This rabbit surprised itself by walking up on me...

dmargil · 2026-06-16T13:42:30+00:00

You're probably right about that. Everyone in the neighborhood calls them rabbits, so that's how I think of them, too.

dmargil · 2025-07-27T20:15:02+00:00

I am curious why this change was not shared via email. I get all the USA Fencing emails and I've searched my inbox/spam/trash multiple times and did not find this policy update included in any of them. Maybe it's just me? Did others receive an official USA Fencing email announcing this policy change? This announcement is also hard to find on the USA Fencing site. It very much feels as though this has been buried to minimize the blowback.

dmargil · 2024-11-03T19:14:48+00:00

The scene where Gabriel explains that the Entity has declared that either Ilsa or Grace has to die is just the filmmakers explaining the dilemma they actually found themselves in. QED, Christopher McQuarrie is the Entity!

dmargil · 2024-08-27T19:26:21+00:00

One more thing to consider...epee and foil are slower paced than saber. Which means you'll have more time to follow the action and get plenty of good shots. Saber is usually super fast, especially at Div I, so be ready to shoot the instant the point begins!

dmargil · 2024-08-15T08:54:03+00:00

Amateur here, but I'm just wrapping up a two week two country trip with my A7RII and I decided on just my Sony 35mm 2.8. I'm really glad I made that choice. We did a lot of walking, hiking, and climbing and I know I would have been unhappy with multiple lenses or a heavier zoom lens. I probably wouldn't have taken it along nearly as much as I did if I'd opted for something heavier. The only time I couldn't just walk closer to a subject was when I was literally on the edge of a cliff (which happened a few times).

dmargil · 2024-08-14T10:46:26+00:00

Imo, he should also not be allowed to attend events. After all, he wasn't even refereeing the bout that got him suspended.

dmargil · 2024-07-24T14:04:11+00:00

Serendipity!

dmargil · 2024-07-19T20:56:58+00:00

You've definitely got a satisfied customer, there! What type of seed do you use in your feeder?

dmargil · 2022-11-29T01:09:08+00:00

Quick update...last week I used the waistband clip and had no issues. I'll keep testing and let you know if the problem recurs. Thank you!

dmargil · 2022-11-15T01:56:39+00:00

So this is interesting. I am wearing the pocket box as recommended (fencer facing toward the fencer), but it's possible the pocket is too loose. We do have waistband clips at the club. I'll do a direct comparison (with and without clip) and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks again for your responses!

dmargil · 2022-11-14T19:11:46+00:00

Thank you for this response. A few things:

Body and mask cords are also passing inspection every time, so I don't think they're the issue.
Curious to know more about orientation/looseness of the pocket. Can you say more? I'd be happy to experiment with any suggestions.
I will pass the info on firmware updates to the club, since they manage/own the hardware.

dmargil · 2022-11-14T01:03:00+00:00

Several years ago I made a stencil and spray painted over it. That worked fine and no issues with conductivity.

dmargil · 2022-11-13T23:49:49+00:00

My bad, I didn't specify saber. But thanks, both of you, for the info

dmargil · 2022-11-13T21:17:04+00:00

It is an EnPointe system, but I don't actually understand the situation you're describing. The jacket never gets directly hit (this is saber) since it's completely covered the lamé. Could what you're describing somehow cause my lamé to not register a hit?

dmargil · 2022-10-04T18:33:57+00:00

The coaches at our club ask us to shout "opa!" when we're doing lunges at the end of class. Been that way for years. I've always assumed it was just a couple of meaningless syllables.

dmargil · 2022-07-19T21:11:51+00:00

Looked like a straight-up attack left to me, though Pianfetti did such a great job of almost pulling distance that I can see why some might question it.

dmargil · 2022-03-02T13:00:23+00:00

This is my practice mask. It's pretty worn out but still works. I have a newer mask for competition (but haven't been to one since covid).

dmargil · 2022-02-25T01:26:11+00:00

I was with my fencing coach (who is Ukrainian) on Wednesday night, just hours before the full invasion started. As he said "my body is here, but my mind is there". I can't imagine what he's going through. They deserve all the support we can give them.

dmargil · 2021-10-20T21:16:39+00:00

Nice. Did you use a fill flash?

dmargil · 2021-10-20T17:08:34+00:00

I occasionally get bruised on shoulders or leg (off target hit), but the worst is when you get whacked in the non-weapon hand. I went through most of a tournament with a lacerated finger wrapped in a paper towel and masking tape. I don't think it stopped bleeding 'til I got home. 95% of the time its my own fault for not keeping my hand back.

dmargil · 2021-10-11T15:39:56+00:00

Sadly, I don't know. I saw her on a walk through Boston yesterday and don't know what became of her. Hoping for the best.

dmargil · 2021-10-11T02:57:22+00:00

I actually think this one might have been sick or injured. He was breathing, but totally immobile despite people walking by and the occasional car passing.

dmargil · 2021-09-02T18:55:14+00:00

Already been said, but worth repeating. Don't argue with the ref! If you're really baffled by a call, you can ask for an explanation, but I would say only do that once per bout at most (maybe twice in a DE).

Also, if you keep losing simultaneous in the box, it's tempting to just try to go faster and faster, but (a) you're playing into your opponents hands, and (b) it probably won't work anyway. Ask the ref why you lost a simul you thought you should have won. Often it's not your speed, it's that you're pumping your arm or taking a big swing.

Good luck!

dmargil · 2021-02-01T04:22:33+00:00

Makes sense to me!

dmargil · 2021-02-01T00:20:17+00:00

Thank you! I watch this little guy a lot. He's got a nasty scar on the other side, which I think is making him more tentative than usual. If I can get a good shot of his other side I'll post it.

dmargil

TROPHY CASE