. Once the hooked finger is inside
the mouth, keep pulling to ensure sufficient tension in the cheek....”
“The fish-hook can be effective when properly applied but should only be used as
a last resort due to the high cost of failure.”
This is your most recognized use for Fish-hooking, going into the cheek of your attackers mouth. You can also use it by jamming one or two your fingers into the nostrils of your attacker. Again, this description is from Iain Abernethy.
The nose is a sensory organ and as such it is loaded with nerves.
Manipulating the nose can be very effective. The nose can be attacked in a
number of different ways...........The fingers can be inserted into the nostrils
and then hooked, pulled or pushed (depending on the opponent's position in
relation to yourself) to cause pain and to position the opponent's head for a
follow up Technique.
Now a lot of people who follow an MMA/BJJ based program of self defense will blow off this dirty fighting tactic as no more than an unproven gimmick. On the other hand there are people who follow a Combatives or a 'Reality Based Self Defense' (RBSD for short) program who will say that when caught in a bad situation will "just poke him in the eye" or "bite a chunk out of him" or "fish-hook him" in the belief that it will just end the fight right there.
And as usual, the truth lies somewhere in-between.
Finding videos of fights involving fish-hooking on Youtube is not easy. Biting, eye attacks, etc., are pretty numerous. Fortunately I was able to find several examples to present for this Blog Post.
This first video shows two teenagers going at it. Not a criminal assault but not exactly fooling around or some non-compliant stage theatrics either. You can hear people in the background at what I can only assume was supposed to be a friendly party being shocked by the one guy fish-hooking the other. In fact the guy doing it was being called out for it.
Now in this case we have an example of the fish-hook technique being unsuccessful. The guy who used it pretty much got his ass handed to him when, after finding himself pinned by his opponent, he attempted the technique. Initially he appeared to be getting somewhere but his opponent was either resistant to the pain (possibly drunk or maybe just a high threshold of pain tolerance) or else the the other teenager had never actually used the technique before or maybe wasn't committed enough to make it work. This goes to the argument from the skeptics of the technique that if you can't train it on a resisting opponent in class, you'll never be able to make it work when it counts.
The next video again shows a fight between a couple of teenagers who seem to be more serious about whatever it was that triggered the altercation.
Now in this case the technique was initiated by the teenager who already had the dominant position. Also, instead of the classic fish-hooking of the cheek, we have an example of inserting the fingers in the nostrils. in this particular case the success of the technique was pretty definitive and also looked extremely painful if the look on the losers face was any indication.
The second video also brings up an issue that was presented by Tony Cecchine on one of his Catch Wrestling videos. He emphasized that while using fish-hooking, as well as other dirty fighting techniques, to escape from a bad situation, it was always going to be harder than using them if you were already in the dominant position.
In this final video, which lasts all of 7 seconds, we have a clip two professional MMA fighters in a match where the one fighter fish-hooks the other in order to gain the advantage and get himself into a better position to defeat his opponent. In this case we have a classic case of fish-hooking where the cheek is caught and yanked to the side in order to rotate the head of the unfortunate fighter.
This video brings up the issue of MMA/BJJ proponents and the question that is always asked about their method of training. Simply put, if these techniques won't ever work, why are they banned from professional MMA events?
So now we come to the end of this Blog Post and, as with my previous Post on Biting we are left with a split decision on this technique as well. We have seen the technique use both successfully and unsuccessfully. It's validity as a Self Defense technique is not assured just because you use it, but neither is it negated. If you're going to use fish-hooking in a serious fight with a criminal predator, you had better try to be in a superior, or at least an equal, position with your attacker. You must use be quick and use surprise and violent intent, especially if your life is on the line.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019
Oh Yeah, The Future Is Going To Be Just Fucking Wonderful....
Nothing like High Tech Bullshit to make our lives a fucking nightmare.
