Selon mes constatations, deux nouvelles chaînes sont arrivées dans le bouquet gratuit Bbox TV :  LCP-Assemblée Nationale 24h/24h sur le canal 48 et Telesud sur le canal 215.

On connaissait déjà la version 24h/24 de Public Sénat (canal 49), voici La Chaîne Parlementaire-Assemblée Nationale 24h/24 pour ne rien râter des travaux de l’Assemblée Nationale.

Enfin, une nouvelle chaîne pour la catégorie “internationale” : Telesud qui se veut la première chaîne de télévision généraliste panafricaine et internationale disponible sur 4 continents, l’Afrique, l’Europe, l’Asie et l’ Amérique.

Rien d’exceptionnel donc…au fait quelles chaînes aimeriez-vous sur Bbox TV ?

Le bouquet gratuit Bbox TV compte désormais 98 chaînes, vous trouverez les 96 autres ici.

Plus : le site de Telesud

En el evento de Simposio de Optimización, Eduard Ocampo presento el trabajo llamado Estimación Convexa de Componentes de Dispersión en un Modelo de Clasificación a dos Vías, por parte del Grupo GELIMO de la Universidad del Tolima. A continuación se deja su resumén y su presentación en el evento

Resumen

En el presente trabajo presentamos una metodología de programación no lineal con restricciones lineales que permite obtener las componentes de dispersión en un modelo de clasificación a dos vías. Se realiza inicialmente una descripción del modelo y sus supuestos, la reducción en sumas de cuadrados del mismo así como la función convexa a maximizar, sujeto a las restricciones lineales de no negatividad. Se presentan las condiciones de Kuhn y Tucker para la obtención de la solución óptima del problema. Finalmente se presenta una reducción del problema a la programación lineal complementaria, mediante el algoritmo de Lemke.

Palabras Claves:Programación Convexa, Programación Lineal Complementaria (LCP), Componentes de Dispersión, Algoritmo de Lemke, condiciones de Kuhn y Tucker.

Descargar PDF

Ver también: Afijación Óptima en un M.A.E.

This excellent nub was directed by my friend Omair Barkatulla from back in the day when there used to be a London College of Printing (now London College of Communication). It looks at the different principles of design in typography and I think gives an interesting insight into the attitudes around the encroachment of computer generated production onto the more traditional mechanistic methods of type-setting. There is obvious conflict and tension between the two approaches, but you get the overall impression from the film that the traditional approach is the preferred one…I can definitely see the appeal, might have a look at LCC’s latest summer courses, humm…

Liverpool care pathway carers survey, Palliative Medicine,  Sep 01, 2009; 23: 571-572

A Mullick, T Beynon, M Colvin, M Morris, L Shepherd, L Cave, J Lowell, N Asmall, I Carey

Consultant in Palliative Medicine,St Joseph’s Hospice, London, UK; formerly Specialist,Registrar, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London, UK

Abstract:

The Liverpool care pathway (LCP) is a national tool to improve end-of-life care by transferring the hospice model of care into other settings. Outcome measures relating to the physical, psychological and spiritual comfort of the patient are routinely audited during implementation. However, the audit does not explore carers’ perceptions of the care delivered and there are no published studies looking solely at this area.

A LCP implementation programme commenced at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTFT) in 2006. As part of service evaluation, a pilot survey was designed to determine the carers’ or relatives’ perception of the end-of-life care delivered to patients on the LCP.

In conclusion, the survey indicates that in general, carers are satisfied with the end-of-life care delivered via the LCP. This provides an added dimension to the existing literature that supports the use of the LCP. Using the information obtained from the survey, it is hoped that care of dying patients at GSTFT will continue to improve.

Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper,email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

No, this is not a scare-tactic. It is a bonafide news item from the Daily Telegraph over in the United Kingdom.

From Kate Devlin:

I’ve actually seen this done in the United States. My family requested that my father be kept sedated until he passed. But we already knew that there was no hope for his recovery and we wanted to make sure that he did not become conscious or feel any pain.

That isn’t always the case over in Britain.

Read on:

There is a major difference in a family making a decision and a doctor following a government guideline that was hammered out by bureaucrats who had never been to medical school or even knew the first thing about any particular patient.

Here is the real kicker:

When the government pays the bills, the government makes the decisions. That is what makes socialized medicine so unpalatable to Americans. We want as little government as possible in our lives. Dems and libs seem to have a great deal of difficulty understanding that.

But, even more importantly, it highlights the “end-of-life” concerns that people like Sarah Palin and others have expressed over the past few months:

But there are major pitfalls in determining whether a patient is actually entering their final hours. Medications can cause unresponsiveness or unconsciousness. Dehydration can lead to symptoms completely unrelated to the patient’s primary ailment.

Further, poor care can lead to other conditions that can be mistaken for signs of impending death.

As a result, many people are put on the Pathway prematurely.

Just another wonderful contribution to medical care from the practitioners of socialized medicine.

