Thanks to Kyle for sending this over at Facebook. It’s not every day where you get to see a cop actually PIT a plane. lol I don’t think they teach that at most driving courses? Good on them though, and they got their guy! -Matt
Archive for category Cool Stuff
Thanks to Chad for letting me know about this awhile back. This group will actually convert your ashes into ammunition. For the rifle rounds, they put the ash in a bullet, and then I think they swage the thing. Although I am not sure about the ballistics of these bullets, but still, I thought it was pretty cool.
The reaction on FJ Facebook was pretty amazing as well. Numerous guys were all about converting their ashes into some kind of munition that could be sent back to the war and be used by the troops. Check it out. -Matt
Holy Smoke LLC
About Us
We offer a way to honor your deceased loved one by giving or sharing with him or her one more round of clay targets, one last bird hunt, or one last stalk hunt.?The Concept?Several years ago I was talking with my friend and co-worker at work one evening. We were discussing the passing of one of our relatives and the topic of conversation turned to our own demise and whether we preferred burial or cremation. I told my friend that I had some cost, waste of space and ecological issues with burials and that I thought I wanted to be cremated and in some fashion, have my ashes tossed into a river or spread through the woods. ?My friend smiled and said “You know I’ve thought about this for some time and I want to be cremated. Then I want my ashes put into some turkey load shotgun shells and have someone that knows how to turkey hunt use the shotgun shells with my ashes to shoot a turkey. That way I will rest in peace knowing that the last thing that one turkey will see is me, screaming at him at about 900 feet per second.
Hat tip to Soldier Systems for this one. Police Mag did a story on this stuff as well. I like it, and simple little tricks like this could really give you an edge out there. Especially if you are wanting to track movements through specific areas of your AO, or track someone to see where they go.
The thing with this stuff is it is an infrared or IR tag that looks like dirt/sand/concrete. So no one is going to know they are walking through it unless they are looking for IR dirt specifically. This is great for criminal forensics as well, just because you could prove instantly that a person is the guy that walked through your target area. Or imagine sprinkling this all over a specific jungle trail’s foliage, and everything that moves through it is marked? Very cool stuff and check it out. -Matt
Cyalume website here.
Now just as a disclaimer, I am not at all saying that this thing is safe or a good magazine to use for actual field work or the range. But, what it is good for is modeling and giving life to an idea.
On the other hand, this technology and the materials used are only getting better/cheaper/stronger/lighter. So there might be a day where you are hanging out on a forum like Lightfighter, and exchanging notes with other ‘makers’ about how to make cool new weapon and equipment parts using a 3D printer. You already see that on forums like this when it comes to textiles and sewing.
I also mentioned in the past about using a 3D printer to make UAV’s, or how SOCOM was interested in using this technology. With the examples below, the thing I was thinking about is using these printers to make the obscure little plastic parts that are essential in all types of equipment being used out there. Lots of ideas for this stuff and we will see how it evolves. -Matt
AR-15 Rifle Magazine
by crank
This thing is a Work in Progress.
Expect the files and instructions for this thing to change.
Description
Print at YOUR OWN RISK, Neither the creator of this object nor thingiverse.com is responsible for anything that happens because you printed this object! ?This is a near fully printable 5.56mm X 45mm or .233 REM AR-15 magazine. It is current only a 5 round magazine. I left my printed spring design out on purpose for saftey reasons. However, with a little printing experimention and some range time it can be made easily.?What is included is the magazine body, anti-tilt follower, and floorplate. ?I have used this magazine, no jams or feed problems….. YET. It works, but be reminded it is only a printed ABS magazine. If you end up using a printed ABS mag spring be prepared for stress relaxation of the polymer over time, especailly if it is kept loaded over a long period of time.
Instructions
Print at YOUR OWN RISK, Neither the creator of this object nor thingiverse.com is responsible for anything that happens because you printed this object! ?Well, the zombies are at it again………and you forgot your magazines out in your vehicle. Doh!?1) You Have a need for an 5.56mm X 45mm AR-15 magazine.
Doug recently sent me a review of Palladium boots that I thought was pretty cool. They are old school canvas boots. I remember the Israeli Combat Boots which were pretty popular for desert wear when I was in the Marines, and before that, canvas boots were made popular by the French Foreign Legion as they wore them in Indochina and Africa. Palladium was one of the original companies that made these things.
