Current Events – Page 11 – The Laughing Wolf

Preserving Knowledge

Today is going to touch on how to preserve books and such, and part is going to touch on what to save. Now, this is advanced preparation and is designed not for inconveniences or emergencies, but full-up disasters. Just keep in mind that it is duration that counts, and that it doesn’t matter if the cause is natural, natural stupidity, or politics (which I do count as different from natural stupidity).

A while back, I did several posts on long-term storage (LTS) and talked a bit about the need to tuck away books and such just in case. Let’s start with book preservation.

For the books that are truly important, allow me to suggest individually bagging in food-grade mylar storage bags, and sealing after getting out as much air as possible and with an oxygen absorber inside. Getting out the air will inhibit the operation of the absorber, but it also helps with packing the individual bags into other containters. If things are tight, omit the absorber and press on. My suggestion is to put the individually-bagged books into a larger mylar storage bag, such that you can drop two or three such bags into a five gallon bag, and then into a 5-gallon bucket with mylar liner as discussed in the LTS section. Oh, this is also where you should have copies of important legal documents and such.

Again, again, and again, it is all about layers and levels of containment. The more the better, as the last thing you want is a single failure to take out your efforts.

Now, that’s expensive, time consuming, and not necessarily going to be something everyone can do. While less secure in the long term, you can also simply place a 5-gallon mylar bag inside a 5-gallon food-grade bucket with mylar liner, load as much inside as you can fit (including oxygen absorbers), seal the good mylar bag, tie off the liner, then seal the bucket. That gives you three levels of containment, which can work even for a disaster.

Now, some quick thoughts on what to save. These are some personal suggestions, and I hope they give you some food for thought.

In terms of literature, I’m going to want to save books and series that I have enjoyed. Personally, I’m not inclined to save the ‘great works of literature’ which in many cases I don’t consider that good, great, or literature. That’s a discussion for another day, but how we treat literature in school is an abomination. While I would tuck away a tome with Shakespeare’s works, I’m more inclined to tuck away the works of David Weber and others. I would very much want to tuck away John Ringo’s Black Tide Rising series as it focuses on dealing with a true disaster in very practical terms, as does Eric Flint’s 1632 series (which is excellent in terms of gearing down to build back up). And you can bet Lewis and Tolkien will be in there too.

Now, for a disaster, I would also recommend two levels of reference books. The first would be things like the Foxfire series that detail how things were done in the past (and up to the present day) including home remedies and more. There are a number of good books that contain old recipes and formulas for everything from toothpaste to food preservation. These are all very good and practical things to have, and I suspect one could write a book or two on the options. In a disaster, having access to the old ways may be a very good thing.

However, the second level is one that is often ignored. These are the old reference books that contain calculations, tables of data, and the steps to derive information for everything from engineering to basic production. These are the old reference books that detail drugs and usages (PDR, etc.). These are the books no longer being printed (or if printed rarely bought) because the information is all on the internet. Yes, it is now. There are multiple causes of disaster that can take out the internet, temporarily or permanently. A lot of these types of books are being thrown away or given away by libraries of all types. You can find them for pennies in second-hand stores and even garage sales. In a disaster, they may well be worth their weight in plutonium. If you get the chance, tuck them away.

Finally, I do recommend tucking away religious books, particularly Christian and Jewish books. Why? Look at the news. If that doesn’t tell you why, ya need help. If you think the war on Christianity, and the rampant antisemitism, are just going to magically go away in a year or two, I think you are dreaming. I actually expect to see the war on Christianity and Jews get much worse. My thought on that is to tuck away as many copies of bibles, prayer books, reference books, etc. in multiple containers and multiple locations as possible. I would also work to make them hard to detect as well, just in case. It may sound paranoid, but I’m not sure we are being paranoid enough on this score. I’d far rather have such things tucked away at need, than to find we need them and not have them.

Just a few quick thoughts this morning, and I really should do a post on libraries and another on literature (even though Larry Correia and others have been doing a good job on same). Also, more thoughts on what to store for a disaster are coming. 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.

Marooned

I’ve not said a whole lot about the fiasco that is Woeing’s Starliner and the crew stranded on the ISS so far, but the cartoon I saw yesterday with Starliner as the SS Minnow and Gilligan in a space suit knocking on the hatch of the ISS was a good push. Besides, I had promised to write something in this post, and it is past time.

I’ve been worried about the Starliner effort for a while, as it has had far more problems than I would have liked from the start. Now, any new effort is going to have things crop up, as it is never as easy as people make it out to be to go from paper to actually bending metal. The best laid plans, and blue prints, rarely get everything just right; tech, particularly new or upgraded tech, rarely works as planned; and, I think the only time one sees complex systems flawlessly integrate at first try is in the movies.

Space is hard and harsh. Spacing is even harder.

