Weekend Open Thread: Who needs a theme? edition

H. Clay Aalders
Weekend Open Thread
·30 Comments··159 views

Hey everyone. I have to admit, I am glad this week is over. Our annual SHOT Show review is one of our biggest articles of the year, and not actually having gone to SHOT Show made it a bit more difficult than it would already have been.

 

But we are done, and it is off to the printer. I am getting ready to leave for Cookeville in the morning. Coaching 4 girls lax games tomorrow.

Last Saturday was a good day, despite our coming out on the short end of a close game, and getting throttled by a team with 10 8th graders. I had 12 players who were playing in their first game ever, and a bunch of my “veterans” were making their first start. We played 26 girls, and they had fun. That is all I care about.

How are y’all doing? I apologize that the website updates were a bit sparse. I was just swamped with both work and life stuff.

 

If you can’t tell, there isn’t really a them to this week’s memes.

Though there are a few random hangers on from previous weeks’ themes…

We have had several recurring memes the last few weeks…

The Great Cell Phone Outage of 2024 has come and gone,

But this is evergreen…

With Mayo, Lettuce, and Peanut Butter. Gen X rocks.

Of course she is.

Having a look at the Events Calendar:

Nothing this weekend, but next weekend there are a trio of shows, or related events…

Spring Spirit of Steel Pigeon Forge Knife Show

NCCA One-Day Knife Show

Texas State Knife & Tomahawk Championship

 

Obviously, I have no choice…


I have actually stood on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. But not a flatbed Ford in sight.

This is actually the only Eagles song I particularly like. The second musical feature is just going to be Joe Walsh.

He isn’t even a real Captain. He’s a classic case of Stolen Valor. (I know I have shared this one, but is segues)

This is true, but I don’t care…

I don’t care if it is like chomping glass, I love the stuff.

He isn’t any better than Cap’n Crunch.

$500 hammers are a rip off.

I can relate.

I think that one was my favorite meme this week.

Kinda true

No one is sacrificing to win a knife..

Our knife giveaway is a “Two Token” drawing, which means you will be joining Zach S as a “token holder” if you are drawn next week.  Up to 5 comments or replies are your entries, and you need to be drawn twice to win the knife. If you are new to the blog, your comments will be moderated until I can approve the first batch.  From then on, you will be good to go.

I actually drew Hocky twice, but he has opted out of this contest. Good Luck everyone.

What else are you gonna do?

I think they are going to Narc.

Yum.

A Mall can be.a big place.  I like my chances.

Can you blame him?

Peace was never an option.

I am that old.

Pitchers and catchers have already reported.

I missed that one when my kids were little.

And stomp the groin.

Grandparents are better than moms…

But Moooommmm!

I can hear it clearly.

Plant based corn dog.

It’s data. And I will fight you.

Better than the cone of shame.

Seemed like a good segue

Any Civ players?

I wonder if she sang Fat Bottomed Girls.

It barely missed the Visitor Center.

And there is a Beef Jerkey Bar.

Totally unrealistic.

Indeed it is.

The struggle is real.

Push Pops were the best.

People are dumb.

All hail the lord of the digital file.

Asking the important questions.

We had it better.

Changing gears for a moment, it has been 146 days since October 7th.

I understand that there was an incident yesterday involving some civilians getting allegedly shot by some Israeli soldiers.  This does not change my overall assesment of the situation or the righteousness of the Israeli cause. The fog of war is a thing, and when the dust settles, I trust that if a crime was committed, those involved will be held responsible.

Thing is, if Hamas hadn’t invaded Israel on October 7th, there would not be this war.  There would not be hostages. There would have been no need for an aid convoy that came under perceived attack. But the casualties lie at the feet of those who started this conflict.

We have shared memes with variations on the Trolley Problem. I found this an interesting way to apply it to the Gaza war,

Read the Whole Thing…

I look forward to retiring this section of the WOT, but I will not stop using my platform until the hostages are freed and Israel declares their objectives complete.

As I said, I am not a massive Eagles fan. But I dig Joe Walsh’s solo work.


Watch me.

I do it for you…

They might not make things actually better, but memes make things feel better.

Have a good one everybody.

Previous ArticleGearPatrol: What a Tanto Blade Is, and Why You Need One
Next ArticleKnifeNews: Vosteed Ankylo is Debut Platform for Patented Vanchor Lock
H. Clay Aalders

H. Clay Aalders is a lifelong edged tool user. He spent the past 20 years as a woodworker and fishing guide in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Tennessee. While guiding in Idaho, Clay worked part-time writing for a local newspaper, and upon moving to Tennessee began writing for the blog The Truth About Knives - spending his last 5 years there as Managing Editor. His background is in fixed-blade hunting and bushcraft knives, but has jumped into the world of vintage slipjoint collecting with both feet since coming to work at Knife Magazine. Clay’s primary role is as Digital Editor, curating and creating new content for our website and blog, as well as maintaining the Knife Magazine social media accounts (FB/IG: @theknifemag, Twitter: @knifemagazine). He is also a contributor and Associate Editor of the print magazine.

