August 2024 – Page 2 – The Laughing Wolf

More Soon

Today I’m back to regular baking, which got put on hold because of kitchen access issues and my being under the weather. In fact, I’m still feeling the latter as I am exhausted already. That said, got a dozen sourdough English muffins made, and the sourdough bread is almost finished with stretch and folds. Actual baking of the bread is early tomorrow morning, as it needs to rise overnight in the refrigerator.

If not too tired, hope to get a post up later today. Way I’m feeling, no promises but will try. Could be tomorrow. Either way, more is to come.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, 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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Marooned

I’ve not said a whole lot about the fiasco that is Woeing’s Starliner and the crew stranded on the ISS so far, but the cartoon I saw yesterday with Starliner as the SS Minnow and Gilligan in a space suit knocking on the hatch of the ISS was a good push. Besides, I had promised to write something in this post, and it is past time.

I’ve been worried about the Starliner effort for a while, as it has had far more problems than I would have liked from the start. Now, any new effort is going to have things crop up, as it is never as easy as people make it out to be to go from paper to actually bending metal. The best laid plans, and blue prints, rarely get everything just right; tech, particularly new or upgraded tech, rarely works as planned; and, I think the only time one sees complex systems flawlessly integrate at first try is in the movies.

Space is hard and harsh. Spacing is even harder.

That said, a lot of the basics are known and should — at this point — be well understood. The basics can, and should, be tweaked at need, but such shouldn’t be that difficult. Now, developing totally new systems, trying new things, and facing a huge amount of regulation (call it that for now) from an agency that is one of the most risk-adverse on the planet, and things can and do get interesting.

It can be done, if one has a “can-do” attitude and is willing to innovate, take risks, and even on occasion “discuss” things with said agency. Just look at Space X for what happens then.

When you have a company, however, that is “old-school” in many respects as to innovation, risk, etc.; and, said company has gone woke and turned away from what made it successful to start with, well, you get the current mess with Starliner.

Which is why I also keep hearing the voice of Martin Caidin pop up every so often. People have brought up his book and the movie Marooned in regards the current situation with the crew trapped on the ISS. A few have pointed out that he also wrote the book Cyborg which became the television series The Six Million Dollar Man. Few realize the sometimes pivotal roles he played in aviation and space over the years.

In the interest of full disclosure, Martin and I were friends and I acknowledge he was a better friend to me than I was to him. We even waged a futile effort to save the old Aviation/Space Writers Association at one point, an organization which I had joined in part because of Martin. If you cover aviation, particularly aviation accidents, you really should try to find a copy of the AWA guide to covering air accidents as it is still fairly spot on. I will also acknowledge that Martin was a bit of a character.

He was also one heck of a practical engineer who had a gift for science. For those of a nuclear war bent, you might want to notice who was heavily involved in exploring (and more) the concept of firestorms from nuclear blasts. Martin also was involved with a number of aviation advancements, as well as with historical preservation. Space also has his imprint upon it. Some of the books (and stories) he wrote were done as a way of exploring topics that certain establishments didn’t want to explore or were reluctant to explore. Fairly common in some ways for science fiction, but Martin truly ran with it.

Martin also understood that advancement (literary, scientific, or engineering) means risk. He understood calculated risk. Which is why I suspect some of his commentary on the current situation might veer a touch towards the pungent. Especially in regards the possibility of the crew being told to ride the capsule down. Marooned was fiction (and a bit of a push towards developing a rescue capability), and should stay that way.

Right now, the capsule is blocking some urgently needed real estate, namely one of two docking ports. If the software got changed to remove the remote/independent separation ability because of NASA “regulations” the situation is even more rich in irony. That said, it needs to be cleared. That said, with the cascade of failures in Starliner, I would not ride it down nor would I order anyone to ride it down. Frankly, I think the best option right now is to try to update the software and risk bricking it. If it works, port cleared and the capsule can be sent back to Earth where if it survives re-entry it can be studied. Medium case is clearing the port and adding a rather large chunk of space debris to LEO. Worst case is that it bricks and the port remains blocked. It’s blocked already, so not seeing a true downside to trying.

I’m not going to say that Woeing needs to go completely back to the drawing board, but I think they might want to consider going pretty close to it. They may also want to look at adopting the old model of operations from when they were Boeing (and successful) and putting the engineers back in charge. Radical, I know, but it is what is needed.

