Self-defense nightstand

For those places (for instance home) where a gun is not an option, how about a nightstand you can quickly use to defend yourself and your family/loved ones? Gladiator home safety?

From ixiqi.com/archives/62210

Media and self-defense

Women's self-defense
Illustration - from Flickr.com

Meg Stone has a precise and very true observation in jamaicaplaingazette.com about how the media seems to ignore - or at least appears to underplay - a very important fact about women and self-defense actions.

Stone has the same experience as yours truly - it is proven countless of times, and beyond a shadow of a doubt how women are capable of defending themselves in situations where the attacker is male and very likely much stronger. In fact there are several thousands (and growing) cases being documented: Women Can.

By failing to focus on the facts of the matter, it may be that men as well as women may think that your only viable option is to get help from the authorities/police, a male companion, or begin carrying a gun for protection. Now, there is probably nothing wrong with being able to trust in outside help, as long as you don't take away the individual's trust in herself and her own abilities before anything else!

A sad but rather obvious fact is that you will often times be alone, and that you will need to stand your own ground. Any help will many times come in after the fact - or in addition to your own self-defense maneuvers.

A closer reading of the article reveals that this woman successfully defended herself by using her voice and shining a flashlight in the would-be assailant's face. In response to her actions, the assailant fled, but not before she got a physical description, which she gave to the police. Most importantly, this woman's bravery and fast thinking kept her from sustaining serious injuries. Unfortunately, this woman's successful self-protective actions are nowhere to be found in the Gazette's headline or the opening paragraph of the article.

In the above article, the author makes a reference to the National Crime Victimization Survey. It's undoubtedly a good idea to read it and make up your own mind.

In any case, the author makes a very good point in my opinion, and you should definitely give it a read. I'm also curious as to what your perspective is on this issue. Feel free to post below, re-tweet or post to Facebook!

A pen for self-defense

Arizona -- As we all know, a number of everyday items - and things you regularly carry on your person in particular - can come in handy in a self-defense situation. The unassuming pen is definitely on that short list of things you could potentially grab for if you ever found yourself in a tight spot.

So far, so good. Only problem is that most pens really don't stand much of anything before they break. Heck, a lot of them don't even function properly purely as writing tools...

Enter the Tactical Pens and similar special designed self-defense pens. These tools are - in addition to being pens (duh) - made to withstand serious abuse without splitting, bending or breaking.

The end to all your troubles? Well of course not. Like everything else they have their advantages and disadvantages, and you will of course be at least somewhat trained in the application. And also, keeping it in your purse or briefcase - you know the usual hiding place for your pepper spray canister - won't do you any good at all.

Improvising talent

All right, I'll admit it ... I like banjo. I even play one when ever the mood hits me. And now there seems to be more more reason for picking one. Self-defense. Yes, you heard that right.

A 21-year-old Overland Park man was able to swing his banjo. in self-defense when he was attacked recently with a knife and a frying pan by another young male, according to blogs.kansascity.com. Police said the banjo blow to the head stopped the "pan-handler", who was treated for a cut and later arrested.

Banjolly good... Obviously great improvising :-)

Brass knuckle umbrella?

Here's a combined umbrella and brass knuckle, from what I can see called an Umbuster (umbrella and knuckle buster - geddit?).

Although it may potentially be a handy protection gadget (perhaps something for the James Bond wannabe?), I would definitely check my local laws first.

I do suspect this would be classified as an illegal weapon many places.

Not the brightest robbers

These two robbers are not exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer :-)

The two Gainsville, Florida men used a cell phone to imitate a gun in order to rob two women of their iPhone in two separate incidents.

They used a car registered to one of the men - and one of the victims was able to give police the license tag number, according to gainesville.com.

When arrested, one of the men told police the robberies "were a joke" and that they were taped to put on YouTube.com. Police reportedly found no video of the "joke" robberies.

One of the robbers also said he was going to return the women's phones by calling them, according to a police spokesman. "At which point, our detectives reminded him that he stole their phones, so he really couldn't call them," the spokesman said.

A musical lesson

There are at least two vital lessons to be learned form the story below. First off, you definitely don't want to be messing with 17-year-old marching band girls. If they are armed with a baton, then even more so - stay clear :-)

Secondly - and this is the serious part - the incident really goes to show how effective any kind of weapon can be in a self-defense situation.

Needless to say, I really love stories like this one.

California -- This high school marching band student form Quartz Hill (a high desert community about 40 miles north of Los Angeles) beat up two attackers who attempted to mug her as she was walking to school Friday morning, officials said.

A Sheriff's spokesman said the teenager kicked one man in the groin and punched the other in the nose. She then beat both men into submission with her large baton before running away.

A "pizza the action"

Florida -- A Miramar pizza delivery driver was confronted by armed robbers, according to news.bbc.co.uk and the Florida Sun-Sentinel.

But the 40-year-old intended victim was armed with a weapon of his own ... a large pepperoni pizza.