Welcome to the world of Deepfake Software.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-06-13/watch-scientists-create-deepfake-software-allowing-anyone-edit-anything-anyone-says
Welcome to the world of Deepfake Software.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-06-13/watch-scientists-create-deepfake-software-allowing-anyone-edit-anything-anyone-says
Monday, June 10, 2019
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Bill DeBlasio And The NYPD Still Don't Get The Hint About The Gravity Knife Law Repeal
Despite even Andrew "The Governator" Cuomo finally getting the hint and repealing the 60 year old "Gravity Knife Ban" on May 31 st, Bill DeBlasio has instructed the NYPD to continue enforcing it for people caught with pocket knives on the Subways and buses. They intend to use an obscure MTA regulation that has the same unconstitutional Gravity Knife regulation that was just repealed.
The fact that the case was headed to SCOTUS has not deterred DeBlasio and yhe Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. from trying to lock up people (primarli minorities I might add) for carrying common folding knives.
I can't wait for this loser BeBlasio to finish up his second term as Mayor and then disappear into the political obscurity that he so richly deserves. His pathetic run at the Democratic Nomination for the U.S. Presidency in 2020 is his last gasp at political relevance.
Even Democrats will heave a sigh of relief when this self-absorbed, narcissistic idiot is gone.
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/nyc-mayor-de-blasios-nypd-promises-continued-gravity-knife-enforcement-on-subways/
The fact that the case was headed to SCOTUS has not deterred DeBlasio and yhe Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. from trying to lock up people (primarli minorities I might add) for carrying common folding knives.
I can't wait for this loser BeBlasio to finish up his second term as Mayor and then disappear into the political obscurity that he so richly deserves. His pathetic run at the Democratic Nomination for the U.S. Presidency in 2020 is his last gasp at political relevance.
Even Democrats will heave a sigh of relief when this self-absorbed, narcissistic idiot is gone.
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/nyc-mayor-de-blasios-nypd-promises-continued-gravity-knife-enforcement-on-subways/
Sunday, June 2, 2019
And Just To Add Insuilt To Injury, The NSA Is Victim Blaming For Their Mistake
So now it's Baltimore's fault for having their computer systems hacked and and paying to escape from a Ransomeware program that was enabled by the NSA's security lapse.
https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2019/05/nsa-deflects-blame-baltimore-ransomware-attack/157376/
https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2019/05/nsa-deflects-blame-baltimore-ransomware-attack/157376/
Saturday, June 1, 2019
I Wonder Why This NSA Debacle Never Made It Into The Mainstream News IN 2017?
I guess it's because all those professional Intelligence Bosses know what's best for the rest of us common Citizens......
Bunch of self-serving incompetents.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/25/us/nsa-hacking-tool-baltimore.html
Bunch of self-serving incompetents.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/25/us/nsa-hacking-tool-baltimore.html
Friday, May 31, 2019
Cuomo Finally Throws In The Towel and Repeals "Absurd" Gravity Knife Law
After 7 years of legal wrangling, a decision by Federal Court Judge Paul Crotty, the threat of Going before SCOTUS, and the tireless work of Kniferights.org, I can now start carrying my one hand opening pocket knives again. Not to mention that blue collar workers in manual trades don't have to worry about being arrested for carrying what is essentially a common, everyday work tool.
http://gothamist.com/2019/05/31/gravity_knife_ban_ends.php
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/a-knife-rights-victory-freedom-finally-wins-in-new-york/
Oh yeah, and Manhattan D.A. Cy Vance Jr. can go take a long walk on a short pier........
http://gothamist.com/2019/05/31/gravity_knife_ban_ends.php
https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/a-knife-rights-victory-freedom-finally-wins-in-new-york/
Oh yeah, and Manhattan D.A. Cy Vance Jr. can go take a long walk on a short pier........
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
LEARN COMMANDO KNIFE FIGHTING - NOW - FOR ONLY $657.00
Suuuure, whatever you say Chris.
This is a follow-up example of what was talked about in the Blog Post by Steve Forrester here:
http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/05/self-defense-and-martial-arts.html
We've discussed Mr. Chris 'Comrhac Bas" Clugston here before. See:
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/search?q=clugston
I'll put the link in to his latest flaming mass of so-called Military Combative Knife fighting at the bottom of this post. Suffice to say that we have most of the key ingredients for Over-The-Top advertising. My first item is the fact that his course of instruction for WW2 Commando Knife fighting takes place over 3 days and encompasses 18 hours of training.
