Author: laughingwolf_qh33q8

Ahoo Dariyaei’s Revolution

I meant to write about this when it happened, but it is well worth exploring a bit as she may yet see justice. This post on X explores a bit and is well worth reading. In fact, in defiance of short opening paragraphs (rules exist to be broken), here is an earlier post, along with two other good posts here and here.

There are various icons/cartoons/artworks of her in her underwear out there, but I will not link them. I think the intent was well meant, but in my opinion they sanitize the situation and reduce her to a simplistic caricature that demeans her and diminishes her act of defiance.

First, understand the term “morality police” implies that there is a unified office under which all operate. That is not the case, as there are a variety of morality police forces and they are in effect the enforcement arm of the government. There are district morality police, school morality police, neighborhood morality police, etc. Even the most minor of infractions, such as a bit of hair showing under a covering will get you attacked and beaten. You can’t escape from them, if you fight back you and your family will be targeted.

If they arrest you, what awaits is quite often rape, torture, and death. Most are beaten to death, but if there has been resistance or other to raise the stakes, they can be hung. Keep in mind that rape is a tool, and one mandated years ago by the Ayatollah who decreed that female prisoners of any age were to be raped before execution so they would go to hell and not to heaven. No joke. If you want to learn the horrors that await those who defy these animals, there is plenty out there for you to look up. No, not linking as this is something you need to look up and see for yourself, so that it can’t be dismissed as mere propaganda.

Which brings us back to this young lady, Ahoo Dariyaei. Watch the video. She was attacked, fought back, and then they were surprised. Look at her face, at the anger there, as she raised the stakes on them. Then watch her as she realizes where she is at in terms of choices. You see the anger, the fear, and then the determination. She very clearly knows what awaits (rape, torture, death most likely), and steps forward anyway. She makes a choice, and though she is scared, she steps up and out anyway. That is the choice of a martyr, a willing sacrifice.

Her act spread like wildfire, and was such a threat that the mad mullahs did something unusual. She didn’t get the usual, but was instead sent to a mental hospital as they are frantically trying to paint her as mentally unstable (frequent tactic of tyrants of all stripes). If you think she hasn’t been drugged, tortured, and more, you are delusional. Again, you can find accounts of what happens in Iran (and elsewhere) on line, but it is knowledge you need to find for yourself.

Now, one reason for the different treatment is that right now, Iran is a powder keg looking for a spark, and the mad mullahs know this. The majority of the population wants them gone, and only the work of the “morality police” and not-so-secret police are keeping a lid on things — barely. If something happened to prevent support forces from rolling and orders being given, who knows what might happen.

My guesstimate is that it would take the, ah, disappearance of a dozen people or less (maybe even as few as five) for the spark to finally hit the powder. Block deployment of IRGC support forces, and there would be a boom today.

One of the largest factors preventing the boom is our current Regency, which has gone to extraordinary lengths to protect the mad mullahs. And to fund them. This has been Obama policy from the start, in defiance of facts, logic, morality, and more. More than just Israel would be happy to help with making those dozen or so people disappear, though at least one has no real means to project power that far. I would argue that a surgical strike that set the conditions would allow the population to revolt.

Now, the odds of a successful revolution are not good. Think we’ve talked about this before since truly successful revolutions in history can pretty much be counted on one hand. However, keep in mind that the people of Iran have a couple of options for new governance, including a return of the Pahlavi dynasty in one form or another. At least one other option has been discussed if not set-up in exile. This gives them better odds than most.

I think they may try to sit on her for a while, as right now releasing what’s left of her, or her corpse, may well put fuse to powder anyway. Her act of defiance has hit a nerve that is resonating with the people in a big way. There have been others before, and they still are having to spend time and effort to keep those incidents quashed. They realize that this will apply here, in her case, but I think they may also sense that this could tip things, at home and abroad. Maybe.

Which is why I think they will delay, and delay could work for her and the people of Iran. The current Regency is on it’s way out the door. With them gone, options will open up. We do not have to take a direct role. In fact, the best thing for the U.S. to do is simply to stop protecting the mad mullahs, and let nature take it’s course. And perhaps let it be known that we would be glad to recognize a new government truly representing the people of Iran. And it would be a very good idea for us to do so before the mad mullahs get the bomb. Just a thought.

