http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php en Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:54:44 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/images/titanium/misc/rss.jpg http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=18 Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:37:14 GMT finally made a blog, in your face thorn finally made a blog, in your face thorn ]]> Raven http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=18 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=16 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:58:31 GMT Well, the project is almost finished. Everythings been painted and assembled exept for a few items. 1) Site or site mount etc. and 2) the feeder. I made a spring feed which works, however, I wanted it to be easy to reload and that's been a bit of a problem. The quick fix (for now) is to use a 40rnd mini hopper I got with the Traccer marker. The site problem, well, I keep bouncing between being able to mount my red dot (not really useful for a "sniper") and a 2x Tasco scope. The Scope is probably the route I want to go, but again it's going to be more work, and I'm kind of burning out on this project and gearing up for the VM/Bren. Well enough blab, here come the pics, and please don't drool at my awesome scrubs or the bitchin' purse with the danglies...







]]> Blacksheep32 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=16 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=15 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 16:30:46 GMT Cheating. I hate it. Whether you are talking about paintball, relationship stuff, other sports, or a game of checkers... I just can't stand it when people don't have the character to play by the rules that everyone else is expected to adhere to. And before you think this is another "paintball rant," it's not...well, not totally.

For NFL fans, last week brought about a situation rarely seen in the game... or so I thought. The New England Patriots were caught video taping defensive signals of the opposition from their own sideline. What's even more ridiculous is that they apparently tapped into the audio feed between the defensive staff so they could compare the audio and video of the hand signals to decode the signs of the opposition in hopes of an advantage on the field. Apparently, this isn't the fist time they've done it either, just the first time they were caught with proof.

The NFL allows teams to observe other coaches for this very purpose, you just can't video tape it, and for that they were punished. The Head coach was fine $500,000 , the team was fined $250,000 and the team will lose their first round draft pick from next year if they make the playoffs this season, or their second and third round picks next year if they do not make the playoffs. The team was not only punished now, but have had their future success through the draft placed in doubt as well. In this case, I believe the punishment exceeded the crime, which I am all in favor of for offenses like these in sports. Kinda makes you wonder if they really won those 3 Superbowls a few years back honestly??

The crazy part is, even with a total of $750k in fines levied against them, it didn't even come close to the highest punishment in sports recently for trying to gain a competitive advantage through improper methods. As a matter of fact, the $750k is less than 1% of this other penalty.

Enter Formula 1 Racing. Formula 1 Racing is one of the biggest, high-dollar, most extravagantly financed forms of sports in the world today. It's popularity dwarfs that of the NFL around the globe, but, like soccer, another world leader in professional sports, it's popularity in the US is a blip on the radar as we find ourselves preoccupied with our own home-grown leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, & Nascar).

For those that don't know, Formula 1 Racing is the most precision engineered, high-tech form of auto racing on the planet. The cars are basically airplanes with wheels, where the "drivers" are more pilots than anything else, and technology wins races, not experience or strategy. Formula 1's most popular driver, Michael Schumacher, who recently retired from the most dominant team in the sport, Ferrari, has the kind of celebrity status worldwide that athletes in America can only dream of. For however popular and rich Michael Jordan was at the height of his playing career and endorsement life, his status wasn't even on the same page as Michael Schumacher's worldwide.

If you've ever seen the Disney movie "Cars", the two little Italian cars who sell the tires and are rabid Ferrari fans, and the Ferrari that showed up at the end of the movie voiced by Michael Schumacher, are probably the only exposure most Americans have ever had to Formula 1 and Michael Schumacher's popularity.

As for Ferrari, they are the New York Yankees of Formula 1...perennial winners on the circuit, and always in the hunt for the championship if they aren't already running away with it. The reason for their success? Technology, and the money spent to get that advantage over the competition.

Recently it was revealed in the sport of Formula 1 that the rival McLaren Mercedes team driver had specific details of Ferrari's top-secret technology. Even though it has been proven that the team had only obtained the information, and never used it, it still has serious consequences.

So much so, that the information, and how it was obtained is being called espionage, and was met with a record setting penalty... a 100 Million dollar fine. You read correctly, One Hundred Million Dollars. And, on top of that, McLaren Mercedes was kicked out of the Constructor's Championship...meaning that even if one of it's drivers was to win the championship, the team owners and Mercedes would receive no acknowledgment or benefit in return. Additionally, the team may face further sanctions in next years season as well. In the world of Formula 1, this is a HUGE penalty, and certainly sends a message.

Throughout sports, when other cheating scandals have occurred, there have been similar harsh punishments... Pete Rose's lifetime ban from baseball, the White Sox banned several players for attempting to fix the World Series years ago (remember the movie Field of Dreams?). The NFL is now getting serious about penalizing players who use illegal substances (Ricky Williams) so much so, that it even recently suspended a coach who was using a performance enhancing substance (Wade Wilson of the Dallas Cowboys) even though he, as a coach, would not provide any physical benefit to the team in doing so. Even high school athletics require their student athletes to maintain a specific grade point average in order to play. You don't follow the rules, you don't play, it's as simple as that.

My point is, in every one of these circumstances, where there have been violations of the rules to the point where it mandates a punishment, the sport has responded not only to punish the offending party, but to also send a message to discourage others from cheating. Sure, it doesn't always work, and there will certainly be more cheaters down the line, but when the risk doesn't out weigh the punishment, there is no incentive to stop.

So, now, look at the world of paintball... A player brings illegal paint onto a field... what happens? The sign says they should be kicked out, but are they? A player shoots hot, and they are sent back to the chrono range... if they are even caught. Is there a ref there to make sure he gets under the limit?...many times, no. A player wipes, or plays on after a hit, and they are sent to the reinsertion point, or simply made to wait until the next game starts...how is that a punishment? While most of us are playing the game honestly, where is the deterrent for others to not cheat in paintball? Last I checked, we all paid the same money to play the game, and the rules should apply to everyone, yet, there continues to be bias, partisan implementation of the rules, and no enforcement of penalties. I have yet to see a field enforce their strict policies posted in signs on the location to players who are in violation of those very same rules.

That being said, what's the next step? I certainly have my own ideas, and will share them in time.

