Sunday, April 28, 2019

A Sunday Medley of Videos

"The Neurology of Hate" - World War 2 (9 min.)
A look at how the amygdala (controlling emotions and impulses) and the insular cortex (governing the disgust response) can act to create an "othering" response in the brain. The host is so emphatic about painting the Nazis as evil, however, that he goes to the opposite extreme and asserts that there are no biological differences between races ... which must be why professional basketball teams, just like the general population, are mostly white. All sarcasm aside, the function of the amygdala is central to r/K political theory. Bill Whittle has a good video on r/K theory


"THE HUMAN LANDSCAPE: The Unexpected Power Behind the U.S. Military"--Bill Whittle (10 min.). Whittle explores what sets the United States military (with a focus on the Navy) apart from our near peer competitors.


"The Art of Making a Tapestry"--Getty Museum (9 min.)
An interesting overview of tapestry making, from dying the colors, to loading the bobbins, to the equipment used and the basic process used by the weavers. While the technical proficiency is still there, note the difference in the details and thematic structure of the older tapestries from the modern piece that is showcased in this video.


"Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?"--The History Guy (16 min.)
An interesting history of chickens and their domestication, as well as the origin of many of our favorite expressions.


"2020 Census: Nightmare Fuel for Democrats"--Black Pigeon Speaks (9 min.)
The census used to have a question about citizenship, which was removed several decades ago. Now the Trump Administration wants to again include questions regarding citizenship and it has the Democrats in a tizzy because, well, it threatens their money and power. If answered accurately, it could mean a reduction in federal assistance to Democratic strongholds (i.e., money) and a shift in the allocation of Congressional seats (i.e., power). 


"Mini-14 vs AR15: Which is Better?"--Paul Harrell (51 min.)
A very thorough comparison between the Mini-14 and AR15. To keep it fair, Harrell compared his '80s era Mini-14 with a '80s era A1 style AR rifle. Accuracy was comparable to 100 yards, but the Mini-14 was less accurate at longer ranges. Harrell attributed this, however, primarily to the better sights on the AR. At close ranges, because of the Mini-14 sights having a much lower height over the bore, it performed better than the AR. He also compares the Mini and AR as to loading and reloads (the AR, as expected, did better), and discusses maintenance issues. Similar to what others have said on the subject, Harrell agreed that the AR required more TLC than the Mini-14, but if that care was provided, the AR was just as reliable. He also discussed the issue of the Mini-14 being more socially acceptable because of its benign appearance. However, similar to my review of the Mini-14, he noted that the primary reason for the Mini-14's popularity in the 1980s was its lower price--an advantage it no longer has.  Thus, with improvements in the AR as well as the AR's lower prices, his conclusion was that the AR is probably the better rifle for most people.

4 comments:

  1. I've got both. Probably not a surprise to you. The 15 is less reliable because it requires the TLC. Period. The 14 is, by far, the gun that the boys and I like to shoot more, and (in our configuration) it's more accurate.

    That being said, if I were to suggest that a person buy only one of the two, I'd suggest the 15. Reason? There is stuff galore for it, everywhere and inexpensive. That pattern has won, so for customization or even replacement parts, it's a hands down winner. Just buy two for when one gets finicky.

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    1. One of the most significant advantages of the AR platform, in my mind, is the ability to mount an optic. I probably wouldn't have cared as much when I was younger, but old eyes need at least a red dot.

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  2. I agree with John that, when it comes to the AR platform, there is "stuff galore" everywhere when it comes to add-ons...and customization. And that's precisely why, as one who currently owns neither platform, I would buy a Mini-14 instead. Why? Simplicity. I buy a Mini-14 from Ruger...a few extra mags...and I'm set. There is no agonizing over which of the few dozen variants I'm going to buy...there is no pressure to replace things with aftermarket parts, no pressure to customize. One of the most common pieces of advice I hear regarding the AR is to just buy the receiver....and then build it up from there because...as the wisdom goes...most people who buy a complete AR end up tearing it down and rebuilding it with all the supposedly superior custom parts and add-one. TBH I've considered buying an AR at times, but I'm scared away with the complexity of it all...the dizzying array of variants...and now, to add to the confusion, we have multiplying calibers and switch out bolt carriers and barrels...now you can have an AR in .300 BLK, 6.5, 6.8, .224, .450, .458 and even .50 Beowulf I believe. I probably forgot to add 9mm, .45acp and IIRC I've heard of rare variants produce which handle modified .450 Marlin and rebated-rim ."45-70." Throw in optics, lights...piston vs. gas-operated. You see my point. For someone just entering the field nowdays, it would be so much easier to buy a Mini-14, a few cases of ammo and be done with it. And I really do see the benefit in visual appeal. Simply put, a Mini-14 sans mag...especially the wood stocked version, looks more like a hunting rifle and would probably not attract any negative attention if seen by the general public. JMHO, of course.

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    1. Makes sense. I bought the Mini before the AR, and don't regret it. But I really do have two ARs and one Mini.

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A Few Videos On Defending Against A Hair Grab

Some different perspectives on this issue. The first video appears to be directed toward a male audience, while the other two are obviously ...