Auld Lang Syne

Yes, it can be a depressing song. I don't care. I remember moments in time and look forward to more of them. A repost. Back in the day the person running the spot blaster or scraping crap off the undercarriage looked like this occasionally on New Years Eve. 

   






















I miss her but I know it has been almost 20 years since we have been together. I always get a bit choked up on New Years Eve

I hope you and yours have a great New Year!

Coolant Leak!

Not quite as dramatic as this:



Troubling just the same. The '94 Mustang beater is reporting "Low Coolant" on an idiot light. Bad on me for not catching it sooner. There is a reason they call them "idiot lights". Sigh.  Luckily, the "No Coolant" light is not on yet =). Looks like the thermostat housing. On it tomorrow, it's supposed to get cold here Friday.  

From the Bench!

Its been a while but its worth it! 

This one gave me some grief. I could not find it in the Standard Catalog. I asked for help. The amazing walking encyclopedia of all things that go bang gave me the heads up! Thanks! 

This is a .32 Military & Police! They did not make a lot of them either on the K Frame. I'll clean it up and shoot it this weekend! 




 

Sheesh!

Does anyone have a screwdriver? I need one to get to mine =)




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Retro Christmas!

So Mr. Curmudgeon is sorta out of whack after spending 4 hours on the operating table yesterday. For the first time ever I'm sitting here in stately manor on Christmas Eve. I always go see them and celebrate with them on this day. Don't get that statement as a pity party for me. I have a lot to be thankful for, I talked to Mr Curmudgeon and he is up to his usual *ahem* cheer =).  I still find the Holiday Sprint lurking around. 

Merry Christmas to you and yours! 

 

UPDATE! Well wishes asked for!

Mr. Curmudgeon is resting well after 4 hours in surgery. Thanks so much for your well wishes and prayers!


Mr. Curmudgeon is going to have some "minor" surgery tomorrow. Any prayers and/or good thoughts would be greatly appreciated. In his mid seventies I'm thinking there is no such thing as "minor" surgery when you go under. I can't be there but Mrs. Curmudgeon will be with him.  

I have to do this!

The Showboat. BB-55. Yeah lets lurk for a bit!

 

Tech Update!

Well I got this about 30 minutes ago from the brown truck of happiness. 

I'm in the tech biz but I had to back up for a moment and be stunned. One day delivery from an Internet order. A 1 TERABYTE hard drive for my computer?!?!

Lets put this into perspective. 

The Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Module had a computer that had 2K of memory. I have for under 80 bucks a TeraByte harddrive. The numbers look like this:

 

















I continue to be amazed.Take a look at this old school pilot fly his craft even when the computer is telling him that it can't handle it.1202 Alarm.

Abby....Somthing.....

So I'm at a loss as to what caused the PC here to take a really big dump on the floor yesterday. Either the NVIDIA video card or the 19" CRT monitor had a failure and took each other out, or the software video drivers got corrupted.

Sigh.... 

Run out and get a happy shiny new LCD monitor. Remove the video card and go back to the integrated video hardware. HELLO ACER! Your manual sucks and if I had to go to Google to figure out where THE POWER SWITCH is on the monitor? You are doing it wrong! 

Go find the Intel motherboard drivers for the video. Yes, Intel is getting out of the MB biz and I get that. I will say this though. I was able to get the drivers from the Intel site for a Model DG31PR board. They did try to take care of the customers. 

SO, Abby something indeed. This thing is a old desktop PC. Some are saying the desktop is over. We shall see, but I think corporate drones are not going to give up on them anytime soon. 

PC blew up!

In a spectacular fashion I might add. Be back later!


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Peter Sent Me Down the Rabbit Hole Today!

And it was a good thing. In his post over at Bayou Renaissance Man he commented on ammunition developments since the 1986 FBI shootout. I wandered off after reading his links and downloaded this book:

Very eye opening. I read it twice. If you get it be aware that it has actual autopsy photos and ex-rays of the two perpetrators of evil. The human body is a wondrous machine for both good and evil.

Here is the FBI training video that came out of the grievous loss of two Special Agents life's with three more with critical injuries and two more injured. 

 

Thanks Peter! Sobering material to be sure. 

Savage Model 29B!

I will take this rifle to the range tomorrow. Not worth much to collectors and to be honest in really rough shape cosmetically. As long as I put stuff on it and then came back the next day with 0000 steel wool the rust would come off. The internals however were in outstanding condition (sorta). Quick bath with the ultrasonic cleaner and a soaking. 

Then cleaning! 

Wish me luck. I LOVE bringing old stuff back to life. 