The other thing to mention is that Palladium was bought out by KSwiss. So these boots were probably reintroduced to be a cool retro boot. But looking at them, they seem just fine for what they were originally made for, and that was a cost effective, light weight, comfortable boot for wet or arid climates.
Now personally, I have never worn these boots so I cannot vouch for them. Although I know if I were to wear these boots, I would definitely invest in a good pair of insoles. Something like Superfeet insoles which happen to be my preferred insole for all of my footwear.
The other thing to mention is that there were several companies that made canvas boots during the Indochina days. I have heard the terms ‘sneaker boots’, or ‘Bata’ boots to refer to these things. I am sure folks have all sorts of names for canvas boots, and from different periods of time. It is also interesting to me that we are seeing more modern updates of the theme of the lightweight boot with such boots as the Inov-8 Roclite 288 GTX. Although if you are looking for something that costs a little less than the Roclites, then the Palladium’s might be your thing. Thanks to Doug for the review and check them out. -Matt
Edit: 09/06/2011- Doug wanted add one more deal to his review which I think is really cool. These are modifications to the boot he made. Quote: “The one thing I should add to the Palladium boots was a modification I performed.
I cut off the heel for a neutral sole (neutral soles are much better for folks with spinal injuries). the Second modification is the key bit. Since the shoes are made out of cotton canvas & the fact I wear them with either thin socks or no sock I was concerned with all the salt from sweat rotting out the materail.
So I took some mink oil & tooth brush and worked it in real good to the canvas and the laces of the boots. Let them sit outside in the sun for a day.”
By Doug
This link is to a Canvas boot/shoe from Palladium. It is a super light weight, extremely comfortable and unbelievably durable.
I’ve only been doing walks in them but so far my pair has about 350 miles on them and they are holding up great. They are dirty as hell, but the stitching & glue holding the soles on look as good as the day they arrived.
The soles are very cheap rubber, but that is a good thing when sneaken & creepen. One can really feel the ground before putting weight on them. It is like a modern day moccasin which does not stretch when wet.
For a light weight inexpensive scouting boot I give them two thumbs up.
They do have a down side though.
The soles are so flexible, it is impossible to kick start a motorcycle without bruising ones foot. They simply are not stiff enough to give that support.
Also the local Honey Locust tree thorns 3″ average length, cut through the soles like they weren’t even there. On average I get one full foot impalement every 100 miles. Doesn’t sound like much but when a thorn goes completely through your foot it…well it just sucks.
The Pampa in the Moss color.
FFL boots, Indochina.
Product description
Pampa Hi Canvas
$55.00
-BOTTOM One-piece molded rubber outsole.
-SOCKLINER Two-piece; hugging heel cup and thick die-cut EVA create a comfortable stepping ground.
-MATERIALS 20oz, 100% cotton canvas, dyed and stonewashed, create a vintage look and soft feel.
-BRANDING Woven label on the tongue. Uniquely applied rubber patch on medial side of both shoes.
-13 different colors
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History of Palladium Boots.
Palladium was founded in 1920 to make tires for the fledgling aviation industry. Tires were made by layering canvas bands underneath vulcanized rubber. Palladium’s expertise was so advanced that soon the majority of Europe’s aircraft were using Palladium tires.
After World War II, with aircraft manufacturing screeching to a halt, the demand for tires decreased dramatically. Palladium decided to open a plant in Pont De Cheruy, France, to start producing footwear that was as hard wearing as their tires. In 1947 the legendary Pampa boot was born, and the functionality, comfort and durability were so outstanding that the French Foreign Legion adopted it for their use. The Foreign Legion put the boot to the test in the harsh desert conditions of North Africa, and throughout the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains.
Today, the original design, classic lines and time tested utility are as relevant as they have ever been. Combining over 60 years of authenticity with modern manufacturing, premium materials and cutting edge styling, Palladium boots are ready to help you explore your street, your city, or the world.
Website for boots here.Buy the boots here.
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Same As They Ever Were (Almost)
On October 29, 2009
Words like “history” and “authenticity” get thrown around a lot in fashion. But here’s that rare find that actually has ‘em both in spades: The Palladium boot—equally adored by photographers, urban explorers, and the French Foreign Legion for more than 70 years—whose recent relaunch has us psyched.
