It was pretty enlightening to hear Francisco de Narváez today on TV.
Talking about the huge crime problem we have in Argentina some of the things he said made me feel less paranoid, while others made me feel a bit naïve.
First, only ¼ of the actual crimes get reported. We’re talking about home invasions robberies, etc. Serious stuff that would land you in jail but here, getting mugged at gunpoint doesn’t deserve the waste of time of going to the police station. Home invasion or a brake in? No one takes prints. That’s stuff seen on cable TV.
Think good old FerFAL is BSing you? Stay with me for a second longer.
You see, this is what my gut instinct has been telling me for many years now, and what I’ve transmitted to you, my faithful reader: The feeling, the sensation that here, we have to fend for ourselves.
Why do I have this sensation?
Well, because as De Narvaez explained today, out or 4000 crimes that get reported (remember, only ¼ only get reported at all) only 7, that’s right just 7 out of 4000 crimes get resolved at all, with the criminal ending up behind bars.
In case you don’t have your calculator near by, that means that 99.825% of the crimes committed go unpunished. Its VERY easy to become a bandido in Argentina. You have to be drop dead stupid to end up behind bars… or innocent.
Makes sense. Usually, when I mention some of the terrible crimes committed in my country, there’s rarely ever a follow up news with the criminals getting caught. Even worse, sometimes they just put in jail some guys with a criminal history they just manage to get their hands on, but eventually get released or even worse, get convicted for something they didn’t do. This happens often enough, we have a term for this, the infamous “perejil” , the guy that has no funds, no friends and happened to be on the wrong place at the wrong time, cops put the blame on him and throw him in a cell. There we go community, we caught the bad guy! People relax, maybe a couple years later the guy gets released, but hey they got the angry crowd off their backs back then.
Lets cover all this wonderful stuff with hot chocolate syrup, ok?:
Only 7% of the Argentine border is monitored by radar. For the other 93% planes full of drugs or guns can fly back and fourth as the want.
Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, all neighboring countries, they have 100% of their borders covered. But once they get to our side, nothing. No one cares, no one is controlling. For this reason Argentina is now one of the largest producers and distributors of drugs of all kinds in Latin America.
So yes my friends, I’m not nuts and Argentina is as messed up as I’ve always said.
In spite of all this we keep going.
As I got home tonight, 9 PM, I watched the city: People rushing home, scared, looking all around them. Cars speeding, ignoring traffic signs. The few pharmacies left opened, doing business through closed barred doors.
Yesterday there was a big car accident in front of my home. I called 911 (yes, here too) I was put on hold. Got tired of waiting and hanged up. An ambulance drove by but was heading somewhere else. Both cars were totaled but the passengers where ok, one of the cars ended up crashing against a house, throwing down a sign and tree.
This happens often because as I said before, when it gets dark people just ignore traffic lights because of the robberies.
That’s how we live her my friends, take care and good luck.
FerFAL
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The holy grail of guns: The perfect 22LR handgun
I’m using the words holy grail because, at least in my opinion and as of today, its something unachievable.
I can sit here and say a Glock 9mm is the perfect self defense firearm when taking all traits into account (durability, reliability, weight, size, accuracy, ruggedness and mechanical simplicity) and while a large percentage of people would disagree, it would be a tough debate and I could hold my ground nicely in such a discussion with more than enough facts and an impressive track record for the Glock.
As some of you know I prefer the Glock 357SIG myself, but as I was saying before, it would be a tight debate, with small margins of pro and cons that depend on personal choices.
Fighting semi auto carbine? AK. Again, lots of people will disagree but I’d have many on my side backing it up, again, history proving that the AK is the best at what it does.
Now, 22LR being the most common round in the planet, maybe the most versatile round, and the one that gives the best bang/buck, when it comes to 22LR rifles you have Rugers 10/22 and Marlins, the Marlin 60 the most popular 22LR rifle world wide. Better 22LR rifles? Of course, some other brands make more accurate rifles, but either of those well known models will serve you well.
But what happens with 22LR handguns?
First of all, the semi auto system is compromised form the beginning because of the 22LR intricate characteristics. The rimfire cartridge simply isn’t as reliable as centerfire ones. Its true that buying good quality ammo instead of cheaper bulk helps a lot (CCI Minimags work well in most guns) but the neat thing about 22LR is the price of bulk ammo, not spending several times as much on the expensive stuff.
