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Welcome => GrogHeads Feedback => Topic started by: bayonetbrant on January 04, 2016, 11:22:55 AM

Title: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 04, 2016, 11:22:55 AM
First column is up (http://grogheads.com/?p=9648).  Your thoughts below.  Or not.  Whatevs...   8)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 04, 2016, 11:52:41 AM
 O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Bison on January 04, 2016, 01:48:19 PM
So basically this is Brant's diary made public.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: airboy on January 04, 2016, 02:04:17 PM
Brant - your analysis of the typical person who reads and contributes to the site are on the money.

If you want to be a writer, you have to write.  That is one of the reasons why I'm going to leave management.  I want more time to write.

Last, has the amazon links return rate picked up since your "keeping the lights on" plea went out?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on January 04, 2016, 02:09:41 PM
Good stuff Brant. Look forward to more. O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bob48 on January 04, 2016, 02:24:37 PM
I fully concur with my learned colleagues.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 04, 2016, 02:48:06 PM
Quote from: Bison on January 04, 2016, 01:48:19 PM
So basically this is Brant's diary made public.

Not quite, but yeah, it's going to be a lot of my personal thoughts rather than more 'formal' news coverage.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Jarhead0331 on January 04, 2016, 03:47:50 PM
Great entry for the column.

I did get a chuckle over your acknowledgment that you're not "the guy that runs GrogHeads", yet you still signed off as "Bayonet 06". Teehee.  :2funny:
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 04, 2016, 04:11:03 PM
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on January 04, 2016, 03:47:50 PM
Great entry for the column.

I did get a chuckle over your acknowledgment that you're not "the guy that runs GrogHeads", yet you still signed off as "Bayonet 06". Teehee.  :2funny:

I run BayonetGames.  I didn't sign off as GrogHeads 06 ;)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Pinetree on January 04, 2016, 04:13:06 PM
I'm impressed. You used "cognizant" in a paragraph so casually it looked like you actually knew what you were doing with it. O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 04, 2016, 08:55:29 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2FCheerleaderSplits_zpskyte5iqi.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=6e862644960cb97d8fba4300cd110ba7350bf263)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 04, 2016, 10:27:43 PM
I have *never* been remotely that limber...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Windigo on January 05, 2016, 11:24:35 AM
So I finally came up from the forum dungeon to investigate the mythical front pages, lured by the tracer rounds clickbait... glad I did. Writers psuedo-catharsis is usually quite good and yours in your inaugural column, did not disappoint.

Despite the glare of that annoying yellow sphere in the sky, I will regularly climb from the forum dungeon to the front page if only to read the column.



De limo formasti ad sidera explicarique
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on January 05, 2016, 09:24:42 PM
That's some pretty alright stuff there, Brant.  I look forward to the upcoming brain droppings.  And the tunes.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Sir Slash on January 06, 2016, 11:13:40 AM
I came to Grogs to get honest feedback about the games I wanted to play or not play and have not found anywhere a more complete and honest opinions of all aspects of gaming as well as damned-good fun to boot. This place is part Smithsonian and part Tatooie Cantina but always worth the time.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 12, 2016, 08:25:08 AM
new one was up yesterday for your amusement and/or criticism :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 12, 2016, 10:14:45 AM
Good stuff Brant. I'm going to steal your ideas for my own classroom methods kit bag  O0.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on January 12, 2016, 09:14:59 PM
You said in the article that the fourth use of wargaming, the people weren't being graded on it.  But, there were various foreign nationals in the program.  Is it possible that, while not being graded, their responses were 'filed away for later use?' 


I liked the song.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2016, 03:47:49 PM
New one today
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on January 18, 2016, 07:12:03 PM
Where?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2016, 07:17:30 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on January 18, 2016, 07:12:03 PM
Where?

Who knows
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on January 18, 2016, 07:18:05 PM
Nicely done, Brant.  Love Civ, too.  And just about any game that can give me a good Civ 'feeling.'
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Martok on January 18, 2016, 07:19:55 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2016, 03:47:49 PM
New one today
Nice!  I have to ask, though:  Any love for space/fantasy 4x games as well, or are you mostly a sucker for historical 4x titles (ala the Civilization franchise)?  Just curious. 

Of course when it comes to tabletop 4x games, my favorite will probably always be Twilight Imperium, despite its complexity and the ridiculous amount of time it takes to play. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 18, 2016, 09:53:47 PM
never been a big sucker for the space games, but I think that's largely from not playing/being exposed to them much.  But I've always been more fantasy/history inclined (in all my gaming) than sci-fi inclined, even tho I read a lot of sci-fi books.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on January 21, 2016, 08:38:46 AM
Brant, saw this today about wargaming at the Naval Postgraduate School and thought of your second Tracer Rounds article:

http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/20/wargaming-is-alive-and-well-at-nps/?platform=hootsuite (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/20/wargaming-is-alive-and-well-at-nps/?platform=hootsuite)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 21, 2016, 05:44:14 PM
Quote from: Airborne Rifles on January 21, 2016, 08:38:46 AM
Brant, saw this today about wargaming at the Naval Postgraduate School and thought of your second Tracer Rounds article:

http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/20/wargaming-is-alive-and-well-at-nps/?platform=hootsuite (http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2016/01/20/wargaming-is-alive-and-well-at-nps/?platform=hootsuite)

Thanks - I actually know a few of the wargame guys there.  One of them was the S1 in my ARNG BN back in CA.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 25, 2016, 03:54:29 PM
It's Monday.  It's Tracer Rounds.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on January 25, 2016, 07:46:28 PM
Ha! Great piece..... that's exactly how I feel when you want me to write a review. I thought it was just me being lazy.  :P
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on January 25, 2016, 07:56:05 PM
Nicely done, Brant.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: James Sterrett on January 25, 2016, 08:19:11 PM
"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead."
Gene Fowler

Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on January 25, 2016, 08:28:33 PM
Quote from: James Sterrett on January 25, 2016, 08:19:11 PM
"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead."
Gene Fowler

O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Double Deuce on January 26, 2016, 08:31:12 AM
So glad I'm not the only one with the Christmas Tree till up . . . .   
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on January 26, 2016, 08:50:14 AM
Ours came down this past Sunday. O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 01, 2016, 01:39:12 PM
So is the military serious about the wargaming resurgence?  Hmmmm...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 08, 2016, 11:10:47 AM
yes, you have to go to the front page to read today's column.  waaaah.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Martok on February 09, 2016, 01:20:40 AM
Interesting article; it's one that I strongly identify with. 

