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0245 – The Christmas Spirit

December 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I just wrapped up the last of my Christmas shopping this morning and I have to tell you I had a great time.  There is something about the people out shopping on Christmas Eve.  I don’t know what it was like where you are at, but everyone was patient in the parking lots, driving slower than usual, being more courteous than usual.  I watched a woman with a large order allow a man with a small order and a limp move to the front of the line.  Folks were smiling, waving and saying, “Merry Christmas!” to total strangers.  If you were feeling bah humbug, it would be pretty hard not to catch at least a bit of the spirit.  It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.  Yet, crime, violence and the dirt bags that perpetrate the bad stuff are not sleeping.  They are out there doing what they do best at a time of year that is easier than ever to do it.  Today we are going to take a look at protecting ourselves when all we want to do is give everybody a big hug.

0245 - Safety and The Christmas Spirit [ 23:44 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (406)

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0241 – The Throw Away Wallet

December 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

We know that the best way to avoid the consequences of violence is to avoid violence all together.  If a dirtbag on the street decides to take my wallet and I truly believe that giving up the wallet will end the situation, I have no problem giving up the wallet.  All that the wallet contains is a small amount of cash.  Would you pay $100 to avoid getting hit, kicked, cut, shot or stabbed?  I would.  Even when I dominate that conflict there can be negative consequences.  I don’t want those negative consequences.  It is for this reason that I carry a Throw Away Wallet.

0241 - The Throw Away Wallet [ 13:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (485)

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0237 – Black Friday Shopping Safety Tips

November 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I can’t believe it is already the Holiday Season. Today I needed to pick up a machine for some work I am doing and the rental shop was playing Christmas Music. Yup. Thursday is Thanksgiving and we all know what comes after Turkey Day. Yes, in consumer driven America, Black Friday is the next big holiday. I don’t know that I can blame folks for thinking about the deals that can be had as they can lead to considerable savings and at times border on ridiculousness. Just like with anything else, however, we have to strike a balance. Saving a hundred bucks on a Blue Ray player is cool. Being stomped to death in the process isn’t.

0237 - Black Friday Shopping Safety Tips [ 23:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (430)

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0236 – Green Light on Condition White

November 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I don’t think for a moment that I am the only one out there that has a lot on their plate. I can only run so many 20 hour days before I am just plain worn out. Physically mentally, and even emotionally. I’m not unique in that I eventually wear out. At the same time, I would bet that a lot of the folks that are listening to this podcast tonight are pretty self reliant when it comes to taking care of themselves and their loved ones. It is pretty hard to trust someone else with the valuable commodity that we strive to protect. So what do we do when we have to wind down. Today we are going to take a look at giving ourselves the green light for condition white.

0236 - Green Light on Condition White [ 31:52 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (438)

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0228 – Be Aware Picking Up the Morning News

November 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

This morning I was out for some exercise.  Nothing big, just a “quick” 5K before my wife went to work.  I was running in the neighborhood in my typical daily garb.  My hood is super low traffic with no through streets so I don’t dress in bight reflective colors.  Today I happened to have on a pair of dark green pants and a moss green fleece so I am pretty low visibility.  Since I am in my daily dress, yes I change when I get home and shower, I have my EDC on including my light.  When I need to make my presence known I simply draw my light and turn it on.  I have started running in a pair of Merrell Barefoot Trail Gloves which has really improved my running stride and makes me quiet.  It is dark out, I’m dressed like a SF ninja, and the only noise is a quite pat pat of my feet and the rhythmic rattle of my G21 mags.  It’s like I’m not even there.  Today we are going to talk about some lessons we can learn about the dark.

0228 – Be Aware Picking Up the Morning News

0228 - Be Aware Picking Up the Morning News [ 11:30 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (374)

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Sponsor of the day:

Dale Fricke Holsters

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is a great author and an even better speaker.  If you haven’t read his books, make sure you take a look at On Killing and On Combat.  Definite winners.  If you have never seen Dave live, make it a point.  One of my favorite concepts from Dave talks about mindset in the night.

I’m not going to go into a detailed description of how we can effectively operate in darkness as this is a huge topic.  I will go as far to put it in simple terms.  If we are going to be effective in darkness we must embrace the night.

I’m Not Even There

So I’m out and about early and as always I’m playing the game that one of our listeners, Tom,  described early on in the podcasts.  I find you before you find me.  It almost isn’t fair as I have tipped the odds so far in my favor:

  • Dress
  • Noise
  • Eyes
  • Light
  • Awareness

My Competitors Make it Easy

  • Lack of awareness
  • Eyes
  • Light
  • Cigarettes
To be fair, these folks don’t know that they are playing a game so it makes it pretty easy for me to win.  But when we stop and think about it, all I am doing is thinking like a crook and they are thinking like a victim.  When we approach it from that angle losing has a whole new meaning doesn’t it.  I think the situation is even worse than what I have laid out above.  See, my intentions are nothing but good.  I wouldn’t dream of doing anything to hurt these neighbors of mine.  Some of them I know, some of them I don’t.  Some of them I like, some of them I don’t.  The key is my intent.

Letting Your Guard Down With the Gate Open

The worst part of this situation is when folks are choosing to be oblivious to the world.
  • Groggy
  • Under dressed
  • Unprepared
  • Doors unlocked
  • Alarm is off
  • Family asleep inside

Spend Some Time Thinking Like a Dirt Bag

  • Watch those around you
  • Determine when they are strong
  • Notice when they are weak
  • Apply what you learn to yourself
An unfortunate reality is that we are often safe only because no one is trying to hurt us.  It is true while you are heading out to the end of the driveway to pick up the paper, while you are at work and while your kids are sitting in a desk at school.  We can all do better.

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