From the Bench

A Springfield Repeater, Savage Model 29B .22 S, L, LR pump action rifle. It's in rough shape. We shall see how it goes. 

Wish me luck! This rifle is not worth a great deal monetarily but to a friend of mine and his Father it does mean much. 

Shotgun!

So it seems a Blogger meme has started. Brigid posted a thoughtful well researched review on an American classic. The Remington Wingmaster Model 870. Others took it up and posted about the 870's they might *ahem* have lying about. 

Murphy's Law shows two variants on this venerable tool that has put meat on the table and protected home and hearth.

Me? A rather pedestrian one here, but very special. It belonged to a friend of Mr. Curmudgeons that passed away over 18 years ago. 

I am honored to have it in my safe.  I have a "disposable" Winchester pump to carry the duty of defense. This one is a safe queen.Not so much because what it is but rather where its been.

For my friends waiting on packages....

I'm working on it! You know who you are! I offer the standard apology. 



Soon! 

Shotgun!.... Stuff

So Mrs. Curmudgeon runs across this during an estate sale.

I'm smart enough to figure out is was for a front stuffer something and little more than that. The horn holds the powder, the wood on the right measures it and the piece of wood on the front in it's own holster measures the shot.

The gourd holds the shot. I took it to my friends home in tidewater VA. I got an expert opinion real quick! It was made out of a tire. I should have seen that! Then on to other matters.

Here is the wadding for a powder shotgun! Newspaper! In the bottom of the pouch. 

Love it! Then here is the thing. I'm more scared of these than anything I have in the house. 

Including these!

So glad to have this piece of history here! 

Anyone have a blackpowder shotgun? I have the stuff for it! 
 

Oh Santa!

This would be awesome!

Dr. Who, the new series seasons 1-7 with a universal remote! 

A review here.

Now a moment of silence for the solid axle

So the 2015 Mustang has been unveiled. WITH independent rear suspension. OK, I'll reserve judgement until I drive one, but in the meantime a moment of silence for the 49 years of solid axle. Here have some 1964, 65 Mustang commercials. 

Guess I need on of these!

A whole house DSL filter!

Just waiting on the Amazon drone now!

This Should be Fun!

So having become thoroughly fed up with my VOIP and Internet provider recently, I have chosen to kick those that shall not be named *CoughTimeWarnerCable,Cough*, to the curb. I opted for GTE, Verizon, Frontier to provide POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service), high speed interwebz, and long distance service to stately manor. 

There is a problem though. I was too clever by half when wiring the casa in 2006. I now need to find my notes to move back from a cable based service to CAT 5e distribution. 

I still need to provide service to the old phones, backup to the alarm, and well, still make phone calls to annoy my friends occasionally (friends, you have been warned).

I accept the challenge because loosing over half the cable bill monthly is worth it! 

I Really Wish Colt Would Figure it Out!

So I just got off the phone with a student of mine shopping for a more concealable option than her Glock 26. I don't hear this often: "You are awesome!" I'll take it! Its not about the money its about giving people the freedom to take back what is theirs. They just need to see it.

So tomorrow out to the range to let the former (current) student test drive some stuff. It got me thinking. 

I went shopping today. For a pistol. Colt's? Nowhere to be found except on the used counter.

I know Colt has released the .380 Mustang Pocketlite again. I wish they would do the same for the Mustang Plus II. I hear people today saying "Colt? Who's that?" I have to say I understand where they are coming from. Hell I have Firearms older than them (sigh). There is over a hundred years of small Colt's in the picture above and yet it matters for nothing in the mind of today's consumers.

Hey Colt! Wake up or you will become another side note. Sad really. 
 

My Brain Scares Me Sometimes!

So working with some Molle gear and some Maxpedition Tacties today for a gift and it looked like this:

 Oh, the lights? A case of 100W incandescent and a case of 60W. The powers that be are making these hard to get. 

Anyway, while I'm doing this, my brain immedatly thought of this video:



Yep, my brain works in mysterious ways! 



 

Well, Science, I guess!

It appears I can no longer adjust my stereo to my preferences. Nope! You have to stick a microphone in your room in SIX places and let the receiver do its thing. Well I'll play.

The first thing I noticed was the old Boston Acoustics in the back of the room spoke up with authority. In fact too much so. I'm used to having the sound stage up front, not totally immersed it the sound!

Here is the BA hanging in the entry to the kitchen.

  

































Here is the back of it from the kitchen.

Here is one of the front channel sub woofers and main speaker.

So after doing all of this I must say I cannot fault the computer. What used to take skill and knowledge was simply reduced to an algorithm. The thing will even show you it's work.