Meantime, if you are a praying sort, consider saying a prayer for Ahoo Dariyaei and the oppressed people of Iran. Do not diminish her to a caricature, or sanitize her knowing and willful sacrifice. She, and the oppressed people of Iran deserve much better than that.

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.

Still Here

Finally got some antibiotics for the walking pneumonia going around that I managed to catch (without trying even). It is one pill a day, and you can tell when you take it. Didn’t help that I had a bad night last night, turns out I got all my nightly pills out into the bowl and then forgot to take them.

Right now, enjoying watching the show of heads exploding as Trump picks his cabinet. Several solid ones in there, and hoping that Pete gets a good team to back him as SecDef. With good picks on service secs, it should be amazing to watch. Know who I would like to see in a couple of spots, but figure not much chance. Only about two so far I’m not sure about, and am convinced that one is either 6-D chess or 6-D trolling (maybe both).

Hoping to be back up to speed here soon. Until then, resting, drinking lots of fluids, and the usual cures. 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.

I’m Not Dead Yet!

Sorry for the silence, but life has been interesting. Yes, I am amazed (and delighted) at the election. Disappointed in some of the down-ballot races, as they can be even more important than the national, but shocked, amazed, and pleased that the level of “fortification” has been (mostly) held down so far. Boy Howdy was a message sent.

Sadly, many are putting fingers in ears and kicking their feet, not only on the left but especially on the establishment right. The selection of a new majority leader in the Senate may well be either the last gasp of the establishment Republicans or the rise of the Sith. Only time will tell and it depends on you keeping the heat on where and when it is needed.

And, yes, there was a great disturbance in the Force and a clear message was sent. For all that, there seems to be a LOT of ‘We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is…’ going on. Keep in mind the establishment does not like us, Trump, or anything to do with change. They are going to fight this tooth and nail, though given the turn-out and message, they are likely to be a bit more discrete than last time. Keep in mind, for them this is Gotterdammerung as it is the end of the credentialed elite. This is all they have known, and they are going to fight like cornered rats to keep on with it despite the vote.

Push them. Hold them accountable. Light them up. Let them complain about being bullied. We’ve tried nice, both within the camp and to other parties. Remember that kicks in the teeth were the response. Screw that. Let them build the bridges and make the steps, we need to be done and save the Republic while we can. Hate to say it, but being nice little milquetoast squishes is not the way. Save the Republic, then look at having them mend fences. Me, I’m done. Let them reach out, as our efforts have only hurt us and kept us from being effective.

No, I don’t like any of the three Senate majority leader candidates the swamp has picked. I’m down with the camp calling for JD to be both President of the Senate and Senate Majority Leader. Plenty of Constitutional and historical precedence and it would make things much easier for the administration. Again, forget being nice — be practical and effective.

Right now, I seem to be trying to come down/fight off the walking pneumonia that is going around. Been down several days now. If not better soon, will head to the doc (reluctantly) and see about antibiotics. I’m tired, I’m dragging, and the normal efforts only seem to be calling a draw. Grrrr. On the other hand, I’ve found a Korean place that may have some good ‘cure or kill’ food I like, and may even have a particular dish I’ve loved for years.

As a very broke undergraduate, I fell in love with a place called “Seoul House” in Chicago may decades ago. A delightful older Korean couple owned it and they introduced me to some wonderful food. Think almost a Korean version of “Miracle Max” and Valerie. She told me, rather gleefully one time, that they cooked “American-Korean” and not “Korean-Korean” as when they opened and did the former, “customer never come back.” The mental image of American customers fleeing into the night screaming and breathing flames has amused me ever since. Thankfully, once they got to know you, they would fix you “Korean-Korean.”

They did one dish in particular, a version of Bibem Nengmyun, that I loved. They called the beef “fire meat” and it was. Which paired wonderfully with the cold buckwheat noodles, the spicy-savory sauce, and pickled vegetables. Forget now what they called the dish, but you had almost every pairing possible (sweet-sour, spicy-refreshing, salty-sweet, etc.) in every bite. And at a price even a very broke student could afford every few months. The egg on top just made it.

Before I break down and go to the doc for antibiotics, think I’m going to go try to burn it out. And if their version of my old favorite is as good as I hear, I may get to take a trip down memory lane in the process. Not to mention having a new place to go when I want comfort food.