That said, a lot of the basics are known and should — at this point — be well understood. The basics can, and should, be tweaked at need, but such shouldn’t be that difficult. Now, developing totally new systems, trying new things, and facing a huge amount of regulation (call it that for now) from an agency that is one of the most risk-adverse on the planet, and things can and do get interesting.

It can be done, if one has a “can-do” attitude and is willing to innovate, take risks, and even on occasion “discuss” things with said agency. Just look at Space X for what happens then.

When you have a company, however, that is “old-school” in many respects as to innovation, risk, etc.; and, said company has gone woke and turned away from what made it successful to start with, well, you get the current mess with Starliner.

Which is why I also keep hearing the voice of Martin Caidin pop up every so often. People have brought up his book and the movie Marooned in regards the current situation with the crew trapped on the ISS. A few have pointed out that he also wrote the book Cyborg which became the television series The Six Million Dollar Man. Few realize the sometimes pivotal roles he played in aviation and space over the years.

In the interest of full disclosure, Martin and I were friends and I acknowledge he was a better friend to me than I was to him. We even waged a futile effort to save the old Aviation/Space Writers Association at one point, an organization which I had joined in part because of Martin. If you cover aviation, particularly aviation accidents, you really should try to find a copy of the AWA guide to covering air accidents as it is still fairly spot on. I will also acknowledge that Martin was a bit of a character.

He was also one heck of a practical engineer who had a gift for science. For those of a nuclear war bent, you might want to notice who was heavily involved in exploring (and more) the concept of firestorms from nuclear blasts. Martin also was involved with a number of aviation advancements, as well as with historical preservation. Space also has his imprint upon it. Some of the books (and stories) he wrote were done as a way of exploring topics that certain establishments didn’t want to explore or were reluctant to explore. Fairly common in some ways for science fiction, but Martin truly ran with it.

Martin also understood that advancement (literary, scientific, or engineering) means risk. He understood calculated risk. Which is why I suspect some of his commentary on the current situation might veer a touch towards the pungent. Especially in regards the possibility of the crew being told to ride the capsule down. Marooned was fiction (and a bit of a push towards developing a rescue capability), and should stay that way.

Right now, the capsule is blocking some urgently needed real estate, namely one of two docking ports. If the software got changed to remove the remote/independent separation ability because of NASA “regulations” the situation is even more rich in irony. That said, it needs to be cleared. That said, with the cascade of failures in Starliner, I would not ride it down nor would I order anyone to ride it down. Frankly, I think the best option right now is to try to update the software and risk bricking it. If it works, port cleared and the capsule can be sent back to Earth where if it survives re-entry it can be studied. Medium case is clearing the port and adding a rather large chunk of space debris to LEO. Worst case is that it bricks and the port remains blocked. It’s blocked already, so not seeing a true downside to trying.

I’m not going to say that Woeing needs to go completely back to the drawing board, but I think they might want to consider going pretty close to it. They may also want to look at adopting the old model of operations from when they were Boeing (and successful) and putting the engineers back in charge. Radical, I know, but it is what is needed.

If they do, expect support from me and from elsewhere I suspect we might hear some clapping and some pithy comments about it taking long enough, get to it.

By the way, I would commend almost any of Martin’s fiction and non-fiction (!!) to you. Among other things, he wrote a guide to surviving nuclear war that is not only good, but also applicable to general preparedness if I remember correctly. Heck, I need to try to find a (reasonably priced) copy if I can. If you haven’t seen it, the movie Marooned is pretty good. Again, read his works as he was more of a key figure in modern aviation and space than many realize.

Also, while I’m thinking about it, Stephen Green at PJ, and both David Strom and Jazz Shaw at Hot Air are doing some really good space and science coverage. Check them out.

England, Free Speech, Elections, & More

Okay, I first gave a brief mention here, then a longer post on England here. Couple of things have come up, and here are some fuller answers before we get into some broader concerns about free speech and the upcoming election.

First, I am indeed serious about not traveling to or through England. Never mind the ongoing unrest with two more stabbed today in a major tourist area, most Americans really just don’t get how different current English law is from American. You have no right to self-defense there, and if you do defend yourself you will be the one arrested and it is guaranteed you will get a far harsher sentence. Pocket knives or even picnic knives are deadly weapons, and even common first-aid items, such as ointments, are prescription only (and even then often banned). Ware what you take overseas.

Now, add in the slavering joy at going after compliant subjects who are not likely to fight back, and the clear desire to put a beat-down (figurative or literal) on Americans who have dared post memes or otherwise point out the two-tiered war on real/original British, and I think it would be foolish to give them any funds or opportunity to use you as an example. And, yes, given the brain-trust that is two-tier keir and his administration (not to mention the leadership and even membership of the met police), they are going to be stupid enough to try to find an American of whom to make an example.

