Preparedness – Page 2 – The Laughing Wolf

Preparedness Pays: Advanced Directives

This is not your typical preparedness post, but I will simply note that having advanced directives and a will saves a lot of time, money, and even heartache. Keep in mind that the emergency or disaster could include your health and safety, or that of a family member.

Right now, I’m in the process of arranging a new, local, power of attorney for healthcare. I’m also going to need to find a new executor for my will, but for some odd reason the last four years have me focusing on healthcare first. Can’t understand why.

Advanced directives let people know what you, and don’t, want done in the case of injury from an accident or other emergency. Having others who can speak and decide for you is essential, as laws vary and even if you have written instructions in your wallet (or otherwise on you at all times), first responders, hospitals, and other care facilities may not be obligated to follow it. The same may or may not be legally obligated to send your body to the funeral home you prefer in case of death. A lot depends on state and local laws. So, don’t take chances.

Me, well, I should have died more than once before I was hit by lightning. I’ve been lucky in that since I came of legal age that I’ve been able to say what I wanted done (or didn’t want done) but it has also been nice knowing I had others who could and would act for me at need.

Of course, that’s been somewhat easy for them since my philosophy is pretty straightforward: if there is a chance at life and living, fight; if not, let me go; and, in all cases, put it in God’s hands.

In the event of major injury, I can live without a limb, or even two. Fact is, most humans can live without a variety of things, from about half your small intestines to even some organs (or parts thereof). Sacrifice part to save the whole? Game On. So long as my brain can function and I can communicate, Game On.

One of the few things that truly scares me is to have some brain function and not be able to communicate. Long story, but had a relative who lived what I would regard as a hell on Earth: they could remember being whole and normal; and knew they were no longer so. They were institutionalized for decades as they were alive, but with a brain that was severely impaired. They had to be supervised and cared for 24/7. The anger that filled them because of this was scary. I think under that type of circumstances I would like a DNR order in place.

As an aside, if I were left with the mind of a child, that might not be such a bad thing. Especially if one thinks of Matthew 18:3. Would be hard to confess past sins though.

Other than that, I do really prefer to fight. I’ve never had cancer, though I have had some pre-malignant growths removed; but, again, unless things are extremely advanced (the ol’ ‘oops we screwed up and you have a week or two to live’ thing which does still happen), fight. I got up and walked away after being hit by lightning. Fight. I was born allergic to almost everything (thankfully not chocolate or meat, childhood was sucky enough as it was). Fight. Dying is easy, living is hard. Fight.

If you don’t want blood transfusions, say so. Years back, I really didn’t want them and volunteered for artificial blood on an experimental basis. These days, my take is that if a transfusion really is needed, do it. My preference is for fairly fresh blood from the youngest possible donors as such has been shown to have very positive effects including helping reverse some parts of aging. My inner voice still thinks I’m a teenager anyway, so as long as the young donor is indeed a volunteer, go for it. Fight.

Don’t want to be an organ donor? Make that known too. As I discussed here, between doctors wanting to re-define death so as to be able to harvest more organs (and the offspring of unwed parents who want to wage biological warfare against Citizens to make everyone quit eating red meat) and what happened during COVID with the CDC, NIH, and most health professionals trashing patient trust, I am no longer a donor. The only way I might consider such is if I am a living donor. However, it is likely a moot point given the lightning strike and the drugs I am now on that not only am I likely to be rejected, and I don’t think I can even donate blood or marrow. Thing is, make sure your thoughts are known so that people you don’t know decide for you.

You also need to think about heroic measures. A lot has changed over my lifetime. Early on, once heroic started many states wouldn’t let you turn it off. In most places, that has changed. Then again, the definition of heroic measures has changed as equipment and tech has changed just a bit. My thoughts right now are that if the heroic measures are temporary and designed to heal and get me to where I can function on my own, go for it. Fight. If there is no hope for recovery, and it is just keeping the husk alive, no. I believe that in that case my soul has departed my body, which is why it is dying. It is body and soul together that create a living temple in the image of God. If anyone is truly interested, sing out in the comments and I will explore this further.

