Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.
Having to spend time this morning dealing with Social Security. The promised call last week in regards retirement, or the promised follow-up, still have not happened. Not surprised.
Instead, I got a letter from the disability people telling me that a form I mailed back in early December did not reach them, despite the fact it was mailed in the same package as two other forms they apparently did get. Spending this morning working that issue instead of blogging or doing some fun writing. Got an idea for another little short that might get a laugh or two.
Beege Welborn at Hot Air has a good post on some recent Russian deaths. Add to that the number of mysterious fires at various locations that also just happen to produce (or possibly store) military items and it indicates an interesting time.
Others have said it, and I agree: all the deaths can’t be directly attributed to Vladimir. Quite a few, yes. Public disagreement with Vladimir has never been particularly healthy. That said, the GRU most likely did not do them all.
I keep harping on the fact that Russia is a very different culture, with very different mores, and a very different way of thinking about things. Business is something of a blood sport, and one rarely rises to oligarch without figurative or even literal blood on your hands. Hiring retired members of GRU 29155 is highly prized I hear. So, while I think Vladimir has indeed had some killed (Gazprom comes to mind), some (maybe even up to half) of the deaths are just a hazard of doing business in Russia. All in all, if I were an oligarch I would both hire a food taster and stay away from windows, roofs, and long stairways.
If you are traveling by air, good luck! I have at least one friend who is scheduled to fly Southwest this weekend, and is already looking into options. I like Southwest and have flown them many times. Back in the day, they allowed the flight attendants and others to have a sense of humor and otherwise make the flights as fun as possible. Hearing from multiple sources (one on WIBC Hammer and Nigel show yesterday was a retired pilot) that a lot of the problem is their scheduling system.
Short version: it has not been updated since the (early?) 90s and has no way to access via web, app, or anything else. It presumes you are where you are supposed to be, and has no real means of easily updating if that is not the case. Along with related ticketing and other systems, it’s a mess that should have been replaced 20 years ago. Such has been pointed out, multiple times it is reported, to senior management who did nothing.
In addition to whatever the Biden Regency does, expect to see a severe backlash from customers and investors. If there are not major changes in senior management, they may not be able to stay in business. Which would be a shame. I’d rather see a clean sweep at the top, needed upgrades made, and them stay in business myself.
More soon I hope. If anyone is inclined, hits to the fundraiser or other options very much appreciated.