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I think this has to do with the iOS 5 that is soon to be released-- unless something changed

I would attribute this to possibly an upcoming deployment, but that specific information would be classified (or should be). Last I heard, Dix is the last stop in the States for NG and Reserves (reason why you might see many odd looking unit patches in bunches). As for the aircraft, pilots need to maintain a certain amount of hours per month (or per whatever dependent on their SOP). Maybe again tied to a unit deploying in the near future, I would imagine this is why the pilots are out there. There was a chopper unit where I was stationed, which was an ANG unit (no relations to my unit), and they would let Soldiers from my unit ride along when the pilots needed to pencil in hours. Awesome flights, as we would ride around Denver, the front range, and the Rockies in a Black Hawk free of charge for a few hours. Many people used it as an opportunity to take some really breath-taking photos for personal fun. As for CRC (Crowd/Riot Control), there are specially trained units (ranging from Active Duty to NG to Reserves) across the country that need [public] authorization-- aka something you would hear before noticing. One thing I have heard of though is the influx of CRC training by many units, and not just MP/SP-type units. While this is attributed to possibly the rise in disasters (or the rise in need of military support in domestic natural disasters), people should also not forget that we are still involved in ongoing operations that, in many cases, involve more police action vs. direct contact. Hence, the training has more to do with the appropriate response to dealing with policing actions in countries that already are in pretty bad shape. Don't worry, no need to don foil hats and peer for black helis. Yet.

Kind of crazy, and a bit ridiculous, that a studio bought the rights based on just a CG trailer. Unfortunately, I don't know if this movie would be any good. When I conceptualize the game, to include the settings and plot and characters, it is definitely cliche (which I won't get in to as to not spoil it for anyone). And the one thing that drives me crazy (and to boredom) regarding zombie flicks is the cliche. If somebody wanted cliche, they should just get Romero on board to pen/direct/produce another film (which is unfortunate in its own right). However, the trailer in itself is quite amazing. I really do find it to be quite touching. And while the game was decent fun, I can't say that the trailer really described the game in any type of length, ha. Oh, and for those who have played it, you might have recognized people in a certain room when you first start if you wonder a bit.

Yea, nothing is going to change if ATF is liquidated. If anything, it will mean new policies on top of old ones, with everything being delayed until everything is reviewed. What I find more disturbing is that the Federal government is willing to openly sweep the whole fiasco, including possible criminal action, under the rug for the sake of an election In fact, this consolidation is very worrisome because it is contradictory to how the agencies work. There is a reason for the compartmentalization of tasks handed out, FBI dealing with a certain subset, with CIA others, NSA, etc. Even the concept of DHS and DNI are mind boggling when you have knowledge of the inner workings. Unfortunately, we, as a nation, crossed that line a couple years back-- oh well.

This story has been reported by many, if not all, media sources I have run across (ranging from international to local). http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/01/business/wall-street-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/10/01/500-arrested-after-wall-street-protest-on-nys-brooklyn-bridge/?test=latestnews http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15143509 http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/148220/police-claim-they-gave-warning-before-mass--occupy-wall-street--arrests

Depending on what type of account you have with BOA, there is already a $14 monthly maintenance fee if you do not maintain a $1500 balance (I believe). Add the $5 if you use your debit card... and you're looking at almost $20 in monthly maintenance fees (as the $14/mon has been steadily going up recently). I'm going to have to come to a decision, but I'll probably be leaving BOA. I just don't want to go through the whole process, and end up with a bank that is going to make the switch anyway. If I'm still with BOA down the road, looks like I'll just be pulling cash for purchases.

Great advice given so far. I don't think I could dole out any more +1's. Only thing I have to add is that even if you learn to shoot with both eyes open, you will still develop tunnel vision every time you send lead downrange. So, it's important that whether you're practicing for competition, home/self defense, range, etc., also learn how to break that tunnel vision and scan after you're done with the initial shooting.

Yea, thanks, Vlad, I might have to check it out as well. It's not too far of a drive from my area too (a little under 2 hours). I've done terror behind the walls, and it really is quite boring (I think because it is way overcrowded). Field of Terror is pretty good, and what makes it more convenient for me is that it's like 15 minutes away. But it's about time I changed things up, so, maybe the Hotel of Horror is just what I need.

