March, 2003... and France SUCKS! 

March 30th, Sunday:  I'm on the road, so I wont be responding to emails for awhile.  I am seeing a trend to flame Donald Rumsfield for not committing enough ground forces.  Well, Maybe that is true.  We were all expecting Iraq to roll over shortly after we pulled the trigger.  This didn't happen.  But I think it will shortly.  As soon as Saddam is confirmed dead, and his #2 man is taken out... then the regime will crumble.  It already is.   Just watch.  Once that comes out, then it will be a matter of standing back and watching all of Iraq rise up against the machine of the dictator.

March 29th, Saturday:  I want to apologize for some comments I made the other day.  I came down pretty hard on the Muslims as a whole for the actions of a relative few.  These violent extremists do not represent the whole of Islam.  Most Muslims are indeed peaceful people just like the rest of us... And I really cant throw down smack on the whole belief system because they have a few nut cases.  Look at my faith... I'm LDS.  We don't have the clearest of records.  We have a couple skeletons in our closet.   We have #1, the Polygamy thing... Back when the church was young and the mobs were killing people just for being Mormon.  It ended back then too.  But still, we carry stigma today.  Doesn't matter that we stopped that back in the 1800's.  And it doesn't help that every so often some lunatic pops up that’s shagging a houseful of ladies and claims he's Mormon. *sigh*  We also have that printing press thing where some Mormon Boys took justice into there own hands.  This printshop was cranking out some Anti-Mormon drivel and when asked to please stop, they just turned it up a couple notches.  So these Mormon guys broke in one night and smashed the press.  Oooh- that was soooo bad!  Gimmie a break, the damn Governor of Illinois issued an extermination order on us making it legal to shoot a Mormon on site!  It was a pretty rotten time to be Mormon... Anyways... So there are our skeletons.  We have had our share of extremely nutty folks who do Not represent Mormons... They are just wackos.  So what I'm saying is that I'm sorry for busting your Islamic Chops over the actions of your splintered off extremist wackos.    So you can take off your TNT lined vest now.   Thanks.

There are a lot of good things to come out of the Islamic region of the world...  Like belly dancing...  I mean hell man, if it wasn't for the middle east then Shakira would only be moshing or something.  That and the whole book series of "Dune" would make absolutely no sense at all. Speaking of Dune...  (Hell, that was a long way to go to get to this point!)  The other day I watched Sci-Fi Channel's movie "Children of Dune".  This is the sequel to the original "Dune".  I'm not so sure they should have done it... It was interesting and all that.... But overall a pretty big effort to tell in essence what was a pretty small story.  I liked Dune.  The original movie... And I liked the remake too... But taking it so far as to make part 2? That was too much.  The story isn't that good.  At least the chicks were hot.  It's several long hours... When I say several, I mean like 8.  Not worth it.  Not by a long shot.  But after watching so much of it I had to finish it.... Had to see how it ended.  Let me tell you... By the time it was over - I was ready to put on my own TNT lined vest!

A case of a drive by slashing.  This cat was jogging along and a car passed by.  Punk in car flipped him off.  So jogger returned the gesture.  Punk then gets out of the car and slashes jogger, gets back into car and drives off.   This is an interesting situation... and from a Self Defense perspective it is one of the only times I will consider the use of a fanny pack to be allowable.  I'd wear a fanny pack that allowed for a fast draw of a weapon from a hidden pocket.  These are not bad as they hold the weapon close to you and they do not bounce around in the pouch.  The weapon of choice would of course be a compact or sub-compact handgun of a potent caliber... like a Taurus Model 650 CIA, a nice little .357 Magnum snubby.  Loaded with full house Magnum loads with Speer Gold Dot bullets on top... awesome.   So, for you joggers out there... consider the following.  Umbra shorts, your favorite T shirt, a pair of New Balance 870 running shoes, Bianchi Top Secret fanny pack & a Taurus 650 CIA.  

March 28th, Friday:  Special thanks to Jiggawatt for the new banner logos.  They look awesome.  I have a new main banner for use right now, and a couple others for the Weapons and Politics sections.   Check them out.  Jiggawatt, these are very cool.  Thank you.  If you like his work, please, drop him a line and let him know.

We are seeing more and more evidence that not only does Iraq have WOMD, but is getting ready to use them.  Here is the thing, France has said that if Iraq uses them... France will commit to engaging Iraq.  We shall see.  I doesn't look like that will, but they did say that.  France says a lot of shit, so we shall wait and see.  If Iraq pulls the trigger on a chemical weapon, and France doesn't INSTANTLY send in troops - I don't care if it's just a platoon of Froggy-Airborne - then France should be removed from the Security Council.  And while we are doing that... Russia needs to be removed too.  What the fuck are they doing selling military equipment to Iraq for?  We are busy fighting Iraq and Russia is like "Hey, Iraq... Check this shit out... We got some GPS jammers over here.  Want some?"  And now Syria is like "Hey check out Russia!  Making some bank on this deal!   We want in.  Hey, Iraq, you guys need any night vision?"  What is next?  Fucking Germany dropping off a zeppelin full of fucking panzers?   Gimmie a break!  At least one thing is very clear... As a nation, we no know who are real friends are.     I hope Iraq fires off so much as a Tear Gas shell.   Hey France!  A Chemical Weapon!  There you go!  You going to roll or what? You bunch of Crescent Roll and Grape Juice swilling Bastards!  As soon as this war is ended - I am going to send letters to every politico in the book requesting that ALL US servicemen buried in France be returned to the US.  Create one huge memorial and lay them all to rest there.  Right in the heart of America.   Then carve, "Welcome Home, Boys!" over the entrance.  And in fine print: "No French Allowed."   Screw France.  Screw Germany.  Screw Russia.  You guys suck to a shockingly high degree.

I am curious that the media keeps attributing Iraqi actions to Saddam.  "Today Saddam had troops..."  "Saddam did..."  Could anyone out there please give me any indication that Saddam is still breathing... please?  We have no evidence that the man is still alive.  What we do have though is a lot of evidence that he isn't in control of anything.   I am wondering if there is ANYONE in control of Iraqi forces on a strategic level.  I bet it's just down to a few Generals out there commanding what is under their direct chain of command and everything else is a free for all.  Hence the airing of torture of prisoners of war and the execution of prisoners.   Saddam is burning in some special pit in hell right now...   Hopefully his two sons are with him.  

Overall I think the war effort is going extremely well.  We have had a few setback in my opinion, but looking at everything on a big picture basis - it couldn't be better.  I was surprised to hear that we have lost a couple of our M1 Abrams tanks.  Have we lot any to enemy fire before?  I know in the Gulf we had to abandon a few, and we scuttled them to make sure they don't fall into the hands of the enemy... but we destroyed them ourselves.  Hmmm.  That's interesting.  That may be a first, isn't it?   Not cool.  I hope not.  We have also lost a few Apaches... Not surprising.  Those boys drive those attack copters low and fast and right up the enemy's ass.   They go hunting where nothing else can.  What an incredible machine!  A big salute to the men who fly those beasts - Titanium Balls.  Hell, I can't just point out a few people doing a good job - they all are.  No one is slacking.  Hell, even the reporters out there are battling in there own way.  Especially that cat from Fox news... Every time they cut to him, he is either in a storm, hauling ass across the desert, or un the middle of a gunfight.  This dude is awesome... Every time he comes on I have to stop and listen.  Incredible Reporting.  Same goes to Geraldo.  Good Job, G.  Solid guy.  Then we have Oliver North... This cat has been there and done that... and now he is being there and doing that again with a microphone.  I bet he is tempted to grab a rifle and go to work every time someone pulls a trigger.  He rocks.   Fox News is the best.   

I was reading in the latest issue of SWAT Magazine, the pretty good article about the SA80A2 rifle.  The article leaves out a couple details… #1, the rifle is extraordinarily accurate. #2, the main thrust of the latest upgrade/fix was to open up the gas system to allow a lot more gas to bleed off to power the action and to fix/repair that gas system to eliminate a lot of gas leaks that were plaguing the whole system.   In essence, the article is right… these are not just fixed guns, but whole new guns.  And just like the M-16/AR-15 type rifles, they are super accurate and reliable – IF:  If you keep it super clean.  If you keep it lubed “properly”.  If you treat the rifle like it was as delicate as a new Dell Laptop.   If you don’t do anything to get it actually physically dirty.  If If If If… But other that that, it’s a super accurate and reliable rifle!   That’s just great.   That’s what the Royal Marines need.   I’m looking at the whole situation Brittan is in with these rifles… and I can’t point any fingers.  The US is doing the same thing.  We are just doing it on a more expensive scale.  Let’s call this “Good Money After Bad Syndrome”.  The belief is that if you just spend a few more bucks on it, it will all work out and everything will be great you will be proved right… if only we could spend just a few more bucks on it.  This is pretty much the same thing that happens every day in Vegas where people fly in First Class, or drive in to Vegas in a nice big car… and leave riding a bus.  You see these people at the tables… and after awhile they are at the slots… and then they are fading into the dust.  Well, we have these same guys doing this shit with our tax dollars.  But the problem is that when they keep losing money – it isn’t just money – it’s also Lives.  US Marines are being KILLED due to the V-22 Program.  British troops are dying because of of weapon failures on the battle field.  Here is the deal – even if all the money wasted pays off, and the blood sacrifices on the alter of political spending finally appeases the gods on Mt. Olympus and the SA80 and the V-22 are FINALLY “Good to Go” -  it’s already too late.   There is a little problem called “No Confidence” in these systems.  It’s like a Pit Bull that keeps biting people.  You can get it trained… it bites… you train it again and again… finally this dog is the Perfect Pet.  Gentile and Loving.  But everyone has been bitten so many times… they are not going to try to pet it.  It’s too late.  You know that story, it’s called “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”.    It doesn’t matter how good it is anymore – everyone is done with it.  The best thing we can do is to cut the losses and get something new and something that is known to work well.   For the US, the V-22 worthless.  Cut the funding, kill the whole project, sell the remaining birds to air museums.  Take the remaining budget and buy more Pave Low units.  For the Brits, forget the SA80’s.  Take all the remaining rifles, and sell them to citizens as target rifles.  I’ll buy one or 2 myself.  With the remaining money in that program’s budget, and with the funds from the sales – buy HK G36 rifles, or Israeli TAVOR rifles for everyone.  Doing so will boost confidence the leadership’s intelligence, moral for those that would be future martyrs for the cause, and it will eventually save a lot of money.   Stop this madness.  It's not that I don't like the V-22 or the SA80A2.  No.. I think they are cool as hell... They just dont work.  They don't work and are getting people killed for it.  (BTW, in RAVEN SHIELD, the L85 rifle is the BEST... L85 is the issued name for the SA-80) And while we are at it, can we finally scrap the M-16?  The G36 rifle would be so much better... Instead of making an M-16A5, let's just move ahead... Okay?  The FN 2000 would be sweetness as well.  Anyways... Just a thought.  Thanks for your time.

March 27th, Thursday:  Can someone please tell me what makes the Republican Guard "Elite"?  Earlier today the "Elite Republican Guard" and US Forces of the 3rd went toe to toe and we handed it to them.  BRAVO 3RD!  When you talk to US Military people and drop the word "Elite" your talking about Rangers, Delta, Green Berets, British SAS, German GSG9, US Navy SEALS, US Air Force Paras... these guys are "Elite".  These guys are the Cat's Meow when it comes to the Military Aptitude, Attitude and Asskickability.  See, check that out, they are so badass, I had to make up a new word.  Hold on a sec, gunna put that into my spell check dictionary... hold on... right click, add to dictionary... there we go.  Asskickability.  Use it.  That's what elite is all about.  The Republican Guard are nothing of that sort.  They don't even rank up there with the poor starving out gunned citizens of Stalingrad.  Those guys were fighters to the core and they only had a couple guns.  They would kick the Republican Guards nuts all day long.  The Republican Guard... these guys are hilarious.  These clowns are just driving around like a bunch of fucking Keystone Cops thinking they are the shiznit... Well, they did until today.   "Hey wait a sec.  What's this, you dropped?  Here you go... Yes, it's your ass.  Your Welcome, no problem, anytime.  Later."   Sorry Saddam, but you don't have anything elite.  I'd like to petition all the reporters out there to not put the words "Republican", "Guard", "Iraq", or "Elite" together in the same sentence unless you construct the sentence with  nouns such as "US SPECIAL FORCES", "RANGERS", "AIRBORNE", and "US INFANTRY".  Hell, let's throw some over to England to... you can use "Elite" with words like "Royal Marines" too, as long as or especially if, you also use the word "Asskickability".   Shizznit, I went off on a tangent.  Where was I?  Oh yeah... Iraq.  If you call "Elite" rolling around your crumbling, bombed out, about to be condemned, busted up and about to be evicted from City... with all your armor and your guns... killing anyone who is unarmed and helpless who says maybe it's not a good idea to support Saddam... then sure... yeah... the Republican Guard  is "Elite".  Fucking Republican Guard.   