Right now, I am curious to hear yours. So, S.M.U.T.ers, speak up. What can be done, what should be done, and what can we do to help bring about fair and equal play for all? ]]> RedMonkey http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=15 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=14 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:34:28 GMT Yup. Write anything somewhat appropriate. Yup. Write anything somewhat appropriate. ]]> Thorn in the Enemy http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=14 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=13 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:22:17 GMT *** Fets has joined the chat.
*** RedMonkey has joined the chat.
*** Koolaid has joined the chat.
*** Dobbs has joined the chat.


Fets: Today's topic: Does a COC (Chain of command) really work in paintball? How effective do you find it when the game starts and all hell breaks loose?

Koolaid: I personally think it works great before the game to setup a game plan and assign what to do, But on the field it is almost impossible to stay with one.

RedMonkey: From a communications standpoint, I think it serves the team well to have a COC on the field, but, like Koolaid said, once the game starts, the plans usually fall apart, then situational awareness by each individual becomes critical

Dobbs: I agree with koolaid that it helps the team prepare and setup for a game/scenario
Dobbs: but I disagree that is impossible to maintain on the field

Fets: So you think that with enough practice and refinement a team could utilize a squad based chain of command effectively?

Dobbs: I think it can help out assuming someone high in the COC is paying attention to the flow of the game and relaying that down the chain...making for better decision making for the team as a whole regarding situational effectiveness


Fets: ok, so Koolaid and RM feel that the COC is effective pre-game

Dobbs: ditto me

Fets: Dobbs feels that it can be effective pre-game and in-game

Koolaid: I should have said it is hard to keep a good COC in some cases. Like at Global it was extremly hard keeping our COC because of all the outside elements.

Fets: Do you really think we attempted a COC at global?

RedMonkey: I think the problem with that though is for the guy in charge, he has to take himself out of the game essentially to observe and get intel from all over.
RedMonkey: Like at Global, look how much our prez played... very little

Dobbs: So basically what it comes down to is whether you want effective ingame intel or not, someone has to play that role if so
Dobbs: And even then it may not be so effective, at the least a slight confidence booster


Fets: ok I want to take this a different direction
Fets: What about at the squad level. Having one guy who gives 'commands' to the entire squad. How effective is this? Consider a squad of 6 guys for this example.
Fets: Is there a need for a second in command?
Fets: (assuming you want someone to be in command in the first place)

Koolaid: In a smaller game we are extremly good at keeping a COC. I feel you would excell in a squad type of play.

RedMonkey: Yeah, a squad is it's own entity... working independantly of the other squads for the same goal....
RedMonkey: ... it's easier to keep it at that level I think as long as you have a clear understanding of what is expected of who when the Commander is shot out

Dobbs: I believe it is very effective. "We're doing this. Let's go." Otherwise you have 6 different people talking about doing different things.
Dobbs: Everyone knows what they are doing and can focus on it...right away.
Dobbs: And ditto what RM said about the commander being shot out.

Fets: OK, but more than just the original "lets do this".....
Fets: What about a guy who is making in game adjustments via radio and examining the flow of the game
Fets: How effective do you find this to be?
Fets: Or is it..... once the horn blows and the game starts it all breaks down?

Koolaid: if the Commander has fewer team members to take charge of, that team will click and learn how each other will react to a situation and respond to a change in the command in that squad.
Koolaid: the group will have an easier time staying in a command structure when they have less people barking orders

RedMonkey: Unless the commander is able to see and react to the game as a whole, you have to remember radio intel is always skewed by the person who is calling it out....
RedMonkey: If I am in a firefight, I may call it out like it is the most important thing on the field at the moment, not knowing that something that is higher priority/value to the objective of the game is taking place elsewhere @ the same time

Fets: Good point

Dobbs: Assuming the guy is good at making those adjustments (on or off field), once again I find it to be very effective. This allows for the "Okay guys this is how we're going to handle this" from the on-field "squad commander."
Dobbs: It goes back to what kooliad just said
Dobbs: the group will have an easier time staying in a command structure when they have less people barking orders.
Dobbs: I wouldn't say "easier time staying together" as much as getting down to the business that needs to be delt with in a much more efficient way

Fets: ok, let me see if I can drill down to the bottom here.
Fets: You all agree that a small squad command structure can be very effective

Fets: RedMonkey & Koolaid do not feel that a command structure works well in a big game, when the team plays as a large force
Fets: Dobbs thinks that it can work but takes the right leader and a lot of discipline


Fets: Lets wrap this up, I am getting really annoyed with AIM

Fets: Lets go around and do closing comments
Fets: thoughts on the topic and what we have discussed

RedMonkey: I think, for me, COC is a good way to establish game plans, and "best-case" scenario situations for the objectives that need to take place....
RedMonkey: ...however, realistically, I think small squads, with members who have a high level of situational awareness can be more effective to work within the ebb and flow of the game
RedMonkey: ...
RedMonkey: While COC is good for making pre-game decisions, I think clearly defined on-filed roles and positions benefit the team more in game than COC
RedMonkey: field... not filed
RedMonkey: done

Fets: So players knowing their roles ahead of time, rather than being told what to do in the game?

RedMonkey: A combo of both...
RedMonkey: ... Like, we need to take this base.... and the 4 players that do it, do so within their roles/positions. For example, if I have a pointman with me, you aren't going to see me leading to charge to the base... that kind of thing


Dobbs: For me, COC is great off the field as a way to prepare for the intial game plan. "This is what we are going to do and try to accomplish."
Dobbs: It is also great on the field so you have one guy in charge of a group telling them what they are going to do, preventing wasted time from getting everyone's imput. "This is how we are going to achieve this obj. Let's go."

Koolaid: COC is definately possible in a smaller unit setting on the field and a good way to keep those units organized and on track.
Koolaid: But when a large group is trying to follow a COC on the field it is to busy and chaotic to keep organized. Always have one off the field to keep the team focused.

RedMonkey: 3 different opinions, yet we all seem to work well with each other in the field. Funny how that works, huh?

Fets: I just feel that the discipline required to maintain unit cohesion of a large group is not available. We are not the military and don't have the discipline they do.
Fets: I think the reason we find small units easier to maintain that cohesion is because less discipline is required
Fets: But then again, S.M.U.T. does stand for SMall Unit Tactics!

