Letter to the Public

Loyal Readers,

Yes, Jackhammer is back! I know how happy you must be to finally see some new posts. However, as bad as I hate to do so, I must pause to chastise those of you who have been badgering me continuously to resume this blog. If you are one of my loyal followers who have been patiently waiting, you may disregard the remainder of this letter; it is directed at my legion of fans who have incessantly begged me to continue without reprieve (you know who you are).

I understand that you are hungry for new knowledge, and that you depend on the wisdom in these posts to guide you through life. Still, you must remember that Jackhammer is a very busy man. and delivering high-quality classroom instruction is my top priority. Due to the hectic schedule of events requiring my personal appearance, I have had to forego posting my online lessons to some extent. I expect you to understand that my professional commitments must trump my desire to post additional blogs for you - no matter how desperately you may want them.

I know most of you will be nursing hurt feelings after being scolded by Jackhammer. Please do not be distressed. I assure you that all is forgiven, and my fondness for you remains undiminished. Remember that "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son" (Hebrews 12:6). 

In any event, I have a huge backlog of items to post, and I will do my best to disseminate as many of these articles as possible over the Christmas break. I have started with the most requested item, "Apocalypse Socks," the long-awaited sequel to "Apocalypse Footwear." Rest assured, other posts will follow soon -and I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Jackhammer

Apocalypse Socks

I am pleased to present the most anticipated blog in the annals of history: Apocalypse Socks. Yes, you are finally getting to read the sequel to my wildly popular blog Apocalypse Footwear. My fans who have bombarded me with requests for more information about how they should care for their feet after TEOTWAWKI are being rewarded!

Most of you will likely be surprised at these recommendations. It is common knowledge that Jackhammer is a huge fan of "technical" fabrics. I own multiple items from Under Armor, Reebok, Magnum Research, Eotech, etc., and have found technical fabrics to be vastly superior to natural fabrics (such as cotton) in every way. High-tech fabrics are durable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, comfortable, and wrinkle-free. I have adopted these undergarments with increasing enthusiasm, and seldom wear anything else when performing any strenuous physical activity.

To cut to the chase, here is the advice you've been begging for: When it comes to socks, Jackhammer strongly recommends natural merino wool. The Smartwool brand, pictured here in the "Trekking" variation, are my personal favorites and the only socks I buy anymore.

I have been wearing Smartwool socks on a daily basis for approximately 15 years. Although these socks will give you many years of dependable service, they do get progressively thinner over time. The socks pictured on the left are brand-new; the socks pictured on the right are Smartwool Trekking socks after approximately three years of service.

It should also be noted that Jackhammer's socks accumulate wear and tear at a greatly accelerated rate. My whole family has discovered the joy of wearing my Smartwool socks. My wife and daughter often wear them in lieu of bedroom slippers in the evening, and my son won't wear anything else with his hockey skates. His aggressive skating in hockey has caused most of my older socks to develop holes near the heel area, at which point they should be discarded and replaced.

Although they are pricey, approximately $20 per pair for the thickest "Trekking" variation, they are worth every penny. I am speaking from experience here. In an attempt to save money I have experimented with diverse other brands, such as the Under Armor and 5.11 Tactical boot socks pictured here.

Unfortunately, I have found that there is simply no substitute for natural merino wool. In this case, nature cannot be beat. Your feet will stay warm in winter and cool in summer. In a pinch, these socks can be worn for many days at a time and your feet will remain comfortable. On extended hikes spanning a week or more, I have found that they can be renewed by simply washing them out in a creek, pond, or any other water source. After being hand-washed and air-dried, they are once again fully serviceable. When the grid fails, you will appreciate this feature!

In summation, my friends, don't cut any corners when it comes to your feet. Stockpile plenty of these socks - as well as the footwear recommended in the earlier post - and you won't have any problems with your feet after the apocalypse.

Apocalypse Footwear

Ever since Cormac McCarthy’s novel “The Road” hit the big screen as a Hollywood movie, I’ve been besieged by fans seeking my analysis and commentary. As you know, the book is about a man and his son struggling to survive after a cataclysmic global event, commonly referred to by survivalists as “The Apocalypse,” or TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It).

I promise that many TEOTWAWKI-related issues will eventually be addressed in a series of forthcoming blogs, but I thought it wise to begin with the most important issue of all: Apocalypse Footwear. As you noted in the movie, most people’s feet were covered by several layers of plastic grocery bags. Hmmm…. not cool. Not cool at all.

Those of you preparing for TEOTWAWKI have already stockpiled cans of SPAM… hand tools… tactical bacon…. bottled water… dehydrated meals… but how much thought have you given to your feet? Are you sure you want to wonder the apocalyptic wasteland of a nuclear winter in your Sperry Topsiders? Are you sure those Birkenstock sandals are the best choice for traversing a landscape littered with decomposing corpses and disemboweled human organs?