Ruger, Smith, they make accurate, target or plinking guns that work ok and are pretty accurate, but you are still talking about firearms that are much more likely to have misfires, again, most of the time ammo related. My favorite 22LR autos, the Bersa 22LR (they like Thunderbolts) , they aren’t target guns but have greater tolerances and usually work well when using hot, heavy loads. And still…
Since the problem is ammo related, a revolver looks like a much smarter choice, and it might as well be.
That is until I tried a Taurus 94 22LR revolver. Talk about revolvers reliability! The gun, brand new, would only fire half the cylinder. Sometimes you weren’t even that lucky. Back to the dealer, back to Taurus, and it returned firing about 2/3 of the cylinder, or not, depending on how the Taurus was feeling that day.
I’m sticking with my Bersas. So far, they are the most reliable 22LR I’ve found or seen others use.
I believe the grail may be close to the revolver realm though, in the form of a “high capacity” cylinder Smith and Wesson revolver, 3 or 4 inch barrel and target sights. Such a gun isn’t exactly inexpensive around here, but it would be as perfect as it gets. You lose the auto’s ease of repair, and trade 10+1 round capacity with fast reloads for a 8 or 9 round cylinder. Still, not too shabby. Yes, I’m talking about something like the S&W “Kit” gun, used by camper, hikers and hunters as a trail gun for decades. That would be close to the perfect, general purpose 22LR revolver as it would get in my opinon.
S&W 22/32 Kit Gun
Smith & Wesson's Model 317 "Kit Gun" PIC from GunBlast, good review there too.
The 22LR is an important piece in your humble firearms battery, and I think these thoughts and considerations are worth making.
Take care people, and have fun.
FerFAL
I can sit here and say a Glock 9mm is the perfect self defense firearm when taking all traits into account (durability, reliability, weight, size, accuracy, ruggedness and mechanical simplicity) and while a large percentage of people would disagree, it would be a tough debate and I could hold my ground nicely in such a discussion with more than enough facts and an impressive track record for the Glock.
As some of you know I prefer the Glock 357SIG myself, but as I was saying before, it would be a tight debate, with small margins of pro and cons that depend on personal choices.
Fighting semi auto carbine? AK. Again, lots of people will disagree but I’d have many on my side backing it up, again, history proving that the AK is the best at what it does.
Now, 22LR being the most common round in the planet, maybe the most versatile round, and the one that gives the best bang/buck, when it comes to 22LR rifles you have Rugers 10/22 and Marlins, the Marlin 60 the most popular 22LR rifle world wide. Better 22LR rifles? Of course, some other brands make more accurate rifles, but either of those well known models will serve you well.
But what happens with 22LR handguns?
First of all, the semi auto system is compromised form the beginning because of the 22LR intricate characteristics. The rimfire cartridge simply isn’t as reliable as centerfire ones. Its true that buying good quality ammo instead of cheaper bulk helps a lot (CCI Minimags work well in most guns) but the neat thing about 22LR is the price of bulk ammo, not spending several times as much on the expensive stuff.
Ruger, Smith, they make accurate, target or plinking guns that work ok and are pretty accurate, but you are still talking about firearms that are much more likely to have misfires, again, most of the time ammo related. My favorite 22LR autos, the Bersa 22LR (they like Thunderbolts) , they aren’t target guns but have greater tolerances and usually work well when using hot, heavy loads. And still…
Since the problem is ammo related, a revolver looks like a much smarter choice, and it might as well be.
That is until I tried a Taurus 94 22LR revolver. Talk about revolvers reliability! The gun, brand new, would only fire half the cylinder. Sometimes you weren’t even that lucky. Back to the dealer, back to Taurus, and it returned firing about 2/3 of the cylinder, or not, depending on how the Taurus was feeling that day.
I’m sticking with my Bersas. So far, they are the most reliable 22LR I’ve found or seen others use.
I believe the grail may be close to the revolver realm though, in the form of a “high capacity” cylinder Smith and Wesson revolver, 3 or 4 inch barrel and target sights. Such a gun isn’t exactly inexpensive around here, but it would be as perfect as it gets. You lose the auto’s ease of repair, and trade 10+1 round capacity with fast reloads for a 8 or 9 round cylinder. Still, not too shabby. Yes, I’m talking about something like the S&W “Kit” gun, used by camper, hikers and hunters as a trail gun for decades. That would be close to the perfect, general purpose 22LR revolver as it would get in my opinon.
