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Smell The Hydraulic Fluid, Feel The Shake Of The Rotors In Memoir Of Special Operations Unit Member

Sunday, December 9th, 2018

Parker, CO, December 7, 2018—There are few of us who have experienced what Special Operations team members have felt during a perilous and secretive mission. David Burnett has and he’s chronicled it in his powerful memoir, Making a Night Stalker.

Burnett opens up the highly secretive world of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), the most accomplished and secretive special ops aviation unit on the globe. The importance of teamwork and heroism are driven home to readers in taut prose that brings to life what it is like to be at the knife’s edge, knowing a moment of inattention can bring catastrophe to you and your closest comrades.

His journey starts in a conventional Army unit where he feels unfulfilled. The lack of responsibility drives him to pursue the goal of becoming an MH-47G Chinook helicopter crew chief in the world’s most secretive unit. Despite obstacles and endless training, he’s finally able to set foot on the aircraft. Achieving FMQ (Fully Mission Qualified) crew chief takes additional years of training and deployments, but after achieving the sought after role, he is honorably discharged from the military. Burnett also explores his PTSD, which drove him to alcohol. The beast was finally tamed through taking up writing, he said.

For those whose only experience of war has been through media headlines, Burnett’s book presents a vivid picture of the vaunted Special Operations Aviation unit and the toll it takes on its members.

Author David Burnett was born and raised in Parker, Colorado. After a few semesters of college, he enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was stationed with 563rd ASB as a 15U (Chinook helicopter repairer). After realizing his job in the regular Army was not as fulfilling as he had hoped, he applied for 160th SOAR. He went through countless years of training and deployed with the unit five times before deciding he wasn’t going to reenlist. He put pen to paper after receiving an honorable discharge from the unit and began writing his story.

More information on David Burnett can be found at www.makinganightstalker.com.

The NERF Blaster Modification Guide: The Unofficial Handbook for Making Your Foam Arsenal Even More Awesome

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

Mouthful of a title aside, this actually looks like a pretty cool book. Written by Luke Goodman of the YouTube channel ‘Out of Darts’, The NERF Blaster Modification Guide claims to have all the information required to increase a blasters “range, projectile speed, and firing capacity”. The book goes over the different types of blasters, various mods, and even gets into soldering, 3D printing, and even more advanced mods to get the absolute most out of a blaster.

It’s currently going for $20 on Amazon, and can be purchased at the link below.

www.amazon.com/Nerf-Blaster-Modification-Guide-Unofficial/dp/076035782X

Vickers Guide: Kalashnikov (Volume 1) – Vote For The Next Cover!

Saturday, May 19th, 2018

The next installment in the Vickers Guide series, Kalashnikov (Volume 1) m, is almost ready for pre-order. One thing they still need to do is lock in the cover and they want your help to do it.

Which classic AK variant should they use?

Click here to vote.

RIVETING ACTION-PACKED THRILLER TAKES READERS ACROSS CONTINENTS AND CENTURIES

Saturday, November 18th, 2017

What would you do if you could go back in time and change history, for the better? Where you would you even start? That is the very issue the U.S. military is faced with in the new thriller novel by J.K. Kelly, *Found in Time* (Oct. 2017).

In today’s complex world, the military can use all the help they can get fighting against the enemy. When a new top-secret weapon is revealed – the ability to travel back in time – the options for fighting against the forces of evil from any time period now comes into play.

Major J.J. Jackson, a highly decorated U.S. Marine whose focus in life is to seek and destroy terrorists, is tasked by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to test this revolutionary technology that promises the U.S. military a political edge over foreign and domestic threats. But when Jackson goes rogue and travels back in time to ask a higher power to save the woman he loves, everyone’s lives are changed forever.

General Dick Stewart oversees the program they are hiding from a contentious White House and the CIA. As a supporter of Jackson’s career – ever since the death of the younger man’s parents – Stewart must watch his own back as he tries to look after the Jackson and his eclectic group of patriots.