Email from Reader:  “I went to Bullseyes yesterday and found a Springfield Service Model Lightweight Matte (PX9103L) for $585. Which one would you think is better? (REFERRING TO A KIMBER WE HAD DISCUSSED EARLIER) The $200 difference is nice, but that's not my main concern. Which one would be the better pistol in your opinion? They both fit me great, as 99.9% of 1911's do, even if the grips are a bit skimpish (no big deal, cheap to get beefier ones).  Do you think I should get the Kimber or the Springfield? They're both similar in features (night sights, beveled magazine well, no front strap checkering on the Springfield though), and appearance (matte black).  The main thing that gets me about the Springfield is the 5-6lb trigger. It's not "horrible" but it's bad. How much would it cost to tweak that to 3.5/4lb?  Thanks, Robert.”  I’m a fan of Springfield.  They have one of the best warranty services… Springfield and Taurus are the tops.  Take the $200 bucks you saved and take that to a good gunsmith and have him do a trigger/action job & polish the rails on the Springfield.  Then you would have one FANTASTIC handgun.  It’s truly amazing what a skilled gunsmith can do.  Good ones – the artisans of the gunsmithing world can turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse.  Not enough shooters give them a shot. You’ll be spending about the same amount of money all together (Actually you might even have enough left over for a few boxes of ammo) and you will have a gun that feels like total custom job… instead of just looking like one.

I've been playing some Raven Shield.  This game is incredible.  The lighting effects are amazing and the sound effects are like nothing else.  I remember when I played Half Life and was amazed at the sound effects.  Well, I have the same feeling here.  The sound engineers did a great job.  The Direct X 9 graphics are so gorgeous.  One thing that most games don't do well... ladders.  Just a simple thing like a ladder.  I can't describe it, but these guys did ladders right.  You have to see it to understand what I am talking about.  If you have just picked up the game, you gotta try this - turn the volume up and play around with the game so you get the feel for it.   Then pop a flash-bang grenade in the same room that your in.  Don't worry, it wont kill you.  After you throw the grenade, try to navigate the room.   Coolest Effect Ever.  What is also cool is the Tear Gas effect.   This gave me chills as I was instantly reminded of a certain phase of Basic Training that I never want to do again.  After you play for awhile, you will find that a suppressed .223 rifle isn't as potent as a suppressed 9MM SMG.  One thing that is bugging... the pistol selection.  No Hi Power, no 1911, no Glock... but you do get 2 Desert Eagles.  Yippie.  Who are these guys that are selecting the weapons to put in the game?  I need to have a word with them.  I can't wait for the weapon mods to roll out... There are some guns I would like to see in this game.  Here is a short list:  Ruger GP100, DSA Shorty FAL, HK G3A4K, Anything in .300 Whisper, CZ-75, AR-18, M-203, Hi-Power, and a 1911.  That's just to start.  I have a lot of others that I'd like to put in too.  I helped a group of geeks with a weapons mod for UT... and I wouldn't mind helping out anyone wanting to mod this game.  

Email from Reader: “You were indeed enthusiastic in your web site's review of the 97B.  You were right.  I also like it an aside from not having a decocker I feel it is like an improved SIG 220 .45.  The full length guide rod in steel is unnecessary I feel since it doesn't slop as much to begin with as a 1911 because of the inside the frame rails.  Call Mike Eagleshield, one of the gunsmiths at CZ-USA, to do a ramp job which as he explained to me involved changing the angle of the ramp bottom side and leaving the top unchanged, and then mirror polishing the whole affair.  Believe me, I have absolutely no stoppages, stovepipes, or otherwise pissers.  Aside from the failed first job by the local gunsmith, it costs $40 for the ramp job and $25 shipping from CZ-USA.  Once done, believe me that you will be a real believer again.  I put it up against a tuned 1911 anyday in reliability now.  Before, it really wasn't worth putting a risk for self-defense, but after this simple procedure, I have a really dependable gun.  I hope this helps.  Oh, so where did you get the caption of the Czech beauty holding the 97B?  See you later. – Ed”  Ed, I'm sure your right... I've talked to Mike several times and if you want to shoot hotter rounds then a heavier spring is needed.  The stock spring is like only 12 pounds and I wince at the pounding the frame is taking.  If you use a heavier spring then the guide rod replacement is required. Yeah, once the ramp throat and polish is done and the gun is reliable, I would put it up against ANY other .45 handgun.  I was serious when I said that it was the most accurate gun that I had ever owned.   My 92FS isn't quiet as accurate... Close... but I can't put 3 rounds through the SAME HOLE as I could with the 97B.   It's one of my favorite handguns... Probably #11 on my list.  It could have been higher but there are a couple things that bugged me.  No decocker.  Unless you’re a DAO or SA automatic, then I feel you should have a decocker.  I consider this an oversight.  Forgiveness is possible but there are two other items that work against it.  The grips and the magazines.  The wood grips feel great... but on mine and on many others the one screw wasn't enough to firmly hold the grips in place.  There was just a little bit of play... but enough to bug me.  It's easy to fix, but again, it's an oversight that such a potentially fine handgun should not have.  And lastly those mags.  Why they have that gap between the base and the frame... just a little detail overlooked.  Any one of these three things by its self would be okay.  But here we have (in my opinion) 3 strikes.  I've sold the 97 off and picked up the 92FS with those funds.  The differences in the finished work, the attention to details is there.   I think CZ-USA has something there that could shake the market if they fixed those and throated the guns at the factory.  Especially if they rolled out a 97 Compact!   Then I would be forced to buy 2.  Oh, and the Czech Chick, I stole that pic off CZ’s website.

March 26th, Wednesday:  Armchair Generals are pissing me off.  You can't even call them Armchair Generals because it's just the same lame-ass reporters propagating the opinions of other lame-ass reporters.  "People are saying this is turning into another Vietnam!"  What?  Who are these people saying this?  I haven't even heard any of those asshat celebrities say anything like that!  I've heard some reporters saying that... but no one else.  Fucking Reporters.  Pissing me off... I need a green tea with some honey.  Okay, the other guys.  You gotta love the ACGs (ArmChair Generals).  The ACG's are all spouting that we should have already been finished by now... or they would have used B-52's on all of Baghdad...  or they would be firing MLRS rockets all over the place.  Lovely.   This would be like me criticizing an Italian designer on the thread count of his new suit - something I know nothing about.  It's none of my business.  I don't know anything about what makes a good suit.  I can tell you which suit is better - by eye - but I don't know enough about to articulate why.  I can just recognize when it's done well.  Same with Ballet dancing.  I don't know JACK about what makes ballet good - but I can tell you when it's done well and when it's not.  But don't ask me why.  Now, these ACG don't even know enough to be able to tell when we are doing it well.  Not even when are doing it so well it's almost a freaking miracle!   I'm amazed at how far our boys of pushed.  They are knocking on Baghdad's door now!  It's been less than a week! 

Had to throw in some new quotes into my rotation up there. Just for fun and to poke France.

Many questions about the M-17 Bullpup rifle.  For those that don't know what it is, it's a Bullpup rifle made with AR-15 parts.  (Based on the AR-18 action) Simple as that.  However the rifle seems to be a more complicated subject that one would initially believe.  A man named Mark had one and wrote the best article about it ever published on the internet.  Mark was a friend of mine... a shooter... pundit... and unfortunately too depressed.  His writing is national treasure. 

Anyone here read Chinese?  What the hell is this guy saying?  I was sent this link by someone trying to find my web page so he googled for it.  People, here is a tip.  You can type it into your address bar directly.  Try it.  Anyways... WTF?   So this got be curious... so I googled myself. (that sounds obscene) and found something.  Remember how I found some ebooks at an onlne Russian library?  Looks like I am now a source for them!  In Soviet Russia, the Books read YOU! 

Email from a Reader “Hello! I have the CZ 75B, 97B, and 75B Compact P-01.  The CZ 97B had to have a failed ramp job and then a successful ramp job via sending it back to the factory and paying more.  It now runs like a champ and I'll shoot it against a SIG any day of the week.  My first question is where do I get a hold of the sexy Czech girl holding the 97B poster?  My second is I'm trying to a find holster that will fit the P-01 on a military web belt?  CZ said the the Uncle Mike's will fit, but he didn't know which model.” Congratulations on making your 97B reliable!   Mine started out reliable and then all the sudden it wouldn't feed every once in awhile.   I even tried a heavier 16 pound spring and a solid metal guide rod... Still didn't cut it.  Helped a lot, but every once in a while it would jam up on me.  Frustration!  The babe - She lives in the Czech Republic so you will have to go over there to find her.  The upside is that the Czech Republic is part of the Coalition of the Willing so you have a Green Light!  Thank goodness!  If we had to shun all things Czech, that would suck.  Sounds like you need a CZ-100 to round out your collection.  Hmmm a holster for the P-01... I think the Safariland Custom Fit might work... They make them in a couple different sizes.  I have one that I got for my 97B, and it also worked for a Glock, Taurus, USP, and now my Beretta 92FS.  I think there is a smaller one that should work for you.  If anything else, it’s a great holster.  FIST holsters I think makes one.  If not, they soon will.  Uncle Mike's?  I wouldn't put one of YOUR guns in an Uncle Mike's!  Here is a roster of holster makers.  It's my old Holster page, with the makers listed with hyperlinks to the websites.  You should find a good maker out of this group!

When I finally have the coin to toss on a new bike, I'm going to have to go riding with my wife's Grandfather, Jerry.  Cool guy... lot's of stories worth listening to.  I'd also like to go riding with Bruce Willis.  I want to ask him some questions.  Like why the hell did he do that Hudson Hawk movie?  My Father in Law, Clint would be cool to ride with.  I have friends scattered all over the nation - I'd like to ride with them too.  And then there are cats out there that I have never met... but obviously have good taste.  I'd like to cruise with them too.  Summer is coming and I have that itch.  Last time I had this itch, it was scratch by an Angry, Evil RD-400 Daytona Special.  This time, it's going to be something more sedate... more calm.  Longer legs.  Bigger fuel tank.  And it has to have a penchant for taking me to interesting places.  Toss a digital camera into the bag and that's all I need.  I want a chopper.  Anyone want to trade a Subaru Legacy for a V-twin Chopper?  Anyone?

Congratulations to Sage!  My bro Sage and his lovely wife are now expecting their First.  OUTSTANDING! 