Pretty amazing since real WW2 Combative style Knife fighting didn't take that long to teach in WW2.
Then we have so many uses of the word "real" that I gave up counting.I especially like where he tells you that you must move from "Technique" thinking to "Tactical" thinking. Then a couple of paragraphs later he brags about teaching more techniques than any other instructor in the world!
WTF???
And you better hurry because the advance booking price is ONLY $457.00, but the "at the door" price is $657.00
You just can't make this shit up........
Seminar Info:
https://www.fluentfighting.com/?page_id=2398
BTW, if you're drinking a cup of coffee, or a soda or an adult beverage of some sort, I accept no responsibility for your keyboard or monitor screen becoming a soggy mess.
This is a follow-up example of what was talked about in the Blog Post by Steve Forrester here:
http://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/05/self-defense-and-martial-arts.html
We've discussed Mr. Chris 'Comrhac Bas" Clugston here before. See:
https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/search?q=clugston
I'll put the link in to his latest flaming mass of so-called Military Combative Knife fighting at the bottom of this post. Suffice to say that we have most of the key ingredients for Over-The-Top advertising. My first item is the fact that his course of instruction for WW2 Commando Knife fighting takes place over 3 days and encompasses 18 hours of training.
Pretty amazing since real WW2 Combative style Knife fighting didn't take that long to teach in WW2.
Then we have so many uses of the word "real" that I gave up counting.I especially like where he tells you that you must move from "Technique" thinking to "Tactical" thinking. Then a couple of paragraphs later he brags about teaching more techniques than any other instructor in the world!
WTF???
And you better hurry because the advance booking price is ONLY $457.00, but the "at the door" price is $657.00
You just can't make this shit up........
Seminar Info:
https://www.fluentfighting.com/?page_id=2398
BTW, if you're drinking a cup of coffee, or a soda or an adult beverage of some sort, I accept no responsibility for your keyboard or monitor screen becoming a soggy mess.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Two Interesting News Stories Coming Out Of The Colorado STEM School Shooting
First things first, my full respect to Kendrick Castillo, the 18 year old student who gave his life to help stop the shooter. Cut down far too young, this young man is the kind that this country needs more of in these dangerous times.
Now, as for the articles I mentioned in the header.
Number one, my hat's off to the kids who walked out when a bunch of self-serving politicians tried to turn a prayer vigil and memorial gathering for Mr. Castillo into a political sound-byte and photo-op to advance their political careers.
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/442863-colorado-students-leave-vigil-for-shooting-after-speakers
Number two, some schools are finally getting the message that Locking students down in rooms where they become fish in a barrel is not the best way to handle an active shooter situation. While 'Run, Hide, Fight' may not in itself be the best alternative, the talk now about motivating teachers and older students to fight back sooner rather than later is something that's long overdue.
https://www.mail.com/news/us/9160800-run-hide-fight-mindset-making-way-us-schools.html#.7518-stage-hero1-3
It's time that those students and teachers who are willing to fight back in these situations get their due instead of being relegated to second class status in order to continue pushing a gun control agenda that will do little or nothing to alleviate the problem.
Now, as for the articles I mentioned in the header.
Number one, my hat's off to the kids who walked out when a bunch of self-serving politicians tried to turn a prayer vigil and memorial gathering for Mr. Castillo into a political sound-byte and photo-op to advance their political careers.
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/442863-colorado-students-leave-vigil-for-shooting-after-speakers
Number two, some schools are finally getting the message that Locking students down in rooms where they become fish in a barrel is not the best way to handle an active shooter situation. While 'Run, Hide, Fight' may not in itself be the best alternative, the talk now about motivating teachers and older students to fight back sooner rather than later is something that's long overdue.
https://www.mail.com/news/us/9160800-run-hide-fight-mindset-making-way-us-schools.html#.7518-stage-hero1-3
It's time that those students and teachers who are willing to fight back in these situations get their due instead of being relegated to second class status in order to continue pushing a gun control agenda that will do little or nothing to alleviate the problem.
Friday, May 3, 2019
Trump Administration Comes through For American Gun Owners Again
President Trump has rejected the UN Small Arms Trade Treaty previously agreed to President Obama, but not yet ratified by the US Congress.