To my complete lack of surprise, I scored an 84 on that Impostor test.  :-\ 

Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on February 09, 2016, 11:19:35 AM
Interesting stuff. I think it changes with age. If I had taken that test in my 30's, even after having had several very different successful jobs, I would have scored much higher than I just did now.... 39.
Turning 50 also gives you a lot of perspective on things. I now know and can accept that I've worked hard to gain all the engineering knowledge that other people/companies want and need.

Still... sometimes when I'm giving a design review talk in front of a bunch of PHD physicists... it's odd to realize that they are hanging on my every word and respect/believe what I'm saying.


But isn't the other side of this conceit? Is someone who scores 20 a conceited basturd?  ???
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 09, 2016, 11:32:19 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 09, 2016, 11:19:35 AMIs someone who scores 20 a conceited basturd?  ???

Probably - got anyone specific in mind?  ;)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on February 09, 2016, 11:36:30 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on February 09, 2016, 11:32:19 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 09, 2016, 11:19:35 AMIs someone who scores 20 a conceited basturd?  ???

Probably - got anyone specific in mind?  ;)

No one you know..... probably....  ;)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on February 09, 2016, 07:13:27 PM
Thank God I scored a 39, too!
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Boggit on February 09, 2016, 09:22:18 PM
There is always room to learn something new, and never be afraid to take advice. 99% of the time it is well meant, 70% of the time it is on the money but you couldn't see it before it was said... at least in my limited experience. ^-^
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: LongBlade on February 10, 2016, 04:46:37 PM
I think it's funny he invokes my name - it's like he thinks if he writes it often enough I'll appear like Beetlejuice.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2016, 03:44:58 PM
Today, we get cultural.  How do your experiences match up?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on February 15, 2016, 10:45:30 PM
Awesome column, Brant!  And I liked the video at the end.  Just watched that particular one Saturday morning.  You're spot on about the plot AND the dancing.  That's some great choreography!
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2016, 11:11:29 PM
Thanks. I'm just glad someone is reading
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on February 15, 2016, 11:14:11 PM
Haven't missed one yet.  It's interesting to watch someone brain dump.  Especially if it's coherent and has a point.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 16, 2016, 11:07:53 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on February 15, 2016, 11:14:11 PMEspecially if it's coherent and has a point.

you're setting the bar kinda high for me to aspire to, dude...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on February 17, 2016, 06:51:46 AM
You're doing just fine :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 19, 2016, 10:22:34 AM
another follow-up to uses of wargaming in the military
https://paxsims.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/bar_165_web1a.pdf
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 22, 2016, 06:19:31 PM
dinner time reading for everyone...  see the front page :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Wes on February 22, 2016, 07:21:46 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on February 22, 2016, 06:19:31 PM
dinner time reading for everyone...  see the front page :)

This is what I am completely devoted to for the rest of my gaming time. I'm working on building a structure to bring in folks to the hobby through promotion of conflict games (which covers more area than many might think) and will be announcing as each part is finalized. This is what has sucked up all my time over the last 6 months (and kept me from posting as often here as I would like).

And 1? Just 1? I'm going after a whole demographic (currently numbered around 80 million). Go big or go home! :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 07, 2016, 01:59:29 PM
new column
http://grogheads.com/?p=10380
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 07, 2016, 11:12:58 PM
Oh yeah, and this week includes a poll :D
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on March 07, 2016, 11:17:28 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 07, 2016, 11:12:58 PM
Oh yeah, and this week includes a poll :D


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sitcomsonline.com%2Fphotopost%2Fdata%2F706%2FBM0151.jpg&hash=86e048ec9f4f77823e96be6a19d67d565f18fa0e)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bob48 on March 08, 2016, 02:23:55 PM
Did the poll. How many times did Vance vote, that's what I want to know :-(
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 08, 2016, 02:56:13 PM
Quote from: bob48 on March 08, 2016, 02:23:55 PM
Did the poll. How many times did Vance vote, that's what I want to know :-(

at least 8
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 15, 2016, 11:14:09 AM
Tracer Rounds talks about Origins
http://grogheads.com/?p=10420
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 21, 2016, 03:42:31 PM
Logistics & The Walking Dead in today's Tracer Rounds
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Airborne Rifles on March 21, 2016, 04:22:04 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 21, 2016, 03:42:31 PM
Logistics & The Walking Dead in today's Tracer Rounds

Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics  :)

I'll admit to being fascinated by military logistics. How, say, the Army of the Patomac was fed, clothed, supplied, and watered during the overland campaign is just plain interesting.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on March 21, 2016, 05:03:13 PM
+1 Logistics are fascinating.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bob48 on March 21, 2016, 05:17:34 PM
I remember seeing a photo of the supply train for just one corps of the AoP, and it was just columns of wagons that went on for miles. Also, the history of the USMRR is fascinating as well; old Herman Haupt was some character.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on March 21, 2016, 07:47:14 PM
I had no idea you were a Van fan, Brant!  Good on ya'!
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 21, 2016, 07:50:02 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on March 21, 2016, 07:47:14 PM
I had no idea you were a Van fan, Brant!  Good on ya'!

you've said that the last 3 times I talked about liking Van Morrison ;)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on March 21, 2016, 08:27:04 PM
Sorry  :-[ 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 28, 2016, 06:11:02 PM
next one's finally up...

http://grogheads.com/?p=10528
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on March 28, 2016, 07:48:39 PM
After listening to that song, I can see why The Connells never took over the world.  :P


I was bored as hell in school.  Would have loved to have some instruction in things I was interested in or accelerated teaching keyed to how fast I was grasping concepts.  But the world we live in can't allow that.  Too many people on the lower end of the spectrum to contend with.  And it's better that they have a vague idea of what is going on than trying to keep me engaged in doing schoolwork.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 28, 2016, 07:59:46 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on March 28, 2016, 07:48:39 PMAfter listening to that song, I can see why The Connells never took over the world.  :P

socket
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: OJsDad on March 28, 2016, 08:49:58 PM
Great write up Brant.  You're right, it was a little disjointed, but that just shows how complicated of a situation it is.