Email from Reader:  “A few comments on a variety of subjects... In referrence to the email posted about Islam, I think that "Steve" has some issues.  Islam is actually one of the only religions I'm aware of which has specific prohibitions against terrorism.  It's disturbing that so many Muslims engage in terrorism, but it really isn't suprising, since the majority of Muslims live in incredibly oppressive conditions, thanks to folks like the Taliban, who claim that their "interpretation" is Islam is the only one, and don't even live by the rules that they enforce on others.  If they really believed their own claims, they would live by those same rules, to avoid punishment in the afterlife.  The fact that they don't, proves that they are merely using religion as an excuse for their own brutal desires. There are plenty of Muslims out there who speak out against terrorism (a search for things like "muslims against terrorism" should turn up plenty of wesites).  They rarely get time on the news, but true stories (like people defending themselves with guns, for example) are often omitted from our lovely Left-biased news organizations.  If the Left can make it "Islam vs. the West," they can create unrest, and gain all sorts of excuses to pass more and more repressive laws.  The Left may claim to be opposed to racism, but they really are extremely racist.  Just think: Milosevic kills a few thousand people, and the response must be swift and brutal, but Saddam kills millions, and the Left wants to wait.  Of course, Milosevic killed White people, while Saddam killed Middle-Eastern people.  That couldn't have anything to do with it, could it?  The media are very happy to focus on one soldier who went nuts, since he was a Muslim.  They hardly ever mention the thousands of Muslims who serve honorably in our Armed Forces.  The blame for terrorism lies with psychos like Saddam (a very secular person, actually), not Islam.  We did not see this sort of terrorism before these nuts were in power and oppressing their people.  As we give dictators like Saddam a good swift kick in the family jewels, and the people gain their freedom, we will see less terrorism.  Free and prosperous people want to be out enjoying life, not blowing up buildings.  And that is just one more reason why we should be going after Saddam, and making sure the Iraqis get a taste for good old-fashioned American capitalism.  With their oil resources, they should gain a much greater standard of living, and serve as an example to the other countries in the region.  Second subject: I've been wondering what your take is on adjustable sights for carry guns?  On the one hand, they allow you to adjust for different loads and ranges.  On the other, they add cost and complexity, and are usually not as streamlined as fixed sights.  Third subject: I've recently decided that switching to a 1911 for carry may be a good idea.  I definitely prefer the full-size grip over the cut-down versions, but I can't decide between the 4" and 5" barrel. Since you seem to be a big fan of the 1911 pistols, I thought I'd ask your opinion.  Fourth subject: lasers.  Good, bad, indifferent?  A lot of the manufacturers talk about the intimidation factor, which might result in a surrender instead of a dead bad guy (much less paperwork, I think), but I don't know how much is real and how much is hype.  Some of the "low drag" lasers (LaserMax, Crimson Trace) seem easy enough to deal with (no special holster needed), but they cost a bit, and the CTC grips are a bit on the ugly side.  Thanks for any thoughts/opinions/rants,  Joe”  Thanks for the Email, Joe.  Let me start off by saying that I think Steve was a bit more correct that anyone really wants to admit.  Christian or Buddhist or Hindu priests are not telling people to “Kill American, because God commands it!”  Who would say such a think?  Oh, that’s right… that would be Muslims.  I don’t get this Islam/Muslim thing.  On one hand that claim to be peaceful.  And truthfully, I have spoken at length with several Muslims that are indeed very peaceful people.  But what I want to know is why are these peaceful Muslims tolerating these violent Muslims?  This whole Islam belief system is pretty fucked up if they can look at the rape of women, beating them down to the point of inflicting permanent physical damage, brutally torturing people just for fun... as being perfectly normal!??!  WTF?  Excuse me, but no.  That is not the way of PEACE.  That is not the way of God.  If you think God find such acts of inhumanity as acceptable, then you have no idea as to the nature of God.  That’s right… I’m saying this out loud and I don’t care how politically incorrect this is:  If your Muslim, and you claim to love peace, then how come these other guys are doing all this evil shit – and your not doing anything to stop it?  After all – Your Both Muslim!  Right?  Your in the same group – Right?   Whatever.  I don’t want to hear the excuses.  How come your not protesting these other so called Muslims crying out “Not in My Name!”   Huh?  Freaking Middle East… Screwed up as ever and I don’t think it will ever be squared away.    Anways, I’m not feeling that Peace Vibe.   There are plenty of filthy rich Islamic jackholes out there… some of them flew airliners into our buildings not too long ago.. They where rich… it wasn’t about a way of life.  It wasn’t about capitalism.  If it was, they would have been kicking back in there palaces in Saudi Arabia drinking up oil dividends.  No, it’s about a totally screwed up belief system.   But seriously, this is just my opinion… I might be wrong.  But if I am wrong, please, you peace loving gentile Muslims – SHOW ME HOW I AM WRONG.  Show me how you search for peace.  Show me that.  Because all I am seeing are a bunch of lunatics claiming to be Muslims doing all kinds of nasty shit in the name of your God.  Show me how I am wrong.   Okay, enough of that rant.  I’m done with it.  Unless you’re a Muslim, with a rational counter point (that doesn’t include a car parked outside Ogre Manor with a truck full of C-4) I don’t want to hear about it.   Back to Joe’s email here… 2^nd point…. Good question.  Adjustable sights on a carry/duty gun.  There is a lot of debate on this between the “Novak Crew” and pretty much everyone else.  Adjustable sights are pretty tough.  If they were not, they would fall apart by the battering they take being mounted on the slide and all.  Any impact to an adjustable sight that would break it – would knock a fixed sight out of alignment too.   I’ve never seen an adjustable sight being knocked off or broken by any impact that would not severely injure the person packing the gun.    Meaning, if you took a fall hard enough to break your sight you had best be wearing one of those medical alert bracelets.  Then there is the “Oops, I dropped my gun” type incident that could break your sight.  I’ve seen several guns dropped… it happens.  But I’ve never seen that happen with the result of the rear sight being broken.   Never.  So, to answer your question – If your rear sight is good enough for duty use – meaning a clear sight picture even in low light conditions – then go ahead and use it.   I think these fixed site things are just a product of brilliant marketing.  Just like Diamonds.  They are not worth shit – but because of the decades of marketing – they are now valuable because of society’s demand for them and the artificial shortage of them.  But that is another rant… anyways… Companies are shorting you by selling you something much cheaper as being more tactically desirable, stronger, or more rugged.  Just how strong does your rear sight have to be?  It’s like the gun rags and the rear sight of the Glocks… They all complain about the plastic rear sight and all suggest in swapping it out.  Fine, but answer me this… when was the last time you saw the stock rear sight of a Glock break off?  Novaks?  It’s just a freaking wedge… I don’t think the sights are that great.  In fact, I think they are a limiting factor.  I don’t like these Snag Free sights… and I’ll tell you why.  Because I’ve NEVER had a rear sight of ANY KIND snag on anything accidentally.   Now, sometime you WANT that rear sight to snag.  If you have to shoot one handed and clear a jam or reload one handed then that Novak is a curse.  If you have a regular old “GI” type rear sight then you could rack the slide by hooking the rear sight to your holster.  I’ve done it thousands of times with regular sights… but I’ve never been able to do that with a set of Novaks.  Go Figure.  On to Point 3.  Go with a Commander.  If this is for carry – the Commander is it.  If it’s just a Range Gun, then the full length is ideal.  That one inch shorter barrel makes sitting much easier… on a chair or in a car… it just rides easier.  And you can still use those nice Wilson 8 rounders.  But don’t think a shorter barrel makes it easier to conceal… just carry. Concealability is a function of grip length not barrel length.  (I know you know that, Joe, but I had to say that for the kids in the back of the room)  Now, for your 4^th item… Lasers.  They have a place.  Generally I don’t care for them, but they do have a place.  If you find one cheap enough, pick it up and a whim… but don’t go out of your way for one.  If you do want one – forget the ones that mount with scope rings, or clip to the trigger guard.  If you want one, get one that mounts to frame rails, in the grips, or one that replaces the guide-rod.    Better suggestion:  Instead of a laser, get a bright white light to mount on the gun.  Much much more useful addition to the weapon.  Check out Surefire tactical lights.    

March 25th, Tuesday: Ogre's Birthday.  Forgive the lack of an update so far... Yesterday I did some traveling caught a stage show "Les Miserables".   Great show.  Very moving.  Anyways, I just got back today, realized it was my birthday and decided to get myself a present because everyone else forgot.  *sigh*  So I went and got some chinese for lunch with a friend, and then I picked up a copy of Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield.  This is the first time in a long time that I paid full retail for a software title.  But being a pirate has limits.... Red Storm Entertainment deserves the props.  They deserve the coin for putting out another RS game.  And when you see it - Damn!  It puts EVERY other game to SHAME.   I'll not geek out in it too hard just yet... put it is so good.  If your a Gun Nut, or a Clancy Fan, or a LEO/MIL type guy - you will LOVE this software.  If your just a gamer - this isnt for you.  It's hard.  You have no power ups, health kits, armor or ammo laying around.  A bad guy can and will take you down with one hit.  Often it's a matter of who sees who first.  It's so realistic, you can smell the gunpowder.  Oh, a couple observations for guys who go out and get this awesome game - couple hints:  1.  When you toss a flashbang - Don't look at the flashbang when it goes off.  That's a bad thing.  2.  When you toss a tear-gas grenade into a room, don't run in after it goes off.   Not unless you have a mask on.   This game is worth every stinking penny of it's retail price.  I have no complaints at all.  Where was I?  Oh yeah - so I got a treat for myself.  Not only that, but my family is out of town tonight, so I'll be playing this till like 6:00AM tonight.  :)  Okay, maybe not that long.  I have some emails I need to put up... and I also have a couple new logos I will be putting up as well.  I discussed the idea of moving MadOgre.com to a PHP based system that would make updating all sections easier... and put everything into a more user friendly format.  I might do that.  I even looked at a hosting option that would be cheaper and bigger... but to be honest, I have to say Psionyx has been WONDERFUL and I see no reason to change hosts at this time.  If I do change formats to PHP, I expect a rapid growth in size and bandwidth... putting in a membership system in with a live comments tool and even a forum.  Have a live community type deal.  I think that would be cool.  Oh, some other good news for my Birthday... I have been awarded grant money enough to pay for all of my school and books.   Only downside is that it's semester by semester - but I can deal.    I am overwhelmed by the support I am getting for having the stones to go back to school.  Thank you.    It's been a good day...

Hmmm. I think I'll put up the new logos tomorrow.  Second thought, I'll post the emails tomorrow as well.  I have a huge rant to throw down... but I'll save it.  Right now, I think I'm going to play some more Raven Shield.  I wont have much time to goof around like this in the future - so I might as well get some good gaming in right now.

AAAHHH!!!  Playing Raven Shield, I came across something I've never seen before in a shooting game - a Tango hit me with a white light and blinded me for a second... long enough for me to loose my sight picture and for him to pump a 3 round burst into my chest!  I was able to duck back behind cover... luckily my vest stopped the rounds.  Every time I got near the door the Tango sprayed rounds through it.  Screw this guy, I grab a tear gas grenade off my belt and toss it in.  It pops and soon I can hear the guy choking inside on the fumes.  He comes stumbling out coughing with eyes swelling up from the gas.  His Uzi is down and he's trying to blink the gas effects away.  He turns and sees me.  "Hello, Asshole."  I say, and then pump 3 rounds of 7.62 through his vest with my suppressed M-14.  He gives me this "I don't believe it" look and then slumps to the ground.  "Fucker" I spit, and enter the house transitioning from rifle to pistol, a suppressed Beretta.  It's not the most powerful handgun, but it's accurate and very very quiet... and the high capacity magazine in reassuring.    Slicing the pie as I round a corner I see a terrorist looking out a window.   I take careful aim and squeeze the trigger.  He never felt a thing.  There is a thump up stairs.  Moving as quietly as I can I slide along the wall keeping my weapon up and covering everything I'm looking at.  Carefully, an inch at a time I open doors checking each room.  In one room there is a guy behind a bed.  I saw him first, so he never saw me... He got a 9mm headache all the sudden.  In case someone heard the sound of him falling over I slipped inside the room and covered the hallway.  Yup, someone heard something.  A door opened and a Tango packing an AK-74 comes walking down the hallways.  I pop a couple rounds at him and he falls back.  I drop the pistol and unsling my rifle.  It's a little harder to move, but the extra firepower is worth it now.  I catch a glimpse of the guys foot in the next room so I know where he is.  If I move fast I can surprise him.  I flick the selector to full auto and rush in firing... It worked and the blitz caught him off guard as my rounds caught him in the upper chest.   That'll do it.  I slap in a fresh magazine and radio in "All Clear."     AWESOME GAME!