You can access the complete article on-line here:

Sentenced To Death On The NHS
Kate Devlin
Daily Telegraph
September 2, 2009

There is an adage I’ve heard since entering the gun community. If you carry, always carry!

Today we have a tragic reminder of this fact.  Today, a deranged man, (George Sodini), who had social problems and a lack of female companionship decided to enact revenge (as he perceived it, against the entire female species).  He went to an L.A. Fitness gym, entered a room with a duffel bag and pulled out a rifle. Three people were murdered, and several others injured before the shooter shot himself.

This is cause for much reflection. You see, I myself, bring my firearm to the gym but tend to leave it locked up in the vehicle.  This is not an uncommon practice among those who CCW. Keeping their firearm in their vehicle or locker.  But is it the “right” action? Are we creating a self-imposed “gun free zone” with such actions?

I believe this man knew that no one in the gym, even those who carry most everywhere, would have likely not be carrying inside the gym.  A for this reason, and the fact that he knew there would mostly be women in the location, chose the gym as his rampaging grounds.

If you carry, carry everywhere! It is something that I am trying to learn and ingrain into my practices.

In fact, the last time I went to the gym I actually took my wife’s LCP in a pocket holster. It wasn’t the most comfortable situation, but it was workable.  Now I am all the more affirmed for the need to do so.  And for those who dislike mouseguns.  Maybe you need to reconsider whether you should be investing in a $200-$300 Keltec or Ruger mousegun for the gym.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/08/05/pennsylvania.gym.shooting/index.html

http://www.apnews.com/ap/db_7733/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=JrP4qApG

Lastly, if in such a situation, remember that thinking quickly and being aware of your surroundings can make a life or death difference.  For example, free weights are heavy flat lumps of metal. A large free weight disc would be large enough to provide protection to the critical center torso/head areas.  Thinking quickly, and being aware of your surroundings and any potential tools that can aid you can make the difference between surviving and not.  Whenever you enter any facility, be it a gym, restaurant, or grocery store. Take a quick survey, assess where the exits are, note potential objects of cover or concealment, and potential make shift weapons.  For example, most Walmarts sell compact bows and hunting arrows, some even sell rifles.  Knowing where the sporting goods section is located is always a good bit of knowledge.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

The perpetrator had been planning this event since last year. Such gun control policies as “waiting periods” would have been entirely ineffective at stopping such a rampage. His website stated that he originally was intended to conduct this attack after the elections. (He wanted to know who won.) And that he even brought the rifle in the duffel bag to the gym in December. But lost the nerve to commit the crime, only to do so over 6 months later.

I do wonder, does no one read such sites? And could Google create a algorithm that would help detect such.  As this is NOT the first murderer to have a website detailing their plans and attempts at such heinious crimes.  Now, I’m not advocating law enforcement and judicial action based just one a Google search result. But perhaps a system where such alerts would be passed off to a human pool who would check out the site and see if it’s merely somebody ranting. “Man I wanted to pummel the guy into the ground!” or “That guy was so annoying I wanted to shoot him!” versus  ”It is 8:45pm: I chickened out! I brought the loaded guns, everything.” – January 6, 2009

***

UPDATE:  I thought I’d add some commentary on how would one act in such a situation, or how do I think I’d act in such a situation.  I shared a little of this in a comment. But it’s probably only fair to post it.

Gymnasiums pose a very difficult challenge in carrying. You’re attire is far from designed to do so. Furthermore, your working out on a physical level in which carrying would equate to added cumbersomeness and uncomfortability.

So what would or could someone do in a situation like this. Man comes in, turns off the lights and begins shooting.

The first thought that comes to mind is did I do what I should have upon entering?  Did I remain in condition yellow (alert and aware).  Did I make sure upon entering the room that I knew where all the exits were?

The lights turned off is both a disadvantage and an advantage.  While it adds to the chaos, it also provides some concealment for those fleeing.  I do not know if it was total darkness or not.  That said, the muzzleflash of the rifle would do two things.  First it would reveal the shooter’s position, enabling to avoid the shooter if at all possible.  Second, it would also likely blind the shooter or at least destroy his night vision. Further increasing concealment potential.

So what would I do. I really don’t know, I wasn’t there. Some options I think that I’d consider would be to lie on the ground prone. In hopes that the shooter assumed I was down. And if he approached and closed the distance between himself and I and/or I had a clear shot.  Take it.  This course of action would likely only add to my protection, and not the protection of everyone as a whole.

The second course of action I’d probably consider was to use the darkness and endeavor to make my way to an exit, and or flank the shooter. And if I could come upon him from an angle unaware, attempt to take him down.

One other thought that comes to mind when reading that there were free weights. If I were unarmed, and a free weight was within reach. I’d probably grab one and use it as a shield.  At least to protect my critical vital regions of torso/head area.

I’d like to say I was just smart enough to avoid the entire situation. Pick a gym that didn’t have any wackos. But truthfully, this is one of those cases in which you just can’t really forsee.   It could have easily been a swimming pool rather than an aerobic workout class. What then….I know some people swear by their Glocks tennifer coating.  But even I think that’s not a realistic option.  Everybody has to choose for themself what is a reasonable course of action, and an acceptable element of risk.