For Jackson’s team of six men and women, time travel becomes their magic bullet. But when a new American president comes under siege, those who were “found in time” must lock and load. The team will need to ratchet up their aggression to defeat the most dangerous enemies the country has ever seen and this time, on American soil.

“*Found in Time* not only takes readers to fascinating places all over the world during some of the most critical events history, but it also ties in the fast-paced excitement of the U.S. military fighting against the evils of the world in a way unlike every before – across centuries *and *continents,” says Kelly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.K. KELLY knows what fast-paced action is all about. Before his career as a novel author, he worked in the high-speed world of professional motorsports. While attending Penn State University he spent weekends at auto races across the country and wrote feature stories and a column for national publications like Car Craft and Super Stock. He was a Public Relations Director for Darrell Waltrip and the Gatorade 88 NASCAR Team. He went on to work with VP Racing Fuels for nearly three decades as their Regional Manager for Europe and much of North America. His job took him all around the world, which became an inspiration behind his action-packed writing that takes readers across continents and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Kelly has since opted out of the corporate world to enjoy quality time with his family and to pursue his writing. Found In Time is his debut novel and he is currently working on the sequel. Kelly is also putting the finishing touches on an intriguing and adventurous work of non-fiction set in the fast-paced world of international motorsport.

Connect with J.K. Kelly on Twitter (@JKKellyBooks) and on his website, www.jkkelly.com.

Lance Akiyama – Rubber Band Engineer

Monday, May 15th, 2017

Lance Akiyama’s book ‘Rubber Band Engineer: Build Slingshot Powered Rockets, Rubber Band Rifles, Unconventional Catapults, and More Guerrilla Gadgets from Household Hardware’ features 19 individual projects that are made with rubber bands, along with various other items, to create things such as a crossbow, slingshot, and rubber band gun.

If you’re not entirely convinced, there’s also plans to create a miniature version of one of the greatest siege weapons ever developed: the trebuchet!

You can find ‘Rubber Band Engineer’ most places where books are sold.

www.lancemakes.com/about

Go Team Venture! The Art and Making of the Venture Bros.

Sunday, April 23rd, 2017

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Venture Bros., the loving tribute/parody to the classic Hanna-Barbera adventure cartoons of the 60’s and 70’s, particularly Johnny Quest (although other inspirations are apparent), is now the subject of a making of/art book published by Dark Horse. The book, written by Ken Plume, with extensive input by Venture Bros. creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, features behind-the-scenes content spanning all 6 seasons of the Venture Bros., along with original sketches and never-before-seen artwork. Check out the official product page below to see where it is sold.

www.darkhorse.com/Books/20-077/Go-Team-Venture-The-Art-and-Making-of-the-Venture-Bros-HC

Sword History Spanning Three Millennia From Medieval Times to The Lord Of The Rings Movie

Saturday, February 27th, 2016

Atglen, PA—Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of The Sword: Myth & Reality: Technology, History, Fighting, Forging, Movie Swords by Thomas Laible.

9780764348778

The history, manufacture, and ancient and modern uses of swords in Europe from the 5th century to today can be found here in one convenient source. Learn sword nomenclature and classification, discover sword physics secrets, and compare the history of swordsmanship in Europe to that of Japan. Practical information on different sword types, including those used by Vikings and Samurai, broadens the reader’s understanding of the technical diversity of and relationships between swords from different eras and cultures. Readers can also learn how to tell authentic swords apart from fantasy swords, or “sword-like objects” (SLO), which are commonly used in movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also, follow the manufacturing process, from welding to pommel construction, and read about historical replicas. Join the authors and countless other featured sword masters and experts on a fact-based and fun-filled adventure from the Middle Ages to modern Europe.

