Month: October 2025

The Living Are Home

I honestly didn’t expect this absent a massive series of raids by Israel. The remaining living hostages in Gaza have been returned to Israel. All male, as outside of those already returned, Hamass raped and murdered any female hostages. Never forget Hamass started this war with an unprovoked attack aimed a maximum civilian casualties and atrocity. The recent release of orders from leadership confirms this.

Already there seem to be some games with the bodies of the dead. That would be a mistake I think, as it will trigger not only responses from Israel and the U.S., but there is reason to believe it also triggers actions by other Muslim countries involved in the process. Hamass not being a rational actor, however, does not fill me with a lot of optimism. We will see.

The hope I mentioned the other day in this post has been met, for which I do truly give thanks to God. Again, I’ve never expected to get this many of the remaining hostages out alive. For all I’ve prayed for it, I’m also too well aware of the reality that is Hamass (and Hezballess) and what around 90-95 percent of the population of Gaza support and has consistently supported since around 2005 (and the surveys started). They do not want peace, they do not want an independent state (which they effectively had), they want the eradication of Israel and all Jews. You will probably find that within that population that same 90-95 percent are good with the statement “First the Saturday people, then the Sunday.”

I must admit to two rather uncharitable and un-Christian thoughts. The first is that the peace accord seems to have a number of hidden components, which indicate that failure to abide may have catastrophic consequences and not just from Israel and the U.S. One can hope at any rate. The second is that I would find it most interesting (and amusing) if Israel had been able to plant trackers/tracers on the terrorsts being released to secure the hostages.

It would be a true pity if they were able to track them, note who they met with and where, and built up a map similar to what led to the destruction of Hezballess. Given what was done earlier with Hezballess and others (including inside Iran), if I were in Gaza I would keep those returned terrorists at arms length for that reason and because Israel has a good track record of turning people. Just a thought.

Long-term, I still think that Hamass sees this as hudna and harbors plans accordingly. Again, while I do wonder about some of the apparently hidden protocols and agreements in place, I would be amazed if Hamass (sadly the elected government of Gaza for those who still don’t realize that) didn’t see it this way. Add in that they have been instilling their desire to eliminate all Jews (not just Israel) into toddlers, it will take generations to leach that poison out of them. That said, I expect this peace to last less than a year simply because Hamass won’t give up.

I will pray for peace, and that I am wrong. I would love to be wrong. But, I just don’t see Hamass (or even Hezballess) giving up its spots anytime soon. Then again, that nasty part of me wonders if that hasn’t already been considered. That if they fail to honor the agreement, they will be eliminated fully and completely. That such might be led/started by nations other than Israel and the U.S. There are enough whiffs of unofficial and/or “unrelated” agreements here to make me suspect a bit.

Time will tell. For now, for all my money is on hudna and taqiyya, I will hope and pray for something more, something better, and something that eliminates a huge threat to Israel and the U.S. (which originates in Iran). For all that this has been crippled, or at least knocked back for a time, I would love to see the threat eliminated, for as long as it exists true and just peace is not likely.

Today, however, I celebrate the return of the living. I mourn and remember the dead. I pray for the dead, and the survivors and their families. I celebrate a day I did not truly expect to see. Tomorrow will come soon enough, and tomorrow I leave to the Lord.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, or help me with my pilgrimage next year, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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 May Be Lite

For the next few days at least. I’m attending a religious conference here in town tomorrow, and along with other things already scheduled it is going to be a long day. Sunday, of course, I generally don’t post as it is a day of worship and rest. Monday will see me having to get a fasting blood draw and then going down to Church to help with a special Vespers Monday evening, as we will have a special liturgy on Tuesday. Wednesday evening will see me at Vespers and a class on the life of St. Xenia of Petersburg. Thursday I have to be back down around 1300 as we are distributing fliers for our upcoming Christmas Village/Market followed by a cookout.

For those wondering, it’s not just attendance. I’m helping our Deacon with the care and feeding of various lamps and candles, and as a chanter I’m singing and reading various prayers and such as part of the services. Some of it is a challenge, and all of it is rewarding. I’m learning a lot and slowly memorizing a lot of things I need to for the various services. Give me a few thousand repetitions on the latter and I will eventually get them memorized.

I do plan to get some posts up, but things may be a bit spotty through next week. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Hope, Hudna, And Taqiyya

This morning, I’m splurging in letting myself feel some hope. Against all odds, it appears that Hamas (the sadly legitimate government of Gaza) may finally be releasing most of the living hostages. Probably not all, and none of the dead so far (keep in mind they kidnapped bodies for ransom and such), but a goodly number. It is a good start and a good thing. It would be nice if it were all the living and the dead, but this is a fallen world.

