So a girl gets attacked while 3 security guards look on. That’s right. Look on. They do nothing. Read the appalling story here.
The video clearly shows that all of this is taking place right in front of three security guards. They are well marked with bright yellow jackets that have SECURITY written on the back. While the victim is on the ground getting punched, the guards immediately reach for their radios and call for help, but they do little else.
OK, I stand corrected. They did something. They radioed for help. Big deal.
After the victim is punched, the attack gets worse. The suspect then kicks the girl’s face and stomps on her head six times. The guards make no attempt to get in the middle of the girls or to pull the attacker away. One guard is seen in the distance looking on. He never approaches the scene. Another guard turns his back on the assault. The third stands just inches from the girls, looking on.
And the beating isn’t over. The attacker comes back without anyone trying to restrain her and stomps on the motionless girl’s head one final time.
The attacker and her crew of 10 others – eight boys and young men, and two girls – run up the tunnel escalators.
One of them is clutching the purse he stole from the unconscious teen. Two others have stolen her cell phone and iPod.
A woman who witnessed the entire ordeal from her seat in a bus parked in the tunnel talked to KING 5.
“All of the passengers, we were all up against the side looking, like, who is going to do something? Do something, do something!” said the witness. “Why on earth are there three security guards standing there watching it? And actually allowing her to come back and kick her in the head again!”
When the beating is over, you see on the tape that not one guard bends down to see if the victim is breathing or needs help.
“Really? You’ve got three male security guards and there’s a young girl getting kicked in the head, lying on the ground, motionless? And they couldn’t do anything? Doesn’t seem like security,” said the witness.
Just a reminder folks that the only person you can count on to help you is you. Security guards? I think the only security they were worrying about was keeping their jobs… and the transit authority about being secure in avoiding liablity and lawsuits. That’s the only thing they’re working to secure.
It’s sad this is the way the world can be, but this is how the world can be.
Overkill‘s new album, Ironbound, is now out in the US.
Yesterday I visit the iTunes Music Store to buy it. Purchase. Download. Listen…. hey this is good. What’s that noise? Popping? crackling? static? WTF? let’s try the next track? It’s worse! next track? more of the same. Crap! Every track has some sort of noise on it! That’s a let-down, but unacceptable.
Use the in-app “report a problem” on those tracks. This morning I receive an email that the order is still in process and my report has been flagged for a later follow-up, which could be 3 more days until it happens.
*sigh*
I don’t want a refund, I want tracks that are crystal clear.
Oh well. Meantime I’ve still listened to the album and tried to ignore the noise. The album is good. I’m liking it. “Ironbound” is good. “Bring Me the Night”. “The Goal Is Your Soul” is cool. Really, I’m digging the whole album. Hopefully iTMS will properly fix things.
He may have a few other things for sale too… those would be posted as he sorts through his inventory.
Note again: this is a listing for a friend. I am not selling this stuff. Please do not contact me about these items because I know nothing about them and cannot help you.
I just returned from the gun range. Many interesting tales to tell.
First, if you wish to contribute to the “Buy John a 4×4 pickup truck” fund, I would be so happy. 🙂 We’ve had a lot of rain lately and the ground is a mess; rarely do we get enough time to dry out before it rains again. I’m not complaining about the rain as we are still technically recovering from the drought of the past 2 years. But it has made things messy and muddy and my poor little car got stuck in the mud.
Second, gun folk can be some of the nicest folk. There was only one other person at the range and he was on the other side of things. But he heard and saw my car stuck in the mud and he packed up and came over to help me out. Turns out it was John Schaefer, brother of Tom Schaefer. John remembered me from my CHL class and also we took our NRA Instructor classes together last year. He helped me get out of the mud, and it was nice to see him again.