Koolaid: COC is going to keep a team going in the right track best when used off the the field to keep discipline in practices and motivating those who have little motivation.

Fets: Good point Koolaid

Dobbs: I like to have someone say "Dobbs go do this." And I go do it. I also like to tell people "This is what we're doing" and see people do it and realize the effectives of my plan.

RedMonkey: Ok, Dobbs wants orders... noted :-)

Dobbs: So
Dobbs: Order me to order others
Dobbs: =)

RedMonkey: You'd like that, wouldn't you

Dobbs: win-win

Fets: *BUZZ

Fets: wow, only one buzz. What a boring round table!

RedMonkey: I agree on the BUZZ... no one wins when Dobbs is in charge... lol

Koolaid: I'm new to this I have no idea what BUZZ means?????

Dobbs: Ayuh, I'm undefeated as a commander!

RedMonkey: Alright... enough... let's find out what the other S.M.U.T.ers think....

Fets: well when we went off topic Feral would Buzz us

RedMonkey: BUZZ means you went off topic

Fets: Good discussion guys! We’ll do another one soon.
Fets: Just a reminder to everyone out there reading this, please leave us some comments on how you liked the discussion and what you would like to see discussed in future Splatter Chats! ]]> SplatterChat http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=13 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=12 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:21:23 GMT *** Fets has joined the chat.
*** RedMonkey has joined the chat.
*** Feral has joined the chat.

Fets: Okay guys, welcome to the first Splatter Chat
Fets: This is a Round Table discussion focusing on a new topic each week.
Fets: I have a perfect topic for this weeks participants
Fets: Discuss MilSim Paintball. Where do you fall in relation to being MilSim & what is your take on the whole MilSim side of paintball?

Fets: Feral, you want to go first?
Feral: looking forward to talking some paintball
RedMonkey: This should be good... lol

Feral: I think i fall into the extreme milsim side of things.. I am not inclined to play speed ball. I’m more inclined to "act" out a fantasy type of play style.
Feral: I also like milsim products.. i love the way the guns are replicas
Feral: and not just some space gun.. ;-)

RedMonkey: What has always bothered me about this topic is that people define mil sim as only being related to what style of marker you carry and what you are wearing
RedMonkey: I tend to look at it more as style of play as opposed to what you bring more than anything

Fets: So I know you guys are kind of at opposite ends of the spectrum, and I feel that I fall somewhere in the middle
Fets: I see Paintball breaking down like this: Speedball | Woodsball. And then beyond that Woodsball breaks down into Recreational | Scenario | MilSim
Fets: And over the last year I have seen myself growing more towards the MilSim aspect.

RedMonkey: I don't know, there are too many gray areas in there though

Feral: i also agree with that. I think Milsim is beyond regular paintball in the fact that its a reinactment of millitary scenarios.

Fets: I now have a vest that I chose for style (camo pattern) more so than function. And I think a lot of MilSim Paintball does require us to surrender some function for style/form

RedMonkey: So, I guess my question is this... I like Speedball style markers better than mil sim style markers. They are just more comfortable for me to use, and I feel as though I can maneuver them better... does that DQ me from Milsim?

Feral: not at all.
Feral: i think if you make it camo.. u can still be milsim ;-)

Fets: Let me chime in on this....
Fets: It is more than your marker, it is a combination of your tactics, structure and mentality.
Fets: Do you use Radios? Do you have a command structure? Do you wear camo?
Fets: Do you use squad tactics? Do you use tactics at all?

RedMonkey: Oh I agree... but I just never understand ragging on guys who show up with a cocker or Ion to a woodsball game... use what works best for you is how I look at it

Fets: You can bring your Ion, but don't call yourself MilSim. I think that is a valid statement

Feral: its all in fun though.. its like the guy that brings full pads to a flag football game.. still playing. still having fun.. but its "all in fun"

Fets: Feral, you have said to me in the past that seeing a guy beside you in the woods with a 'space gun' really takes away the fun of the game for you.
Fets: Correct me if I am wrong, but you feel it reduces the amount of fun you have

Feral: I just think if you break down the word "MilSim" you get millitary simulation.. thats what the sport is all about in my opinion. Bright shirts and Blue guns kinda take away that aspect of it in my opinion.

RedMonkey: So, If I use a radio, cammand structure, camo, tactics, mentality, but carry an Ion... that is the deal breaker? I just don't buy that

Fets: RedMonkey, my response to that is that you need to consider how important the marker is to the sport of paintball. The entire sport revolves around the marker, it is like the ball in football.
Fets: So is it not possible that it is the one key element that must be included to be MilSim?

RedMonkey: How do you know I'm not fanticizing my marker is a new kick ass Military gun? Lol

Feral: lol

RedMonkey: Ok... ball in football... so what is the difference between a Wilson and a Nike football.. they are both footballs, and you can play the game with both?

Fets: But you can't use a Rugby ball and say you are playing american football

Feral: true.. but add nerf to the equation
Feral: same type of ball... different play style

RedMonkey: I dunno, an Ion can mark a guy just as good as an A-5... maybe even better

Fets: We have moved on to a different argument then
Fets: Not whether it is MilSim or not, but if we care if we are MilSim or not

RedMonkey: ok, I won that last one, let's move on... lol

Feral: i agree there RM. im not discounting the technical merits of an ION at all..

RedMonkey: Keep in mind, I'm just using Ion as an example

Feral: but its the "play style" we are trying to promote..

Fets: And you happen to have owned 5 Ions. =)
RedMonkey: 3... check your facts
Fets: only 3 Ions?
Fets: Are you counting the one you had last March?
Feral: off topic *BUZZ*****
Fets: lol
Fets: ok...
RedMonkey: yes, counted last march... :-)

Feral: i understand.. but the guns ability to spray paint is not the point
Feral: its the way it looks

RedMonkey: but if a player uses a marker that enhances their performance, maneuverability, and consequently, their value to the Mil Sim team, should we really care whether it looks like an M-16 or not?

Fets: So I hear Feral saying he loves MilSim. RedMonkey is saying he doesn't care what you call it, but he will use the best equipment for the job.

RedMonkey: not best equiptment, but the equiptment that suit me best

Fets: ok

Feral: RM for some yes for other no.. This is just one of those topics that has no end.

