laughingwolf_qh33q8 – Page 18

Re-Thinking Thinking About The Unthinkable

The good CDR Salamander has just put up a must-read post about nuclear war, nuclear theory, and preventing ‘the unthinkable.’ It is very well written; very well considered; and, refreshingly honest about where we are in terms of deterrence.

There are several points he makes with which I fully agree and endorse fully. We’ve been stuck in a mindset that is indeed “stuck in aspic” (LOVE that whole paragraph!) with the mouldering corpse of Kahn-ic thought for far too long. The so-called elite thinkers have little touch with reality that I can find, can’t agree on definitions to save their lives, and given that he is right (very) and they have not gotten a single non-nuclear war right in more than fifty years is less than re-assuring. I would also note that the times nuclear launch was averted it was not by the elites; rather, good and unpretentious men who saw the data didn’t add up and didn’t act to launch. In fact, of the times of which I am aware, it was the elites (and the politicians they advised) who had pushed things hot.

He’s also absolutely right about war games and war gaming things out. Remember, I wasn’t allowed to be OPFOR because I didn’t play the war game game. I played to win. I played to try to use them to figure out problems and solutions; which is a sin in the eyes of some for whom the games were a way to game pet theories into acceptance and use.

Two other points to make. First, I’ve never been comfortable with a triad. Remove one and it’s no longer stable. You need multiple legs. Second, I have always thought MAD was an abomination to God and to Man. It was and is morally, ethically, socially, and philosophically reprehensible. MAD is countervalue and gives you Philip Wylie and Triumph, or On The Beach. Disgusting concept and we can and should do better.

Sal gives a LOT of good food for thought. I would like to add the following to the mix, however.

First, while not nuclear, we should be looking at adding KEVs to the mix. If we can drop a deep penetrator down air shafts, we can drop a KEV. Which also means we need to consider weapons in space, which is a can of worms but one I think has already been opened. KEVs are flexible and yield can be adjusted via speed. When I say flexible, look at what Jerry Pournelle wrote about Project Thor, which was basically a crowbar with a semi-smart guidance package. Then look at some more recent work. Thing is, a range of options with a lot more flexibility than a nuke is likely to.

Second, we need to be looking at defense. Yes, Trump has announced Golden Dome and I have some hope for it. However, keep in mind that politicians on the left have done everything in their power to stop any and all work on defense against nuclear attack. We need layers and options, and the thing is some of what was done for SDI is still out there and works. The more layers, the better. Also, keep in mind those politicians who pushed for no defense were happy for you to die, though they would likely be secure and safe in their shelters.

Third, we need to look at civil defense options. I don’t think the program of the 50s is needed; but, we do need some civil defense. As I’ve noted before, there are aspects of it that are useful in other situations such as storm, fire, etc. It’s a concept that needs to be explored if we are going to have a serious talk on nuclear reform (including ways to keep the genie in the bottle).

Finally, I do think we also need to consider the need to transfer nukes to safety when portions of Europe fall to the invaders. Along with building a bulkwark in the East as discussed here with related discussion here.

I know some of you have experience and made some good points before in previous posts on nuclear war. Sound off here and there, keeping in mind this is a public forum.

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.

Sake

On a nicer and more tasty subject, I want to commend to you two posts (so far) about Sake from Francis Turner at Lesser Known Japan. One of the more educational nights I spent in Japan years back was sitting at a bar enjoying a conversational lecture on the history of Sake. The lecture was fascinating and the four samples of different styles of Sake were delicious and very intoxicating. The man giving the lecture was actually an expat Israeli, who had studied Japanese history and loved sharing the history of the drink. In earlier times, for instance, it was much more a liqueur or cordial. Some of the older forms of Sake pack quite the punch.

Here is Part One of his series; and, here is Part Two. There is more to come. Given the subject, I suspect much more to come. It is a fascinating bit of history, culinary and otherwise. Go check them out, and if you are ever looking at going to Japan, the site is full of treasures regular tourists rarely see. And, if you can’t go, you can find a number of the brands he talks about here and doing a tasting should be a lot of fun.

