Month: December 2024

Jimmy Carter

I generally try not to say something about someone who has passed if I can’t say something nice or good. I’ve been searching for something nice to say about this man, especially as I very briefly (thank you Lord!) worked on his presidential campaign.

Though it was in no way intentional, he did enable the craft beer revolution in the U.S. That is, he signed legislation crafted by others and guided through Congress by others that allowed people to brew for themselves. In essence, the bill removed constraints put in place by Prohibition, and when it became law it started the process of modernizing both state and federal law. For the full and real story, read up as it is a good story. However, despite the ongoing tongue baths, it is not honest to say that Jimmy was a true and huge champion of craft brewing.

As an ex-President, he helped Habitat for Humanity get publicity and he was involved in efforts that have boosted tropical medicine and health. He does indeed deserve credit for such.

Sadly, there is not much more good that I can say at this time about him. I grew up in Georgia when he was active, and find that he and Biden do have much in common: they are both petty, vindictive, and not known for holding to the truth. I have to give Carter the edge on that, as a case can be made for hyperbole on his part as opposed to the outright fantasy that spouts from Biden.

The man did more damage to world peace and the advancement of Western Civilization than any outside enemy. What he did to intelligence operations is something from which we have yet to recover. I can’t truly put it as a good, but I will say that outside experts became a thing, and in those days we were referred to as Soviet Watchers, China Watchers, etc. Today, OSINT is not just a thing but starting to be a full-up industry, all thanks to Jimmy’s incompetence and the fact that Ronald Maximus realized that outside, honest, intel was needed.

As president and ex-president, Carter truly screwed over Israel and the Middle East. While there wasn’t a totalitarian dictator he wasn’t eager to fellate he was particularly fascinated with Arafat and slurped him at every opportunity. The damage he did in both facets of his life will take generations to repair, if they can be repaired at all.

Nor was such evil limited to the Middle East. You can find it anywhere he touched, but much of the issues facing South and Central America can be laid straight at Jimmy’s feet. Start with Venezuela and work your way out from there.

There is more, and much more detail, into which I can go. For now, I will leave that for others. I will ask you to pray for his soul, for it is needed and right to do so.

Sorry For The Silence

Long story short: I’ve been battling a URI that has bounced back, and a gut bug on top of that. My chest muscles actually hurt from the coughing, despite the cough medicine. Been dealing with low-grade (degree or two) of fever and chills, but this time it seems to really (maybe) have broken. I generally don’t get URIs, but this thing seems to be related to what I had more than a month ago that never fully went away.

As for the gut bug, I thought food poisoning at first, but presentation wasn’t right and found out that there is a bug going around that fits the bill. Joy. Both at once was a bit much. Trying to take care of myself, plan to rest a lot this week. More soon as there is a LOT going on.

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.

Site Should Be Running Better

Still hope to get at least one “real” post up today, but we will see. Meantime, as the room turns, I did manage to get the new grocery cart put together and ready to go. Really like being able to steer!

I also finally sat down and worked through some issues with site and hosting. Thanks to support at said hosting, was finally able to get in and do some critical upgrades, tweaks, and other delights. Even sprang for a paid plug-in upgrade since it was on sale for $30. All should reflect in a better experience for you and for me. Nice to have those issues dealt with.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the day goes. I have some things I need to do, but am unsure if trying to go do them is a good thing. We will see. Onward.

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.

Posting Delayed

There are things to discuss, from Russia to thoughts on stocking OTCs in emergency kits. Unfortunately, I woke up to the room spinning and dancing in ways I haven’t seen since one unfortunate morning back in my undergraduate days.

The vertigo seems driven by my right ear, and this morning I realized my right sinuses were not clear and the right ear has pressure. Explains the unusual vertigo, which made doing morning prayers a bit of a challenge. Afraid my bows and such were very slight and careful today. Upping the vitamin C, have started taking my carefully horded decongestant, and annoyed I can’t find the emergency bottle of Afrin. Thinking lots of water and hot tea a good thing today too.

Hope to get a post or two up later. I also have to assemble my new grocery cart (thank you to those hitting the tip jar!) as the upgrade is needed. New cart lacks four-wheel drive, but the front wheels swivel which means I don’t have to pop wheelies to steer and it holds almost twice the weight of my current cart. Which means in reality I can handle a third again the weight of my current cart without damaging the cart. It also has a liner to prevent things from falling out.

