Blogging – Page 5 – The Laughing Wolf

PayPal Redux

Another day, another call to PayPal about closing my account. Been doing this multiple times since the 9th, which was (I think) the first day I called about closing the account.

Same thing as then. Technical error of some type is preventing the account from being closed. Technical is working on it and when (and if) they get it fixed someone will get back to me. Promise. Really. Pinky Swear! Yeah, right.

Taking it off has hurt. Badly even. Still don’t regret it though I admit almost tempted to put it back up until we can get it closed. That said, trying not to reward their behavior (any of it) on any level. Working on mail-in and more, now that I’m not wasting an hour plus with them, maybe I can finish getting GabPay set up. More soon.

*****

If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo or drop me a line to discuss other methods. Getting hit by lightning is not fun, and it is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

31 Oct SITREP

If the site is slow loading or you’ve had trouble getting through, my apologies. We are experiencing growing pains as I move from regular blog to high-traffic blog. Working on it, feel free to hit the tip jar to help me keep going and upgrade the site. Your gifts truly do make the difference. Working on adding a mail-in option, GabPay, others; if interested in mail-in for now drop me a line.

There will be more to come today, but for now a quick look at the world. Or at least parts of it.

First, this is my third time on Twitter. I was an early adopter back in the day, but have left it twice because it was such a cesspit on so many levels. I got back on just because of Elon and wanting to watch what happened. Oh my stars, I have laughed so hard this weekend it’s not funny. The flouncing, the overly-dramatic-hammy-exits (some of which were by actual C-list actors), the hysteria — it was magnificent. I’m almost glad my hearing is f***** by the lightning strike as otherwise I might have gone deaf from the REEEEEEEEEEEssssssssss. Not sure what will ultimately happen, though I suspect they are going to go after Elon on a level that surpasses Trump, but enjoying the ride right now.

Second, you may notice that I update my intel list on Twitter from time to time. Sometimes it is to add, sometimes I take off someone. In the latter case, it may mean they missed too much, but it can also mean that while they do good, even great, work in one area they don’t stay in that area. If I have to start double- or triple-checking work because of bias, it’s not worth it. Lots of good OSINT and related out there. That said, if you have anyone you would like to recommend for the list, let me know. Always glad to check out new and good work.

Third, speaking of OSINT, if anyone out there knows of a video compilation of all the launches that were done as part of GROM, please let me know. There are several things I want to double-check, and a comp would help with that. Also, everything I saw was pre-recorded. There was no live coverage of any launch that I can find. If you know of any that were done live, again, please let me know.

Fourth, the internal struggles are getting interesting. This may become a major post here soon, as what started as more normal in-fighting seems to be becoming something more. The removal of Lapin (and even the false reports of his death) is potentially huge. More on this soon.

Fifth, I may be a bit pre-occupied this morning because of the press conference in regard the Delphi murders. That one hit home for me, not sure why. I almost located in Delphi when I first moved to Indiana many years ago, and it seemed a wonderful and relatively safe little town. Over the years I’ve shared the sketches, audio, and other information/requests from LE on the case. I really hope this is not just another edge-of thing, for while it is good to get what is under those rocks, it’s not justice. I want Justice for those girls. Really wish there was an option for short-drop, long-dance, for whoever did it and/or was involved.

Sixth, while Vladimir seems to have backed off a bit for now, prepare. Looking at things such as diesel (which if they would let the markets work would not be an issue), railroad strikes, etc., now is the time to stock up as much as you can. Please hit my tip jar, as after I take care of bills I want to stock up more. Again, I suggest not only staples but also get your imports (coffee, tea, chocolate, etc.) first. Get as much as you can and start working to rotate that stock. After than, look to light, cooking, and heat alternatives. Think it’s going to be a rough winter and year even if the demented meat puppet doesn’t talk us into a nuclear exchange (that may also be the subject of a column this week).

Finally, let me know what preparedness or other subjects you would like me to cover. I have ideas, but I want to provide information that you want and/or need. If you have questions, sing out. Will do my best to answer them.

More soon.

