Hotaru no Haka

My mother will be soon turning another page and entering her 79th year. She seems intent to speak of many things that she saw, and did during and after World War Two. Although just a teen aged girl, my mother was forced to be so much more as Japan staggered to its ultimate fall.

For those of you who may not have read my short biography on another blog, half my family's ancestry lies in Japan. We're part of the Taira, Heike Clan, descended from the Fujiwara, a branch family called the Umetani. If you ever find yourself with little to do, take a moment ( a long moment) and read the Heike Monogatari.

I suppose that many entering the twilight years find themselves searching for meaning. I'm always reminded of the last scene in the film Saving Private Ryan where an elderly man asks simply if he is a good man.



And I suppose all of us will be asking ourselves the same question one day.

I think my mother's telling me of the hardships and horrors of her childhood, things she has never spoken of before, is a way to make sure that something of her remains here as she approaches the time when she will move from this world into the invisible world. I like to think she will achieve immortality among the Kami.

I spent a day harvesting apples from her place recently, and she talked as we worked.

She is troubled by what is happening here in this country between all of us. We all call ourselves Americans, but many of us are divided on so many levels. Race. Religion. Political Ideologies. Regionalism. Some of us have even gone so far as to hyphenate our nationality.

People have made the mistake of referring to me as a "Japanese-American", and I've corrected them. I'm an American, plain and simple.

I've been to Japan, and to the Japanese, I'm an "outside person", a gaijin.

Japan is a nation that had been wracked by internal struggles for centuries. Civil wars and clan feuds were common. General Hideyoshi, who succeeded a murdered Oda Nobunaga, managed to restore some sense of unity in 1600, but he had to destroy castle after castle, and even entire Buddhist sects, in order to do so.

Even today in Japan, there are nearly thirty active political parties on the national stage. Then there are many regional parties that haven't managed to gather enough support to jump to national prominence.

On top of that, you have the Zaibatsu hiding in the shadows, stirring the pot.

They're a contentious bunch over there. So don't let people try and tell you homogeneous societies are more peaceful. The Japanese have just managed to find a way to fight among themselves that doesn't involve blood and steel.

Here, its not likely to be so civilized.

She's having me watch "Hotaru no Haka". I have to tell you, it isn't easy.

The night after she watched the movie, as she slept, a small plane flew above her house. It woke her, and it sounded like a B-29, and she was 14 and in Kobe again.

When you stop and think that its the kids who pay the ultimate price for us adults failing to find a solution, it makes it even more difficult.

If you're interested, the video is available online: Here It is the original animated film. A live action film was made later.

If you're not using Veoh, you'll need to install some software available at the site.

YouTube has clips available, just type in "Grave Of The Fireflies"

Biometrics: Iraq Is Your Future

American troops have been trained in the use of hand held biometric scanners. These devices are being used to catalog Iraqi civilians and create a database useful in identifying friend or foe.

Identification effort crosses entire war zone - USAToday July 7, 2007

U.S. is building database on Iraqis - USAToday July 7, 2007

Hooray for the good guys. Now they can finger the bad guys. In the story, they've fingered a guy who was held for three months and never charged for an incident that he may or may not have had anything to do with.

And he's inconvenienced every damn day of his life.

Do any of us believe that the US military is capturing insurgents, issuing them an ID, and turning them loose? How is this helpful if the insurgents are more than likely dead, or being held in a prison?

How many insurgents are carrying their US issued ID into combat?

Because, (insert sinister music) it isn't for the insurgents.

Its for everyone.

A National ID Program for Iraq? - The New York Times May 29, 2007

I just love this quote from the story, " Max Boot, a CFR senior fellow, envisions that a nationwide census would be necessary, requiring government workers to go “house to house and find out who lives there.”"

I'll just bet they'll have GPS and a disgraced ACORN stooge tagging along during the census. Hint you screwballs, there are still nomadic tribes in Iraq. What are you going to do, sprinkle their tents and camels with smart dust? Just a note to the reader, the Wikipedia link for smart dust says it is "hypothetical". I assure you it is much more. Read this.