I love this time of the year, with all the urban legends and myths, scary stories, and horror attractions (not to mention the excuse for attractive ladies to dress in manners quite flattering ). What intrigues me is that many legends and myths are of course tied to some truth-- no matter how long it has been stretched. While, say, pumpkins are a specifically American concept, how the stories are linked to tradition and superstition really gives it a refreshingly scary feel. I had the chance to go to Jamestown for Halloween a few years back, and that was really something. I really abhor the "ghost hunter" shows as it ends up being terrible television. However, I do find the subject matter to really be quite something. I was classically trained in signals intelligence and signals theory, specifically electronics intelligence. When I worked garrison, and worked the graveyard shift, my section would sit around with the COMINT (communications intelligence) guys, and discuss the possibilities of the "white noise" phenomenon. We ran basic tests (don't worry, we didn't misuse government property, haha), and found that the phenomenon was very much plausible-- and I say "plausible" because we used a controlled environment with little to no variables. The fact that signals continue to reverberate long after they are gone, and at different freq ranges, is puzzling and mind-blowing. Whether or not they are linked to ghosts is a different matter entirely. I'm a huge sucker for the localized urban legends. There is the story of the school bus full of kids in Colorado near the train tracks, Clinton Rd in northern NJ, Jamestown, VA, etc. A horror movie that really plays on the legends that I thoroughly enjoyed, and has been discussed on these forums before I believe, is Trick 'r Treat. Hmm, yes, viewing session is in order as Halloween approaches.

It would be naive to think that Iran doesn't already float some of their crap near the US mainland, albeit flagged under a different country. The difference here being that floating military vessels is just for show and propaganda and really holds no threat whatsoever.

Yep, about to test this as soon as my drivers are updated. ETA: If you're planning on running this on your PC, you better have something amazing or it barely runs.

MJD vs. Panthers and Best vs. Vikings for those who don't want to look up the matchups. I'd go with MJD. He's always a solid performer, going against a Panthers Run D that has been somewhat weak, especially with the hit at LB. Best has a good shot at putting up numbers, but isn't consistent enough to warrant a top spot (a flex at best IMO right now). ETA: I think the only concern with MJD is that the Jaguars might start airing it out later in the game if they fall behind. But even then, I'm not so sure of the coaches have that much faith in Gabbert yet... which is more the reason to start MJD as he will provide a cushion for a first-time starter as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield on the dump passes.

That also took a lot of peanuts...

What browsers are you guys using? ETA: I'm using the latest iteration of Firefox with no issues.

I haven't read this, but this is based off the multi-platform game that goes by the same main title name, "Homefront." Awesome story (penned by John Milius), a lot of potential, but a terrible game, ha, which is a shame. However, for those interested, while the THQ studio, Kaos Studios, who developed the original game was all cut awhile back (a few months after the release of Homefront), THQ opted to retain the intellectual property, and is handing it off to Crytek. This is the same studio behind Far Cry and, more notably, the Crysis franchise-- as well as the CryEngine. So, as long as the story develops and evolves, at least they'll have the best vessel possible to deliver the story (knowing how awesome the CryEngine can be if utilized correctly, note: Crysis 2). I'm super-excited because as awesome and as much potential the story behind Homefront is, the development of the game itself was a good five years too late. Crytek won't just bring the game up-to-date, but I think will really propel this game forward. What was really interesting about the evolution of the Homefront universe, early on, was I remember when the original trailers had come out (regarding the game), and they had a random Korean guy as the successor to Jong-il. During the wrap-up phase of the development of the game, Jong-un was announced as the successor, and was immediately placed into the game. Definitely interesting to see that the developers cared about that level of detail. Here is the if you're interested (it also gives the general backstory). ETA: If you have been really interested in the remake for Red Dawn, soak in this story all you can because it seems like the chances of that remake will probably never see the light (even though it is essentially ready to be rolled out into theaters).

Yes, I made the distinction between the subgenres in my initial post I made it because I know a lot of people personally who never really were aware of the art-graffiti, and instead have only ever seen the tag signs by gangs and punks that litter our urbanized area-- and thus create some half-truth of graffiti.

Happy birthday, Chris!