If you’re honest, you’ll admit that you can do better. To make things easier for those seeking my advice and guidance, I have established four possible categories of Apocalypse Footwear:

Level Zero. I don’t need to say much about this. This includes athletic shoes, high-heels, penny loafers, flip-flops, office shoes, bedroom slippers, or anything else that is only marginally better than bare feet.

Level I. This is a very broad category that encompasses most “general purpose” boots. Blue collar workers, home handymen, and recreational outdoorsmen will have an advantage here… Level I boots are almost certainly lying around their house already. A good pair of heavy-duty steel-toed workboots will do just fine for stomping on zombie heads. Jackhammer wore this type of boot for years, but found them to be heavy, lightly-padded, and the leather absorbed a lot of water when I had to work outside in the rain.

At the upper end of the Level I spectrum are high quality hiking boots, like the ones pictured below. These offer additional advantages and capabilities, as they are designed to convey the wearer long distances through the wilderness. Compared to my blue collar “shit stompers,” these boots offer heavy padding, awesome traction in rough terrain, full waterproofing, and a breathable Gore-tex lining that wicks away sweat. While most hiking boots lack the additional protection of a steel toe, they are definitely a step up from workboots. Stockpile lots of extra shoelaces.

Level II. These boots typically cover the calf, and are designed to be worn by loggers, motorcyclists, and anyone else with a reasonable chance of suffering a traumatic injury to the lower leg in the course of their adventures. These boots typically have steel reinforcements (or other armor) in the ankles and toes, as well as dense padding in vulnerable areas like the shins. These boots are all about heavy-duty protection under extreme circumstances.

I have often mentioned that people who habitually travel on two wheels will enjoy a significant advantage after TEOTWAWKI. One of these advantages is that avid motorcyclists will already own a variety of rugged, weatherproof, protective clothing… such as Jackhammer’s pair of Combat Touring Boots, pictured below. These boots have ridden over 50,000 miles through every imaginable terrain, through every conceivable weather condition. An annual coating of Tectron Sno-Seal keeps them impervious to water, snow, and sleet. Unfortunately, there are a few downsides. These boots are so thick and heavy that it took me several years to break them in. They require annual maintenance (Sno-Seal), and because they are neither ventilated nor breathable it is difficult for me to wear them more than a few days at a time during adventures that involve high temperatures – such as desert crossings.

Level III. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but lately boot technology has made a quantum leap forward. I’m talking about “tactical boots” here, the kind worn by military special forces and/or elite law enforcement teams. These are the boots worn by men who kick down doors and wade through puddles of blood and guts for a monthly paycheck.

Tactical boots are simply wonderful, inside and out – and your best bet if you want to survive during the apocalypse. The better ones have a polycarbonate “kick toe” instead of steel to save weight… these boots are engineered to kick down doors without damaging your foot. They have talon stabilizers to protect your ankles, anti-bacterial and moisture wicking linings, injection molded midsoles, and are heavily reinforced throughout the entire boot. Of course, they are constructed with layers of waterproof-breathable membrane, and are fully bloodborne pathogen resistant. You’ve seen SWAT guys wearing them… they look like this (pictured with 5.11 Sidekick Boot Knife).

Friends, you’re not going to survive very long unless you take care of your feet. Consider the nasty bloodborne pathogens you’ll be sloshing through while scavenging for supplies during a global pandemic. Consider the cold… the heat… the wet weather. Remember too that even a minor injury under apocalyptic conditions and lead to your death. Do you really want to deal with a sprained ankle that reduces your mobility when you’re being constantly pursued by legions of the walking dead? Or hordes of mutant bikers? Won’t you have enough to worry about without dealing with heat rash, fungus, infection, athlete’s foot, or a host of other problems on your feet because you were caught wearing wingtips when TSHTF?

Although this is my longest blog yet, I guess I might as well be thorough and answer one of the questions I’m asked the most. “Jackhammer,” people ask, “how many pairs of apocalypse footwear do I need”? Well… it depends on many factors, such as the anticipated length of the crisis, your intended course of action, and your operating environment. But let’s just say that I keep two pairs of Level III boots in my home at all times… one pair I wear frequently for training, and another other set as a back-up. I also keep two additional sets of Level III boots ready for action… one set tied to my Bug Out Bag (BOB), and a final set in my Bug Out Location (BOL).

While I consider four pairs to be the minimum, more would be even better. When those boots wear out, I’ll be wearing plastic grocery bags on my feet just like everyone else!