Related Posts

30 Responses

  1. I watched Dune 2 on Friday then headed out for the weekend, with a mate, camping in the desert looking for ‘worm sign’. It is a stunning film (I am a Dune fanboy), but you have to wonder why, given their technology of interstellar travel, they still fight with swords and knives. Chivalry? Interesting knives though, could be a cool Knife Magazine column – ‘Knives of Arrakis’?
    Windstorms, axes, grilled meats and a several drinks later – an excellent time was had.

    Reply

    1. Update – not just Chivalry, but the premise is that the Holtzman shield they developed protects from fast moving projectiles, but can be pierced by slower moving blades. Looks cool too.

      Reply

      1. Reminds me of playing Legend of Zelda, always loved the sword. Was never into gaming so to speak, But that Zelda game was a more than a few all-nighters!

        I tried getting into Dune, but missed the boat, will check out Dune 2 Stuart. What was the weather like on your desert trip? We are having winter again here, snowing in Vancouver today which is very rare.

        Reply

        1. Windy!!!! It was the tail of the storm that dumped all the snow in the Sierra, but all we got was wind and sand, in the mid 60s and sunny. Our camp has a big berm behind it, so we end up fairly sheltered. That and our senses are a little dimmed by the time we look for the tents. It’s always different where we go, it’s an acquired taste, I’m sure, but the desert does hold something very special and wonderful.

          Reply

          1. That’s why I asked Stuart, the news was talking about a huge winter storm in the Sierra Nevada range, thought you were likely camping on the weekend. It is awesome to hear about these adventures!

    2. Yo’ StuartB, I watched “Dune 1 (2021)” on streaming TV . . . A quality film and I enjoyed the myriad array of edged weapons. I agree that the close quarter combat use of swords and knives did not quite fit with the futuristic modes of transportation. BUT, there is a need for an EDC for the Fremans and other species. “Paul’s” knife looked hand-forged!
      I plan to see “Dune 2” at the local IMAX. Renovated during the ‘Era of Covid’, it has recliner seats and serves cold beer. Senior + Veteran discount applies.
      Have you been using the “Bull Trout”?

      Reply

      1. Hocky – it seems we should be making our knives from the teeth of sand worms, but no sign yet of a CPM equivalent for that on the market. Dune 2 is a step up on knife play and display, all custom and Persian/Gladius styles.
        The Bull Trout got kicked out of rotation last week in favor for a new Mora Kansbol, nice knife for sure, but I’m trying to figure out what it brings for $20 more than a Companion?

        Reply

        1. I firmly believe in EDC-rotation. Most days, I have a small fixed blade on my belt. Steel type usually depends on the weather. I opt for a “SS” blade in the rain, but will carry a hi-carbon blade and wipe it off. I like my Mora “Desert Companion” and keep it handy in the F150. I will take a look at the “Kansbol”.

          Yesterday, I bought a Benchmade “Bugout”, “MIB”, at downtown pawnshop. Peddler bag item . . . I own an orange-handled one. This one was black handle with a black Cerakote S30V blade.

          Going to see “Dune 2” on an upcoming Tuesday. Tickets are $6.50 all day on Tuesdays. I have a “pre-Covid Regal gift card for $15”. Going to get me one of those giant sandworm popcorn buckets!

          Reply

          1. Hocky – enjoy the ride. Hope you enjoy the film and knife spotting. The jury is still out on the Kansbol, maybe the thin ground end makes it more versatile for camp food prep, but the thinner stock of the Companion seems to do it all equally well, and for far less (not that $35 for the Kansbol is not also good value). I think the handle geometry is a bigger decider for the Kansbol, but that is a more personal issue.

  2. “WOT” Update: I joined the “Tri-State Base” of the “USSVI” (aka “Sub-Vets” . . . not to be confused with doctors for marine mammals or other ocean denizens!) on Saturday. Members of my organization live in Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The national “United State Submarine Veterans, Inc.” lists “165 Bases with approx. 11,000 submariners”. I met about thirty-five “bubbleheads” on Saturday and the hours flew by with the sea-stories. John Andrew Price CWO3(SS), 100-years old, veteran of WW2 submarine service, was the honored member. He served on an “O-Class” submarine in WW2 which was commissioned in 1918! He served on the “Piranha” during the war, too. He retired in 1962. I got my photo taken with him and he signed my book, “Submarines of WW2” on the page with “O-67”, his boat.
    George Wallace, CMDR(SS)(Ret.), and author of over ten novels on submarines, e.g. “Firing Point”(2003); (Movie version: “Hunter Killer” (2018); “Final Bearing”(2015) with Don Keith and a new book, “Southern Cross” (2024), was the featured speaker. This was truly spectacular!! These books are written in the same vein as Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler being in the techno-thriller realm. Fictional story-lines supported with historically accurate facts. I know, “Hocky” just can not get enough of his days spent underwater . . . I even watched the most recent “Aquaman”!!, and there was “Waterworld” . . . No, I do not have “gills”.
    Oh, when I reach the “50th Anniversary” of earning my “Dolphins” (Qualified Submarines) in 2027, I will become a member of the “Holland Club” and never again have to pay dues.

