Awesome Weather

Is awesome.  A couple days ago it almost hit 45, today's high was -4 (windchill is currently cutting an extra 10 off that...)

Tonight's Entertainment

Hooray home ownership!

ETA: Heh, I didn't realize I took a picture of the Spanish side of the box.  It's a fancy humidifier that mounts to the heating ducts and taps into the water line, so you don't have to fill it.  Supposedly it'll handle our house plus another 500 or so square feet, and if all goes according to plan I won't have horrible sinus issues for the rest of the winter.

Gross

Supposedly it's going to warm up 30 more degrees through the day. I don't believe it.

Two Inches of Slush

That's all that stands between the USPS and my mailbox... and is apparently what it takes to get a pre-written note asking to "please keep your mailbox clear."  I guess snow is a magical substance that completely causes a postal worker to loose all depth perception.  (I wouldn't have really cared, except that I'm not exaggerating with the 'two inch' statement.)

The offending slush has been removed (pending the next pass by the county plow truck), so hopefully they are able to remember "oh yeah, I do have to reach that far all year."

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

2.0



More the calculator engineering, and not so much the blow-stuff-up engineering (well, less so...) but still pretty dang good.

Easy Day

Costa and company making gun porn.  Good times.

Finals are Hard

And simply pulling the fire alarm is so 1995.  On the up (and not so up) side of things, I have more hours this week at work... and I don't have off tomorrow.  Finals week here too, fingers crossed nobody pulls a copy-cat act.

What I find interesting is that those are both well regarded schools, supposedly full of smart kids.  I guess the strain is too much for some?

Bed was Warm...

...Why didn't I stay in bed?

Geography is Fun!

Or should I say 'orthographic imagery'? I found a picture of my truck from space!

This tells me that the most recent imagery on Google was taken on a Wednesday (miniature gaming day.)

Brr...

At 11am.  In my black truck. That was sitting in the sun all morning.  Windchill is hovering around -20.  Usually we don't deal with this until the middle of January...

Round 2

Of Operation Root Canal is finished... time to relax and enjoy the greatest Christmas movie ever.

Not Cool

Sucky when a big company doesn't play nice.  I'm pretty certain (because I know it's how I roll) that if you just ask nice and give proper attribution, almost any novice/semi-pro photographer would let you use their work.

House Stuff

I set the living room on fire.

New chimney liner, cap/damper combo, and finally one of the reasons we bought this house is usable again.  Good day for it too, being the first "serious" snow of the year.

Welcome to the Blogoshpere!

Long time friend of G&C, DocB, has started a blog!  Check it outs- Socks, Water, and Motrin

Doc is a combat veteran, Paramedic, and possesses a "special" sort of humor one can only gain from babysitting a platoon of Marines.

Coma time.

We are 'officially' out of the old house, and all of our stuff is in the new one. Followed that up with my parents and Grandma over for turkey stuff, and dropped off the keys with our renters (welcome to the world of landlordship!)

Now is time for CW Mudpuppy!

New Home Fun...

New stove and fridge are due tonight, so that's a plus.  Had the chimney guy in last week to look at things (figured it'd be a good call to make before actually lighting a fire in the living room...)

Turns out it was a good call.  I guess nobody told the former owner what a "rain cap" is, and why it is insanely important to a chimney.  If you don't know, it'll let all the rain and snow come down, getting the inside nice and wet, and when it freezes up here in the north, the ice cracks apart all the mortar holding the firebricks in place.  Loose a brick, and it's like having a blowtorch going against the structural bricks.  Good times.

Thankfully the structure is still fine, so all we need is a stainless alloy liner dropped in.  Price is per linier foot, so for the first time (of what I'm sure will be more than a few) I'm glad it's a short ranch style house.  Still $1200 that could have gone to the bathrooms or kitchen rebuilds, had somebody simply stuck a little piece of metal up on the roof.  On a positive note, we will be required to burn "a 2-log fire" every day until the mortar and insulation cures.