Some Oddities

Sorry for the longer-than-I-want silences, but life has been busy and interesting. One of the things I’ve been dealing with are computer related. About six weeks ago, I discovered somone had “fingerprinted” my main browser. What this means is that even with VPNs and such, if you use that browser you can be tracked.

Now, lots of people try to fingerprint systems these days, as the data on where you go and what you look at makes them money. Governments can do it to track what you do online for investigations. Some governments (and others) do it gain dirt and leverage. The question always is, do you let on you know or do you take immediate action.

I chose to wait in part because I wanted to see if I could gain any data; have some fun via false trails (was tempted to take them to the worst photos on the net, such as fake nudes of Mad Maxine or Bella Abzug in a tutu); and, see if I could detect any intrusions.

Thing is, there may have been some penetration of my systems. Can’t prove, but have been going through and trying to check some things. I also realized I was off schedule on backups and such, so I’ve been working on that and trying to secure my system. Going to have to dump the main browser and get a new one. Secondary browser is fingerprinted, but it is a fingerprint shared with about 20 million other computers so not too worried about it.

So, things may be a bit spotty for a while longer as I continue to try to deal with this. And, yes, I am doing this off the main, compromised browser. Sometimes you just have to say “hi guys” and see if any cockroaches scatter. It’s probably nothing, but this day and age why take chances? I’m not on Sharyl Atkinson’s level, but things do happen.

Hang tight, because I see some interesting things on the horizon. Some political, some social, and some otherwise. Keep your guard up, be prepared, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Random Quick Thoughts

No detailed post today, but I will share some thoughts and musings about some of the things I’m seeing in the world. Or, possibly out of it as well.

First up, I’m to a point where I believe several non-contradictory things about the Epstein saga. My post here I think may still have some validity; but, I would also note a few other things. The Swamp is not going to go without a fight, and I am amazed any evidence survived once the election was lost. That said, I would not be surprised if that “evidence” was as corrupt and tainted. I also believe that this has not been handled well, which is why Dems are using it as a wedge issue to try and slow the administration down. It’s pretty much all they have, and it was handed to them on a silver platter. While I want to see justice for Epstein’s victims, I also don’t think it is likely at this point and I want things done right. It is important.

Second, I both do and don’t get those upset with the administration. No, everything hasn’t magically been done or accomplished. That said, look at Trump 1 and then compare how much has been done in the first six months of Trump 2. It’s orders of magnitude more, and right now the left knows it’s been hit by a train but the plans to thwart the administration have not worked out. As noted above, Epstein uproar is the first wedge issue they’ve had and they are using it like mad. In fact, they are overplaying their hand — badly even. I hope they do keep going with it, as it will bite them hard in the rump and soon. Meantime, go read this excellent post by Sarah A. Hoyt and have patience. Let’s take the time to do things right, so that we don’t get into a tit for tat situation that blows up in our faces. A lot is being done to save our Republic, but I still see too many ways it can fail and do so in a way that takes us down some very bad roads. Roads no sane person wants to tread, and especially doesn’t want friends and family to have to tread.

In regards the Middle East, Iran is reverting to form and threatening Trump’s life and more. He, and Israel, showed great restraint in the 12-Day War. Iran should not count on the same if there is a Round Two. Other countries are not happy with them as well, and the huge arms shipment they tried to get to the Houthis got intercepted. Since our corporate media isn’t covering it, you might note the number of “gas explosions” in Tehran of late as well as the fact that many of them seem to be at the homes of IRGC and political leadership. Pity about that…

As for Israel bombing Syria, I would simply note that Israel has warned for weeks to not go after the Druze and other minorities. That was ignored and an effort to start the rape, torture, and murder of those under Israeli protection begun. Israel shut down that not-so-little bit of planned genocide (and yes, that’s what was planned) rather quickly. Good on them.

No comment yet on the Christian church in Gaza that was damaged. Heard this morning that the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs for Jerusalem have gone in to visit, assess, and do what they can. Not a lot of trustworthy data yet, so biding my time. Over on X, Bree A. Dail has been doing some good and thoughtful coverage that is worth checking out. Just keep in mind that the “Gazan Government” is Hamass and the UN is in bed with Hamass as well. As sources, they are about as reliable as CNN and the NYT. In otherwords, don’t trust, just verify.