    Regarding the memes, I saw “James Gang” in concert after the release of “Funk #49”. Clay might remember this Cleveland rock band from 1966.

    I would choose the “A-Team” van. I could use it to go to knife shows and sleep in it.

    My uncles on my Mom’s side: “The Warner Boys-Bud, Head, George and Pill” hunted with “German Short Hairs”. Outstanding bird dogs.

    Upcoming knife show: “Shenandoah Valley Knife Club (SVKC)”, April 5-6th, at Harrisonburg Virginia. Alrighty!!

    Reply

    1. I need to get a couple of those books Hocky, which 2 were your favorite to read?

      Sounds like you had a terrific weekend, you need a special knife for your “Dolphins 50th”, I might know a guy……….. 🙂

      Reply

      1. I read “Firing Point” in the early 2000’s. My reading of techno-thrillers since the late 1970’s and onward were the Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler fact-based novels. I met both of these authors. Clancy autographed my first edition of the “Hunt for Red October”; and, I met Cussler in a bar in Isle of Palms, South Carolina when he started looking for the “Hunley” around 1977. (He found it in the mid-’80s. Gave the United States Navy the credit.)

        The idea of a commemorative knife for my “50th” is a intriguing thought. “Barney” (A.G. Barnes, “MS/ABS”) is finishing a knife for me that he inlaid my “Chief Petty Officer” (CPO) lapel pin in the handle. A work in progress for him that started about two years ago! Earning my “Dolphins” in 1977 was a forever moment for me.

        What’s the status of the “Nuckels”?

        Reply

          1. 1941 u- boat film called “49th parallel.” the crew has to traipse across canadia to get to the still neutral u.s. border.
            same (british propaganda) moviehouse made another favorite of mine, “the life and death of colonel blimp.”

  3. Brilliant memes and post! Very witty. Love it and my new knife! Always look forward to your memes Clay.

    Reply

  4. Even though the lte great Steve Irwin taught us how dangerous the black mambas are, I think I’d rather take my chances with that level of nope noodle than I would with the silver back. Find a good place to hide from the snake, it’s not getting through the door. Find a good place to hide from Harambe’s vengeful kin, and it suddenly becomes “what door?”

    Reply

  5. Great meme stream as always! as an avid bird hunter, who hunts with a fair amount of kraut dogs, the GSP meme couldn’t be more true.

    Reply

  6. As I turn the key the Chrysler 426 HEMI roars to life, mine is the 2005 movie version.

    The Charger is pretty cool though, I can see the Torino and a few others a ways back… 🙂

    My favorite car is a 1970 “CUDA”, 440 with the 6 pack & free gas for life! If your gonna dream!

    Reply

    1. In my errand running today, I came up on a a navy blue/black one at a stop sign. It was gorgeous! And it rumbled rather impressively! I can see why it’s your favorite!
      Of the cars above, I’d take the James Bond car. It’s just cool. With enough gadgets to help get through rush hour traffic!

      Reply

        1. I saw the guy who was driving the Barracuda again today. Only this time he was behind the wheel of a mid 60’s Shelby Cobra. So cool. I need to meet this guy. I need to walk around his garage! White with a navy blue racing stripe. Man what a car…..

          Reply

    2. my great uncle has one. yellow, which isn’t my favorite, but man is that one sweet old Mopar.

      Reply

      1. Those classic muscle car colors rock, every manufactured had their version of the yellow, Mach 1, Chevelle, etc., so cool your great Uncle has one Zach.

        I never owned one but had a few friends who wanted to trade for the weekend, my motorcycle for their car, what a rush! They traded back with smiles on their faces too!

        Reply

          1. Some of those yellows were just the best looking cars, would be great to see a pic of that bike!

  7. Zach-congrats on the token.
    Hocky-sounds like a great day you have planned!
    Clay, you don’t need no stinking theme! So many made me laugh today. Queen performing at the Live Aid concert is wrong on so many levels-and absolutely hilarious! Thanks.
    Love the Eagles. Sound track for my high school and college days. Joe Walsh has got to be in the top 3 guitarists of all time. That song always makes me smile!
    Have a great weekend all.

    Reply

  9. “Hocky Twice” . . . Hmmm-mm-mm, it must be my “Magneto” personality! I am off to my first meeting with the “Tri-State Base” of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI). The guest of honor is John Price, 100-years young and a WW2 submarine veteran.

    Hocky

    Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *