youngmogul has left 15 comments

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Enjoying the beauty. Its sad that you are forced to take these kinds of precautions when your intentions are good. I wish it was as simple as media hype, but unfortunately its true. Every country has problems, but ignoring them doesnt solve anything. Colombia is on the right track, but things will take time. Until then, I'll have my backup plan.

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Here's the plan: 1st Common sense (no night buses or dangerous barrio strolls) 2nd If there is a situation, try and diffuse it with words. 3rd If that doesnt work, 3 feet gets pepper spray, closer gets to fight for his life. It seems like most people have the attitude that you will lose if you stand up for yourself. I do not believe that. If you are threatening my life, i will take yours or die trying, end of story, no fear, no regret, no hesitation. Meth heads and glue kids dont get any special treatment. Some people value living another day over standing up for what is right. I believe standing up for what you believe, even if it costs you your life. Ask any great leader that question. The reason these thugs pull shit is because they get away with it. Maybe you'll read about me in the paper, maybe you'll read about him, life is temporary anyways and death is just another transition.

youngmogul comments on Lonely Planet (PDF) Travel Guides ?

thanks for checkin

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Mongo, Thanks for another helpful perspective. Ya, i think you're right about 3 before 2... lol

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

ddluzdelsol, It seems that the general census is that carrying a weapon is not a good idea or unnecissary if you are mindful. I guess the reasons being, you will either escalate the situation, get busted by the police or it can be used against you. After gathering feedback here, talking to people with bad experiences and reading expert advise on worst case scenarios, the following seems to be the best plan (taken from a Survival Handbook) along with a can of pepper spray ;) How to survive a hostage situation (night bus hijacking): 1. Stay calm 2. If shots are fired, keep your head down and drop to the floor 3. Do not make any sudden or suspicious movements 4. Comply with all demands 5. Never look at the terrorist directly or raise your head until you are directed to speak to him or her 6. Never challenge a hostage taker 7. Carefully observe the characteristics and behavior of the terrorist (to help authorities later) How to survive a mugging: 1. Do not argue or fight with a mugger unless your life is clearly in danger 2. If you are certain that your attacker means to do you or your loved one harm, attack vital areas of your assailants body. - Thrusting your fingers into or above your attackers eyes - Driving your knee in an upward direction into his groin (if the attacker is male) - Grabbing and crushing the attackers testicles as if crushing a handful of grapes (if the attacker is male) - Striking the front of his or her throat, using the area between your thumb and first finger or the side of your hand, held straight and strong - Slamming the tip of your elbow into the attackers ribs - Stomping down on the attackers instep 3. Use an object as a weapon - Many common objects can be used as weapons if aimed at vulnerable body parts. A stick for eyes and groin, keys between fingers to slash and punch... etc.

youngmogul comments on Babies need adoptive parents(wadela91@yahoo.com)

Is this a serious post? If so, isnt there an adoption agency in Peru? What are the circumstances?

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Rocco81, I guess i should consider for every bad story there are a thousand good ones. I really am looking forward to South America and every person i have met that is from Colombia is warm and friendly. I'm probably letting the negative news get to me... lol. Thanks for the good wishes

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Rocco81, I appreciate the level headed insight. I also respect the difussion approach. I am prepared to die at any point to defend myself or my family, thats not a factor. Living to tell about my girlfriend getting raped or beat is not a concern either. Short of caring a gun around, im trying to find the best way to handle things beyond rif raf or difusable situations. I'm really just concerned with what people do if diffusion doesnt work. Any plan for that?

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Much thanks to everyone that took to time to comment on my post. I appreciate the perspective.

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Durito, I guess that means that its unavoidable to come to Colombia and not be harrassed. I'm not sure i agree with that. I think that most of the people in Colombia (and the world) are good natured and trustworthy.

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Well I suppose a bong is illegall if you dont call it a waterpipe, maybe thats the loophole. I guess they get away from selling them here because they are made into belt buckles. LOL... they make a plastic version too, which I'm sure can do the same damage. http://www.kingofswords.com/Apparel/Knuckle-Buckles/Red-Plastic-Giant-Belt-Buckle.html

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

Quantum, I've never carried anything of the sort, but have decided to be more prepared this time. I've been in a few hairball situations, one of which was in San Jose, Costa Rica like you. I'm generally pretty passive and can handle myself, but I will be traveling with my girlfriend this time and want to be prepared to defend both of us with limited damage. Thanks for the useful reply.

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

The brass knuckle belt buckle is legal. I guess because its not concealed (not sure). Easy enough to take it off for self defense. Always in the game ;)

youngmogul comments on Pepper Spray - Brass Knuckles - Stun Gun

jusjoseph, Thanks for your response. So, I'm gathering that you shouldnt bring anything for self defense, because the officials will confiscate them. I guess i figured that in countries with random robberies and rapes that you had a right to protect yourself with something (Here in California, those things are all legal). I agree that tourist generally exploit the country they travel with little regard, however, I am not that person. I believe in respecting and assimilating to the country and culture that you are visiting. With that said, do you have any positive suggestions about protecting yourself if you are attacked. I know people and have read several stories where people have been attacked, robbed and raped not only on night buses, but in broad daylight in the city with people watching. Thanks again for your response.

youngmogul comments on

I appreciate you sharing that story with us. It helps people understand the risks and vulnerabilities in these situations, affording us an opportunity to be prepared. I have done a little reading about being as prepared as possible for these situations. The following are examples. I would like to know how practical you feel they are (clearly you followed some of these recommendations). How to survive a hostage situation: 1. Stay calm 2. If shots are fired, keep your head down and drop to the floor 3. Do not make any sudden or suspicious movements 4. Comply with all demands 5. Never look at the terrorist directly or raise your head until you are directed to speak to him or her 6. Never challenge a hostage taker 7. Carefully observe the characteristics and behavior of the terrorist (to help authorities later) How to survive a mugging: 1. Do not argue or fight with a mugger unless your life is clearly in danger 2. If you are certain that your attacker means to do you or your loved on harm, attack vital areas of your assailants body. 3. Use an object as a weapon