The upbeat part of me is looking forward to their return. The cynical part of me is waiting for Hamas to yet again yank the football away right as Charlie Brown goes to kick it. It’s been their MO all along, and the only thing that might keep them from so doing is that Trump et cie have gotten most of the Muslim nations that have been sheltering and supporting Hamas to tell them to do this or else.

Given that it would take force majeure to put Hamas to the point of agreeing to give up power, there had to be some significant “conversations” between those countries and Hamas. Hamas is determined to stay in power and to wipe out all Jews (for a start, remember the Sunday people are next), and is perfectly willing to sacrifice the entire population of Gaza for that. Even when faced with complete destruction (which is the stick to the carrot of peace), they would rather sacrifice all — which is easy when top leadership and I’m willing to bet a majority of funds are NOT in Gaza.

Which is why I hope (probably in vain) that a majority of people in the West are familiar with the terms taqiyya and hudna. In short, taqiyya can be thought of as ‘the honorable lie’ or the required lie, or the acceptable lie. It is a lie told to infidels (including people who don’t follow your brand of Islam, see Sunni vs. Shia, etc.) to placate them. To disarm them. To get them to let their guard down. To gain an advantage. It is allowed (encouraged) when Islam is at a disadvantage, so that it can lead to hudna.

Hudna is often presented to infidels as meaning “peace.” It is an offer of peace, full of taqiyya. It is not a permanent and lasting peace in the Western sense; rather, it is a temporary truce presented in grander guise to buy time. Why? To give time to build up an overwhelming advantage so that when hostilities resume the target is destroyed utterly and completely. Think of it in context of “nice doggy” while you get not just a rock, but a few truckloads of rocks delivered.

Now, do I strongly suspect that Hamas is engaging in taqiyya and hudna? You bet your bippy I do. The only thing that might truly give peace a chance is that for now at least, support for Hamas (other than Iran) has been cut off, and that everyone outside of Hamas gets that if this falls through the “stick” of utterly destroying Hamas is indeed on the table.

I’m not sure Hamas really gets that, but they would not be the first to underestimate Trump et cie. Fact is, Israel would have been more than justified in razing Gaza to the ground after Oct. 7, to the point of turning it into a sheet of glowing glass. That they did not do so is a testament to restraint and reason. They have held to an extraordinarily high standard of avoiding civilian casualties (despite the theatrical screams otherwise).

The other Muslim countries that are tied into this peace plan DO understand that both Trump and Israel are serious: if this falls through, Hamas will be completely and utterly destroyed. Not just in one spot, but everywhere. There will be no sanctuary and the useful idiots will not be able to help or save them. In such a case, the gloves will come off, and not just militarily. Hamas and those who support or protect them will not enjoy that experience.

Others get that even if Hamas doesn’t. It may be enough, but I’m willing to bet dollars to donuts that Hamas still sees this as a time of taqiyya and hudna. They are mistaken, but may they hold off on finding out how very mistaken they are until all the hostages, living and dead, are returned home.

For now, I will let a bit of hope shine through though my prayers for the hostages will continue. I will also continue to pray for peace, for a just peace would do wonders for the entire world and not just for the Middle East.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Of Oils, Beard Wax, And Learning Experiences

Among other things I got done yesterday, I made up a fresh batch of beard oil using a slightly different recipe and scents than the last time. The results were nice, though I still want to play with the recipe a bit more. Some of the oil is going to a friend, some went into making beard balm (again, some going to a friend), some into beard wax, and some into an experiment.

The beard oil is a mix of several different oils and is intended to help promote healthy skin and hair. If those who champion one particular essential oil are correct, it may even help with hair growth. Not going to bet on that, but it smells and feels good.

Beard oil is a prime component in both beard balms and beard waxes. I was out of my beard balm, so made some more. Again, played with the recipe just a bit as while it was good it was not quite what I was looking for. Wanted a bit more hold, even though — again — the balm is supposed to help ensure healthy skin and hair. Thing is, it is also supposed to provide at least some control and I didn’t think it was quite there.

For the record, a good balm contains beard oil, raw shea butter, and wax. Specifically, bees wax. On the latter, I bought some good quality bees wax “grains” a while back and they are lasting for now. Got some decent shea butter, and life has been good though it is often six months or so between batches as the products can last a while.

Now, a beard wax is new to me and I tried a recipe that sounded interesting. It used pine resin as part of the mix. That was different from what I had bought in the past and been looking at, so decided to try it. It does seem to work, but I’m also underwhelmed with the hold, the clean-up, and the fragrance.

The recipe called for beard oil, wax, and resin. My mug-warmer heater that I use for production (you need a low heat) apparently did not get hot enough for the resin, so used other means to heat (carefully) the mix and eventually pour it into a tin. Used some last night when I went out, and did not get the hold I expected and was hit with the overwhelming odor of turpentine as the resin overrode the scent of the oil. Think I’m going to be looking for a new recipe.