Jumping the Badged Shark

Tru-Spec launched their line of uniforms in the new "MultiCam Black" today, a pattern that Crye says "The MultiCam Black™ pattern was developed to meet the unique requirements of law enforcement officers operating in high-risk environments. It projects a distinctly authoritative presence appropriate for domestic operations. MultiCam Black™ is designed to complement an officer’s existing equipment and present a sharp, professional image for top-tier law enforcement units."

This may come as a surprise to some, since I know there's a certain amount of stereotypes in the gun blog circles about LEOs, and as some long-time readers may know, that's kind of my civilian job.  So here's the rub: While the pattern does look pretty cool, I don't really see the legitimacy of it, especially in an LE environment.  It really is a pure "I want to look cool" product, as it has no concealment abilities, making it pretty useless for SWAT Snipers or Drug Enforcement guys busting grows out in the woods, and camo makes no difference for dynamic entry teams.  (And in my opinion, if you're going for some sort of "psychological edge," I'd think Kryptek Typhon would be the better option.)

All in all, if you want and need camo, get an effective camo.  Otherwise solid black with big white lettering is going to look plenty professional, and clearly identify who you are, and that's more important than looking cool.

Costa on SA

"In law enforcement, we call that a clue."

 Well worth the time.

Impromptu Fun Show!

Headed up to Wausau to look for house stuff (filled under "success") and noticed signs for a gun show.  Granted it was a Bob & Rocco one... but eh, time to kill, pretty stuff to look at (hopefully.)  Saw some rare beasts (Kel-tech KSG and a PMR-30) and there was a multi-table slew of Class III fun to drool over.

We'll file our shopping here success as well.  Crossed another off the "would really like to have list," and snagged a 1928 manufactured Winchester 1897.  Long barrel, take-down, and all sorts of slam-fire fun.

Very seriously considering knocking a few inches off, and need to replace the stock (not trusting that crack tons,) but should be very much fun for SASS.

Beer!

Jeebus I need to post more often. We close on the new house Monday, so hopefully things will pick up after that madness.

In the meantime, sometimes you need to go to the source for the good stuff, in this case Slainte Scotch Ale (left) and Peruvian Morning (right) straight from the taps on the brewery floor.

Veterans' Day

Today we remember those we served with, and those who served before us.  There are still brothers and sisters downrange, and I can't help but thing that there's another group of soldiers, sitting around a fire the night before heading out for a week long mission in Indian Country (just like we were less than a year ago in this picture.)

Happy Veterans' Day guys.

Sweep the Leg Drill!

Start the day off right!



Too funny. (Mmm! Pie!!)

Silly Cat

Even if it was time to feed you, you're making it kinda tough.

CCW Survey!

For The Balloon Goes Up.  Hit it up and help them out!  It's totally anonymous (unless you want to attach your name) and only takes a minute.

Check Your Ammo!

I guess Winchester wanted me to practice some immediate action drills (even if they're less than exciting on a DA-only revolver...)

At least they were nice and stuck it right on the corner there.

Prepping

Heard rumors of hordes of monsters and evil things roaming about, so we're getting ready to defend the homestead.

Hooray coffee!

KtKC 2013 - The Extended Cut!

Dropping this before ducking out for the week.  Simply can't contain the awesome.

More and better photos later!

Light Blogging Alert

I know it has been lately, but it's about to get really light this week.  Kind of have a wedding thing to do today, and a honeymoon to enjoy next week.  Fair warning.

Unneeded Features

Aero Precision is selling a stripped AR upper that gets rid of the main one on the AR platform.

If I were building an AR from scratch, this is upper I'd use.  I've always felt that if there's an issue that requires you to beat the bolt into battery, there's probably something not very safe about the ammo or your gun.

Teaser

Editing some photos (apparently PS Elements 10 no longer recognizes NEF Raw, yay extra steps!)

Here's a teaser of the newest addition to the armory.

Challenge Unlocked!

I have now killed a mouse in the house (heh) with an AR15.