*****

PayPal Update

Since first asking that the account be closed on the 9th, nada. Despite multiple requests, they keep saying that it can’t be closed because of an unspecified technical issue that affects myself and others. No word from them, no updates, nada.

So, this afternoon I went online to the State AG’s site and filed a formal complaint. As resolution, I want my account closed and the AG (and the SEC if needed) to be sure that this mysterious unspecified technical issue was not by any chance an effort to influence or mislead investors or others. Surely it is not, but better to check in an abundance of caution.

PayPal And Donation Update

For the record, PayPal still hasn’t cancelled my account. They are still claiming that a ‘technical issue’ is preventing them from closing a number of accounts including mine.

Yes, it has been a hit taking them off here. There has been a significant drop in donations, the gifts that keep me going and will hopefully get me on out to the SW here soon. So much so I’m in a bit of a bind.

So, I’m in the process of jumping through the hoops to add GabPay as an option, and am exploring others. Any suggestions for a good alternative that isn’t going to play woke games?

*****

If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving to the SW, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo. Getting hit by lightning is not fun, and it is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Posting Later?

There is a LOT going on, and it would not surprise me to see Belarus cross the border this week. Could be next week, but pretty sure it is going to happen. Meantime, I have to go visit a doctor this morning for what I hope is strictly routine. Hoping to be posting later, will see what happens.

*****

If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo. Getting hit by lightning is not fun, and it is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

PayPal

Yes, PayPal is gone and I am in search of another service for donations. I want one that actually is focused on providing service, not servicing people with politics and totalitarianism. As soon as I find such, I will put a link up in The Bard’s Jar.

I suppose it could be argued that deliberation and patience are in order, given that using PayPal has helped me survive financially after getting hit by lightning. Many of you have shown me the extraordinary kindness of sending me gifts via PayPal that have allowed me to eat, pay bills, move my hosting, and more. I am now limited to just the fundraiser, until I can find a replacement. So be it. I would rather risk missing a bill than to continue to use them. I would rather live in my car under an underpass somewhere than give those authoritarian goons a single dime more.

By the way, if you sincerely believe the statement they have issued walking back their draconian policy: Do I Have A Deal For You! Bridge. Guaranteed moneymaker. Cash Only.

The only reason they have backed down is the lights being shined on them and the number of people closing their accounts. More need to cancel. More lights need to be shined. Because unless that happens, anyone want to start a pool on how long it is before they try this crap again? Social credit systems are all the rage in China and with the WEF crowd, but have place in a free society. Anyone pushing such is in desperate need of a tar and feather spa day.

And, that is exactly what PayPal was doing: trying to bring a social credit system to the United States. I’m doing what I can by closing my account, a process they apparently have decided to make as difficult as they can. I hope others join me, as until PayPal is in the grave with a wooden stake through it’s heart and a sharp blade over its neck like that “vampire” corpse they just found in Europe, the danger remains. As I said above, they will try this crap again.

So, let them know what you think with your wallet. Take your business elsewhere. Shine a light and be sure to note the regulatory environment they have. The more of us who do that, the better. For it is time to raze and salt the ground so they nor anyone else is foolish enough to try to do this ever again.

*****

Full Power Restored?

Well, the impulse engines are online at least. Time will tell about the mains and hitting warp speed. The number 4 shield is still iffy, but it’s not covering a critical area so we will limp along with it.

I will say this, I was pleasantly surprised by one thing in regards Nexcess: they did indeed honor their 30-day guarantee. I really didn’t expect them to do so given how hard they push the upsell. But, they ended service and refunded my money in a couple of hours as it worked out. PayPal already has the funds and they are working their way back to my account. If their service and customer service had been as advertised, it would have been a very different situation.

Waiting a bit before I say anything about the new host as I don’t want to jinx it. I also want to see how they handle an Instalanche or two as well. I’m fully expecting to have to do some upgrading or additional payments, but that’s not because of anything they have said. Rather, it is because even with the plan I opted for, an Instalanche may tax the resources a bit. Besides, I’m also willing to pay for help in/on some of the behind the scenes work dealing with various things that were not a factor 20 years ago when blogging was new.