If they do, expect support from me and from elsewhere I suspect we might hear some clapping and some pithy comments about it taking long enough, get to it.

By the way, I would commend almost any of Martin’s fiction and non-fiction (!!) to you. Among other things, he wrote a guide to surviving nuclear war that is not only good, but also applicable to general preparedness if I remember correctly. Heck, I need to try to find a (reasonably priced) copy if I can. If you haven’t seen it, the movie Marooned is pretty good. Again, read his works as he was more of a key figure in modern aviation and space than many realize.

Also, while I’m thinking about it, Stephen Green at PJ, and both David Strom and Jazz Shaw at Hot Air are doing some really good space and science coverage. Check them out.

Layers

In the comments to yesterday’s preparedness post, longtime reader/commenter GWB makes some good points but I have to disagree with him on a definition of terms, and on a couple of very minor points. The term of discussion is “preparedness” and we do seem to have a different definition of same.

He makes the point that preparedness means stocking up on the manual items, which in many households are the backups to regular use items. I did touch on the need to stock up on the manual items, but since I’ve covered that topic before I did not get too far into it. I think it is important to have them, especially if things go south for an extended period of time. In fact, having multiples of critical items is a very good idea.

However, my definition of preparedness revolves around layers and durations. As in I plan and prep to have as many layers in place as possible, in order to handle a variety of durations with as much comfort as possible. Having a single layer for any point makes that layer a potential single point of failure. I want as many layers (and as many steps between pure electronics and pure manual) as practical (or possible if cost no object) in place.

Much depends on duration, or rather durations, of the things that happen. As I noted in the Preparedness Pays series, there are three types/levels of emergency and they are based on duration. The book-in-progress (sigh, still) breaks it down very nicely, but a rough idea is that 1- to 3-days is an annoyance; 3-days to 4-weeks (or so, forget the exact time frames I used) is an emergency; and anything beyond 4-weeks is a disaster.

In the case of yesterday’s post, I’m actually optimistic about the potential disaster (really disasters) that I see as possible. As Sarah oft says, Be Not Afraid. For all that I think things are going to get more than a little bumpy, I think the odds are that we bounce back sooner rather than later. Lots of reasons for that, and frankly Sarah is doing a good job of analyzing a lot of the reasons why. If you are not reading her, you should be.

What wasn’t obvious yesterday, though, is that I think that for about 90 percent of what could happen, we should bounce back to reasonable levels within 4- to 6-years. Now, I want shoes, batteries, and electronics that are going to give me the best they can during that time. For the products I mentioned, keep in mind that newer batteries will hold charge longer, are easier to recharge, and generally they will operate at maximum efficiency for a good period of time. The non-electronic parts of the system should last a good long while as well. With solar chargers and other means of recharging, I keep their ease-of-use and comfort for the longest possible time.

If I get new shoes next month, I should be good for at least 4 years on the main shoes, and I bet I can get almost that out of the tennis shoes at need. At which time, I would hope that we are back to where such things are once again widely available. Same holds true for several of the other items I mentioned.

Semi-aside, it used to be one of the hallmarks of a good barber was being able to keep not just your razor sharp, but all of your scissors and clippers sharp as well. If you’ve never had a haircut where the barber used dull manual clippers and/or scissors, count yourself lucky. For such biteth mightily and well beyond a mere ouchie. It’s why I want to keep the ease of use of the electric trimmers/clippers and other implements around as long as I can. For me, I think it important to maintain some levels of presentation, for reasons of physical and mental hygiene. Such is much easier and less painful with modern conveniences, so I want to be sure what I have will work and work well for an extended period.

Also, don’t throw or give away anything you do replace. Clean them, charge them, and tuck them away appropriately to have as backups. Stuff happens, and having extra layers keeps it from being a Hoover moment. If also gives you potential trade goods at need. Just a thought.

Yesterday’s post was about the need to stock up on critical items (shoes, edged items, etc.) that may have components from overseas, as well as some important comfort items (and, in some ways, I do count phones, laptops, etc. as comfort items). It is also a suggestion to add layers where you can to your preparations, and that this too shall pass — possibly like a kidney stone and sadly over years not weeks. But it will pass.

Thing is, be prepared for anything that comes, from any source. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Preparedness Thoughts

A week or two ago I promised to share some thoughts on current preparedness needs/recommendations. Given all that is going on in the world, it is far better to be prepared for the worst even as we hope and pray for the best.