He continues to make good on his promise to support the 2nd Amendment rights of US Firearms owners
Needless to say this story didn't make it into the mainstream news outlets.
https://www.tactical-life.com/news/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty/
He continues to make good on his promise to support the 2nd Amendment rights of US Firearms owners
Needless to say this story didn't make it into the mainstream news outlets.
https://www.tactical-life.com/news/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty/
Knife Crime In The UK Has Now Become The Theater Of the Absurd
Knife Crime in the UK is up from last year, and the Metropolitan Police have almost 800 less officers than they had last year. Below I give you 3 news articles of an incident in one County of 'Not So Merry Olde England' that would be hysterical if it wasn't the ultimate example of how pathetic their law enforcement efforts at public safety have become.
You can't make this shit up.
https://www.hannity.com/media-room/anarchy-in-the-uk-british-criminals-now-stealing-knives-from-police-amnesty-bins/
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/29/hunt-gang-ransacked-knife-amnesty-bin-9058584/
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17537164.all-knives-stolen-from-avon-and-somerset-police-knife-amnesty-bin/?fbclid=IwAR3seaO8b6oK2Jgm_3d4KcW3OanrrvTM4vKsgvQ7XSh9_p9blodic1-oEN8
You can't make this shit up.
https://www.hannity.com/media-room/anarchy-in-the-uk-british-criminals-now-stealing-knives-from-police-amnesty-bins/
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/29/hunt-gang-ransacked-knife-amnesty-bin-9058584/
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17537164.all-knives-stolen-from-avon-and-somerset-police-knife-amnesty-bin/?fbclid=IwAR3seaO8b6oK2Jgm_3d4KcW3OanrrvTM4vKsgvQ7XSh9_p9blodic1-oEN8
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Self Defense and Martial Arts - Advertisements and The Instructors Who Promote Them
The following write-up from Steve Forester, who has written here on my Blog before. This time, an entertaining look at the wonderful world of Martial Arts/Self Defense marketing.
And remember, you can't make this shit up!
Typical Martial Arts Ads
by Steve Forester
I review almost everything out there on unarmed, martial arts, shooting, tactics, etc. As a result, I get on a LOT of mailing lists. After awhile, you start seeing patterns to these ads.
While I know most of you guys know this already, and are way too savvy to fall for the hype 8-) , I thought I'd make some comments for posterity. That and I get bored. My comments concern the bolded areas (my emphasis) in the ad at the bottom.
COMMENT #1: The initial hook to get your interest. "When you can't get your gun". Obviously directed to concealed carry people who worry about what to is if the gun isn't the answer.
COMMENT #2: The outrageous claim. "Easily defeat bigger, stronger, attackers using the "secret's contained in the program. Notice the repeated use of the work "secret". This is usually right after the initial hook.
COMMENT #3: Establishing creditability. The vague reference to "special forces", and teaching "government agencies". This usually means an individual from the agency listed took a lesson or two sometime in the past.
COMMENT #4: The "teasers". These come toward the middle of the ad. Their purpose is to peak your interest and make you think, "I need this". Examples: "How to "intercept" a punch or attack even before it is launched". "The one range you need to know in fighting...". "Learn about the "flow". Almost every ad of this type will contain these. Standard martial arts marketing technique.
COMMENT #5: Then, we get to the real hook": "it's free". Well, not really because there is a "shipping and handling charge". How much S&H is there for streaming video. The S&H covers all the cost so not really free. BTW, there will always be a, "limited number of these at this price, so act now".
COMMENT #6: The "Free Bonuses" always come at the end in case anyone is on the fence about buying and needs any additional encouragement. "Wow! Free Stuff". "This is a deal". "OK, then".
COMMENT #7. Now comes the real money maker (for them - not you). When you click to agree to this great "free" deal, you discover it will always take you to a page with a "special offer". It will say things like: "today only". "Once you close this window, you will never ever have this opportunity again". Often there is a count-down clock at the top to make you think you only have the time left on the counter to purchase.
The special offers (usually more than one) will all have two things in common. One, is they will offer more information on the subject that will be absolutely essential, must have, stuff. The second aspect is the product will always be full price. The entire initial "free deal" ad is, itself, only a hook to get you to the real product, which will be more like $39.95".