Did I mention that the new cart (and old until I sell it) have a place in my bugout plan? Yep, if I have to leave by shanks mare or other transport, I plan to use the cart as well as ruck, etc. Already have an idea of how to attach it to a bike at need. The more modes you have for each step, the better. It’s not huge, but you might be amazed at how much you can get in, including large containers of water.

More soon I hope.

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.

Droning

Holding fire on speculation, but will simply note a few quick things:

If memory serves, the Chinese have practiced launching drone swarms from container ships (“civilian”) before. If memory serves, there was a Chinese man arrested in California not all that long ago for flying a drone into/over restricted airspace. If memory serves, the Chinese were buying farmland and other real estate near major (inland) military bases for years (with some of us jumping up and down and trying to get it stopped). Was some of that near Wright-Pat?

Now, as to the White House playbook. Isn’t the response to the drones eerily similar to the spy balloon fiasco?

Oh, and don’t forget all those healthy and in-shape military-aged Chinese males that have come across the southern border in the last couple of years.

The more I watch, the more convinced I am that multiple parties are going to do something stupid ahead of Jan 20. I really hope not, but am not going to bet on it.

Just some quick musings…

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.

Back, I Hope

With luck, I’m back to more regular posting. Life has been a bit chaotic, but a number of good things are going on right now. If I didn’t say it before, it appears that after three years the government has finally agreed that getting hit by lightning is disabling.

Still waiting on paperwork and other delights. It also may solve my insurance portability issue as I have been informed I have no choice but to go onto Medicaid. It’s a bit confusing right now as to when that happens and how, but hopefully sometime before that takes effect I will get all the proper paperwork. Anyone with any inputs on Medicaid, supplements, etc. let me know. The one thing I do know for sure is that my prescriptions are covered.

Still waiting for the final round of neural testing, and to hear back from the ENT. Hope to get both done before things shift. Will see.

As all the medical testing wraps up, looking at options on finding a new place to live locally. The previous reasons for staying here (medical primarily, and Church) still hold, and the insurance transfer won’t occur until some time next year. So, am finally starting to look around at options.

Quick word to all the real estate types who are using AI to handled chats, e-mail, etc.: It sucketh mightily and you need an option to get to a human rather than deal with a poorly coded AI system. I’m trying to talk with one place here where the AI keeps “intercepting” and responding to my e-mails even when a human is trying to get back to me.

Not rushing right now, as getting medical and disability issues taken care of is the primary goal. I want to take my time and see what happens on several fronts, so that I can be sure I’m making the best choices at that time. Besides, I’m hoping the housing market starts to settle down a bit here in the new year. It would be nice.

One of the places recommended to me as a possible place to move is a ‘senior living’ apartment complex. I’m not sure whether to be amused, insulted, or interested. My inner self still thinks I’m about 20, though the body just laughs.

As I mentioned before, I am getting to check out some preparedness items and want to get some posts up soon. Waiting to see if a few other things work out so I can add them to the mix as well.

Oh, I’m also experimenting with making my own beard oil and balm. The prices charged are outrageous IMO, especially as there is no such thing as a sampler anymore. First attempt went well, though my use of liquid smoke, almond extract, and rye whiskey for a faint scent may have backfired. It does smell good, but it also can smell like bacon cooking, which makes me hungry… Will post more on this later.

It is going to be a busy week, but hoping to get several posts up. Keeping my eye on things as best I can, a lot of what is going on seems to be various players pushing as hard as they can before Trump is sworn into office. That does indeed include Russia, China, and Iran. Here’s hoping no one does anything stupid there or here (hint, swamp and various rats are also pushing as hard as they can here as well).

More soon.

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.

Vacuum Recommendation?

As part and parcel of making any local move, I will need to get a new vacuum cleaner. Right now, looking mostly at Hoover or Shark. Several people have highly recommended the Shark, with Hoover coming in second. What are your thoughts?

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.

About That Vertigo Testing

Since I complained about the situation here before, wanted to follow-up on the rescheduled testing. As I complained before, when I got down to the Balance/Whisper Hearing Center for the testing, the tester had to leave (sick) and no one else had bothered to show up for work on the Balance side. The people on the Whisper side had no way to assist me as they are separate though in the same office.

I was not impressed at all. What business, especially a medical business, does not have anyone (much less a manager) on call for emergencies? Sort of think not having your people show up and the one who does got sick qualifies for a call and getting someone in to cover things.