Moving further north, David Strom has a good post up on where things stand in regards Russia. At least in terms of the current administration. I see signs of a lot going on behind the curtain, as the recent death of the Transportation Minister seems to have woken some people up. It may have caused a few moments of clarity, if you will, from some of the maneuvering underway. Keep in mind, however, that the Russian leadership and elites live not just in a bubble, but in bubbles in silos inside a larger bubble.

I think it was on X that I pointed out that Vladimir needs one heck of an off ramp in regards Ukraine. He put it all on the line when he rolled the dice, as this was intended to be the grand introduction of the true implementation of Russkiy Mir — and make him man of the decade and guarantee he was the grand poohbah for life. Instead, he’s ended up peeing into a LOT of people’s corn flakes, at home and abroad, and doing so to Trump was not a smart move. I agree with David that it seems some up at the top are getting this; but, their options are limited. I’m honestly wondering if we might soon hear of medical crisis, accident, or such in regards Vladimir. If not, bet we will hear about some top-level people having “accidents.” Things are getting very interesting in Moscow.

On to larger matters, yesterday Coffee and Covid (a site I’m starting to try to read regularly) re-ran an older post with some updates. If you think it’s been wetter than normal of late, and noted a few other odd things, it may well be climate change. Just not man-made climate change. Unless you think Hunga Tonga is alive and human, which would preclude it from being an image from Revelations. A good case is presented; and, the data appears to hold together. Check it out and sound off on what you think about it. Hat tip and thanks to fellow lightning-strike survivor Snarkalorian for introducing me to C&C a while back, and pointing out this particular piece.

More soon I hope. And, I may update this post later if I find the other item I bookmarked (or thought I had bookmarked). Be safe, be good, be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Ooops

Sorry for the dead air, it has been interesting on a couple of fronts. Nothing bad, or at least not too bad, but they have eaten at my time.

For those who hit the tip jar recently, Thank You! I did finally get to go celebrate my Alive Day (it falls during the Apostle’s Fast) and had a good meal. I couldn’t justify the expense of a good steak place, so went for something different: Vietnamese. Hands down, Pho 21 is the best Vietnamese food I’ve had in Indy. Great service as well, and the fried pork chop was amazingly delicious. I did eat a few more carbs than normal, but it was worth it.

Physical therapy is going well. The therapist identified some weak areas/muscle groups and we are working on them. She’s also got me doing a number of things in regards balance, coordination, vertigo, etc. Much of that is simply re-programming the brain to remember how to handle certain inputs/situations. Doing two days a week there, and five days a week here at home. Takes time, but if I don’t do it and don’t push, nothing is going to change. I need it to change.

Weather makes riding the bike fun — if you find sweating badly fun. Actually rode it to physical therapy one day so the therapist could see me get on, off, and ride. Some of the balance, coordination, vertigo, etc. work is actually specific to riding the bike. The idea is get me back comfortable and in-control when riding.

Massage therapy is helping as well. I had a therapist recommended to me that has proven to be excellent. She’s more expensive than the local massage therapist, but she’s much better and got amazing results out of our first session. So much so I will be phasing out the local therapist and just going to the new therapist for now.

Music therapy has been on hold to some extent, as my voice coach has been away on vacation. That should start back up again soon. I really enjoy singing, and it’s nice to be getting to the point that I’m happy with how it sounds. Still can’t look at notes and tell you what they are, but I can sing them. It does help to have the starting note, I admit, but slowly getting where I do a decent job without a “guide.”

More soon.

About The Epstein Files

If you are surprised at what has happened in regards Epstein and the “files,” I’ve got a bridge for sale and a few thoughts to share. Others have said some of them, but I’m also trying to put things together to help others work through and make their own decisions.

First up, yes, I do think he was an IC asset. I’ve already seen several pointing out (in suspiciously similar terms) that there is no proof he worked for the CIA or (insert agency here). That he had a number of ties to the CIA and others in the IC (and governments here and abroad, etc.) is well known and documented. Got news for you, quite a few assets are not employees of the CIA or any other intelligence agency. They are called assets for a reason.