(Lila was practicing her 'catch and release' techniques for the last two hours.  She dropped the stunned thing next to me while I happened to have an AR handy. 'Muzzle-strike' is SUPER EFFECTIVE!)

MHI Challenge Coins KS Live

Instantly increase your Hunter street cred!

I don't know if I'm more excited by the MHI coin, or the MCB ones. Either would look good hidden among the coins I've accumulated over the years.

200k

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Tuesday that permit number  200,000 was printed Monday at the Department of Justice’s secure processing center in downtown Madison. 

Beer

Hooray beer!

Gov't Shutdown

We at G&C are feeling a little less joking about it, since we were trying to buy a new house and using a VA Home Loan to go about doing it. Hard to negotiate when the people lending the money (and inspecting and appraising the house) are 'furloughed' until after the proposed closing date.  I know, first world problems and all, but damn it's annoying.

KtKC Final Numbers

First off, thanks to everyone who donated!

We raised $460 for Team G&C, not bad I think for having a bunch of technical issues for the first week or so (probably not using Livestrong next year...) putting us strongly in the middle of the pack (9 our of 18!)

Speaking of next year, I'm wearing pants today, and it feels weird.  I can't wait until next September!  Hopefully I'll have some good ways thought up to entice you to donate more.

KtKC Day 30

The final day! Started with a picture by my pretty new truck, we'll finish the same way.

There's still time to donate! We're darn close to $500, every bit helps!

Final Day!

Yesterday I said I wanted to break $400, and we did! No reason we can't break $500 today!

Donate here!!

KtKC Day 29

Remembered we had stashed a couple bombers of a very fitting brew to help close out the month.

I don't know if that's a question you want to ask, beer.

Even though September is coming to a close (no more baseball for Brewers fans... sad face...), there is still time to donate!!  I'd love to break into $400, and I don't think that's unreasonable, especially all those people out there that said they would, but haven't donated yet.  Click Here to donate to Livestrong on behalf of Guns & Coffee!

KtKC Day 26/27

Was out of the house all afternoon and worked all night... so yesterday's photo is a day late.

Manda had some fancy professional networking thingy, so I got all dressy again.

It was a little sad though, had to work, so couldn't enjoy any of the number of free microbrews.  Oh wells.

There's still a few days to donate!  We hit $300 yesterday, but I still think we can do better!

Oops. (KtKC Day 25)

One of those days... spent the day fixing the porch door (and cursing whoever installed the last latch, the holes were about as straight as a rainbow flag), pushing around little plastic Space Vikings, looking at another house, and putting in an offer on one we looked at yesterday.  Now I'm getting ready to go work an overnight, and completely blanked on getting a kilt photo...

My bad.

So to pursued you to donate, here is a photo of me with the bit of "Packers Swag" I won at the preseason game last month.

Jay: I see your jersey and raise you a helmet?
(Just for today's photo... I don't think Manda
would let me send this thing anywhere...)

Yup, a genuine game-worn helmet from last season.  I guess the Pack doesn't mess around with the prizes for the "3rd Quarter Break Fan of the Game."

There's still time to donate to help kick cancer's stupid butt!  Today we hit $300 exactly, let's get that up to $400!  Donate here!!!

KtKC Day 24

Look! A quite dapper gent!

Today was a case of "I love the look of 'dress clothes' and never wear them... but I own them... screw it, wearing a tie and vest."  Got a good amount of compliments, and a ton more "so why are you dressed up?" comments too.  I should dress pretty every day.

Still have a week or so to donate!  I'd like to at least break $300 at this point...

KtKC Day 23

Late night bike ride leads to late posting.

Finally got around to installing the RRA Two-stage trigger into the A2, had to try it out.

It's pretty sweet.  Eventually I'll swap out a NM upper and get serious, but it's a start at least.

It's still September, so there's still time to DONATE!  I'm currently dead middle of the pack, but I'm still convinced I can do better.  Help me out!

So... it's Multicam?

While not official, it seems that SMA Chandler let slip that the new camo will pretty much be Multicam.