The last paragraph of the article states the following:

Boot could not point to a specific case where a national identification database worked—no such program was implemented during the Vietnam War, for instance—but he cites the French officer David Galula’s 1964 classic book, Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice: “Control of the population begins obviously with a thorough census. Every inhabitant must be registered and given a foolproof identity card.”

What Max Boot failed to tell you about is a very well known instance where a National ID system worked very well.

Nazi Germany.

In 1933, after Adolf Hitler came to power, the Nazi Party issued every person in Germany a permanent identification card. Those cards held by those of Jewish ancestry were marked with a very prominent "J".

"Papiere, Bitte?"

Already concerns are mounting in Iraq where people are frequently targeted due to their religious affiliations. Once the Iraqi government has control of the database it could very well be leaked to either Sunni or Shiite extremists and a very systematic ethnic cleansing could begin.

Much like in Nazi Germany.

Or in Rwanda. As a holdover from Belgian colonial rule, all identification cards carried ethnic information. These cards were used by the Hutu, the largest of the three ethnic groups in the region, to ferret out and target members of the Tutsi.

Shame on you Max Boot. Lying by omission is still lying. But you're part of the CFR, so we free people expect no less.

Homepage for the DODs Biometrics Task Force.

So, what does this have to do with us?

Remember the "Real ID Act" that was pushed through in 2005 as a rider on a defense appropriations bill, along with relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina?

According to an article published by ComputerWorld, Obama administration to inherit a real mess on Real ID, DHS's very own Janet Napolitano herself signed an act barring her state from participating in the program.

Obama also failed to cast a vote either for or against the act while he was in the senate.

We're fast approaching the deadline for states to get on board with the program. All states must prove that by December 31, 2009 that their drivers licenses and ID cards conform to "Real ID Act" standards.

However, with states outright refusing to participate, the Feds have done an end run around the people and state legislatures. They've introduced a system called PASS ID. Even Napolitano was given cover to be able to endorse this remake of REAL ID. Read more at The New American: "Your Papers, Please" about how state greed assisted in making PASS ID a reality.

There are no real provisions either for the use of or against the use of RFID technology in conjunction with PASS ID or REAL ID. However, many believe the use of RFID is the only currently workable solution in creating these programs.

Increasing use of RFID exposes people to greater risks of identity theft and tracking. Chips in official IDs raise privacy fears - Mercury News July 11, 2009. I work with RFID as part of my job, and I can attest to how some RFID chips can be cloned or have their numbers reprogrammed. So, in effect, you should be easily able to clone a PayPass enabled card once you have a valid number. Or forge a Passport. Or a driver's license.

So what remains?

The DMV already collects your fingerprints here in California.

Ever hear of "Fusion Centers"?

Big Brother "Fusion Centers" Part of US Domestic Intelligence and Surveillance Apparatus Mammoth Budget: $75 Billion, 200,000 Operatives

You should read this after reading about "Fusion Centers".

Police will use new device to take fingerprints in street - Guardian October 28, 2008

Oh, that's England, you say?

Gilbert to buy new fingerprint scanner for DUI use - AZ. Central September 9, 2009

They're already in use in Los Angeles: Who Goes There? - Police Chief's Magazine

Once they have your fingerprint, they'll be able to link you to most anything even without "Real ID" through the the use of these "Fusion Centers". "Real ID" and "Pass ID" are just gravy.

Homemade Landmine Video

I'm not sure that this will work exactly as assembled, but it gives you a general idea of how to assemble an improvised landmine.

In my opinion, the nail which works to trigger the cap used as a detonator should be rounded or flattened off and not left sharp. If left sharp it will have a greater tendency to penetrate the lid, and perhaps not deliver a sharp enough blow to the cap to trigger it.

The nail head which is below the tin should have a larger base. If the soil is soft, there will be a tendency for the nail to sink into the soil and not give a sufficient strike against the cap in order to trigger it.

Are you familiar with "bang snaps"?