March 24th, Monday:  Email from Reader:  “Ogre, You are right to feel cautious towards the Muslim faith. Islam is not the religion of peace that its representatives attempt to portray it as. Islam was a faith of terror, murder of political opponents, slavery, repression of women, forced conversion (or death) to unbelievers, mass murder of prisoners of war, murder of noncombatants and wars of aggression from the very beginning. These crimes were committed by Christian countries as well, but unlike Christianity, there is no contradiction between these atrocities and the teachings of Islam. Now it is true that some practitioners of Islam are much more peaceful, taking the good things from the faith such as charity and hospitality while ignoring the excesses. However, the threshold for violence and brutality is much lower in Islam than it is in other religions. Do not let people call you a bigot or a "racist" for having doubts about Muslims. Islam is not a race, it is a belief system, and such deeply held beliefs have repercussions. It is a highly political ideology, one which recognizes no separation of religion and politics. I highly recommend that you read the following books: Sword of the Prophet, by Serge Trifkovic; Jihad in the West, by Paul Fregosi; Islam Unveiled; by Robert Spencer. I also intend to read The Fifteen Century War by Morgan Norval as soon as possible. Look at the actions of the Prophet, look at the actions of Islamic rulers for the past fifteen hundred years, and decide for yourself what Islam is about. Steve” Thanks for the book recommendations, I'll look into them.   Christianity has had it's share of "Dark History" but thankfully it is just History now.  I don't see any dictates from the Vatican saying Catholics need to go out and kick Greece's ass.  And I think the only Christian related violence remaining is up in Northern Ireland between the Catholics and Protestants.  But those guys are Irish and they would be fighting anyways.  Islam being the #1 social/belief system that spurs violence and death, I think #2 would have to be Soccer, followed closely by Palestinians, and then Liberals.

March 23, Sunday:   Oscar Night!   The one night in the year when megalomaniac millionaires get to pat them selves on the back.  But I didn't watch it... Instead I watch Children of Dune on the Sci Fi channel.  Much better.  I did however catch a little of the Oscars... I pretty much got out of it just what I expected... Michael Moore is a gigantic asshat.  This guy is the the biggest dickhead right there next to the French President.  However that prick has an excuse, he's French.  Moore has no excuse other than being a sloppy fat jackass that tries to be pithy or funny... but just keeps proving that he is pond-scum.  Fuck Michael Moore.

I have of course been watching the news a lot lately.  This war is of deep importance to the entire world.  Something happened that has me fuming mad.  This grenade attack that I mentioned earlier; was carried out by a Muslim American soldier. A US Soldier that just happened to be Muslim.  What the hell was going through this guy's head?  Such an action has a stiff penalty in the UCMJ... A penalty that I don't think this kid thought through.  That penalty is death.   I hope he feels really good about what he did, because that's the last free choice he will ever make.  What was he trying to do? Cash in on Saddam's bounty money?  This asshole deserves death be a slow hanging.  before I was having little personal problem with Muslims as a religious faith...  But I'm starting to have doubts.  I'm starting to think that Muslims as a whole are wanting to do nothing less than to kill white people and Jews.   If Muslims are the peaceful, loving people they claim to be, they had best start putting out some warm-fuzzies, because brother, I'm not feeling that vibe!  If you guy claim to be lovers of peace - then tell your radical groups to knock this shit off and work together using tools to build and not weapons to destroy.  I can understand wanting to protest an armed conflict... but I can't understand the use of murder, violence, and terrorism as your method of protest.  I cant.  Hey, if your a Muslim and you can understand this - please, fill me in.  Because right now I'm thinking you are all a bunch of bloodthirsty fucking lunatics and I a can't wait till you all blow yourselves up so we can all go back to the really important news... Like what’s going to happen in this next season of the Sopranos.  Is Tony gunna wack Uncle Junior or what? 

Email from a Regular Ogre:  "Hey Ogre, got a few things to cover.  For one:  I agree.  To hell with these hippie peace protestors.  You know, despite actually being in the military (MI Army Nat'l Guard, 12B...surprised as hell we didn't get sent.  Almost everybody else in MI did), I'm big on non-violence.  Usually I'm of the opinion that if it isn't worth killing someone over than it isn't worth any violence at all.  I had hoped that this war wouldn't happen, that it wouldn't come to this, but it IS happening, so now I hope we mop the floor with Saddam's loyalists and win it quickly. Because the other half of my non-violence policy is this: If you have to fight, WIN.  Win big, win fast, and win permanently. These hippie asshats were the same types that spat on my dad when he got home from Vietnam.  They weren't bitching when Clinton was bombing the crap out of Bosnia, were they?  Oh, that was different, they say.  Yeah, it was different.  Their boy Billy was in office.  That's the damned difference. Saddam is worse in every way than old Slobodon.  But CNN never pipes home images of the people Saddam slaughters, mutilates, or drops in giant chipper-shredders, so the hippies don't care.  They're a bunch of idiotic, hypocritical, America-hating fucktards, if I may be blunt, and they can all kiss my pasty white ass.  You know what I'd like to see?  Saddam dead, and his two prick sons in nice little cages in Guantanamo Bay.  Either that or let the Kurds have 'em. Karma's a bitch, Saddam.  For two:  Congrats on the decision to go back to school.  I'm taking my 2nd crack at it myself.  It can be pretty daunting (and expensive...be prepared. In my state, at least, they jack up tuition every year), but don't sweat the small stuff.  I have no doubt you'll do well.  Just find a major you enjoy and stick with it.  Don't let it bug you if you decide to switch majors, either.  Everybody does that, just about.  After all, the idea is to learn, not just get a diploma, right?  For three:  On to the gun stuff.  I have a funny way of wanting to acquire firearms by association.  For instance:  I have a full sized .45, a CZ-97B. Ergo, I need a compact .45 to go with it. (I'm thinking Sig P245.)  I own an N-framed .45 Colt revolver.  So of course I need a 5-shot .45 Colt snubby to accompany it.  If I were a 9mm shooter, I'd have even more options.  A 9mm pistol?  Well, then you definitely need a 9mm compact, and a 9mm carbine too.  Double kudos if said carbine takes the same magazines as the pistol (though if it takes something like Sten or Uzi mags, that's great too).  Of course, it rarely works out this way.  Usually, I'll get some gun money together, and head to my favorite shop (owned by an outstanding guy, a Vietnam vet that gives you good deals AND knows me by the first name) and find something I like.  It's more fun that way, anyway.  In any case, by all means, go for the Beretta carbine when it comes out. Seems like the best companion for your M92FS.  If you can get some that work, pick up a few more 20 and 30 round magazines for it as well.  Most aftermarket mags can be made to work well enough with some dickering, usually a follower swap (from a 10 round postban mag, for instance) and a new spring (often available from Wolff).  Also, have you considered the Kel-Tec Sub-2000?  It folds up really small, and a version is available that takes Beretta mags.  Probably not as good for matches and 3-gunning as the Beretta carbine would be, but I think it'd make a decent enough toolbox gun. It's certainly small enough (when folded) to put in a toolbox.  Well, that's all for now.  Good luck in class, and keep fighting the good fight.  ENGINEERS!"  The Kel-Tec rifle is an interesting weapon. It has had good remarks about it from people who I trust. But there is something about it that gives me pause. If I come across one in a bargain and I have the slush funds available, perhaps. But it's nothing that I would go out of my way for like the CX4. About Non-Violence... You said it better than I could have. Thanks for the Email Michael!

It's frustrating that we are doing a better job of killing Coalition Forces than the Iraqis are.  All of these deaths so far save 2 are from stupid mistakes and oversights and mechanical failure.   It's very sad.   With all our high tech gadgets - mistakes are sill happening.  Come on guys - Pull your heads out and get focused!  

Email from one who must be new to MadOgre.com: ”anarchy- wouldnt be the way to go IF you want peace. mankind is a hierarchial animal, meaning we constantly try to improve our place (big fish/little pond. Given complete freedom, our natural impulse would be to establish some form of pecking order- not exactly what the WEAK wish for at night when they go to bed. It wouldnt bother me a bit- except when i think of my mother, father and other assorted relations that couldnt quite take on all comers should anything happen to me. [particularly my infant son] war- from the days of the caveman to this- has always been about power, be it over resources, influence or security. therefor some kind of framework(we call these societies, ogre) must exist to keep our slaughtering of each other down enough that we may continue as a species.   not that im against it; i just dont want my son to have to worry about it until hes a man.”  I pretty much agree with you on all counts. However let's just remember a golden time... Some call it the Wild West, but as history points out it wasn’t Wild at all.  Let's look at the 1800's and the expansion west.  There were so few lawmen and justice officials that people for the most part lived in virtual anarchy.  Their own morals of what is right and wrong, and a love of peace is what guided them.  Never before in this nation's history did we have such a peaceful existence and such rapid growth.  Society didn't need to force laws upon us, because these individuals came together, discussed the "Rules" and eventually as more and more people started showing up in these areas the rules became laws.  This is evident today as you drive through the country and you notice every area has its own unique laws.  I agree we do need laws.  But law isn't what keeps peace, it's only a tool of those that want to keep the peace.  A tool of the collective individuals that share similar moral beliefs.   I have sons as well, and I don’t want them having to go to war either.  In fact, I have twin brothers who are in the service.  They are soldiers, and good soldiers at that.  But I don't want them to go to war either.  I don't want anyone to have to send a loved one off to war.  However, sometimes it isn't about what we want, but what we have to do.  I was a soldier once as well.  I know exactly what happens when the use of force is required... but sometimes it is required and there is no other course of action.  In this case, there is a madman that threatens all of us.  Who has been collecting the means of attacking us.  Who has been paying others to attack us.  Who has been training supplying and equipping others to attack us.  Who has been murdering people on a scale that is unimaginable to most people here in America that has taken freedom for granted.  This is a guy that tests chemical weapon on whole villages - just to test the chemicals!  A guy with that kind of bend - with such a lack of morals has got to be stopped.  And for a cause like that - I will reluctantly (very reluctantly - I remember playing as little kids with my little brothers - I don’t want harm to come to them!) give my nod of approval and lend support to the use of force to have that madman removed from power.  This is an action that was forced upon us by the lack of action from others.  Anyways, thanks for the email, Beckie.

March 22nd, Saturday:  The war in Iraq has taken a nasty turn.  There have been a couple attacks on Coalition forces.  One attack wounded 11 US Soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division.  The guys in the 101st are heroes to the man.  I've worked with these cats and they know their stuff.    I am relieved that no one was killed.  3 of the 11 however are seriously wounded and my prayers go out to them.  These are some of the costs of fighting for freedom.  More helicopter crashes and more deaths.  Amazingly, Casualties from direct enemy action are what, only 2?  Considering the scope of what the Coalition has pushed so far, I am in shock and awe. 