…Chandler also told troops that the new Army combat uniforms will likely be phased in starting eight to nine months from now. The uniform will feature different colors for different environments, but the pattern will be very similar to the mottled “multicam” currently used in Afghanistan under the designation “Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern.”

I still say it makes sense, since we've got a bunch of equipment in "OCP" in the inventory already, and it works.  I guess we'll see how true that is in a few months.

KtKC Day 22

Got some yard work done.

Donate to Kick Cancer here!

"Lines of Departure" available for pre-order

On Amazon (Kindle, paperback, and audio!)  This is the sequel to Marko's awesome book "Terms of Enlistment", a great military sci-fi read.

KtKC Day 21

The University paper picked up the story this week, should be able to read it if you open it up in a new tab or the like.

Supposed to be a video segment at some point as well.

Also, a friend of one of my student employees apparently told her "I saw the coolest thing, some guy is walking around campus in a kilt, and he was walking like he totally owned it!"  Must have been when I was meeting with Ms. Scott for the interview.

As always, Donate to Kick Cancer in its stupid behind here!

KtKC Day 20

Going in hot!

The cats can be pretty dangerous when they're "starving."

As always, donate to kick cancer here!

KtKC Day 19

Safety first! If you're not familiar with the Army's reflective belt, keep in mind we were required to wear these at night... in Afghanistan...

Donate to kick cancer here!

KtKC Day 18

Angels beating up on Traitor Marines (the Valkyrie is pretending to be a Nephalim Jetfighter, saving me $75 on a model that I now know sucks in the current rules.)

Crap, how do these rules work again?

Won one, lost one today.

As always, donate to help fund cancer research here!

Tired of the Spotlight

Starbucks has never really been "Pro-Gun," they just have never been "Anti-Gun" either.  They've tried to remain neutral on the whole issue, simply stating they would follow local laws regarding open-carry of firearms.

Over the years their stores have been used as a meeting place and have unwantingly hosted rallies and open carry displays, along with anti-gun protesters loudly crying about their stance, or lack thereof.

They have once again made a noncommittal request for gun owners to not openly display firearms in their stores (but if you do, we'll still serve you... just try not to, ok?)

I can't say I blame them, they've spent a few years under somewhat intense scrutiny from the Antis, and an unwanted embrace from the Pros; all because they have tried their hardest to not pick sides.

KtKC Day 17

One great kilt,

"They need all the firepower they can get!"

Two great causes!  Ok, a Great Cause, and a Good Cause... 'cause.

Don't forget to donate here!!

Prizes?

Would that help?  Next year I'm hoping to talk to some industry folks about getting some cool swag to give away, but I ran out of time this year.

What I do have to offer, is a kilt pin.

I made this one up last month, and need to make a few more for next month. It'll be pretty quick to knock out another one and offer it up as a prize, say $5 gets you a "ticket", and I'll figure out some fun way of picking a winner at the end of the month?  I think it's a good deal!

Don't forget, donate here!

Liberation?

It seems Jay is no longer stuck in Massachusetts.  Does that mean he'll be changing his blog's name?

Glad to hear good things for people.

KtKC Day 15

The joys of truck ownerhood.  "Hey, are you busy? I need to move some stuff."

Actually always willing to help out my friendly neighborhood game store owner.

Donate to Kilted to Kick Cancer here.

KtKC Day 14

Kilted family gatherings! My youngest niece turned one today.

Donate here!

KtKC Day 13

I seriously have no idea what I'm doing.  And I apologize to the guy who's club I broke.

Donate here!

KtKC Day 12

Worked overnight last night, do the same tonight, combined with a lingering sinus infection means I don't have a photo today.  Slept a good while, and then signed paperwork to put an offer in on a new house.  Grown up stuff and all that.

Rest assured, once i got up and moving I was kilted, and I'll have a good picture tomorrow.

Also, my offer from yesterday still stands. Made the same offer on facebook, but everybody seems to have missed the "donate" part...

Magpul AK Grip Shipping

Been waiting for these.