Several of these between a couple of hard surfaces along with some FFFg powder would work well too, but it would be extremely unstable as silver fulminate, the active ingredient, is highly susceptible to physical shock.

Census Worker Found Hanged

A 51 year old substitute teacher and Boy Scout Troop Leader, Bill Sparkman, working for the US Census was found hanged after being reported missing by a retired state trooper.

The apparent hanging occurred near a cemetery in Clay County, Kentucky. The location of the hanging is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The word "Fed" was allegedly found scrawled across his chest.

AP News: Feds probe US Census worker hanging in Kentucky

The Guardian: US census worker found hanged

MSNBC: Slain census worker was warned about area

A Glimpse Of The Future Past

Back in 2005, 2K Games published a game called "Shattered Union". I had forgotten about the game until Steve Quayle reminded me of it today on his site.

I never picked it up because I'm not one for turn based strategy games on a PC. I'd rather play chess with a human being. It is a much better turn based strategy game.

The trailer opens with the voice over speaking about a "disputed election". I think we can say we do have a disputed election. Many people, frequently referred to as "birthers" by the Liberal faction in this nation, think that Obama is ineligible to be president as he is apparently not a natural born citizen.

According to the blog Natural Born Citizen, Hawaii has confirmed that Obama's birth records have been amended. What the original records state will have to be seen. This is not in itself a smoking gun. My daughter's birth records have been amended three times because of the incompetent government employee's inability to spell correctly.

The voiceover in the game then describes "the most unpopular president in US history" being "installed by congress". I would say this is accurate. Congress has sidestepped its duty to investigate the alleged irregularities in Obama's past, not limited to his country of origin. This blatant disregard for our laws, conventions, and constitution have essentially installed a potential usurper into the highest office in our land.

"The Most Unpopular President In US History". Many hand the title to George Bush, but it took him eight years to achieve that. According to Rasmussen Reports, when Bush left office his approval / disapproval ratings were 35 and 62 respectively. Remember, at one point, George Bush's highest approval rating was 92 percent. After Obama took office, at 100 days his highest approval number was 65 percent, and it has been all down hill since then.

Obama, not even a year into his term, is already at an approval / disapproval rating 49 and 50 respectively as of August of 2009. September's numbers aren't in yet.

Keep in mind that during Bush's tenure there was a constant drumbeat from the media about his misteps, mistakes, lies and half truths.

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, there are 14.9 million people here in the United States as of September 4, 2009 that are unemployed. Obama is currently out there saying how great he is because he "saved or created" one million jobs with his stimulus.

Sure he has. Here's an example. Pawtucket Rhode Island, 7.5 million dollars in the red, builds a skate park with stimulus money.

California alone has a 40, yes forty, percent unemployment rate. Two Out Of Five Californians Jobless.

Personally, I have a problem with the Bureau Of Labor Statistic's numbers. 40% of California's population is around 14.7 million people. So, according to their numbers, unemployment in the rest of the country must be at zero.

Can anyone explain the discrepancy?

Where is that incessant drumbeat from the media concerning Obama. A guy who doesn't even know how many states there are in the country he governs.



I'm no fan of Bush The Second (or even Bush The First), but this exercise in the power of propaganda from this oligarchy that controls everything from the media to the court systems is simply outrageous. The dog and pony show will only distract people so long.

The town of Manteca here in the San Joaquin Valley sends out 1800 disconnect notices for utilities every month. Some people catch up, but many don't. What is going to happen this winter when people can't pay for heat?

Remember this? 93 Year Old Freezes To Death In Home

The voice over goes on to talk about "increased unrest, rioting, and a growing number of militias and increased domestic terrorism."

SPLC: Return Of The Militias

The American Resistance Movement

SCOOP: Washington DC Protest Draws Tens Of Thousands <---New Zealand. Better Coverage than our own domestic press. NY Daily News: Rage Boils Over At Town Hall Meetings

Al Qaeda in Denver

The list can go on, but if you've been paying attention to what is going on, I don't think I need to add more examples.