Diversion for Saturday:  Marbles.  Try it.  My highest score is 362. Warning, this game is so freaking addicting.  And Slot Cat Racing.  Fun.  Play it against your kids.  For serious games, pick up a copy of Soldier of Fortune II.  This is a "FPS" or a "First Person Shooter" type shooting game.  Now, I've been spoiled by such awesome and realistic "Tactical Simulations" as Operation Flashpoint, Rogue Spear, and of course the Daddy of them all, Ghost Recon.  SOF2 is a little different, the levels are more like Quake... with levers and switches to find to continue the "level".  Normally I am very tired of those but SOF2 has enough gimmicks to make it much more interesting.  One interesting thing is the number of hit zones that cause the target character to react differently.  Of course nothing is more fun that blowing a bad guy's leg off at the thigh with a shotgun.  That's always fun... The attention to detail in SOF2 makes it a step above your normal FPS games.  In fact, It is one of my favorite.  I think this game would have been much better if it wasn't for the limited and mostly claustrophobic level designs.  If your into CQB, then this game is right up your alley.  My favorite FPS game hasn't been made yet.  What I would really like is a game as detailed and realistic as Ghost Recon, with the wide open spaces and missions like Operation Flashpoint.   I don't even think anyone is even making a game like that.  But I can hope.  Actually, if the OFP guys would bump up the graphics and the games engine - then they would really have something there... they would have the ultimate FPS/Tactical Simulation.  Hmmm, or maybe if the Ghost Recon team just opened up the area of operation and allowed the use of vehicles... then they would have the ultimate FPS/Tactical Simulation.  There are others good FPS games out there, but none touch upon the attention to detail like Ghost and Flashpoint.  Not even close.  Anyways, back to SOF2... Tonight I just finished the game.  The later levels are damn near impossible... but they give you a sense of accomplishment for winning them.  The story line is interesting to.  What is even more interesting is that there really is a John Mullins.  This is the same cat that created Mullins Ammunition... another attempt at bullet alchemy to create the Magic Bullet.  I doubt the real John Mullins saved the world from a virus created by some mad scientists and terrorists - but the story line is good shoot'em up fun.  Suitable for any B rated action flick.  Hmm, B movie or a game?  I'll take the game in this case.  Interactive, lots of gun options, and you can blow stuff up.  Oh, one word about grenades... be sure to cook them off for about 3 seconds before you throw them.  Because the bad guys will pick them up and throw them back at you.  Speaking of bad guys, they use cover to reload, that will call for back up, they will shoot at you through windows and screens... much better AI than most games.  One thing is annoying as that these guys are hella-good guards... they will hear you coming from a mile away and tag you at range.  Smart guards... I hate that.

So much for a peaceful protest in New York.  They said that there was 200,000 people protesting.  Funny, I was watching that protest on CNN or MSNBC and it didn't look like 200,000. More like only 1,000.  Who counted 200,000?  Probably the same people that said we would be killing thousands of Iraqi babies.   Funny, we haven't done that.  Too bad these peace mongers have lost that moral podium to stand on.  The only people being targeted are actual military targets.  I think these guys are actually pissed that we haven't been carpet-bombing the whole city, because they are the ones that are bloodthirsty.  They need a high casualty number to wear as a badge.  A Red Badge of Cowardice.  Without a massive amount of bloodshed, these guys can't protest with any kind of moral standing... only an asinine conviction.   Since when did stupidity become a point of view and a political stance?   Because these guys are stupid... this isn't the 60's.  Innocent people are not being slaughtered by the US or Coalition Forces.  Sure, they are being slaughtered by Saddam Hussein's evil regime - but don't tell that to these Peaceniks.  They don't want to hear it.  They only want to protest against something Bush is doing.  It's not about War.  It's about politics.  It's about hating George W Bush.  I'm sorry, I can't tolerate this bullshit.   I am very afraid that if I was to come face to face with one of these war protestors... I would punch them square in the mouth.  This isn't the time to be so fetching partisan.  This is a time to genuflect the situation that our boys are in over there and the future of both Iraq, and the US.  And if I hear about this war being all about oil, I'm going to smash something.  Screw the Oil... We can tap Alaska any time we want.

In my little Automotive rant (you can read that here) I mentioned the Porsche Cayenne.  This was a gross oversight.  Forgive me... Porsche is German and I am boycotting everything German, Belgium and French.  Especially French... but that's beside the point.  Now, talking about a sporty SUV, you don't have to go to Germany.  Let's look at another of our Allies...  Japan has a great fast moving SUV... By Infinity, with a lower level version on the Mazda badge.  All the room of an SUV with the performance of a sports sedan.  Not bad at all.

Many emails have rolled in showing support for my life shaking decision to return to school.  Thank you.  I am looking forward to it.   Today I have been dealing with the Financial Aid issues... because, well, colleges are freaking expensive.  But I am determined, my fellow orcish horde... I am making this happen to change my life forever.  It was asked what my major is.  Psychology.  With a Minor in Sex Therapy.  Kidding... I'm not sure... just Psychology right now.  This isn't an easy path for me to take.  In fact, it's going to be a painful and difficult path.  I have a wife and 5 sons that I must care for as well as taking classes full time.   I thank you for your well wishes.  They mean a lot to me.  

Something to take note of: Ranch Rescue.  To be honest, I have little problem with Mexicans coming into the US.  I have a big issue with Mexicans coming into the US to commit crimes.  I was shot by one in the chest and had I not been wearing a vest, I would have been dead.  Instead I only suffered a shattered sternum.  I would have no problem with putting US troops on the boarders.  Armored HUMVEEs with mounted .50 cals on top... no problem.  I have no problem with citizens conducting private patrols along the boarder.  However, the one thing I am worried about is abuse of people wanting to immigrate with no intention of any evil doing.  I would suggest a quick pat down and search of any belongings that would be illegal in the US... and then let them go.  However, if these people caught crossing the boarder has anything stronger than a bottle of Corona, then they should be arrested and turned over to authorities.   If they put up a fight, they should be engaged and destroyed and left to rot in the sun.  Letting them rot in the sun will serve two purposes. 1, it will feed endangered wildlife like buzzards and 2, it will serve as a grim warning that we are no longer putting up with any shit from Mexican gangsters.  Yeah, that is right, I suggested "letting them go" for those that truely want to be free and seek to become American Citizens.  I have no problem with that.  None at all.  We all want a better life don't we?

Email from Reader:  “I’m looking at two compact .45 auto pistols.  One is the Kimber and the other is the Para LDA compact.  I’ve had a lot of good experience with Kimber, I’ve been carrying a Stainless Pro Carry for about two years and the only modification I’ve made was the addition of Wilson Combat tritium sights and the use of Wilson magazines.  The problem is that I only work “plain cloths” these days and am looking for easier and more discreet carry.  I like the Para but I need to know if the quality and reliability are there, if not I’ll go ahead with the single action Kimber.  Also, what are your thoughts on the Bushmaster M17s?  I know it takes a lot from Stoners last design and uses an operating rod to actuate the bolt instead of feeding the gas into the receiver.  I’ve pumped about 600 rounds of South African .223 through it without a bobble.  What I like about it is the overall length and the ease with which I can exit a vehicle with it.  Will it stand up under time?  Can I bet my life on it? I carry weapons every day professionally.  Your input is appreciated.  Bill”  Thanks for the Email, Bill.  If these weapons are for serious duty like they sound they are – I’d be more careful in my selections that I would climb over a barbed wire fence naked.   The LDA is an attractive option.  In a compact, it’s even more so.  But there are long term issues regarding some breakage that require at least one trip back to Para to remedy.  I’d avoid that one.  I know 3 different people that got them, loved them, and then had their hearts broken.  The Kimbers are pretty decent.  I’d not have a problem with one of them for my Duty gun.  Especially after I had the MIM parts replaced with forged parts.  Get it, run about 800 rounds through it and then have a good gunsmith do an action and a trigger job on it while checking out the frame, slide, and internals for any sign of fracturing.  Once you do that – then you can certify it as duty ready.  But don’t even think about packing a gun without at least 500 rounds through it minimum.  During that time, run through all your mags too.  Check them out one at a time.    The M-17 Bushy is an interesting gun.  Some of them are lemons, but if you have a solid one, then it’s something else.  I like the M-17, but there are some accuracy issues with it after the barrel heats up.  They can be rather inconsistent.  Barrel harmonics.   How they stand up over time… that’s hard to say.  Bushmaster still makes parts for them, so they should have a lot of mileage left.  Take a look at the new AR-180B… A lot of the AR-15’s plusses, with out some of the bigger minuses.  That rifle would make a fantastic trunk gun.  I’d rather roll with that one than an M-17.  If your department allows you chose your own… I’d see if I couldn’t get my 180B chopped down to make it more vehicle friendly.   Another option, a little heavier – an FAL shorty with a folding stock.  DSA makes them.  Look into those.  Short, reliable, and they fight dirty.  That would be a trunk gun that inspires envy from everyone with an AR-15 variant.   Bill Replied: “I just wanted to say thanks for the input.  After considerable consideration I’ve decided to stick with the “Commander” sized Kimber Stainless Pro Carry that I’ve been using all along.  I put fifty rounds a week, “every” week through the weapon, clean it, and rotate magazines.  It’s never failed me yet.  I figure I’ll live with the size, I have been this long.  Your input has swayed me away from the Para Ordinance.  I’d heard a few rumbles but couldn’t glean anything solid from the magazine articles.  They do take advertising money after all!  I am very interested in the AR-180B and I’m going to be looking for one at the gun show this weekend.  The price is even right!  I’ve noticed that the point of impact does change when the barrel of the M17 heats up but the first seven or eight will shoot “Minute of Angle”.  I carry good quality military surplus 20 round magazines loaded with 18 rounds.  My hope has always been that if I ever needed to use it, a few well placed shots would do the trick.  I have a full sized Centaury Arms FNFAL L1A1 that’s built on a metric receiver with inch pattern parts but the damn thing is too long and heavy for close quarters work whereas the handling characteristics of the M17 with the balance point being the pistol grip and the bull pup design could be pressed into that role farley easily if need be, yet the full length 21” barrel gives good long range accuracy (again for the first few shots till the barrel heats up).  The AR-180B is very intriguing!  The internal action is very similar to the M17 and my magazines will interchange so what the heck!  One thing I don’t understand is why the government didn’t change the gas system on the issue AR15/M16 rifle to something similar instead of adding a forward bolt assist and ejection port cover.  Seems like ass backwards engineering to me.  It’s a pleasure talking with someone knowledgeable on the subject. Thanks.  Bill”   Bill, the Government is still spending money on the V-22… What do they know?  BTW, I had a Century L1A1 just as you described.  Great rifle. But way too much gun for patrol duty even as a trunk gun.  I'm looking forward to the Beretta CX4 Storm, personally.  Perfect match up for my 92FS.

March 21st, Friday:  You will notice that I have made a slight change to MadOgre.com.  Over to the right you will see "News Headlines" instead of just "Firearms News".  Oh, I still have Firearms news... on about every other page of MadOgre.com.  I just thought it would be interesting to broaden the scope here.  I'm looking for a better news feed that I can add to the site here, but until I find one, I'll just keep this one.

In a remarkably bold move, France launches a preemptive Veto.  I can't believe how incredibly shitty France is.  This is a new level of shitty, even for those snail eating bastards.    France's president went on record saying that they will not accept any resolution that authorizes the US and England to administer the free Iraq.  What an ASSHOLE!  Is he wanting a piece of the pie now?  Gimme a break.   It seems that President Chirac cares nothing for the People of Iraq, and even less for the US.  It seems that they are just being Anti-US.  That's fine.  Screw France.  We can do the same to them.  Oh, and who says that we would take any Iraq issue back to the UN?  Screw those guys.  France pisses me off.  I heard a sound bite where he said that France and the US have long been friends, and will continue to be friends.  Uh, friends don't piss on each other like that.  Got news for you, France... Your not our Friends.

March 20th, Thursday: The Ogre Automotive Section is updated... Starting things off with a little SUV debate and a short rant about Kansas.

Yesterday I made my first steps into a larger world.  I went back to college.  I walked around the campus talking to all the departments and my councilor for my major.  The campus is awesome, up on a hill with a killer view of the valley... It's so beautiful that I have dubbed it my Shire.  It felt like home.  Here is the kicker - I was already on the records as being accepted!  I had applied for school there so many many years ago that I had forgotten that I had... same University but on a different campus.  Anyways, I had to reapply because of the time frame, but it's only for rubber stamping purposes.  Crazy.  This was so frightening to me for some reason.  I was like in a quiet panic... My best friend was with me for moral support and we had a good time.  She was a huge help as I was at the point where I would have just said "Screw It" and bailed outta there!    I'd rather have gone up to Mongo The Wonder Tongan, tapped him on the shoulder and said "Hi, Remember me?"  But she was there for me... She's awesome.   Glad I married her.