First, about me.  This may I'll be out of high school 29 years.  Like Brant, I'm a military brat of a 20 year Air Force  NCO.  I was never very interested in school, except for history.  So I was an average student at best.  I've got an associates degree in computer programming.  I spent the first 2 years out of college as a programmer then moved to being a DBA, networking, enterprise backups, workstations, server admin, etc.  I've worked for a law firm, and nursing home company, a manufacturing company, a hospital, and now for General Electrics Healthcare division.  My current position is helping customers get their new cardiovascular IT systems setup.  I no formal education in healthcare or most of the IT hats that I've worn, it's all been picked up on the job. 

I'm also starting my second term on our local school board.  Our school district has less than 600 students, all K-12 in one building.  There is also a pre-school class that is run by the county education service center.  Our special needs kids all go to another county school.  We utilize a city career center for our high school students that want to go that route.

Brant mixed in k-12 and post high school education together, and while some of the issues over lap, I think they really need to be broken into separate issues.  The biggest reason is that we have to decide what we want our k-12 school system to accomplish.  The simple answer is that we want it to be all things to all kids.  We want them to be baby sitters, we want them to teach our kids to read, write, and math.  We want them to make sure every student is ready for college, even though half of them have no interest in going to college or should be going to college.

The first two things that are needed is 1) admit that not everyone should go to college and 2) that not everyone should be allowed to stay in high school after they complete 9 grade as they tend to be nothing but a disruption to those that want to be there and 3) that are schools are there to educate, they're not equipped or funded to be a social welfare program.  You would be surprised at all of the things that politicians and Bureaucrats expect our primary education systems to take care of.   When I talk about the second group, I don't mean to kick kids out if they're not on a college track, but if they're actively disrupting the other students.

After those two issues are resolved, then you can start to fix weaknesses in the k-12 system.  Let me state here, our education system is as bad as the headlines claim.  The vast majority of our schools a doing a great job, but a few, mostly large urban districts, tend to put a shadow over all others.  But they all try to treat kids the same.  Probably after 8th grade, we've got to admit that little Jonny or Suzie aren't going to be a good candidate for college.  The problem isn't the kids agreeing with this, it's the parents.  Parents are many times their kids own worst enemy when it comes to education. 

I will disagree with Brant on minimum stands issues.  In Ohio those standards are moving up.  Some of this is good, some of this isn't so good.  Also, while I agree that we've gone overboard on testing, some of this has been caused by teachers and administrators not being honest on how well their students are really doing.  The politicians are getting the message that they went overboard, and are starting to pull back on some it.  Some of it is good though.  In Ohio, last year is was required that a third grader had to be reading at a third grade level before they could move on to 4th grade.  While this may sound harsh, if a student is reading at an early 3rd grade of late 2nd grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they're going to struggle going forward.  Because of this reading requirement, we've put more resources into getting students to that level.  We also started all day Kindergarten last year.  Still early to see how much that is helping, but we know the kids are getting more than double the time with teachers.

On the bad side, we're forcing our high school students to tracks to get them ready for college.  In Ohio, you have to complete algebra II to graduate high school.  Why?  I cannot explain to my son, who's in 6th grade and hates school, why he needs to know how to multiply mixed fractions.  My daughter is a freshman.  She wasn't ready to take algebra I this year, so the next three years she has to complete two levels of algebra and geometry without knowing if she'll ever get any use out of it at all when she gets out of school.  I never got through the first month of geometry in high school, but I seem to be getting by quite well without it.  Perhaps there will be parts of geometry or algebra II she'll need, but we can design classes to focus on those needs, not force them to take year long classes to keep someone employed or, better yet, allow them to use freed class time to work with the more advanced students with more advanced math, ie challenge and push them.

I think our k-12 education system does need to started as a general well rounded institution, but by the end of junior high, we should be breaking student out into college bound and career tech tracks. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 28, 2016, 09:00:27 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on March 28, 2016, 08:49:58 PMBrant mixed in k-12 and post high school education together, and while some of the issues over lap, I think they really need to be broken into separate issues. 

They totally do, but I didn't feel like writing 2 separate columns :D
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 28, 2016, 09:03:55 PM
Quote from: OJsDad on March 28, 2016, 08:49:58 PMI think our k-12 education system does need to started as a general well rounded institution, but by the end of junior high, we should be breaking student out into college bound and career tech tracks. 

The Germans do that starting around 4th or 5th grade
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: OJsDad on March 28, 2016, 09:51:54 PM
As for college, I had this thought reading your article Brant. 

Perhaps we need a short 2 year track for STEM field jobs.  They won't have that well rounded education (whatever that really means) when they graduated, but they may never really need it.  On the other hand, if they and or their employer decides they need a more rounded education for various career tracks, they can pick up the classes they need later, perhaps on their employers dime.

On the other hand, perhaps those on a more general education track, liberal arts, education, professional grad school tracks, should get the well rounded education from the start. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 30, 2016, 03:25:42 PM
I'm bummed no one caught onto the gag about the homework in Roman numerals.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MikeGER on April 01, 2016, 03:18:52 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 30, 2016, 03:25:42 PM
I'm bummed no one caught onto the gag about the homework in Roman numerals.

today ...do to the limited hit-counts of the column on the mystical frontpage "Tracer Rounds" get renamed to "The Duds"   












(https://smileyshack.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/th_6402.gif)  ^-^
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on April 03, 2016, 02:44:18 PM
Great read Brant  O0 this one caught my eye straight away as its dealing with education . I home schooled my daughter twice during her school days , and it wasn't a decision I took lightly . The first time she was age 6-7 , the second time she was age 15-17 . 

I don't think you always have to go down the conventional education route , some kids just don't do well within the education system for various reasons . I think some kids can't handle starting school at such a young age , just emotionally they aren't always ready at age 4 to start to deal with responsibilities that they may find daunting and then their  mind just automatically switches off towards learning anyway ! Sometimes I think there would be no harm starting to educate kids at an older age , say around age 7 , which is what happens in Cyprus , and from what I've seen works better .