 I totally agree with the curve 20Hz to 20KHz. for the rear channels. Left side is the open space in the kitchen, the right is jammed into a bookshelf in a corner. The thing boosted the bass on the left side and suppressed it on the right. It seems all the stuff I work on is trying to put me out of a job! 

Contrary To Popular Wisdom

I can operate one of these:

The resulting leftovers look like this:

What made it even better were the spices my friend Brigid sent. Thanks! 

So now to take a look at this. Been a long time since a gun post. Here is a SA 1911. It seems to have a failure to eject. 

 














I honestly have a LOT to be thankful for. Thanks to everyone that called, texted, and emailed me today. It means much! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

A Thanksgiving Tradition

I have for 2 decades or so been alone for this holiday. No matter. In fact I enjoy it. I started watching MST3K oh, back then during the Holiday. Here is one of my favorite shorts.



I will let the "extension of my manhood car" pass, LOL! 

 

Some assembly required!

A Christmas gift in the works for Mr. Curmudgeon. More items on the way, but here is what we have for now. My goal is to have a SHTF one day "gotta go now bag".

More "stuff" is on the way. Many thanks to my friends in Texas that gave me the idea (AND video) for this. 

So anyone else have ideas for a one day bug out bag?



  .

There is an APP for that!

Ok, this is flat out cool if it actually works. The new fire alarm at work? Yep there is an app for that!

It would beat running to an Annunciation panel to see whats happening!

Loud noises

From an expensive noise maker! New fire alarm coming on line!




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Thanks Lucas, Uh FoMoCo!

So returning home from the range last night after CCH class, I pull on the trusty headlamp switch on the 1994 Mustang. I get headlights but no dash lights.  It should have dawned on me if the dash lights were not running, the parking light circuit was dead. That includes the tail lights and side markers. Yep! They were out too. 

So after consulting the Lucas prince of darkness fuse chart I get to it. 

Some research showed this is a common problem for the SN95 Mustang. Hmm... So after hearing some 20 year old plastic break we get to this:

I think I have found the problem! And yeah that wire just hanging up there above the connector to the headlight switch came out of it! The LED is the after market alarm indicator. 

It must be a big problem if the local auto parts store keeps this in stock!

Yeah, I know I'm using crimp connectors instead of soldering the connections. Its a well protected place with little vibration. I'm cool with this for my daily beater! I have already transferred the mounting bracket to the new switch and pigtail. Of course the wire colors don't match up so its going to be by location on the connector. 


Sigh... I really can't complain too hard for a 20 year old car coming up on 218K and has been totaled once though. 

Any Graphic Designers Out Here?

I need some help! Willing to pay you if you can help me and create printed marketing materials for my new NRA Personal Protection in the Home class. Shoot me an e-mail and lets talk!

Thanks!

 

Cover me!

I'm going in!




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Airshow Update

After observing a lot less activity in the sky Saturday and observing better weather for Sunday I passed on the airshow The local Sunday newspaper told the story that although the "Warbirds would be there but we tried to make a more interactive experience......". I went to the range. 

Since Murphys Law asked, here is a Douglas A-26 Invader. The Spirit of North Carolina no less. Does my heart proud!



It has always been here for the show. A wonderful aircraft!

A Corsair? I don't think there was one here this year. I do have a pic of one on the hangar deck of the USS Yorktown down at Patriots Point though around here somewhere. 


 

Airshow Update

I heard a lot less radial engines at the house this year and noted a general lack of noise coming from the airport today. The skies were overcast and cloudy but they are forecasting better conditions tomorrow. 

In the meantime, from a previous show here are some pics of a B-25J "Briefing Time":

Hey look! Non politically correct nose art to boot:

 More about this aircraft here.

I Understand

Running a small aircraft in less than favorable conditions and your life and your best friend's is on the line I understand. The fact that the endeavor is not mandatory even more so. Taking to the air or sea there are many things that will try to kill you even if you think you have thought of everything.

No matter. Although I'm saddened, it did force me to get the guest bathroom back into full service and pick the place up a bit for a four legged thief! 

I do have this luxurious accommodation I prepared however.

I await the first frost here and will take this for a test drive tonight. 

 

Sigh......

So Murphy and his human were going to fly down for some shooting and a really good airshow. We were going to hook up with Bob I had an itinerary of stuff for the weekend. BBQ? Check!  Menu variety? Check and check! 

Shooty goodness? Check! My home range no less. I got the call this morning. Crosswinds have him and Murph grounded. Asked how long to drive it. I told him and I agree with him. 14 hours on the road round trip is a bit tough with a dog on the mend no less. 