I spent my three day weekend exploring the City outside of Manhattan. Friday, Ben and I started out the day by heading to Coney Island to meet up with Natalie and Leo (after the gym). We wandered over to Brighton Beach and the Russian part of town. It reminds me so much of being in another country, along with most of the City, because of all the tiny little shops with bilingual owners. It’s much different from where I grew up in New Jersey, where there’s only strip malls full of all the usual culprits: Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc. After working on our sunburns for a while and writing AIESEC into the sand, it started to downpour so we ran back to the boardwalk to look for cover. Luckily the storm didn’t last long, and we went to eat at a little Russian restaurant.

I tried Vareniki for the first time. It was probably only the third time I’ve eaten Russian food, and it was quite delicious. So was the fruit punch. Afterwards Leo took us to the candy shop to get a bunch of his favorite Russian sweets, and we headed off on our merry way back to Manhattan. When we got back, we found ourselves some free Dr. Pepper and a table in Herald Square park, and it was great to relax outside and enjoy some more sunshine (with shade this time).

Saturday was the Independence Day transition party with the AIESEC US MC, and because of country summit there were a lot of other MCPs here as well. Turkey, China, India, and Canada all had representation. It was a crazy day for me, because I met two of the former LCPs of AIESEC DC in the same day. They were from 2004 and 2005, and they asked me if we still had the same traditions of High Society and Cherry Blossom festival, because those were the ones that they really wanted to stick. I assured them that we still have that, and that we want to get our alumni network back and active so they can come to High Society this year.

The picnic was nice; there’s a great view of Manhattan from Dumbo and we had just enough space to play Frisbee with about half of our large group. Another relaxing day in the city. After the picnic I followed Marina into Brooklyn to meet some of her high school friends, then we took the Path to Jersey City to watch the fireworks from the patio on Trent’s apartment building. We brought a blanket outside and fell asleep briefly under the stars.

CANADA— it is considered as one of the  lands of milk and honey among Overseas Filipino  Workers (OFW). It is the home of  400,000 Filipinos naming them as  the third largest Asian -Canadian group in this nation. Based on the  present statistics, 67% of the population consist of caregivers mostly women where in 36,  922 are degree holders who are permanent residents  working as professionals. To be a caregiver here in Canada is considered a professional job because of the  high standard set by the government. One must have at least 72 college education units equivalent of a grade 12 education here in Canada. If  a caregiver  is applying  direct from the Philippines , she must have a caregiver’s education under the non  collegiate program of medical schools qualified by the Philippine government. And the easiest way to access  Canada is to work as a domestic helper or caretaker from countries such as HongKong , Taiwan, Singapore and  Middle  East like Dubai, Israel , Saudi Arabia etc. under the Live In Caregiver Program (LCP). The LCP is a federal program instituted on 1992  that allows foreign nationals to work in a child and elder care in a temporary basis but they will be given a chance to apply for their permanent residency after  two years in the care giving job.

As an experienced caregiver from HongKong,  I had undergone a rigorous battle in financial needs in my application. The domestic helpers in Hong Kong knew the underground anomalies that are happening in the processing of their application but none dare to question and raised the issue of placement fees of  domestic helpers going to Canada.The easiest way to come here in Canada is through  a placemenet agency. Before I selected my agency, I scouted  the different agencies on the streets of Hongkong. Some agencies charged an exorbitant amount  ranging from 4 to 5 thousand Canadian dollars. Others charged less but only to find out that the caregiver is released upon arrival which later on a big problem on the caregiver. A big problem because a changed in employer means a delay on the process of completion  of 24 months caregiving before someone can apply for a permanent residency status with in  three years of stay in Canada under the LCP.Some placement agencies assist in financial cost  on a 50/50 basis meaning half down payment and half payment upon arrival but later on charged high with interest  when the caregiver arrives and starts working  with her Canadian employer.

As of the present while I am writing this,  no rules and regulations yet being laid to minimize the burden of Filipino workers in different countries I stated above who are wanting to come and work here in Canada with regards toplacement fees of these agencies.  The government of Canada should at least see to it that there are some guidelines to follow to curb these agencies from over charging the applicants under the LCP programs.

OFF THE PAGE:
“Nannies,” artists, and community members unite to defy the headlines and expose the truth behind the Live-In Caregiver Program
Music + Theatre + Film + Spoken Word + Guest Speakers…

Sunday May 31 2009
130pm to 430pm
Kapisanan Philippine Centre 167 Augusta Ave
**FREE**

Featuring:
- Caregivers will be there to talk about their first hand experiences (names yet to be confirmed)
- A reading from the Sulong Collective’s “Future Folk” (the full show will be featured on Theatre Passe Muraille’s Fall 09 season!)
- Alexander The presents a single from his upcoming solo album, featuring a dance performance by the Dora nominated Catherine Hernandez
- Short Films by Carissa Reyes and Shasha Nakhai
- Santa Guerilla (TBC)
- Spoken word by Leonard Cervantes and Myk Miranda
- More TBC

Filipina Caregivers have been in the news a lot in recent months; Jocelyn Dulnuan was brutally murdered in her employer’s home, then Juana Tejada was almost forced to leave the country after she was discovered to have terminal cancer that would have been a drain on the health care system and now the Ruby Dhalla ‘Nannygate’ scandal.