I will admit that decades ago, I may have had a friend or two who were prepared to go into my room and blast the machinery of heroic intervention if I was on it and not allowed off of it (keep in mind, hospitals and such made a LOT of money off this practice at the time). They were then prepared to hold people at bay until I was gone. Then again, there were some friends prepared to give me the mercenaries last gift at need, which included if I turned against the country or became a threat to its Citizens. Which reminds me, I need to raise a glass again tonight as I think most or all have gone before me. Also, still need to raise a glass to L. Neil Smith and Irv Koch since I didn’t do it the other night. Absent companions.

Finally, keep pre-existing conditions in mind. For example, one of the things I am still (very tragically IMO) still allergic to is shrimp. Which really means Iodine. Guess what is used in imaging dyes, Israeli (clotting) bandages, and more? Make sure all known allergies are known to and discussed in your advanced directives. Be one heck of a thing to survive the disaster or accident and then kick off because of an oversight. Be thorough.

Also, do make a will. Otherwise those you want to get things won’t, and you will be amazed how much federal, state, and local (heck, maybe even the HOA) will siphon off before giving a token to your family. Post for another day though.

Having people know what you do and don’t want is very important. It pays to be thorough, and to have people you trust given the legal right to represent you if you are unable to stand for yourself. Take the time, and you can also find legal forms for this online for most states. If money is an issue, a number of legal aid groups will help you with forms for cheap or for free. Don’t take chances and don’t put your family (or friends) in a bind during an already bad and stressful situation. Make it as easy as possible for them, and for you ultimately.

Plan ahead, because preparedness always pays.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Kamchatka

I noted somewhere the other day that the Ring of Fire was getting sparky, but wasn’t expecting an 8.8 off Kamchatka. Fact is, there are many small earthquakes every day, some in areas that people don’t think get earthquakes. Most are either deep enough or small enough that only seismologists notice them. Some faults, like the New Madrid, only seem to have a major event every few hundred years. Others, well, go off quite frequently, at least in geological terms.

When talking preparedness, I don’t focus on the almost infinite number of things that can happen, but in the types of damage they can do. Other than following earthquake building codes and suggestions when building structures, there’s not a lot you can do. I will note that some of the same things that help houses and other structures deal with high winds and tornadoes can help with mitigating structural damage from an earthquake, as they help a bit with flexibility and holding things together against unusual stresses.

My understanding is that you need a combination of flexibility and stability to avoid major structural damage. Of course, in some cases, there is not a lot you can do. Soil geology at the surface plays a large roll on how the seismic waves “act” on things. In the New Madrid quake some areas had the soil essentially “liquify” resulting in things in the ground shooting up (such as caskets) and things on the surface (like houses and other structures, going down almost without a trace.

Unlike weather phenomena, earthquake prediction is far more art than science. It’s being worked on, but we’re not there yet. So, it’s going to hit with little or no warning — which means your preparations have to be on reaction rather than being pro-active. It’s a different bit of planning, and if near the coast you should have a bug-out plan not only made but ready to go on zero notice for tsunami events, and elsewhere the same given that widespread fires can break out, dams fail, etc. Figure routes are likely to be clogged, and plan accordingly.

One of the more novel, and potentially very effective for the actual quake itself, was the tethered hot air balloon Daryl Dragon (the Captain of Captain and Tennille) allegedly had behind their house. If things were bad, launch and wait for things to settle down before coming down. Not sure if it was true or not, but seem to recall he talked about it in an interview or two. Fact is, if you could go up (or were up) when it hits, and stay up a while, it would allow you to miss the worst of things. At least initially.

On a more serious note, I am going to be interested to see what comes out in regards Petropavlovsk in the next few days. Between the earthquake and tsunami waves, it will be interesting to see what can be seen in regards the Russian Pacific Fleet, other bases, and the nuclear storage facilities. In particular, you do have to wonder how the subs tied up alongside — especially the boomers — fared. So far, not hearing of much damage but it’s well worth keeping an eye on.