S&W 22/32 Kit Gun
Smith & Wesson's Model 317 "Kit Gun" PIC from GunBlast, good review there too.
The 22LR is an important piece in your humble firearms battery, and I think these thoughts and considerations are worth making.
Take care people, and have fun.
FerFAL
Monday, November 30, 2009
Interview for Your Future Books
This is a short interview I did for Mike, from Your Future Books a couple days ago.
The interview is pretty good and Mike used some interesting images to go along.
Hope you enjoy it and as always, feel free to leave comments or questions.
FerFAL
The interview is pretty good and Mike used some interesting images to go along.
Hope you enjoy it and as always, feel free to leave comments or questions.
FerFAL
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Argentine Crisis and current situation
Hi guys, this is week 1, video of the GTA preparedness course. Yes, that's my ugly mug :-) .It's mostly an introduction, I talk a bit about what happened, drive around and show parts of Buenos Aires while commenting on it.
Thes total course includes 16 videos posted weekly covering various topics. Week 2 is about gear and supplies you need to get started, week 3 is about depression jobs an unemployment. http://www.grabtheapple.com/
FerFAL
Thes total course includes 16 videos posted weekly covering various topics. Week 2 is about gear and supplies you need to get started, week 3 is about depression jobs an unemployment. http://www.grabtheapple.com/
FerFAL
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tips for job interviews during the Economic crisis.
Even though being self employed and running your own business is usually best regarding you managing your own schedules and you creating and being responsible for you own income source, the fact is that most people work more tradition jobs.
When there’s +20% unemployment things change a lot regarding job hunting and interviews.
I remember when traveling to Spain a few years ago when things were very different, the thing at that time in Spain and other EU countries was to actually mess up the job interviews so you could continue on the “paro”, the welfare program that paid you 80% of your last job while unemployed.
Things were the exact opposite here and I thought how crazy it all was, how most people here would do anything for a job while over there jobs were something you just found quickly if you wanted to.
When there’s a line of 20 or 30 people for even the lowest paying gigs, and hundreds for anything better, you need to be at the top of your game:
1) Looks. Yes, its supposedly ok to be yourself but you know what, “supposedly” wont find a job any time soon during a recession. Look you best. You can complain about discrimination all you want, but being covered in tattoos, specially that daemon eating a unicorn in your forehead, yes, I’m sure they’ll find a good explanation as of why other candidates make more sense than you.
Urban tribe hairstyle or clothes, lots of piercings, none of that is going to do you any favors when looking for a job.
Clean cut, formal or casual clothes depending on the work you are applying for, that creates the right image.
2)Handshake and speech. A firm handshake, but not bone crushing, you want to show confidence, not how physically strong you are. Leveled voice, but confident. The way you stand, sit and carry yourself in general, try looking confident an capable. All this you probably heard a thousand times already, but it is harder to do when you’ve been unemployed for a while and your actually are nervous and worried about finding a job soon to put food on the table.
3)Information. Know the names of the people you’re supposed to see for the interview, do a bit of research about the firm, be informed about the products offered or whatever it is they do, what you find interesting about it and share that with the person that is interviewing you. How you would fit in the company and what you have to offer.
4) Attitude. During a job interview I had once for an architecture firm, they asked me if I knew how to handle a certain software program which they were starting to use with good results. I wasn’t familiar with the software but I replied “No, I’ve never used that one before but I’m sure I can learn it pretty quick, most of them have similar functions and logic about them, I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it in no time”.
I got that job and when they told me I was hired, they said they specially liked that part. It’s important for the people that are hiring you to know you wont be a problem but rather a problem solver. Not only regarding a computer program but in general terms, they see in you someone that fixes things, learns when needed and simply gets things sorted out and done.
5)Go through your notes and files. For technical jobs it would be a good idea to review some of the information you’re supposed to be acquainted with. You can’t remember everything and even if the job interviewing process doesn’t specifically require tests (like some do) its still a good idea to refresh those concepts so you have better tools for the interview.
6) Salary. Ask 20% more than what you consider an appropriate salary. Don’t think about this much, don’t do the same stupid mistake I made several times myself. Simply always ask for 20% more.