I am sure many of you are wondering what’s going on.

What is the LCP?
Why are so many Filipinas involved?
What sort of money are they making that they are willing to leave home and family behind to live in their employer’s house and virtually be ‘on-call’ for 24 hours a day?

Get some answers and get some culture at the same time at this event. This isn’t a boring lecture with one talking head after another. This is education through art. Seriously, check out the talent in that line up!

This is a FREE event (though we will be taking donations!).

For this sick line-up of performers this will be a packed house so come early!!!

Remember: Sunday 31 May @ 130pm, see you then.

Gérard Leclerc: président de LCP-Assemblée nationale – Média – MSN – Actualités Rechercher sur le web : AFP – mercredi 13 mai 2009, 12h13 Gérard Leclerc: président de LCP-Assemblée nationale Gérard Leclerc à la cité de la Réussite à Paris, le 6 avril 2009.

Le journaliste Gérard Leclerc a été nommé président de la chaîne parlementaire LCP-AN, a annoncé mercredi le président de l’Assemblée nationale Bernard Accoyer (UMP) dans un communiqué.Rédacteur en chef du service politique, économique et social de France 3, Gérard Leclerc, 57 ans, succède à Richard Michel, à la tête de la chaîne depuis 2003.A l’issue d’un processus de sélection débuté en mars, et mené par un comité de sélection composé de députés représentant tous les groupes parlementaires, Gérard Leclerc était en lice face à Richard Michel.Sur les neuf dossiers retenus en mars, quatre candidats -les journalistes Ulysse Gosset, Gérard Leclerc et Dominique Martinaud ainsi que le président sortant Richard Michel- ont été auditionnés publiquement le 4 mai par le comité de sélection, présidé par la députée UMP de la Marne Catherine Vautrin, vice-présidente de l’Assemblée.Il est finalement revenu au président de l’Assemblée nationale de présenter le nom d’un des deux candidats finalement retenus à l’approbation du bureau de l’Assemblée.Gérard Leclerc a été journaliste notamment à Europe 1, RMC et France 2.

Partager sur Publicité Galeries photos L’alcool et les jeunes Enquête en images sur un phénomène en pleine expansion et sur les principales mesures de la loi Bachelot qui vise à limiter la consommation d’alcool chez les jeunes.

Source:

http://news.fr.msn.com/media/article.aspx?cp-documentid=16795042

Liens Sponsorises : | Valenciennes | Paris | B eacute ziers Carcassonne actualites montreal

For anyone who wanted to listen instead of read. My review of the LCP has been posted over at the Gun Review Podcast on GRRN (Gun Rights Radio Network)

http://gunreviewpodcast.com/ruger-lcp-jason-from-nugun/

For those who would like to read the review, it can be found here:

http://nugun.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/gun-review-lcp-ladies-carry-pistol/

***

If you haven’t checked out Gun Rights Radio, please do. It’s a whole ton of gunnie goodness. A variety of podcasts covering everything from 2nd Amendment Rights, Armed Citizenry, guns, tactics.  From a variety of laymen to experts.

• Pro Arms (Bunch of people who have forgotten more about guns than I will ever know).
• Handgun Podcast (Eric Shelton shares his experiences about hand guns)
• The Urban Shooter featuring The Black Mand with a Gun
• Gun Dudes – Bunch gun geeks shooting the breeze. Lighthearted gun fun!
• Gun Nation – Doc Wesson brings you ballistics and gun reviews.
• Gun Rights Advocate – deals with issues regarding our Second Amendment rights.
• Gun Fighters Cast – a couple of marines share their thoughts and experiences
• And many many more….

Last summer we picked up a Ruger LCP (Light Compact Pistol) for my wife. She wanted something that would be less bulky than your average sidearm. We fondly refer to it as the “Ladies Carry Pistol”.

The Ruger LCP is chambered for the .380 ACP round.  This is essentially a shortened low powered 9mm round. Many regard the .380 as the bare minimum defensive caliber. And it’s not uncommon to hear gunnies exclaim “Friends don’t let friends carry mouseguns.” (A term to describe any of the very small firearms chambered for anything less than a 9mm or .38 Special.)

However, they will often follow that up with. A mousegun is better than no gun at all. And when one’s attire does not allow for a full size or even a compact sidearm. A mousegun may be your only option.  One might suggest keeping a sidearm in a purse or briefcase. However, some professions do not have that option. A nurse in a hospital is not likely to be seen wearing their scrubs while carrying a purse. That’s where the Ruger LCP and similar firearms come to play. They provide an ultra-conceable option.