There will ALWAYS be at least one "special deal" offered when you agree to the "free deal". Expect it. Remember, nothing is free. People do not pay for advertising in order to give you free stuff so they can feel good about themselves. There will always be a catch.
The humorous thing about the special deals is the button to purchase will be huge and in color, while the decline button will need a microscope to read. It will also usually say something like, "I am passing on this great deal so I guess I must know it all, and I am too stupid to recognize a great product when I see it".
One last thing, if you like DVD's and are expecting to purchase a DVD, make sure it actually says that. Many ads will picture a DVD, but is actually an on-line video. Same with a "paper" manual. Read closely!
Now, here is the thing. Almost all ads for the things we are interested in here will fall into this category. Some might actually be good. Some not. It's up to the buyer to evaluate if this is information worth having, or is just an emotional reaction to the hype.
I recently purchased a product on home defense using this type of marketing that was actually pretty good. I was looking for information on designing a home defense plan and not just reacting to emotional hype. Also, I carefully evaluated the information offered to see if of benefit, which it was.
So, these type of ads are not always bad, but one should understand how they work, and only buy what you need, and not buy based on emotions.
Here is the ad I received today that is a good example of the typical ad. I think it pretty much falls into the "emotional hype" category, but hey, if looking for on-line JKD instruction, go for it! P-)
*************************************************************************************
WHEN YOU CAN’T GET TO YOUR GUN IN TIME – OR “LEGALLY” CAN’T - LEARN HOW TO BEAT EVERY BIGGER AND STRONGER ATTACKER IN ANY STREET FIGHT WITHIN SECONDS WITH THESE DEFENSE SECRETS!
Many don't know that besides his string of movies, Bruce Lee left behind a secret fighting art of Jeet Kune Do (JKD) which has impacted everything from today's MMA world to brutal techniques that today's special ops use.
And although I carry almost everyday, there could be those dangerous situations I can’t get to, lose or “legally” it isn’t the best to pull my gun. That is why you need this tactical defense system.
>>> CLICK HERE to get Bruce Lee’s JKD street fighting secrets program for FREE <<<
My name is Sifu (Name Removed), and I am one of only a handful of Fully Certified Senior Jeet Kune Do Instructors - in the world!
I have taught the US Army, Navy, Air Marshals and ATF among numerous other government agencies, Bruce Lee's secrets – and now you can have them too!
I have collected some of Bruce Lee's elite fighting secrets onto 3 DVDs covering:
* How to "intercept" a punch or attack even before it is launched
* The one range you need to know in fighting, in order to fight outside your size and skill class!
*Why street and MMA ground fighting is different, and how you can learn how to beat anyone on the ground
* The one weapon's secret which will put you decades ahead of weapon's masters
* How to defend yourself against TWO OR MORE attackers with a simple 3-step strategy
* Learn about the "flow", and why this discovery is the key to "BEING LIKE WATER" as Bruce used to say
Much, much more!
CLICK HERE to get Bruce Lee’s JKD street fighting secrets program for FREE
I will send you them for free, as long as you pick up the shipping and handling. If you do it now, I will throw in THREE other FREE bonuses.
Click below to find out more, read about the bonuses and order one of the 100 sets I have to give away:
CLICK HERE to get Bruce Lee’s JKD street fighting secrets program for FREE
Sincerely,
Sifu (Name Removed), M.A.
PS: The bonuses include another full hour DVD of the top 10 moves from Jeet Kune Do, a 160+ page manual I wrote and more! All for FREE! Do not miss this opportunity!
CLICK HERE to get Bruce Lee’s JKD street fighting secrets program for FREE
Monday, April 22, 2019
China At It Again - Research Data Espionage
Of course China's technological advancement has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade or more. They make their advances the old fashioned way. They steal it, and/or reverse engineer it.
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/04/20/texas-cancer-center-ousts-3-chinese-scientists-concerns-data-theft/
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/04/20/texas-cancer-center-ousts-3-chinese-scientists-concerns-data-theft/
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Second Ammendment Sanctuary Counties are Expanding?
