HBM Update # 11

So it has been two years with a handle bar mustache. It has actually been a great experience and I am looking forward to continuing the ride.

So currently, it is paired with a full beard and is long enough that it still stands out. I can also get it to blend in by skipping the wax and grooming. Speaking of grooming, I got a nice sandalwood comb for care of the 'stache (and beard). It is relaxing to spend some time just combing through the facial hair, and the smell of the wood is great.

So Happy Birthday HBM!

2015- A Retrospective: What A Year It Was...

I though I would put together a quick review of the things that went down in 2015. If you are looking for something positive looks elsewhere, I am pointing out the decline of society (with pictures no less)...in no particular order.

Some worked hard to save the Stars and Bars, perseving "history".

Violations by national spokesman.

Paris Attack

Baltimore

Waco Biker Gangs

Trump Muslim Ban Proposal

TV Reporter shot on live television, but there is still not a gun problem in America.

Sportsmanship at its finest.

Corruption at the highest level.

Well that is my list, let me know which is the top for 2015, or maybe I missed a few, so feel free to add in the comments section. And here is to a more civil 2016...

Necessary Weapons?

As the sad anniversary of the senseless violence carried out at Sandy Hook and the many incidents that have happened since (and before), is upon us. I thought I would compose a piece about whether we need assault style weapons and weapons with high capacity magazines. I spent some time in the military and was taught the basics and some advanced tactics in preparation for defending the country.

I remember the first time I held and used an M-16 semi-automatic rifle. The weapon is designed specifically for killing human beings and nothing else. That was the first thing my instructor told us and re-iterated over and over while on the range. The first shooting of that rifle drove home the power and purpose of the weapon and what the intent was of its manufacturing.

Many hours were spent on the range, training with the weapon until we were all proficient, some more then others. I did not earn my marksmanship ribbon with the M-16, but would later obtain it on the pistol range (probably more beneficial as I would later have to carry a pistol for any and all off base assignments). The time spent training was not firing at paper targets at a paced off distance, but at pop-up human targets at various distances, angles and timing. It was honing a skill to take down others when called upon.

Part of our training included knowing what our weapons were able to do the human body. How the bullet would enter, and  twist and turn in the body inflicting as much damage as possible. The weapon is design to disrupt the human body; flesh, bones, and organs.

If the right to own a gun is to ensure our safety? Shouldn't everyone go through an intense training and have an understanding of how to use the weapon? It just makes sense...How do we safeguard this? Tighter control, training, and insurance, that is how.

If the point of owning a gun is to preserve the legal means to end a disagreement with deadly force then we are done as a civil society....

Hidden Talent?

So I have blended and now made public my first pipe tobacco. To some that is not much, but I am happy with it.

It is a blend that uses whisky and coffee to create a subtle sweet Irish coffee aromatic pipe mixture. It is medium in strength with a good burn leaving a fine dark powdery ash.

I have named it for my grandfather, who was a pipe smoker, although I do not remember what he smoked in his pipe. He was of Irish decent, so I think it is fitting.

I am not sure I am any kind of a master blender in the pipe world, but with my understanding and willingness to experiment and try different combinations, I can concoct a palatable smoke. Along with my science/engineering background and enjoyment of pipe smoking, it is a joy to do this 'hobby'.

This is not my first success, but this one the one I wanted to sell.

Now what should I do next....