Once I get my stipend, my hope this month is to buy new shoes. The current shoe is about four years old, and sadly Red Wing is slipping a bit on the quality front as they used to last five to six years. I’m semi-smiling as I type that, but it’s not fully a joke and yet not fully a complaint. One of the reason I want new shoes is that if things do go really far south, as they easily could, good shoes are a necessity and likely to be in short supply. They may also have to last a while.

As with a number of items, even if the shoes are made in the U.S., some of the critical materials and/or components are not. My Red Wings, for example, are composite-toed safety shoes and some of the most comfortable for walking and general activities I’ve ever had. I even wear them to Church as they look nice. A number of the components are not made in the U.S. (not sure about the shoes right now and too lazy to take them off to check) and are from locations where shipping could get iffy in certain circumstances (Pacific region, cough). So, new shoes are on the menu if I can squeeze the money out of the budget. They were $90, but with inflation may be up towards $120 now. Grumble.

In fact, with the edema under control for now I would also like to get a new pair of tennis shoes as well. The previous pair is at least two years old and they do not hold up nearly as well as the Red Wings. Again, even ordering online, a good pair that can handle walking and even some light hiking is going to be around $100. But, having something light and comfortable for general wear and use is a good idea.

If you don’t have a good pair of boots, allow me to highly recommend getting some. Me, I’ve got one or two pair of uniform boots left, along with some hazmat-rated work boots in very good shape, and possibly a couple of other odd pairs of boots that should be in good shape. Think I’m set, at least for now. A pair of insulated or plain rubber farmer boots might not be a bad investment too, and you can get them at some place like TSC or Rural King for about $40.

On boots, get some that can be used for work, but are also comfortable for walking or even hiking. Boots are good protection on more than one level, so look at the area you where you live and get boots that will work for you. Having the waterproof farm boots comes in quite handy for dealing with rain, mud, and more. Good idea to keep the feet dry as much as you can.

This might be a good time to replace some electric/electronic items as well. In this case, I’m talking about things like beard and hair trimmers, razors, toothbrushes, and such. Again, most of those come in whole or in part from overseas. If your phone and computers are more than two or three years old, you may want to consider upgrading while you can. Me, I may look at a new beard/hair trimmer here soon.

I’m also looking to restock razors and razor blades a bit. Again (and again) most of these are made overseas. Having a good supply on hand is just a good idea and not necessarily a major expense. Cost more than they should, IMO, but not totally outrageous.

Now, me personally I’m looking to stock back up on olive oil as I use a lot of it. Also avocado oil. Keeping a good supply of fats on hand is a good idea, as if things get really interesting fats are some of the hardest things to find. I’m even looking into rendering and storing my own tallow, and upping the amount of lard on hand.

Also, if anyone wants to hit the Wish List and get me some 5-gallon or 2-gallon food buckets, I would love to stock away more flour. And wheat berries for grinding. However much you have, you almost can’t have enough flour on hand. Got a couple of other things I would love to put away in bulk, but flour is something I see as a particularly good idea. It has a tendency to be very needed, and to get scarce very fast.

A final thought for a quick post: Look to your edged weapons right now too. Many knives, and even swords and axes, are either made overseas or use materials made overseas. Have noticed that even on some knife brands that boast “Made In The USA” the blades are from China. Knives, hatchets, axes, machetes, and even swords are very useful tools in everyday life, and become even more important in emergencies. Prepare accordingly. And, yes, I’m still annoyed at having to throw away my pocket knife at the hospital. Dang things have gotten expensive to replace.

Just a few thoughts on things I think might be a good idea to acquire and/or put away right now. If you sew, fabric is something to think about too.

The ride is likely to get very bumpy. Be prepared, and try to avoid the bumps you can. So, be prepared. And keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

England, Free Speech, Elections, & More

Okay, I first gave a brief mention here, then a longer post on England here. Couple of things have come up, and here are some fuller answers before we get into some broader concerns about free speech and the upcoming election.

First, I am indeed serious about not traveling to or through England. Never mind the ongoing unrest with two more stabbed today in a major tourist area, most Americans really just don’t get how different current English law is from American. You have no right to self-defense there, and if you do defend yourself you will be the one arrested and it is guaranteed you will get a far harsher sentence. Pocket knives or even picnic knives are deadly weapons, and even common first-aid items, such as ointments, are prescription only (and even then often banned). Ware what you take overseas.