Finally, in terms of preparedness, earthquakes are one of the reason to keep digging and demolition tools handy. There are a number of things that could leave one’s safe space covered in debris. Always be prepared to dig out, pry things up and over, or if possible jack or brace things so they don’t come down any further. Shovels, axes, pry bars, saws, jacks, rope, etc. are good to have around anytime, but may be even more appreciated after a quake.

Keep in mind that the Midwest really isn’t that well prepared for the New Madrid to pop off again. Building codes most places really don’t include earthquakes, and other mitigation actions aren’t there. The last time the New Madrid really kicked off, it was felt as far east as New York, a massive lake was formed in Tennessee, and portions of the Mississippi ran backwards for a time as plates were forced up. I may have to look for something I wrote about this years ago, as the area has built up so much now that a major event will devastate a good part of the center of the country.

Nor are the San Andreas and the New Madrid all we have to worry about. So, don’t think that because you are not in California you have nothing to worry about from a quake or quakes. As always, preparedness pays.

As always, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark — even if the earth is moving (and not from a happy thing).

About The Texas Floods

UPDATE BELOW

What happened in the Texas hill country is horrible; and, the response to it by far too many is beyond horrendous. This weekend saw people throw down their masks and throw away any pretense at humanity and basic decency as politics trumps all.

One of the many lies promoted (suspect the social media version of JournOlist was running hot and heavy) was that no warnings were given because of DOGE cuts, short staffing, etc. All were lies as any cuts don’t take place until the FY, the NWS had extra staff on hand per SOP, and warnings were given in a timely manner. Not once, but no less than three times.

But, there does lie part of the rub. Texas was indeed right to criticize the NWS, as Todd Starnes pointed out on X. Back after Katrina, the NWS was (rightfully) criticized for not updating warnings and giving accurate warnings. The bureaucratic mind being what it is, the decision was made to treat every storm as the storm of the century and warn accordingly such that they could never be criticized again for not issuing strong enough warnings. Besides, that is easier, and easier to justify, that in having people show mature judgment and professionalism and update warnings if and as warranted. No thought, no muss, and it totally screws disaster preparedness planning and actions right in the keester.

If every storm or cloud is the storm of the century, none are. People tune out. I’ve cut off my alerts because of how often they go off for no real reason. It used to be the alerts meant something, and you got useful information from them. Now, you get the equivalent of the reams of useless paper that come with a one paragraph note from Medicare or any other government program. The alerts were meant to be short, effective, and only when needed. The perceived need to protect bureaucratic butt eliminated that utility.

As for the lack of preparedness and other issues in the area (dams needing maintenance, etc., that can wait. What matters now is trying to find those still alive; recovering the dead; and dealing with all the damage and things that come out of such a horror. As you pray for those missing and lost, say a prayer for the first responders who are dealing with a horror most can’t truly begin to imagine. And I guarantee you that they will wonder if they had been faster, better, etc., that some others might have lived. Probably not, but it is something they will be dealing with now and in the days ahead. Pray for them, and pray they get the help and support they need.

One thing to keep in mind is that in a flash flood, it’s not the water that’s the real enemy: it’s what’s in it and under it. Some do drown, but many die because of crush injuries caused by hitting debris under and in the water. Flailed chests are common from hitting trees, logs, vehicles or being caught between logs and trees while being swept away. Broken legs from hitting submerged vehicles and other objects are also common, and they remove the ability to swim (or even float). Those injured who survive the initial damage have a short window of survival. Pray they are found quickly, and can be gotten out of wherever they are.

If you live in an area prone to flash floods, your only realistic preparation is to be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. That, however, requires you to get real information concisely, accurately, and in a timely manner. The current warnings of the NWS are about anything but that. The system needs reform, and I hope that if nothing else comes of this tragedy that such does happen.

May God’s mercy be on those in Texas, and in the new flooding in Western NC. Pray for them, and let the basic humanity that seems all to scarce these days shine forth, now and in the days ahead.