Second, the IC does make use of some rather interesting and dubious characters. Fact is, people who ware willing to share information (and more) for money, and are members in terrorist organizations, organized crime, or other such interesting things are rarely the type person you bring home to meet mother or meet in church. This was what drove the feckless peanut Jimmah to do lasting damage to our intelligence capabilities by gutting and hamstringing human intelligence (HUMINT). I’ve complained about him before, and I once again point out that we will be generations fixing the damage that man did to us there and around the globe.

That said, there is a bit of a pecking order to assets. You do get, on occasion, the principled person who does something out of conviction and profound belief. Those usually defect, sooner or later. The rest, well, it varies and you will find cold-blooded killers given more respect than human traffickers and perverts. The latter, if various tales be true, often used to get burned if not outright eliminated when convenient. But even there, there is a pecking order. Those who go after small children, infants even, are the lowest of the low. Those who go after teenagers and young adults, well, these days they are almost considered respectable in some quarters. After all, it is a much more widely shared — and indulged — thing even among the so-called elite.

Nor is such limited to overseas. For all that there is a stereotype of British aristocracy liking young boys (and it is a stereotype for a reason), girls and boys are well liked by far too many in power it seems. Again, stereotypes exist for a reason. File that for a moment.

Now, keep in mind that Epstein was noted for not only being well connected to important and powerful people (cough Clinton Gates ad nauseum cough) but also to those in middle and lower positions of power. I hate to give him any credit, but he did favors for a lot of people lower in the chain simply because they might be in a position to help him out later. Always a good idea to have people at all levels owing you favors — and/or having leverage to force a favor. Epstein I think knew that well, far better than many of the powerful he hung with.

Now, is there anyone who thinks that didn’t extend to law enforcement, including both the DOJ and the FBI? If so, look at how one investigation got derailed simply by his being declared a needed intelligence asset. The implications made about him and his relationship to the IC are most interesting and telling.

When things finally did hit a point he was arrested this last time, I would argue he clearly thought he would skate again. When that appeared murky, that he or the evidence might implicate others, well, pity about what happened.

Thing is, with that and with the incoming administration pledging to get to the bottom of things and name names, do you think that those in the IC, DOJ, and FBI (to name just three areas) were going to just sit around fat and happy? Or, do you think that as much evidence as possible got destroyed? Or otherwise rendered inaccessible and/or legally unusable? Also consider that the high and powerful are going to take steps to protect themselves by whatever means they can, and that some of them are in very strong positions of power. Also remember that power, and well as perversion, know few political or other boundaries.

Now, go watch the video of Trump jumping in when Bondi was asked about Epstein. Personally, I think he was frightened and wanting to do two things: give Bondi an out and de-ligitimize any and all inquiries about Epstein. What could scare Trump that badly? It’s not him he’s scared for. Watch his and others body language.

Then, watch Bondi. She pulls the trick taught in dealing with media 101 and does it well. She responds first not to what she was asked, but to the questions she wanted to answer. Note that no one has called for the release of the child porn allegedly made or collected by Epstein or others. No one has called for private information on known or unknown victims to be released. Her answers were a distraction and an attempt to put all answers under the umbrella of privacy. Huge red flag. When she does get around to the actual questions asked, note the precision and limits of her answers. Look at her body language throughout. That was not a happy woman, and she does not like the position she is in.

I’m left with a very strong suspicion that more than one powerful person let it be known what would happen if their name got mentioned in any way, shape, or form in connection to Epstein. I suspect one or more of them are very important to current efforts, and/or could do significant damage to the country (and other countries even) if they so chose. Whomever, whatever, we are not talking a minor scandal or even something Profumo-level. It would be something even larger, with the ability to bring down one or more governments.