I have nothing against education , in fact I think it's one of the most important things we do in life , and hopefully we never stop learning throughout  our lives . But education does NOT just happen in a class room setting , and there isn't one correct way to learn or teach , everyone is unique , why should a kid get labelled stupid if they're not keeping up with a system that hasn't taken their needs into account , maybe it's the teachers lack of ability to engage that child ,that's the problem , rather than that kid not being able to learn . Or maybe that kid needs a different teaching approach to learn the same thing as the rest of their class mates . No one is beyond being educated in my opinion , but sadly , "testing" becomes the only means of segregating children into clever or dumb , and from an early age all kids deemed "stupid " are cast aside and left to stumble through school because teachers assume , oh well they aren't going to make that much of themselves anyway . And I've seen this happen in education systems and it makes me furious !

When I went through school I was picked up at quite a young age as being "bright" .....which I think just means quick to catch on to something , but my friend who's "dumb" doesn't learn as fast , and now she has to go through the whole system for years being told she's stupid !!! When all she may have needed was more time/attention and a different approach to help her learn and understand the things that I understood quicker than her .

I'm not having a go at teachers , I think some do an awesome job and genuinely care about their students, those are the ones who feel they have a vocation not just a paying job , and they are the ones we remember , the ones who got excited with us whenever we made progress , and celebrated our successes with us , the ones who held our hands through the journey and cared about us beyond the walls of a class room . They are the unsung heroes of education , and they deserve a system that works just as much as students do :)

This is a complex subject I realise , but those are some of my thoughts :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 04, 2016, 11:18:07 AM
Poetry!

http://grogheads.com/?p=10670
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: JasonPratt on April 04, 2016, 02:07:43 PM
Haiku reviews!
(Counting the drifting dipthong,
that's five syllables.)

Genius idea!
And can serve double duty:
blurb material.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 06, 2016, 09:42:52 PM
One in particular...

Tank on Tank East Front (LNLP)
Sent out for review
Back before last Thanksgiving
Hey Mirth! Still waiting...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2016, 05:07:02 PM
So I have a feeling I just pissed off two thirds of the internet today. At least I accomplished something
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on April 11, 2016, 06:07:49 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2016, 05:07:02 PM
So I have a feeling I just pissed off two thirds of the internet today. At least I accomplished something


That was a kickass article you just wrote Brant , and drawing attention to this issue of women and gaming needs to piss people off otherwise how can things change ? I seriously applauded you for jumping feet first into a very sensitive subject and giving some very passionate and well thought through arguments  :)  well done for having the guts to speak out on not just the behalf of women , but for men like yourself who just don't want to be a part of the problem ,but a part of the solution . It's guys like you who will make sure women like me , and the women in your own family feel safe in a male dominated gaming environment . I have experienced sexual harassment in my life and honestly it was awful , the first job I had after leaving school , I had a job in a supermarket working as a cashier , and occasionally filling freezers with stock . I had the sleaziest manager EVER .....ugh , he was only 24 and I was 16 , but I used to feel sick going to work every morning because I knew he was there  . He used to ask us ( me and other young women who worked there ) to fill the freezers , and he'd sit across from us and watch us bending over to restock them .....ugh , he'd make very sexist comments , it got so bad I'd be checking for hidden cameras in the ladies bathroom , because honestly I wouldn't have put anything past this guy !!! I eventually left that job , I didn't complain to anyone about it because I was to afraid back then , but you can bet your ass if that happened to me now I'd have him hauled up before authorities quicker than he could say "I didn't touch her " !!!!!  :knuppel2:
I think the point I'm making is that a lot of us experience harassment, men as well as women , in any environment, home , work , school and other places that should be safe . But as long as there are people willing to stand up and say no , "this is not going to happen on my watch " , then there's hope that things can change for the better .
It's sad that as a society we are still having this conversation about women's rights  :-\  wouldn't it be nice if we could just get to a point were people just respect other people regardless of gender !! How many more bras need to be burned for this to happen  >:(
Anyway , well done Brant for broaching this subject and opening it up for debate  O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Cyrano on April 11, 2016, 09:24:38 PM
Long, long ago I told a female friend that any time her husband wanted to go to Historicon she should let him.  At no other convention was he less likely to meet unattached females.  It's changed a bit over the years, but I daresay we're still running north of 90%.  Tending to the shape of one's coat buttons prevents other inappropriate behavior, says I.

More seriously, I do not disbelieve what I hear, though I've rarely seen it, and am aghast at the behavior people I trust report.  If the behavior isn't criminal -- which some of what I've read certainly is -- it is profoundly ill-mannered and makes me wonder who is raising these hairless apes.  Seeing a pretty female in a scanty costume can, I suppose, be a challenge for the sexually underdeveloped, but that's nothing by way of excuse.  Besides, I'm now of an age where many of my friends have daughters in their teens and older, some of whom are deeply into cosplay and the like, and this only makes degenerate behavior of this sort all the more repellent.

Now I must needs file down some buttons.

Best,

Jim
"Cyrano"
GdB



Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Wes on April 11, 2016, 10:18:23 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2016, 05:07:02 PM
So I have a feeling I just pissed off two thirds of the internet today. At least I accomplished something

You have my vote for political office.

One of the best pieces I have read in ages and I could double the length of it with my own personal observations.

The entire reason I have stayed in table top gaming this time is to promote gaming to the demographics that are constantly pushed aside or told they don't exist (or worse).

I have watched how women and young people in general are ran off from the hobby and am devoted to helping as many as I can to find their place in it.

Thank you for writing what I've been wanting to scream for the past few years.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Arctic Blast on April 12, 2016, 01:06:30 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2016, 05:07:02 PM
So I have a feeling I just pissed off two thirds of the internet today. At least I accomplished something

Good job, brant. I could ramble on about how I agree with you, but I'll save everyone some time...this time.  O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2016, 05:31:21 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 12, 2016, 01:06:30 AMbut I'll save everyone some time...this time.  O0

pish.  go ahead - that's what the internet is for! ;)




thanks for the support, guys
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: James Sterrett on April 12, 2016, 07:57:21 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 11, 2016, 05:07:02 PM
So I have a feeling I just pissed off two thirds of the internet today. At least I accomplished something

O0  Speaking up is the start of changing the culture of putting up with this crap.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: OJsDad on April 12, 2016, 10:34:04 AM
I've read about a third of it and will finish the rest this week. Great job on what I've read so far.