UPDATE I: Sarah A. Hoyt, as usual, makes some good points in her post here. It does no good to send signals if they are not going to be received.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Quick Overview Time

Sorry for the lack of posting at the end of last week, got distracted by some things (Shiny!) and also my ego took a hit (smile) that I may share. Maybe not. Will see.

Yes, I’m watching events in LA and am simply going to note that if you think the protests are grassroots, organic, etc. I’ve got some bridges for sale you would love. Nothing says organic like pallets of bricks being set up in areas in advance, just like the ‘summer of love’ a few years ago.

In point of fact, DataRepublican (small r) has an excellent series of posts on X detailing who is behind the riots, organizing and coordinating, that it’s not limited to California, information on the real Karen Bass, and much more. As usual, she brings receipts. Between her and Mike Benz, who also has up some good info (see this one for example), lots of data and some very good analysis. I sincerely hope they both have good personal security.

Keep in mind this is the same playbook from the ‘summer of love’ from everything I’m seeing. Problem is, this isn’t then and the circumstances are very different. I keep pointing out the huge amount of anger out there in the general population, and the so-called elites are missing it. Rather, they see limited instances of it in certain select populations (ones they are using for rioting) and think it a good and controllable thing. I fear they are very mistaken on that and are going to provoke responses they really don’t want. Nor should anyone want them, as they could be a larger danger to the Republic that will be harder deal with long-term.

However, this ties into an excellent post noted by the good Sarah A. Hoyt at Instapundit, which I highly commend to you. Sarah and the author are right that the effects will be seen across much more than the knowledge economy. There will be few areas of life not affected by the ten signs noted.

I will simply note that I don’t expect the so-called elites to be terribly rational about things, especially right now. It’s not just that they see things changing, it’s also that their rice bowls (especially with the NGO scam) are going away. They are desperate, not terribly bright in many regards, and almost totally cut off from reality. They exist in bubbles where virtue signalling is far more important than reality, and what they believe is what everyone in the bubble believes, and spends endless time reinforcing that such is right and good. So, I expect them to try the same-old same old, expecting the same-old results. Problem is, reality has moved on and I think they (and we) may find out the hard way that they are not in control of anything. Such will finish off any respect for major institutions, and the damage done — fiscal, physical, and to important concepts in the Social Compact (Rule of Law anyone?) — will take generations to restore.

Meantime, not a lot I can do other than pray. I don’t have everything I want, but am prepared as best I can be for emergencies and to provide at least some limited humanitarian help at need. I hope and pray it won’t be needed, and that the current administration can and will short-circuit what is being planned and executed. Oh Lord, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

Finally, not going to take sides in the Elon-Trump divorce. Both are driven, both are successful, and both have UUUUUGEEEE egos. I’ve noted on here before that I think Elon can be his own worst enemy on occasions. Hoping they both check those egos, remove their sense organ clusters from their ventral orifices, and get back to doing what is best for the Republic and for taking humanity to the stars. I think it would be very good for us to have a lifeboat or three (thousand) sooner rather than later. Humanity reproducing in the stars is a topic coming back up soon. Meantime, good to know Dragon is safe from the feud.

More soon. Remember: Be Prepared, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Have Faith, and fear no darkness.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Solar Experiment

I’ve finally had the time, and the weather, to sit down and play with the solar devices some of you were kind enough to provide for me. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I’ve actually been using the portable units since they got here, and it is worth noting that I’ve not actually been able to drop them down significantly.

I wanted to see what would happen on a nice sunny day (where I would enjoy being out, sunny in winter isn’t it really). Within two hours, the portable units were fully charged. I’ve not been able to drain them like I expected, as there is quite often enough light to keep them mostly charged.

The fold-out panel is amazing. It has already got the big unit charged up, and you can charge it and another item (like a cell phone) at the same time. Suspect there is some time cost to do multiple at once, but didn’t really notice it on my limited experiment.