Reportedly, he flung the hot item at the gunman, then turned hot on his heels and ran. The driver managed to make a safe getaway even though the attempted robbers fired at him as he fled.

I suppose it is perfectly OK to waste good food as long as it is for a worthy cause like this one?

Lame excuses #8

Ah yes, the good old "just fell into my hand" excuse. Doesn't get any more convincing than this :-)

A certified nut-case was arrested after arguing with a security guard at a condominium in Ocean City, Pennsylvania around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, according to mdcoastdispatch.com

The man was banging on a window causing it to break. He then picked up a large shard of the broken glass and tried to stab the guard with it.

The security guard told police the attacker tried to climb through the hole in the glass. The man allegedly lunged at the security guard with the large piece of glass and threatened to kill him.

He had "the wildest look on his face" and he was certain he would have killed him if another man he was with hadn't interceded, the guard said.

When questioned about the incident, the man acknowledged a piece of glass might have fallen into his hand and he might have made a motion toward the guard with it.

Like I said, I doesn't get any "better" than this.

One man, one plant, one plan

This is just too funny - and too stupid I might add... You just have to watch the video - it's hilarious! Oh, and if the video clip is gone when you get there, just contact me and I'll provide it.

A would-be robber enters a store in DeLand, Florida. And what is his weapon of choice? A palm frond :-)

I don't know if this works in the guy's favor or not, but anyhow his claim is $50. Well, at least he's being specific about it.

The incident ends when a customer chases the man out the door with ... a gun? No, a bar stool :-) Like I said, you need to watch this video!

Hazards at work, 46

There have been several cases of violence towards real estate agents lately. Here is one of them.

Story:
In Corona, California police have arrested a 33-year-old man according to pe.com. Authorities claim the man made an appointment to see a house for sale Friday morning, then assaulted the real estate agent who came to show it.

Acting like a prospective buyer, the man allegedly arranged a meeting. When the agent showed up to the home, the man took the female agent by knifepoint into the home, according to police.

The man raped the agent after which he began stabbing her with a knife. The woman fought back and was able to get away and ran to a neighboring home.

When police arrived at about 10:45 a.m., they found the real estate agent bleeding from multiple stab wounds. The woman was taken to hospital.

Another "stick-up"

North Carolina -- A 62-year-old Shelby man told police two males attempted to rob him using a BB gun, according to police reports.

The intended victim said he was shot in the leg and forehead, but still managed to fend off the would-be robbers with a stick, according to shelbystar.com.

From bad to worse

I can't really argue too much about this man following the culprits after being robbed at gunpoint. I might actually have done the same thing myself if I was in the position to do so.

However, pulling up alongside two armed - and now probably desperate - men, may not be your smartest move.

Personally, I would probably not follow someone in the first place unless I had some way of communicating with police. And my only reason for following someone would be to notify authorities.

Think about this:
After a robbery you're most likely to have strong adrenal reactions, and you most probably won't function too well (unless you're trained to do so/used to it). You are probably very angry, and this also doesn't exactly put you in a better "combat mode" either. And then add to it that you are dealing with (often times) armed and desperate people under the influence of drugs. A criminal does not want to get caught, remember...

And risking your life for some "valuables" ... things? Then that would really have to be some very special items of immense personal and sentimental value!

Story:
Virginia -- Police said a 49-year-old man was shot following a robbery in the Lorton area Sunday, according to nbc4.com.

The victim had just parked his SUV when he was approached by two masked men with guns, according to police. The victim reportedly gave the men his wallet and other items, and they got into a car and fled.

The robbery victim got into his car in order to follow the culprits. When he pulled up next to the suspect vehicle near an intersection, one of the culprits allegedly shot him in the upper body.
The man drove home and called police. He was later was hospitalized.

Your typical bouncer?

Probably far from it - this guy seems to be one really mean and depraved individual.

According to guardian.co.uk, the 39-year-old is on trial, accused of murdering two women (19 and 22 years old). Both reportedly died after being struck with a blunt instrument. The man is also on trial for two attempted murders and one count of kidnap and false imprisonment.

According to the paper he has previous court appearances dating back to when he was 13. He had admitted offences ranging from vehicle theft, having an offensive weapon to assaulting a police officer.

He was jailed for a total of 13 months in 1991 for hitting a constable in the face, common assault on a special constable and failing to surrender.

In February 2005, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for seven years for dangerous driving after being stopped on a motorway hard shoulder at 70mph.

And this guy was working as a bouncer (doorman)...

Now, you may all say that most bouncers are not like this person here, and fortunately you're right. However, and this is my point, there are too many in that line of work who pose a real danger to those around them.

How do I know - I used to work the doors myself. It used to be worse, but there are still too many young guys out there with far too much testosterone, short fuses, little or no empathy, steroids, drug abuse, criminal connections and what have you not.

Norwegian psychologist Per Isdal describes in his book "Meningen Med Volden" ("The Purpose of Violence" - unfortunately available in Norwegian only as far as I know) amongst other things how one bouncer used his work to set people up for violence. A scary read; even more so if you knew that there are more guys like this out there.