In all seriousness, will Area 51 be shutdown here so as not to promote the sexualization women and war gaming.

Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2016, 10:43:13 AM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 12, 2016, 10:34:04 AMIn all seriousness, will Area 51 be shutdown here so as not to promote the sexualization women and war gaming.

Probably not, given that it's a request-only area where we park limited-access forums, like the writer's area and the discussion area for the moderation team.  Those areas have limited member-only access, but we're hardly the only site that does that.  The writer's area, for example, is where we schedule what's coming up and keep the team coordinated on article due dates (and then laugh and ignore them as the whiz on by).
But the Lingerie Channel was a topic I knew would come up.  Bottom line is this: there's really no prohibition against women joining in the fun, if they want, and posting whatever laddie pics they desire.  We just haven't had anyone ask about it.  If someone does, then sure, we'll set something up for them.  But there's also a world of difference between looking at someone (rather the point of cosplay, no?) and inappropriately / unwantedly (is that a word?) getting handsy with someone.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Steelgrave on April 12, 2016, 10:49:46 AM
Brant,

Simply an outstanding column. Well done. I applaud the honesty and thoughtfulness you put into your words and I hope other denizens of the internet take notice in a positive way.

Failing that....we got your back.  O0

And check your PM's please.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on April 12, 2016, 12:01:24 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 12, 2016, 10:43:13 AM
Quote from: OJsDad on April 12, 2016, 10:34:04 AMIn all seriousness, will Area 51 be shutdown here so as not to promote the sexualization women and war gaming.

Probably not, given that it's a request-only area where we park limited-access forums, like the writer's area and the discussion area for the moderation team.  Those areas have limited member-only access, but we're hardly the only site that does that.  The writer's area, for example, is where we schedule what's coming up and keep the team coordinated on article due dates (and then laugh and ignore them as the whiz on by).
But the Lingerie Channel was a topic I knew would come up.  Bottom line is this: there's really no prohibition against women joining in the fun, if they want, and posting whatever laddie pics they desire.  We just haven't had anyone ask about it.  If someone does, then sure, we'll set something up for them.  But there's also a world of difference between looking at someone (rather the point of cosplay, no?) and inappropriately / unwantedly (is that a word?) getting handsy with someone.


Thought I'd just add something else to the mix after reading your comments here Brant  :) men and women are gonna be looking at each other and checking each other out , I ain't got no problem with that at all :) I just wanted to make clear that the reason I felt haressed at work , was because the manager was in a position of power and authority and he completely abused his position by asking us ladies to do something for his viewing pleasure that we really had no choice in , couldn't really say no , and to young , afraid to confront his behaviour . If I'd have been bending over and he just happened to walk past and check me out , well that's normal . But this guy was deliberately setting up situations that put him in control and made us powerless  >:( 
I'm not in any ,way, shape or form accusing men of sexual harassment if they're just checking a lady out !!!! ......sheesh , half the planet would be in trouble  :D but I hope you can see my point here , that although the guy never actually touched ( although he did try to do that in ways that came across as innocent ...shudder ) what he did was totally inappropriate , in how he set all of this up  >:(
I hope all of that makes sense !!! I have a lot of male friends and family members , and I am in no way "anti-male " .....lol  :D 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bob48 on April 12, 2016, 12:27:35 PM
A very thought provoking article, Brant.

My missus, who has run a WoW guild for around 6 years now, has come across this sort of thing from some players, to the extent that she has been forced to ban a few due to their attitude, not only to her, but to other female guild members.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on April 12, 2016, 08:44:43 PM
Well said, Brant!  My daughter is the impetus for our current D&D game night.  Her best friend's husband and her best friend were the first recruits.  Since then, we've added some guys I used to work with until we have six players and a DM.  So far, the two girls don't like the brother of one of my former work friends.  They think he's creepy.  I think he's just a bit socially awkward and doesn't know how to act around females.  I have observed nothing overt, but, I am on watch for any potential behavior that needs addressed.  I suspect, knowing both women, that they would put him in his place much faster, and better, than I ever could. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Arctic Blast on April 13, 2016, 10:31:18 PM
Another similar article posted by Ken Burnside (Ad Astra Games) that was pretty well put together : https://medium.com/@ken.burnside/for-good-men-to-see-nothing-c1be3e65c52f#.hdz421h6d

Basically : Of course we aren't all sex predators in the making. But maybe we should stop pretending everything is A-OK.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 19, 2016, 10:58:43 AM
I'm taking this week off on Tracer Rounds.  Will be back next week
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 02, 2016, 10:34:51 PM
yes it's late this week.  but at least Tracer Rounds is back

http://grogheads.com/?p=11133
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on May 03, 2016, 10:04:05 AM
Hi mate , just read your article , and , wow , I'm sorry to hear you've lost a good friend over the last subject topic in your tracer rounds column , that just sucks  :( honestly though Brant , I think you didn't have much of a choice in getting involved because the topic of women and war gaming was being discussed on this site , and I think that someone who's in charge here should have stepped up and put across their opinions , which you , sir, did admirably O0  I'm thinking that maybe you and your friend probably share the same opinions , but maybe he's just misunderstood how you've come across to him , taken it personally when their was no harm intended by you  :-\  your opinions were aimed at the wider community , not him personally , I hope when you've both had some space to think things through , that you can just reiterate that to him . Good friends are hard to come by , I doubt that anyone deep down ever wants to let go of a meaningful friendship , I really hope you guys work this out  :) keep your chin up mate , I think you did the right thing , being true to oneself is always the right thing to do .

I enjoyed your article , I agree that ideally gaming should be social . We are supposed to interact with a game , otherwise how do you grow , learn .....have fun !!!! I know solitaire gaming is fun also , but I don't think in the long run that solo gaming is as much fun as having a group of like minded people all interacting, playing a game together that they love , that's just pure unadulterated bliss , Imo :)  Also that was a great track at the end , really cool :)  My daughter happens to be in America right now , and listening to that track just made me doubley jealous that I'm not there myself !!!!!! I have a question that is maybe very stupid , but what does FLGS stand for !?!?!? As a newb to all of this ,the abbreviations are not obvious to me  :idiot2: I'm guessing it's some kind of gaming/hobby store in America maybe ?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 03, 2016, 10:27:17 AM
Quote from: Emeraldlis on May 03, 2016, 10:04:05 AMbut what does FLGS stand for !?!?!?

http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=1308.0
top line :D
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Boggit on May 03, 2016, 06:38:05 PM
Blimey Brant, Tracer Rounds 1 got some steam let out.