As for the big pack, I’m really wanting to try it on the router/fiber optic station upstairs. The fiber optic portion should stay up even in a power failure, so getting power to the router should provide internet access. Good theory, and if the landlord has no objection, will see if the “brick” can power it and maybe get an idea of how long.

While I don’t think the fold-out panel would be good for backpacking, it should be great for camping. The portable units would be great for backpacking and useful with camping.

I’m going to play more with them in the days ahead I hope, but for now I have a solid source of DC power in emergencies for cell phones, laptop, and other devices. Which means I have at least basic communications. If the router test works out, and the fiber optic stays up, that would be very, very helpful.

So, these systems are a very good add to your preparedness power portfolio. Useful for camping and other activities as well. Remember, the more independent sources of power you have, the better.

More soon, and thank you again so very much to all of you who made this possible!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The New Bike

A few weeks ago, I asked for your suggestions on a new bicycle, and several of you made a lot of good suggestions and points. I’ve been looking around and visited several shops, at least two of which had dogs as their top salespeople. In fact, visited two of the shops more than once while looking and researching.

The lead sales force where I bought my new bike

So, last Saturday I went and re-learned how to ride a bike. My balance and coordination weren’t all that great (IMO) before the lightning strike, but definitely took a hit from it (pun intended) and having vertigo issues hasn’t helped. But, with some quick coaching and encouragement, and skipping some near misses of light poles and such, I was able to ride again.

I also rode an e-bike for the first time and found it interesting. It had a throttle and other controls that made it more like a motorcycle than a bicycle. It was different and once I got used to it, not unpleasant.

After riding it, one of the humans at the shop talked with me about things I needed to consider: mobility, carrying, ease of use, and a few other things. Mobility dealt with being able to get on and off a bicycle, and the fact that at my age who knows what additional mobility issues I may face in the future. So, they strongly suggested a step-through design (similar to girls bikes in the 50s and 60s). Being able to easily pick up whatever I got, for putting it on a bike rack on a bus or car, or to carry it around an obstacle, was also a consideration. There were a few other considerations for a person my age, and we covered them.

The e-bike I secretly wanted, though it lists for what a good used car would run.

Then he showed me around the shop and made a recommendation on one of the brands they sold. It was an e-bike, Urtopia brand, but one very different from the one I had ridden earlier. In fact, it hit several of my non-physical/preparedness considerations.

Unlike a number of e-bikes, you can ride it without the electronics charged. In fact, on my test ride, I started out with zero assist and still managed to easily get it up above 20 mph (on a flat/level surface) just using the regular gearing (8 speed). No throttle, start your ride just like a regular bike. The frame is carbon fiber, so I could easily pick it up even with the artificial shoulders. The tires are not super-wide, but are large and can handle streets, gravel, and dirt. Not sure about sand or a beach, but that’s not likely anyway. It also has a built-in security system that I can engage remotely if needed.

The range for the powered side is roughly 70-80 miles, and I don’t know how fast it goes yet as just the second level of assist gets me going faster than I care to handle right now (25-30 mph range). I still haven’t taken it above 2, and it’s going to be a while before I engage the (no joke) turbo mode.

It truly was fun to ride and reminded me a bit of the Raleigh Record from my youth. I do have to remember to squeeze both breaks, as they are apparently pneumatic and work very well. My steering and balance need work, a lot of work, but that will hopefully improve with more riding.

With it, I got what is supposed to be a very good helmet (Smith) with a rechargeable light on the back to aid with visibility. Helmet itself is florescent yellow. The shop also installed a mirror for me and it does help. Security is provided through a bar-lock system (linked metal bars) that folds up and attaches to a carrier mounted on the frame. There is a bag on the back rack that has fold-out side pockets that drop down and can hold larger items and/or a fair amount of groceries. You can get a lot into that little bag, and you can also take the bag with you when you leave the bike, it even has a shoulder strap for that purpose.

Me being me, I’ve also attached a rescue strobe to the bag to help with visibility. Of course, if anyone doesn’t see my fat fluffy rump they are too blind to be driving IMO… I also want to find a way to mount a Streamlight tac light (or larger light even) to the handlebars for an improved front light. What comes with it isn’t bad, but when you need light I really would rather have the power of a Streamlight.