Yes, celebrate the victory that was the election. Don’t think that those we are trying to show the door are going to just roll over and go quietly. Expect the unexpected, expect resistance (a la what is happening at the Pentagon, EPA, and elsewhere), and expect the unexpected. Frankly, I’m amazed that Trump is still alive and will not be surprised if they try for him again, possibly more than once. Heck, I will be surprised if they don’t. Watch them to go after Elon and others, try to drive wedges, and join with the grifters right and left to try to hang on.

Press on! Make notes, deal with people and issues as needed, but press on! Just remember, cornered rats are nasty and this bunch ain’t done yet. Be prepared.

More soon, but I feel the need for speed, er, a nap to be honest. Be not afraid, but don’t get cocky kid. The fear is theirs, and a lot more masks just dropped and it is clear there are a lot more of us than of them. Press on.

More soon. “Fight, Fight, FIGHT!”

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.

Vote

Today is the day. If you have not already done so, do your civic responsibility and make an informed vote in all races. I’m not going to tell you who to vote for, in any race, but beg you with tears in my eyes to make an informed vote in all races.

If you are looking for thoughts and such, Sarah has a good take. My own are summed up as follows: earn my vote. My matrix for evaluation starts with freedom and individual liberty, is closely followed by economics, and winds down from there. Far too many down-ballot candidates here put out nothing about their positions on issues or make any effort to get (much less earn) my vote as they are the only candidate running.

Their take is that I have to vote for them. Their mistake. No, I do not. And I don’t. Earn it, or you don’t get it.

As noted in a previous post, I voted early. I don’t like to do so (can help cheaters cheat on several levels), but I have to deal with the medical establishment today and decided not to risk it. After all, I very much do believe that if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.

I’m also watching a lot of effort going into encouraging people not to vote. The fewer that vote, the greater the odds of certain candidates winning; and, the closer it is, the easier it is to cheat/fortify/etc. Don’t give them the chance. Even if it’s a forlorn hope or a total wipeout, pile it on! Your vote is important in more than one way. Do NOT waste it.

So, get out there, and vote. It is important.

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.

Update 4 Nov 24

Sorry for the lack of posting, but interesting things are afoot. I’m now waiting on the last bit of testing to be approved and scheduled for the neurological consult. For those new here, I was hit by lightning three years ago, and we are doing a new round of testing (with a new neurologist) as the brain is probably as healed as it is going to get. The largest surprise so far is that the MRI does show a brain in place, and not just a big echoey collapsing ancient temple with a tired hamster and busted exercise wheel in the middle of it.

Still no word on disability, but not surprised as I really don’t expect to hear anything for a while yet. Really don’t expect good news either, but that may just be the result of the last 2.5 years of process.

I’ve had to put the guitar lessons on hiatus for right now. It’s a combination of several factors including finances, schedule, and the possibility I may have to find a new place to live here in Indy. My landlord, IMO, changed the terms of kitchen access such that it (again, IMO) almost negates use. Frankly, his terms are acceptable, but it does provide me some incentive to start looking around. It also messes with many other things, from guitar to Church. It is also not my top priority as there is medical and more that needs to come first.

I also have cancelled my gym membership. Largest reason is financial, along with not being able to get there very often right now. Until other things settle down (location, etc.) it’s something I can get by without. There are ways to improvise on some of the upper body, and I do get in a good bit of walking these days.

If you did not do early voting, go vote tomorrow! I did do early voting as I have an appointment with the ENT tomorrow and a very weird bus schedule as a result. Hoping to get answers on some vertigo issues that popped up, as well as a better understanding on how my hearing is/isn’t doing.

For the latest wishlist items, and anonymous donation, THANK YOU! No info in package, but already playing with the items and testing a few things.

Between the guitar lessons and becoming a chanter at Church, I feel the music “therapy” has done a lot for me. Of the odd gaps in my memory, not being able to read sheet music and having to relearn to sing (and stay on pitch) is a weird one. Thankfully, our music director is very patient, and (like me) sees the music as excellent therapy. Which means she sees it almost as a duty and definitely as a challenge. So, she’s pushing me in her own way, which is a good thing. Hope to be doing more with that and at Church in the days ahead.