If we ever know what was going on, I suspect it will be many, many years from now. I know I’m sure not going to go digging, as I have no desire to dig my own grave. For all that I hate seeing the monsters win again, there are times and places to pick battles. Seeing Trump’s reaction confirms my thought that this is not the time for such. It may yet come, and I hope it does. I really did want to see justice done for Epstein’s victims, for all the victims of the monsters. But I’m also sort of used to it at this point. Never have liked it. All one can do is pray for justice one day, even knowing it won’t happen this day. Mayhaps there truly is a rogue version of the Army of Northern Virginia out there; and, if so, may they have good hunting.

Physical Therapy Underway

Had my first physical therapy session today, which mostly was testing. As expected. I’ve gone back to the good place I went to for my shoulder rehab after getting the new joints, and am working with two very good people there. Am delighted to get them as I know they know their stuff and have a good bit of experience.

Now we wait and see how many sessions, if any, the insurance will cover. We know roughly what it should do, but the fact is that even with the best of insurance these days caca occureth. Hoping for the best, planning for the worst, so feel free to hit the tip jar. May need a few rides there as I may not always be able to ride my bike (like today).

Already have homework, which I am looking forward to doing. There are some exercises I can do here at home, and we are going to build on that. My goals are simple: improve balance, improve coordination, and be able to get up and down unassisted. If we can deal with some of the vertigo and related, all the better. As I’ve noted before, hitting the floor is easy. It’s the getting back up again that is hard. Nice thing is, the physical therapists already have a plan for that.

More soon.

Alive Day Bleg

Okay, this is a small update to my Bleg post. I would normally celebrate my big Alive Day on 30 June, as that is the day I was hit by lightning. I’ve had some close calls before, but that is the big one. However, that day now falls during the Apostle’s Fast so I don’t go out to celebrate it on that day anymore. What I will do is celebrate it (and my birthday, small alive days, etc.) on a day in July that is outside the Apostle’s Fast.

Yes, I would appreciate all the help your gifts provide for recovery efforts, but I also would like to go out for a nice meal as well. If you like what I do, and can spare a bit for a gift, know you and your gift are much appreciated. If you want to specify your gift towards a particular activity (music, PT, etc.) I will earmark it for that. If you want to specify the Alive Day meal, feel free. Anything over the cost of the meal will go towards food and food preparation.

Again, thank you for your kind gifts these last few years. They have truly made the difference, and allowed me to keep going and to push recovery, especially when things weren’t possible through traditional medical channels. You, and your kindness, are very much appreciated.

About The Deja Poo

The “poo” in question is Elon Musk’s quivering pile of lab grown meat substitute of a third party. Deja Poo is a term I haven’t heard (or used) in a while, that is the title to a wonderful post by Sarah A. Hoyt. It is an apt term, as if you are a student of history you know that both the term is valid, and what has happened with the half-baked idea of third parties being born like a cut-rate Venus on a quarter shell by egotistical deep pockets. If you get the idea I’m not a fan of what is being done, you are correct. For all that I like the idea itself — along with creative things to do with the swamp in DC — the execution is key and the execution is classic history. And for those not getting it, not in a good way.

However, I’m lazy — intellectually and otherwise — and rather than go into all the reasons the execution and timing are designed to destroy all the good that has been done, I’m going to point you to some well thought out pieces that make the points I planned to make, possibly far better than I could.

First up, Deja Poo. This take from Sarah is well done, thorough, and has lots of good food for thought. We have indeed seen this same poo before, and it has given us the walking excrement that was Woodrow Wilson (and the growth of the supreme bureaucracy), not to mention the little cascade of horror started by Ross Perot. Her take is well worth the time to read.

Next up, Kim nails it. Elon has an ego, it is bruised, and the analogy to Christmas is spot on. Will Elon ever admit it? Probably not and it will push him to foolishness. Won’t be the first time. Thing that worries me is that Kim is also right on the money about Elon switching to letting perfect be the enemy of good. Innovation and improvements come from letting good be the enemy of perfect (SpaceX being a prime example as we’ve discussed here before). If this becomes his driver, short his companies as they will stall. Yes, he’s got good people who can and will take over if something happens to Elon, who are still committed to good being the enemy of perfect. But, he is a charismatic leader and his zealotry will end up taking the controls absent an investor revolt. I hope he wakes up and smells the coffee, as the world needs him taking us to the stars, not to wallow in the swamp.

