I’m on the ground with SSD to cover the NTOA Annual Conference & Exposition.
Author Archive
NTOA – On the Ground
Sunday, September 18th, 2011Everybody do your part: Join Skynet!
Sunday, September 18th, 2011Yes, you too could contribute to Skynet (not, according to its staff, the one that was supposed to kill us on April 19th).
The website says Have a computer? Want to help astronomers make awesome discoveries and understand our Universe? Then theSkyNet needs you! In fairness, this could be a great idea, but personally we think it sounds better if you read it with the voice of the narrator from the Starship Troopers movies.
Contribute to real scientific research and help scientists unlock the mysteries of our Universe!
Your computer is bored. It has spare computing power nearly all the time that could be used to do something cool. So why not let it? By connecting 100s and 1000s of computers together through the Internet, it’s possible to simulate a single machine capable of doing some pretty amazing stuff. That’s what the SkyNet is all about – using your spare computing power to process radio astronomy data.
Nothing could go wrong here, right? It’s not like it could become self aware (Google will be doing that).
This article is credited to Richard Kilgore of breachbangclear.com.
King Arms Colt M4 MOE
Saturday, September 17th, 2011
The King Arms Colt M4 MOE is an officially licensed Colt AEG airsoft rifle outfitted with authentic Magpul PTS accessories. It features a full metal barrel and internals including the full-metal gearbox with 7mm bearings and a high-torque motor. For those interested in exactly which Magpul parts are included, they are a MBUS flip-up rear sight, MOE hand guard, MOE pistol grip, MOE stock and a 360-round magazine modeled after the PMAG. At 7 lbs., it’s around the same weight as a real steel M4 which makes it great for training. Two models were released, one with black and one with tan accessories.
How to Live Like James Bond For a Weekend
Friday, September 16th, 2011This i09 article, written by Steve Kamb, shows how with a bit of know-how and smart use of multiple credit cards with rewards points, he was able to spend a weekend in Monaco playing James Bond, just without all the killing and sneaking around (IMO, the best part of being Bond). A pretty good read. He even gives away the names of the cards he used along with some basic instructions, if you were so inclined to also act like Mi6’s best.
SHTF Urban Survival Assault Vest
Friday, September 16th, 2011Youtube channel ‘Survive2Day‘ shows the perfect assault vest for those finding themselves in an urban survival setting. Lack of snacks has always been a serious issue and I’m glad someone came up with an efficient solution that allows you keep all your preservative-laden favorites within arms reach during the heat of battle.
Porter Robinson – Spitfire
Thursday, September 15th, 2011This music video for ‘Spitfire’ by Porter Robinson features two opposing teams slinging paintballs at each other, slow motion sequences throughout, a referee with a dog named “la p00ch”, and visual effects that make it look like a multiplayer video game. Most impressively, it was shot in just one take.
Pr0n Will Survive The Apocalypse – Slightly NSFW
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
L.A.-based Pink Visual, an adult entertainment studio, has started construction on a bunker to ride out the 2012 Apocalypse as predicted by the Mayan calendar. The bunker, which is being built in a secretive location, will feature such amenities as a “refrigeration beverage center”, “standing work kiosks with sliding gun rack compartments”, “world disaster satellite monitor” and “private fertility chambers”. 1200-1500 individuals will be invited to stay in the bunker when construction is completed in September 2012, “…with Pink Visual performers, active site members and Twitter followers getting priority over the general public.” Better safe than sorry, I suppose, but if the end of the world never comes I’m sure they’ll find a good use for the facility…
Source: CBS Los Angeles
Exercise Of The Week – Deadlift
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011Deadlifts are one of the most important weight training exercises for overall muscular development. A deadlift, properly done, will work the lower torso, lower back, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, and forearms. As with all exercises, proper form is extremely important, especially in regards to the lifter’s spine. Failing to maintain a neutral spine can result in serious back injury. When it comes to a proper grip, overhand and alternating are suggested, with the later generally used in lifting greater weight. As expected, this is a common lift in CrossFit, and has easily become one of my favorites.
Deadlift on Wikipedia
AK Ice Cube Tray
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
It’s a 2-piece ice cube tray shaped like an AK magazine. It forms 10 6.5cm long ice structures modeled after the 7.62x39mm cartridge. You get to cool your drinks with ice shaped like AK-47 rounds. What’s not to love? Well, the creator(s) could have made more of an effort to make the ice a more accurate size, but that’s a small issue. For a novelty item, it’s not a bad idea at all.
Is anyone else wishing for an AR Ice Cube Tray right about now?
You can buy it from Amazon.com.