Well, this going to get real interesting, real fast.....
And in Illinois of all places.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-second-amendment-sanctuary-county-movement-illinois-20190416-story.html
And in Illinois of all places.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-second-amendment-sanctuary-county-movement-illinois-20190416-story.html
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
The USN Reminds The World That The South China Sea Is Nobodies Private Swimming Pool
Hats off to the USN and the USS Wasp!
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/09/asia-pacific/u-s-sails-massive-f-35-laden-warship-past-south-china-sea-reef-claimed-beijing-manila/#.XKzXJdh7mid
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/09/asia-pacific/u-s-sails-massive-f-35-laden-warship-past-south-china-sea-reef-claimed-beijing-manila/#.XKzXJdh7mid
Sunday, April 7, 2019
And So It Begins....
The U.K. has decided the internet needs to be reined in.
Here we go......
https://www.cnet.com/news/uk-to-keep-social-networks-in-check-with-internet-safety-regulator/
Here we go......
https://www.cnet.com/news/uk-to-keep-social-networks-in-check-with-internet-safety-regulator/
Saturday, April 6, 2019
The End Of An Era
Call it 'Location X', call it 'The Undisclosed Location In New Jersey", whatever you want. To those of us who worked out there, sweated there, left there banged up with bruises, cuts, sprains and strains, it was 'The Dungeon"
No Medieval torture racks, just a Basement in a building that had a foundation made of some extremely large granite stones rather than poured concrete that looked like the inside of an old castle.
Thin rubber matting on the floor that just barely took some of the impact out of your being thrown or tripped to the floor, a couple of BOB training Dummies, a few heavy bags and the Makiwara Wall. That particular device to include the padded man-shaped makiwara with the spring loaded head that worked like a Rockum-Sockum robot.
Originally used by Carl Cestari in the 80's/90's, and then brought back into use in the early 2000's by Ralph G. and Clint S., dozens of students trained in multiple aspects of self-defense and Combatives.
However as of this week, 'The Dungeon' is no more. The equipment is gone, and the space empty.
But to people like myself, Patrick, Frank, Robbie, Dick, Chuck, Jack, Mike, John, Jim, Art, Lester, Hal, and a list of others too long to put down here, the memories of the training, the joking, the camaraderie, and skills acquired will remain with everyone who ever trained there.
Good Times!
Friday, April 5, 2019
Follow-Up To The 9TH Circuit Court Decision Overturning The Prop. 63 Magazine Ban
Previous Post; https://wwwblackthorn.blogspot.com/2019/04/holy-shit-9th-circuit-court-finally.html
The California State AG could act to file an En Banc request for an appeal to be heard by the full court as opposed to the 3 judge panel that heard the case. It is likely however, after that, there would ve a chance of the case going to SCOTUS. I think the next few years are going to be quite interesting in terms of gun related cases going to SCOTUS.
Both sides have always been leery of taking these cases to the top of the Judicial food chain. You can never be sure which way things are going to go. The issue here, if you read the article I linked to in my post of 4-1-2019 fully, is that the new law passed now requires owners of magazines that hold over 10 rounds (that were previously grandfathered in under the old law) to be turned in, sold out of state, or modified to only accept 10 rounds. So the decision was narrowly tailored.
The California AG may decide to let it stand in order to avoid the possibility of a SCOTUS decision that could nullify the existing California Magazine capacity ban. Such a decision would almost certainly have a ripple effect on such laws/bans in other states.
Like I said, this could become really interesting. As I've talked about on other online sits before, the non-stop carefully chosen pro-gun law suits that have happened since the Heller decision in 2008 have been succeeding in doing what the anti-gun groups did over a period of decades previously. Building a foundation for all of the more current cases and successes in the courts. Pro-Gun advocates would all like to see the one big win, but in reality it's the series of smaller victories that always lay the foundation for bigger wins going into the future.
A lot of people, even in pro-gun circles, have for years pissed and moaned about Wayne LaPierre and the way he did things, but it was his strategy of carefully picking cases that had the best chance of succeeding in court that laid the trail of court precedents in gun cases that led to the changes we're seeing today. Nothing gets done overnight, you're either in it for the long haul, or you're just wasting your time.