As for the shooting, it’s been a month since my private lesson. I’ve been working on the techniques at home in dry fire and it was high time I go to the range and see where I am. Instead of doing the Central Texas Standards I opted to do the Two Target No Reload Standards. I ran it twice: first time was OK, second time was better and I almost shot it clean. I didn’t have a timer but I did put time pressure upon myself to shoot as fast as I could but with a focus on accuracy. I wanted only good hits and on the second run only had 2 “not-A-zone” hits. What I took from my shooting:
#1 thing is I need to get on the trigger faster. This is something Karl specifically spoke to me on at the private lesson. Need to get on the trigger during presentation not after having presented.
Still need to work on trigger control because when pressure is on I will yank. More group shooting at longer distances is needed. I actually shot decently today, better than I have in the past. Just need more. It should be a mix of no time pressure to shoot the best possible, but then also slight time pressure.
My eyes were an issue today. It may have been in part due to the 30º temperatures and 20+ MPH chilly wind, so my eyes would squit and water a lot. But all the squinting makes it hard to see the front sight clearly. I’ve struggled to shoot with both eyes open and had given up on it, but I want to try again and pursue it more seriously.
My presentation is really improving based upon what came out of the private lesson. It’s the little things, the advanced details. But it gets me on the sights quicker. I still have to trust myself more to shoot with a “good enough” sight picture.
All in all, I’m pleased with things but I know I can do better. Dry practice pays off. Much more in my future.
One thing of note is the first run of the drill I shot with factory loads. The second run I did using my 9mm reloads. Each run is 100 rounds, and my reloads performed peachy. They are a hair less “kicky” than the factory loads, but otherwise they’re fine. In about a week and a half I’ll be taking the KR Training AT-6 Pistol Workout class. I’ll see about loading 400-500 rounds for that class and see how it runs.
I also brought out my XD-9 5″. I’ve been thinking about sending her to Springer Precision to get customized. Given the cost involved in shipping, you might as well go for the gusto and get everything done that needs doing. One question I had was if I wanted to get a Bar-Sto barrel or not. I shoot some groups at 25 yards using a benchrest. I used both factory ammo (Federal American Eagle) and my reloads. Both shot groups about 2″. So 2″ at 25 yards? I can deal with that given the nature and purpose of the gun. Not going to bother with the barrel.
I was also happy that my reloads were showing that level of precision.
All in all, a good morning.
OK, one bad part of the morning. I had benched my carry XD while I did all the work with the 5″. Before I pack up I want to do a quick cleaning of the guns. I pick up the carry XD and go to take it down but it doesn’t go. Slide is forward, press trigger to take it down, it doesn’t go. Huh? I poke around with it a bit more and the trigger just isn’t working. It feels strange, acts strange. I can press the trigger and there’s a noticeable delay before the gun goes “click”. Really strange. Eventually I get the slide off. Nothing looks wrong. Not sure what gives but I’m getting scared that I broke something. Got on the phone with Tom Hogel and spoke with him about it. He figured the sear dropped behind the disconnector… I probably pulled the trigger while the takedown lever was up but with the slide not in position to come off. Suggested solution? Rack the slide back HARD. I did that. Sure enough, she’s all better. Nothing looks bent, trigger feels right.
Apart from that tho, good morning. Got work ahead of me.
I finally got the equipment list for the upcoming snub revolver classes with Claude Werner, and that triggered in me a lot of excitement about some upcoming training.
My curiosity arose about just what’s involved in the Rangemaster Combative Pistol 2 class. Granted I can read a description on a website, but that’s not the same as actually what it’s all about. Haven’t found anything, but I did find this AAR on Combative Pistol 1. Nothing indicates when that AAR was written, but upon reading it what struck me was how a fair amount of the material covered in CP1 was covered when Givens was here for the Combined Skills course. That’s good as it gives me the impression that CP2 is going to be a logical growth from and building upon what we did that weekend.
Speaking as a software developer, that is massive amounts of code. Huge. Trying to maintain that would be a bear. Furthermore, trying to ensure it’s error/bug-free? A monumental task, edging on impossible.
I don’t know how the automotive industry works in terms of producing this software, but if it’s anything like most commercial software companies then lord… it makes me want to drive a Model T, that’s all mechanical and easy to fix. All I can do is hope they have a good understanding of proper software development process and are not willing to sacrifice solid reliable code because they need some new feature and needed it yesterday.