RedMonkey: Here's another example, and I know Feral will dig this... for me... wearing a helmet is impractical in paintball
RedMonkey: (let the beatings begin... hahaha)

Feral: its not about practicality for me.. *its about how good I look.. *.. ;-)
Feral: and boy do i look intimidating when i wear it.

RedMonkey: and there lies the debate in a nutshell... hahaha


Fets: Feral, let me ask you a question

Feral: sure

Fets: If you have to choose between a marker that hits the target 10 / 10 times, but is bright red & a marker that only hits the target 7 / 10 times but is an exact replica of an AK-47. Which do you choose?

Feral: id choose the AK-47

Fets: And like RM just said, I think this encompasses the entire debate / mentality.
Fets: I don't feel Feral is wrong for choosing the AK, or that another player is wrong for choosing the red marker.

RedMonkey: see, I would have to feel the marker first... for me, that's not enough info to make a decision

Fets: you would just buy 5 different markers and decide later which one to keep!

RedMonkey: although, I do think AK's are the ugliest terrorist looking things I've ever seen... hehehe

Feral: id choose the AK for the looks and the realism of it. I am into this sport not because of performance, but because i get to act out in real life, GI-JOE.

RedMonkey: Actually Fets, I've done that... lol

RedMonkey: Coooooo - braaaa!!! (*BUZZ)

Feral: lol
Feral: I gotta little nostalgic there. *along with RM

RedMonkey: Now, I do want to say something here
RedMonkey: I am NOT against MilSim style products
RedMonkey: I have an A-5 that I absolutely love
RedMonkey: Because, I have found the right MilSim accessories to go with it
RedMonkey: the low profile X7 hopper onm the A-5 is one of the best looking and smartest things out there in my opinion

Feral: but there goes the milsim debate.. if youre playing on a milsim team, why not deck yourself out in all milsim attire, including your gun?

RedMonkey: Also, and this is the key thing for me... I picked up the Opsgear MP5 sliding stock, which allows me to go full stock, or slide it in so I can get behind the marker where I feel the most comfortable

RedMonkey: See, I love the looks, for me, 90% of it isn't functional the way I would like it to be for me when playing
RedMonkey: I'm a big dude, and I take up enough room in a bunker without having a 3.5 foot marker to make room for, exposing me in the process

Feral: Fets- can i ask you a question?

Fets: go

Feral: You used to feel that it didn’t matter what you brought to the table when it came to being milsim *to a point* but how do you feel your opinion has changed much?

Fets: Good question.
Fets: I can't tell you specifically what has changed my opinion. It has been a slow process. But...
Fets: I have aquired more gear recently that has started to give me that MilSim look. And as I have done that, and I play with guys like Ghostman or Reccanize who really embody the spirit of MilSim, I have started to appreciate what it adds to the game
Fets: As you know, I served 5 years in the US Army. At first I resisted MilSim paintball because I felt like all the guys doing it were posers.
Fets: It annoyed me to see them pretending to be soldiers when I was the real thing. But as I have gotten to know the guys doing it, I realize that isn't why they play MilSim
Fets: Now, don't get me started on Airsoft!

RedMonkey: ***BUZZ

Fets: But I enjoy getting geared up with my MilSim stuff and hitting the field. It adds some extra excitement to my game
Fets: How is that for an answer?

Feral: *lmao @ buzz
Feral: pretty good. im gonna shut up now

Fets: Yeah, I feel we have hit on all the points and counter points
Fets: We'll leave the helmet debates for the next Splatter Chat

Feral: RM, If you could add anything to milsim, what would you?

RedMonkey: Oh, I'm not done you GI Joe wannabes!!
RedMonkey: j/k
Feral: lmao
RedMonkey: Add anything.. hmmm...

Feral: *YOOO JOE

Fets: Final comments from you guys

RedMonkey: I guess more than anything, I would like to see more mods that can give you a MilSim look, but can be more practical for Paintball. We see a little of that now...
RedMonkey: ...with the Mags that serve as Storage compartments and such. They aren't well designed, but it's a start
RedMonkey: Also, I would like them to lighten up the markers a little, but not use cheap plastic
RedMonkey: I'm done

Fets: Feral closing comments?

Feral: I would like to see the same thing. The performance of a speedball gun with the mods of a scenario gun. The SP8 is a good start, but its far from the end all be all.

RedMonkey: And you Fets?

Fets: I hope to see more MilSim play. I would enjoy playing a game where everyone was using a magazine fed marker (like the Gen 5 RAP4). I just think it would be a lot of fun to play without the loader but not be at a huge disadvantage.

RedMonkey: true

Fets: So for more markers to come out that operate like the RAP4, but at reasonable prices. That would be nice
Fets: ok guys, I appreciate your time.
Fets: We'll bring in some more guys and do this again next week.

RedMonkey: Peace and chicken grease

Feral: peace people ]]> SplatterChat http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=12 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=11 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:18:50 GMT Thank you for the positive feedback. I've posted some pics from yesterday, some old pics some new. My hope is to have this done by the 16th (hoping to make it out to BF.)

The stock is ready for bondo! Well maybe almost... The trigger problem was solved in the way I mentioned earlier, however, it took me longer to progress than I would have liked. I need another bottom line or ASA adapter and possibly a macroline kit. I'm figuring I need to get the pneumatics drilled out/ mounted before I hit this with bondo, that way I can fill in gaps between parts. The easy way out of this situation would be to just mount the Pure Energy reg with a QD nipple and be done with it, however, my initial design was to have the air on-board as a 12gm or max as a 9oz. We'll see, the cost of this project has been climbing and it looks like I might have to invest in some ahem "real world items" such as a dishwasher, and new shingles for the shed.

Look for a thread on what to name this puppy! ]]> Blacksheep32 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=11 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=10 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:18:18 GMT To bring you all up to date on my current project; a PMI Traccer mod to sniper rifle. The prototype name is DMR-68.