Next up is Glenn Reynolds, the Instapundit. You can see his op-ed in the Post here, and a nice video here. Love the intro, agree with it even, and even more like the points Glenn makes. It’s well written, and done in a way that if Elon does read it, it might not get his back further up (it’s already up from not getting all he wanted via DOGE and his work in the admin). He would be wise to listen and think on what is said, though I think he’s well past the point of being able to do so.

For all our sakes, I hope Elon can swallow his pride and ego, and step back from an action that will end (for now) his dream of taking Man to the stars, and our dreams of freedom and restoring the Republic. I don’t think he can, but I can hope to be wrong, and that people will not enable him if he does carry through. As Kim points out, we really don’t need another party (and if you haven’t seen mechaGr*ock’s take on Elon’s third party, do check it out) as we already have a movement.

You want change? It’ doesn’t need a party. It needs a movement to primary those who deserve it, recruit good candidates AT ALL LEVELS, and push to register and get the vote out. The movement is there, make use of it. The movement is working to primary candidates, get behind that. The movement is getting good candidates into races, support that. The movement (Pressler anyone?) is already working the registration and enthusiasm. Support it. That is how you make change, and wins for all humanity. Another ego party is not the answer.

Better Than MilSpec

A few days ago, in an author’s forum on an almost deserted corner of anti-social media, a fan posted this.

I pointed out (as has the author, who’s fan group this was posted in, has said many times) that the colonists had better than milspec, and that is part of what made the difference in the American Revolution. The usual group of pedants came forth then (why do you hate potatoes, they had potatoes back then, you didn’t write an encyclopedia entry outlining every possible variant, etc.) and missed two key points. One, I wasn’t out to write an encyclopedia entry (though I have written the firearms sections for a major technology encyclopedia back when there were still such things) but a one line response; and, that the technological superiority extended beyond the obvious.

It’s one of my big problems with the NFA and other “taxes” and open regulations: it limits the ability to innovate and the ability of the average citizen to have not just milspec (which frankly often sucks in base form) but better than milspec. The colonists had rifles as they were accurate and made it a more sure proposition to be able to feed their family. Their muskets could also be rather innovative. If you are not familiar with the term “lock, stock, and barrel” then you are not going to understand how and why the colonists tended to buy the best they could and got delightfully innovative as soon as they could do so.

Fact is, most firearms innovations have come from outside the government. Take a look back around the Revolution, then move forward and while many hoped to make their money selling to the government, the innovations came from outside the government. Even today, that still holds true in my opinion. Note, however, that the government through the ATF and other agencies does all it can to hamper such development and innovation these days.

Me, I don’t want milspec, I want better than milspec. That holds true for firearms, communications gear, and more. I want rugged, dependable, reliable (which, yes, can be different from dependable), and cost effective. Why buy stock when you can often get far better “add ons” and custom for the same cost or less. Milspec is a best a good place to start. It is very easy to make it better in many cases.

Which is why I have a serious question for Elon and the new third party (more on that soon): don’t tell me you support the 2nd amendment and expect me to take you at your word. You’ve said more than once that you believed in regulating and restricting. I want specifics out of you, and in particular I want to know where you stand on repealing the NFA and other “taxes” and open regulations. I want it spelled out in detail.

I also want the NFA and such gone. It’s time to ensure that the Citizens of the Republic not only have milspec, but better than milspec. If you are proud that you have milspec, good on you you’re special. If you have made sure you have better than milspec, whether you admit it or not, you’re my type of people. I don’t care if it’s a better iron sight or using a 2-cent O-ring to improve the water resistance of an electronic device (versus the $2k special container sold to the government), you’ve still improved it and made it better than milspec.

The Revolution wasn’t all rifles versus muskets. It was much more complex and frankly far more rich from a technological standpoint than the pedants will ever truly realize. I think they fail to realize some of the true importance of Saba, but that’s for another day. What matters is that in more than one way the colonists had better than the milspec of the day. It’s what we need today as well. Just a thought.

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. 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.