A Huckberry Christmas

Christmas is coming and probably faster than you'd like. I know that I still have quite a bit of shopping to do myself and after seeing the current deals on Huckberry, I may be shopping for myself!

Brett McKay from The Art of Manliness has jumped in and shared some of his top picks for deals on Huckberry and some are just too good to pass up. You'll have to login to view everything but I'm going to share what items that I'm currently lusting after.

Oh and one of the best parts about these deals?

// All AOM Holiday Shop orders guaranteed to reach you by December 24 or your money back. //

Poler Man Tent - $125

I don't currently have a Poler tent so I can't speak on the exact quality but all signs to point yes if you are in search of camp vibes. This company is certainly one to follow if you haven't been already. I recommend checking them out on Twitter and Tumblr.

PocketToolX Brewzer - $10

It's important for me to be the guy that others turn to when in need. I enjoy acting like Mary Poppins as I pull some much needed oddity out of my bag while still being fast and lite. The Brewzer is the super simple lightweight multi-tool I need. 

Trek Light Double Hammock - $56

I use my hammock just about everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I've enjoyed a few lunch breaks from the 12th floor rooftop at work using only two well spaced trees in planters. If you're looking for a different way to spend your weekend than deepening the dip in your couch, pick one of these up.

Sawyer Squeeze Filter Kit - $39 

During a past Huckberry deal, I purchased this filtration kit from Sawyer and couldn't be happier with it. It's lightweight, easy to use, and super portable; you can't ask for much more.

SlantShack Jerky - $22

Who doesn't like beef jerky? Ok, there may be a few of you but still, I love beef jerky and this stuff looks delicious! I also like how they have both grain fed and grass fed jerky though I don't know if there are any taste differences...

Rite in the Rain Journal Kit - $25

In the past, I've used Moleskine and Field Notes notebooks primarily. But neither are able to withstand the elements like Rite in the Rain. The fact they throw in a space pen should be enough of a reason to jump on this deal. 

Retrospec Bikes [Not part of the 'Art of Manliness Holiday Shop']

Millenium

Red+Black

Retrospec currently has a dozen or so different models of bikes on Huckberry but two have really caught my eye. I love the colors and look of the Millenium and the Red+Black. At $250, these boutique bikes are a steal. 

These deals won't last forever so you better act fast. The clock is ticking at 12 days left. 

Anything on Huckberry catch your eye? 

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/j4RvW

When you sign up using my link, I get credit on the site once you make your first purchase. 

All photos are property of Huckberry Co. and only used for illustration.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

Photo by connect7

There are a ton of good deals out there with 42" TV's going down to $200 and Xbox's down to $150 but you'll have to check your local flyers for those. I like the deals I can work while sitting in bed on my laptop. 

Here are my picks:

Tactical Distributors

• 25% and Free Shipping
• Code: THANKS

Silencerco

• 25% off everything
• Code: BLACKFRIDAY

1Password

• 50% off all apps

ITS Tactical

• 15% off everything
• and 'Cyber Monday Blow Out'
• Code: WALKTHEPLANK

GORUCK

• Free GR TAC hat for the first 20 gift card purchases over $100

iOS Apps

• Over 200 apps reduced or free.

*Survival Straps

• 10% off
• Code: CYBER

*Poler

• 15% off everything
• Free shipping (lower 48)
• No sales tax

Another list of deals for the tactically/outdoor minded can be found on ITS Tactical. 

Do you have any specific deals you are interested in?

*Updated

Being Nitpicky about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

I recently bought Modern Warfare 3 because I'm a huge fan of the Call of Duty franchise but more specifically, I love the Modern Warfare series.

[For some reason, I don't like the Treyarch versions of CoD.]

If you're looking for a review, here it is:

It's good and I recommend getting it. Some people say it's just like MW2 and I think that's mostly true but MW2 was really good also. New weapons, refreshed maps, a snappier feel, all reasons to join the fight.

Read on to hear my gripes* about the game. (*Spoiler alert, it's really just for fun and these things don't truly bother me. Well... maybe a little.)

Ok now that my official review is out, let me get picky. I haven't been around guns my whole life but I know enough that they could have hired me as a consultant and the game would have been 83% better.

Select Fire on Assault Rifles

They don't let you select fire on the assault rifles. In real life, rifles like the FN SCAR and Remington ACR allow semi auto or full auto fire but in the game they just allow full auto. Having the ability to change in game would allow greater control and accuracy as well as adding realism to the game.

SCAR-L

ACR 6.8

Ballistic Vests

One of the kill streak rewards is the use of ballistic vests. When you acquire one of these vests, your vision gains a slight yellowish tinted vignette. Does this usually happen when you wear a ballistic vest? No. What does happen is that the added weight could slow you down. Why not make the downside of the vest use a slower sprint speed or decreased sprint distance?

Not Wearing a Ballistic Vest

Wearing a Ballistic Vest

Sprinting with a Light Machine Gun

With some of these light machine guns weighing as much as 20 pounds (not including ammo), they still allow you to spring quite a bit. I guess that they still slow you down when compared to the SMG's but I imagine it would be more realistic if they slowed you down further. These are some heavy guns!

Shoulder Firing .50 caliber Sniper Rifle

You'll see a ton of people in multiplayer firing multiple times on body sized targets (other players) while standing or even moving with the Barrett. That's just not accurate. Also, the bipods on these rifles should be functional for times when going prone to take a shot. 