Yes, I did pay more than I would have liked. Then again, I also remember when a top line bicycle cost just $200. As it is, got some good discounts and the new bike was actually less expensive that one of the used rental bikes. It also fits into the bike racks on the IndyGo bus, which gives me a lot more flexibility in travel. For all that I don’t mind a good walk, the bike gives me savings in time as well as in the distance I can cover.

Plan to check out battery life and such here over the next few weeks. The security system does draw power all the time, so need to keep an eye on how that effects things. Then again, static life may not be an issue. I rode it home from downtown Indy the day I bought it, and yesterday after doctor and groceries, took it out along the Pennsy Trail for a few miles. Stopped at a place I’d wanted to check out for a while, and accidentally left it fully on while I was inside. Even with that, battery level only dropped a notch or two.

Indy does have a network of trails for pedestrians and bicycles based on old railroad lines. Looking at using a couple of them for shopping and such where I don’t need my cart but can use the bike bag and/or a backpack. There are a couple of places I like to go, but require a bus change where you can wait thirty or more minutes for the second bus. I can hop over to one of the trails on my bike and get where I want to go in less time than that.

I just wish the Wally World and Meijers closest to me had secure bicycle “parking” as I can easily reach them using one trail in a faster time than by bus. Security is key for me, as right now I can’t afford to replace it and need to look at some insurance to cover it just in case. I also need to look at pulling my elbow and knee pads out of the deployment bag as they might come in handy. So far I haven’t fallen and haven’t run into anything, but who knows. Better safe than sorry.

Other thing that will be ongoing is getting the seat adjusted perfectly. It probably needs to come up at least another inch, but we decided to keep it where it is for now until some of the balance issues with starting/stopping ease up. The one thing I think does need to be done is tilt it down just a hair so that it is a bit more comfortable. Few more rides, and we will see.

Having a bike, even an e-bike, is good for my physical conditioning as it is a workout if done right. It also will save me a good bit of time in running small errands without having to walk, wait on busses, and other such joys. Finally, it will let me cover far more distance than just bus or via leather personnel carriers. So, buying it hurt my inner Jack Benny, but it looks to be a very good investment. That it should also help with recovering more balance and coordination is the cherry on top.

More on this adventure as it develops. Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. 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.

Take Care Of Yourselves

Non-political today, but a suggestion and a warning all the same.

You are your best and only true health advocate. Your health is up to you.

Writing this as I got the news this morning that a high school classmate had died, apparently dropping dead from an ‘unexpected’ heart attack. Hate to say this, but that rarely is the case as most often there were symptoms that either weren’t followed-up on or didn’t get a push from a doctor. Fact is, I know too many people that have had to push their doctors on heart issues, cancer, and more.

No, doctors don’t like being pushed but too bad. Push. It’s YOUR life that is at stake.

Even if you have to do it out-of-pocket, a lot of places offer a very inexpensive heart scan that can save your life. You can even get them for free quite often. Lot’s of places and organizations offer free or inexpensive cancer screenings of various types. Such can be a quick way to get the jump on things, as cancer is one of those where the earlier you start to deal with it the better the odds.

You need to be pro-active, aggressive even, on your health. Remember, you know your body far better than your regular doctor. If something seems off, it likely is. Get it checked out. Don’t let it get you checked out of life.

When I tell you to be careful out there, just remember that there are many threats to our lives, health, and safety. Heart disease, cancer, and other such delights are part of that. Be careful, be safe, and make sure your body truly is ready for anything.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Asteroid Threat? X-Prize It

Over on X, Stephen Fleming was talking about the need to get on serious asteroid defense. Quick Aside: if you are serious about space and space exploration/exploitation, you should know and follow Stephen. In response to his post and a number of comments, I made a simple suggestion: X-Prize the mission as NASA is not up to it in my opinion.