Eternal Life -- 15% Off !!

The Christmas season is hard upon us. Actually, the greedy merchants in my area tried to kick off the Christmas shopping season in October (no kidding). Nevertheless, the nightly news is full of sales analyses, with noted economists talking about the financial boon shoppers are bringing to local businesses. Sales are always brisk between Thanksgiving and Christmas, right?

Well, apparently some highly-specialized businesses don’t benefit from the traditional holiday shopping sprees, and they actually find their sales slipping during this time of year. I’m talking about companies that specialize in “cryonics,” which is the cryogenic freezing of humans in the hope of future restoration. For those with no religious convictions, for those who put all their faith in science, cryonics provides the best possibility of eternal life.

One such Russian company, named KrioRus, has tried to remedy sagging revenues with a holiday sales promotion they’re calling the “Atheist Special.” You see, during the Christmas season the thoughts of Christians turn to the birth of Christ… the life of the Messiah… and His kingdom in heaven. This is the holiest of seasons. This time of year is held so sacred that even Senate republicans refuse to work. In the month of December no True Believer wants to think about freezing his head in a bucket of liquid nitrogen.

Hence the “Atheist Special.” Normally KrioRus charges $10,000 to freeze a decapitated head, or $30,000 to freeze an entire body. Both of these options, I hope, are only implemented after the person’s death. But if you happen to be a professed, confirmed atheist, you can save 15% if you sign the necessary legal contracts before December 31. It goes without saying that you must pay all fees upfront to take advantage of this special discount.

If you’re scratching your head right now, consider this. The 2010 median income for a United States worker was $46,326. If you attend church on a regular basis, you are inevitably hit up for a customary 10% tithe, right? Well, that adds up to $9,265 over a two-year period. What is going to benefit you more? Which option is going to give you the best shot at eternal life? Should you invest in two years of church membership, or bank your hard-earned money with KrioRus?



Ultimately, only you can make that choice. All Jackhammer can do is present the viable options and let you make your own decision. It must be noted, however, that while KrioRus is quite willing to explain how your head will be frozen, they are unwilling to articulate how they plan to thaw you out at some future date. I’m assuming this will be a long, slow process… and that it will likely involve a Sears Kenmore microwave on the lowest possible “defrost” setting. After that? Your head must be attached to… to… something… but I’m sure KrioRus will be able to find something to sew it onto.

Remember this is a limited time offer, so my atheist friends must act quickly. Take care, and good luck.

Crier of the House

Much has been made of the waterworks frequently unleashed by the man who will soon unseat Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. I’ve been monitoring the liberal talk shows closely, watching them play an endless loop of video clips showing conservative males shedding tears, including Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, President Bush (both of them), and many others. The liberals are clearly trying to turn “The Crying Game” into a sexist issue with protests about an unwritten “double standard.” When a female politician like Hillary Clinton cries in public, they argue, it’s deemed a sign of weakness… yet when men cry their political reputations somehow remain unscathed. This has all the makings of an interesting debate, but I feel there is a more important issue here.

Why do conservative men cry so much? I guess I’m attracted to this topic because I cry a lot. I am unable to talk about highly emotional issues without choking back tears… my children… my wife… my father’s death… the unimaginable debt I owe this nation… my love for Jesus Christ. But I must ask the question: Is our crying a necessary side effect of a warm and caring heart, or a symptom of something darker and more disturbing? Manic depression, perhaps? A manifestation of paranoid psychosis? A product of fear?

I have close liberal friends, and what I enjoy most about them is their unrelenting optimism. They always seem so hopeful, so upbeat, and are so willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe an example would help. I think most conservatives suspect that homeless people are homeless by choice… that they could clean themselves up and find a job if they wanted to badly enough. Conversely, my liberal friends assume that homeless people have been overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control, and are living on the streets through no fault of their own.

I no longer believe that conservatives harbor the positive outlooks I see in liberals. Deep down inside, we don’t believe that everything is going to be okay. Instead, we are full of fear. Our enemies are all around us, waiting for the right moment to strike. We see hostile countries with nuclear weapons… China on the rise… terrorists plotting against us… streets full of thugs, rapists, and drug addicts. We keep our fists raised, always defensive, always ready to fight. We are so afraid of being attacked we watch TSA agents fondle our wives’ breasts at airport checkpoints. Is it any wonder that tears are just below the surface, ready to erupt at any moment?

My liberal friends go to sleep at night full of the audacity of hope, believing that tomorrow will almost certainly be better than today. There are no tears on their pillows. As for me, I will prepare for bed by checking all the exterior doors and windows to make sure they’re locked. I will make sure the floodlights are working. I will arm my home’s security system. I will open the gunsafe by my bed and verify that my rifle is locked and loaded. When I check on my kids I will see that my son is tense, even in his sleep. He is prone to melancholy moods, and has already asked me to teach him the Way of the Gun. In time, he will become the master of my deadly weapons. When I’m too old and feeble, he will patrol our parameter. He will cry freely. He will vote republican.

