#Personal Protection

[aesethewitch]

Personal Protection: Surviving the Holidays

I'm of the opinion that far too many people around this time of year are fucking around, and it's high time they get to the finding out part. With major holidays right around the corner, many of us will be facing relatives we'd rather not see, parties we'd rather not go to, and conversations we'd rather avoid or exit as soon as possible. Political spats, unwanted opinions, snide remarks -- I believe that what you give out, you ought to receive back.

So, obviously, let's do some magic about it.

There are three main components to my method:

The Bubble;

The Quills; and

The Shake

The Bubble

Exactly what it sounds like, "the bubble" is the outermost layer of protection around you. It's the barrier between you and the unpleasantness you're trying to keep out.

The bubble can be one item carried or worn (such as a hat, crystal, or charm), or it can be multiple. I usually spring for two items, one to absorb/recycle and one to bounce/return to sender.

Absorb:

I've got a relative who is, at their essence, a fucking downer. That would be fine if not for the fact that if they're having a bad time or are mildly uncomfortable, it's about to be everyone's problem. This kind of negativity is something to absorb, not bounce. Sending it back would only double their misery, and that's no good for anyone.

So, instead, I have a special charm that I make for occasions when I know they're going to be around. It consists of a little piece of sponge that's sat in salt for a while atop a transformative sigil. The sponge, once fully charged and ready, will absorb the negative energy and recycle it into more positive feelings.

This means that their negativity won't impact me at all, and I actively improve the atmosphere. Their bad attitude can't do anything if everyone around us is only getting good vibes. The charm is powered by the exchange of negative to positive energy, so it requires no charging. However, it's smart to discard the sponge once it's done its job.

Bounce:

But sometimes, somebody's got to face real consequences. There are some things I don't want to deal with at all. Like gross political opinions from my conservative, religious family members. Or questions about having children.

The idea of the bounce is to reflect things before they reach me. It's a sort of glamor spell that projects an aura of "don't bother." It essentially lets me be passed over for conversations I want to leave or avoid entirely by bouncing attention away from me.

Negative energy, bad vibes, whatever you want to call it -- the goal is to return it to where it's coming from. Someone who's being an asshole will feel like an asshole. If it works right, they'll stop talking altogether because they're so irritated with what they're saying. I've had aggressive, vocal relatives go completely silent because they were receiving their own rancid energy back to themselves instead of the attention they were hoping for.

For me, this spell takes the form of a charm on my keys. It's a form of an evil eye charm -- not the blue-eyed stare you most likely think of, but another symbol meant to distract attention from me to it. It's a little pewter casting of the fig sign, an old and obscene gesture. It works on malevolent spirits best, but it does a great job of repelling unfortunate people, too. It bounces their nonsense back to themselves, often causing confusion, which forces them to reconsider what they're saying.

Again, this lives on my keys, which live in a key bowl when they're not clipped to my pocket or belt loop. The key bowl has a multi-purpose charging setup for the keys, my wallet, and other assorted charms I might wear when I go out.

The Quills

Sometimes, things get past our main line of defenses. That's fine, it happens. But under these circumstances, it happens because someone has deliberately crossed a line. So now, they get the quills.

When I say "the quills," you should be picturing something like a porcupine. Adorable, yes, but fuck with it at your own risk. Those quills aren't just for show, and neither should yours be. This is your second line of defense, and it's where we turn to offense.

Accordingly, the quills aren't passive spells like the bubble. These require conscious activation and direction to give you maximum control over their output. You can make your quills passive, but I often find that baneful workings work best when you're specifically choosing to use them.

Yes, baneful, and let me be perfectly clear: The goal is to harm whoever's crossed the line. You're not just returning to sender. You're catching what they've thrown at you, lighting it on fire, and pitching it back at full force.

To that end, there are two approaches I typically take (and are you sensing a pattern? I like to do things in twos). One spell to sharpen the tongue and give as good as I've gotten, and one to induce the smallest of lingering curses on the target.

Sharpen

The whole point of the quills is to make yourself an inconvenient, difficult target. Part of being difficult to swallow is not going down easily. Often, the answer is to avoid the conversation or problem altogether, but it isn't always possible. Or satisfying.

Sometimes, you gotta take a bitch down.

For me, this charm needs to do two things. It should boost my confidence in standing my ground and add some oomph to my argument. I have a pin with a particular design on it charmed for this purpose. The needle operates as the quill for stabbing (the oomph), and the design provides the confidence. Anointed with my Fuck Off Oil and laid in a dish of salt, garlic, and red chili flakes, the pin becomes extra spicy and effective.

This one has to be recharged each time it's used. It always lives on the same jacket, but I'll anoint it regularly to keep it fresh. If I use the charm on someone, I'll take the pin off at the end of the night and set it in the spicy salt mixture.

