America's Most Popular Handgun

The Glock 17 - "America's Handgun"

The bestselling handgun in America is a relative new entry into the field. The Glock.

It was created in the 1980s by Gaston Glock - a manufacturer who had no previous experience in the arms industry - for the Austrian police. That's great but what made it take off was it was created at a time when American law enforcement recognized the criminals had become better armed. So Glock's innovative improvements - 17 rounds v. the traditional 6 of a revolver; a 5-pound trigger pull v. a 12-pound trigger pull; and a plastic casing that cut the weight of the handgun significantly - were exactly the kinds of things they were looking for.

The most controversial feature was no safety. This had gun the control lobby up in arms - well I might not have said that right. There actually was a second lever built into the trigger that had to be pressed to activate the trigger - but basically the gun was and is always "on". Before anyone reading this who is against handguns gets too worked up, Glock has added several components through the years for a system they call "safe action."

Popular Mechanics interviewed Paul Barrett of Business Week and did a much more thorough article on the subject, Why the Glock Became America's Handgun, if you'd like to read more.

Me? I have a conceal-and-carry permit and keep a number of handguns in a safe in my office and another safe in my bedroom, including a Glock 19. I carry a HK USP Elite (.45) on my person. Has anyone found a more accurate handgun?

Babe of the Week - 12/7/2012 - Football Anyone?

Rocky Romance Babe of the Week

Is it any wonder I love football so much?

The Toughest Transition When Soldiers Return Home

The return from active duty to civilian life is a tough transition. A lot of focus is put on the mental and emotional health of our heroes returning from Iraq - and rightfully so.

But let's not forget that for some of these "kids" being a warrior is the only job they've ever had. We've been in a state of war in the Middle East for more than a decade. So finding a new way to make a living is one hell of a transition as well.

This is made even worse by the fact that many of America's best weren't ready to opt-out but wanted to re-up only to be told Uncle Sam doesn't need them anymore. Ouch. Not quite as bad as getting fired or having your significant other dump you, but it still feels like rejection. Not the best mindset when it's time to start selling yourself in a constricted job market.

When I got back from Desert Storm I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I muddled around a bit on a couple short-term jobs and then got lucky when I started my business - with a lot of help and encouragement.

If you're hiring, don't forget our heroes. If you've just landed back in the US, thank you for your service. We're sorry the economy sucks - but keep your head up. The harder you work the luckier you'll get.

My Honor Code

I attended Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio. Some accept everything they are taught in a Catholic education - and it was a heck of an education. Others rebel and reject everything. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.

My sister says I'm a lapsed Catholic even though I write a couple checks and attend Mass a few times a year at St. Anne or St. Monica - and I'm ashamed to say that when I walk up the front steps of church my mind sometimes wanders to a certain Anne and a certain Monica - neither of them very saintly but each smoking hot - respectively.

But even if I have a hard time saying no to the temptations of the flesh, I have one code I never break - at least not knowingly, so if I do sin it is based on ignorance. But no matter how enticing, how exquisite, how eager, how available - I always say "no" to a married woman.

My job is to help people sort through the ups and downs of a relationship. Some rocky romances aren't worth saving and I try my best to help one of the parties understand that. But all relationships have ups and downs, so I likewise try to help my clients know when it's worth fighting for. That's why I honor marriage vows even if I've never been married myself.

That's my code - and I'm sticking to it.