I started with a used PMI Traccer off ebay which ran ~$50. In its stock form its a frugal design that has a lot capability due to A) fires from the closed bolt (pump action) B) runs a standard Nelson valve C) is constructed in a simple fashion.
The next purchase that was highly recommended by online sources was an aftermarket barrel; I purchased a 14" J&J which I can't remember the price. The J&J purportedly has a teflon coating which is self cleaning and is ported for sound reduction and accuracy. Current tests (8-21-07) have definitely been in the positive for the sound reduction, didn't have a target to check accuracy however.
Subsequent purchases include a PMI reg, a 12gm quick changer, and bottomline parts.
Currently the stock is mostly finished with only a few rough cuts left to smooth out. The newest problem has been the receiver.
In order to rifle-ize the marker I had to make a new trigger assembly and unfortunately the trigger assembly hold the unit together. One mounting hole was off by 1/16th to an 1/8th of an inch and now after the marker fires it cannot be recocked because the receiver and valve have separated. My plan is to slot the front mounting hole and then drill and tap a transverse hole to run a set screw in. This should solve my problem. The other "problem" I have involves the trigger shape, it seems to stick in the fired position unless you manually push it back. Worked on a new trigger which I'll probably rough out by Friday. Once the receiver problem is fixed, however, I can do some filling with bondo to "bed in" the mechanics to the stock. Overall I'm very happy with my results and am eager to post some pics.

Till next time- "I think I'll just... ramble on!" ]]> Blacksheep32 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=10 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=9 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:16:40 GMT So, it's been awhile since I've posted a Blog entry, or really spent a lot of time posting on the site at all. With a lot of the changes we are implementing with N.E.O.S.M.U.T., it's my task to do the "official" writing of the policies, FAQ's, etc (whatever is needed, basically).

Believe it or not, it really takes a lot of time to write these things. Between reviewing notes from discussions to make sure everything is included, writing drafts, soliciting feedback from the other Warlords and our sponsor, and then actually posting the stuff... it really takes quite a bit of time and energy. After that, it's pretty hard to get motivated to makes posts on the site from time to time. I still read about 95% of what gets posted on the site to stay in the loop.

Just to give you a little insight as to our processes, by the time many of you read changes or updated material, they've been gone over with a fine tooth comb and feedback has been incorporated from several sources. Believe it or not, we do put some thought into this stuff before we go forward. If you could only hear the discussions between Fets, RodentX, and myself, you'd probably be surprised at the amount of work we do that you don't actually see. For every one thing that comes to fruition with the team or the site, there are probably 5 or 6 things discussed that just never make it past a brainstorming session. But, while running N.E.O.S.M.U.T. is a lot of work, we do enjoy it.

Speaking of changes on the site... what do you think of this new skin we're in here? Once again, RodentX has stepped up his website development to new levels and we are all the beneficiaries of his work. So, kudos to RodentX, and a question... what was the deal with the rope? j/k :-)

Also, in reference to the new stuff, we still have a few more in store for the members of team N.E.O.S.M.U.T. to help better define who we are, what were about, and where we want to be. As those are finalized, they will be released to the team, and, most likely added to the FAQ's.

Now, something I did also want to talk about is the S.M.U.T.cast. (If you don't know, that is N.E.O.S.M.U.T.'s podcast.) While I really enjoy putting these together for everyone to listen to, it is an incredibly long and tedious process. Roughly speaking, it takes about 4 hours to piece together a 12-14 minute cast. At present, the software I use it very outdated, and I have not had the time to purchase and learn a new program to deliver the same high quality production I like to incorporate into the casts. So, with that in mind, the S.M.U.T.cast is basically on hiatus for now, BUT IT WILL RETURN!! Since the rebuild of the site, the Smutplayer has not yet been added in, however, if you haven't already, you can find the casts on iTunes.

So, with all of that going on, it's been busy.. and I haven't even had a chance to play since the Global Conquest in late June!! Man, I'm gonna get my ass handed to me the next time out... lol. Actually, this may sound weird to say, but I get a kick out of losing sometimes. Sure, it pisses me off, but when someone gets the drop on you, outsmarts you, or just plain beats you, you have to respect it, and definitely learn from it. So, since I basically haven't played in 2 months, I feel a session of schooling coming on for me.

I guess the one thing I have going for me is that I have had a ton of yard work to do in the past couple of weeks after all of the rain (not to mention my neglect earlier this year from playing paintball all the time). So, that's helping to keep me stretched out, and sore enough to know I've done something to keep some good physical activity going.

Speaking of physical activity, I'm contemplating putting together a three month diet/training program for the November - February time frame for the benefit of the team, and whoever else wants to participate. Now, I know what you're thinking, why take advice on physical fitness and diet from a fat guy? Well, who better? When you're a big guy, everyone always takes it upon themselves to tell you what to do in those areas because they think you don't know any better. Well, surprise!! We do know better, we just choose to ignore it... hehehe. I have a relative who is a Physical Trainer as well, so I am hoping to be able to pick his brain to get some good information to provide to everyone so we can come out for the 2008 "season" leaner and meaner.

Ok, I've rambled on long enough... more later. ]]> RedMonkey http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=9 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=8 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:16:12 GMT As I sit here aching after having spent the past two days running around Hell Survivor's Paintball Field in Pinckney, Michigan after the 2007 Global Conquest, I got to thinking a little bit about the events of the weekend, and how hindsight is always 20/20.

Last year, myself, and fellow N.E.O.S.M.U.T. members had ventured to the Hell Survivor's Michigan Monster Game in July of 06. While we had a blast, came home with some great stories of personal triumph as well as team victories within the larger game (see Fets' story of the taking of Firebase Bravo), we were a little sour at how the game had become lopsided towards the end.

For those that don't know, Monster game is the largest of the Hell Survivor's Trilogy of Big Games for the year, with the Tippmann World Challenge in September being the last of the three. In the 06 Monster Game, the red team, which we were part of with another 800 or so of our closest friends, had dominated the play in the first 3 hour session. We had gained control of all bases fairly quickly to the point where the yellow team had nowhere to insert their troops.

Following the first session, the field's staff had recruited several of the larger teams that were on the red side to switch to yellow in exchange for some free paint. With N.E.O.S.M.U.T. dedicated to the red team, we chose not to switch, and continued to play for red. Well, the recruiting by the staff did balance out the game, a little too well in fact.