The last measure of the beard oil, however, went to another experiment. I decided to try to do at home a hot-oil conditioning for my hair. Since I’ve started letting it grow out, I’ve had to start using conditioner (Mane and Tail, as if it’s good enough for show horses it’s good enough for me). For a number of reasons, decided to try this at home. My recommendation is, don’t do this at home.

Not only was the application harder than expected, it quickly went everywhere. The floor of the shower was slick, I was slick, and it took a lot of effort to get the hair coated properly. Then, things got interesting.

Despite several washings, I could have appeared in a 1920s feature where all the males had their hair slicked back flat and dripping with oil. I’m just as happy few people saw me looking like that. Today, when I got my shower, I washed my hair with a bit of Dawn, and that did the trick. The conditioning did seem to help, but next time I think I’m going to leave it to the pros.

Meantime, have a good solid “base” recipe for the beard oil and am mostly playing with fragrance now. I also have a solid base recipe for the beard balm, and am mostly playing with how getting the hold where I want it. Finally, am going to be researching new recipes for beard waxes as I am underwhelmed with this one. Also, I’m going to leave hot-oil hair conditioning to the pros.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

It’s Not Just Here

Over at Instapundit this moring, Sarah A. Hoyt linked to a good post at Behind The Black on how the left has only a little time left to stop the violence. Sarah noted that she hoped we might yet walk the knife edge and avoid the horrible alternative. She’s right about that, as such will change not just us, but the world.

The problem is, we are not just walking a knife edge here. The President just noted earlier that the violence is because they (the progressives) are out of other options and the public is rather overwhelmingly in favor of the actions being taken (deportation of criminals being but one). Which is why Portland, Chicago, and other locations are trying their best to claim the mantle of George S. James, and Pritzker seems to see himself as Jefferson Davis.

I would argue that he is at least five Jefferson Davis’s, at least in volume. I would further argue that despite their delusions, neither Pritzker, Noisome, nor any others involved are anywhere close to being Gen. Beauregard. I futher agree with Victor Davis Hanson that Pritzker et al are indeed “neo-confederate nullificationists.” If they keep going, they are likely to find out what happened to the real Davis, Walker, and others. The problem is, neither we nor the U.S. will be the same afterwards. The odds are good that if it gets out of hand, it won’t stay limited and no sane person wants Civil War 2.0.

But, the progressives are not sane by reasonable standards. They see power slipping away, funds drying up, and are already sold on violence being acceptable to force their twisted dreams into something resembling (vaguely) reality.

Big problem is, it’s not just here. Look at all the places where violence has started up after the Trump Gaza peace deal. Bree A. Dail noted it on X and she is right. Look at what is going on in England right now (for all that there is some hope, I truly do think it lost), not to mention Germany and France (strong lack of coverage here). The only places it isn’t flaring up are those countries that have been bucking the EU on forced immigration (cough Hungary cough). It really does look like a large-scale effort at revolution, or if they can’t be successful, ensuring the rest of us go down with them. And, yes, I do think those behind this are just that spiteful.

To add to the fun, consider also that Russia is getting increasingly desperate. Rather, in many respects, Vladimir is getting more and more desperate. Right now, I’m not sure what is going on with the power struggle as there are a lot of smoke and mirrors, a lot of disinformation (most aimed internal IMO), and a fair bit of confusion. If one thing I have heard is true, a long-time trusted advisor to Vladimir has been sacked and if true (note caveat) it is not good as that person opposed the invasion of Ukraine and has also opposed nuclear sabre-rattling and options. If he is indeed gone, that’s not good and Defcon Warning Systems is right with some of their concerns.

For all that I am still in the 20 percent club in regards traditional powers/stockpiles, any attempted use or even strong threat is going to have very bad results. There is no such thing as limited use, and given the growing membership in the nuclear club there is an increased chance of someone responding without consultation. That way lies madness.

But madness can seem at least borderline sane when you are facing a reversal of fortunes on the conventional front, growing manpower problems, growing attacks that are disrupting energy, transportation, agriculture, and more. Add in an unhappy populace and growing restiveness in the ranks of those who would like to replace you and… Desperate people do desperate things, and when your last pipeline to thoughts and information carefully kept outside your information bubble, which is in a silo and both are inside yet more bubbles, and decisions that have no connection with reality are easy to make.

I’m not so sure that the 20 percent club applies to newer nuclear powers either, such as China. Keep in mind that China is facing a lot of challenges and in his own way Winnie the Xi is growing as desperate at Vladimir. I think he’s got a better chance of holding on for now, but he’s fast approaching some go/no-go decisions on everything from Taiwan on to other economic and territorial ambitions. We are ill prepared to deal with any go decisions. Oh, and to add to the fun, if Vladimir and Russia get further into trouble, Xi would be more than happy to reclaim a good and important chunk of the Russian far east for China. They have long wanted it, and the resources, back.