One small piece of advice: Do not talk back at bouncers - it really does you no good at all. What it potentially can do is get you and others hurt.

And by all means - let us not forget that most of these folks are nice, hard working, under-paid and under a lot of stress. Be nice, boys and girls :-)

A good Samaritan killed

I'm sure you've read or heard about the 39-year-old New York City subway conductor, Maurice Parks, who just recently fought off three muggers? The man allegedly trained martial arts at a Harlem 'elite dojo', and he used a knife to defend himself.

It is believed the robbery victim inadvertently may have killed Flonarza Byas, a young man who tried to help him during the incident. As nydailynews.com writes: "(...) a good Samaritan who waded into the bloody fight, was fatally stabbed - and investigators say it's likely that Parks delivered the fatal wound not knowing that Byas was trying to help."

Now, this is a tragic incident for all involved. I am really sorry for the young man who was killed while trying to help, and I really hope that the three young muggers will be tried as adults and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

What I would like to draw some attention to is how terribly wrong things can go if you just "wade into" an incident without knowing how it is perceived by the one (or ones) you are trying to help.

It is virtually impossible to distinguish who is who in the middle of a fight like this! Why do you think police uses verbal commands during their interventions?

So if you decide to intervene (which I really hope you will do), please make sure you state up front who you are and what you are doing - in a loud and clear voice. Of course it is always (if there's time) your best bet to call police first, and then try to help in other ways. You may also want to state loudly that you have called police, and that they are on their way (this goes even if you haven't called police...).

If you can not see who the attackers are - you can not distinguish the victim (or victims) from the attacker (or attackers) - it is not very wise to intervene directly/in a physical sense. If, on the other hand, you do know who you are in fact trying to help - make yourself known to that person (or those persons) - visually as well as verbally!

The weapons myth

Hop over to my Squidoo women's self defense lense and have a look at the latest article.
It's about things to think about if you consider utilising a weapon (such as kubotan, spray, keys, taser, knife or gun).
I'd love to get your feedback on this topic!

A 'cooler aid'

A South Side apartment complex in Madison, Wisconsin has already been the scene of three murders and a non-fatal shooting during a 15 months period.

Thursday night yet another crime occurred, when a 50-year-old woman reportedly had to fight off an attempted sexual assault by a stranger in the basement of her building, according to madison.com.

The tenant said she had gone to a storage locker in the building's basement about 6 p.m. to get something. She was just about to leave when a man grabbed her from behind, a police spokesman said.

As the man held her by the waist, the woman reached into the storage locker, grabbing a hard beverage cooler plastic top to defend herself.

She was able to hit him a couple of times right in the head with it. The attacker yelled in pain, and the woman was able to run back upstairs to her apartment.

A police report stated the woman's shirt was ripped in the encounter, but she was otherwise unharmed.

Tables turned

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the young man here - at least in some states and countries - could end up being charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Bass ackwords? You bet. You have to be kind to the criminals! You know ... a hug never harmed anyone.

Story from presstelegram.com:
An 18-year-old employee was slicing chicken in the back of a restaurant in Long Beach, California when he heard a commotion at the register.

There, he witnessed his 41-year-old boss struggling with a robber. A 33-year-old suspect had allegedly entered the eatery at about 5 p.m. and demanded money from the cashier behind the counter, a police spokeswoman said.

The robber was wearing a big jacket with a hood and holding his hand up as if he were carrying a gun. When the owner had trouble opening the register, the suspect jumped over the counter and was struggling with the owner, police said.

When the 18-year-old employee came out, he acted instantly to help his boss, stabbing the suspect in the lower abdomen with a kitchen knife, police said.

The robber was transported to a local hospital and is expected to live. Officers found that he was not carrying any weapons.

More targeting

Canada -- Vancouver.24hrs.ca reports that Asian women are being targeted in the latest string of violent purse snatchings, according to police.

A Police spokesperson says that five women have been assaulted from behind and robbed in southeast Vancouver between December 4 and December 9.

"The suspect comes up from behind and brutalizes the victim," the spokesperson said. Some women were hit in the back of the head with something like a police baton.

In the past, Asian women were targeted by thieves because of a perception immigrants are less likely to report crimes.

Glass danger

It's been said here before - if a fight breaks out, chances are great that someone will grab the nearest item to be used as a weapon. And if that happens to be a bottle or some other glass item, the consequences can be disastrous.

Story:
Australia -- A 20-year-old woman glassed in the face and now blind in one eye has demanded pubs and clubs be forced to use toughened plastic cups, according to news.com.au.

She made the plea from her hospital bed where she remained in pain since being attacked on a dance floor early on Sunday morning.

The victim says the altercation between her and her alleged attacker at the pub in Wollongong occurred after they bumped into one another while dancing.

"We exchanged words and within 30 seconds I had a glass hurled into my face," she said.