And, yes, they can get you in transit through any port in England. Most likely is an airport, but it is not limited to such. Theoretically, when one lands somewhere and does not go through local Customs, but instead catches another flight, boat, etc., you do not technically enter that country. International transit corridors are indeed a thing, and I think even bound by a solemn treaty or three. Free travel, no hassle, and most countries have at least pinky sworn to honor such. Of course, I suspect you will find that such has never been fully honored and interesting things have happened in that area before. Besides, it’s not hard to set-up a situation that pushes a target out of the area and onto sovereign soil.

So, you have a group of particularly stupid authoritarians of the socialist/communist (there being no real difference between socialism, communism, and fascism) type in the two-tier keir administration with “law enforcement” of the weak type being given power like they’ve only dreamed of before. Do you really think they will get a brain, much less anything else, and not do something stupid? Part of me wants to put money on a flat-out kidnapping from the transit corridor, as that would be about the speed of Mark Rowley’s intellect and honor. If they have a brain, a “detour” around a spill or plumbing emergency that takes an unsuspecting foreign Citizen out of the designated transit corridor and at least makes the kidnapping sorta legal. The other option is to hide the British arrest warrants until a tourist has gone through Customs then arrest them, which would technically be legal but would also open up several diplomatic cans of worms. Then again, given the worms for brains of Keir and Rowley they may not care or even think about such.

Then again, much depends on the U.S. election. Let’s face it, Harris and company would probably be glad to honor an extradition request if it were for the “right” people. Lawfare is part and parcel of what they have been doing against targets large and small. The fact that it would be illegal (can’t extradite for a crime that is not a crime here) would have to be worked out in the courts and oh my, too bad so sad, by the time that happens the person is overseas and probably already finished a multi-year sentence. If you think that’s crazy, just look at the J6 defendants among others. Yes, there are others and plenty of other examples.

Which leads to another complication. Before I go any further, may I suggest you read this post and then this (more detailed) post. Before you go congratulating yourself on living in the U.S. where we have freedom of speech, think back to the last election and COVID. An election where we had social media, search, and other corporations illegally working with the U.S. government to censor information and discussion. Not mis-information or treason, but accurate information, discussion, and other protected speech. Skanky-Janky and all the others involved broke the law, but don’t ever expect to see them so charged. Especially since both Harris and Walz have both called for that level and more. In fact, they have both called for the effective repeal of the First Amendment (repeat, effective for the idiots). So, we’ve sorta got it now, but can we keep any vestige of free speech?

I think so, despite the fact I have zero faith and confidence in this election. In fact, I agree with Sarah in that I think Trump and Republicans up and down the chain will lose this election — on electrons. I fully expect the fix is in (Pennsylvania, cough, cough) and what matters now is the margin of “fortification” of the vote. It’s why you see the traveling canned audiences, the AI generated crowds, and the interesting polls putting Harris well ahead. It matters because if you are one of those who is into politics, monitors closely, reads statements, and truly is informed: congratulations, you are the one percent. Probably more like ten percent, but the vast majority of voters don’t do that and only pay attention to the polls and words of corporate media, which is fully in the tank for Harris. Oh, those claims of fraud again, well, the polls said…

Unless people get involved and there is some success in protecting the election against “fortification” then what worked before will be done again. There will be no red wave, no nothing. Now, I think it can be prevented if we take the right steps but it will be hard and tight. I hope it is done, I just won’t bet on it. Nor do I think we should give up. In fact, start with this post by Sarah and work your way up. They are desperate, and the stupidity seen in England is but one symptom of that desperation. Things are indeed falling apart for them, and they are frantic to try to hang on.

Grease the poles, the railings, and anything else they can cling to. Do what you can to ensure a free and fair election. Point out the gas lighting going on in the corporate media and in most social media. Call out the lies and rebut the bots. If we don’t try, it’s done. If we do try, they may can fortify but I will bet it doesn’t go the way they think it will. Screw the pills, particularly the black. To quote a man: fight, fight, fight. If we fight and fight hard, the ride will be more than bumpy but they can’t win in the end. Keep that in mind.

Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be prepared.

Kursk

If you follow some of the, ah, more seasoned milbloggers and such, yes there has been a bit of snickering and odd jokes. And, to be honest, there is a part of me that suspects that somewhere Guderian is smirking if not smiling. I know I smiled a bit at hearing Marders had broken through in Kursk. If you are a student of military history, you pretty much could not help it. Not because of sympathy for the Germans in WWII, but for the rich, deep irony of the situation.

Two good pieces on Kursk are up here and here. There is a lot of fragmented info coming in via OSINT. To call the situation fluid is an understatement on par with referring to the Sun as warm. Ukraine has wisely not said a lot and apparently not shared a lot. For all that many suspect the U.S. knew and said nothing, I’m getting suspicious that we may have known and been told far less than that, and that Ukraine has learned a lesson about sharing plans and info with the U.S. Nothing concrete, just odd bits of data that don’t fit the pattern. Then again, most of our allies learn that lesson, sometimes painfully, as sharing with our politicians is pretty much a bad idea. Yes, there are a couple of exceptions, but note that they are exceptions.