The voice then goes on to describe a descent into martial law, and the nullification of the electoral process by the Supreme Court. What I found fascinating is the woman sitting among the justices looks surprisingly like Sotomayor.

California and Texas secede from the union following the nuking of Washington DC and the European Union's deployment of a "peacekeeping" force within the CONUS to look after its interests.

Guaranty Bank

Texas Roadways To Be Sold To Foreign Entities

List of Agricultural Areas held by foreign interests. pdf file download

There's more. Just go look.

Far fetched?



You be the judge

Oh, you did notice the sign on the podium at the beginning of the trailer, didn't you?

Intruder Killed With Samurai Sword

It is always good to have alternate means of self defense when confronted with an aggressor. When the subject of "self defense" is brought up, some immediately think of firearms, but here is an excellent example of what can be done with a cold piece of forged steel.




September 15, WBAL Baltimore, Md.

Good job kid. I hope you're not studying to be a surgeon. If you are, you might want to refine your technique.




September 16, WJZ13 Baltimore, Md

Whining from the "victim's" family. The guy had just been released from jail on Saturday and he's already out burglarizing people? Good Lord woman, if your brother had managed to kill someone, would you have been advocating capital punishment for him?

Probably not.




September 16, Associate Press Report

Justice is served, for once.

Read more in these related articles:

Sword-wielding Hopkins student kills intruder Baltimore Sun

Hopkins Student With Samurai Sword Kills Theft Suspect Washington Post

Now, maybe you better get busy building some off the books swords before registration and confiscation of assault swords begins.

How to make a sword from an automotive leaf spring.

Better explanation of hardening, annealing, and tempering leaf springs for swords. Links to other sites available here too.

I just have to wonder if you get leaf springs out of a Suzuki Samurai and build a sword, is it truly a Samurai Sword?

Nancy Pelosi: An Idiot For The Ages

Nancy Pelosi seems to think it is okay to equate those who oppose this nation's slide into socialism, and specifically a nationalized health care system, to people who murder.

Pelosi Says Anti-Obama Rhetoric Sounds Familiar

Emotional Pelosi: Anger Over Health Care "Very Frightening"

Yes, Nancy. It is very frightening isn't it?

You never suspected that a majority of Americans would stand up and tell you to shut the hell up and sit down.

"I have concerns about some of the language that is being used because I saw this myself in the late '70s in San Francisco," Pelosi, the House Speaker, said, according to the Associated Press. "This kind of rhetoric was very frightening" and created a climate in which violence took place, she said.

Nancy, I was there too. I watched it all unfold.

I don't see any similarity between a very small and vocal group advocating that government step in and grant them special privileges and protections and a very large group telling the government to get the **ck out of our lives and our wallets.

People of your ilk always hearken back to the 70's and early 80's when there were games like "Smear The Queer" and pastimes like "Gay Bashing". Then you have to blow it all out of proportion and use it to try and cow your opposition.

Do you really think any of us will accept responsibility for the criminal actions of a few? Do you really think that any of us think we are somehow responsible for any of those, let me spell it out for you, Nancy - i-n-d-i-v-id-u-a-l - actions? I spelled that out for you Nancy, because you seem to only know the word c-o-l-l-e-c-t-i-v-i-s-m which is anathema to any free people.

I'm not part of your collective. I'm not part of your collective guilt.

Let's not forget that it was a two way street as well. Remember "Breeder" and other slurs generated by the gay community? The acts of terrorism perpetrated by gays? The church takeovers, the spraying of possibly HIV positive blood?

Of course you don't Nancy, it doesn't fit your agenda.

The only people I see engaged in perpetrating acts of violence today Nancy, are your supporters.

Shut the hell up and sit down.

ALIPAC: Obama Must Apologize

Rising Calls for President Obama To Apologize For Lie To The Nation

Posted on Monday, September 14 @ 10:14:03 CDT
Topic: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC

Americans for Legal Immigration PACALIPAC NOTE: This release is being sent to tens of thousands of press sources in America today. Please forward and post copies and send them to your favorite media personalities.