Downside to yesterday... A couple days ago I tweaked my ankle again.  For new readers, my ankle and I have a bad history together.  It's been broken many times in the past and now a simple jolt can cause a serious sprain or breakage.  In fact, I have had a doctor firmly advise me that I should use a cane for support and as a reminder to me that my ankle is fucked.  Well, the other day when I torqued it, and it swelled up all nice and painfully again... I finally broke down and got a cane.  I didn't want to walk around the campus with it...  So I was just walking it slowly and taking it easy.  Painful to say the least but also very stupid.   Today it's a special kind of pain.  The kind of pain that not only let's you know your still alive, but does it with ridicule.  This can only be punishment for some unrepentant sin.  I'll be with this cane for some time now.  As soon as I got it, I had to refinish it.  The cheap pale color was ugly... so I stained it a deeper red color and applied a poly-coating on it for protection.  It looks much better, but it's still a fucking cane and now I feel older than ever.  Especially with a birthday on the horizon and my wife pointing out the grey hairs and that I need more copper in my diet.  Nice.  Oh well.  I'll just keep my eye out for cool canes and just deal with this.  What sucks even worse is that while at the university yesterday I was classified as a "Non-Traditional Student".  Meaning that I was an "Old Person".  Nice.  Oh, that's not all... in the student center this cat was passing out flyers for some big party.  He was giving them to everyone... but passed me by.  Oh great!  Not that I would have gone anyway - but please - make me feel as old as possible why don't you?  *sigh*

The War on Saddam is underway... This is taking up all of my interests right now.  I have no takes on the situation yet... it's too early to tell.  Let's let our troops do their job.  One thing I want to point out though.  The reporting by the cats from FOX NEWS is awesome.  It outclasses all others by a wide margin.  CNN is a joke.  Our man Geraldo is doing awesome.  Forget the old jokes about him... this guy is a good reporter.  He is doing a great job.  KUDOS!   I also think it is very good of FOX NEWS to be very careful as to not give away any military positions or future actions.  This is something that is not as important to other news groups... but you can tell the FOX crews are supporting our troops. 

I really hope we killed Saddam with that strike.  *crossing fingers*  Evidently the video message from Saddam could have been prerecorded.  I don't know if it was or wasn't, but that asshole needs to be killed in some massively unpleasant way.

I have some good content I'll be posting later today... emails and automotive content.  Check back later!

March 17th, Monday:  Let's take a look at the United State's relationships with other Nations.  Look at England.  England has been around since we were little and we are best buddies.  Sure, we disagree some times and have had a few fights... but England is our Buddy.  Sometimes we go out and get into some trouble - but that is what friends do.  Then there is Canada.  Canada is our annoying little pestering brother.  Following us around and teasing us... Yeah, he don't like him very much, but he is our little brother and if anyone messes with him, we will kick there asses.  Unless it's England, and in that case, we might help.  Mexico... Mexico is our Maid.  She is very quiet and putters around all over our house... doing the stuff we don't want to do... our Laundry and our dishes.  She isn't bad to have around, but she just isn't pretty to look at.  Everyone aught to have their own Mexico.  Ah, and Japan... Japan is our girlfriend.  Isn't she beautiful?  She is our most dearest lover... We are in bed together so much, we might as well be married.  The Japanese love America's music, our clothes, our style, our cars, our motorcycles, and our guns.  Americans love Japan's history and culture, technology, and everything about her.  And then there is France.  Our Ex-Girlfriend.  Don't get me started on that bitch.

Now, many people are boycotting all things French.  This is fine, but French Fries?  Do you think we pay a cent to France for any French Fry eaten here in America?  It's just a name for a slice of fried spud.  If you want to hurt France in the pocketbook - stop importing French Goods!  French Wines and Fashions are some of the biggest areas were we spend our money in France.  Stop it.  Now, some people are even being repulsed from French sounding words and all kinds of stuff that just sounds French.  Hold on a second... let's look at this a little closer.  Here we have a couple other French things that we don't need to avoid.  Down in the deep south, we have the Cajuns that speak French-Creole.  These guys are red blooded Americans just like anyone else.  I love Cajun food... good stuff!  Then there is the French-Canadians.  They might be assholes, but they are not from France... and some of them are good people.  Rude and stuck up... but good peoples... Many Americans are born again French Canadians.  Let's leave them be.  I think things have gone a little too far.  I have heard of a French-Canadian at a Boarder Town where the Boarder is a fuzzy line... Dude was gassing up at the pump.. Had a shotgun in the truck.  Probably like so many others.  Two US Boarder agents arrested him.  That was retarded.  Leave them be. While we are avoiding France, lets look at things from our Ally, Spain.  I understand Spanish Wine is most excellent... try some instead of French Wine.  I don't know anything about Fashions, but I know guns.  Let's take a look at some of the fine guns from Spain.  Astra and Star are two well known Spanish makers.  I love the Star Firestar series.  I remember my .45 Firestar.  Great handgun.     

Spectre sends words regarding his .41 Magnum.  This cartridge cuts the middle ground between the .357 Magnum and the .44 Magnum.  Best of both worlds kinda thing.  I don't know why this flavor hasn't taken off.  Especially with it's pedigree.  This is very much like the .40 caliber in the world of auto pistols.  9, .45, now .40... and it's caught on.  But not the .41 Magnum.  I think this is most silly.   Loaders of the .357 are always hopping it up, and loaders of the .44 are always downplaying it... (Or just being insane and hopping it up too - KUDOS!)   One would think .41 would fit the middle ground role perfectly.  And indeed it does.  But it's only a curiosity.  It's nuts.

Oh, I fixed the link to February in the Archive section.  Okay, I didn't fix the link... I made it.  Hey, I'm busy over here.

We learned of this human shield girl in Israel.  She thought that if she stood in the way of the bulldozer, that it wouldn't demolish this Palestinian house.  She was wrong.  It rolled over the house.  Her too.  I nominate her for a Darwin Award.  These human shield protestors... gotta love them.  I hope more protestors do this!  Look at the publicity!!!  Go now!  Go stand in the way of other huge heavy unstoppable things!  Go jump in front of cattle trucks tacking cows to the slaughter house!  The best place is right there at the freeway exit... when the truck is going too fast to stop in time... Awesome.  Really make a statement!  (Guys, if we can get more of these idiots doing this... the world will be a better place)   You know, you human shields want to stop bombings... why don't you protest the damn Palestinian suicide bombers?  Run up to them and give them a big hug and them them that your an American and that you care!  That will stop them!

March 12th, Wednesday: Welcome Home Elizabeth Smart, Welcome home!  After 9 months of abduction, she has finally been returned home.   For more information, go to any news site.  When this happened, I thought she was already dead.  I am so very happy to be wrong.  Thank God.  I have been watching this news all afternoon.  I can't believe this good news.  This is awesome.

Looks like a good day for emails. I'll post these emails in a minute. Several regarding the 10MM from cats that have, had, or want a 10MM handgun. I myself want a 10MM but I'm really not liking any of the current and very thin crop of guns available. The S&W 610 isn't bad, but if I wanted a revolver, I'd get it in .44 Magnum. This leaves me with guns that are no longer available new... The Colt Delta Elite, or the S&W 1006. I think the Smiths are good guns. They have good triggers, solid frames, and smooth rails. The only problem is that they also have crappy ergonomics. No thanks. I'll take a Delta. Drawbacks to the Deltas are that every one that I have seen available for sale has been so used and abused that the slide rattled like the tail of a Diamond-Back. No thank you there either. Oh sure, I've seen some beautiful examples... But they were either not for sale, or twice what they were worth. I'd like a 10MM, but I don't want one that badly. This leaves the Glock -No- or the EAA Witness. I have something against EAA so I'll not buy one. You know what guns would make great 10MM's? CZ-97B, SIG P220, and the HK USP series. I bet if those guys had a 10MM version available, then 10MM would become the round of choice. Seriously. 10MM would have a revival.

Speaking of ammunition... What is Glock doing with this new .45 Glock cartridge? What a dumbass idea. .45 ACP is often derided for being low pressure and low velocity. Now Glock just wants to compound that? For those that don't know, .45 Glock is to the .45 ACP, what .380 AUTO is to the 9MM... Or what .38 Special is to the .357 Magnum. (And if you still don't get what I'm talking about - get the hell off my website, or go to a gun shop and find out.) Personally, I see no reason for this shorter 45 cartridge. You can already pack .45 ACP into small little handguns. There are plenty of them out there... This is an answer to a question that no one was asking. I don't even know anyone who would want this. It's not like .45ACP is too powerful... Hell Man! I was teaching a little 95 pound Chinese girl how to shoot a pistol with a .45 and she did great! But now .45 is too strong? What are we? A bunch of pussies? We cant handle 10MM, now we cannot handle .45... What the hell is next? We can't handle 9MM and everything is going to .32 and .25? That's just great... Yeah, sign me up for a SIG P220 in .32ACP. Lovely. Look, the only .32 caliber gun I'd ever want is called a Skorpion. And that's because it can spit out all its ammo full auto with a very high rate of fire.

More on Guns... We see that Taurus has rolled out a new tactical duty style auto pistol. Check it out on the Taurus website. Doesn't look too bad but it also looks very generic. The grip looks like its too small... As if made for those with delicate little hands... Maybe it is... With everyone becoming such pansies and can't handle a full power cartridge. I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to go eat a fucking steak with some habenero pepper sauce, then go shoot a damn .44 magnum. Then I'll see if I can't trade in my Subaru for something with a HEMI engine. Fucking pussys.

Oh, check out the new Taurus website.  It's pretty cool.  They did a great job of redesign.  No, you can't get a 10MM from them, but you can get a gun in .17HMR, .218 Bee, .454, and .480 Ruger.  Sweet. 

Right now I'm sitting in my Legacy at Fort Pickett. There are more M1 Main Battle Tanks here than anywhere else on the eastern seaboard. (that I know of) Cool place. Good to see the guards walking around with rifles locked and loaded. Vehicle barriers to slow traffic down. It even looks like we have a couple reaction teams cruising around too. It's good to see these security measures. For too long I have been annoyed at the total lack of security at many US military bases. Too bad it took a tragedy to make something happen. This brings me to my next point.  Many liberals have said that attacking Saddam would be a unwarranted First Strike. That we should leave Saddam be, and let him have his weapons of mass destruction. The Host of what used to be "Politically Incorrect" Bill something… he has said that we should let him keep these WOMD… but with the warning that if he ever uses them, we will nuke him.  My dear Ogre Readers - please - if you see this man… SLAP THE SHIT OUT OF HIM for me. Thank you. That's all I ask.  Hey Bill, a word with you over here, please. Look Bill. We are not going to nuke anyone unless they are about to nuke us first, or have already nuked us. Don't be so eager to pull the trigger on a nuke, because you have no concept of what that really means in the real world. You have no concept of the true effects of a nuke blast on an urban target. You don't know. If you did know, you wouldn't be so quick to reach for the nuclear trigger. Now that you have that entered into your thick skull, let's look at these Weapons of Mass Destruction… WOMD from here on. Now, we call WOMD a "Poor Man's Nuke" for a reason. As horrible as a Nuke is… these WOMD, are just as horrible. Chemical or Biological weapons can kill just as many, if not more people. And if your unlucky enough for it to actually kill you… the damage that they can do to you will leave you wishing, for the rest of your life that it had killed you. Bill, you have no idea because you are a fool. Your not stupid, in fact I believe you to be one of the most brilliant jackasses out there… but you are indeed a fool. I call you a fool, because your idea would be folly. What you are saying is that we shouldn't take out Saddam, until he kills about a million Americans. Answer me this, Bill. How many people are there in downtown New York on the average business day? About a million? Maybe 2 or 3? I don't know. You tell me. You tell me how many people you would sacrifice before you would have the balls to say it's time to remove this threat.  Hey Bill - FUCK YOU.  We have already lost over 3,000 American lives on this alter. Not just 3,000 American Lives, but economical damage that has savaged our nation as a whole.  This wont be healed for a long time… if ever. Can you put a dollar figure on the economic impact September 11th 2001 has had on America? No, you can't.  The cost is still compounding. Look at the money issue if you don't want to look at the price in human lives. Asshole. 

