Douva

It was 9pm on the east coast but only 6pm on the west coast. Different times have different rules. NYPD Blue was in an adult time slot. Plus, NYPD Blue is not considered a family show, but Monday Night Football is. I think the spot was probably in poor taste, but I don't think there were any fineable violations. The knee-jerk anti-smut reactions are definitely getting a little old. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

So far, this hasn't been a problem in any of the states with legalized concealed carry. There have been a small handful of unjustified shootings nationwide, but overall, the screening and training process is pretty effective in preventing this type of action. When you consider the hundreds of thousands or more US citizens legally carrying concealed weapons, your assumptions would lead us to believe there would be daily shootouts around the country. There aren't. I don't know any group of people that takes more abuse than the police, and yet we don't see pissed off police officers opening fire on hecklers on a weekly basis. When was the last time you threw a punch at somebody? You always have with you the ability to throw a punch, but I'm willing to bet it's been quite some time since you used it. The facts simply don't support your argument. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Trying to decide whether it's worth $21 to fire .22 rounds at a paper target from my computer, just to say I did it. The hunting idea is a bit "out there," but the whole thing is still an interesting concept. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I'd just like to be the second to say that a "well trained shooter" knows that's a bunch of BS. Unless you're auditioning for a wild west show or a guest spot on The "A" Team, shoot center of mass every time. Crap!! I have fired and or disassembled most handguns on the market. If I can see it'I can hit it. Police and military are trained "center mass, count and fire all cartidges". In a gun fight, or in unfamiliar surroundings-good policy. But if some drunken asswipe is stealing your car or is using a knife or a club to threaten you at some distance; shoot him in the fricken thigh. No need to kill someone because you are scared. Main thing is don't show it, shoot it! ---------- Well, every legal expert and handgun instructor I know of disagrees with you, but do whatever you're comfortable with. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I'd just like to be the second to say that a "well trained shooter" knows that's a bunch of BS. Unless you're auditioning for a wild west show or a guest spot on The "A" Team, shoot center of mass every time. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

But did you land it no flare? I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I agree, as a general rule, but I think there are exceptions. A few years back, I was dead broke, barely making rent payments (even got a couple of eviction notices before actually coming up with rent), behind on all my bills, etc. There had been a series of car thefts in the area. My car was among my last remaining assets and my only means of making any money (no real public transportation in Central Texas). I had only the minimum liability insurance on the truck, at the time. After a series of break-ins and car thefts at my apartment complex, I built a pretty elaborate security system to protect my truck (for very little money, if you're interested in knowing how). Had that system gone off in the middle of the night and I'd found somebody trying to drive away in my truck, I don't think I would have hesitated very long before shooting. That truck was the last step between me and homelessness. In essence, I felt like my life was on the line. Now, my new truck is fully insured. If somebody tries to steal it, I'm going to try to stop them, but I'm not going to shoot them--It's just not worth it. --Douva PS. Ironic twist ending to the previous story: My old truck was eventually stolen. Nobody could get near it without me knowing, when it was parked outside my apartment, but one night about a week before Christmas of '01, somebody took it from in front of a friend's house. Fortunately, it was found (banged up but running) about two weeks later. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Yes, I would use lethal force to stop the threat of death or serious bodily harm to myself or a loved one. In certain circumstances, I might extend that protection to an unaffiliated third party. If you don't think you could do that, you don't need to be carrying a gun--It's all downside and no upside. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I don't suggest anyone try to use "traveling" as an excuse to try to sidestep concealed carry laws because you'll probably end up with a Class "A" Misdemeanor on your record, but Texans and people traveling through Texas shouldn't be afraid of utilizing the rights granted them by the Texas Penal Code. --Douva PS. I don't "insist" on doing anything. I have a CHL. I was simply trying to pass on what the Texas Penal Code says about traveling. Unless you want this thread to be moved to Speakers Corner, quit trying to make it so personal. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Brains, Considering how un-current you probably are at this point, I'm going to be putting you back on student gear for your refresher, anyway, so stop worrying about it. --Douva I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Microsoft also makes a Combat version of the Flight Sim games. Insead of just flying, you get to dogfight. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I jumped with one of them at Skydive St. Louis in '99. He had all sorts of sensors hooked to his risers, running down into some sort of onboard computer. Very interesting stuff. --Douva PS. Freethefly, did you jump at Skydive St. Louis? When were you there? I did my AFF there in August of '98. The only other time I jumped there was in August of '99, during WFFC '99. My cousins owned the farm just southwest of the airport, with all the abandoned cars parked at one end (commonly referred to as the "junkyard"). I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Think about the differences between traditional (water) surfing and body surfing. The body surfer uses his body as the control surface, while a surfer uses this long, hard, smooth (no comments, please) board. The surfer can create much quicker, cleaner moves than the body surfer. The same is true for skysurfing. Instead of using our bodies as the control surface, like other skydivers, we use this long, hard, smooth (no comments, please) board. This smooth, rigid surface allows us to create moves much faster and cleaner than freefliers or freestylists can create using just their bodies. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