--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2009

CONTACT: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC ALIPAC
WilliamG@alipac.us, (866) 703-0864

The national non-partisan immigration enforcement organization known as ALIPAC is calling on President Barack Obama to publicly apologize to the Congress, media, and the entire nation for lying about illegal immigrants having access to health care reform benefits.

"Considering the large volume of evidence suggesting President Obama lied in his speech before Congress, he should follow Congressman Joe Wilson's example and apologize immediately," said William Gheen of ALIPAC. "Many people feel Joe Wilson was rude, but that is pale by comparison to the President of the United States of America intentionally lying to Congress, the media, and every American."


Obama's claim that illegal aliens would not be covered by his health care reform plans have been disproved by the lack of enforcement measures in HR 3200, Democrat party line votes blocking any enforcement amendments to the bills, the fact that the US Senate is now moving to close loopholes Obama said did not exist, and the Congressional Research Service analysis showing Obama's comments to be incorrect.

Further evidence that Obama intends to offer these benefits to illegal aliens are found in the fact his initial national estimates of the number of uninsured in America included over 6.6 million uninsured illegal aliens.

President Obama also told Katie Couric in a recent interview he plans to push for a "path to citizenship" for illegal aliens and that would qualify them for all taxpayer benefits and American jobs.

The Congressional Research Service analysis notes "that most of the language in the main House bill does not include illegals -- but has few mechanisms for enforcing this. The bill's individual mandate to get coverage does include illegals." (Investor's Business Daily, 9/11/2009)

A recent Rasmussen poll showed that 83% of Americans oppose taxpayer health care benefits for illegal aliens in the United States.

Congressman Joe Wilson has announced that he will not apologize again for his comments and FOX News is reporting the Congressman's website is under Cyber attack after raising close to 1 Million dollars in the few days following his "You Lie!" outburst.

"President Obama came to power asking Americans to BELIEVE in what he was saying and that belief has given way to 'YOU LIE'," said William Gheen. "Every American, regardless of their race, political party, or stances on health care reform or illegal immigration suffers when a sitting President lies to the nation."

The recent dust up between Congressman Joe Wilson and President Obama is leading to more immigration enforcement in the US Senate, where Democratic leaders are rushing to close the loopholes that Obama claimed did not exist. Wilson's 'YOU LIE' comment may have also stymied US Senator Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) plan to introduce Comprehensive Immigration Reform AMNESTY legislation this past week. The Obama administration cannot promote Amnesty on top of health care reform, without making the President's recent lie more obvious.

"Over time the truth will get out there and Obama's support levels will fall even more just like Bush," said William Gheen. "Obama just lied about his illegal alien weapons of mass job destruction."

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC) is a non-partisan, mulit-ethnic, national grass roots organization fighting against amnesty and illegal immigration that has endorsed the campaigns of Congressman Joe Wilson since 2004. ALIPAC's supporters are calling their members of Congress today to request pressure for Obama to apologize.

ALIPAC's comments on the Wilson Vs. Obama conflict appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Congressional Quarterly, and National Public Radio.

For more information or to schedule interviews please visit www.alipac.us

###

Paid for by Americans for Legal Immigration AMERICANS FOR LEGAL IMMIGRATION PAC
Post Office Box 30966, Raleigh, NC 27622-0966
Tel: (919) 787-6009 Toll Free: (866) 703-0864
FEC ID: C00405878

DISCUSS THIS RELEASE WITH OUR ONLINE ACTIVISTS AT...
http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-170804.html

NOTE FROM CATMAN: ALIPAC did not pay for the posting of this missive.

GreenPowerScience - YouTube Channel

This video is an example of the type of information found at this channel:



Sorry about having to rely extensively on YouTube to provide content. Things have been busy.

Visit the GreenPowerScience channel at:

Green Power Science

Obama Ups Exports Of Advanced Armaments

Why am I not surprised?

Nothing like giving away the store.

Reuters is reporting that a Boeing executive has stated that Obama's administration is issuing export permits more readily than the administration of Bush The Second.

