Links to some of the best reading on the web. If you have some free time, check them out this weekend.
There Is Nothing to Say About Ferguson
A lot of folks have contacted me asking for my opinions on the mess that is going on in Ferguson, Missouri. I agree with Aaron’s article linked above. I don’t think we can solve the over-arching societal issues in play here. In my mind, it seems like a waste of time to expend the mental energy arguing about the topic when we could all be doing more important work. I won’t be writing any articles about “police militarization,” the criminal justice system, or race relations in our country. I may comment on some individual tactics regarding surviving riots and looting, but that will be the extent on my writings on “Ferga-dishu.” If you are looking for other good writings about the topic, I would suggest checking out Tim’s excellent article on Gun Nuts Media.
If you carry a concealed handgun, check to ensure you aren’t giving any of the listed “tells.” Keeping your armed status a surprise gives you more options than you will have if the world knows you are packing a gun.
The Most Common Side Effects I See From OTC Meds—and How to Avoid Them
Over-the-counter drugs are not harmless. Check out this list of commonly-seen OTC drug symptoms and how to prevent them.
3 Complexes for Rapid Female Fat Loss
You might be surprised to learn that 45% of this site’s readers are female. Most of the material I post is useful for either sex, but typically appeals to the more traditionally male activities of shooting and fighting. I try to share all the female-specific useful articles I can find, but sometimes there just aren’t that many out there. Here is a great article for you female readers with some kick ass workout suggestions. If you spend hours on cardio machines at the gym and aren’t happy with your fitness results, try a couple of these complexes.
Women & Shooting, Part 3: Holster Selection
And speaking of articles for women, here is an overview and evaluation of concealed carry holster options.
Couple Who Shot, Killed Burglar Last Year Discuss the Toll the Incident Has Taken on Them
Some of the lasting effects of a defensive shooting that you may not have considered.
Editorial: Warning Shots — to shoot or not to shoot?
The author of this piece explains how media reporting can skew public perception of the issues surrounding defensive gun usage. There’s always more to the story than what is reported. With regards to the issue of warning shots, I’m generally against them. With that said, I’ve embarked on a research project to make better sense of the data available on the frequency of the use of warning shots, whether or not they are effective, and what legal consequences the shooter will face. It’s an ambitious project, but I should have some data to report early next year.
STW Episode #9 – Disaster Dentistry
A lot of folks are taking classes to improve their knowledge about survival or austere medicine but have neglected learning the skills necessary to keep their teeth from rotting out of their heads. Here is a very good podcast interview of my friend Dr. Sherman House about “disaster dentistry.”
Aurora theater shooting report
The official after action report from the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting where over 80 people were injured. Although a significant portion was redacted, there are still some great lessons to be learned. If you are a cop, take a look at how many police vehicles were used to transport the injured. Do you have a plan to handle emergency transports in your squad car?
Drill: Shooting the Wings Off a Fly
Can you shoot the wings off a fly? Here is a fun shooting drill with downloadable “fly” targets. It’s an amusing way to practice your skills at the range and might be a great option to make shooting even more fun for your children.
How do Tactical Tourniquets Compare?
A comparison of four commonly-used tourniquets. My recommendations for the CAT and the SOFT-T still stand. You can see in these tests that those two can be applied significantly faster than the others.
How to Get people to Like You
A post from the former head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Section. Social skills are an important and often neglected element of self protection training. If you can get people to like you, you can avoid many confrontations. Here’s how to do it. The author’s book It’s Not All About Me is a good read and explains more principles that the articles doesn’t get into.
Identify Dangerous Spiders and Bite Symptoms with this Infographic
A good infographic showing what venomous spiders look like and exactly how toxic their bites are.
32 Wilderness Survival Skills for Kids
I learned all of these skills (except GPS use…I’m old) when I was a young kid. I picked them up informally from self study and spending time in the woods as well as being taught some of them in the Boy Scouts. Have your children mastered these skills? Be honest…have you mastered them? Check out the same author’s 32 Mental and Urban Survival Skills for Kids as well.
Be Aware: Situational Awareness Tactics To Spot Threats
Massad Ayoob provides some location specific advice for improving your situational awareness.
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