Star Wars ep VII: The Force Awakens; a Perspective (No Spoilers)

Saw the movie last night.  I entered the theater cautiously optimistic (remembering the burn that was Ep I) and came out giddy.  Most of the reviews I've seen from friends have put it in the top tier of the SW films w/ V (ESB) normally being the #1.  Only a few have been outright negative w/ some valid concerns.  Some things to take into context/perspective before you see the film and after if you didn't enjoy it for the same reasons.

The 3D effect was the best I've seen so far.  Some films seem to promote it as an after thought. I ducked a few times during the show. 

The visualizations were outstanding.  Imperial/First Order gear looks even more evil than it did in the original trilogy.

Don't take it seriously.  SW was originally a one shot cowboy drama in space.  They are all 'kids' movies, some more-so than others.  While some scenes may be a bit more 'adult', overall they are designed as adolescent science fiction.

Don't overthink the films.  Yes there are plot holes in all of them nor are they 'hard' science fiction.  If you try and pick them apart as such you will only end up not liking them.

If you are as much of a movie-hound as I am, there is no such thing as an original plot or story.  You will be able to pick out bits or figure out what's going to happen in almost ANY film.  SW7 is not different.  You will see heavy elements from the original trilogy.

There is no Jar Jar so no matter what it is better than Ep I. 

Take the movie for what it is and enjoy a return to your childhood.

My Xmas Gift

A bit back I had the chance to order a very rare and unique die.  I decided I was worth it (and anyone who knows me would agree) so went ahead w/ it.

What was this unique die?  Why one that would be the envy of any caveman gamer.  A 20-sider made out of Mammoth tusk ivory from Artisan Dice.  I received it last night and my other neanderthalic group members wailed and gnashed their teeth in jealousy.



I risked one (very gentle) christening roll.  A 17.  So not only a piece of are but also potentially lucky.

The full set included a cedar case, Cert. of Authenticity w/ spare chip in case of testing, and an extra die of which I'm getting details on made of 'Red Heart' for the long wait.It rolled a nat 20.



If I win the lottery, I would love to get a set of the Rosewood or Bogwood dice.

I'm On A List

NSA, FBI, BATFE, Santa.... all sorts of lists. 

Why? 

Well I committed an act that will likely flag me on all of them. 

I bought two handguns in a week. 

Shocking I know. Obviously an ISIS inspired plot to end American civilization. 

Or.....

They're Xmas gifts for the C-in-C and my mom*.

First up in the C-in-C's new carry piece.  Looking at various easily cocked semi-auto's, we decided on a Walther model.  The PK380 was her first choice but that would include me having to buy new food to feed it.  Instead we went w/ a CCP in 9mm, purchased used from my buddy Caleb. She asked "What if I don't like it?".  Well thankfully guns are non-consumables and I already have two people interested in it if it isn't preferred.



Also during Thanksgiving, I did a check on my mom's little KelTec P32.  We discovered she couldn't pull the slide back on it anymore so we did some discussion on what should replace it.  A revolver was chosen.  At the show last week, I found a Ruger LCR in .22lr from Zancha Guns.  Not much but w/ her arthritis it's about all she can handle and it's better than nothing. 




A family that shoots together stays together. 

*all laws followed.

Wildcat Rounds and .510 Whisper

It's good to have friends.  One of mine is one of those wonderful individuals that has all the licenses etc. to manufacture bang sticks w/ fun switches, cans, and all sorts of other goodies.  He also really likes to show off these toys to his friends and take them out to play when he can.

While I was over there working on a transfer the other night, he asked if I was in a hurry.  I replied 'Not any more' when he pulled out a custom rifle (probably costing more than I make in a year) w/ custom suppressor.  It fired what is called a 'Wildcat' round, all custom machined, in a caliber called .510 Whisper.  Basically a .50bmg bullet in a cut down .338 Lapua casing. I got the fun of firing an API round at a 150m target.  No hearing protection.  It resulted in a pop.... BOOM!!! followed by schoolgirlish giggling.

Some of the other rounds he's made for various guns:

Hopefully I'll get to test some of these as well.  It's good to have friends.

Ugly Gun: Norinco SKS

I like SKS's.  They've definitely grown on me over the years.  This one that I was shown yesterday, however, looks like it was made in a cave in Afghanistan. 

First the overview for an initial WTF?:

Now some closeups:

Lovely JB weld holding on the misplaced scope. Eye relief is about 1.5" to far forward. 

The deflector plate held on w/ a sheet metal screw.

 The side mount scope mount set in by cutting the frame:

Not shown but he used some kind of stain or paint on the top of the forward grip to make it 'match'. 

Even though it's just a Norinco, I almost cried.

QOTD: San Bernadino

I've made several posts over the years regarding the various government 'reports' sourcing the ADL and SPLC regarding 'right wing extremism', Gadsden flags, prior military, remote controlled plane hobbyists, etc. being the biggest dangers to the nation. 

Mig sums it up distinctly:

While the Left, Gun Control groups and even DHS were watching Gun Owners, the NRA and 2A groups, 3%ters, Christians, Jews, Tea Party, etc, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik were prepping with all confidence and carried an attack on a soft target. And you can also bet your ass they were not the only ones out there.

CA legal firearms, empty on the 'terrorist watch lists',etc. 

But they're contained and only upset about global warming.

Elliot Fineman Calls For Fourth Reich

Godwin be damned.  

Americans are in the midst of a gun violence epidemic. The National Emergencies Act gives the president the power and responsibility to declare a state of emergency when the government lacks the procedures and capacity to address an unchecked natural or man-made public health epidemic.

Yep.  Give the president discretion to arrest and imprison firearm owners and other 'undesirables'.  You know, those untermenschen that don't follow the whims of a tyrant.  No more due process, no more warrants.  Just what the anti-gun fanatics want for firearm owners.

then, to make a kangaroo committee to make all these new laws w/o any input from those undesirables.

 exclude members of the gun lobbies, who profit from the epidemic they’ve caused and do everything they can to keep it going.”

Even though NGVAC is a 'D' list group, they're just saying what the rest of them are insinuating.  Remember the whole bit about Ladd Everitt of the CSGV approving of court appointed concentration.

Never let them say they're not trying to take your guns. 

Phleger the Phaker

So after hours of harassing businesses and individuals, preventing people from doing their holiday shopping, 'Father' Phleger heads out to the 'burbs to take care of his own.