Speaking of which, our “Old World Christmas Village & Market” is Friday 6 December from 5-9 pm and Saturday 7 December from 10-3. There are gift shops, events, food, coffee & hot chocolate (and maybe more, stay tuned), and more. I will be working in The Lamp Post, which is our coffee shop/meeting room that features a replica of the bar from the Eagle & Child Pub in Cambridge where the Inklings (C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, et al) met each week. Come by and we will tell you how that replica ended up in the Church and how it is shaping a number of things. 1516 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church. Oh, word is that Santa Lucia will be making a visit again this year. Yes, I am enjoying being active in the Church and may be doing even more soon.

There was something else I was going to share, but I didn’t write it down, and so it is gone. If it is important and comes back, will add it later. For those of you hitting the tip jar or the wish list, thank you! To say things remain tight is an understatement, and your gifts and prayers continue to make a big difference. By next spring we should have answers as to where things are medically, which is going to determine my future plans. No moving out of state for now as my insurance will not transfer and is very much needed. Between that and the quality of care I’m now getting, not inclined to rock the boat.

More soon. Thank you again for your patience and your help!

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.

Brace, Brace, Brace

Place this post in the category of being yet another one where I hope I am very, very wrong. In fact, it goes into that category where I will be happy to admit I was wrong. May the worst-case pass us by and may the least-case set the norm.

What am I talking about? The upcoming election, of course. Before I get going, some homework for you in regards the upcoming discussion.

I highly recommend going back and re-reading Larry Correia’s excellent takes on the 2020 elections, here and here. There are some other good ones out on that election, and 2022, but those do a very good job of establishing the patterns. Patterns we are already starting to see in Colorado (passwords, multiple other issues, trying to keep Trump off the ballot), Minnesota (multiple votes same voter ID number, etc.), Michigan (Chinese student voting), Pennsylvania (closing lines, voter intimidation, etc.), and, well, there are more.

In some cases, you will hear ‘oh, it’s just the one’ and other excuses, but keep in mind: each of these is a canary in the coal mine. Where there is one, there are usually more. Unlike 2020, the RNC and others are quick to file complaints, lawsuits, and such — but they still don’t stop many of the efforts (cough, Pennsylvania, cough). Oh, and if you watch some of the video from Pennsylvania starting with the two ‘Emergency Services’ people stopping the line. Pay particular attention to the body language of the dark-haired guy: that’s someone hoping for a fight, a chance to use force. Nor is he alone if you look at the other videos and watch the body language. Remember, mouths lie but body language rarely does. Also keep in mind that at least one person associated with a campaign has apparently been arrested in PA for telling people not to leave the line when (illegally) ordered to do so. While it will be an interesting case to follow later, it’s already succeeded in intimidation and more for now. Also remember, process is punishment.

While we are at it, don’t forget this going on in Arizona and elsewhere. Now, for non-domestic shenanigans, please pay attention to this story as this and worse are quite likely to to be happening well outside the Pacific NW.

Now, may I recommend you go read Sgt. Mom (always a good read anyway), David, and then Mike. Then go read Sarah. Win, lose, or draw, I think the odds of the Gods of the Copybook Headings claiming their own are far larger than I would like. I think this will indeed happen if Trump wins by a good margin; I think it will happen if either Trump or Harris win by a narrow margin; and, I think it will really go off if Harris and the cabal win by a large margin.

A bit of history here. The current ‘rule of the elites’ aka the rule of the credentialed elites (technocracy, etc.) has been a thing since at least FDR, though I would argue it really started under the loathsome Wilson. Now, it truly took off under FDR and has been the defacto ruling party for the decades since. Generations of our political class and so-called elite leadership have taken their place in government and associated organizations, grown fat, passed positions and power on to children and even unto grandchildren and great-grandchildren at this point. You see it with Pelosi, Bush, and others. The smart ones have stayed more in the background, and when you start looking at that level it gets most interesting. Government, no-longer-emergent NGOs, think-tanks, and the rest of the incestuous mess.

Now, for something different, a bit of older history. I would argue that most today have no clue how rare (and precious) the peaceful transfer of power throughout history. In point of fact, a very good argument can be made that it didn’t really exist until the founding of America. Even in monarchies, the transfer from one monarch to the next was a perilous time that often resulted in bloodshed. Even when the initial transfer was (relatively) peaceful, it often happened that such was a carefully papered over and the bloodshed only delayed. In such cases, it almost always was more bloody and nasty as a result as well. Remember, entire blood lines oft disappeared in cruel and unusual ways.