While I don't advocate defacing public space, the history of graffiti shows that it is more then some punks tagging a wall or two. Long story short, to see it's effect on social and geo-political change all over the world throughout the history of human civilization is quite interesting. Of course I'm referring to the "Kilroy was Here", the Sicilians usage of graffiti, Berlin Wall, Sao Paulo/Brazilian artists, Arab Springs, Ireland, West Bank, Banksy, etc., and not necessarily gang sign tagging (which I would best compare to a dog marking a spot by pissing on it). I'm not saying I agree with any of what these artists are trying to do, but to dismiss their work as nothing but scribbles has obviously not worked as their graffiti has and continues to inspire.

You read what I wrote wrong, or I was unclear. I do not disagree with the principles of the Tea Party-- I do indeed agree actually. I am just not a fan of the direction of the movement as a physical entity. To use political talking-heads as the face of the movement does in fact politicize it. If that is not the intention, why hasnt it been addressed? And as for my initial question, I was asking your intentions of sharing your perspective on this forum. Sharing the information pertinent, such as upcoming events and general info and clearing up misconceptions. But why does it feel like you're preaching? Again, i have nothing against you or your beliefs (that I closely share). This just might not be the best place to actively push your beliefs on others. If I'm being vague, my apologies as I'm typing this from my phone while trying to copy down notes in the lecture I'm attending.

What are you trying to achieve, Patriot Oak? You are obviously a supporter of the Tea Party movement, and while I commend you for your personal ambition-- what do you want to achieve? Yes, I agree that stereotypes and fabricated notions of what the Tea Party is assumed should be squashed, and I think your efforts regarding that are beneficial to everybody. However, I then see notions that indicate that you are more interested in pushing some sort of agenda. I read that yes, it requires action to move forward, but that it is strictly one way of thinking or you are wrong. I'm not criticizing your beliefs, I'm simply saying that your argument is quite erratic. On one hand you say that Tea Party members come from all parts of life (which I agree), but then attack people by simply calling them liberal. To me, while you might have good intentions, you represent what I loathe about the Tea Party. Politics (for what it's worth) is an intimately personal matter. While I do agree that it requires a united group of people to make change, what gives the Tea Party the right to stampede over my personal beliefs, and then call me buzzwords if I do not necessarily agree? I had respect for the Tea Party movement when it's actions executed (upon it's intentions) were to educate the sheep. I'll admit that it still does this at times, but the general push in recent times has been borderline militant. Further, the movement has become far too politicized.

Ha, I bet the family was pretty much paid to dress her up in such a manner (or at least the producer thought it to be most prudent). And for the record, I wasn't defending her or the family's honor-- just wanted to warn our community before [anonymous] jaws started hitting the keyboard (which of course might have led to some inappropriate comments about an underage female). I agree though, if the family wants that portrayal of their family, they're asking for it. It's like those celebrities who take nude photos of them with their phone and get hacked, and then get the FBI to waste their resources (and our money) fixing their stupid.

Before any further comments are made, I hope everyone realizes that the daughter is 16 years old. Ok. I have to admit, as a whole, the Wyatt clan seems far more classy then the crew over on Sons of Guns. I have to also mention I've been to Gunsmoke in the past, and it is pretty sweet.

Whoever said AKs are reliable is joking because my guys are going down with injuries in bunches. At least I pulled out a win this past week... barely.

I'm with you, Shane-- I thought your initial post was good. Criticism with explanation or a solution is beneficial compared to just criticism.

I understand the comments that help create a better picture of his situation (Cagefighter), and the things he could use otherwise. However, if he's set on getting a PC, why give him so much flak? It's not like he's asking you guys for money to buy a carrier. My recommendation is if you're really set on a plate carrier system, consider a chest rig. They perform the same function, are lighter and, for the most part, breathe better. And if you really want a place to put plates, you can always buy a separate plate carrier and put the chest rig over that other system. Speaking from experience, while it does seem like it would be more work (to have two systems instead of one), the flexibility to not have armor on but still have a means of retaining your gear is nice (and vice versa). To add, and I hate to assume anything, but if you're considering a plate carrier or chest rig for training courses or whatnot and not necessarily to hold armor itself, it is just another reason why I would suggest a chest rig. That's not a suggestion of how to live your life, but from my own experience and seeing others, running around in a PC w/ gear is just not fun or Ranger'ing up at all-- it just plain sucks. I would even go as far as to say that a battle belt performs the functions quite well. You can easily hold 2-4 magazines (or more if you set it up correctly), they are super comfortable, and they're relatively easy to deal with (putting it on/off, securing it, etc); but you know these things already as you have one. PM me if you further suggestions (PC or chest rigs)