Now, add in the slavering joy at going after compliant subjects who are not likely to fight back, and the clear desire to put a beat-down (figurative or literal) on Americans who have dared post memes or otherwise point out the two-tiered war on real/original British, and I think it would be foolish to give them any funds or opportunity to use you as an example. And, yes, given the brain-trust that is two-tier keir and his administration (not to mention the leadership and even membership of the met police), they are going to be stupid enough to try to find an American of whom to make an example.

And, yes, they can get you in transit through any port in England. Most likely is an airport, but it is not limited to such. Theoretically, when one lands somewhere and does not go through local Customs, but instead catches another flight, boat, etc., you do not technically enter that country. International transit corridors are indeed a thing, and I think even bound by a solemn treaty or three. Free travel, no hassle, and most countries have at least pinky sworn to honor such. Of course, I suspect you will find that such has never been fully honored and interesting things have happened in that area before. Besides, it’s not hard to set-up a situation that pushes a target out of the area and onto sovereign soil.

So, you have a group of particularly stupid authoritarians of the socialist/communist (there being no real difference between socialism, communism, and fascism) type in the two-tier keir administration with “law enforcement” of the weak type being given power like they’ve only dreamed of before. Do you really think they will get a brain, much less anything else, and not do something stupid? Part of me wants to put money on a flat-out kidnapping from the transit corridor, as that would be about the speed of Mark Rowley’s intellect and honor. If they have a brain, a “detour” around a spill or plumbing emergency that takes an unsuspecting foreign Citizen out of the designated transit corridor and at least makes the kidnapping sorta legal. The other option is to hide the British arrest warrants until a tourist has gone through Customs then arrest them, which would technically be legal but would also open up several diplomatic cans of worms. Then again, given the worms for brains of Keir and Rowley they may not care or even think about such.

Then again, much depends on the U.S. election. Let’s face it, Harris and company would probably be glad to honor an extradition request if it were for the “right” people. Lawfare is part and parcel of what they have been doing against targets large and small. The fact that it would be illegal (can’t extradite for a crime that is not a crime here) would have to be worked out in the courts and oh my, too bad so sad, by the time that happens the person is overseas and probably already finished a multi-year sentence. If you think that’s crazy, just look at the J6 defendants among others. Yes, there are others and plenty of other examples.

Which leads to another complication. Before I go any further, may I suggest you read this post and then this (more detailed) post. Before you go congratulating yourself on living in the U.S. where we have freedom of speech, think back to the last election and COVID. An election where we had social media, search, and other corporations illegally working with the U.S. government to censor information and discussion. Not mis-information or treason, but accurate information, discussion, and other protected speech. Skanky-Janky and all the others involved broke the law, but don’t ever expect to see them so charged. Especially since both Harris and Walz have both called for that level and more. In fact, they have both called for the effective repeal of the First Amendment (repeat, effective for the idiots). So, we’ve sorta got it now, but can we keep any vestige of free speech?

I think so, despite the fact I have zero faith and confidence in this election. In fact, I agree with Sarah in that I think Trump and Republicans up and down the chain will lose this election — on electrons. I fully expect the fix is in (Pennsylvania, cough, cough) and what matters now is the margin of “fortification” of the vote. It’s why you see the traveling canned audiences, the AI generated crowds, and the interesting polls putting Harris well ahead. It matters because if you are one of those who is into politics, monitors closely, reads statements, and truly is informed: congratulations, you are the one percent. Probably more like ten percent, but the vast majority of voters don’t do that and only pay attention to the polls and words of corporate media, which is fully in the tank for Harris. Oh, those claims of fraud again, well, the polls said…

Unless people get involved and there is some success in protecting the election against “fortification” then what worked before will be done again. There will be no red wave, no nothing. Now, I think it can be prevented if we take the right steps but it will be hard and tight. I hope it is done, I just won’t bet on it. Nor do I think we should give up. In fact, start with this post by Sarah and work your way up. They are desperate, and the stupidity seen in England is but one symptom of that desperation. Things are indeed falling apart for them, and they are frantic to try to hang on.