Another little bit of history that Sarah, myself, and others have mentioned before: What happened in Israel on Oct. 7 is not an abberration but the historical norm for sacks and similar attacks. Why do I mention this? Because I am worried Kurt Schlichter may have been an optimist. Imagine what happens in the book if there were two or more brigades of terrorists involved. More on that in a minute.

Before I get into things, I am also going to point out that while historical analogies to Rome (or Greece, Egypt, etc.) have some validity for comparison to modern events, personally I think it’s a bit limited. I would instead recommend looking at the French Revolution, a number of the civil wars in Central and South America, and even some of the civil wars/revolutions in SE Asia. I think they are far better than the former as comparisons, and in current events even more so than the Russian Revolution.

The fact is, you have an ‘elite’ that has effectively been in power and ruling in the U.S. for about 100 years. This is the only system the younger members know, and it’s all that counts as the older members are now dead. Even the “elders” right now essentially grew up in the system, so it is all they know. They see their power ending, along with family dynasties and a gravy train that has done them and theirs very well.

What makes you think they are going to give any of that up peacefully? Do you really expect them to say ‘hey, it’s time and we can transition to new opportunities and grow even more?’ Look at history and see how often that has happened, either with governments, people or systems immersed in a particular technology or market (think, cotton, guilds, heck, even the mafia looking to go legit), or even early NGOs (think guilds for just one). Please, name me one time such has happened on a large scale.

Now, look back at the last twenty years and the lawfare waged against those who would rock the boat (Trump is just the latest and most blatant); the efforts at government censorship in defiance of the Constitution (governmental agencies, organizations, etc. working with Facebook, Twitter, etc.); and the efforts to stonewall challenges in the last two elections in particular. Now, look at what the Harris campaign has said about disinformation, rights not being absolute, etc. Do you really think they are just talking? That it means nothing?

The so-called ‘elites’ are a uniparty and they have been building towards this for years. History started before 2016 and since the days of hanging chads, the beat has gotten louder and louder: illegitimate election, electoral college bad, the D candidate got more votes, etc. That hit an initial crescendo in 2016, but I will bet on something much louder this time if the cheat doesn’t work.

We could well see an action as was just seen in France, where Macaroon refused to acknowledge the results of the last election. What happens here, if the peaceful transfer of power does not take place? It really doesn’t matter how or even if there is a shred of legality to anything done, the question will come back to what happens now. What happens when one side knows lawfare and more (and if you think the people killed/murdered in unnecessary dawn raids were not noticed, you are mistaken). What if one side sees it as the end of the life they’ve known, and other other knows it means the end of their lives and that of their loved ones? What happens if the Constitution is null and void.

Do I think the so-called ‘elites’ are stupid enough to go there? Yes. Most live in a bubble and have no clue about reality, history, or much else. They do think the deplorables will just accept, go along, and wear the chains. They have no clue of what is and has been building, and that their place in history is gone.

To make this even more fun and interesting, what happens if in the early days a series of events take place to disrupt voting and disrupt the process after the election? When the election is already (rightly) suspect in many areas? Especially if known groups are the front? What happens if there is an attack like in The Attack?

While Iran is clearly in the lead for countries that wish us, the Great Satan (remember, Israel is the Little Satan) gone. They, however, are not alone as a good case can be made for China, Russia, and even Ukraine more directly interfering in our elections than has already been done. Think they haven’t? Think they aren’t prepared for more? Look at the number of Chinese, Middle Easterners, and others of interest (including Chechen) that are known to have illegally crossed the border.

Imagine you suddenly see the country that you hate the most/is the biggest block to your plans suddenly spinning into a major crisis. You have the chance to indirectly add to the chaos and push things so that they are not a threat to you or yours for years or generations. What are you going to do?

It is a time of great peril, and a time of great opportunity. The former should be obvious to anyone who has any knowledge of history or who has spent time overseas — particularly in countries that are in or just out of internal strife like this. The latter is something that we really need to deny to our enemies, and seize for ourselves. We are at a cusp that sees us poised to become interplanetary, eliminate a variety of health problems, end scarcity of a number of resources, and ensure our survival as a species (at least for now). I want that future for us, and not one of nasty, brutal, and short for all but a self-chosen few.

My advice for now is prepare, keep your head on a swivel, don’t respond to obvious provocations, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark. Pray. I hope some sanity breaks out, but I’m not seeing much sign of it in the data so far. I hope I’m wrong, and it does pop up. Not betting on it though.