Size: 8 1/2″ x 11″ | 526 color photos | 240 pp
ISBN13: 9780764348778 | Binding: hard cover | $50.00

www.schifferbooks.com/the-sword-myth-reality-technology-history-fighting-forging-movie-swords-5834

Mad Max Fury Road – Inspired Artists Art Book

Sunday, May 10th, 2015

DC imprint Vertigo has released an art book featuring art by 65 comic book artists inspired by the upcoming Mad Max Fury Road. Fortunately, or not depending on your preferences, the book has virtually zero spoilers for the upcoming film. You’re likely to find a copy at your local comic book shop, or a chain bookstore.

Size Comparison – Science Fiction Spaceships

Thursday, September 26th, 2013

size_comparison___science_fiction_spaceships_by_dirkloechel-d6lfgdf

DeviantArtist ~DirkLoechel created this chart detailing size comparisons of spaceships from multiple science fiction properties. The chart is constantly expanding, so if a favorite series isn’t present it might show up later.

dirkloechel.deviantart.com/art/Size-Comparison-Science-Fiction-spaceships-398790051

The H.P. Lovecraft Bronze Bust Project On Kickstarter

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

It’s a Kickstarter project to erect a life-sized bust of H.P. Lovecraft in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island.

Kickstarter – H.P. Lovecraft Bronze Bust Project

Soldier of Fortune Presents: Stealth

Monday, March 19th, 2012

Here’s something you don’t see every day. Soldier of Fortune Magazine, as in the long-time “magazine for professional adventurers” published by Lt. Col. Robert K. Brown (USAR, Ret.) has teamed up with a comic company called Bluewater Productions to release a comic series called Soldier of Fortune Presents: Stealth.

In the official press release, Col. Brown advised it would be a “…real adventure graphic novel for real men.”

(more…)

SHOT Show 2012: Winners of the Spartan Imports/Dalton Fury Raffle

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

As you may be aware, Spartan Imports ran a raffle at SHOT Show to raise money for Stand by the Wounded and to help promote Dalton Fury’s new Delta Force novel Black Site. Their booth had customized airsoft guns that replicated exactly what Dalton carried in the Battle of Tora Bora in Afghanistan, where he was the ground Delta Force commander – cool thing was, Dalton and some of his teammates turned up to sign the weapons! Anyway, they sold quite a few raffle tickets for those 5 advanced copies (Spartan Imports and Elite Defense thanks all who supported the effort) and Tactical Fanboy would like to congratulate the winners (among whom was the CEO of Tango Down).

Congratulations! Thanks for supporting a good cause. Now go order a copy of the book, cuz it’s pretty damn good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some pictures of the weapons they signed:

 

 

 

 

Recoil Magazine: Nice New Read

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Tactical Fanboy staffers met Jerry Tsai today at the SHOT media range day. Mr. Tsai is the editor of the new RECOIL magazine which looks very nice. That might at first evoke some skepticism. Another firearm-related magazine? Is this another example of gun-and-knife-centric tactiporn? The short answer is no, it’s not – this first issue is really nice, and we’re looking forward to future issues. This won’t be your standard magazine. It isn’t aimed at cops or SWAT guys or grunts. It essentially celebrates what it calls the “gun lifestyle” and it does a pretty damn good job of it. This isn’t directed specifically at folks who use the gear on the job every day. As the editor says, “…a magazine that encompasses modern firearm lifestyle and embodies many elements of our industry: guns, gear, technology, shooting sports, training, outdoor life and personal defense.”

Some examples of the content:

Mesa Tactical’s Benelli M4 (The Founder of One of the Most Progressive Shotgun Accessory Companies Outfits His Personal Shotgun)

Night Vision 101 (See What Goes Bump in the Night) A primer on how NODs work.

Bugout Truck (Escape the End of the World or Just the Daily Grind) Whether you’re fleeing a natural disaster or an all-out zombie infestation, a properly setup truck can provide the key to survival.

Watch Buyer’s Guide (Rugged Watches That Keep Much More Than Time)

Tactical Firearms Training and Redback One (What can you expect? Why should you give it a try?)