The Ruger LCP is a lightweight polymer frame pistol approximately 5″ in length and weighing under 10 ounces.  It has a 6+1 capacity. While the trigger pull is in the double-action weight zone of approx. 8lbs, the firing mechanism appears to be single action. Pulling the trigger only releases the firing pin once. Repeat pulls do not reset the hammer.  I may not be completely accurate or correct in my assessment. I have seen it referred to as “Single-strike double-action”.  Essentially, it behaves like many of the striker fired pistols out there. There is a slide lock/release but the slide does not lock open after the final round. There is no safety, which is the one feature I’d love to see in a mouse gun this size.  I guess it’s small size does not facilitate a feature rich gun. And that’s likely the reason the LCP is neither CA or MA approved.  The suggested retail price has now gone up to $347.

When Ruger announced the LCP it became an instant hit.  While nearly identical in size and appearance to the Keltec P38T, Ruger’s reputation and quality made it a much more in demand firearm.  Many have expressed the fit and finish quality on the LCP to be nicer than the Keltec. I am not sure I’d know how to tell the difference. But I think Ruger has an excellent reputation for standing behind their products and quickly and openly responding to safety issues.

And this is a good thing, as it wouldn’t be too long before Ruger discovered there was an issue with their latest product.  However, before we get to that I want to describe our personal experiences.

We purchased our LCP from Freedom Armory in Glenn Rock, PA. We had ourselves placed on a waiting list and about 2-3 months later, our gun came up.  $319 got us a petite little black pistol. We were excited!

It was quite petite.  Fit and finish seemed good. But not quite on the same level as my Ruger P-345.  I think a lot the difference in feel is literally due to the difference in heft of my .45 versus the dimunitive .380.  However, the trigger did not feel anywhere nearly as robust. And one can’t really expect it to be it – it is afterall, just a mouse gun.

So we went to the range to give it a try.  The short 8 yd lanes were all occupied. So we only had the 25 yd lane available. My wife gave it a try and was hitting dirt.  I tried and while I got a round or so on target; wasn’t doing much better.  When the 8 yd lane opened up we moved over and gave it another try.  I put most rounds on a torso sized target. My wife a couple.  The most significant challenge with the LCP is sighting the gun.  The sights are almost non-existent. Not much more than a ridge in the front and two small ridges on the back.  Combine that with the fact that the LCP is so light, that when you drop it, it simply flutters to the ground like a feather. (Okay, not quite…but you get the point.)  Even the impotent .380 caliber gives this little pistol a fair kick.  Shooting a mousegun like the LCP can hurt. There is not a lot of width to the gun, so the recoil is much more focused. Driving all the force to a narrow part of your hand’s webbing.

We had a few failures to fire.  My wife would try to fire and nothing happened. I’d eject the magazine. Re-rack. And get it to fire.  At first I just thought that my wife wasn’t putting the magazine in properly.  But I had some issues too.  A little discouraged, but I chalked it up to needing more practice.

However, a second time out on the range and we experienced similar problems. Would load and make ready. Pull the trigger….NOTHING!!!  It was as if I was pulling the trigger all the way back but it needed to go just a little bit farther to release the hammer. However it’d hit the trigger guard – so there was no further back.  So when I got home I cleaned the LCP and did a number of practice dryfires.   Confirmation. Something was clearly wrong. Sometimes I could rack the slide, pull the trigger, and CLICK! Othertimes nada…

So we brought it back to Freedom Armory. Their gunsmith reviewed it and determined that it needed to go back to Ruger. This was back in September. Shortly after our LCP was shipped back, Ruger announced a general recall.  Now the recall was not for the problem we were having. But was assured that both issues would be taken care of.  It seemed to take forever. It was a couple of months before we’d see our little LCP return.  Ours was in before the recall, but we wouldn’t get ours back until after many others received theirs in return.  That said, when we did receive our LCP back. It came with a really nice hat, an apology letter, a $25 gift certificate, and an extra magazine featuring the new “finger extension”.

My wife and I compared the feel of the LCP both with the original magazine and with the new finger extension magazine.  My wife did not notice a significant difference between the two. I on the other hand felt that the finger extension magazine made for a noticeably better grip in my hands.  My wife has slender fingers where as mine are short & stubby.  And I believe this is what made the difference. She is able to get more fingers upon the grip. Where as the finger extension provides me with a point with which to lock my 2nd & 3rd fingers on the grip of the gun. This makes it much more secure for me.

After receiveing the LCP I really wanted to get it back out to the range and make sure it operated properly. However, it’d be quite a few weeks before I found the free time.  When I finally did get to the range I had zero incidents of the trigger failure that I had experienced prior.  The only issue I had noticed was a slight delay in the slide returning fully to it’s place on two shots.  But I chalked this up to the LCP probably needing a bit more lubrication. And that seems to have been the case, after applying a bit more lube, I had no issues.

The LCP is IMHO a close range gun. Not that the gun itself is inaccurate. But the dimunitive size does not lend itself to accurate shooting.  However, that is not a bad thing as one is most likely to use the LCP at very close range during an assault or as as a back-up gun after a primary weapon has failed.