In the long run, it will be a lot less expensive and likely to drive development of some key industries — not to mention creating new and innovative technologies and applications — than trying to run it as yet another government program. Make it open ended in all the key details: launch systems undefined, method undefined, tech undefined: the only thing that should be defined is success (asteroid does not hit Earth) and if there are any secondary objectives that need to take place (exploration, detection, etc) at the same time.

Make sure that teams can win rather than an individual company. I can think of some interesting and potentially effective partnerships right off the top of my head. It also has the chance to push the launch industry along and get some real competition to Space-X underway, which would be a good thing.

Also, though it would require some long-overdue revisions to space law/treaties, give the successful company twenty-year (pick a period) rights to that asteroid or to any asteroid that poses a threat and is neutralized. Depending on the type of asteroid, there could be some nice materials to be extracted/exploited. If nothing else, novelty sales could be quite the thing. Think about it, what would you pay to own a knife or other object made from the asteroid that threatened Earth? Again, this is an opportunity to start bootstrapping orbital industry and making needed changes to space treaties/law.

Minimize the regulatory process as much as possible. Under the previous administration this was weaponized and that’s the last thing we need right now. Use this as a means to identify problems while impact odds are low, so that we have an effective and robust system/options in place for real need.

Since there is already some huffing and puffing over my contention that NASA is not up to this, let me lay out the basics. First, I have done work for NASA as a contractor on both Spacelab and later SPD/Commercial. I grew up in the 60s on NASA and can-do. Heck, Von Braun himself recruited my cousin Jimmy to join his team and was involved in those heady days. Those days, however, are gone.

Yes, NASA has demonstrated that asteroid deflection can be done. Exercise for the student: look up the full timeline on that, from when it was first proposed to actual implementation. Then look up the budget for that over those years. NASA can still do some amazing things if given enough time and massive budgets.

As part of that, consider also that NASA has not successfully designed and implemented a new man-rated launch system since the mid-70s (STS). The current Constellation/Orion/WhateverElseTheyCallIt literally costs more than a billion dollars per launch, they have launched how many (?) and I could go on but there is no way to consider it a viable and successful system. Keep in mind that most (cough) NASA programs began decades ago.

Then, as I’ve mentioned before, there is the institutional culture of no failure. Not that failure is not an option, but that if there is even a chance something won’t work perfectly in view of the public, it tends to get canned. That also ties into the perfect safety issue, which tends to stifle innovation and more. There is more, but those are going to be two huge hurdles for getting anything done through NASA.

Put anything and everything on the table as an option, from nukes (the government has a small and obscure agency that actually owns all our nukes, DoD merely “leases” them so to speak) to a space broom. Nothing off the table, nothing can’t be tried as keep in mind that the prize only pays out for success.

For planetary defense of this nature, we need fast, we need nimble, we need innovation. Government is going to be the obstacle, not the facilitator. Doing this as an X-prize makes economic sense and opens the doors of economic and scientific advancement in space exploration/exploitation.

Just my two cents…

Oh, and if you missed this wonderful bit at Instapundit a while back:

O it’s Elon this, an’ Elon that, an’ “Chuck ‘im out, the cad!”;
But it’s “Elon, please, a rocket!” when the rocks are lookin’ bad.
When the rocks are lookin’ bad, my boys, the rocks are lookin’ bad,
O it’s “Save us, Mr. Elon!” when the rocks are lookin’ bad.

Best Laid Plans

Last week, I had the chance to test some of my emergency preparedness when I was hit with the fun joys of food poisoning. If your emergency plans don’t encompass dealing with illness and injury, you may want to update your plans. Fact is, if you end up in a true emergency and sheltering for an extended time, you are going to have to deal with any number of illnesses as it is impossible not to share in those circumstances.

Now, I thought I had some pretty good preparations in place. In fact, I had just upped my anti-nausea (AN) and anti-diarrhea (AD) a month or two ago, and thought I was in pretty good shape overall. That turned out to be a touch optimistic.