That’s only a very limited look at what’s in this magazine…there’s a lot more. Right now the website doesn’t appear to be working (it’s listed as http://www.recoilweb.com). That may be temporary, we’re unsure, but check on it periodically. We really think it’ll be worth your time.

 

Kolt Kit Bag Giveaway II

Saturday, November 26th, 2011

As you may recall from previous posts, author Dalton Fury has a novel coming out in January.  He did a pretty awesome swag giveaway for Thanksgiving…now he’s doing one for New Year’s. Yesterday’s was $1200 worth of kit that Delta operator Kolt “Racer” Raynor (the protagonist of Black Site) runs with in the book.  Much of the kit was provided by Uber Group and Black Palm Syndicate. Apparently the new prize is still under construction (or classified) so they have released details, but you can probably expect with a high degree of confidence that it will be damn cool. As before you, you need to preorder the book and then post the book vendor you used, date of purchase, etc. on the contest facebook page.  (Note: if you entered the ARC Drawing or first Kolt Kit Bag Giveaway you are auto-entered in the New Year’s Eve drawing; buying another copy will increase your chances.) Though a large number of people were invited to the contest, the Facebook rules apparently didn’t allow for as many as DF (who by the way was an adviser for Modern Warfare 3) would have liked, so he’s asking everyone to spread the word.

Check it out. If you happen to register, let ’em know Tactical Fanboy sent ya, would you?

Oh, and by the way: have you seen this interview?

Don’t forget the Kolt Kit Bag Drawing

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

Check it out on Facebook. Preorder Dalton Fury’s new fiction novel,  Black Site (which rumor has it will be advanced reviewed by the Mad Duo, who have already talked to the author).  “A truly unprecedented opportunity…1200 bucks worth of top-quality stuff. In the bag a Suunto Core All Black Military watch, pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D Mid Assault Boots, and an Arc’teryx Combat Jacket from Uber Group. Fourteen custom tees, two hats, and sticker pack from Black Palm Syndicate. Plus a Surefire Pen Glass Breaker, a set of custom Hibben throwing knives, and much more. Pre-order Black Site from Amazon or Barnes & Noble and post the date of order and vendor on our Facebook page to enter. Good luck!”

Note that if you already entered, you can double the number of times your name goes into the hat. Per the author, if you can talk a friend into pre-ordering Black Site and posting to the giveaway page by 1300EST today, you’ll have a chance of winning AND you’ll double yours. Hopefully you have friends who can read.

You’re rapidly running out of time, boys and girls!

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 2: Build a Secret Agent Arsenal

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to build miniature spy equipment out of everyday household items, then Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 2: Build a Secret Agent Arsenal by John Austin is a good place to start. Inside you’ll find step-by-step instructions for constructing 30 different tools, including a toothpaste periscope and cotton swab .38 special, made from simple items you can find at home or in the office supply closet. The book also details a number of useful hiding places for your new arsenal, and comes included with several practice targets, like a shark with a laser beam and a giant octopus. While not everything in the book is ‘real’ (the guns, for example, use things like tic tacs for ammo) at the very least its good practice for any MacGyvering you may have to do in the future.

Zombies – A Hunter’s Guide

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Available from Osprey Publishing, “Zombies – A Hunter’s Guide” by Joseph McCullough is a detailed guide on how to combat the undead menace. Along with a detailed history of Zombies and their threat to the world, the book catalogs the various types of undead that can be encountered and their strengths and weaknesses. Also covered are tactics and equipment that are to be used in a Zombie fighting scenario, with full color reconstructions to assist with identification and proper technique.

Osprey Publishing – Zombies – A Hunter’s Guide

Osprey WEAPONS and VANGUARD Books on Sale

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

Until the end of October, Osprey publishing is offering 25% off their WEAPON books and VANGUARD titles (from the Osprey website), including the option to preorder books that aren’t even out yet.

About the WEAPONS Series: “In this new series Osprey Publishing looks at the most important, famous and infamous weapons throughout history. Using a combination of photography and classic Osprey artwork, this series examines the full story of each weapon, beginning with its design and development, following through its operational history, and finally analyzing its impact on warfare and violence.”