Read the entire article at Reuters' site: Here

Casa D' Ice

There's this place in North Versailles, Pennsylvania called Casa D' Ice.

It looks like a rockin' good place to hang out. If I ever get back to Pennsylvania I'm going to make it a point to stop in at this place and support the guy behind these fabulous signs!


I think I'll buy a shirt with one of his signs printed on it.

Go by his site, and take a peak at all of the signs he's put up over the years.



Casa D' Ice

Then And Now: Make Mine Freedom

That was then.



This is now.

Hardwired Key Stroke Loggers In New Laptops?

I flipped out when I read this:

Government And Computer Manufacturers Caught Installing Keystroke Loggers Into All New Laptops

Personally, I haven't bought a laptop in several years. We're supposed to be issued new laptops at work in a couple of months.

You can bet I will be opening mine up to check this out.

I'm very curious if employers are able to access these devices, or if they are aware that they are being factory installed.

If you have recently purchased a laptop, and you are technically inclined to do a partial disassembly, I'm sure many many of us would be very interested in what you find.

The Keyghost keylogger referenced in the article is used in some office environments. Where I have seen them used is primarily where there isn't a dedicated IT staff onsite. You may want to check out your keyboard and see if your office PC is outfitted with one.

Most people don't realize that these things can be used for "personal espionage" as well. Have a fellow employee or supervisor you don't get along with? Afraid you're going to be terminated?

Well, steal everyone's personal IT credentials via a keylogger and create havoc via the wireless connection from outside the building.

I'm not advocating that you do anything illegal. I'm just trying to get you to think outside the box.

Kinda like these guys below:




Courtesy of CBS 3 Philadelphia, PA.

September 11, 2001 - In Memoriam

I remember turning on my radio that morning as I watched the wild turkeys make their way through the tall grass on the hillside.

Then came the story of a plane having hit the World Trade Center just a few moments before.

I thought they meant a small plane.

When I started shaving, more details came through, and I thought "Christ!" and ran down stairs to turn on the TV.

I watched the second plane slam into the other tower.

It's strange how some things stick with you over the years and affect you on the anniversary.

May God bless the people who died that day, and may God bless America.

I leave you with the second verse of a poem, "In Memoriam" Alfred Lord Tennyson. The link will take you to the entire poem.

I think it does well to illustrate the honor, and humanity of those who made great sacrifices that day and where we, as a nation and a people, are this day.

I held it truth, with him who sings
To one clear harp in divers tones,
That men may rise on stepping-stones
Of their dead selves to higher things.

But who shall so forecast the years
And find in loss a gain to match?
Or reach a hand thro' time to catch
The far-off interest of tears?

Let Love clasp Grief lest both be drown'd,
Let darkness keep her raven gloss:
Ah, sweeter to be drunk with loss,
To dance with death, to beat the ground,

Than that the victor Hours should scorn
The long result of love, and boast,
"Behold the man that loved and lost,
But all he was is overworn."

Debtors Revolt

She may have a very good point.

Some of us may be able to join her. All of us can simply refuse to do business with them, and just pay off our debts, and go back to cash.

Tons Of Work

Sorry folks,

I've been buried with work, and haven't had time to work up any posts.

I'm feeling nostalgic for the 80's and the Beach Boys. You don't have to be a surfer to love surf style music. I guess its because I've been listening to the Beach Boys, Van Halen, Dio, and Y&T while I've been working.

Most people don't equate the 80's and The Beach Boys, so here's a little tune you may have missed.




Getcha Back, Beach Boys, 1985

Man, I miss the old MTV.

Links Of Interest For The Shooter

I'm beat. Work was a bear today, and tomorrow promises more of the same.

I'm posting a few links that you might find of interest:

Hot Tips & Cold Shots: Wisdom From The Sniper Country Duty Roster

Archived information posted by members on everything from selecting muzzle breaks / flash hiders, weapons, and even the effects of temperature on ammunition performance.

Shooting Times: Ballistic Tables and Ballistic Charts

No frills ballistic tables for your favorite caliber.