The momentum gradually, over the course of the remaining session in day one, and the first session in day two, the yellow team took control. When the last session of the game came up at the end of day two, the yellow team was in the position we were in on day one, having control of the whole field, leaving the red players to insert hot from the front of the field, only to be shot out immediately by the waiting yellow team who were "cherry-picking" the hot insertion.

What left us so sour about the whole affair was that the game that had been lopsided one way earlier, and been corrected, had become lopsided the other way, and nothing was being done to correct it. With that being the last session of the day, we were left to wonder if they had truly cared about the game itself, or were just interested in trying to keep people coming back for day two.

With this fresh in our minds, we had decided this year to attend the Global Conquest game. GC traditionally has less players in attendance, and is split into 7 teams that represent countries according to Jersey colors. Our hope was with less players, more teams, and a different format, the game wouldn't get as out of control. While we had fun at Monster Game, we wanted to have a better experience the whole game, as opposed to just portions of it.

N.E.O.S.M.U.T. had decided to play as Mexico during this game, and sport the orange jerseys for the weekend. USA was wearing blue, Russia was in red, China in yellow, Germany in pink, green for England, and white for Canada. There was an 8th team in powder blue which played the role of NATO which was comprised of the Hell Survivors home team (the Mercenaries) which could be hired to fight for what ever country decided to pay for their service from the money earned throughout the day by holding bases on the field.

While getting my jersey for Mexico, I was approached by someone asking if I wanted to be president for the team, and in charge of it's strategy, money, and use of the money for the weekend. Having seen how little the officers actually played the game during Monster Game the year before, I declined. In retrospect, this was a HUGE mistake.

After we were all geared up, and ready to go, we were approached by a highly caffeinated guy who strolled up and identified himself as our president. In speaking with him, we were able to figure out he had made an alliance with Canada before the game, so we were going to be fighting together for mutual benefit in the first session. Sounded good we guessed, but, little did we know at the time, this would set the tone for the whole game.

By luck of the draw, we started at Zulu... literally, the farthest point on the map. Lucky us, we got to walk a mile before the start of the game. Zulu is right on the edge of some swamp land. While other members of N.E.O.S.M.U.T. spent considerable amount of time creeping through the swamp with great success last year, I had not ventured into the mud, muck, and reeds during that game. I thought to myself, I didn't last year, so I probably wouldn't this year. Well, 5 minutes after the start of the game, I found myself thinking how chilly the water really was as it came up to my knees and slowly found it's way into the mush that had become the sole of my boots for the day, Here I was 5 minutes into the game, and I already knew this one would be different.

3 hours later, after some intense firefights, some kills, some deaths and long walks off the field. Mexico found itself in a pretty good position having gained control of several bases, earned a lot of money, and had a pretty good time in doing so.

Then session two started. A few minutes into session 2, we catch word that another team had hired NATO to insert next to the Canadian insertion point. When the horn blew to start the session, NATO promptly wiped Canada off the playing field. Mexico was alone now, and we quickly learned after that, the remaining 5 teams outside of the Mexico/Canada alliance had aligned to kill Mexico, and any Canadians who chose to reinsert into the game. At this point, everyone not wearing Orange or White was our enemy.

What we found out later was that the president of Canada was the Vice President of USA last year. As a result, there was some bad blood between the now president of Canada and the President of USA. Basically, while our Canadian alliance worked initially, our Mexican president unknowingly aligned with the wrong team, and we were paying for it.

Throughout this session, alliances changed frequently. The Mexican/Canadian alliance fell apart after Mexicans turned on Canadians, or vice versa... we still don't know. England and China got together, USA and Russia, then it was Red White and Blue. All the while, Mexico was shut out of aligning with anyone, and our El Presidente decided to horde his cash instead of buying any offense from NATO to help us get in the game. While he thought he knew everything going on, and had a good strategy, he wasn't aware of the discontent brewing amongst his own team.

An interesting side note, the president for our team had the task of choosing a team MVP from the collective players of Mexico following the game. He told me early in session 1 of the first day, he intended on voting himself the MVP because he didn't think anyone else was doing anything, and only he was... then he threw in, but not you guys (N.E.O.S.M.U.T.). Kind of odd...

During the second session of day 2, some enterprising members of Team N.E.O.S.M.U.T. (I believe it was Fets and RodentX... forgive me if I missed anyone) decided they were going to take Tippmann Towers, and realized what was going on with the alliances. Instead of waiting for our officers to form an alliance, they themselves, were able to convince members of other teams to work with them to take the objective. Basically, they recruited their own Multi-Country army to take the towers. The towers didn't fall under that offensive, but this gave us a little hint at the influence we could have over our larger team, other players, and the game in general.

Day two starts, and by random draw, we were able to start at Castle Roc, the closest base to the entrance on the field. It was a nice change from the day before. Prior to the start of the session, while we were assembled at the Castle, we noticed NATO walking up to start next to us. Hearing about the Canadian slaughter the day before, we were naturally suspicious. When the NATO players insert, they walk onto the field, take up positions, then put a colored ribbon on the goggles to represent the team they are fighting with. They put an orange ribbon on their masks, and told us not to shoot them in the back as they assaulted the village next to our position. El Presidete says that he didn't hire them, so we were still cautious, and had our guns trained on them as the horn sounded. Good to their word, they took off towards the Village and unleashed about 10 cases of paint on the waiting Russian team. Later, we found out they decided to freelance for us after hearing about the alliances late the day before and the Red White and Blue alliance that was in place to start day 2. Apparently, NATO hates the alliance rule, so they take it upon themselves to break them up at times.

The first session of day two proved to be much more exciting than the first day, with alliances changing frequently, and lots of hard fought battles on the field. We had no idea how Mexico was doing, but we noticed our President was no where to be found on the field, and we were not taking advantage of any of the resources to be purchased for our benefit.

At one point during this day, with all the members of N.E.O.S.M.U.T. having been eliminated after a futile attempt at taking Archie Bunker (yes, that's the name of the base) which was defended by several aligned teams and about 80 players total, we found all ten of us in the on-field dead box. With PhiberOptix, who had registered as a Lieutenant for the day, we were able to insert from the dead box right onto the field, just in time for a Chinese insertion in the area of the deadbox.

Hearing them approach up the road, we quickly ran into the woods across the street and took up positions. We realized in the deadbox we had no alliances with Mexico, and decided we were going to shoot any other color jersey we saw. With yellow Chinese players approaching, this certainly qualified.