We have power. We are back in operation. More soon.

*****

If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the tip jar in the upper right or the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo. Getting hit by lightning is not fun, and it is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Brace — Again

With your kind help, and if all goes to plan, I will start the process of moving to a new hosting provider on Monday. Once that is complete, I will see if Nexcess honors their guarantee and try to get my money back.

Meantime, I may not be posting much here until the move is complete. I will be snarking, er, commenting and sharing a bit on twitter as LaughingWolfOne. I’m hoping that things will stay calm for a bit, and really don’t expect much in regards Vladimir until after the Duma votes.

For everyone who is helping, via the tip jar, fundraiser, and prayers, THANK YOU! Your gifts have kept me going and are very, very much appreciated!

*****

Winter Is Coming

I want to write more, but between Nexcess telling me I’m out of resources and they will make me pay, pay, pay (all from two links by Instapundit) and some housework being done, writing may be a bit sparse. On the former, feel free to hit the tip jar as someone has pointed me in an interesting direction for hosting, and given who they work with… Seriously, as soon as I have the money I’m outa here. Literally and figuratively.

The housework is something else. Long story short, a couple of years ago my landlord bought a duplex in a historical area from a relative, without getting an inspection. My thoughts on that and some of the issues that have cropped up are why you ALWAYS get an inspection. While not on the level of some of the other $$$ issues, the windows were all original to the house, which was built either in the late 1930s or 40s.

The upstairs windows on our side were replaced last year. The basement windows have been interesting. I’m sure up until the 1960s they could be opened. By the time he bought the house, they had not been capable of being opened (as in rusted shut) for decades. Given that the windows were one of my ways out in case of fire, I hid a sledge hammer near one of them and was prepared to take it out at need. Before the lightning strike and all with it, bust out, push my armor duffle through to take out any remaining glass or other, then go out. May be getting back to the point I can lift and shove the duffle through at need.

After some discussion, we now have new windows in my bedroom (installed yesterday) and the bathroom (installed a week or so ago). Attractive glass block inserts with a central sealable vent for airflow (something long desired for my room). Yes, in an emergency my plan is still to take them out at need, even though it may take a bit more effort. Meantime, no more drafts, water, and other delights coming in through the windows. Suspect many things will be improved as a result.

Only problem is, yesterday was my room, where I work. I tried working upstairs, but for a number of reasons that did not work out well. I’ve also now got to spend several hours cleaning as there is concrete/masonry dust everywhere in my room. Thick layer of such. Really hoping no asbestos or lead in the dust.

Today, the last window on this side is getting replaced. Not far outside the door to my room. Removal involves reciprocating saws, grinders, and more. Not as worried about the dust per se, but it is going to be interesting. Thinking I may go run some errands, and perhaps take my time on them. Came across a Peruvian chicken recipe that sounds wonderful, may see about finding some of the ingredients for it, since only one is truly exotic. Or at least pricing the ingredients.

Meantime, prepare. Stock up as it will be needed no matter what. If you can, stock up a bit on the things imported, like coffee, tea, cocoa, etc. Plastic, tarps, and tape are not a bad idea, particularly if you live close to, or downwind from, a potential target. Sincerely hoping we never need that preparation for that purpose, but one of the best deterrents is preparedness. Once I no longer have to fear a link from Insty costing me an unexpected $100 or more, need to get into that discussion.

More soon.

*****

Hang On

Sadly, Nexcess does not seem to be working out. In fact, they say that two links from Instapundit have depleted my resources for the month. They also appear to imply that all of you coming from Insty are malicious bots (I always did suspect VodkaPundit of being an android…). That they have also told me I MUST have my SEO, IT, and one other team do work on the site IMMEDIATELY per their dictates isn’t good, esp. as I don’t have teams for such.

So, I hate to ask, but feel free to hit the tip jar for this, an unexpected bill, and the usual bills. Thank you, and appreciate all you do for me. Your gifts and prayers have kept me going this far, and are very much appreciated.

*****