RifleShooter: Ballistics For Dummies

A VERY GOOD article to teach folks about ballistics. Cuts through all the crap.

Blackhawk Shooting Tips: Todd Jarrett Clicking on the link will bring up the entire series.



A series brought to you by MyOutdoorTV Channel on YouTube.

Army Pro Shooting Tips Clicking on the link will bring up the entire series.




A series brought to you by MyOutdoorTV Channel on YouTube.

MyOutdoorTV has videos featuring tips and techniques on everything from deer hunting, to turkey hunting. We can all watch the last one and take a trip to DC.

So, swing by and take a look at the offerings. I'm sure you'll find something informative, and enjoyable.

Getting Ready To Run: Avoid Optical Brighteners

Many blogs have talked about what to have, and how to pack your bug out bag.

There's something else that is elemental that I think needs bringing to the foreground.

It's what you're wearing.

Many military people, hunters and outdoorsmen know about UV (ultraviolet) enhancers in laundry detergents. These chemicals are also called Optical Brighteners, or Optical Brightening Agents. These compounds absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit the light in the visible spectrum.



What this does is make your whites appear more white, and your colors appear brighter. The compounds do not actually make your clothes more white, or more bright, they just cause your clothing to emit more light giving the illusion of them being brighter and cleaner.

So, what does this have to do with you if you have to take to the hills?

You will stand out against the natural background of the environment in the right conditions if you're wearing clothing treated with Optical Brightening Agents.

Have you ever noticed as the day moves into dusk, and as things begin to fade into the darkness and become monochromatic, there's that guy running down the road in a white T-shirt that looks as bright as a 100 watt bulb?

What is happening is this. UV light, violet, and blue light (part of our Sun's spectrum of light) are easily scattered by what is found in the Earth's atmosphere. This is why our sky looks blue (for the most part). As the sun sets, UV light is still being reflected and scattered high in the atmosphere and actually illuminates the ground.

You just can't see it because the human eye can not react to that spectrum of light. But those optical brighteners are capturing that light and shifting it into the visible spectrum.

If you have your cammies on, you'll have nice bright cammies next to the background of your surroundings.

Even artificial light, such as flashlights and auto headlights, can have a UV component. There are specialty flashlights designed to emit only UV light. LED LENSER, a manufacturer of high quality UV LED flashlights, outlines benefits of a UV light.

Tracking a human in the brush is easier if they're glowing.

So, what do you do?

There are specialty fabric cleaners like Sport Wash available. Most Wal-Marts have it in their camping / sporting goods area. Some people have recommended using Ivory soap shavings. Soaps often do not have any optical brighteners in them, but they can fail to remove oils and can leave behind a fatty residue. Detergents are preferred for this reason.

The Army provides a very nice list of approved (does not contain optical brighteners) and non-approved (DOES contain optical brighteners) detergents at the Army Combat Uniform care site.

However, as we all know, manufacturers are always having to reformulate to meet various laws. So, the only really definite way to go is with Sport Wash.

Have at least one set of new clothes that you have washed with a product without optical brighteners. If you can't get a new set, wash a good serviceable set at least twice with a product that does not contain optical brighteners and then follow up with Sport Wash if possible. If not, then wash the items at least three times to try and remove as much of the brighteners as possible.

Pack them in such away that you can get to them quickly and easily.

DO NOT FORGET TO WASH YOUR UNDERGARMENTS in a similar fashion. If you can't get neutral colored underwear, buy some brown or dark green RIT Dye and dye a set at home.

Anything white really shows up in the woods, unless its snowing.

Nature calls, and you don't want to get caught with your pants down. Literally.

Self Defense Videos Online

Krav Maga (contact combat), is an Israeli tactical self defense system. Below are three videos, and a link to view more on line. Click here to locate a training facility near you.

How To Deal With A Gun In Your Face



More Detail On Above Technique



What To Do If You Are A Hostage




Visit YouTube and type in "Krav Maga" in the search box to view all the videos in the series plus more.