With them walking behind a golf cart, we had to wait until they went "live" before we fired. We knew they didn't know we were there, but we could see them through the paths under the trees from about the thigh down. They were on high ground, we were down low, but we could see them, so we had the advantage. We heard voices to our right also, and the road continued around to our left. When a yellow jersey player ducked below the trees to peek inside, and pointed his marker into the trees, we knew it was game on.

Without any verbal command to each other, or signal to fire, the ten of us representing N.E.O.S.M.U.T. unleashed a fury of paint for which I genuinely had pity for whoever was on the other side. What we didn't realize at the time was that what we thought was one insertion, ended up being 4 aligned teams inserting into the same location. (There were actually 5, but Russia moved to another location before going live after we started our attack.)

Players were being knee capped by our shots left and right while not being able to locate our positions. Fire was coming in from the front, right, and left. When one bad guy honed in or shot at one of us, another player was there to pick him off from another angle. Before our eventual demise, 10 N.E.O.S.M.U.T. players were able to own this patch of woods for over 30 minutes, effectively dismantling a combined 4-team insertion, and stalling the advance of another from our right before leaving the field in what will most likely go down as the most effective display of team work and communication our team has demonstrated on the field in the face of being outnumbered by what had to be at least 7 to 1.

Each player attacked the firing lanes available to them, while watching the blind spots of the other players around them,. I truly believe each member of our team who participated in that battle deserves some sort of award for sure for their efforts in that situation. It was really a site to behold.

So session one ends, and during the lunch break, our rookie Prez decides he's going to start spending money. Having not told or consulted anyone, he decided to nuke two country's starting bases. This makes the bases uninhabitable for the remainder of the game, and effectively pisses everyone off. At one point, he tries to nuke the US, and messes up, and nukes Canada. So, both of those teams, and their alliances (basically everyone on the field) decide they are going to shoot Mexico.

At this point we've had enough, and decide to revolt. N.E.O.S.M.U.T. starts spreading the word that we are no longer behind our president. This gets around, and during an insert, a ref actually comes up to us to find out if what he has heard about Mexico is true. We tell him yes, and that any Mexican player with their sleeves up are no longer with the Mexican president, and that we are gunning with whatever team will take us, and looking to take our president out.

From this point forward, we see no other Mexican players with their shirt sleeves down, and in the next ten minutes, our president is assassinated by his own players inserting with him 3 times. And, true to his word, our President votes himself MVP of the game for Mexico. With koolaid and myself standing there to witness him getting booed while accepting from members of every other team, we actually heard him tell Dave, the owner of Hell Survivors, that he was voted MVP by his team prior to accepting the award. The dude had a rough weekend, definitely appeared to be in over his head in the role of president, and even though we didn't much approve of what was going on, he probably didn't deserve to be booed.

Sure, there were frustrations during the day, and a fair amount of cheating by players, which seems to magnify in the larger the games. But, Hell Survivors does an excellent job with referees and on-field chronograph. Actually, one guy chronoed me and RodentX hot at one point (with HPA) only to find out after we walk off the field his chrono is hot because we shot fine at the range to get re-certified again after making no adjustments. Still, we were glad they take the time to chrono on field as several of us were witness and victims of hot guns. At one point, koolaid took a shot to his player tag, which is like a credit card size and material. The shot cracked it into two pieces. A dead give away is always when you are shooting at the field limit and just reaching a guy, and he shoots back and zings them buy you with no arc on the shot. Guess that's just part of paintball.

In the end, we all had a blast, and exhausted ourselves to the point where we all decided to come home that night rather than enjoy the camping for one more evening and drive home the next morning. The allure of sleeping in our own beds that evening was too much for us to stay at the campground the extra evening.

If you've never had a chance to experience a big game like this, we suggest you do so. Between last year and this year, I think we've learned how a big game can run away from you, but also how a group of dedicated players can influence the overall game, have their moments of triumph, and still come away feeling victorious.

Viva la revolution!! Viva N.E.O.S.M.U.T.!!!

Update - Tuesday 6-26
N.E.O.S.M.U.T. was informed last night that the Mexican President, shortly after accepting the MVP award for our nation, decided he felt the 10 members in attendance from Team N.E.O.S.M.U.T. deserved the award. He announced his intentions on the Hell Survivors forum for all to see, and this afternoon I met with him and took possession of the Global Conquest Y2K7 Team Mexico MVP Trophy.

Congratulations to all of the members of N.E.O.S.M.U.T. both in attendance and who were unable to make it, for their hard work on the field in helping us achieve this accomplishment. As founders of the team, I know Fets and RodentX will agree with me, that we couldn't be more proud of how we played during this event.

To koolaid, PhiberOptix, Gibby, Dobbs, Jax, 8up, & Barak who attended the event with us, we appreciate your hard work and dedicated, aggressive play over the weekend which resulted in the highest honor Team N.E.O.S.M.U.T. has achieved to date.

Thank You! ]]> RedMonkey http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=8 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=7 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:15:30 GMT Greetings S.M.U.T.ers... time to fling some poo!

For paintballers, spring brings renewed excitement for our love of the sport. While the die hard players love the challenge of playing a game in frigid temperatures, snow covered fields, and little cover provided by leafless trees, spring brings back all of the elements of the game that really hooked us in.... leaves on the trees, thick brush, comfortable temperatures, and less brittle paint... or so I thought!!

For some reason the change of seasons in the Fall of 2006 and in the Spring of 2007 has been incredibly frustrating for me in terms if dealing with field paint provided by the commercial fields we have frequented as we went into and came out of the winter season. And when I say frustrating, I'm being kind. It's been nothing short of downright miserable.

There have been 3 personal experiences that have come to mind that have left me nothing short of puzzled. The first took place in November.

With Winter on the horizon, we took part in a scenario on a day where it was roughly 35 degrees with a nice rain/sleet/snow mix coming down on the field during the game....and the paint made available for the day was your regular old summer blend. Now, it was my understanding, that there was Winter Paint made available later in the day, but why wasn't this more apparent when registering in the morning? It made for a miserable day for those who had already spent significant amounts on paint when they weren't made aware that there was an alternative.

