2009 Ferrari California

Now that's what I call a car! Ah, if only, if only...

Memorial Day, 2008

To all those serving and who have served in our Armed Forces, thank you for defending our country and for keeping us, and the world, free from tyranny and oppression.

To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, to those who have willingly laid down their lives in defense of that freedom, thank you. Thank you for sacrificing your todays for our tomorrows. Thank you for giving up everything so that people you never knew and probably would never have met could live in a country that can truly be called free.

Freedom is not, has never been, nor shall it ever be, free. It is paid for by the blood and innocence of the men and women of our Armed Forces, by men and women who are willing to give up everything for the land that they love.

1,316,888 have paid that price so far.

Thank a Veteran.

Uhh... How Many States Are There Again?

O-kay... Barack Obama claims that he's visited 57 States, still has one more to go, but he can't visit Alaska or Hawaii.

Now, I've really tried to keep politics and political bashing out of my blog, but come on! This is sheer idiocy! And please don't tell me he misspoke. First, he had to stop and think about how many states he had visited. Second, if he had really misspoken , he should have been at least competent enough to immediately correct himself.

Regardless of my political views, I really don't think that we should elect someone to lead the country if they don't even know how many stars are on the Flag.

Heckler & Koch HK416 vs. Colt M4A1

This video is of a test conducted by H&K for a new SOCOM requirement, pitting their new HK416 assault rifle against the Colt M4A1, which is standard-issue for the majority of our front-line soldiers.

The video's in German, but you really don't need to understand what they're saying to get the point. Pay particular attention to what happens 1:30 into the clip.




The Army Ordinace Department says that the M4A1 is the best, most reliable rifle in the world, and that there is no need to adopt a new weapon. After seeing what happened to the one in the video, I say that's bullcrap. How about you?

Raptor's Nest

Yeah, I gave the blog a new name. Quite frankly, I was getting tired of *Insert Title Here* as the title, and truth be told, my original plan was to have *Insert Title Here* be a temporary title until I came up with something better. Only took me 20 months to get around to it...

By the way, does anyone know how to get the title centered?

A Gunless Gunfight

Check out this video I found on YouTube the other night.



Good news is that I am officially done with finals for the year, so school is over! I'm officially a sophomore (finally)!

Cinematic Dreams

I don't know why, but I've come up with a list of things I'd love to see happen in the cinema world, but probably never will.

• Quentin Tarantino directing Romeo and Juliet
  
• Bruce Lee in The Matrix
  
• Bruce Lee vs. Jackie Chan vs. Jet Li. vs. Jason Statham
• James Bond (Daniel Craig) either versus or teamed with Jason Bourne
• Quentin Tarantino directing Hamlet
  
• A remake of The Longest Day
  
• Al Pachino & Robert DiNero teaming up again, preferably with Martin Scorsese directing
• Some of Vince Flynn's novels getting made into movies
• James Cameron comes back and re-does Terminator 3 and make it not stink
• Jason Statham in a Quentin Tarantino movie
• Hugh Jackman playing James Bond
• Batman (Christian Bale) vs./teams with Superman (Brandon Routh)
• A Dirty Harry remake with Kiefer Sutherland as Harry and Kevin Spacey as Scorpio
• A new Robin Hood movie that doesn't stink (and keeps Robin as the hero)
• A Splinter Cell movie
• That Disney gets it's act together and stops making bad movies
• A Metal Gear Solid movie

Feel free to suggest further additions to the list.

Uncooperative

Command told us that it would be an easy mission; patrol Sector 7 for any signs of Arkellian activity. Intel had reported zero movement in the sector for the last week. Apparently, a quartet of Medium Assault Drones qualifies as “zero movement” in their book. Out of a group of thirty resistance fighters, only Sammy and I got out alive. It was dumb luck, really; I was covering our rear and Sammy had come back to take over when we heard their 50mm rail guns open up. We both knew what was happening, that there was no hope, so we took off running. It was the only thing we could’ve done; either that or stay and be slaughtered along with the rest of the team.

We ran for about a kilometer before I spotted the cave. It isn’t overly large, it’s just a small hole in the side of a cliff, maybe six or seven feet tall and five or so feet deep, but at least we can hide from the drones in it. For a while, at least; everyone knows that it’s nearly impossible to escape an Arkellian Assault Drone.

I cautiously lean out of the cave and quickly sweep the surrounding terrain through my rifle’s scope. “I think we’re clear for now,” I tell Sammy. She nods as she checks the charge in her rifle’s pack. Sammy doesn’t say much when she’s in mission mode. “How long do you think we have?” I ask.

“Ten minutes, if we’re lucky,” she replies in an emotionless voice. That’s about what I figured, although the way today’s been going, I sincerely doubt we’ll be lucky at all. “How do you think they found us?”