Yep, you heard that correctly. One million page views! This is great milestone for the blog, and I couldn’t have done it without such a fantastic readership. It also shows how important a brand is, and having the right architecture to support that brand.
I would have to say that the most important lesson learned is focusing in on really good content. Then use the blog’s RSS, Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin to get it out there so people know the post exists. That is extremely important these days, just because there is a ton of information for the user to access these days, and the reader’s time and attention can be difficult to capture. This blog definitely competes with the media in this regard, but I am grabbing market share or readership.
The future is only looking on the up and up for the blog. I recently did some work to improve upon the mobile version of FJ, and I expect that to pay big dividends. My theory with this is that everyone is carrying smart phones these days, and it is very easy for someone to pull out their device during the little breaks in their life and check out what is going on at the blog. Standing in the line at the supermarket, sitting down at a doctor’s office, taking a break at work, etc., all of these are the times when folks look for something to keep them occupied or are just curious about what is going on in the industry.
What is also interesting is that more and more contractors and soldiers are using these devices out there. As long as they have access to a wifi point, they can surf the web and check out their favorite spots online. So it is a pleasure and an honor to provide a place for this industry to hang out at and stay informed.
As to the chart below, the one spike downward was when I had to switch to a new theme and upgrade the platform. But as soon as everything was up and running again, the blog did just fine. It was kind of hectic though, and it was the equivalent to doing brain surgery–or so it seemed. lol -Matt
This is very cool. This vessel is a recreation of the original privateer schooner called the Lynx. The reason why I like this, is that this boat is a real representation of private industry during war time. This vessel is also a symbol of what an Offense Industry can create during times of war, and this boat is beautiful. This thing was designed for commerce raiding, and it is just neat to see it sail and exist.
The other deal I wanted to bring up is definitely go to the website and check out their schedule if you want to see where they are going next. They are sailing all over the world and their intent is to educate people about the history of privateering in America’s early wars. So they do tours on the vessel and this would be a fun way to spend a day. So definitely take the time to check this bit of contractor history if they happen to be in your area. -Matt
Lynx– America’s Privateer
HISTORY OF THE LYNX
Lynx is an interpretation of an actual privateer named Lynx built by Thomas Kemp in 1812 in Fell’s Point, Maryland. She was among the first ships to defend American freedom by evading the British naval fleet then blockading American ports and serving in the important privateering efforts.
At the outbreak of the War of 1812, the American Navy consisted of only 17 ships – eight frigates, two brigs, and seven assorted smaller vessels including a few schooners which saw service in the Barbary Wars. When a nation went to war, owners of private vessels were granted special permissions, called “letters of marque,” to prey upon the enemy’s shipping; thus, “privateers.” While rarely engaging enemy warships, their impact was felt by English merchants who insisted on warship escorts for their vessels. To perform this duty, warships were drawn away from engaging the scant American Navy and blockading our coast, and thus did the privateers, motivated by profit, assist in our national defense. Among the Baltimore privateers was the sharp-built tops’l schooner, LYNX.
This is pretty cool and I had to post this after finding it over at the FJ Facebook page. Til Valhall is Norwegian for ‘To Valhalla’. Valhalla in Norse mythology was the ultimate viking paradise for a warrior to go to if they died in battle. This is a short video of a Norwegian military unit in Afghanistan and that is all I know about it. -Matt
I chuckled when I first found out about this and was considering making this a ‘funny stuff’ post. But then I started really looking at this effort from a different point of view, and that is if you can reduce the theories of Clauswitz into a children’s book, then that is pretty damned cool and impressive. It would also really open up the world of strategy to children, and likewise shame adults who did not know about this strategy.
The other thing I like about this project is that I could see this book selling quite well to the defense industry families and military families of the world. Parents are always interested in the whole ‘Baby Einstein‘ concept of buying products that could make their children smarter. Imagine a child learning the very basic elements of strategy at such a young age, and how that could apply to all of their endeavors for the rest of their lives? I know I have been personally inspired by the leading strategies of business and war, and this knowledge has been immensely helpful for understanding the world we live in. That knowledge of strategy could also make a person wealthy, help in conflict resolution, help in contests of business or war, or even help in their personal survival. Lot’s of positives that can come from this knowledge. So what’s next? A children’s illustrated guide for Sun Tzu or Col. John Boyd? -Matt
Blog for Children’s Illustrated Clauswitz here.