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I had the opportunity to go out to the range together. (Courtesy of her mother babysitting our daughter.)  We had a great time shooting our Ruger MKIII (reviewed earlier) and the LCP.  This was my wife’s first time shooting the LCP since getting it back. And she did pretty good. Getting most of the rounds on the center mass of the target. The group wasn’t very tight. But the bad guy would have been hit pretty good.  We shot our .22 some more and then returned to the LCP.  However this time my wife did poorly.  I figured it was how she was sighting in the LCP. As said earlier, the diminutive sights make it a tad challenging to aim.  In fact, I wasn’t really sure how to describe to her aiming. So I figured I’d just fire a magazine off and get a good feel for the sights so I could describe it to her. I aimed our LCP just using the front sight and ignoring the rear sights. Instead of fitting it into the notch sights on the rear. I just made it stick above the profile of the gun. And pulled the trigger very slowly letting it just break and fire naturally.

Then something amazingly wonderful happened.  I watched as I put all 6 rounds in a 2 1/2 inch group at 25 feet. The result astonished me as I am not a very good shot. And I just shot one of my best groups ever with an inaccurate mouse gun. What a revelation I had, the discovery that my LCP is truly accurate. My wife teased me about be a show-off, but knew that I had not intended to show her up. And that I myself was quite surprised by the results.

Since that day I’ve been jonesing to get back to the range to shoot the LCP and see if I can replicate what I did the last time. I’ve proved to myself what is possible, now I want to make it repeatable and if possible – natural!

So to any who had any doubts about the accuracy of the LCP. Let me assure you that the LCP is quite accurate when placed in good hands. But it does take a bit of work and training to learn how to handle this little mouse gun.

I’ve fire a few different brands of ammo through the LCP: Winchester White Box, Blazer Brass, Hornady.  No issues with feeding so far. One was a round nose, one was a blunt nose and the Hornady was a narrow jacketed-hollow point (JHP).  The .380 is a minimal cartridge and for self-defense use one really should consider something other than hardball. The .380 hardball is likely to suffer from many of the same issues as the 9mm hardball.

There has been a significant resurgence of this cartridge in 2008, largely due to the monstrous success and sales of the LCP. Many manufacturers are now offering new .380 JHP designs. Certain brands, such as Hornady’s Critical Defense, now incorporate fillers inside the hollows in order to prevent clogging from clothing and help ensure expansion. They also help facilitate loading by reducing the likelihood of feeding issues. These are probably a good choice for a small pistol like the LCP.

Traditionally, many self-defense experts have advocated firing a 100-400 rounds of whatever you plan to use as your carry load.  For many of us, this just isn’t very realistic. Not with today’s ammo prices and shortages. You might not even be able to find 400 rounds of .380 in your town these days. But at a minimum you should put a few magazines full down range. And experiment with a variety of brands and designs.  So far our LCP has eaten everything we’ve fed it.  Including a variety of bullet designs and shapes. This helps with my overall confidence that it’s not a very picky eater when it comes to ammo.  That combined with firing several magazines full of our chosen defense ammo makes reasonable comfortable. But that’s why I mention the filled hollow points. One advantage is that they tend to be less susceptible to feeding issues. The filling helps prevent the edges of the hollow from being caught on the feed ramps and entry points.  So if you have to scimp for financial reasons, or large quantities of ammo is just not available in your area – consider some of these newer filled JHP designs.

Lastly, disassembly and re-assembly is fairly easy with the LCP. There is a small retaining pin that requires you pry it out. Small screw drive, key, etc will do the trick.  Then it’s pretty straightforward. Slide off the slide, remove the spring unit, slide out the barrel.  Just reverse for re-assembly. Note that when placing the pin back into the firearm, that you want to angle the pin as you push it in.  This helps facilitate entry.  The pin removal and insertion is the only challenging part assembly-wise.

As for carrying the LCP. We have a belly band. But my wife found it to be very itchy.  We also have a Nemesis pocket holster. Which is my primary means of carrying the LCP. Which I have taken to do so when my attire won’t facilitate or when I know in advance I may face comfort issues. Such as sitting in the narrow movie theater seats.  I want to find or make/modify a holster that will clip over a belt and keep the LCP inside the waistband and hold my iPhone outside the waistband. Such a setup should make carry of the LCP virtually invisible.

All-in-all, this is a great little gun. We had a rough start with a few bumps along the way. But Ruger took care of those issues, and did so very gentlemanly. (Hat, extra mag, apology letter and $25 gift certificate – if only EVER company I had to deal with handled things so well.)

***

UPDATE: It was brought to my attention that I failed to mention that Crimson Trace offers a very compact laser grip for the LCP. It attaches to the front of the trigger guard.  The list price is around $200+ but I’ve seen them for as low as $160 on ebay.

I think these are great tools and assists. Excellent for helping with training. But they are only an aid. You need to be able to aim and shoot if your laser’s batteries are dead or if it’s to bright to see the red dot.

It is my intention to acquire one of these as soon as I am financially able.