“They’re Arkellians,” I say, shrugging, “Does it really matter?” Sammy nods again, her eyes growing hard.

“Twenty-eight killed,” she says to no one in particular, “And for what?”

“An Intel screw-up,” I reply bitterly, “I thought they said ‘zero activity in the sector.’ So much for their data.” If looks could kill, Sammy’s gaze would incinerate me.

“You think this is funny?” she demands, anger creeping into her voice, “You think this is all a joke?”

“No,” I reply, “I don’t think it’s funny in the least. And you know why they died.” She nods again.

“Because they were human,” she says, “Because they were ‘uncooperative.’” ‘Uncooperative’ is how the Arkellians describe the resistance fighters, the ones who stood up and fought back after their invasion and the government’s subsequent surrender.

“Do you think it will ever end?” I ask. I’m being metaphysical here; we both know that the resistance will end one way or the other.

“Definitely,” Sammy says with an affirmative nod, “We just have to stay ‘uncooperative’ for a little bit longer; we’ll see the end of the invasion one day soon, you’ll see.” I smile, suppressing a mirthless snort. That line’s been repeated countless times since the resistance began. ‘A little bit longer and it will all be over.’ I have to agree with that, though half the time I’m sure it will be the Arkellians that come out on top.

“Looks like we got lucky,” Sammy’s sudden remark interrupts my thoughts and I check my wrist chrono. We’ve been in the cave for exactly ten minutes and twenty-three seconds. Lucky indeed.

At that moment, blinding spotlight suddenly lances into the cave.

Did I just say something about luck?

“YOU ARE TRAPPED, HUMANS! COOPERATE OR DIE!” The electronically-modulated voice of an Arkellian thunders in our ears. Sammy and I look at each other as the order is repeated, our hands instinctively flying to our rifles.

“So much for seeing the end,” Sammy says, her voice mirroring my thoughts as I nod in agreement.

“I’m sorry,” I say, “I should have kept us moving.”

“It had to happen sometime,” Sammy says, shaking her head, “Better sooner than later, I guess.”

“HUMANS! COOPERATE AND YOUR LIVES WILL BE SPARED! RESIST AND YOU WILL SUFFER A MOST PAINFUL DEATH!”

I look over at Sammy, who responds to my gaze by yanking back the charging handle on her rifle. The weapon immediately powers back up with a slight electronic whine. “Are you feeling cooperative?” she asks after a moment. I grin and yank back my rifle’s charging handle.

“Never,” I say as I flip the weapon’s safety off.

“HUMANS! THIS IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY! COOPERATE OR YOU SHALL SUFFER!”

For a long moment, Sammy and I stare at each other. It feels like eternity as my mind fills with things I wished that I’d done, places I wished I’d gone, words I wished I’d said. Then, as one, we leap from the cave with weapons blazing, defiant battle cries roaring from our lips.

<><><>

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a microfiction (1000 words or less) that I wrote for my short fiction class this semester. I got a B+ on it.

Please R&R.

Another New Reaction

Click here to read.

Man is the UK screwed up! Sure, the give us Doctor Who and Aston Martins (now actually half-owned by Kuwatis), but banning hoodies ?!?! What the hey?!?

Banning Hoodies in the UK...?

Check out this article. Apparently, there have been a spree of violent crimes in the UK, all of which were committed by people in hoodies, and now this newspaper wants the government to ban hoodies in response.

Honestly, this is so stupid and insane I'm not sure how to respond to it.

First off, the logic is extremely flawed; crimes are committed by people in hoodies, therefore everyone who wears a hoodie must be a criminal. I wear a hoodie when it's cold and wet out and the worst thing on my record is a traffic citation! And I wasn't wearing a hoodie when the accident happened, either.

Second, I wouldn't be surprised if this actually happens because the British governments owns a controlling stake in most of the UK's media outlets.

Third, well, I can't really think of a third. Probably because something like this would never fly Stateside. Any newspaper that called for a ban of any article of clothing whatsoever would likely be set upon by a giant pitchfork wielding mob (ah, the things that make this country great... jk) Okay, there probably wouldn't be a mob, but you know what I mean; public backlash would probably shut the place down.

Honestly, the UK is really screwed up. Most of their major cities have violent crime problems that make Washington DC, Chicago, and LA look like utopias, yet they brag about how their police don't need to carry guns. The government is bending over backwards to accommodate Muslim Extremists (Muslims only make up about 4-5% of the population in total, extremists even less), and the only sort of law they seem to be pass recently are increasingly ridiculous blanket-bans (I've heard a rumor, but have unable to confirm, that military veterans are no longer allowed to swim in public pools because they might frighten children). They need to get their head out of the gutter and start making serious changes, or else they're going to wind up as the West's first police state.

I FINALLY DID IT!!!!!!

I DID IT!

I finally took the plunge and bought a real airsoft gun!

It's a replica of the M1911A1, the world-famous Colt .45. The best part is, since I just placed the order (1:45-ish), the gun should ship TODAY! Hopefully, I'll have it in my hot little hands by Thursday, just in time fore Easter break!

The only downside I can think of is that I had to order a duster gas adapter from another retailer (DOT won't let them even carry gas anymore. Stupid soccer-mom politics), and that might take a while longer to get here. Sigh...

Anyway, I'm almost jumping out of my skin in anticipation; I'll tell you how everything is once the gun gets here. (can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!)

UPDATE:

The gun shipped at around 2:15 same day! I officially love Trinity Airsoft!

New Reaction At Last

Check it out here. Government incompetence/assault on freedom at its finest.

Read This

My Bad, Your Fault.

AMEN, BECK!






Yeah, not really big enough for a Reaction, but still...

The Force Isn't So Strong With This One...

While I love Star Wars with a passion, I must admit that at times Luke isn't the brightest lightsaber in the Temple, as evidenced here.

The end is kinda dumb, so quit out after the pic of Han in front of the bunker. Aside from that, enjoy.

Politics Has Gone To The Dogs

Ain't that the truth.

Picture is from I HAS A HOTDOG!

Sorry, Mr. Gore

Check out This Article on global warming.

Turns out that Al Gore might be wrong after all; there has been no net global warming in 10 years. And before anyone says anything, take a look at the links in the article and the charts on those links. Yep, net global temperature is down about 0.3 degrees Celsius since 1998! Yet for some reason the politicians claim that if we don't do something to stop it soon, we'll be doomed...

Yeah, this wasn't really big enough for it's own spot in the Reactions blog, so I just put it here.

And PLEASE check out The Raptors!

The Raptors

Okay, In Honor of the Oscars, I'm launching my own Movie Awards series, creatively titled The Raptors!

You can check out The Official Site for details and to nominate a movie for any or all of the categories.

Cool Lightsaber Video

Check this out.



I think that the choreography is excellent, but the sfx could've used a bit more work...

And, once again, my desire to make a Star Wars Fan Film has been reborn...

Indy 4 Trailer

Watch and enjoy!

The Boss and the Judge

Sunlight scorched the canyon floor as the Boss and the Judge met. Bitter rivals that they were, everyone around knew it wouldn’t be pretty. Words were exchanged; shoves were traded back and forth. Cooler heads managed to intervene before the situation could escalate further. After some debate, it was decided that the pair would settle their differences in the usual way.

Paint gleamed in the bright light as the crowd pushed the Boss and the Judge to the line. The Boss’s smile stretched ear to ear as he came to a stop. He had the horsepower to win this and he knew it. He reached over and slid the key into the ignition. A moment later, the loud rumble of his 429 echoed off the canyon walls.

The Judge’s lips didn’t form a smile, but rather a satisfied smirk. He knew that the Boss had the horsepower to win, but he had the torque and the gearing. Soon the echo of his Ram Air 455 joined the Boss’ 429 in thundering off the limestone. Oh, the Judge almost forgot; he also had his secret weapon. He had The Humbler. The Judge leaned down under the dash and pulled a small switch. Immediately, his rumbling changed to a deep, throaty growl. A few blips of the throttle, and the growl became a bellowing roar.

The Boss’ smile began to falter. No one had told him that the Judge had The Humbler. Now he was nervous. He knew what The Humber did for the Judge’s performance. A moment ago, he was sure he could win. Now, he wasn’t so sure. He glanced over at the Judge. The Judge didn’t look back; his eyes remained fixed down the asphalt ribbon ahead of them. The Boss turned away from the Judge and began revving is own engine. Twin roars shook the canyon walls; some of the onlookers winced and covered their ears.

A girl emerged from the crowd, her long brown hair whipping around in the heat-stirred wind. Stopping before the feuding pair, she unwrapped a scarf from around her neck and held it aloft. A hush fell over the crowd, broken almost instantly by the Boss’ bellow and the Judge’s roar. Wheels strained against their brakes, tach needles hovered just above their sweet spots. All eyes locked on the scarf. For a long moment it hung there, whipping back and forth over the girl’s head. Then she released it, and the canyon came alive with the scream of big-block V8s, and the Boss and the Judge raced off in a cloud of exhaust and burnt rubber.

----------

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This was written originally as an assignment for my Advanced Writing course in school, but I didn't like how it had turned out, so I turned in another story (my original idea) instead. I'll post that one as soon as I get a grade back on it. And just so there's no confusion, "The Boss" is a 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, and "The Judge" is a 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge.