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I did see that actually! Pretty awesome. Speaking of Spike, and sorry for the quick thread jack, anybody else watch Surviving Disaster? Its kind of gimmicky at times, but overall its well done. One of the situations is Home Invasion actually. Ok, BTT

Armageddon Week starts this upcoming Sunday, 3 Jan, on History Channel at 8PM. [source info: http://www.history.com/content/armageddon] The information that will be shared is pretty interesting as they'll be discussing how different cultures and religions view the "end of the world." From the commercials, there will be shows revolving around survival-ish themes... I remember one that showed how the aftermath of an apocalyptic event might be (I don't know if it will be dramatization or reality series-type [like The Colony]), and another being a show on apocalyptic survival techniques. I know this is just History Channel trying to make some money over the apocalypse craze that has caught wind in the past couple of months. However, I think it'll be interesting to see how an instrument of mass media portrays a topic that is covered more by the "fringe." Personally, as an aspiring anthropologist, I find the Armageddon [and Creation] mythos of different cultures and religions to be quite fascinating. And this is probably the main reason why I'll be tuning in.

Welcome to the forum!

Wow... that movie was visually amazing... like, super-extraordinarily amazing... I can't even compare. The story was a bit generic in ways, but I loved it too. It was odd to go from feeling totally neutral about the two sides to totally loathing my own race in the span of 160 minutes!

Good god, this better be the beat damn movie ever. Currently waiting in line, of which I'm probably 300th in or so and the movie doesn't start for another hour

I don't know if it could happen, a nation-wide ban that is. I don't know what oath LEOs take (I'm not knocking on LEOs, I simply don't know ), but people in the military swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, and lawful orders of the officers appointed over them-- and the Commander-in-Chief. Seeing how a nation-wide ban would be un-Constitutional, any utilization of military-type would be an unlawful order, and can be discarded without punishment. I'm sure bureaucracy would rear its ugly head, but it states explicitly that we swear an oath to the Constitution before anything else; and I simply don't see a way any politics could deter otherwise.

AMC24 in Hamilton. I might hit that up tonight or tomorrow night.

8-)

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie in 3d IMAX, just been a pain trying to get tickets.

Wow, how are politicians such idiots? I'm assuming this law is to curb underage smoking, and smoking in general. So, I guess if they take away all the novelty lighters that may attract children, it will somehow lower the amount of underage smoking? Does this mean the number of house fires might increase due to the increase in people lighting their cigs via stove stop? Does it mean that the rate of shoplifting of petty items (like BIC lighters and matchboxes) will increase? The only way to solve these problems is through education. Sure, it might cost extra, or might take a bit more time out of the adult supervision's life to educate their kids.... but uh, that works. This is so retarded.

Further, early reports are stating he is of Nigerian descent. The materials might have been procured from Yemen (I believe).

To extend this topic to ALL practices, what goodies have you all received? And in the spirit of the holidays, and now that the presents have been given out for the most part, what generous offerings have you made? I just got a bunch of Blu Rays, and a watch. Still have to celebrate Christmas with my father tomorrow. I did treat myself to a new SERPA holster for my XD, Magpul's new AFG (whenever it decides to get here), and a new chest rig. And I think I did OK with the gifts this year. Nothing too fancy, though, I did donate a good amount to Toys for Tots... really felt like it will/has made a great impact this year with a lot of the families struggling a bit.

When in the afternoon? I missed meeting the great Matt last time, I do feel obliged to pencil in this meet asap . Seriously though, I don't see why I can't make this meet up.

Merry Christmas everybody! Thanks for the wishes last night via mass email, Max

Got a Chevy's around here (Princeton area). Only thing I love about that place is the straws they have. Seriously, its such a minor detail, but their straws are amazing and makes it worth visiting on occasion. Their food? Eh.

Haha, totally led me on! JK. Yea, I really wanted an H-1, but didn't feel like forking out the extra 200-300$ at the time so I went with the 517. Pointless now since I've been using my DMS-1, haha. So, no tacticool VFG, Jsko? . I have to admit I added a stubby on mine, though its more for hand reference, and not so much for use. Might have to consider the AFG once it becomes widely available.

I agree with the general sentiment that the creation of DHS in the wake of the 9/11 attacks was a terrible idea. I mean, it was a great idea, but terrible execution (it was the government, I mean, how could they NOT mess it up, right? :doh: ). The whole point of everything in the government is to compartmentalize, and, in turn, create a checks/balances system. While there was definitely dysfunction between the different DOD and DOJ agencies that lead to a possible breakdown in communications and mission priority, I don't think things have gotten better since because of the centralization of information and intelligence. I think DOD and DOJ agencies have gotten better because the missions of the respective agencies have completely shifted since the 9/11 attacks. Back in the day, while the family was dysfunctional, at least the FBI and CIA and other agencies would fact-check each other. Now? We have the Defense Intelligence Agency (main intel agency) and the Director of National Intelligence ("intel" czar)... now we have the Dept of Homeland Security who condenses all the information/intel for dissemination. Maybe it helps with stream-lining the information and efficiency, but I think the US is putting all of their eggs in one basket-- and that makes no sense from an intel perspective, and frustrates me.