A lot more news on the upcoming 2A-rally in PA. We’re hoping for this to be one of the larger Second Amendment rallies. So please come if you are able…

2ARally.com

Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association (PAFOA) posted some great and detailed info.

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Nationally Recognized Speakers

In addition to the fun of meeting with your peers and standing up for your rights, the rally will feature an amazing cast of speakers:

• Daryl Metcalfe: State Representative
• Stephen Halbrook: Nationally renowned 2nd Amendment Attorney
• Larry Pratt: President, Gun Owners of America
• John Sigler: President, National Rifle Association
• Joe Tartaro: Executive Editor, Gun Week
• Peggy Tartaro: Executive Editor, Women & Guns
• Marinelle Thompson: National Coordinator, Second Amendment Sisters
• Kim Stolfer: Chairman, Firearms Owners Against Crime
• Melody Zullinger: Executive Director, PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs

Chance to WIN a Ruger LCP

What could be better than standing up for your rights? How about being automatically entered into a raffle for a brand new Ruger LCP just for showing up! Thanks to a generous donation, one lucky attendee will receive a certificate that can be redeemed at ACE Sporting Goods.

Promote the Rally

• Download the Flyer
• View the Invitation (email it to friends)
• More information here…
  

Today my wife and I had a chance to leave the little one at Grandma’s and head off to the range. It was a gorgeous sunny day, albeit extremely windy. Brought with us our Ruger MK III Hunter, the Mrs. Ruger LCP. I also tried out a cheap little dual reflex / laser sight, which I mounted to our MK III.

Mixed thoughts on the reflex. I found it easy to shoot. But the unit seemed defective.  The red reticle disappearing periodically only to reappear upon firing another shot. I will have to contact the manufacturer.  Kind of bummed, as this is the unit I picked up at Lancaster Friends of the NRA dinner’s silent auction. Accuracy was decent when the unit worked properly. 

We then fired some rounds with the Ruger LCP.  The Mr’s first go at things was pretty decent.  We then both shot the MK III some more.  My wife than returned to the LCP, but with less than stellar results. (The LCP for anyone who has not shot it has very minimal sights. And it takes a bit of use to really hone in on how to aim the thing.)  

I decided to give it a try and really focus on the method of sighting and aiming and to take my time firing. I did very slow relaxed trigger pulls.  You should have seen my surprise when I put all 6 rounds in an approximate 2 1/2″ group @ 25 ft.  I was rather flabbergasted as I don’t usually do that well even with my carry gun that I practice with much more often. In fact, I probably only achieve that with my MK III.  

Of course I felt bad, as here I was trying to figure out the best way to sight it in and be an example to my wife. And I come off with what was a near perfect group for me. Wasn’t trying to show her up. *lol*   This also really woke me up to just how extremely accurate the little Ruger LCP is.  I am not a very experienced shooter, while I am learning. A 2 1/2″ group @25ft is pretty extraordinary for me. To get that out of a lightweight short mouse gun is just simply amazing.

Thankfully, when it comes to shooting, my wife and I have a great relationship. I always read (both in books and online) “Don’t teach your spouse!”, etc, etc.  But surprisingly we have next to zero conflict in this area.  Anyways, while we were out at the range I took a couple of short videos which I’ve posted below.

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Video 1


 

Video 2

 
(fyi, she got 10 out of 12 rounds on target)

Running your own business and Careers Advice

If you cannot see the video – please click here to see the source video at Vimeo

aLife CEO Tom Hastwell shares the studio with 4 young entrepreneurs – who discuss what advice to give those who are thinking about starting a business. Its a delicate balance and these guys have a lot of fascinating insights for students and advisors alike. A must see aLifeTV episode – inspirational, out of the square thinking.

Panellists are Jess from The Frank Team, Troy from PNMG, Mike from Credit Card Finder.com.au and Gemma from
Inspire Dance Academy

I have a confession to make…when I got my Pennsylvania LCTF (CCW Permit), I was NOT the first one in my family to get one.

My wife actually picked hers up a day or so before I did (although both were filed together).  In fact, this resulted in a bit of a funny situation when I went to pick up my permit at the sheriff’s office.

I handed the sheriff my ID. He came back a minute later and stated that he could not process my application, that the computer says it has already been processed.  I thought maybe he was confused, since my wife’s had picked up her permit. He asked me what my wife’s name was, to which I replied.

That’s when he slid my driver’s license back to me and told me to look at it. I quickly realized that I had handed him my wife’s driver’s license.  The sheriff asked me out of curiosity why I had a copy of my wife’s driver’s license. I explained that my wife lost her license and got a replacement, we later found her old license. And that I keep it with me for those times when we go out to a tavern and my wife doesn’t have her wallet.

The sheriff explained that he doesn’t ask any more. After this one time when a woman came in with a little child in tow.  Gave him a driver’s license with a man pictured on it.  He exclaimed “That’s not you!” to which the woman replied in a deep male voice… “YES IT IS!” (Perhaps she was a member of the Pink Pistols.)

***

Anyways, around this time Ruger revealed the new LCP (which my wife and I jokingly referred to as the “Ladies Carry Pistol”).

We couldn’t find one anywhere…neither could anyone else. *lol*  We reserved on at Freedom Armory and finally our name came up. So we went down and my wife picked up her Ruger LCP. It was very light and compact. We went out to the range, and the only lane available was a 25 yd (75ft) lane. We didn’t hit a thing (except for the ground a few times).  Finally the 8 yd lane opened up. We still did not hit very much.  It wouldn’t be until later when I took my Pastor out shooting that I started landing on target. His help in letting me know where I was landing the rounds assisted me in getting a feel for the LCP’s sights (or near lack of them).

The LCP is definitely a short range weapon. I would not expect to use it at anything much beyond 25ft.  At least not without adding something like Crimson Trace laser grips.

***

But all was not well…

A few trips to the range and I realized something was not quite right with our LCP.  I’d pull the trigger, but it would not always fire the gun.  At first I thought it was the magazine not being inserted properly, or the slide not cycling back properly.  But I eventually realized that there was something seriously wrong. I couldn’t pull the trigger far enough to release the hammer. It was fairly random.

So I brought back to the dealer at the end of September and they wound up sending it back to Ruger.  About a week later Ruger announced the recall. It wouldn’t be until mid-December when we’d get our LCP back.

Ruger was courteous enough to send back our LCP with an extra magazine with the new fingergrip extensions, an LCP “tactical baseball cap”, and a $25 gift certificate to the accessory store – oh and an apology letter.

A few weeks later I brought it out to the range and all seemed to work fine so far. And I will add that I much preferred the new finger grip extended magazines. I am not sure how much they factored into things, but my shooting was much more accurate this time around.

THREE soldiers beat up a 19-year-old full-time national serviceman at their camp one evening, upset by what they felt was his poor work attitude.

Recruit Jagjeet Singh was slapped, kicked and hit with a helmet, umbrella and broomstick until he lay semi-conscious and vomiting.

Even after a medic advised them to send the injured youth to hospital immediately, two of the attackers merely loaded him onto a trolley, wheeled him to his bunk and dumped him on the floor.

Yesterday, the three assailants were sentenced by a military court for the beating on Dec 17, which was so severe that the victim is still in hospital, six weeks after the incident in Bedok Camp 2 at Upper East Coast Road.

All three pleaded guilty. The main culprit, Lance-Corporal Nur Hilman Kassim, 23, was jailed three years and ordered to be caned six times. He will serve time in a civilian prison. Corporal Muhammad Fahmi Ibrahim and Recruit Hong Zhi Sheng, both 22, were sent to the detention barracks for six and four months respectively.

During the hearing at the Singapore Armed Forces’ Court-Martial Centre, the court heard that the three storemen had confronted their colleague at about 6.30pm on Dec 17, annoyed that his poor work attitude had landed them in trouble with their superiors.

The face-off was verbal at first, but it spiralled into violence when they became agitated by his blank stares and uninterested responses.

Nur Hilman hit the victim on the head, chest, shoulders and limbs with his hands, legs, a broomstick, an umbrella and a helmet. Hong and Muhammad Fahmi also slapped and punched him.

Hong left shortly after, while the victim was still conscious.

The other two finally called a medic at about 9pm. Recruit Jagjeet Singh was lying face-up on the floor of the office, semi-conscious and breathing heavily.

Later, they moved him to the bunk but left him on the floor because he was apparently too heavy to be lifted.

Help finally arrived only at 11pm, two hours later, when a campmate found him on the floor. At the intensive care unit in Changi General Hospital, doctors discovered bleeding in the right side of his brain. The recruit is now in a general ward.

Pleading for leniency, defending officer Ivan Gan told the court that all three men had no prior disciplinary problems and initially meant only to scold a colleague who could not be relied upon to carry out his duties.

But military prosecutor Samantha Lau argued that there was no reason for them to take matters into their own hands. Instead, they should have reported the recruit’s behaviour to their superiors for disciplinary action.

She urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence – especially on Nur Hilman – because ‘gangsterism’ could not be condoned.

Presiding judge Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Aedit Abdullah, who was a district judge in the civilian courts, agreed.

Soldiers who had frustrations with their colleagues should go through the proper channels, he said.

‘(They) cannot take into their own hands remedial actions, and certainly cannot vent their frustration against their colleagues,’ he added.

==

Wah. Wat ish e world cumming to? Recently de children all so much energy. Suka suka beat ppl up until go hospital

Ish there something wrong with our education system?

Previously…
> Army recruit beaten up in camp

Don’t know about you. But I think this would be a pretty cool two gun set. With both handguns having matching serial numbers series.  And it’d be really cool if they came in a small custom “pelican” style waterproof case.

If you agree, maybe you should let Ruger know here…

NOTE: This is NOT the 2010 Gun of the Year. I am just insinuating that it’d be a pretty cool combination to see as next year’s gun of the year. Maybe we can talk Ruger/Friends of the NRA into it.