Now, lots of people are noting the railway lines and logistics. True, and very important. As is how an already strapped Russia is going to deal with the loss of more vehicles, tires, and other things in short supply. Heck, even their ability to respond with artillery is limited by the frantic need for replacement liners for the tubes they already have. Even with U.S. and European companies selling them chips, equipment, and more, they can’t keep up with the losses (and yes, these companies are indeed helping the enemy).

Many of the Russian troops involved are conscripts, without a good leavening of combat-experienced leadership. From reports from Russian channels, this is not working out well. I also note, as do some others, that reports of riots and looting are not calling out if they are the result of civilians, troops, or both. Chaotic is a polite descriptor and efforts to flee the growing zone of occupation are creating gas deserts and other problems.

Now, on top of the logistics mentioned above, which are critical to supplying troops and civilians in previously seized and recently seized areas, take a look at the gas pipelines. Guess what country appears to be sitting in control of up to fifty percent of the natural gas going to Europe? That brings in hard cash and more to Russia? Guess how much more is possibly within drone or artillery range?

Now look at energy, which is needed for logistics, industry, and more (keep in mind, energy for civilians will be a low priority at this point for Russia). Look at what nuclear plant just got taken out of the game (and the games being played by Russia burning tires in the cooling tower of one plant they hold in Ukraine. And, yes, that was a game and a threat). The ability to use railways still under Russian control, power airfields and other military bases, and critical industry and support just got taken offline (effectively). Heck, if Ukraine destroys about ten or so key transformers it could be years before power is restored without Ukraine getting within a mile of the plant. To replace them faster would mean taking them from other areas and depriving those areas of power until new ones could be manufactured. Also, look at what countries would be involved in that manufacture.

Oh, and don’t forget power is sort of critical to data, and access to data is a key to modern warfare. Drones, smart bombs, and more depend on data and taking out power reduces or eliminates local data transmission. You need that local data rather badly for all phases of the process. If properly prepared and with the right gear, it’s not a problem. What do you want to bet about such in regards Russian troops and the Ukrainians?

I agree very much with those who are pointing out that this is in some ways a mirror-image of ’43 Kursk. The Russians are scrambling to get troops headed towards the breakthrough. Not only are they pulling border troops from all over, they are pulling reserves (and possibly more) from the previously stalemated battle zone. Now class, can anyone tell me what happened when Hitler pulled reserves and even troops from the assault back in 1943 in response to Sicily and other pressures? Bueller? Bueller?

So, I find myself wondering about several things. How many of the Russian troops in the Kursk region were ghost troops? That is, they exist only on paper so that officers up and down the line can pocket the pay of soldiers that don’t exist? How many of the troops in surrounding regions that are now being sent to deal with the breakthrough (and I do call it that deliberately) are also ghosts? It is a large and ongoing problem for the Russians (and even the Soviets before them).

Another good question is how many of the so-called second-line troops that people are claiming were moved into the stalemated battle lines were indeed second-line? What is going to happen once the Russian reserves and even line troops are pulled back to deal with Kursk?

Also, there are interesting reports/rumors of movements elsewhere. What if there is another incursion in a strategic area, one that has the potential to become a full breakthrough?

Interesting and interesting. Given the limitations on Russia’s conventional assets (and critical items within same), it could set the stage for two to three different options if things stay conventional.

Now, Russia may well threaten again to go non-conventional. So far, it’s all been threats and that is exactly what the apparent tire burning in the cooling tower in Russian-occupied Ukraine yesterday was: a threat. Do I still believe that Vladimir would torch Ukraine if he can’t have it? Yes. Do I think that if he gives the order it will be carried out? Insufficient data, but I’m starting to get the idea that at least some people within a certain red-brick fort may have figured out that it might not be a good idea to do so. For all there are those fanatical and ignorant of operational realities that would try to go unconventional or scorched-earth, there may be reason to believe that at least some may be getting a glimpse out of the bubbles. We can but hope.

Meantime, given that no one outside of Ukraine really seems to know what is going on and what is planned, I plan to sit back, relax as much as I can, and wait. This has been an incredibly smart operation so far, and I hope it continues to be so. Let’s see what happens.

UPDATE I: Given a discussion with Francis in the comments, thought I should link to my posts on nuclear war and preparedness. In those posts, there is discussion on reliability and more from myself and others who know of which they speak. Some of it is in the comments, and some are posts. Enjoy.

England, A Warning

Actually, warnings both literal and metaphorical. The fact is, England has fallen and I don’t see it rising again anytime soon. In fact, I would bet on things getting much worse before they get better.