Finally, I pray that my precautions are sufficient to repel the barbarians lurking at my gate. I know they must be there, even if I can’t see or hear them. Sleep tight, America.

Very Bad Things

It is time for me to comment on a topic that’s been in the news a lot lately. I’m talking about Four Loko, the strong malt beverage with 12% alcohol content – along with a hefty dose of caffeine. As shown in the picture from my own personal collection, Four Loko comes in a wide variety of fruit flavors including (but not limited to) fruit punch, grape, lemonade, orange, lemon-lime, watermelon, and blue raspberry.

By way of background, www.urbandictionary.com explains that Four Loko got its name because the consumer typically passes through four stages of crazy:

1. Tipsy (loud, stumbling, laughing, etc.)
2. Drunk (stumbling around, slight slur, etc.)
3. Wasted (heavy slur, falling, hitting on fat chicks, etc.)
4. Black Out (no ability to speak, vomiting, memory loss, etc.)

What is in this shit? A comprehensive review of recent media reports produced conflicting estimates. Some claim that a typical 24 ounce serving contains as much alcohol as 2-3 beers and one cup of coffee… other estimates claim that each can contains as much alcohol as 7-8 beers and 3-4 cups of coffee. The most scientific study I could locate was at www.WebMD.com. The researchers found that “one can of Four Loko for a 120 pound woman could raise her blood alcohol level to .21 and that’s almost 3 times the legal limit.”

By this point it should be clear to you why the beverage has become wildly popular with college students. However, there is more. The samples of Four Loko pictured above were recently purchased for $2.18 a can (plus the obscenely high state sales tax). At this price everyone can afford to get wasted, and virtually any girl becomes a very cheap date. Even if you have to pour two cans of Four Loko into her instead of one, your total investment is still under five bucks to get her ready for love.



Drinks with high alcohol content, however, are nothing new to college campuses. What makes Four Loko so controversial is that it is heavily fortified with caffeine, which tends to mask the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Consequently, partiers falsely assume that they’re doing great… the confidence boost that accompanies heavy drinking is amplified even further. Skyrocketing blood alcohol levels, excessive confidence, and dramatically impaired judgment usually lead, predictably, to very bad things.





Many states have already banned Four Loco, and my own state is following suit. The governor has declared that all samples of Four Loko must be pulled from store shelves within the week. The manufacturer of Four Loco has promised to remove the caffeine from future productions. Meanwhile, angry college students have vowed to retaliate by mixing the neutered beverage with Red Bull and other stimulants to restore its kick.

Should we be glad that our government has, once again, intervened to save us from ourselves? You will have to decide that issue for yourself. All Jackhammer can do is present the facts and let you draw your own conclusions. If you’re undecided, I encourage you to attend a college party and slam a few Four Loco drinks for yourself while you still can. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even learn why the beverage is nicknamed “Blackout in a Can.”

Hail to the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chief!

My loyal followers will remember that I have touched upon this topic before. However, like star-crossed lovers, it seems that my destiny is intertwined with the Obama Chia Pet.

I will confess that when I first saw the “Obama” line of Chia Pets I did think that they were the coolest thing EVER. But I refrained from owning one because I considered their existence disrespectful to the Office of the President… and some people have claimed that cultivating an herb garden on Obama’s head carries racist overtones. So, in short, I ultimately declined to purchase one.

Imagine my surprise when my wife proudly presented me with an Obama Chia Pet just last week (she doesn’t read my blog and was unaware that I had already wrestled with this moral issue). She had spotted them in the drugstore, and knowing my deep affection for lowbrow humor she promptly bought one as a surprise gift for me. After 20 years of marriage, she even knew that I would prefer the “Determined Obama” version over the “Happy Obama” version.

So, like a bad penny, the Obama Chia Pet issue has resurfaced again. What could I do? I didn’t want to hurt my wife’s feelings. Furthermore, secretly, in my heart-of-hearts, I still thought that they were funny and cool. So I carefully planted the seeds on Obama’s head and let it rest on my kitchen countertop.

As Spartacus once said, “a man must embrace his fate or be destroyed by it.” As I watched Obama’s head growing herbs over the past several days, I realized that the Determined Obama Chia Pet and I were meant to be together. Every morning when I pour my coffee I find inspiration in Obama’s determined visage… and now I begin each day by stepping into the morning sunshine and shouting “YES WE CAN!”