FWIW, I don't disagree with your assessment of the way women get treated, and frankly I wouldn't want my wife or daughter treated like you mentioned either, whether they're gaming or not.

I'm sorry you had a falling out  with your friend, but if he's offended so easy because you have an opinion, then he needs to either grow up a little, or develop a thicker skin. I didn't see anything particularly vindictive on your part for him to get so upset.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 03, 2016, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: Boggit on May 03, 2016, 06:38:05 PMFWIW, I don't disagree with your assessment of the way women get treated, and frankly I wouldn't want my wife or daughter treated like you mentioned either, whether they're gaming or not.

I'm sorry you had a falling out  with your friend, but if he's offended so easy because you have an opinion, then he needs to either grow up a little, or develop a thicker skin. I didn't see anything particularly vindictive on your part for him to get so upset.

That actually wasn't the first column.  That was just the one that forced me to take a break.  They go back to January, and there's a few in there that I'm pretty proud of :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on May 03, 2016, 09:22:03 PM
As you should be.  Some of them are very good.  All the Friendly Local Game Stores in my area are comics and CCG's.  The biggest in the area has an upstairs gaming area and throws in D&D and board games and minis. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on May 04, 2016, 07:27:57 AM
Thanks , I now know what FLGS stands for , along with a whole host of other unobvious abbreviations!!!  O0
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Steelgrave on May 04, 2016, 08:48:16 AM
Quote from: Emeraldlis on May 04, 2016, 07:27:57 AM
Thanks , I now know what FLGS stands for , along with a whole host of other unobvious abbreviations!!!  O0

Hang around here long enough and you'll learn lots of abbreviations you didn't know before....and some will describe things you'd rather not know.  Urban dictionary is not my friend  :crazy2:
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on May 04, 2016, 09:09:50 AM
Quote from: Steelgrave on May 04, 2016, 08:48:16 AM
Hang around here long enough and you'll learn lots of abbreviations you didn't know before....and some will describe things you'd rather not know.  Urban dictionary is not my friend  :crazy2:

Dude, you're referenced in half those Urban Dictionary definitions.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 04, 2016, 09:52:49 AM
he's the inspiration of half those Urban Dictionary definitions.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on May 04, 2016, 05:25:00 PM
Is he one of the girls?  Or the cup?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on May 04, 2016, 05:26:08 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on May 04, 2016, 05:25:00 PM
Is he one of the girls?  Or the cup?

He is all things to many pervs.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on May 06, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
Quote from: Steelgrave on May 04, 2016, 08:48:16 AM
Quote from: Emeraldlis on May 04, 2016, 07:27:57 AM
Thanks , I now know what FLGS stands for , along with a whole host of other unobvious abbreviations!!!  O0

Hang around here long enough and you'll learn lots of abbreviations you didn't know before....and some will describe things you'd rather not know.  Urban dictionary is not my friend  :crazy2:

Hanging around with you guys is definately an education in of itself  ;D  I actually thought I knew quite a bit about the inner workings of the male mind , and now I find after being around you guys that I don't know as much as I thought  :o  you guys are definately a lot of fun !!, and your ability to "euphemism " knows no bounds , it's a skill you all seem to have in abundance , and I think I'm being slowly corrupted    ;D

Quote from: MetalDog on May 04, 2016, 05:25:00 PM
Is he one of the girls?  Or the cup?

Is this girl and this cup something I should know about , now that I'm more acquainted with you guys  ::) or will it more than likely shock my .....um .....long lost innocence  O:-)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 06, 2016, 11:09:50 AM
you are soooooooooooo better off not knowing
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Emeraldlis on May 06, 2016, 03:03:57 PM
That bad , huh  ??? I get the feeling though that you're probably right  ;D 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 09, 2016, 01:26:28 PM
Absolutely nothing game-related today

enjoy anyway
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 09, 2016, 02:34:18 PM
Pro sports?!  I just do not understand the appeal at all.  So a private, for-profit enterprise hires a bunch of employees to run around on a field following some set of pointless, arbitrary set of rules in the hopes that their group of employees perform better than other businesses in hopes of generating more revenue.  OK, I get that but I don't understand why anyone not directly employed could get emotionally involved ( except business owners such as pubs or memorabilia shops who derive their income based on the year-to-year performance of said corporation).  The whole process repeats every single year.  You're not a part of the corporation, you're not deriving an income from it.  I guess if the team performs well it generates capital flow for the region but honestly, I'd forego that if it meant less traffic around the stadium and fewer morons wearing shirts with another man's name on them trying to engage me in conversation about how "we're" doing this year.  There is no "we".  You're not on the team buddy!  I don't get giddy with excitement over the idea that the telecom company with its HQ located here is doing better than one with its HQ in Toronto.  Why should I care about how well a bunch of people I don't know are performing in what is essentially a children's game just because they play their game in the same city I reside in?

Tribalism is stupid.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 09, 2016, 02:58:58 PM
can I say "we" if I'm referring to the university-affiliated team (a) from the school I attended, and (b) to which I've donated contributions for funding scholarships for athletes?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 09, 2016, 03:13:02 PM
Nope.  I just gave some money to the firefighters up in Ft. Mac but I ain't going to go and claim I'm part of the crew.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on May 09, 2016, 05:52:45 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 09, 2016, 02:34:18 PM
Pro sports?!  I just do not understand the appeal at all.  So a private, for-profit enterprise hires a bunch of employees to run around on a field following some set of pointless, arbitrary set of rules in the hopes that their group of employees perform better than other businesses in hopes of generating more revenue.  OK, I get that but I don't understand why anyone not directly employed could get emotionally involved ( except business owners such as pubs or memorabilia shops who derive their income based on the year-to-year performance of said corporation).  The whole process repeats every single year.  You're not a part of the corporation, you're not deriving an income from it.  I guess if the team performs well it generates capital flow for the region but honestly, I'd forego that if it meant less traffic around the stadium and fewer morons wearing shirts with another man's name on them trying to engage me in conversation about how "we're" doing this year.  There is no "we".  You're not on the team buddy!  I don't get giddy with excitement over the idea that the telecom company with its HQ located here is doing better than one with its HQ in Toronto.  Why should I care about how well a bunch of people I don't know are performing in what is essentially a children's game just because they play their game in the same city I reside in?