There is a new car out there that I have a lusting for. Serious automotive hots for this thing. It's not 4 wheel drive, or all wheel drive, or putting the power to the rear end. (and I love putting power to the rear end) No, this is a simple front wheel drive car. In fact it's a Neon. I have liked Neons for years. Now, I have a burning lust of one. Not just any Neon… No no no. This is the Dodge SRT-4. Testing shows this car can do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with a quarter mile of only 14 seconds. That number might not be too impressive to guys reading spec sheets, but in the real world, that is freaking fast as hell. That is as fast as a $62,000 Jag S type R, or a BMW Z-4 3.0i for $45,000. That is awesome. And this Dodge costs under 20 grand. Sport Compact Car magazine tested it and found that it has 223 horses and 250 pound-feet of torque. And this is in a car that weights nothing… as light as a Civic. That's nothing. No… that is an awesome power to weight ratio. Most small street racers have about 120 horses and tweaking can milk out 150 to 160. This SRT-4 can smoke those. Yeah, it has an intercooled turbo. Yeah, it has good breaks. It even has pretty good gas mileage. The only thing that it has that I don't want, is a wing. I don't need a wing. I don't need anything to attract the eye of John Law. If I could have one, I'd take mine wingless. I'm loving the big 17 inch wheels this thing rolls on. Very nice. I want this car. I'll take my clipped SRT-4 in a more sedate color, green or black… nothing really eye catchy. Nothing flashy. Nothing that would be threatening the guy sitting next to me at the light in his Honda civic with the tail pipe that used to say Coffee on it. Look over at him. Give him a nod. Then the finger. Then when the light changes… give him dust. This car isn't about street racing… no. It handles great too. I'd be looking for reasons to drive out to Lexington on the back roads. Find those twisty mountain roads and assault them.

Check this out, remember my Ogre list of recommended movies? I have them placed in order now, but I have not yet updated that section yet. I will after I include some more commentary about each movie. This pecking order is surprising. I didn't create this order on just a whim or personal opinion.  No. I gathered a Council of Critics. The 4 of us (with me having veto power of course) considered each movie on it's own merit. Some movies were included and some removed from the list all together. These movies are required viewing. If you have not seen any movie on this list, you should seek it out and watch it. I suggest going through this list, writing down those that you have not seen, and scheduling a weekend of movies, or a course of film viewing sessions. This new prioritized list will be updated to the site shortly. Print out the list as it is now, and compare it to the new list when it is posted, and see what you disagree with.

Emails from Ogre Readers: "I'd like to start out my little e-mail here by saying good job, as always, on your site. Its a fine way to waste time and the college's bandwidth between classes. :) I myself often have wondered why 10mm has been such a flop as a cartridge. It admittedly has pretty strong barrel lift but other than that its an excellent round. The first pistol (and sadly my only firearm right now) was a 10mm EAA Witness. - FatNinja" At least you have the balls to have a 10MM. Go shoot a few for me.

Another Email: "I've heard the reason the makers give for not producing 10mm autos is that to compete on the market basically "requires" several common, basic features; one "required" feature is that pistols "must" be double stack--why, I dunno why--but anyways, double stack mag for 10mm would means a frame that was "too big" for the hands of a fair chunk of potential buyers who would be dissuaded; this means that ".40 kurtz" wins out cuz you can get away with a small enough double stack mag/frame to be "accommodating" to the widest segment of the target market. I say, lets just get rid of the "high cap" mag laws, but since that aint gonna happen, and the mag cap will remain limited, it makes sense to maximize the punch of each round. I like .40 okay, but I would love a 10mm SigSauer--if the ammo were actually affordable, which aint gonna happen either. - Brad" I don't think the 10 has to have a double stack mag… the Delta Elite didn't have one. But it's the marketplace that demands that. Before the ban on high capacity, customers wanted high capacity. Then at the same time the FBI was dropping the 10 and the .40 was coming out… Who knows... Lot's of bad timing going on. But the 10MM isn't dead yet. The 10MM may see an increase in interest.

Another 10MM email (see, I wasn't kidding here): "You are a %100 right in regards to the 10mm. I love this round and don't know why it didn't take off. I am a relatively small person and never thought that the recoil was bad. My wife doesn't even mind shooting it, so where are these people that can't handle this round? I have never tried the Witness, but I do have a Glock 29 that I am in the process of selling. I just don't like Glock grips. I wish some of the other manufacturers like HK and SIG Arms would make a 10mm. I have also heard that some of the custom 1911 shops make a fair amount of 10's. I guess I'll have to start - Sundeen" Thanks for the email Sundeen. The option of a custom shop 10MM is always there… if your willing to pay out the ass for one. As I have said here before, I am not wanting a 10 that badly… yet. I don't want to seem like a hypocrite here… talking about the 10MM while I pack around a 9MM. The fact that I even have a 9MM is surprising to me. Especially it being a Beretta 92FS. If you had said last year, "Hey Ogre, in less than a year, you're going to buy a 9MM Beretta!" I probably would have punched you square in the mouth. I picked up the Beretta because I can fire it really fast, accurately, and it has a high capacity… for tactical shooting competitions. I would love to pack a .45 as a carry gun.

Here is an email in from our mate in the South Pacific: "Gidday mate, Moved back up to the Far North of the North Island, so haven't been online much in between times, since Christmas. Out in the country again after over ten years in the big smoke, and its goooood. A mate lent me a P200 for a couple of weeks so a, finally back online which has been a Godsend. Should be properly back under the steam of a new iBook 700 next week. Had a bit of reading to do and heaps of emails to catch up on, and still more to be done @ Mad Ogre. Good stuff man. North Korea, yeah, the biggest problem with NK is err, the dozing dragon. Not a good day out. It doesn't matter if they can only muster a handful of diesel powered subs. When you have the PLA standing at in excess of 3 million strong... People seem to forget the Korean War. Perhaps I read more than I should - for someone who wasn't even born yet. And Iran... Iraq - One thing I have tried to make people understand over here is that it doesn't matter whether you back the war or not, send aid packages, or anything - if you're a non-muslim (or even a muslim who doesn't support the extremist views of their given brand of religion) then you're a target for the likes of Osama and his cronies, Abu Sayyaf, ETA, IRA or whoever. It sickens me the angle that the French administration have taken. We liberate them from the might of the German military machine and this is the thanks we get? There I was under the illusion that the Gestapo were terrorists, silly me. The leadership here also fail to see some of these very clear points. The French and NZ governments seem to share a great deal in common yet French GGSE (Military Intelligence) agents came here in July of 1985 and blew up the Greenpeace vessel 'Rainbow Warrior'. In anybody else's language that would have been a declaration of war. Those who do not believe Saddam's regime is a Terrorist network should ask the Kurds or the Marsh Arabs, or the Iraqi populace about that. Terrorism is not just bombs and AK47s'. Isn't gassing one's own people terrorism? I also believe that torture of any kind is terrorism. If you fear for your life then well... Some people have a very narrow view of what terrorism is, and sadly that has to do with pressure from a vast population, most of whom have never experienced it. Sadder still when this narrow view is politically motivated. A sniper killing a non-combatant with intent is terrorism and so is the fear of civilians to leave their homes for fear of being hit by that sniper is terrorism. I could go on. The key is INTENT. Thousands of litres of Anthrax unaccounted for. 80 tonnes of mustard gas unaccounted for and a RPV - heck what else do you need to tell you this mongrel has plenty more outlawed materials hidden away? I think twelve years is long enough. Plenty of outfits don't mind freedom, but for some reason or another they're not so keen on paying any sort of price. Oh wait... I mean, so long as some other poor bugger has to pay the price on their behalf. Have to browse your latest entries now... Sorry about pratling on mate, but I just had to vent my spleen. - Leon "Junior" - When the going gets tough, slap in a fresh one." Thanks for the email Junior. Good hearing from you. For those that don't understand Junior's speech and some spelling, he is from New Zealand and that is the way they speak and spell there… Check out his website here. (Pretty cool) Yeah! That's right… I had forgotten about that little boating accident. French operators destroy the Green Peace ship "Rainbow Warrior"… Nice. Well, Junior, you know, the French has to pick the fights that they know they can win. I don't know about the rest of the country, or yours… but I am not buying anything French. I'm not buying anything German. Hell, if I had a German car - I'd sell it. Feel bad for my Mom and Dad… They have two German cars. Germany has pissed me off just as much if not more than the French… but for some reason the French are just that much more irritating. Probably because we saved there asses not once… in WWII, but also in WWI. Face it - the French have only won one war, The French Revolution. That was only because they were they fighting the French. The only time French soldiers have won anything, was when they were commanded by someone who was not French! Napoleon sounds French, but he wasn't French. That is why he kicked some ass there for awhile. His downfall wasn't Waterloo… it was because he was leading French troops. My repulsion of the French grows deeper every day. But now what the hell is going on with France and Mexico? Canada? Don't get me started on Canada… Fucking French Canadians…. NO MORE MAPLE SYRUP! And MEXICO?!? Mexico is faltering? If we lose Mexico… Oh Man. If Mexico turns it's back on us! !#$%*!!!! Hold on a second… I have to wrap my head in duct tape to keep it from exploding… hold on… just a sec… wait… one more wrap…. There. I can't go on right now… Where is my Excedrin Migraine tablets? I need to go lay down… Breath deeply… Dark room… listen to some Pink Floyd…. Later.

March 10th, Monday:   My younger brothers should be excited about this little bit of news...  Warhammer 40,000 is soon to become a PC FPS game.  Kuju Studios is the developer.  There have been several PC games based on the wh40k universe.  Most have been pretty lame.  The first one I played was called Space Hulk and it tried to be a FPS, but you can't really call it that. You can call only it lame.  I remember the earlier Battletech universe games.  All the early ones were just as retarded. Remember Crescent Hawks Revenge?  Shockingly lame, but I guess at the time is was pretty neat.  Over time the games have become better... The latest ones are even quite good.  I love MechCommander2.  I keep waiting for the War Hammer 40,000 games to become good.  So I look forward to trying out this new one.  But I wont be holding my breath for it to actually be good.  But we have hope.

Why are people still crying about going to war with Iraq?  If most of these bleeding heart, French-loving ninnies knew everything that was going on in Iraq - they would demand that we remove Saddam promptly from this world.  The other day in a press conference an old spinster of a reporter asked the Whitehouse speaker "Why does the President want to bomb the people of Iraq?"  Gimmie a freaking break!  Does this beeotch have even 2 brain cells to spark together?  I don't think so.  Second question is who the hell let her in, and why?  Look, people... Please... Saddam is a criminal, a threat to world security, and a downright bastard that needs to be taken out.  He has committed atrocities against humanity and war crimes beyond description.  He has tortured and murdered Americans, and when he ran out of Americans, he turned on his own people... Just for fun.   Prisoners of war give testimony to the torture... So does refugees from Iraq.  This war isn't with Iraq.  America doesn’t hate Iraq.  But yes, we are going to go to war… but It's against Saddam's oppressive machine.  This is about freedom for the people of Iraq.  The fact that this provides additional security for the US and the region is just a wonderful bonus.  Okay, it's about our security... Liberty for the people of Iraq is the bonus.  Pretty good fucking bonus isn't it?   If you were to ask the people of Iraq, they would tell you that they WANT Saddam to be removed.  Maybe not all of them, because that ugly fat bastard does have a following, but it is a small minority.  I hear liberal reporters asking these refugees “Why don’t your people rise up?”  These liberals are so stupid, it’s sad, it really is.  Note to Liberals:  Rising up only makes them better targets.  “Rising up” is a privilege afforded only those populations that enjoy a certain freedom that is taken for granted here in the US, and opposed by you liberals.  It’s called the right to keep and bare arms.  It’s called Private Gun Ownership.  Let me put it to you this way.  We as Americans could at any given time “Rise Up” and overthrow the government if it becomes evil.  Benjamin Franklin predicted that would happen often in the country’s history… Luckily that prediction hasn’t happened because they did a pretty damn good job of putting it together.  (civil war not withstanding) Now, let me lay this out for you… Unlike the people of the United States, the people of Iraq do not enjoy the freedom of speech, or the freedom to own guns.  Saddam has all the guns.  Anytime anyone tries to “Rise Up” they are shot.  Then their family is shot.  Even if you just speak ill of Saddam, you are shot.   That pretty much demotivates anyone wanting to “Rise Up”.  They can’t do it.  It is required that we remove Saddam and his government from the picture.  THEN, and only THEN, can the people of Iraq RISE, and be FREE.   You know, I just saw a damn good movie today… and it had a great message.  At the end just before the credits rolled, there was a quote that just slapped me in the face.  "The only thing needed for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing." - Edmond Burk  More on that movie later.