KtKC Day 11

Got distracted looking at houses and forgot to get a picture... then realized I have no ideas for humorous kilted photos.  So, give me some ideas, and since it's a fundraiser type of thing, donate some money and I just may get the picture, no matter how absurd the idea is.

I gots nuthin'.

I'm sure you know the deal, donate, email me the receipt and add your photo request in the body of the email, and as long as it's legal, I'll make it happen!

KtKC Day 10

Wedding planning is tough some times... like having your bonus mom-in-law feed you cake.

OM-NomNom!!

Donate here!

Imaginate

I know I've mentioned it before, but I always love watching Danny MacAskill ride.

Caracal Model C Recall

All recalled, no fix, full refund.  Something about the slide breaking in half.

More Press

They don't have a web version, but here's a snapshot of the article in this week's Portage County Gazette.

As always, DONATE HERE!

KtKC Day 9

Had to work early this morning, and at some point my face decided it'd be an awesome idea to pick up a wicked sinus infection.  Long story short, even though I was kilted after work, I completely blanked on getting a pic.

On the upside, as we pulled out of Walgreens with the psuedoephedrine, I decided that if I ever need a parking lot painted, I don't want to hire the guys that did theirs.

How much is "drunk insurance"?

I don't work tomorrow, so hopefully I'll remember to get a quick photo.

And as always, please direct your sympathy donations here.

ETA:  Sympathy picture!  Sniffley tea time.

DONATE HERE!

KtKC Day 8

Power tools and kilts. Few things manlier.

Donate here!!

Another News Piece

Also had a small story in the local interwebs newspaper.

Donate here!

KtKC Day 7

Robert Wadlow reached a staggering 8'11" before he died at the age of 22, making him the tallest man to have ever lived. Thankfully my glands cut me off around the same age at a lowly 6'4" and some change, leaving me as probably not even the tallest gun blogger in Wisconsin.

Believe it, or not.

We were in Wisconsin Dells last night and today for the Badger Yellow Ribbon program (hence the neked face...) and walked around a little after.  It was a little late in the day to do much other than walk through and get back home, but we stopped in front of Ripley's Believe It or Not for a photo.

As always, DONATE HERE!! (new and improved link!!)

KtKC Links

Apparently the page I was linking to on Livestrong has something broken in the code, and the donate button didn't work (thank you Mr. USAA guy for letting me know!)

Here's the new link. I have adjusted the links on the blog.

KtKC Day 6 - The News!

Didn't get a picture for the day, we have a full blown TV news story!

I didn't get to see the broadcast, but it's good to see the beard immortalized before having to shave it off for Army stuff this weekend.

As always, DONATE HERE!

KtKC Day 5

I was going to pose with a bottle of Jameson, but everybody said this one worked better with the kilt.

McSomething-or-other, Scottish, right?

The beer sounds pretty good, looking forward to trying it.

As always, donate here!

Do Work.

With the weather flip-flopping in a distinctly Wisconsin way (frost warnings tonight, supposed to be in the 80s Friday...) the mice keep making their way in.  Going of the cats' behavior today, they're obviously getting up through the kitchen by the dishwasher.

Sitting here watching Brewers' Post-game (9-3 over the Pirates! A rare win for the year...) I heard somebody bounce off the dishwasher, and 5 seconds later, Lila prances into the living room to show off.

She says Simon is slacking.  That's the 3rd confirmed kill in the last week for her, a long way from the girl that got one two years ago and freaked out when it squeaked.  I guess she's got her killing blow down now.

I'm just glad one of them finally started paying their share of the rent.

KtKC Day 4

Snooty whiskey drinking!  Neglected to get a picture while i was doing miniature gaming, oops.

Hamilton Grey and bourbon.

Although some mead would have matched the shirt better, oops.

Click here to donate!

KtKC Day 3

Busy day, almost forgot to get a photo, so I grabbed some stuff and gave Manda the camera.  It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Get some!(Heritage of Ireland that is.)

This brings up the thought, if you have ideas for pictures of me in a kilt doing stuff, comment away!

As always, donate here - G&C Livestrong