Tribalism is stupid.


Doesn't this make you just Disapproval Robot?
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 09, 2016, 06:05:49 PM
Only if you read it aloud.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MetalDog on May 09, 2016, 06:14:43 PM
You have a point. :)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 10, 2016, 04:06:17 AM
Apologies are probably due.  Normally, I try to keep my opinions to myself here  if they're too contrary but we've recently hired some new employees and one is pretty much a super fan of every single sport on TV.  It's bloody annoying as every time he comes into the lunch room, if sports aren't on the TV, he just can't process it.  Immediately starts demanding to know why the game isn't on.  I find people like him very trying as he has let sports subsume his personality so much that he no longer has facets, sports is his only defining feature.   He's constantly trying to engage me and a few others in sports talk and just can't quite come to grips with the fact that none of us are even slightly interested in the subject.  The idea is so alien to him that he seems to think that if he just keeps mentioning player names and throwing stats at us, we'll finally engage.  When that doesn't work, he starts trying to pick a friendly fight by trash talking the local teams as though I care in the slightest.   It's pretty much the only topic he's willing to talk about and it's really grating on my last nerve.

Reminds me of the militant, raging queen gay dude in college who spent so much time defining himself as gay that he couldn't articulate a single thought or idea that wasn't tied to the gay rights agenda.  I find zealots of any stripe tiresome and superfan definitely fits the bill. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 10, 2016, 04:56:00 AM
Totally understandable; single-track minds are pretty annoying
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Boggit on May 11, 2016, 11:39:14 PM
Ask him what sports games he has on his pc, then steer him towards strategy gaming. Either it will piss him off, or he'll start talking about more sensible stuff... ;)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: MikeGER on May 12, 2016, 01:53:27 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 09, 2016, 02:34:18 PM
Pro sports?!  I just do not understand the appeal at all.  So a private, for-profit enterprise hires a bunch of employees to run around on a field following some set of pointless, arbitrary set of rules in the hopes that their group of employees perform better than other businesses in hopes of generating more revenue.  OK, I get that but I don't understand why anyone not directly employed could get emotionally involved ( except business owners such as pubs or memorabilia shops who derive their income based on the year-to-year performance of said corporation).  The whole process repeats every single year.  You're not a part of the corporation, you're not deriving an income from it.  I guess if the team performs well it generates capital flow for the region but honestly, I'd forego that if it meant less traffic around the stadium and fewer morons wearing shirts with another man's name on them trying to engage me in conversation about how "we're" doing this year.  There is no "we".  You're not on the team buddy!  I don't get giddy with excitement over the idea that the telecom company with its HQ located here is doing better than one with its HQ in Toronto.  Why should I care about how well a bunch of people I don't know are performing in what is essentially a children's game just because they play their game in the same city I reside in?

Tribalism is stupid.

SDR, humans like to organize them self in clans and to fight other clans, ...usually for resources. This is part of being a Homo sapiens sapiens. Maybe back to still beeing a Homo rudolfensis or Homo habilis million years ago.   
But after 10 000 years of civilization development, this is not possible anymore in a lot of parts of the world  ....Middle East, Africa, and Stan excluded. This got transformed into sports. Let say local small village soccer club, when it was still local and the manschaft mostly composite of locals. The government, the rich, the upperclass and the higher educated people liked the concept very much to channel the boiling bad emotions generated by being born and stuck as a precariat workforce person for life and the harsh living conditions that came with it into sports-fandom. The masses can vent and scream-out (like psycho therapy) all the anger gathered in the week on every Saturday in a stadium, having a brawl with other opposite fans when they need it, and have a (meaningless) topic to chat about all week at work, and bet a dime on a match for a thrill ... Instead of getting board, thinking about their own general situation as a group, forming a strong union or political party, and starting to put all their energy and anger into a political fight finally storming the palaces of the upperclass.  (speeking of Industrial Revolution times ....first 'ball chasing' sport clubs showing up in 1843 for a reason)

And so it still today, steered and enhanced by the (rich people  or government owned) media. Keep the precariat busy with (passive) sports, give them a topic to chat/fight about with others all day, give them a place to vent all the emotions ...emotions mixed with thoughts which could otherwise turn into a critical mass to change the system.

Well, iam not immune to it. But i am am only fan of the National team (because its still kind of 'pure' ) ...and actual hate it when it getting spoiled more and more by choosing migrants with a fresh passport to fill up the rank.
(a national teammember should at least be born and raised in that very nation! and better his direct ancestors too...so 3rd generation is really a 'member of the tribe' with a root.. Go Figure, we have 2nd generation national team soccer players in the Manschaft with Turk and Ghana roots who still refuse to sing along the (their! born and raised in Germany) national anthem)     
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on May 24, 2016, 11:38:15 AM
new one this week.  forgot to post it yesterday
http://grogheads.com/?p=11300
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 23, 2016, 10:42:09 AM
After summer hiatus, here we are with a new Tracer Rounds

http://grogheads.com/?p=12443


I totally forgot to take it out of draft status yesterday and publish it...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 30, 2016, 12:20:01 PM
This week's column is about the C2E2.  What is that you ask?  Go read it!
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Windigo on August 30, 2016, 04:09:57 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 30, 2016, 12:20:01 PM
This week's column is about the C2E2.  What is that you ask?  Go read it!