In short, things could get hairy. We’ve been very lucky walking the knife blade so far. Fact is, aside from pointing things out and urging people to not respond to the provocations in a direct way, there’s not much I can do or that any of us can do. We can try to keep cool heads, and urge our leaders to the same. Other than that, the only option is prayer.

And, yes, I do pray not just for us to stay on the knife edge, but for us to get past things and move forward. If we don’t slip, there are some amazing things and times ahead of us. So, I turn the future over to the Lord and pray that he get us through this. I pray for peace, just peace, in the world. Among the several prayers I try to say everyday is one I modified a while back. It was originally done for one country under communism, but I think almost every European country that ended up under communism had it’s own version. Mine is:

Prayer for the Salvation of Earth

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the interceessions of Thy most pure Mother, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority. Amen.

For those who don’t know, the “yoke of the godless authority” is that of communism, which means communism and socialism of all types as they are simply parts of the same coin. Doesn’t matter if “true” communism, Soviet “socialism” that was communism, National Socialism, or any other facet of the ultra-leftest creed that is envy, despair, and slavery. The woke, aka progressive left, WEF-types, etc. are all of the same coin, and they are all the godless authority who seek to destroy freedom and religion. Hence, my prayer which I’ve been saying since before the last election. I hope you might join me in it.

Yes, things are happening all over and the push to foment violence and violent response is not limited to just the U.S. There are other flashpoints that exist, but they are also linked in many ways to this desperate progressive push.

Against it, let me quote “Hold the Line!” There is likely to be a blood-price paid, but with God’s Grace we can walk the knife edge to safer and better times. Pray that we do, and that we retain cool heads no matter what. I really do need to do a post one day soon on all the good things I see coming if we can but hold the line. We truly can have a golden age, if we can hold on through these interesting times.

Pray, have Faith, and hang in there. As part of that, be prepared. Keep your family and 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, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Unfortunately, It Makes Sense

I think I got this from Sarah at Instapundit the other day, and it is one to share far and wide. I’ve read it, pondered, and read a bit more, and it makes sense. Why are so many people of a progressive stripe lying about so many things? It’s not that they don’t know that they lie, or that we the readers don’t know they are lying. For they know, and we know.

What if it is for a different and very dangerous reason? What if they are lying in order to poison AI learning efforts? Go read this for yourself and ponder it a bit.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

Law Dog Files

I’ve added the Bugscuffle Gazette, aka the Law Dog Files, to the “If I Am Absent” section. Lot of good food for thought there. Check it out.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.

To Those Hitting The Tip Jar

Thank You! Thank You! THANK YOU!

All the donations have been anonymous, so wanted to say thank you here. Know you get an automated thank you, but wanted to do something more personal. While the payment processor (not GiveSendGo) takes a cut, I’m putting the full amount donated towards payment of the plane tickets and other expenses of the pilgrimage. Thank you for helping me make this possible.

Remember, the tip jar is in the upper right and if you don’t see an option you like, reach out and we can go from there. The main link is at A New Life on GiveSendGo but there are other options including (sigh) PayPal. Yes, I tried to close that account and there were technical issues on their end that prevented that. Still an option at need.

Again, however, THANK YOU!

Links And Food For Thought

Sorry, dragging this morning as yesterday was a full and amazing day. As I’ve said before, my Sundays usually start about 0245 and yesterday it ran until well after 2000 hours as we had a picnic and more hosted by our Priest and his wife. It was great to see all the kids playing together (and burning off energy), and I was highly amused watching a 2-year-old young lady going flat out on everything from chasing the free-range chickens (some of whom were bigger than she was) to pushing other children on carts and tricycles. We even had a bit of a sing-along with a couple of people bringing guitars and getting into a variety of music. Good but long day.

The idea of euthanasia horrifies me on its own, but the growing partnership between such and the transplant industry is actually terrifying. Nevermind that it is ALWAYS a matter of “right to die” being a euphemism for “obligation to die” when in the hands of the state (both it and abortion are murder, period, full stop). For more on part of this and why I am no longer an organ donor, see here.

Today, I offer you two very good bits of food for thought. It was a coin toss on who went first, and so we start with this piece from Ian at the Law Dog Files/Bugscuffle Gazette. Then, go read this post from Vodka Pundit at PJ Media. I will also note that Vodka Pundit has been all over this topic for a while.

Organ transplantation has saved lives, restored sight, and done many other things that have had positive impact on many, many lives. The growing linkage between it and the evil of euthanasia can, and will, not merely taint things but turn transplantation into an outright and unmitigated evil. I think we went over that slippery slope a while back. All we are seeing now is that the slope has been well greased.

More soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. 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.