A literal warning: don’t travel to or through England if you are active on social media. Yes, I do think TwoTierKeir and company are stupid enough to try to extradite people on charges of violation of their draconian (by our standards) speech laws. I hope most countries will laugh at them and mock them, as is being done by people to most of their Orwellian posts. Since that is likely, I would be unsurprised if they didn’t also put charges in place (their indictment process is far different from ours) such that if someone travels to or through a British port that they are flagged and arrested as soon as they hit customs. Bags the bad people (from their point of view) and limits the response of the respective countries who’s citizens are nicked. Still likely to backfire, but they are stupid enough to try it and it will suck for the victims until things get taken care of. My own advice to any so pinched is to consider yourself a prisoner of war and act accordingly.

A second literal warning is to avoid electing similar twits/twunts/creatures here. Anyone who says free speech has limits or that misinformation needs control (etc., etc., etc.) is just as much an authoritarian little fascist as TwoTierKeir and most other British politicians. Heck, throw in most of the EU leadership like Her Majesty Thierry Breton (who IMO acts like she would be much more at home in the old East Germany) on that as well as they are pretty much all rather authoritarian to the point of fascistic. We don’t need that here and Walz has already made clear he’s all for such regulations. Remember, they want your speech and your guns for a reason, and as such you need to remember the iron rule of what happens to people who give up either.

And, yes, I’m still feeling under the weather so have been doing my part to annoy INGSOC, er the British Government on other social media. Easy, quick, and fun to do between naps and such.

Just as our elites hate us, the British elites hate the subjects (note, they are not Citizens) and show that in various ways. One way is in how they treat actual subjects of the Crown and pretty much ignore their wishes as often as they can get away with it. The subjects really have very little input even via elections as most parties ignore their wishes when it comes to actually doing things. Some leaders take it even further: look at the descriptions of subjects and even nation by people like the former leader of Scotland, the mayor of London, and others who represent the new England.

Also, look at what groups TwoTierKeir and others coddle, and who they crack down on. The traditional subjects of England are the latter, and Heaven help those that are Christian (literally, please pray for them). They have the contempt of the politician and the media there (not much different from here save degree). Now, look at those “Asians” that run around waving knives and more, threatening people, beating, and even killing and how they are treated. Yes, the British politicians are stupid enough to think they can control the hordes of illegal immigrants and use them as shock troops to control the populace. I think they (and ours) are stupid.

Unless there is a dramatic turn-around and some mass deportations, I suspect England will be a Caliphate in less than a decade. In many areas it already is such, as Sharia is the law enforced. If you are not familiar with Rotherham and the other areas where English children were and are raped by “Asian gangs” and the authorities let it happen as if they had done their jobs they might have been called racists. Recently, one of the victims went on television for an interview and was immediately visited by the authorities and intimidated for telling her story because it made them look bad. Can’t do anything about all the rapes M’am, but how dare you make us or your rapists look bad! Think I’m joking or even getting into hyperbole? Look it up, as this has been going on for years and sadly this is not a joke or hyperbole. The victims get charged, harassed, and intimidated by the police and courts, and the rapists go free. Think it can’t happen here? Have you looked at Michigan (Dearbornistan among others, cough, cough) and elsewhere of late? The honor killings in Texas and elsewhere? The areas where Sharia is the law here? Heck, the efforts to make such legal (guess the persuasion of the politicians involved).

I’ve visited England many times, and spent a fair bit of time there. I’m glad I did, as I have no plans to ever go back again, not even to change planes. These days, I regard large chunks of London as no-go zones, and the laws in place are ridiculous. If I went there with a pocket knife, even a Swiss army knife, I’m a felon. They would probably call in the military if they saw I had my chef’s kit with me. Resist being robbed? You are the felon and will be charged. You should just give up your things, or lie back and be raped (female or male), without fighting back as if you resist violence done to you they will charge you. No joke, lots of examples. FYI, rest of the Commonwealth is trending the same way.

If you are over on X, enjoy the ratios being given the Brits. It is so bad several British government accounts have cut off replies, and the police have blocked US IP servers and those using VPNs from visiting police web sites in the UK so their posts and stories of arresting grannies for saying mean things can’t be shared. Heh. Oh, rumor also has it the British government is going to go after 4-Chan for hate speech and misinformation. Please hit the tip jar as I want to stock up on popcorn for that one. For the record, my money is on 4-Chan.

For now, time to get a little bit done then rest some more. Hoping to be better tomorrow, as there are some things on preparedness I want to get into in a post or posts if I can. Enjoy your Friday, and give thanks you are not in England. We still have a chance to avoid their fate.

UPDATE I: 4-Chan has accepted the challenge and elected to kick-off.

UPDATE II: First, a link to the previous brief discussion that I referenced and forgot to link. Second, my thanks to Sarah for her link at Insty! There was supposed to be a third, but think I just glitched a bit. Expect another post soon (I hope) exploring some of the legal issues as well as the peril we face in terms of free speech and travel. More soon I hope.