New Vanguard books include detailed looks at the ships of the Anglo-Dutch Wars of 1652-74 to the LAV-25.

Chicks With Guns

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

If you’re looking for a more high-brow portrayal of women handling firearms, then you might want to pick up a copy of ‘Chicks With Guns by Lindsay McCrum’. It’s filled with images of women gun owners across America from enthusiasts to law enforcement, while each portrait includes the model’s own words on the subject. A very interesting read.

http://www.chickswithgunsbook.com/

You can buy a copy here.

Rude Hand Gestures Of The World

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Though it saddens me to say this, sometimes flipping the bird just doesn’t have the same impact abroad as it would in the good ole’ US of A. That’s why “Rude Hand Gestures of the World: A Guide to Offending without Words” by Romana Lefevre [with photographs by Daniel Castro] should be essential literature for every world traveler. Filled with detailed photographs of offensive hand gestrues along with tips on how to properly utilize them, you’ll be able to insult just about anyone you meet in any country you happen to be in. Just be sure to use your new found powers responsibly and only as a last resort. Some of these gestures go far beyond a simple ‘eff you’.

FM 999-3 Counter-Zombie Operations at the Fireteam Level

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

This (fictional) manual details “the primary doctrinal reference on conducting fire team sized infantry operations in a Zombie infested environment in the United States.”, care of Army Zombie Combat Command. The topics contained within include how to identify the undead or soon-to-be undead, effective weaponry and tactics against the undead, and other similar topics, all zombie-related. It’s a pretty solid guide, and since it is free and all there’s no reason not to give it at least a quick peak. A word of warning, though: the creators are definitely familiar with the works of Max Brooks, frozen zombies and all.

Original Story – Wired

weLoaded T-Shirt

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Now’s your chance to wear the most impressive armory of weapons found throughout all of fiction. From the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch to the Klingon Bat’leth to the Nuke at the end of Dr. Strangelove, 79 fictional weapons adorn this circular design. Available in these styles: Blue/Black, Green/Forest (with a couple of replacement weapons), and a third that’s numbered to make future identification easier. True nerd cred goes to anyone who can name every weapon; I’m admittedly not recognizing a few.

Buy this shirt

Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Salutes The Armed Forces

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

“Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Salutes The Armed Forces” by Bathroom Reader’s Institute is packed full of interesting trivia about all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces throughout history, as well as other military related information. Topics including the origins of the KA-BAR fighting knife, the construction of the Pentagon, the truth behind MASH, and more are organized into easy-to-read sections, with lengths varying from one page to ten or more, based on how lengthy a story you’re willing to read at any given time. As is the intention, it’s great reading material while in the bathroom, although the information is so interesting you may end up reading it everywhere in your house. In that case, an extra copy or two might not hurt.

Homefront: The Voice of Freedom

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

‘Homefront: The Voice of Freedom’ by John Milius and Raymond Benson is a pretty good read. It details the actions of Ben Walker, a journalist turned resistance fighter and underground radio personality called ‘The Voice of Freedom’ during a Korean occupation of the United States. Wait, what? That’s right, in the fiction of Homefront, North Korea, led by Kim Jong-Il’s son, Kim Jong-Un, ‘peacefully’ reunifies with the South and the ‘Greater Korean Republic’ quickly begins annexing most of Asia, becoming a world power. During the same time period, the USA suffers economically, socially, and militarily, making it a shadow of what it once was. Then the ‘Norks’ get ballsy and launch a cyber attack and an EMP on the US, invade, and quickly start trying to take control of all its resources. And of course they encounter pockets of US resistance, who are hopelessly outmatched, but are driven on by the American spirit. Hell yeah!

While I can’t tell if it’s a straight-up prequel to the upcoming game, or if the events are parallel, I will tell you it’s a good introduction to the story. Homefront releases March 8th.