Oh hey Rich, just because.

KARAMBIT Origin **

As proven by its etymological roots, the kerambit originated From West Sumatra and spread to Java where, according to folklore, it was inspired by the claws of big cats. As with most weapons of the region, it was originally an agricultural implement designed to rake roots, gather threshing and plant rice. As it was weaponised, the blade became more curved to maximise cutting potential. Through Indonesia's trade network and close contact with neighbouring countries, the karambit was eventually dispersed through what are now Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand.[1]

Culturally the karambit was a subject of condescension in Java because of its history as a weapon of the agrarian peasantry, as opposed to the kesatria (warrior class) who were trained in the keraton or palace. European accounts tell that soldiers in Indonesia were armed with a kris at their waist and a spear in their hands, while the kerambit was used as a last resort when the fighter's other weapons were lost in battle. Nevertheless it was popular among women who would tie the weapon into their hair to be used in self-defense. Even today, silat masters regard it as a feminine weapon. The renowned Bugis warriors of Sulawesi were famous for their embrace of the kerambit. Today it is one of the main weapons of silat and is commonly used in Filipino martial arts as well.

Like its Southeast Asian counterpart, the Indian bagh nakh was purportedly based on tigers' claws and is concealed in the hand. The much simpler kerambit, however, was originally only a miniature sickle, slightly larger than the traditional Javanese rice harvesting knife and has never had the brass knuckle-type projections from either the handle or the pommel, as seen in some of the present day evolutions of the blade. Superficially the kerambit also resembles the jambiyah but there is no connection. The jambiyah was always designed as a weapon and serves as a status marker, often made by skilled artisans and jewelers using precious stones and metals, whereas the kerambit was and still remains an unadorned, modest farmer's implement and useful utility knife.

** Copied from Wikipedia

I hope you make it back home before the storm gets to bad Rich. Oh and don't forget to get your toilet paper and milk. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Milk- check
TP- check

Cool write up on the karambit..

It's fun seeing the little ones in snow pants, boots, jackets, hats and gloves... they are seriously bundled up can play a long time outside...'course my daughter can barely move in all that- but she's happy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I know, it's kinda cruel to laugh at them barely able to move bundled up that much but it is funny.

I don't know why that combination of items, but all my life I have always heard what when a storm is coming make sure you've got milk and toilet paper. I guess it's just a Redneck thing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

almond milk and wet wipes...

Microsoft had a special on, if you downloaded windows 8 directly from their website it was $40.
I think the special ended the last day of january

I just looked and it is $120 now
It was a bit of a pain to re-load vista, then load the windows 8 up-grade but whatever

Off to work now guys have a great day

My computer was doing weird things. I don't think my laptop can run windows 8.

I don't think I want to run windows 8.

Eventually I will be forced to use whatever operating system they have installed on a computer when I buy it.

I try to keep them as long as I can.

Morning dogs

I got a package today.