A. You don't have to tell the officer you have a pistol in the car, unless you have a CHL. B. If you are engaged in legitimate travel, you are legally justified in having a pistol in your car (loaded or unloaded). Nowhere in the Texas Penal Code does it say anything about a gun having to be unloaded or locked. C. Contrary to what many people believe, most law enforcement officers are not looking for an excuse to "bust" law abiding citizens. You're confusing two different subsections. Nowhere in subsection (b)(3) is the word "premises" used. To everyone who's paranoid about this thread getting moved to the Speakers Corner, relax. This is a calm, mature, intelligent discussion about how citizens can legally protect themselves. We can't be expected to have an intelligent discussion about methods of self defense if we're not allowed to dispel misinformation. Unless somebody looses his or her cool or turns this into a debate of ideals, I don't see any reason it should be moved. Blue skies, Douva I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I thought the scene was pretty well done. They replicated an old ripcord deployment system when there was obviously a BOC deployment handle, but filmmakers frequently do that because audiences can identify a ripcord pull easier than a throw-out. My absolute favorite part of the clip is that the theme from The Spy Who Loved Me starts playing just as the canopy opens, in a nod to the snow skiing BASE jump from that James Bond classic. What most people don't realize about technical inaccuracies in movies is that the priorities of most filmmakers put technical accuracy well below dramatic impact. If 90% of the audience is going to have a stronger dramatic impact to characters talking in free fall and pulling ripcords, the filmmakers will generally take a little creative license and let those inaccuracies slide. Point Break wouldn't have been nearly as dramatic if Bodhi and his friends had driven Agent Utah to the airport, put him through a six hour AFF Course, and then done a dialogue-free Level 1 with him. "So, Johnny, did you see me giving you the 'legs out' signal? By the way, we've taken your girlfriend hostage." I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I don't know what you're basing that statement on, Cloudseeker2001, but Texas Penal Code section 46.15, subsection (b)(3), clearly states that Texas Penal Code section 46.02 ("A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club,") "does not apply to a person who is traveling." I have included the full texts of these two sections of the Texas Penal Code, below: § 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages. § 46.15. NONAPPLICABILITY. (a) Sections 46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to: (1) peace officers, including commissioned peace officers of a recognized state, or special investigators under Article 2.122, Code of Criminal Procedure, and neither section prohibits a peace officer or special investigator from carrying a weapon in this state, including in an establishment in this state serving the public, regardless of whether the peace officer or special investigator is engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's or investigator's duties while carrying the weapon; (2) parole officers and neither section prohibits an officer from carrying a weapon in this state if the officer is: (A) engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and (B) in compliance with policies and procedures adopted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding the possession of a weapon by an officer while on duty; (3) community supervision and corrections department officers appointed or employed under Section 76.004, Government Code, and neither section prohibits an officer from carrying a weapon in this state if the officer is: (A) engaged in the actual discharge of the officer's duties while carrying the weapon; and (B) authorized to carry a weapon under Section 76.0051, Government Code; (4) a judge or justice of the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, a district court, a criminal district court, a constitutional county court, a statutory county court, a justice court, or a municipal court who is licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code; or (5) an honorably retired peace officer or federal criminal investigator who holds a certificate of proficiency issued under Section 1701.357, Occupations Code, and is carrying a photo identification that: (A) verifies that the officer honorably retired after not less than 20 years of service as a commissioned officer; and (B) is issued by the agency from which the peace officer retired or, for a federal criminal investigator, by a state law enforcement agency. (b) Section 46.02 does not apply to a person who: Text of subd. (b)(1) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1221, § 4 (1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as a member of the armed forces or state military forces as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, or as an employee of a penal institution who is performing a security function; Text of subd. (b)(1) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1261, § 28 (1) is in the actual discharge of official duties as a member of the armed forces or state military forces as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code, or as a guard employed by a penal institution; (2) is on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control unless the person is an employee or agent of the owner of the premises and the person's primary responsibility is to act in the capacity of a security guard to protect persons or property, in which event the person must comply with Subdivision (5); (3) is traveling; Text of subd. (b)(4) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1221, § 4 (4) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity; Text of subd. (b)(4) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1261, § 28 (4) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is directly en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity; (5) holds a security officer commission issued by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, if: (A) the person is engaged in the performance of the person's duties as a security officer or traveling to and from the person's place of assignment; (B) the person is wearing a distinctive uniform; and (C) the weapon is in plain view; (6) is carrying a concealed handgun and a valid license issued under Article 4413(29ee), Revised Statutes, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category as the handgun the person is carrying; (7) holds a security officer commission and a personal protection authorization issued by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies and who is providing personal protection under the Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes); or (8) holds an alcoholic beverage permit or license or is an employee of a holder of an alcoholic beverage permit or license if the person is supervising the operation of the permitted or licensed premises. (c) The provision of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of a club does not apply to a noncommissioned security guard at an institution of higher education who carries a nightstick or similar club, and who has undergone 15 hours of training in the proper use of the club, including at least seven hours of training in the use of the club for nonviolent restraint. For the purposes of this subsection, "nonviolent restraint" means the use of reasonable force, not intended and not likely to inflict bodily injury. (d) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of a firearm or carrying of a club do not apply to a public security officer employed by the adjutant general under Section 431.029, Government Code, in performance of official duties or while traveling to or from a place of duty. (e) The provisions of Section 46.02 prohibiting the carrying of an illegal knife do not apply to an individual carrying a bowie knife or a sword used in a historical demonstration or in a ceremony in which the knife or sword is significant to the performance of the ceremony. (f) Section 46.03(a)(6) does not apply to a person who possesses a firearm or club while in the actual discharge of official duties as: (1) a member of the armed forces or state military forces, as defined by Section 431.001, Government Code; or (2) an employee of a penal institution. Text of subsec. (g) as added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 421, § 1 (g) For the purpose of Subsection (b)(2), "premises" includes a recreational vehicle that is being used by the person carrying the handgun, illegal knife, or club as living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with living quarters. Text of subsec. (g) as added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 795, § 1 (g) In this section, "recognized state" means another state with which the attorney general of this state, with the approval of the governor of this state, negotiated an agreement after determining that the other state: (1) has firearm proficiency requirements for peace officers; and (2) fully recognizes the right of peace officers commissioned in this state to carry weapons in the other state. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