The ride is not just going to get bumpy, it’s far too likely to get beyond turbulence and things that toss us around a bit. Hang on and hope for the best, and seriously, pray.

Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Let’s hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

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.

Preparedness Pays: Layering

Back before the screen broke, I posted here asking about rechargeable batteries. While I was thinking more in the small-scale (AAA, AA, D, etc.), there were a number of good comments including an actual use testimonial of a larger system by Old Paratrooper (who I was glad to see came through Helene in decent shape). Read the comments, as there is a lot of good food for thought there.

While I do have (and want to beef up, please hit the tip jar) a fair supply of basic batteries with long shelf life, I don’t like single modes of operation. I especially don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to emergency power. If I had my own place, I’d love a large generator, one of the small ones for critical items, and lots of UPSs around as an additional layer for critical items like heat, sump pumps, etc. It’s the same reason I have multiple ways of lighting in an emergency.

Repeat After Me: Single mode is a single point of failure. Redundancy Rules! Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

On the last one, count on Murphy to stick a finger or more in on the failure. That’s guaranteed. Don’t let him get the chance.

Now, I am interested in the smaller rechargeables for more than one reason. First, is general use in day-to-day life. Second is having another layer if you move beyond inconvenience and into a real emergency or disaster (inconvenience: 0-3 days; emergency: 4 days – 4 weeks; disaster: >4 weeks, may talk about this more soon as revising previous definitions). Having something you can recharge, particularly if you can use USB or an interface with a solar blanket or other similar system gives you a way to power small electronics, light, and more. Even better, it is independent of outside systems. Think about it a bit, think there couldn’t be circumstances where even after an “emergency” is over it might not hurt to have the capability to run radios/coms or other devices without the need to access grids outside your control?

The more layers of redundancy you can add, the better off you will be. That is especially true if things go sideways. And things go sideways more often and more easily that we really want to think about.

So, regular batteries are a finite resource, especially if things have gone from emergency to disaster. Having another layer that falls between batteries and larger backup systems is a very good thing. It’s also relatively inexpensive, which makes it easier to put in place. Just remember, if things go sideways, you can’t have enough layers.

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: Thank You

I want to thank everyone who donated, hit the Wish List, and prayed. The laptop is fixed and I am back in operation. While I can post from the phone, I literally can’t see what I’m typing and while I can get a momentary glimpse if I work hard, it literally is under a second. Much easier and less messy coming in from the laptop.

My goal is to catch back up on things, and respond to previous comments now that I can do so. May take a while, but that is the plan.

No medical tests next week that I know of, but that could change. We are still working to get a day of testing scheduled, and with how things are going I more than halfway expect that I will get one of those fun ‘oh it’s on for tomorrow morning’ calls one afternoon. ENT coming up soon, both for testing that complements the neuro consult and because I’ve been having some vertigo. That got scheduled for election day, so I voted early to be safe. All I can say is that I know how I voted, but I will say I have no confidence in the system (here or anywhere). All the more reason everyone needs to get out and vote.

If anyone can hit the tip jar, please do so. Among other things I would like to pay $100 for the guitar lessons as instead of four lessons I get five when I pay ahead. Not sure yet on truly learning a new skill, as that means getting notes and chords memorized and to the point I don’t have to think about them, but I am having fun. IMO, memorizing the notes and names of the chords is not going well, but I’ve also been told I’m doing okay and not to sweat it by my instructor. It may seriously take a year (or more) to get all the info into long-term memory, but meantime I’m having fun with it and slowly getting better with my playing. Got a ways to go to truly being good, but that just takes practice (and lots of it!).

Also, just got some water purification gear from the Wish List, so Thank You to whoever sent it! It is much appreciated.

There is more to share, but want to wait until next week on some of it. May what is left of your weekend be Blessed!

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.

The Wolfie List

As I proceed in deeper faith, and possibly toward lay ministry, I’m going to have to start my own version of the Skippy List. If you don’t know what that is, look it up but be sure to have nothing in your mouth as you do so. Monitor/keyboard warning.

Item 1: I may no longer say’Lord, please use a clue-by-four on them.’ Or even the nicer ‘Lord, please grace them with a clue-by-four. I must say ‘Lord, please illumine them’ even if it lacks the emotional satisfaction of the first two. Sigh.