I like the idea of the XPS systems. Lightweight, more eye-relief and more room on the rifle. I've heard bad things about battery life, but I don't know how people gauge that. Some people, especially in combat zones, leave their optics on all the time; while us regular folk would obviously use it when we need too. I guess my only other gripe is that I prefer to have more glass like the 5** series. I'm not entirely sure how large the "view" is on the XPS optics, but I would prefer more glass because it allows for more manipulation of the rifle at different angles if need be while being able to keep the reticle on target. Personally, if you want to go small, I would recommend the T-1 or H-1 from Aimpoint. Battery life is just as good as its larger counterparts, and the mounts made for that optic are probably the most solid mounts on the market. Also, they're a lot more space/weight friendly.

If I wasn't a college student strained on money, I would've contacted you, EngineerJet, about your AR awhile back. I've really been wanting to add another AR to my collection myself... oh well :doh: And, to stay on topic, nice AR, uppercuts. I'm really liking Stag's look, and I like the coloring you did. Did you use the crayon trick?

Just stick with the 512 then, Ray. The differences between the 512 and 517 is that the 517 has the buttons on the side (this is great if you ever wanted to get a magnifier for your EOTech), and the 7mm raised base. I got the 517 myself because I prefer a 1/3 co witness, and the fact that its only $30 more (depending on the retailer) then the 512 (mounts can cost ridiculous amounts).

Eh, the thing about domestic counter-terrorism is that most of it is not known... which is the point of classified information, right? So, while mass media and uneducated officials may comment on things like the "lack of security" for things like the US ports, the information is not accurate. While I cannot disclose any information myself, rest assured that every precaution is taken to protect every asset to the US-- especially in our backyard. The thing about classified intelligence is that for the most part, *what* is going on is not classified. Its *how* the US is going about with their intelligence operations that is highly classified. We all know measures are taken to prevent terrorism on US soil, but how the IC goes about doing that won't be declassified for at least 70+ years or until everyone involved is dead. Now the fact that a good number of ports in the US are owned by private foreign companies that basically represent their home nation... well, that is bothersome. As for Pakistan, it seems like relations are getting better. That can change rapidly of course, but the right steps by the Pakistanis have been taken... such as Musharraf stepping down as the military commander (splitting some of the power) in the past, as well as the decision to not go to war with India... or even not getting PO'ed at the US for the constant "covert" drone attacks on Pakistani soil (though, I could imagine the US and Pakistan worked out a deal to let this happen). People have to realize that if Pakistan falters, and becomes a failed state, it is going to rapidly bring the entire region down and make things really bad internationally. As it is, Pakistan is corrupt, that's obvious. The money that is suppose to go to helping rebuild the nation is wasted by corrupt officials and military leaders (which probably funds some terrorist groups). The economy is nonexistent, factored in with issues like the skewed male-female ratio (7:1 I believe); as well as the 16-25 age group consists of roughly 60% of the population... there are a lot of young, bored people. This is the group that the fundamentalist extremists prey on... add in the fact that Islam is having a revivalism in the region... its just a powder keg waiting to blow. The US has addressed some of the corruption, and threatened to stop giving Pakistan aid if they didn't have more accountability-- though I could imagine its not necessarily working too well. However, on the flip side, we let the region fail, the number of Islamic terrorists is going to balloon exponentially... we're talking about a 300-400% increase in a matter of weeks, if not days. It won't so much be cells; instead you're looking at complete armies. Then you're looking at an increased number world-wide (as their confidence would be emboldened). A possible coup similar to what happened in Iran, except Pakistan already has nuclear weapons. Possible alliances in the region that would aim to get rid of the Zionists, and possibly an attack on India. The number of extremists would also rise in South Asia, and you could be looking at a spread through the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. That's only that region. What would happen globally thereafter, well, could be catastrophic. Eh, sorry for going off on a tangent.

I believe its a 1/3-co witness. The 517 comes with the built-in riser.

Short answer is no; long answer is maybe. As an individual cell, the main priority for terrorists is to spread a political/ideological message through fear, as everyone knows. Beyond that message, there is nothing else to gain, or that really could be gained by their actions. Further, these types of groups consist of "normal looking" individuals. While we may depict them as evil, slinky, pointy-teethed demons, they're "normality" allows them accessibility; whether that is purchasing firearms in states with less restrictive standards or getting materials needed for destructive devices. Long answer is maybe because a group can be "hired" by another nation to conduct terror sprees that target specific things to cause certain events to unfold. This is known simply as a proxy war, and is conducted or has been conducted by almost every nation at one point. So, for example, say Iran, hired thugs to disrupt certain institutions and ways of life in the US... such as making it more restrictive to purchase firearms or damage critical infrastructure (industrial, roads, etc) to make it easier for an eventual invasion (I know, it couldn't happen as it currently stands, just theoretical)... then yes, terrorism could be used in that manner, though at that point it would be acts of war and not so much terrorism.

I'm waiting for some parts to come in, so I might go later in the week. Anybody know if BA has holiday hours or if/when they will be closed due to the upcoming holidays?

Nice looking AR. How do you like the Magpul trigger guard? I don't mind the stock ones, but I've been thinking about trying out the aftermarket products. I need to get updated pictures of my AR up here too 8-)