Grease the poles, the railings, and anything else they can cling to. Do what you can to ensure a free and fair election. Point out the gas lighting going on in the corporate media and in most social media. Call out the lies and rebut the bots. If we don’t try, it’s done. If we do try, they may can fortify but I will bet it doesn’t go the way they think it will. Screw the pills, particularly the black. To quote a man: fight, fight, fight. If we fight and fight hard, the ride will be more than bumpy but they can’t win in the end. Keep that in mind.

Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be prepared.

Kursk

If you follow some of the, ah, more seasoned milbloggers and such, yes there has been a bit of snickering and odd jokes. And, to be honest, there is a part of me that suspects that somewhere Guderian is smirking if not smiling. I know I smiled a bit at hearing Marders had broken through in Kursk. If you are a student of military history, you pretty much could not help it. Not because of sympathy for the Germans in WWII, but for the rich, deep irony of the situation.

Two good pieces on Kursk are up here and here. There is a lot of fragmented info coming in via OSINT. To call the situation fluid is an understatement on par with referring to the Sun as warm. Ukraine has wisely not said a lot and apparently not shared a lot. For all that many suspect the U.S. knew and said nothing, I’m getting suspicious that we may have known and been told far less than that, and that Ukraine has learned a lesson about sharing plans and info with the U.S. Nothing concrete, just odd bits of data that don’t fit the pattern. Then again, most of our allies learn that lesson, sometimes painfully, as sharing with our politicians is pretty much a bad idea. Yes, there are a couple of exceptions, but note that they are exceptions.

Now, lots of people are noting the railway lines and logistics. True, and very important. As is how an already strapped Russia is going to deal with the loss of more vehicles, tires, and other things in short supply. Heck, even their ability to respond with artillery is limited by the frantic need for replacement liners for the tubes they already have. Even with U.S. and European companies selling them chips, equipment, and more, they can’t keep up with the losses (and yes, these companies are indeed helping the enemy).

Many of the Russian troops involved are conscripts, without a good leavening of combat-experienced leadership. From reports from Russian channels, this is not working out well. I also note, as do some others, that reports of riots and looting are not calling out if they are the result of civilians, troops, or both. Chaotic is a polite descriptor and efforts to flee the growing zone of occupation are creating gas deserts and other problems.

Now, on top of the logistics mentioned above, which are critical to supplying troops and civilians in previously seized and recently seized areas, take a look at the gas pipelines. Guess what country appears to be sitting in control of up to fifty percent of the natural gas going to Europe? That brings in hard cash and more to Russia? Guess how much more is possibly within drone or artillery range?

Now look at energy, which is needed for logistics, industry, and more (keep in mind, energy for civilians will be a low priority at this point for Russia). Look at what nuclear plant just got taken out of the game (and the games being played by Russia burning tires in the cooling tower of one plant they hold in Ukraine. And, yes, that was a game and a threat). The ability to use railways still under Russian control, power airfields and other military bases, and critical industry and support just got taken offline (effectively). Heck, if Ukraine destroys about ten or so key transformers it could be years before power is restored without Ukraine getting within a mile of the plant. To replace them faster would mean taking them from other areas and depriving those areas of power until new ones could be manufactured. Also, look at what countries would be involved in that manufacture.

Oh, and don’t forget power is sort of critical to data, and access to data is a key to modern warfare. Drones, smart bombs, and more depend on data and taking out power reduces or eliminates local data transmission. You need that local data rather badly for all phases of the process. If properly prepared and with the right gear, it’s not a problem. What do you want to bet about such in regards Russian troops and the Ukrainians?

I agree very much with those who are pointing out that this is in some ways a mirror-image of ’43 Kursk. The Russians are scrambling to get troops headed towards the breakthrough. Not only are they pulling border troops from all over, they are pulling reserves (and possibly more) from the previously stalemated battle zone. Now class, can anyone tell me what happened when Hitler pulled reserves and even troops from the assault back in 1943 in response to Sicily and other pressures? Bueller? Bueller?

So, I find myself wondering about several things. How many of the Russian troops in the Kursk region were ghost troops? That is, they exist only on paper so that officers up and down the line can pocket the pay of soldiers that don’t exist? How many of the troops in surrounding regions that are now being sent to deal with the breakthrough (and I do call it that deliberately) are also ghosts? It is a large and ongoing problem for the Russians (and even the Soviets before them).