Raw Meat Guns – NSFW-ish
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
A little old, but still disturbingly interesting, this is one of many raw meat guns created by Artist Dimitri Tsykalov. He claims his art represents the simplicity and brutality of the gun. I claim it could use a bit more time on the grill. Whatever the case, he also happened to pose some of his creations with virtually naked women, so if raw meat shaped into firearms paired with nudity’s your kind of thing, Google is your friend.
http://www.galerie-rabouan-moussion.com/en/artist/dimitri-tsykalov/4
The Raid – Red Band Trailer (NSFW)
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011This fantastic trailer is for an Indonesian movie titled ‘The Raid’. Directed by Gareth Huw Evans, the movie’s plot is (from the video description): “…the story of a SWAT team that becomes trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster, armed with two highly violent martial arts killers and an army of machete-swinging, machine gun-toting dealers and thugs.”
Hell yes!
Sony pictures acquired the U.S. rights to the film, so we should be seeing it in theaters fairly soon. However, in an attempt to somewhat Americanize the film, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda has been hired to create a brand new musical score just for the U.S. release. YYMV on how good this decision is, folks; I’d personally like to hear the original soundtrack first.
Thanks to a reader for the tip.
Crazy Fanboy Reminder
Monday, September 12th, 2011
The Crazy Fanboy Blowout Sale is still going strong at Tactical Distributors! Plenty of high-quality, American-made, low-priced items still remain, such as the Eagle Industries FB Style Magazine Pouches, Multi Mission Kits, and CVC Nomex Vehicle Crewman’s gloves, along with plenty more from OR, LBT, Blackhawk!, and other manufacturers. All of these deals are at limited availability, so get your gear before it’s too late.
http://www.tacticaldistributors.com/crazy-fanboy-blowout-sale
Defusable Clock
Monday, September 12th, 2011Despite its looks, this is mostly an ordinary clock with a beeping alarm, snooze button, ect. When the red button is pressed however, it acts like a good old fashioned Hollywood-esque 10-second countdown bomb, which you can “defuse” by cutting one of four wires, which are randomly assigned each time (makes for good EOD practice, eh?). The wires themselves are attached with screw terminals for easy replacement. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these, but are understandably worried about having something shaped like an explosive sent through the mail to your address, don’t fret too much. The set’s being sold as an electronics kit, so some creativity will have to come into play to make it more bomb-like.
Wicked Lasers Spyder III Krypton
Sunday, September 11th, 2011Currently under review by Guinness World Records for the title of ‘World’s Brightest Handheld Laser’, the Spyder III Krypton is, quite frankly, laser overkill. It features a green beam 8000 times brighter than the Sun (if directly looking at the dot) with a visible range of 85 miles, easily breaking the Earth’s atmosphere; the makers even warn not to point it at satellites [or airplanes, people and animals], since the beam could potentially damage them. It also features a rechargeable lithium ion battery, 9 operation modes such as ‘SOS’ and ‘Beacon’, a 100% unlimited duty cycle, an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis, and SmartSwitch technology, for keeping the beam out of the wrong hands. There are also optional attachments like the expanded lens kit, which adds a variety of patterns and shapes. Sadly, despite its completely-legal-to-own status, the Spyder III Krypton isn’t very practical, since it’s just too damn powerful to use as a laser pointer or gunsight.
That Is Not Your Mommy Anymore – A Zombie Tale
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
This book features all the telltale signs of a zombie outbreak and how to defend oneself. The catch? Instead of being some extensive professional-looking tongue-in-cheek guide, it’s instead written as a tongue-in-cheek children’s book (similar to ‘Go the F**k to Sleep’, but with more zombies, and less cursing). ‘That is Not Your Mommy Anymore – A Zombie Tale’ is written by Matt Mogk, founder of the Zombie Research Society, and illustrated by Aja Wells.
Thanks to a reader for the tip.
You can buy it at ThinkGeek.com.
Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Say hello the newest addition to the Fanboy Toy Gun Armory: the Vortex Nitron Blaster. It’s part of a new line of Nerf blasters that fire small foam disks with plastic centers instead of entirely foam darts. Understandably, these new projectiles happen to hurt quite a bit more as a result :D. It’s also fully automatic firing roughly 120 disks per minute, so you’ll burn through the included 20-round magazine (actually called a magazine for once) fairly quickly. My only real complaints are it takes 6(!) C batteries to operate, and the included scope (which takes 2 AAA batteries itself) is more obscuring than helpful.
hasbro.com – Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster
Strike Industries Battle Case For iPhone 4
Friday, September 9th, 2011If you’ve missed a call because your iPhone was in your pocket, and you couldn’t get a decent grip to remove it in time, then the solution might be the Strike Industries Battle Case. Its main feature is the quick pull loop that allows you to quickly remove your iPhone from wherever its stored and also functions as an extra point of contact for improved phone manipulation. The case itself is thin with a Matte Black, Dark Olive Drab or Flat Dark Earth Tan honeycomb finish and all the proper slots to accommodate the iPhone’s numerous buttons and features. It also comes with two optional add-ons: a Kevlar insert and lens protector.