UPDATE III: More and fuller discussion on some of the topics is now up in this post. Enjoy.

UPDATE IV: Honored to have been linked by Kim Du Toit!

Most Annoying

I had really wanted to get a good solid post up yesterday, as there is a lot going on in the world. In fact, some of the “minor” things not getting much media play may have a lot more impact on us here in the U.S. than it would appear. Unfortunately, what started as the body and I not getting along great on Monday turned into full flare. Spent yesterday resting, fluids, soft foods, etc. to try to keep from having to go to the doc or ER.

Calling the GP as soon as his office opens to see what he recommends, but without a car can’t get to him and don’t trust the hospital/ER nearby anymore. Looking at heading up to the nearest facility of the group the new cardiologist is with if GP recommends or things get worse. Can get there by bus and have already pulled up the schedule(s) to get there if needed. My current thought, which may or may not be a good one, is to get a shower, go up to the nearby diner for some scrambled eggs and cheese, then catch the bus from there if needed. Trying to work out the timing(s) to get the most efficiency.

We will see. I want to be efficient and make any movement count for as much as possible. As much as I hate to admit it, think I may need an antibiotic and something other than ibu to knock things back a bit.

Anywho, here are a few of the things I’m keeping an eye on.

Bangladesh. Pray for them. The Islamists are using the situation to attack not only Hindu (a minority), but also possibly other religious minorities including Christians. If such is indeed true, you will hear about as much on that in corporate media as you do about the kidnappings, killings, and forced conversions/slavery going on in Africa. Keep an eye on religious media instead. Also, if humanitarian is not enough cause for concern, look at who backed and assisted the coup (very quietly) and who lost (India, among others).

Venezuela. I really am not sure what is going on right now, other than Wagner, Cuba, and Iran seem to be going all-in to keep Maduro in power. No surprise, they are not going to let him fall without a fight. Absent something unexpected, this is likely to be a bloody slog (see previous writing). There are some interesting tidbits popping up about Maduro and the Venezuelan gangs causing havoc in the U.S. Also interesting to note what gangs are involved and what gangs appear to be supporting Maduro or have gone over to the opposition at home.

Nicaragua. Something other than just arrests of Catholic clergy is going on. Ortega hates the Catholic Church, and that the Catholic Church has been (effectively) the last organized critic of his regime. So, no surprise at the repression, but there are disruptions in the patterns that suggest something else may be going on.

Iran. Yes, keeping an eye open for what they plan to do to Israel, but there are reasons to look well beyond that. Not the right word, but brittle keeps popping into mind. The mad mullahs are hanging on by a thread right now, and they know it. They also now have to really keep an eye on each other given the penetration by Israel and others of various factions within the power group. When you find out the innermost groups of the Revolutionary Guard are cooperating with external enemies, it tends to make you trust no one. There are investigations, purges, and more underway as shadows are seen everywhere along with little men upon the stairs (who are never there). The problem with mole hunts, however, is the tendency to see anything that even slightly sticks up (real or imagined) as a mole that needs whacking. One wonders if they may be making Angleton’s worst seem mild. I would point out a few things about those days, but I would love to see the mad mullahs make not only all his mistakes but as many new ones as possible. Besides, it was fun to watch “big k” anxiously scan the sky during the funeral.

Space. It’s more than the latest with Woeing, though that is spectacular. With what I know right now, I would not ride that capsule back down. Now, it’s possible there is data I don’t have that indicates it is perfectly safe but… That said, I agreed with Charlie Martin on X yesterday that it would not be surprising if Nelson told them to take one for the team and ride it back down. Especially since Woeing somehow decided to do away with the software on this capsule that would let it do an unmanned undocking from the ISS. Go read David Strom at Hot Air and Stephen Green at PJ for very good coverage of this, and Stephen is doing outstanding ongoing coverage of space. Check it out.

Somebody please remind me later to do two posts on space. First is on the late, great, Martin Caidin as I can just about hear him commenting on what is going on now. Second, on a previous discussion we had here about challenges to our moving off planet. Been fairly reliably informed that Elon and others are aware of the two big issues we talked about here (some excellent comments, thank you!) but there are some updates needed.

England. Two-tier keir (sorry, that creature does not deserve a cap letter) is running things into the ground even faster than expected. Lots to discuss, but when you are subjects, and disarmed subjects at that, what else did you expect? My assessment is pretty bleak (hail caliphate) but there is still a chance though not likely as it requires both spines and reproductive organs and I’m not seeing politicians or so-called leadership class/elites with such. When a female comedian and a female author have bigger pairs than the entire British political establishment combined…

Oh, before I forget, my semi-regular reminder to read Sarah A. Hoyt. Most of you do already I suspect, but always some good food for thought there, whether you agree or disagree. Personally, I agree a good bit, but it is almost always a feast rather than a small portion of food for thought. Also, there seems to be something going on with the Dragon Awards that is concerning, pay attention.