Another good question is how many of the so-called second-line troops that people are claiming were moved into the stalemated battle lines were indeed second-line? What is going to happen once the Russian reserves and even line troops are pulled back to deal with Kursk?

Also, there are interesting reports/rumors of movements elsewhere. What if there is another incursion in a strategic area, one that has the potential to become a full breakthrough?

Interesting and interesting. Given the limitations on Russia’s conventional assets (and critical items within same), it could set the stage for two to three different options if things stay conventional.

Now, Russia may well threaten again to go non-conventional. So far, it’s all been threats and that is exactly what the apparent tire burning in the cooling tower in Russian-occupied Ukraine yesterday was: a threat. Do I still believe that Vladimir would torch Ukraine if he can’t have it? Yes. Do I think that if he gives the order it will be carried out? Insufficient data, but I’m starting to get the idea that at least some people within a certain red-brick fort may have figured out that it might not be a good idea to do so. For all there are those fanatical and ignorant of operational realities that would try to go unconventional or scorched-earth, there may be reason to believe that at least some may be getting a glimpse out of the bubbles. We can but hope.

Meantime, given that no one outside of Ukraine really seems to know what is going on and what is planned, I plan to sit back, relax as much as I can, and wait. This has been an incredibly smart operation so far, and I hope it continues to be so. Let’s see what happens.

UPDATE I: Given a discussion with Francis in the comments, thought I should link to my posts on nuclear war and preparedness. In those posts, there is discussion on reliability and more from myself and others who know of which they speak. Some of it is in the comments, and some are posts. Enjoy.

That Bites…

I’ve mentioned before that the lightning strike that hit me caused some memory issues. Short term, well, let’s skip that for now other than to say notes and lists are a large part of my life and even then… I’ve been told by some of the rehab folks that they think most of the long-term memories are still in my brain, but that the root directory is corrupted and the brain doesn’t know how to find them. Between short- and long-term memory, well, it’s a mess (IMO).

Today, I finally got around to updating and getting on the computer a list of people for whom I offer prayers for their souls. The paper/hand-written version was falling apart and out of room. So, time to update and do it right.

In double-checking some things, I found out that some people I thought were still alive are not. Bit of a shock in a couple of cases, as I had thought about getting in touch with them. The “updated” list is going to need a bit more updating it seems.

England, A Warning

Actually, warnings both literal and metaphorical. The fact is, England has fallen and I don’t see it rising again anytime soon. In fact, I would bet on things getting much worse before they get better.

A literal warning: don’t travel to or through England if you are active on social media. Yes, I do think TwoTierKeir and company are stupid enough to try to extradite people on charges of violation of their draconian (by our standards) speech laws. I hope most countries will laugh at them and mock them, as is being done by people to most of their Orwellian posts. Since that is likely, I would be unsurprised if they didn’t also put charges in place (their indictment process is far different from ours) such that if someone travels to or through a British port that they are flagged and arrested as soon as they hit customs. Bags the bad people (from their point of view) and limits the response of the respective countries who’s citizens are nicked. Still likely to backfire, but they are stupid enough to try it and it will suck for the victims until things get taken care of. My own advice to any so pinched is to consider yourself a prisoner of war and act accordingly.

A second literal warning is to avoid electing similar twits/twunts/creatures here. Anyone who says free speech has limits or that misinformation needs control (etc., etc., etc.) is just as much an authoritarian little fascist as TwoTierKeir and most other British politicians. Heck, throw in most of the EU leadership like Her Majesty Thierry Breton (who IMO acts like she would be much more at home in the old East Germany) on that as well as they are pretty much all rather authoritarian to the point of fascistic. We don’t need that here and Walz has already made clear he’s all for such regulations. Remember, they want your speech and your guns for a reason, and as such you need to remember the iron rule of what happens to people who give up either.

And, yes, I’m still feeling under the weather so have been doing my part to annoy INGSOC, er the British Government on other social media. Easy, quick, and fun to do between naps and such.

Just as our elites hate us, the British elites hate the subjects (note, they are not Citizens) and show that in various ways. One way is in how they treat actual subjects of the Crown and pretty much ignore their wishes as often as they can get away with it. The subjects really have very little input even via elections as most parties ignore their wishes when it comes to actually doing things. Some leaders take it even further: look at the descriptions of subjects and even nation by people like the former leader of Scotland, the mayor of London, and others who represent the new England.