strikeindustries.com – Battle Case
Screwpop
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
This is a nifty little 6-in-1 multitool that attaches to a keychain. It features a bottle opener, Phillips Driver #2, Flathead driver #2 and 1/4″ Hex Nut Driver. If you were wondering where the other two tools were, the Phillips head doubles as a punch and the Flathead doubles as a prybar. You can even order a custom Screwpop with laser engraving and custom bit head patterns, depending on your needs. Available in chrome and black.
A Kazakhstani’s Answer To Batman’s Tumbler
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
It is called the ‘Black Raven’ and is was developed as the perfect vehicle for wolf hunting in Karaganda, Kazakhstan by its creator, a handyman named Vladimir. It features a V8 engine, hand-built aluminum body and independent suspension and is comfortable in rough terrain at speeds exceeding 60mph. Amazing do-it-yourself engineering aside, I can’t help but make a Soviet Batman reference.
Hat Tip: Jalopnik
Modern Warfare 3 Wrangler
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
For the second year in a row, Jeep and Activision have partnered up to bring the masses a limited edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon based on the Call of Duty series. Available in two and four door models, the MW3 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes in Black or Bright Silver Metallic and features MW3 graphics, 32-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, spare tire cover with a unique special elite logo and a large assortment of Mopar® accessories including: a Performance Parts Kit (Warn® Winch, 2-inch Lift Kit, and Classic 5-hole wheels in Black), a power-dome hood, front and rear bumpers, rock rails and a satin black fuel filler door. It’s cool and all, but honestly, does anyone actually buy these things?
It’ll be available this Fall from Jeep, most likely in November along with MW3 itself.
First Warror Zone Opens In Fort Riley
Monday, September 5th, 2011
The Warrior Zone, which opened August 26th in Fort Riley, Kansas, is a 25,000 sq. ft., $10 million multi-purpose facility entertainment facility developed for use with the base’s personnel. It features 68 computers for gaming and general use, dozens of game consoles hooked up to 55-inch flat screen televisions, pool and poker tables, a 75-seat snack bar, full bar, theater and large conference room. A covered patio is also available outside with grills and a large fire pit. It looks like a great place to kick back and relax, and it also seems to be a great success; they’ve already extended the hours on Fridays and Saturdays to 0100.
Original story: blackanthem.com
http://rileymwr.com/warriorzone/
Glock 17 Simulator
Sunday, September 4th, 2011
Fewes on DeviantArt has created an impressive Glock 17 simulator made in Flash. Every function is accurate to real life, not counting the reduced magazine capacity (most likely intentional). For example, every slide pull ejects an unspent cartridge and a tactical reload accounts for the round already in the chamber. It’s better than most video games in that regard. Click the above image to try it out for yourself.
MW3 Multiplayer Reveal
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011Call of Duty XP started yesterday, and the event began with this reveal trailer for MW3. While I’ve been disillusioned by CoD games because of the multiplayer reveal trailers before (Black Ops before, you know, it actually came out looked amazing), this one impressed me quite a bit. A small* amount of graphical polish coupled with a somewhat reworked perks and killstreak system are what interested me the most, although seeing the MultiCam clad Delta members and explosive action was a nice bonus. Also, the XM25.
Trailer not doing it for you? Footage from the MW3 beta currently running at XP is showing up on YouTube, if you’re interested in a more ‘personal’ look at how the gameplay is.
*It’s still running on a modified version of the outdated id Tech 3 engine, IW 5.0. Really, the lighting and audio are the most substantial boosts the engine received this year.
Now This Is How You Prove Your Product Works
Friday, September 2nd, 2011In this video, an employee of Texas Armoring Corporation (TAC) gets to practice shooting at as his boss, CEO Trent Kimball, with an AK-47, all to prove the integrity of their bullet-resistant glass. The multiple camera angles give it a nice, action movie-esque flair.
World’s Only Turbine Powered Batmobile Up For Sale
Thursday, September 1st, 2011Just a quick update on that totally sweet turbine powered Batmobile built by Casey Pusch I wrote about a while ago. It turns out he’s currently putting it up for sale on eBay to help fund other projects. However, as expected from something built from …”a military spec 385 hp Boeing turboshaft engine from a naval drone helicopter…”, as well as being modeled after the most bad-ass super hero of all time’s preferred mode of transportation, it ain’t cheap. If you’re really into getting it, you’re looking at spending $620,000. At that price, only the real Batman could ever hope to afford it.