The next week, when someone was there and did call me back, the person sounded young and was VERY snippy and full of attitude. I just wanted the testing done as we need the data to figure out what is going on and what to do about it. So, this last Tuesday was the earliest they could get me in and it was made clear to me by Miss Snippy that I should be grateful they could get me in with only a week-plus delay. I resisted suggesting that a business that screwed up should do whatever it takes to fix a problem of their creation and not focus on what is convenient for them.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I got back down to the center. To my surprise and delight, an older lady was running the Balance side. Charming, friendly, professional. Found out that she had only been there three days, though she had twenty or so years experience in medical office operations. Seems there had been some changes and I applaud what I saw.

The testing was interesting and I am looking forward to learning what was found. No, the person doing the testing was good, professional, and did not share any results with me. The chair was interesting, and the strangest part was when they ran warm/hot water into each ear as part of the testing. I will say this: some of the things done did indeed make the room swirl, and I had lesser reactions a good bit.

For about five minutes after the testing, I probably looked like I was drunk as I walked. Fast head movements were interesting for a good while after. Nothing too bad, but it did make for an occasionally interesting afternoon.

Since I had complained before, I did want to follow up. Looks like some positive changes for the Balance side of the Balance/Whisper Hearing Center in Greenwood, IN. Testing was professional, polite, and while pleasure is not the word I would use, it was as good as such things can be. Now to hear what the ENT has to say. Onwards.

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.

Sitrep 5 Dec 24

Sorry for the silence, but it has been interesting. Lots going on, including the body and I arguing a small bit. Some very welcome generosity has also meant I’m getting some additional preparedness ready for winter (and general use). The mail carrier may well hate me here soon…

On the Syria situation, anyone who says they know what is going on is either full of it, lying, or both. There are no real good guys there, though if it is true that the Kurds have a female sniper team taking out people who abuse women and children it may be the closest to a good thing there. Complex is an understatement.

Keep an eye on it, but one thing I’ve already noted is that the Russian’s began evacuating naval forces a day or three ago and apparently will only send forces there from Africa. Seems they don’t have troops, transport, etc. to send from Russia (or Ukraine). Speaks volumes.

On the CEO assassination in NYC, got a lot of questions. There is a lot of talk of investigations, insider trading — and testimony. The odor around this is not coming from Denmark. As for the assassin being a pro, not so sure. Spotted multiple times ahead of shooting; used a Citibike for getaway (and a kid who scrapes data for fun showed where he dropped it); and, wrote words on shell casings left behind. Pros tend to make Batman look like a publicity hound. Also, not hearing a lot on wounds and pro tends to be first round back of the head and rest to body. That he made it alive to the hospital speaks against that type of placement. Familiar with guns, yes: cleared a malf during the shooting. Familiar with biometrics and basics of ID, going with no: eyes and surrounding are most readily identifiable, this guy had lower face covered. In defeating cameras and biometrics, more is better.

Really unhappy with the Undocumented Democrats/Establishment RINOs who are trying to torpedo Pete. As I’ve noted before, The Swamp is not going to go quietly into that good night, and DoD is key to power and profit. They are going to fight him hard and dirty, just like they are doing. Hopefully, we collectively and the incoming Administration will fight even harder and nastier for him. Make notes, and make lists. Vote accordingly.

Will be tied up the rest of the weekend with the Christmas Village at the Church. It’s a fundraiser and more, and last year was a lot of fun as well as work. Well, as much as I was allowed to work given I had just had my shoulder replaced. AAR and such should mean our part of it goes a lot smoother this year. There will be vendors, food, baked treats, coffee, and more. I will be there pretty much all day tomorrow and Saturday, and Sunday too for obvious reasons.

Meantime, coldest day so far this year and yet another sign we may have a real winter this year. Which is why I’m trying to get some cold-weather prep in place. And get ready to take on such a winter as a pedestrian/user of public transport. It’s not the walking that gets to me, it’s the standing a waiting for long periods of time. Which means doing real layering for a change.

Also, trying to get some other things prepped including moving. Word is that disability is approved. Now waiting to find out more info, including how much (if any) my monthly stipend goes up. Once I know that, I can start truly looking for a place of my own. More on that as it develops.

More soon I hope. Take care, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends close and your things where you can find them in the dark.

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.