AS with another case that the SCOTUS has agreed to hear, that being the the matter of the City of New York's law forbidding licensed handgun owners from taking their hand guns out of the city for hunting, target competitions, etc. The case will be heard later in 2019 and the decision rendered in 2020.
The following passages are selected quotes from the New York Times (copyright to the New York Times Corporation) article "Supreme Court Will Review New York City Gun Law" by Adam Liptak dated Jan 22, 2019;
Go to the link below for the entire article;
LINK https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/22/us/politics/supreme-court-guns-nyc-license.html
“This is just the first case but not likely the last case where at least four justices open the way to a major ruling that could limit gun safety laws,” said Michael Waldman, the author of “The Second Amendment: A Biography,”
Mr. Waldman said he was surprised the Supreme Court agreed to hear such a minor Second Amendment case when it has ducked some major ones.
“It’s a city ordinance, not a state law,” Mr. Waldman said. “This particular rule is unusual. It may be the only one of its kind in the country. The justices,” he said, “may see this as a way to start addressing gun rights outside the home in a quirky and incremental manner.”
Tuesday’s (Jan 2019) decision to hear the case sent a message about a new era in the court led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.
“The Second Amendment is alive and well in the Roberts court,” Mr. Adam Winkler (Author)said.
The California State AG could act to file an En Banc request for an appeal to be heard by the full court as opposed to the 3 judge panel that heard the case. It is likely however, after that, there would ve a chance of the case going to SCOTUS. I think the next few years are going to be quite interesting in terms of gun related cases going to SCOTUS.
Both sides have always been leery of taking these cases to the top of the Judicial food chain. You can never be sure which way things are going to go. The issue here, if you read the article I linked to in my post of 4-1-2019 fully, is that the new law passed now requires owners of magazines that hold over 10 rounds (that were previously grandfathered in under the old law) to be turned in, sold out of state, or modified to only accept 10 rounds. So the decision was narrowly tailored.
The California AG may decide to let it stand in order to avoid the possibility of a SCOTUS decision that could nullify the existing California Magazine capacity ban. Such a decision would almost certainly have a ripple effect on such laws/bans in other states.
Like I said, this could become really interesting. As I've talked about on other online sits before, the non-stop carefully chosen pro-gun law suits that have happened since the Heller decision in 2008 have been succeeding in doing what the anti-gun groups did over a period of decades previously. Building a foundation for all of the more current cases and successes in the courts. Pro-Gun advocates would all like to see the one big win, but in reality it's the series of smaller victories that always lay the foundation for bigger wins going into the future.
A lot of people, even in pro-gun circles, have for years pissed and moaned about Wayne LaPierre and the way he did things, but it was his strategy of carefully picking cases that had the best chance of succeeding in court that laid the trail of court precedents in gun cases that led to the changes we're seeing today. Nothing gets done overnight, you're either in it for the long haul, or you're just wasting your time.
AS with another case that the SCOTUS has agreed to hear, that being the the matter of the City of New York's law forbidding licensed handgun owners from taking their hand guns out of the city for hunting, target competitions, etc. The case will be heard later in 2019 and the decision rendered in 2020.
The following passages are selected quotes from the New York Times (copyright to the New York Times Corporation) article "Supreme Court Will Review New York City Gun Law" by Adam Liptak dated Jan 22, 2019;
Go to the link below for the entire article;
LINK https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/22/us/politics/supreme-court-guns-nyc-license.html
“This is just the first case but not likely the last case where at least four justices open the way to a major ruling that could limit gun safety laws,” said Michael Waldman, the author of “The Second Amendment: A Biography,”
Mr. Waldman said he was surprised the Supreme Court agreed to hear such a minor Second Amendment case when it has ducked some major ones.
“It’s a city ordinance, not a state law,” Mr. Waldman said. “This particular rule is unusual. It may be the only one of its kind in the country. The justices,” he said, “may see this as a way to start addressing gun rights outside the home in a quirky and incremental manner.”
Tuesday’s (Jan 2019) decision to hear the case sent a message about a new era in the court led by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.
“The Second Amendment is alive and well in the Roberts court,” Mr. Adam Winkler (Author)said.
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