The second experience that comes to mind is a scenario in March where the temperatures were the same, there was snow on the ground, and, to my understanding, there was Winter Paint available for roughly the first 20 minutes of registration. The only alternative after that was the normal blend around $60 and Marbs at a RIDICULOUS $95 a case! What was interesting on this particular day is that it seemed like the normal paint was better than the winter blend because many people reported the winter blend breaking in their hoppers and pods, while the normal blend was shooting straight, with an occasional break.

The final situation occurred just last weekend. At a private game, the Polar Ice paint offered by the field at just under $80 a case was dimpled to the point where each shot fired hooked worse than Jakie Mason's drives in CaddieShack II, or just broke all together. The alternative were Marbs at $85 a case, a little less than the other field, but initially only available by the case. Later in the day, apparently as the tales of poor paint performance got back to the owners, they allowed players to purchase Marbs by bags of 500 which was actually nice for those who switched over.

So, what is my point in all of this? There is a clear trend by field owners to pawn their overstocked, old, or otherwise inappropriate field paint for the conditions on their patrons without any consideration as to the effect this has on their play, enjoyment, or experience at their field. Let me break it down for you....

Situation 1 - The nice summer weather is ending.... Field X has 200 cases of Summer Paint, and on this particular day it's 35 degrees outside, and you as a player are expected to purchase it, use it, deal with it's poor performance, and pay the SAME PRICE for a terrible experience.

Situation 2 - The Winter Weather is nearing and end, but is still back and forth and Field X has left over paint from their Winter supply, and is only stocking summer paint going forward. You show up on a day where there are cold temps, snow on the ground, and are offered what is obviously ill-handled Winter Blend, or Summer paint for the cold temperatures. Again, you are expected to pay the same standard prices, use it, deal with it's poor performance, and be HAPPY about ANOTHER TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE.

Situation 3 - Field Y has the last remains of their Winter Paint, and it's a relatively cool day, so it seems like it would be a perfectly good opportunity to rid themselves of it for the year. A private party pays a premium to play together, and in return gets paint that does not shoot remotely accurate, and is expected to pay an additional HIGHER price for a product standard that should be included in an already expensive base price.

The standard seems to be to deny there is a problem with the paint, it's brand new, recently ordered, or there must be a problem with how you are using it (over packing pods or hoppers). Experienced players know better than to accept those excuses, and the proof is in the performance which is undeniably sub-standard and unacceptable.

As another member of N.E.O.S.M.U.T. pointed out, this is like going to McDonald's, ordering a Cheeseburger, Fries, and a Coke, and being expected to be happy with getting a two day old sandwich, cold stale fries, and a flat warm coke for the same price. We wouldn't put up with it at McDonald's for a $5 meal, so why do we put up with it for a $60 - $80 case of paint?

The field owners put their crap supplies out to us because they know we will complain about it, and, while not happy about it, still return and do it all over again. Fool me once, same on you, fool me twice, shame on me. This ends now.

In trying to learn from these poor experiences, I am shifting my personal attitudes towards where I play and who gets my money for supplies like paintballs.

I for one am looking forward to playing on more private property this year to increase my fun factor in paintball. Cleveland offers several unique and well maintained private property fields where safety is as much if not a bigger concern than at commercial fields, players are better at regulating themselves and more honest about the game, you can bring your own paint and air, and there are no field fees.

Several of these fields will be involved in the new Cleveland Paintball League which Fets and N.E.O.S.M.U.T. are organizing to get together with these fields and organize more local private field play events, games, and competitions. Keep an eye on the N.E.O.S.M.U.T. and ClevelandPaintball.com forums for more information on the CPL as it becomes available.

Think about it... Even if you bought a case of premium paint from a store like Underground Sports in Cuyahoga Falls for $45, as opposed to paying $80 for garbage Field Paint, in two or 3 plays you can take that extra money saved and purchase another HPA tank and have enough air for the day with two full tanks at a private field.

I'm sure I will still play at a commercial field here and there, but will be far more selective about the events and time of year I choose to participate in them. With fields and big games like those offered at HellSurvivors where you get premium paint at a reasonable price, it's a phenomenal experience, so I will continue to frequent them.

In playing in the Michgan Monster Game last year, and shooting around 6000 rounds that weekend, I can't recall breaking a single ball of the Draxxus field paint offered, and at a measly $60 a case (low $50's if you pre-pay for the paint) it made for a phenomenal experience which is why they are getting my return business this year for Global Conquest.

If a field like HellSurvivors can coordinate large games like this, get semi's full of fresh paint for those that attend, is it that unreasonable to expect a local field that you have played numerous times to provide a similar level of service to players who make up the core of its business? If you're a field owner, and your answer to this is anything other than "No, it's not unreasonable" then, I would suggest that you need to reexamine how much you value and respect the people that maintain your ability to continue to remain open.

Sure, commercial fields provide a unique playing area which can not easily be replicated inexpensively on private property. But if it means spending a lot of money for a continued terrible experience, I'll gladly spend my weekends hiding in the woods and playing with friends on private property in less sophisticated bunkers and shelters for a fraction of the cost if it means a better experience, and more fun in the end. A free palette against a tree can serve as just an effective bunker as a concrete wall.

If you, as a player, truly love the game as I do, you'd be more than willing to do the same in order to send a message that while we enjoy a good field, we expect a good experience as well for the money spent.

And, if you're a field owner, you're going to need to realize word is getting out that you're serving 2 day old cheeseburgers, cold stale fries, and warm flat cokes to your customers. ]]> RedMonkey http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=7 http://www.neosmut.com/vb/blog.php?b=6 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:14:53 GMT Welcome to Flingin' Poo! Don't mind the stench, that's just my bad attitude stinkin up the place.

Now, I bet your wondering... why would a guy create a blog called Flingin' Poo?

The answer is simple... this is where I talk sh*t, about anything and everything, paintball related, or not.

Thus, when I write on here, RedMonkey is Flingin' Poo.

For those that know me, they can tell you I'm a pretty opinionated guy. Rarely do I not have an opinion or comment on something. And, for what it's worth, these opinions aren't always popular, but I have no problem sharing them, or defending them if need be.

So, with that in mind, as you read through future posts on this blog, keep in mind that I'm not asking for you to agree wit