Here are a few links to articles and videos I found interesting this week. Some are intellectual. Some are informative. Some are just fun. If you have some free time, check them out this weekend.
Can You Count on a Military Pension?
Advice for my police, firefighter, and military friends….
I don’t believe you should count on your pension check coming forever. Could you live without your pension money? I think it would be smart to figure out now exactly how you are going to do it. I worry about my cop friends who work lots of overtime and special details to make extra money. The money is good and the work is generally easy, but all that stops when you retire. Have you considered the opportunity costs of working all that overtime? Sure you are making good money, but you are using time that could be better spent working on building a business or an alternate income stream…one that will provide for you long after you retire.
Cut back on all the overtime and special duty you work. Spend that time building a long term income stream instead. Don’t get spoiled by easy money.
Boxing in the WBE; Defense
Paul Sharp shares some valuable boxing drills that will help you avoid getting hit in a fight….
Tiny Inconspicuous Handcuff Key
These are very handy to have around if you are traveling someplace where you might be kidnapped or taken hostage. Clip one inside your waistband in the small of your back (where your hands would be if handcuffed.) It’s cheap insurance.
Colt Serial Number Database
Colt has recently added a new feature to its website. Enter the serial number of your Colt firearm and it will provide the date of manufacture!
The depressing psychological theory that explains Washington
It’s important to recognize how group loyalties impact the dynamics of the rationalization process.
“The results showed that, “for both liberal and conservative participants, the effect of reference group information overrode that of policy content. If their party endorsed it, liberals supported even a harsh welfare program, and conservatives supported even a lavish one.”
Now, take the information presented in this article and apply it to a self defense situation. Do you see how a group loyalty can be both helpful and harmful?
Guide to being mediocre
“A society made up of individuals who were all capable of original thought would probably be unendurable.”
– H. L. Mencken
Using your Voice as a Weapon, Part 1
Good points here…
I like using the voice as a literal weapon while groundfighting. A loud shout or scream directly in your opponent’s ear often causes a momentary stunning effect, allowing you a momentary advantage. Give it a try the next time you are grappling.
Cubicle Farming the Desk Jockeys
Thought provoking stuff here. Did you ever consider that the eight hour work day was contrived to limit your free time so that you will buy more stuff?
Hammer fired vs. striker fired: what are the tradeoffs?
Grant Cunningham writes a detailed article describing the differences between hammer and striker fired pistols. It’s great information. Grant’s book The Gun Digest Book of the Revolver is also a must read if you own or carry a wheelgun for self protection.
Aaron brings up a good point about flashlights. Do you really think you will be chosen as a victim if you are walking around a dark parking lot at night using your flashlight to check out hidden areas? Not likely. The criminal will most likely think you are a cop and will move on to easier territory.
I once stopped an almost certain criminal attack on some friends when I was in Bolivia by just illuminating the attackers with my Surefire. They aborted their approach as soon as they were lit up.
Be Warned: Brutal Range Drills….
A couple of rough shooting drills for you to try. I did the V-Tac 60 sec. aggregate recently for practice. I used a half sheet of 8.5″x 11″ paper for the bullseye and scored it hit or miss. I dropped 5 of the 30 shots out of the half sheet of paper. Give it a try!
Are You Recovering or Just Resting?
There is a difference between rest and recovery.
The 6 Principles Of Effective Persuasion
A summary of the six most important ideas for influence and persuasion. These are critical to understand, not just as a way to influence behavior but also as a way to recognize manipulation attempts…even in the criminal context. These some from Robert Cialdini’s book Influence. Put it on your reading list.
Taking Down Silicon Valley’s Electrical Grid with Rifles?
John Robb talks about the “how” and more importantly the “why” in last summer’s terrorist attack on the power grid.
Realities and Legalities of Child Snatching
Melody writes an excellent three part series examining all of the issues involved with defending your child from an abduction attempt. This is the link to the final segment, but links to parts one and two are in the first paragraph.
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