Linger

By far one of the most effective methods for reducing nonsense from unpleasant people I interact with regularly is lingering consequences. When someone associates bad luck with interacting with you, even on a subconscious level, they tend to avoid you.

Consider this the "slow poison" on the quills. The goal isn't to ruin their life by any means (although, I suppose you could...). It's just to make yourself unpalatable on an instinctive level. Think of how poisonous frogs are brightly colored to display that they're, you know, deadly. That's what we're doing here.

I prefer to use something kind of dangerous. Something you can hold onto and point with is best, in my experience. I've used a broken piece of glass, a rusty nail or screw, and various thorns. Right now, I'm using one half of a rusty pair of old cooking shears. The handle broke, but the blades are still sharp as hell. Waste not, and all that.

Anoint whatever the sharp, dangerous thing is in an oil infused with herbs and spices of your choice (again, the Fuck Off Oil is a good example). Or, if you prefer, coat it in something like hot sauce, urine, rust, or other corrosive and unpleasant things. Once prepared, stow it in your bag. Or your glove box, if you drive, since this makes a nice on-the-go curse to cast at shitty drivers.

You don't need to pull it out for it to work, but if you can get to a safe, secluded space (like a bathroom), it can help you focus. When you're creating it, you should set up an activation word, phrase, or motion. I prefer a motion -- something like tapping wherever the object is, a swirling movement with my hand, and then pointing at the target.

The curse you place is up to you. I tend to go for something like feeling nauseous or getting a headache. The spell should draw a connection between them being nasty to you and the unpleasant feeling, whether overt or subconscious. They'll be more cautious and reluctant to be a dick to you afterwards.

The Shake

Like a dog. Get that shit off of yourself.

No matter how thorough you are, there are always gaps and particularly stubborn people getting into them. Something they say just sticks to you like a burr, sharp and irritating. Or depressing, maybe.

The idea behind the shake is literal. You're forcibly removing the heavy weight or annoying itch someone else has placed on you. The shake isn't necessarily an item like with the bubble and quills. It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

Essentially, the steps to the shake are:

Identify what feels bad

Shake that shit

Resume normal activities

Maybe it's the neurodivergent in me, but physical movement is incredibly soothing. Self-regulation tactics are essential for survival. Transforming that into a little spell ritual at the same time is just two birds with one stone.

When things get overwhelming or I can feel my bubble failing to keep everything out at once (such as if a fight breaks out or someone decides to go in depth about one of my triggers), I remove myself from the situation. That's the first step. Retreat to a safe place, whether that's outside, in my car, in the bathroom, or elsewhere that's quiet. The second step is to figure out where in my body the anxiety or bad feeling is sitting. Often, it's in my shoulders and hands, but sometimes it's elsewhere.

Step three is to fucking shake. Shake those hands, roll my shoulders, jump up and down. Whatever it takes. As I do, I'm forcibly dislodging everything unpleasant out of myself and into the open air. And because I've got the negativity-absorbing bubble, it'll take the bad feeling and repurpose it into something more positive. Then, once I'm better, I can go back.

Again, you don't need an object for this, but you can certainly create one. Options would be comforting items, fidget toys, or even something like a joint. Sometimes, you just gotta blow smoke about it. You know?

Fun fact, though: You could also carry a vessel to contain the Bad Feelings for later use instead of letting your bubble absorb them. This comes in handy for people who are particularly abusive... as an example of what you want them to experience under the force of a more involved cursing.

If you like my work, consider throwing a tip my way! Supporters get early, exclusive, and extended access to my work for as low as $3.

[weirdyearbook]

Source details and larger version.

Some unusual ways to protect one's personal space.

[historyofguns]

In the article "Why Is This Ayoob’s Favorite 1911 for Training?" by Massad Ayoob, the author recounts his extensive experience with the Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911 pistol that he has used for over a decade. Ayoob describes the 1911 as highly reliable and effective, likening its operation to that of a Singer sewing machine. He reflects on how the pistol's reliability underlines his principle that good shooting owes more to the shooter’s technique than the firearm's cost. Ayoob has used this 1911 extensively in his roles as a firearms instructor and in various shooting competitions, often surpassing more expensive custom guns. Despite signs of wear from frequent use, the gun has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, leading to top finishes in competitive events such as The Pin Shoot. Ayoob concludes that the Springfield Armory 1911 offers excellent value and build quality, underscoring his satisfaction with this dependable firearm.

[isaacsapphire]

The weird thing is, I can’t find anything online about how to get a job with Protector, and their LinkedIn page says they only employ about 12 people. The CEO is a young Facebook alum with no non tech background.

Protector is about the third or fourth “security on demand app” I’ve heard of, and at least some of the others did have “work for us” information online.