There’s more, but I need to get going. May your day be good, and be thinking about what you can do to be prepared. Then, act. Be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Oh, and keep in mind the universal maxim of what happens to disarmed populations…

Olympics and IOC

These days, they are one in the same and I am done with both. Two of many reasons are below.

First up was the mockery of the Last Supper in the opening show. No, it was not a depiction of some Dionysian event as revisionist history claims. Got the receipts on that in screen caps of several posts clearly stating that it was a take on the Last Supper. Posts that stayed up until the backlash started and the usual liars and gullible started with the revisions and attacks on ‘stupid and uncultured’ Christians.

Now, at the risk of attracting a lawsuit of some type from the morbidly obese centerpiece of that show (who is now threatening legal actions of various sorts against those who criticize it and the show), maybe it shouldn’t have posted so proudly about what they were doing. Got to agree with someone I read who pointed out that the real pagans of the early games would be outraged over the depiction. It was vapid, uninspired, unimaginative, and derivative. It was so far from original as to be unworthy of even a yawn if not for placement. The placement made it a slap in the face of all Christians, and that was quite deliberate by the producers and the IOC.

You might want to take a long look at the IOC and their participation in the real war on women, as they are also good with biological males beating up on biological females. In fact, they seem to get off on it and are doing all they can to promote it. You might also look at the culture of corruption that goes with the IOC and it’s members, among many other things. Understand, they are the Davos crowd, they are woke, and they hate you and all you stand for peasant — including your religious beliefs. If you think what they are doing is chance, I have a bridge for sale…

Which is why I have not deliberately watched any of the current Olympics and will not knowingly support a sponsor of same. Can’t avoid the news completely (and must admit I have been amused by and enjoyed the photos of the gymnast with the wheels of cheese), but even so I switch stories, channels, or whatever if I do see coverage of any type. I’m also done with any other support, including that to any person or group participating in any event under the IOC. As for the sadly few companies that dropped advertising and sponsorships after this, glad to support them as I can.

Biggest thing I, and you, can do is walk away. Don’t tune in, don’t watch, don’t listen. If viewership and related continue to crater (and that is a trend over the last few games that seems to be growing), neither they nor the advertisers will matter. Boycotting individually or organized, and letting them know why the business is no longer getting my/your business, will only speed things up. Oh, and if your city/state/etc. wants to spend millions to host? Fight it, tooth and nail. Pull up the real financials for past hosts, as they can be most interesting.

Now, if you like men beating up women and otherwise erasing them from sports and public life (heck, even prison life) and ‘putting women in their place’ like that, feel free to support the current secular religion, the olympics, and the IOC. If not, join me and walk away. Trust me, your life will not diminish for it, and in fact is quite likely to be far richer. There are outlets still out there for women’s sports and more, and that value women for being women — and they deserve your support. Entertainment, and that is exactly what the games are, should not mock your religion. The IOC and such have become institutions of disrespect and degradation for women, religion, and even spirituality. Show some respect, and walk away. Your life and your Soul will be better for it.

UPDATE I: Yes, I am aware the boxer in question has a medical condition and is not trans. It really doesn’t matter, and all the screaming about testosterone is a best a smoke screen. What matters is that he tests genetically as a male; he has the physical development of a male; and, he has been barred as a male from other competitions. It is truly sad and even horrible. However, allowing him to compete against women makes it horrible for them, and is unfair to them and potentially to thousands of other female competitors. To argue otherwise is intellectually bankrupt and morally and ethically depraved.

Venezuela

I’m watching far too many people celebrating as if the objections to the outcome of the rigged election had already liberated that country. Sadly, this is a tune we have seen before. For all the unrest and for all the countries and organizations denouncing the election, Maduro is still in power.

Keep in mind that there are elements of Quds, Wagner, and others in Venezuela and they are not likely to just sit idly by and let Maduro be easily swept away by a mere election. Keep in mind that there are thousands (hundreds of thousands even) of Venezuelan gang members and a number of males of military age beyond that here in the United States — and one wonders (cough, cough) what they may be up to.

So far, Maduro is arresting opposition leaders at all levels (failure to protect them has been a huge weak spot for the opposition from the start). For all that some gangs, military, and LE have gone over to the opposition, it’s not been a huge amount nor has anything truly meaningful been done with it. How many tanks and weapons were distributed from the base taken the other day? Hmmmm?