I hate airports, but love aviation.  I'm fickle.  A man of contradiction.  I love MS flight simulators, Combat Flight Simulator especially.  I'll log a couple hours a week of flying both friendly and unfriendly skies.  I'm not alone in this.  Hundreds of thousands of people are into this as much or more so than I am.  At the same time, other people are into massively multiplayer online role-playing games. Now here is a blast of brilliance... Check this out.  VATSIM.  Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network.  Vatsim.net.  These cats allow virtual air traffic controllers to manage all of the virtual air traffic.  Crazy.  But it gets better... You have to take training classes and qualify before you can start pushing virtual tin.  There is a full scale virtual bureaucracy to support it.  Crazy stuff.  I like the concept, but I wish the would do this with the CFS side of the coin... Virtual Forward Air Control... Calling in targets over a huge battle field, directing air strikes from your 0-1 Bird Dog.  (OV-10 Bronco would be even better) Whole theatre wide strategy... And do that for both sides.   Now THAT would be cool!

Col Jeff Cooper has said "Good shooting will make up for poor gear, but superior gear will not make up for poor shooting."  This is very true.  Its what separates the wheat from the chaff.  So take some time to go out and practice some shooting this week.  In this I plan on taking myself up on my own advice.  I stumbled upon a quantity of 9mm ammunition and it looks like I need to shoot it up.  If there are any in the Richmond area later this week, lets go.

Speaking of shooting in Richmond... Interesting job opening was posted.  "Ballistics Technician" was wanted.  Looks like for an ammunition company. I typed out a cover letter and faxed my resume off before you could say "Molon Labe"!  I don't care about the pay... I just want that job!

Tears of the Sun:  GREAT MOVIE.   Hits hard on the emotional button.  The girl in the movie, an American doctor (and a totally hot tattered helpless maiden babe) is running a clinic.  The Navy gives the order to extract her and a Priest and a couple Nuns.  This is where out hero comes in… Bruce Willis plays a Navy SEAL Officer and leads his Team into Africa to bring the people home.  They go in and as soon as they bump into the Babe, I mean, Doctor, all hell breaks loose.  Like any woman, she has other plans.  Evidently she likes it there and doesn’t want to leave.  Well, Bruce explains that there are a bunch of madmen that are on the way and they are going to kill everyone.  No, she still doesn’t want to go… But Bruce insists and the Doctor then says okay, but not without everyone else too.  Well, not everyone can go because the little hospital is full of sick and injured.  The Priest stays, and so do the Nuns… the pretty Doctor lady agrees to go and brings a whole train of people along for the ride.  Well, not very long after, the Rebels arrive and they of course kill everything and then start chasing the intrepid party through the African jungle.  The story actually gets better and we find Bruce being caught up in an ethical dilemma.  Does he follow orders, or does he do the right thing.   Well, the Doctor is convincing, but there are other reasons to help as the story goes… and the whole Team goes in with Bruce to help the poor people.  I enjoyed this movie a great deal… one of the best stories put to film in a long time.  This movie is going to go into my collection as soon as it’s released to DVD.    Oh, this is where the quote comes in.  At the very end before the credits:  "The only thing needed for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing." - Edmond Burk 

More on shooting issues.  I was talking to Shin Tao the other night and we are puzzled at the failure of the 10MM in the main stream market place.  Only a few handgun makers put out a 10MM auto.  In fact, I think there is only 1 right now.  Glock.  I think Glock has 2 models in 10MM.  I’m not sure if S&W is still making any, and I think Colt has dropped them too.  Oh, wait, yeah, EAA does still have a few versions of the WITNESS in 10MM.  Anyways, I have a question to some of you shooters out there.  The main complaint about 10MM is the recoil…  It’s too hot.  Okay, fine… No problem.  10MM isn’t for everybody.  However many of the same people that biatch about the 10 being too hot, are the same people that like to shoot full power .44 Magnum revolvers.  The same cats that insist on only full house .357 magnum loads in their little snub nosed wheel gun.  I don’t know about you, but I find a snubbie .357 to just as snappy as a 10MM, if not more so.   Could someone explain this to me?  It’s either some of these couch critics are either not out there actually doing any fucking shooting… or they are just soft in the head and not used to the whole idea of a moving slide on a powerful weapon.    I know a patrol officer that carried a full house 10MM Glock as his duty carry weapon.  Seriously.  I’m not making this up.   Why did he want to carry this?  Because 10MM is a very flexible cartridge.  It can be loaded very mild, or it can be loaded spicy hot… anywhere in between.  Great cartridge.  Sure, .40 is good… and can do most of what the 10 can do… but it can’t reach the energy levels that the 10 can.  Not even close.  Yes, it’s in the spectrum, but a much more narrow band.  I would interested in what Beretta could do with a 10MM.  Too bad Beretta wont go there… too few people are interested in the caliber.  So if you want a 10MM, there are only a couple options.  Glock, EAA Witness, or an old rattle trap Colt.

The invitation to the potential Automotive Section Editor has been extended and accepted.  We look forward to first submissions.  

March 8th, Saturday:  Believe it or not, Ogre has a softer side.  Today I fed small woodland creatures... squirrels, birds, and even a couple ducks.  And I didn't eat any of them.  Go figure. 

It seems some are surprised that Ogre likes Cowboy Bebop.  I like very few Anime... but this is one I enjoy. There are others that I like too.  Ghost in the Shell, Ninja Scroll... I like the more serious ones... the ones that are trying to be more realistic.  I don't like the goofy ones... the ones that try to be funny.  There are a couple sexy ones that are interesting, but nothing worth mentioning.  You guys would be surprised at what Ogre likes and doesn't like. 

March 7th, Friday:  Finally, a good game for the Pocket PC.  A full blown RPG with amazingly good graphics for the PPC.  It's called Sorcery.  This game looks awesome.  It is getting great reviews.  I can't wait to try it.  I'll wait for the trial though... at 25 bucks they have got to be kidding.  As any game for the PPC worth 25 bucks?  I like a good RPG, but its not my favorite genre of gaming.  I think these game developers are missing out on the big picture.  Instead of trying to develop the most killer looking games... or importing desktop games (like Doom, Quake, Age of Empires, Everquest, Tomb Raider) what they need to do is try to develop games that are more playable on the PPC platform.  Consider the form factor.  Consider the screen.  Consider the user interface.

Cowboy Bebop is going to be made into a movie.  That's cool.  CB is the coolest anime series... and I am not really an anime fan.  But I love CB.  Cool characters that are actually interesting.   Anyways... I don't know about going to the theater to see it - but I wouldn't mind the DVD.

I'm working on some things right now... stay tuned.

March 6th, Thursday:  Listening to President Bush speak tonight, I have to say I am impressed.  This man has a lot to deal with and his handling it wonderfully.  I am impressed with this President and I have never said that before.  He is good man and if Hollywood and the Democrats would just shut the fuck up, I think we as the American People could do some extraordinary things.  We could get a good man on the bench as a Justice, we could help the economy, and we could ensure freedom and safety.  All the objections the liberals are putting up is all political.  They should really just step back and let the President work.

We received a most delightful announcement.  Our friend Ben R has finally become engaged to his "little brown girl".  Congratulations, Ben.  I wish you and your sweetheart all the best.   You guys are a great couple. 

You gotta love this stunt Saddam is pulling. "See, we are destroying the missiles!"  Some are saying that Saddam is wanting peace and is trying.   Well, he might be trying something.. but it isn't trying for peace.  This doesn't work.  He has to STOP BUILDING THEM!!!  Who does he think he is fooling?  Ah... Hollywood and the French.  Today Saddam has made the statement that attacking Iraq would to a stupid move.  No, Asshole... Failing to disarm was a stupid move.  This guy just doesn't get it.  He doesn't see the big picture, or remember what we did to his "powerful army" over a decade ago.  Many people do not know what is going to happen should GWB pull the trigger on Iraq.  Here is what is going to happen... First thing is our attack aircraft are going to wipe out all of Saddam's air defenses.  Right on those heels, we are going to rain more smart bombs on damn near every target that we have marked on a map.  All this is going to happen so fast - the Iraqi military forces will not be able to keep track of it.  Under this rain of fire and high explosives our ground forces are going to roll over any and all resistance.   Saddam... You should get the fuck out now.  Before it's too late.  Naw.. screw it.  Your a badass... Why don't you put up a fight?   Please...    

Ogre Off Road is now simply Ogre Automotive.  I did this because of course my automotive interests are beyond simple Off Road.  However I am a staunch believer of 4 Wheel or All Wheel Drive.  I am going to revamp that whole section of MadOgre.com and will invite someone to edit that section in the near future.  Whoever becomes the editor of that section will have to be someone who I trust, someone who is a rabid automotive nut and knows a whole lotta shit about cars.  One thing of course about that section, I will drop my take on anything I want and the editor will just have to put up with my shit or get the hell out and start his own website.  This is a big shift in MadOgre.com but I think this is a good direction for the future of the site in general.  I will probably do the same for the Technology section and the Weapons section.  Eventually this direction will be taken for the rest of the site.  The idea is to morph this place from a big Blog into an E-Zine which is my ultimate goal.  These are invitation only things... so chill.  And these invitations wont be going out for awhile, so don't worry.  But if your worried - you might be right... All Your Base Are Belong To Ogre.  Make Your Time.

March 6th, Tuesday: The U. S. S. Constitution (Old Ironsides) as a combat vessel carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last during 6 months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators. However, let it be noted that according to her log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."  Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.  
On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchantmen, salvaging only the rum aboard each.  By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.
The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February, 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky and 38,600 gallons of stagnant water.

Wow! .41 gallons of Scotch per day, per man, 1.49 gallons of Rum per day, per man, .65 gallons of wine per day, per man. And that isn't counting the booze they... ahem... "Salvaged".  No wonder the Navy was a popular service for the seedy!

Just to let you guys know what's up with Ogre and why I've not been updating as often as I used to... well, I am still alive and well.  I'm job hunting.  I have had an interview already and I have another interview this Thursday.  Nothing has panned out yet.  This means while I am out here, my family is still in Utah.  It's been a few weeks, and I am missing my little family something terrible.  I love them with all me heart.  I am especially missing my sweet wife.  Virginia is cold and lonely without her.  Last weekend I went out to Lexington to visit my brothers there.  They are going to school out there at Southern Virginia University and VMI.  We walked around Lexington and stopped in some of the cool little shops there.  There is a very cool Celtic store there.  Scottish regalia there and lots of cool stuff that I wanted to get for my sweetheart.  I can't wait to take her there.  Most of the time there I was wishing she was there with me to see what I was seeing.  The blue ridge mountains are awesome.

Note from Mrs. Ogre: "When have I become the 'sweet' wife. I don’t think you have ever called me that before. Whatever else you’ve called me it hasn’t been sweet. I think no sex has addled your brain and making your memories selective. I’m still your stubborn, fiery red-headed wife that contradicts you more than being submissive. How’s that for sweet!"  - God, I LOVE this woman!  There is a vote for driving back to Utah as fast as I can and shagging the hell out of her until I pass out!  Sweetness, I can't wait till we are together again.  Regardless of your anvil hard stubbornness, you really are a very sweet, feminine, and wonderful wiffy.  I love you.  That and you smell good. ;)

Donate ogre@madogre.com via PayPal to support MadOgre.com, or God will kill a kitten.

Copyright G H Hill 1998-2055