I also hope they understand how simple is better. All those millions of lines of code? Gosh… if they can take the time to simplify and trim that down, so much better in the long run. More maintainable, less chance of errors and problems and risking catastrophic failure.
Gosh I hope they do things right.
Of course the geek in me wants to know nitty gritty details now like the language they’re using and the toolset. 🙂
Displaying immaculate sculpting techniques, designer Ryan McNaught has come up with a stunning model of an A380, which is made entirely out of the Lego blocks. The Lego Airbus touts a fully detailed interior featuring scenes from five different movies, together with a range of landing gears and working engines that can be controlled by the computerized A380 control panel. You may retract the gear, open cargo doors, move the flaps, activate the landing lights, move the tail fin and control the engines with the help of a touchscreen computer. Everything seems to be attached perfectly in the Lego mock-up of the Airbus
So my .223 reloads weren’t working out, and I had decided to put it on the shelf. A combination of frustration at the whole thing, feeling like I wasted a lot of time and money, not sure where to go next, and I need to focus on 9mm reloading right now.
I spoke with experienced reloaders and there’s a zillion things that could be causing the accuracy problems.
Frankly, I just don’t have the money or gumption to keep trying to chase this down. But I’m not willing to admit defeat. I’m just not sure where to go next, but I am willing to put it on the backburner and let things simmer a bit.
I’ve picked up some Federal P223S, which is the 55 grain Barnes TSX load. Federal says that’s good for deer. My take? I’ve got an itch to go hog hunting. As soon as the weather stops sucking so bad, I’m going to try to go hog hunting and I’ll take the AR and the P223S and see how it does. If it doesn’t perform, well… then I can stop trying to reload it for this purpose because if the bullet and load won’t work well…. what’s the point? I’m sure it will work tho.
I’m thinking a couple things:
1. Cor-Bon makes a load with the 62 grain TSX. Order a couple boxes of that. See how it performs in and of itself. As well, look at how they load it and see if I can learn anything from it. For instance, whatever their overall length is, try replicating that.
2. Before I load any more expensive TSX bullets, buy cheap FMJ bullets and do some work with .223 loads to see if I can even just make a decent .223 plinking load. I’d also load these on the Hornady Lock-n-Load progressive press… wonder what sort of difference that would make versus. the single stage press.
I don’t know. Just lots of speculation and thinking, and I’m sure I’ll do more before I load .223 again. Need to focus on 9mm right now.
Time-Warner Cable went on the fritz. No TV. No Internet. Nothing.
And with this level of reliability, they wonder why I keep turning them down for their Digital Phone service.
But lack of Internet was good this afternoon. It forced me to do some things that needed to be done, such as giving my Savage bolt-action rifle a long-overdue cleaning. As long as I was cleaning rifles, I spent a good deal of time detail cleaning the Bushmaster hunting AR. I repeat, I don’t like carbine-length gas systems and won’t buy one ever again.
Kids also had to deal with no TV and Internet. We had gone to Hobby Lobby last night and picked up some Sculpey clay. Neat stuff. They’ve been making all sorts of little things this afternoon. Neat stuff. I love watching my kids run with their imaginations.
Of course, now Internet is back, thus I did some work I had to do for my other job. But the kids? Still playing. 🙂
Shit. It’s 40º out. Damn weatherman said it’d be in the 50’s. Oh well. Doesn’t matter. I’m going anyway.
Don my coat, get the keys, and into the garage. A small feeling of guilt comes over me because I haven’t taken her out in months. Will she fire up? That Battery Tender, Jr. was a good investment. Open the petcock. Put in the key and turn her on. There goes the fuel pump, hungrily pumping gas into the carburetor bowls. Choke on full. Press the starter. Starts right up. Drop the choke to half and let her idle for a bit to warm up. While she warms up let’s check on things. Lights working. Brakes and brake lights working. Signals are fine. Shocks good. Visual once-over. Looking and sounding good. Kill the engine. Hrm…. tires need some air… pull the pump out of the saddlebags and let it run. Bike seems in good shape. I vow to never again let this much time pass between rides.