Sigh... I guess I will save the dog treats for later and we will try again!

Uh, no

The happy CFL's provided by my power coop did not live up to this claim. I will now dispose of a hazardous material. Sigh....




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Guests!

Unless some weather goes bad I am going to have guests this weekend. A furry four legged one and his human! I will keep you posted. We are going to shoot something but sadly no rifles at interesting distances. 

Updates later!

One's for the Money..

but I'm through with the show. Indeed.

I need to check this out!

From the USS Laffey (DD_724) Association president today:

ALL Hands:

Here is a link to watch the new video exhibit in MT 53.

This is also accompanied by lights blinking off and on and the floor has vibrators hooked up.

When the gun fires or planes crash onboard or alongside the floor vibrates. It is quite loud and very well done.

I watched this with Lee Hunt who was in the handling room below the mount during the battle.

He told me afterward that it was SUPER and IT WAS AS CLOSE TO REAL AS YOU CAN GET!!!

So, if a man that was THERE says that, it must really be a great exhibit.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4zkp7hvrgbcd7gd/D-qPNsG9ym#/

Sonny

I need to go this Spring and check this out. I am proud to be a member of the Laffey Association. 

I'm Bent!

An event that would have been unthinkable 10, 20+ years ago has happened. My cousin is restoring the Family home his Father grew up in. It has been difficult and quite frankly not cheap.

Some lowlifes broke in this past week and ripped the house off.

On top of that his Father has had a setback and about the same time was placed in an assisted living center this week. My Uncle is pushing 90 and has Diabetes. My Cousin is flying in as soon as he can from the left coast.

My Uncle back in the day at the house.

 















There is a temp service pole for electricity there. All tools were stolen. The rough in wiring for new electrical was in place and details are hard to come by if they stripped the copper or not. 

I am so pissed right now! I have never felt so impotent. For someone to come do that in My Familys home for decades I can't comprehend. 

It's getting cold there and that house was cold even with interior plaster walls. No matter. I'm ready to go spend weekends there with a kerosene heater and a sleeping bag.
I know where to hide a car there. I did it oh so many years ago. Perhaps they will be ready for a rematch? I assure you it would be different!

 
 
  

Heavy Metal!

In a previous post I commented on an animation technique called rotoscoping. 

Here is old school ink on cell animation of a B-17 having a bad day. Bonus music. Don Felder.

More bonus same movie with a totally different animation technique. Ah, the 80's.   

I Worked Here!

Back in the day. The first "professional job" after being a newly minted AAS Degree holder in Electronic Engineering. Western Electric North Carolina Works. In *cough* 1980's something. I have read many books covering the history of WE, but the North Carolina works remains a mystery. Very little documentation seems to be found on this facility. 

So on Ebay I find a brochure that was given to the public that attended an open house. In 1957. I had to get it. 

Here you go!

Yes, the front was that big! Then on to some black and white photos on the inside.
 

Yes it is that large! Somewhat intimidating as well for a young man to navigate.

 Sadly, we had no such functions! 

I was in this room for a tetanus shot. It had not changed greatly in 30 years.

Except for the ceiling mounted clock the cafeteria was virtually unchanged. 


It's still there, but I do not know what it does if anything now. I need to drive by it sometime to see what's up. Sad really.


 


 

  

Soon!

It's coming. The Airshow oh about ten minutes from the house! I can see most of the stuff from my front porch.
Sadly no Tora, Tora, Tora recreation it seems this year. No matter! I will be there!

Info HERE! 

PIRATEHAWK! AAR

So I jump in the car and head north to a black powder shoot. Arriving in a portion of VA that is WAY too close to really being "up north". 

So I show up at our gracious hostess's house at the prescribed time. After meeting everyone and finding the coffee (yes it should come out of a spigot and +1 on the big honking thing that dispensed the elixir of the gods!). We get to it. If someone is in period correct clothing and wants to give a history lesson, well lets say I am pleased!   

We get to it. Rifles, pistols, blunderbuss all the things that are firearm assault weapons version 1.0!

 
















Here is Nancy on the Blunderbuss! Firearms were stacked like firewood!

Sadly, no pic of me shooting one. I had everything setup and had a failure to feed. No matter! 

I also won a really cool cap. From no other than Andy! The condition was that if you won it you had to take a picture of yourself with it. Sigh... Nancy makes a much better model than I, but to comply:

Sorry Murph, I did have to wear it to get it! It's on the way to ya! After your loss it was the least I could do! So what the hell happened to the Pistol Training hat I gave ya? 

I had a great time! Can't wait to do it again.