I've read this before. It's really good advice. In regards to his point that plants will not be affected by radiation, I would add the caveat that plants in areas of high fallout may absorb some of the fallout through their normal absorption of nutrients; however, after a nuclear attack starvation can be an even bigger threat, so simply making sure any fruits or vegetables are washed thoroughly before eating them (to get any fallout of the surface) is the best bet. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

What statute says they are required to have deadbolts that are unable to be unlocked from the outside?If you could find that information I'd greatly appreciate it.My apartment has one lock and thats it.It is a deadbolt but being as thats the only lock it obviously has to be outside accessible. I know other people have expressed that I should add other locks etc but due to a clause in my lease stating that the apartment authorities are authorized to enter my apartment at any time and therefore have a key I am not allowed to change the locks or add locks b/c thats would violate the lease by barring them from the premises. I've never actually seen the statute, but I've had a couple of apartment managers mention it to me when they were showing me around a complex. I'll look into it and get back to you with what I find. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Something very obvious just occurred to me--Apartments in Texas are required to have deadbolts that can't be unlocked from the outside. If you weren't already in the practice of doing so, be sure you lock that deadbolt anytime you're home alone. It makes it impossible for someone to pick the lock or steal a key and slip in unnoticed. --Douva I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Is this a Sabre 1 or Sabre 2? The closed end cells thing is a common Sabre 2 problem. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

If your current home and your parents' home are both in Texas, there are no legal obstacles to transporting the pistol--It doesn't even have to be unloaded (having a pistol in your car during legitimate travel is excluded from concealed carry laws). As far as ammo goes, since you're in an apartment, I suggest Glasser Safety Slugs. They won't go through a wall and kill your neighbor because they fragment upon first impact, but if they hit an intruder, they'll not only blow a huge hole in his chest, they'll also knock him off his feet. I keep three safety slugs loaded in my .45, followed by six full metal jacket rounds. I figure if I don't get him with the first three rounds, I may need more penetration. Aggie Dave's flashlight suggestion is a very good idea. You might also consider one of those cheap, battery operated door alarms that goes off if your door opens in the middle of the night (check Radio Shack or Home Depot). That way, you'll know somebody is in your apartment before they're standing over your bed. If air circulation isn't a problem in your apartment (meaning the air conditioner and heater still cool and heat your bedroom with the bedroom door closed), you might also want to think about locking your bedroom door at night, for a little added protection. Putting another barrier between you and an intruder could give you the added time you need to save your own life. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Forget it, Cbain, it's Chinatown a Sabre. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Hehe in theory maybe, but how many DZs have any skysurfers? I've jumped at about 9 DZs for 6 years and have never seen a single skysurfer. But I'm sure we'd stick ya by the door (if skysurfing is even allowed up here...). Is that better? Dave I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

A thick, protective mucus layer. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

Sure, there are other reasons why it works best to put skysurfers out first (also reduces the chance of dropping a board on another jumper under canopy, not that this is a real danger), but the physics of wind drift do work in favor of skysurfers exiting first. I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.