Also, look at what groups TwoTierKeir and others coddle, and who they crack down on. The traditional subjects of England are the latter, and Heaven help those that are Christian (literally, please pray for them). They have the contempt of the politician and the media there (not much different from here save degree). Now, look at those “Asians” that run around waving knives and more, threatening people, beating, and even killing and how they are treated. Yes, the British politicians are stupid enough to think they can control the hordes of illegal immigrants and use them as shock troops to control the populace. I think they (and ours) are stupid.

Unless there is a dramatic turn-around and some mass deportations, I suspect England will be a Caliphate in less than a decade. In many areas it already is such, as Sharia is the law enforced. If you are not familiar with Rotherham and the other areas where English children were and are raped by “Asian gangs” and the authorities let it happen as if they had done their jobs they might have been called racists. Recently, one of the victims went on television for an interview and was immediately visited by the authorities and intimidated for telling her story because it made them look bad. Can’t do anything about all the rapes M’am, but how dare you make us or your rapists look bad! Think I’m joking or even getting into hyperbole? Look it up, as this has been going on for years and sadly this is not a joke or hyperbole. The victims get charged, harassed, and intimidated by the police and courts, and the rapists go free. Think it can’t happen here? Have you looked at Michigan (Dearbornistan among others, cough, cough) and elsewhere of late? The honor killings in Texas and elsewhere? The areas where Sharia is the law here? Heck, the efforts to make such legal (guess the persuasion of the politicians involved).

I’ve visited England many times, and spent a fair bit of time there. I’m glad I did, as I have no plans to ever go back again, not even to change planes. These days, I regard large chunks of London as no-go zones, and the laws in place are ridiculous. If I went there with a pocket knife, even a Swiss army knife, I’m a felon. They would probably call in the military if they saw I had my chef’s kit with me. Resist being robbed? You are the felon and will be charged. You should just give up your things, or lie back and be raped (female or male), without fighting back as if you resist violence done to you they will charge you. No joke, lots of examples. FYI, rest of the Commonwealth is trending the same way.

If you are over on X, enjoy the ratios being given the Brits. It is so bad several British government accounts have cut off replies, and the police have blocked US IP servers and those using VPNs from visiting police web sites in the UK so their posts and stories of arresting grannies for saying mean things can’t be shared. Heh. Oh, rumor also has it the British government is going to go after 4-Chan for hate speech and misinformation. Please hit the tip jar as I want to stock up on popcorn for that one. For the record, my money is on 4-Chan.

For now, time to get a little bit done then rest some more. Hoping to be better tomorrow, as there are some things on preparedness I want to get into in a post or posts if I can. Enjoy your Friday, and give thanks you are not in England. We still have a chance to avoid their fate.

UPDATE I: 4-Chan has accepted the challenge and elected to kick-off.

UPDATE II: First, a link to the previous brief discussion that I referenced and forgot to link. Second, my thanks to Sarah for her link at Insty! There was supposed to be a third, but think I just glitched a bit. Expect another post soon (I hope) exploring some of the legal issues as well as the peril we face in terms of free speech and travel. More soon I hope.

UPDATE III: More and fuller discussion on some of the topics is now up in this post. Enjoy.

UPDATE IV: Honored to have been linked by Kim Du Toit!

Exhausted

Yes, I need to do a follow-up post on yesterday’s adventures but the short version is I’m exhausted. Now on antibiotics, thankful I don’t need surgery this time, and need to think outside the box on a few things.

I also need to do a post on things I think are good preparation for near-term possibilities. Things like flour, salt, and pepper are what most people think of for prep. I also think that investing in new shoes, grooming tools, and maybe some other electronics is a very good idea as well. More on this soon I hope.

For now I may take another nap, I really need to feed the girls, and practice the guitar. Maybe by this afternoon I will be up to doing that.

Most Annoying

I had really wanted to get a good solid post up yesterday, as there is a lot going on in the world. In fact, some of the “minor” things not getting much media play may have a lot more impact on us here in the U.S. than it would appear. Unfortunately, what started as the body and I not getting along great on Monday turned into full flare. Spent yesterday resting, fluids, soft foods, etc. to try to keep from having to go to the doc or ER.