Kel-Tec KSG 

The Kel-Tec KSG was new at SHOT Show this year and as cool as it is, I don't want to use it in Modern Warfare 3. It has 2 tubes that can each hold 7 rounds. The idea is that you can have 7 rounds of buck shot in one tube and 7 rounds of slugs in the other. That allows you to engage targets in close quarters and at a considerable distance through the use of a red dot sight. This could have been a great gun in the game but they don't allow you to change ammunition types.

Hybrid Sight

The hybrid sight offers horrible sight picture all around. In the real world this could be very useful even though it has some downsides (getting caught on entryways when flipped out). Look at the comparison of the various sights in MW3 and take note of the bottom two photos which is the hybrid sight in it's two stages.

(click to embiggen)

Suppressors for Shotguns

Ok, these 'do' exist but I don't think they should be included in the game unless they allow you to use slugs in the shotgun. I am really not an expert in this field but I don't think a suppressor would work with buck shot due to so many projectiles. Like I said, it's something that is possible in the real world but not so much that it's mainstream.

Conclusion

It's just a game and I like to find stuff to be picky about. You really should buy it.  <-- Amazon Affiliate Link

Let me know if you have any gripes about it because I'm sure I'm not alone and there probably some things I've missed.

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/n8yKS

Video of my recent gameplay: 

150 Years of Printing History

The U.S. Government Printing Office's 150th Anniversary History Exhibit may be small but it has a few tricks up it's sleeve. I recommend stopping by if you are in the area of Union Station because it's only a block or two away and can be a quick tour if you don't have a lot of time. 

Once inside you'll find yourself surrounded by all kinds of historical documents. I can see how the Government Printing Office would be overlooked by most people. In fact, I initially considered them as just a giant Kinko's FedEx Office.

This post is going to be very short so enjoy the photos and go have a look for yourself. 

My favorite part of the exhibit was the original printed copy of the preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation. Very cool to see up close.

'Boring' Details:

Government Printing Office

732 North Capitol Street NW

Washington, DC 

Distance from office: 0.1 miles

Door to door time: 5 minutes

Tour time: 50 minutes

Transportation used: Walked

Cost: Free

Notes:

- Metal detectors (allot a few extra minutes) so leave your knife at home.

- They've crammed a lot of history into such a small exhibit. It's worth going back to read all of the details.

But wait, there's more...

Photos on Picasa.

Short URL: http://goo.gl/e88ow

A view of the District from the Old Post Office Tower

The Old Post Office Tower seemed to be the perfect lunch time tour spot. It was far enough away from the office that I felt like I was in a completely new place yet also perfectly accessible from the Metro which should minimize transportation time. I've heard it is the third highest building in the area and offers quite the view from it's 270 foot observation deck. I wanted to check things out for myself. 

There are [at least] two different exits from the Metro station and I took the one that was farther away; not by choice. Still, getting to the front door of the Old Post Office was only a couple of blocks away.

  

Once inside, I had to snake my way through the first floor and the food court to reach the series of elevators that would take me to the top. You have to change elevators because there isn't just one that goes straight up and you also have the option to seeing the Congress Bells. 

Once at the top, you have a very good view of the city in all directions. There are metal cables in place (and plexiglass) but that doesn't really hinder your photos of you're careful. Just don't drop your phone over te edge, it probably won't survive the fall. 

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Old Post Office Tower, I highly recommend it. If anything, it's a chance to grab some cool photos of an often overlooked landmark.   

Interesting Facts:

• The Congress Bells have their own level.
• Replicas of the bells in Westminster Abbey
• The bells ring in honor of the opening and closing of Congress and on state occasions, including all national holidays.

• Was the largest government building in the District of Columbia at the turn of the century and the first with a clock tower.
• One of the city's first steel frame buildings with a granite skin covering the steel to fireproof it.
• The electric power plant, capable of driving 3,900 lights, was the first to be installed in a district building.
• Construction began 1892 and completed 1899.

'Boring' Details:

Old Post Office Tower

12th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, DC 

Distance from office: 1.5 miles

Door to door time: 55 minutes

Tour time: 10 minutes

Transportation used: Metro

Cost: Free

Notes:

- Metal detectors (allot a few extra minutes) so leave your pocket knife at home.

- Total height is 315 feet with the observation level at 270 feet. 

But wait, there's more...

Photos on Picasa.
Short URL: http://goo.gl/v2deJ

GORUCK Challenge is back in DC

The GORUCK Challenge is back in the nation's capital but won't be around again until June. There are a few more spots available for the Sunday December 11th class and you need to act fast.

Photo by GORUCK

Since you are signing up late, the price is now $160 but I can hook up with a discount code worth $20. Just promise next time to sign up further in advance! Challenges are best when shared with friends so grab a couple and get them in on this deal.

Also, $140 may sound like a lot but you're actually getting a lot more in return. Challenges are full day affairs with plenty of time to hang out with your team before or after in the form of a 'ruckoff.' Once you complete your Challenge, you'll join the exclusive GORUCK Tough community and receive invitations to upcoming events such as Ascent, Beached, and Scavenger.

Photo by GORUCK

If you're in the DC Metro area, Balance Gym will help you get prepared physically and I highly recommend reading this post for more prep tips in general. As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Resources:

• Official Event Page
• Facebook Event Page (get to know your team)
• Registration (don't forget to email me for the promo code)

Contact Me:

• Email: mikepetrucci+goruck [at] gmail [dot] com
• Twitter: @mikepetrucci

But wait, there's more...

Short URL: http://goo.gl/zGleZ