If the employer likes you but for some reason can’t reach that number, he’ll come up with a counteroffer, so don’t worry. You’re not going to miss the opportunity because of that 20% extra you asked for.
If you settle with 10% more as a half way through, you have 10% more and the employer considers he got a bit of a bargain himself. If you ask for a salary that is too low, that’s much worse than asking for more. It reflects a lack of confidence or worse, it clearly says you are not worth more than that.
7) Follow up. Some people don’t advice this but I’ve called a few days later on occasions to check if there’s any news, how’s the selection process is going and show my interest.
On occasions you get the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” on the same interview, and in that’s the case it’s all pretty clear but on other occasions you have a good interview and yet don’t receive any news a few days later. In that case, I’d call to see how things are going.
Just one call guys, one call shows you sure are interested. If after that call they still don’t contact you, that’s it, but sometimes calling is a good idea.
FerFAL
When there’s +20% unemployment things change a lot regarding job hunting and interviews.
I remember when traveling to Spain a few years ago when things were very different, the thing at that time in Spain and other EU countries was to actually mess up the job interviews so you could continue on the “paro”, the welfare program that paid you 80% of your last job while unemployed.
Things were the exact opposite here and I thought how crazy it all was, how most people here would do anything for a job while over there jobs were something you just found quickly if you wanted to.
When there’s a line of 20 or 30 people for even the lowest paying gigs, and hundreds for anything better, you need to be at the top of your game:
1) Looks. Yes, its supposedly ok to be yourself but you know what, “supposedly” wont find a job any time soon during a recession. Look you best. You can complain about discrimination all you want, but being covered in tattoos, specially that daemon eating a unicorn in your forehead, yes, I’m sure they’ll find a good explanation as of why other candidates make more sense than you.
Urban tribe hairstyle or clothes, lots of piercings, none of that is going to do you any favors when looking for a job.
Clean cut, formal or casual clothes depending on the work you are applying for, that creates the right image.
2)Handshake and speech. A firm handshake, but not bone crushing, you want to show confidence, not how physically strong you are. Leveled voice, but confident. The way you stand, sit and carry yourself in general, try looking confident an capable. All this you probably heard a thousand times already, but it is harder to do when you’ve been unemployed for a while and your actually are nervous and worried about finding a job soon to put food on the table.
3)Information. Know the names of the people you’re supposed to see for the interview, do a bit of research about the firm, be informed about the products offered or whatever it is they do, what you find interesting about it and share that with the person that is interviewing you. How you would fit in the company and what you have to offer.
4) Attitude. During a job interview I had once for an architecture firm, they asked me if I knew how to handle a certain software program which they were starting to use with good results. I wasn’t familiar with the software but I replied “No, I’ve never used that one before but I’m sure I can learn it pretty quick, most of them have similar functions and logic about them, I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it in no time”.
I got that job and when they told me I was hired, they said they specially liked that part. It’s important for the people that are hiring you to know you wont be a problem but rather a problem solver. Not only regarding a computer program but in general terms, they see in you someone that fixes things, learns when needed and simply gets things sorted out and done.
5)Go through your notes and files. For technical jobs it would be a good idea to review some of the information you’re supposed to be acquainted with. You can’t remember everything and even if the job interviewing process doesn’t specifically require tests (like some do) its still a good idea to refresh those concepts so you have better tools for the interview.
6) Salary. Ask 20% more than what you consider an appropriate salary. Don’t think about this much, don’t do the same stupid mistake I made several times myself. Simply always ask for 20% more.
If the employer likes you but for some reason can’t reach that number, he’ll come up with a counteroffer, so don’t worry. You’re not going to miss the opportunity because of that 20% extra you asked for.
If you settle with 10% more as a half way through, you have 10% more and the employer considers he got a bit of a bargain himself. If you ask for a salary that is too low, that’s much worse than asking for more. It reflects a lack of confidence or worse, it clearly says you are not worth more than that.
7) Follow up. Some people don’t advice this but I’ve called a few days later on occasions to check if there’s any news, how’s the selection process is going and show my interest.
On occasions you get the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” on the same interview, and in that’s the case it’s all pretty clear but on other occasions you have a good interview and yet don’t receive any news a few days later. In that case, I’d call to see how things are going.
Just one call guys, one call shows you sure are interested. If after that call they still don’t contact you, that’s it, but sometimes calling is a good idea.
FerFAL
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