Calling the GP as soon as his office opens to see what he recommends, but without a car can’t get to him and don’t trust the hospital/ER nearby anymore. Looking at heading up to the nearest facility of the group the new cardiologist is with if GP recommends or things get worse. Can get there by bus and have already pulled up the schedule(s) to get there if needed. My current thought, which may or may not be a good one, is to get a shower, go up to the nearby diner for some scrambled eggs and cheese, then catch the bus from there if needed. Trying to work out the timing(s) to get the most efficiency.

We will see. I want to be efficient and make any movement count for as much as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, think I may need an antibiotic and something other than ibu to knock things back a bit.

Anywho, here are a few of the things I’m keeping an eye on.

Bangladesh. Pray for them. The Islamists are using the situation to attack not only Hindu (a minority), but also possibly other religious minorities including Christians. If such is indeed true, you will hear about as much on that in corporate media as you do about the kidnappings, killings, and forced conversions/slavery going on in Africa. Keep an eye on religious media instead. Also, if humanitarian is not enough cause for concern, look at who backed and assisted the coup (very quietly) and who lost (India, among others).

Venezuela. I really am not sure what is going on right now, other than Wagner, Cuba, and Iran seem to be going all-in to keep Maduro in power. No surprise, they are not going to let him fall without a fight. Absent something unexpected, this is likely to be a bloody slog (see previous writing). There are some interesting tidbits popping up about Maduro and the Venezuelan gangs causing havoc in the U.S. Also interesting to note what gangs are involved and what gangs appear to be supporting Maduro or have gone over to the opposition at home.

Nicaragua. Something other than just arrests of Catholic clergy is going on. Ortega hates the Catholic Church, and that the Catholic Church has been (effectively) the last organized critic of his regime. So, no surprise at the repression, but there are disruptions in the patterns that suggest something else may be going on.

Iran. Yes, keeping an eye open for what they plan to do to Israel, but there are reasons to look well beyond that. Not the right word, but brittle keeps popping into mind. The mad mullahs are hanging on by a thread right now, and they know it. They also now have to really keep an eye on each other given the penetration by Israel and others of various factions within the power group. When you find out the innermost groups of the Revolutionary Guard are cooperating with external enemies, it tends to make you trust no one. There are investigations, purges, and more underway as shadows are seen everywhere along with little men upon the stairs (who are never there). The problem with mole hunts, however, is the tendency to see anything that even slightly sticks up (real or imagined) as a mole that needs whacking. One wonders if they may be making Angleton’s worst seem mild. I would point out a few things about those days, but I would love to see the mad mullahs make not only all his mistakes but as many new ones as possible. Besides, it was fun to watch “big k” anxiously scan the sky during the funeral.

Space. It’s more than the latest with Woeing, though that is spectacular. With what I know right now, I would not ride that capsule back down. Now, it’s possible there is data I don’t have that indicates it is perfectly safe but… That said, I agreed with Charlie Martin on X yesterday that it would not be surprising if Nelson told them to take one for the team and ride it back down. Especially since Woeing somehow decided to do away with the software on this capsule that would let it do an unmanned undocking from the ISS. Go read David Strom at Hot Air and Stephen Green at PJ for very good coverage of this, and Stephen is doing outstanding ongoing coverage of space. Check it out.

Somebody please remind me later to do two posts on space. First is on the late, great, Martin Caidin as I can just about hear him commenting on what is going on now. Second, on a previous discussion we had here about challenges to our moving off planet. Been fairly reliably informed that Elon and others are aware of the two big issues we talked about here (some excellent comments, thank you!) but there are some updates needed.

England. Two-tier keir (sorry, that creature does not deserve a cap letter) is running things into the ground even faster than expected. Lots to discuss, but when you are subjects, and disarmed subjects at that, what else did you expect? My assessment is pretty bleak (hail caliphate) but there is still a chance though not likely as it requires both spines and reproductive organs and I’m not seeing politicians or so-called leadership class/elites with such. When a female comedian and a female author have bigger pairs than the entire British political establishment combined…

Oh, before I forget, my semi-regular reminder to read Sarah A. Hoyt. Most of you do already I suspect, but always some good food for thought there, whether you agree or disagree. Personally, I agree a good bit, but it is almost always a feast rather than a small portion of food for thought. Also, there seems to be something going on with the Dragon Awards that is concerning, pay attention.

There’s more, but I need to get going. May your day be good, and be thinking about what you can do to be prepared. Then, act. Be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and keep in mind the universal maxim of what happens to disarmed populations…