FINE!   ....    ....   I will!
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 05, 2016, 02:21:44 PM
not sure I can get much more honest about things than I did today
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 05, 2016, 03:06:04 PM
My most recent job finally drove the lesson about misplaced loyalty home into my thick noggin.  Certain situations just plain suck and people can get shitty when things get pear shaped.  My usual defence these days is to just disconnect. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Rekim on September 06, 2016, 06:50:55 AM
same here
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)

Ditto.. I've only heard of Deadwood but never watched it....  ???
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Sir Slash on September 06, 2016, 09:09:06 AM
I read the column and also didn't vote. I didn't think any of the TV shows listed were that great. But the column was very pertinent and courageous at the same time. Being a nurse for many years, I can tell you all about flexibility. Flexibility is what's expected of you in order that it can generally be avoided by others. And rather than being recognized as positive working trait, it's mostly seen as weakness and lack of spine not to bitch until you get your way about things. This is a hard lesson to learn but once you do, it really helps to focus where and how much your Work-Related Loyality really should go. I never worried too much about doing things wrong unless I find myself doing the SAME things wrong over and over. My 2 cents.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 10:23:23 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)

Ditto.. I've only heard of Deadwood but never watched it....  ???

you guys gotta get out more
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on September 06, 2016, 10:28:39 AM
Good article, Brant. Any virtue has the potential of becoming a liability. We all need to find those lines in our own lives and work to not let our innate tendencies drag us down.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

And I couldn't see the damned poll to vote in it. Knowing Deadwood is a choice, that would be my vote.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: mirth on September 06, 2016, 10:28:52 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 10:23:23 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)

Ditto.. I've only heard of Deadwood but never watched it....  ???

you guys gotta get out more

Seriously...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 11:08:47 AM
Quote from: mirth on September 06, 2016, 10:28:52 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 10:23:23 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)

Ditto.. I've only heard of Deadwood but never watched it....  ???

you guys gotta get out more

Seriously...

Wouldn't "getting out more" lessen the time I have in front of the TV?  ???
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 11:33:32 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 11:08:47 AM
Quote from: mirth on September 06, 2016, 10:28:52 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 10:23:23 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on September 06, 2016, 06:51:09 AM
Quote from: Pete Dero on September 06, 2016, 06:47:09 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 06, 2016, 05:37:14 AM
well, at least 3 people read it far enough to vote in the poll this week...     ::)

Read far enough but didn't vote ...   I don't know any of the shows (maybe they were never shown here)

Ditto.. I've only heard of Deadwood but never watched it....  ???

you guys gotta get out more

Seriously...

Wouldn't "getting out more" lessen the time I have in front of the TV?  ???

Oh suckit...
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: panzerde on September 06, 2016, 05:23:20 PM
Read the column, don't watch much TV so the poll was lost to me.


Having just dealt with a situation where I kept someone in a very critical spot in my company for at least two years after we should have parted ways, because I was loyal to him, I appreciated the column. What I can say is that after we did part ways, things got so much better for the company collectively and me individually that it's a night and day difference. Doesn't mean that taking that step wasn't tough, and that I didn't mourn, or that I bear this person any ill will. What I do know is that sometimes it's for the best to part company, despite how scary or tough it might seem. It's impossible to move on until you do.


Very tough to do. Life can get a lot better when it happens though.

Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 06, 2016, 05:48:01 PM
Same.  I think Deadwood's the only show on that list that I watched.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Staggerwing on September 06, 2016, 07:24:06 PM
I have not seen any of the shows on the list. I did, however, read the column. I also had a lot of loyalty to the company I used to work for, giving them lots of flexibility, subbing in far away locations when needed and doing much that was far outside of my job description. Then when I needed just a little bit of flexibility on their part (which I had been promised earlier by a past manager who had later been promoted away) they basically told me to get lost. so, after biding my time a while waiting for an opportunity,  I did just that.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Double Deuce on September 07, 2016, 08:09:07 AM
Like a few others the only show I recognize, and that's only the name, is Deadwoods. Never seen it though and haven't really watched TV for some time. Maybe a few shows here and there but that's about it. 
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: -budd- on September 08, 2016, 12:52:41 AM
Read the article, in fact read it twice, had to digest it a bit. First off sorry about the space your in, sounds fucked up and painful. Way to hang it out there though it had to feel a little bit freeing saying it out loud so to speak instead of it just rolling around in your head night and day. Some themes struck a chord with me. For some basic context I'm coming off a tough three year period of disappointment, illness and loss that I'm trying to find my way back from. Sometimes I think it might be better to be more oblivious and just float through life never having to worry about living up to any principles or ideals we set for ourselves, just ignorant to the damage we do to others. Ignorance apparently is never having to feel sorry, never having to contemplate how our actions might possibly damage someone before choosing said action. I don't know, sounds pretty good, you never see those people with an anguished look or catching them glancing around for a tall building. But fuck that, ideals and principles like loyalty, honesty, integrity are NOT trite ideas or antiquated,thats something bottom feeders say to drag you down. Do you really think you could let go of those traits, would you really want to? There the bedrock, there what guide you when everything goes to shit and they will pull you out... in time. One way streets suck and sometimes you get run over by something you never saw coming and sometimes it's just as simple as we made a bad bet. It isn't about being self righteous, or even about being right, it's about feeling right and I don't think giving up your principles or ideals is the way to feel right, but it might seem like the easy way out right now.  God knows I'm still trying to find my way clear. Ill tell you one thing I'm still heading for that light way out there at the end of the tunnel, with one pocket full of ideals the other filled with principles, ill meet you out there.
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 19, 2016, 06:20:19 PM
something totally different today
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Windigo on September 20, 2016, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 19, 2016, 06:20:19 PM
something totally different today


ohhh, you mean something witty, pithy, insightful and perhaps Pulitzer worthy????



:2funny:
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on September 20, 2016, 02:40:48 PM
Quote from: Windigo on September 20, 2016, 02:31:45 PMohhh, you mean something witty, pithy, insightful and perhaps Pulitzer worthy????

You like me!  you really like me! :D
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: Windigo on September 20, 2016, 02:47:29 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 20, 2016, 02:40:48 PM
Quote from: Windigo on September 20, 2016, 02:31:45 PMohhh, you mean something witty, pithy, insightful and perhaps Pulitzer worthy????

You like me!  you really like me! :D

In truth the article was good analysis/reasoning... never really thought of them as hall of famers... then you put them into context with contemporaries....

please don't do the same on Kid Rock - I like disliking him and his Sweet Home Alabama rip-off
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 10, 2017, 06:39:32 AM
yep, back to Tracer Rounds...

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F02%2FAA-TR-splash.jpg&hash=b69f1c097edcd0c09d19684c4edca7d33d80fd7f) (http://grogheads.com/pix/15538)
Title: Re: New column: Tracer Rounds!
Post by: bayonetbrant on October 12, 2017, 03:16:47 PM
Tracer Rounds reappears... on a Wednesday!

http://grogheads.com/featured-posts/16188

what do you buy, read, and/or play?