Black Wolf armed rideshare got in trouble for operating a security company without proper licensing. The Protector LinkedIn does have the legally required ex cops in both of their markets though, so it’s possible they do have licensing as security in LA and NYC, and it appears that in LA, they are subcontracting to DSOC, which is licensed.

Please also note that using Protector appears to cost a minimum of $500, which honestly sounds about right for 5 hours of 1 personal protection professional and an Escalade.

What’s more concerning is that the same startup is also working on Patrol, which is intended as a crowdfunding platform for… off duty cops to patrol your neighborhood in LA.

This isn’t the first privately funded security for single family home neighborhoods residential customers in LA that I have heard of; Securitas was offering a somewhat similar service a few years ago. Overall my impression is that LA is an under-policed hellscape where basic police services like responding to property crimes and neighborhood policing have to be paid for directly by the affected citizens, or at least the better off residents can be convinced that they should pay.

Overall though, this is a publicity campaign for a Facebook alum wizkid Nick Sarath and some LAPD and NYPD SWAT officers to attract venture capital.

We've reached the "on demand brownshirts" level of the gig economy.

We all knew this was coming, right?

[riacte]

not romantic not platonic but a secret third thing [what would happen between earth and the moon if the earth stopped spinning as illustrated by xkcd randall munroe]

[readandwriteclub]

Red Dots on Shotguns? - Practical Shooting 101

[thatsafetyguy]

Self-Defense with Long Nails: Smart Tips That Actually Work

If you have long nails, you already know — they’re not just for style. In the right moment, they can be part of your personal protection. But how do you defend yourself effectively without breaking a nail or losing your grip?

This blog breaks down practical self-defense tips for women with long nails — from holding keychain tools properly to choosing the right pepper spray design.

👉 Read the full post here

Whether you're walking to your car, jogging alone, or just want to feel more confident, these tips are worth a read.

[iajainsuranceagencyllc]

In a world full of uncertainties, having reliable insurance coverage can provide you with much-needed peace of mind. An insurance agency in South Richmond Hill, New York offers a variety of policies designed to protect your most valuable assets. Whether you’re looking for personal protection or business coverage, the right insurance ensures you’re prepared for life’s unexpected events.

[josephkravis]

Opinion: The Great Imbalance

By promoting responsible gun ownership and addressing social issues, society can foster security without compromising individual rights.

[historyofguns]

The article "Is the 1911 Dangerous to Carry?" on The Armory Life, authored by Massad Ayoob, addresses concerns and safety features related to carrying a 1911 pistol. The 1911 is often carried with the hammer cocked, raising questions about its safety. Although the original design posed firing pin inertia risks when dropped, modern innovations like lightweight firing pins and stronger firing pin springs have mitigated these issues. The pistol's safety features, such as the thumb and grip safeties, are discussed, emphasizing their use for secure handling. Different carrying conditions are evaluated, with the "cocked-and-locked" or "Condition One" mode recommended by many experts. The article concludes that with proper safety mechanisms and training, carrying a 1911 pistol can be both safe and advantageous, particularly during situations requiring gun retention.

[alenasbdesign]

Happy Constitution Day, Sint Maarten!

[aegisprecisionkinetics]

In the world of firearm enthusiasts and sports shooters, the question of whether bulk ammo buying is a smart investment often arises. Many turn to local options, such as an ammunition manufacturer in Las Vegas, Nevada, offering both quality and convenience. When you’re constantly on the range, having a reliable stockpile ensures you’re prepared for every practice session without the hassle of last-minute purchases.

[blogquantumreality]

To add on to the above, if you're at all concerned about your accounts in general, go in person to the branch and ask for a verbal password annotation on your account! Branch/call center staff should ask for that password before any substantial interaction, even for something as simple as a bank account balance.

While we are on the subject - financial abuse is not always just physically taking money away or not having a savings account or escape stash. For a lot of people it is the other spouse sabotaging your credit score, constantly overspending, and you being unable to trust that joint household bills and loans are paid. Did you know that once you add an authorized user to your bank account it’s nearly impossible to remove them without their permission? Did you know that your spouse, who likely knows your birthday and SSN, can often gain access and reset passwords for any online accounts and create new ones?

Financial abuse will ruin your life and there’s really nothing except significant time that fixes it. If you are in a situation where you think this might happen to you you should freeze your credit with all three major agencies. You can find info on how to do this at USA.gov/credit-freeze

This is not something that only happens to tradwives. You are not exempt because you are independent or competent.

[iminrage]

the batkids are strong in their own rights. they're used to protecting their friends and loved ones. they are the protective one in their teams.

however, whenever Bruce is around, all of a sudden they became kittens held by the mother. all those protective instincts? gone. they are now with their father and their job is to duck or satay away or run to safety when instructed. jumping in front of harm's way? that's dad's job. them's the rules.