Go back in the house to suit up. Full leathers and some extra insulation. 40º air temps and 65 MPH winds make it feel like 20º or less. Where’s my helmet’s air damn? Ah… left it in the saddlebags. Go fetch. Install. That will keep the chill out of the helmet. Take off my XD. Slip the snub in the jacket pocket. Rearrange the wallet and iPhone for easier access. Kiss Wife and Kids good-bye.
Back to the garage. Climb on. Out of the garage and fire her up. Man, those Roadhouse Classic pipes sound great; I’m so happy I bought them and installed them myself. Make a gut check… it’s been too long since I’ve been on. Pull out of the driveway and it feels good to be on 2-wheels again. Damn cold air. Sure the Pinlocks are great for the helmet visor not fogging, but my damn glasses still fog up. *sigh* Crack the visor open until things even out.
Getting my legs back under me. On the way out of the subdivision practice a few emergency braking techniques. Remind myself it’s Super Bowl Sunday and there’s likely to be more people on the road on a Sunday morning due to the need to prep for parties. That also means they’re going to be distracted and not paying attention. Keep your guard up.
Get gas. Man, I’m so glad I use Seafoam as I’m sure that’s what kept the fuel in the tank happy.
OK, let’s head out to the highway.
Man, this feels good.
Hrm. Lots of scenery has changed since I last did this run. All that SH-130 construction I guess. Man, can’t wait until they finish that.
Wow, things really have changed. I wonder what this will look like once the highway is in. Yeah sure there’s still some fields and farms and cows and such to see, but all this construction and stripping of the earth will just be concrete eventually. Certainly not as pretty. But well… todays’ run is all business. It’s too cold to stay out for hours and take the backroads.
Sure enough, even with all my layers, the cold is creeping in. Dang. I should have put that balaclava on my neck. Fingers getting the worst of it as usual. Need to ask Larry about those deflectors again.
Ah, Lockhart. Black’s BBQ. They always treat me right. Let’s see… I’ll get the family pack, brisket of course but throw in a couple sausage links for Oldest. Mac & cheese (for Daughter), pinto beans (Wife), and potato salad. Oh heck… get a pint of banana pudding too.
“Can you guys wrap it all up in foil and plastic bags so it doesn’t get all in my saddle bags?”
“Yes sir, not a problem.”
Oh yeah… don’t forget to grab plasticware. It’s nice to just have the meal with zero cleanup.
BBQ into the saddlebags. Helmet and gloves back on. Let’s head back out. No more leisure riding, gotta get home before the meat gets cold.
Man… why is seeing all of this construction bothering me so? Loss of the pretty scenery I guess. Oh well, need to crank it home.
OK, onto the FM road to get over to I-35. This guy’s going too slow, dashed yellow line, open that throttle and pass. Man, I love opening the throttle. Getting pressed back into the backrest from all that torque is wonderful.
Settle into a groove, speed limit dropping as we come through this one area…. bank to the left… and holy shit this asshole is passing me on the curve! Double yellow lines, cars coming at him, and he’s passing me like this? Holy fucking shit you asshole! I don’t care if you Darwin yourself, but damnit don’t put my life in danger like that. But let it go. Don’t flip him off… does no good. Yeah he’s a asshole, but don’t let it ruin the ride. Just let it go.
Back to the highway… damn I hate being around 18-wheelers when I don’t have the protective cage around me. No matter. Just ride on.
Stop light. Damn. Didn’t realize how cold my toes had gotten. Fingers certainly stiff and cold now too. Light’s going to change soon so no chance to warm them by the heat of the engine. Almost home. Home… warm home.
Into the garage. Kill the engine. Sit there a moment and savor it.
God, I needed that.
Riding is my therapy. I need lots of therapy right now. V-twin therapy.
Stuff From Hsoi 