Here are a few lessons learned that I will share for your planning use, and to remind me of what I need to do as well. Already taking steps, but…

First up, I generally don’t try to control things at first. It used to be that doctors would try to stop both ends as it were. However, it turns out that if the body is trying to purge things, there is a good reason for it and it is best to let it happen. The “plug them up” school may have done more harm than good it seems. The problem comes if the body doesn’t stop trying to purge and/or you (the patient) gets dehydrated.

Problem 1 for me was finding myself on the bathroom floor at one point, doing pinch tests to check for dehydration and checking other vitals to see if I did need to call an ambulance/help. However, when the body had signaled the urgent need to get to the bathroom now, now, now I did not think to grab my phone or do anything other than run, and my bedroom and the bathroom are at opposite ends of the basement. Not sure what to do about this, but do need to figure a plan for emergency communication.

Problem 2 was the bathroom itself. The landlord’s relatives who built it out did their usual high-quality job (cough, choke, wheeze) with the result that literally freezing air from outside was effectively being ducted down onto the floor — and me. Eight inches up from the floor, blissfully warm. On the floor, not so much. I did eventually manage to get back to my room and get a throw, but it really needed additional help. Was not surprised to have some respiratory issues the next day (and very cold feet and hands). Moving is an option, otherwise not much I can do about this one. Considering vacuum packing some throws and blankets and finding a way to store them in the bathroom, but…

Things That Worked 1: I always have solid, liquid tight wastebaskets in every room. Both in the bedroom and in the bathroom, this proved wise. Having them allows for emergency storage and transportation of liquids. In this case, I used them to catch and store what came out up top while sitting on the can. Was able later to empty them, clean, sterilize, and put them back to normal use. I use plastic grocery bags to line them as it makes getting trash out quickly an easy process.

Problem 3 is that I can’t find the flippin AD meds. Apparently I put the OTC and one prescription AD in a good safe place and not with all the other meds. I ended up using InstaCart to get some more delivered. BTW, would have been more impressed with them if they hadn’t left out the sports drink I ordered. I may try another service one day soon to see how they do, as a delivery service could be a good thing to include in preparedness planning. Didn’t need a lot on the AD, but did use it to taper things down later in the week.

Things That Worked 2: having a full-range of OTC items. In this case, having both antacids and anti-gas OTC agents has been very good and effective. In the case of food poisoning, having the anti-gas items is a big plus.

Things That Worked 3: During the time I could not get back to my room, I used a measuring cup from under the sink as a cup. It’s normally used to make saline and fill things. Rinsing the dust out got it clean [it’s kept clean normally, but the dust issue in that bathroom (mostly from the ceiling being another “quality” job) is incredible]. May look at a bagged cup and maybe putting a can of lemon-lime soda in there for emergencies. I will say it was very nice of the housemate to bring me down some bottles of water and ginger ale when he got home from work that next morning. The landlord just had a knee replacement and was not available to get down the stairs and help.

Problem 4 ties back to Problem 1 in that I really do need to be where people can get to me at need. When I move (more on that here soon) I really do need to be where there are good people around me and/or nearby. I’m not real thrilled with that on some levels, but I do have to recognize reality.

Things I Need To Add 1: I used to keep a couple of 2L bottles of a popular lemon-lime soft drink and of ginger ale around for illness. Not sure when I quit doing it, but need to add in some cans (longer storage) of same to my supplies. I also need to find some good powdered electrolytes (little sugar and no B vitamins) to keep on hand. Sugar and salt can make a good emergency solution, but having the better ingredients is the way to go if possible. Oh, no B vitamins because if you are flirting with dehydration you don’t want large amounts of B6 as B6 toxicity is no joke. When hydrated, it usually flushes out, but dehydration changes that equation.

Still recovering, but on the mend. Wanted to get an AAR down for my planning and to give you some food for thought for yours.

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

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, 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.

Thank You!

There was no paperwork at all in the box, so I simply want to say Thank You!! to whoever sent this. It really did brighten my day (needed that) and I am looking forward to trying it out and playing with it here soon. As for those who don’t know what it is, you are in for a treat too soon I hope. Thank You!