It is likely to get bloody, nasty, and unless some brains and backbone start showing up in opposition leadership, it will either be the usual capitulation by the opposition or a bloody slog that is likely to spill over into the U.S. courtesy of all the illegal immigrants/infiltrators. I’m hoping that the opposition gets smart and operates smart and that Maduro does fall quickly. I’m expecting the slog. I fear very much this will be yet again a failure by the opposition to do anything truly meaningful and effective resulting in Maduro remaining in power. Hope I’m wrong, but buckle up as whatever happens there is likely to be reflected darkly here.

UPDATE I: Meant to add this at the start, but over on X someone pointed out that this is not a fight between freedom loving types and evil commies. Rather, it’s more a fight between different sects of socialists/communists and while you could do analogies to Trotsky/Lenin, I think the Chinese and the multiple sects there may be a better analogy. It’s also one reason I suspect the major opposition has mostly been operating with gloves instead of (much needed) bare knuckles or even a horseshoe in the glove…

Again, be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Biden Out

Quelle Surprise. If it truly was a surprise to you, I have a bridge for sale… Heck, I’ll throw in the troll for free!

I don’t think this could have been pulled off in the White House, because of the scrutiny, visitor logs, and number of people present. As it is, we have a resignation letter that appears to be digitally signed, no sign of the person signing it, no press conference, no nothing. As for the people complaining it is not on Presidential letterhead, keep in mind that his re-election is not part of his Presidential duties and in fact has to be kept separate.

What is going to be interesting is to see when, or if, Biden goes back to the White House. With family members (and others) talking about health issues including hints of a terminal disease, and all sorts of speculations going on, one wonders. When you consider this from Francis Turner, one does wonder if he is not already metaphorically, at least, in the fridge.

The few weeks will tell a lot of what has happened. As I noted before, I suspect some offers that can’t be refused were made. If pardons and related (sweetheart deals) suddenly pop up in regard Hunter and others, it will not be surprising. What would be surprising is if they don’t, as for all that quite a few in DC would be willing to let the Biden family metaphorically hang, such would quickly expand to implicate (or at least inconvenience) others. As such, pardons and deals are the cleanest way to go openly. Also, I expect some sort of sinecure for Jill. Expect some sweetness and light, for now at least.

Nor do I think Trump is in the clear. Yes, he did survive the first attempt. Not so minor miracle when you think about it. His survival and his response have catapulted him quite high. Which is why if I were him I would be looking to hire the mythical Griswold Security and be asking for the Gunny himself to oversee my security (metaphorical glass raised to toast the late, great, L. Neil Smith). Given all that is coming out about the attempt (which is a story unto itself), only a fool would trust the Praetorian Guard or the Stasi with their life and safety.

Buckle up, the fun has truly yet to begin. The elites (on both sides) are so focused on domestic they are ignoring how this is playing outside of the country — especially with those who have less than tender feelings for us. Cough. They get a vote too, and don’t forget about things like this. People are desperate and desperate people do desperate things — and I’m not just talking about people overseas. For all that people are trying to paper over it (all puns intended), this is just a bit of a Constitutional crisis. Who has the biscuit and who is really running things?

Prepare, and choose any vacation spots wisely. Heck, if anyone wants to get me storage pails off my wish list, or donate funds so I can stock up, please feel free. Hope you are starting to be prepared, or are topping off if you already were.

Speaking of which, thank you to the anonymous donor who just was very generous! I’m putting part of that towards the guitar lessons since by paying a lump sum up front I get a “free” lesson added in. May see about doing some video soon as my homework with lesson three includes openings to Tom Dooley, Ghost Riders, and Wipeout. And I sound about as bad with those as you might expect for only being on lesson three. Jury is still out on truly learning how to play, but having a lot of fun. Thank you all.

So, the ride is just starting to get bumpy. Hang on, as it is likely to get wild unless more sanity breaks out that I think is possible. Be prepared. Keep your family and friends close. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Biden Has Covid

So, after doing events in crowded areas including at least one restaurant, Biden was found to have tested positive for COVID. As a result, he is self-isolating at home in Delaware, rather than at the White House where he is near Walter Reed and other facilities at need.

The very cynical part of me wonders about this. Timing is almost too good, coming on the heels of his saying that if the docs told him he needed to drop out he would. And on top of Chuckie and others delivering messages about dropping out.

If I’m being darkly cynical, one might see it as Ol’ Yeller being taken back behind the barn. Yes, a doctor can and does travel with him. Yet, in DC he has access to a top-flight clinic in the White House, Walter Reed, Bethesda, etc. etc. etc. (</Yul Brenner voice>). But, the man who had trouble getting up the low stairs on AF1 is going to Delaware.

If you are deeply, darkly, coldly cynical, one might even wonder if Jill and/or Hunter got made an offer. Perhaps one that could not be refused even.

Or, it could just be an elderly man in declining health with multiple jabs getting a bug. It happens.

Me, I just said a prayer for him. I also wonder if the DNC convention will go as currently planned. Especially if the reports of the roll-call vote to make Biden the formal candidate is indeed being delayed. Time will tell.