.
.
Wow was I hungry. I got in to town and ordered food at probably the only place open tonight, a real Mexican fast food place. I ordered three hard shell tacos and a chimachanga. Unfortunately, I had never seen their chimachangas before. It was about a 10 inches long and 5 inche in diameter. It was, essentially, a deep fried mongo beef and been burrito. I made it through 2 of the tacos and 2/3rds of the chimachanga, barely. I went up to the counter, and without having to ask, was handed a to-go container. I almost think I saw the hint of a grin on his face. Then he looked over at how much I actually had eaten and his grin faded. Well, that is my story. Something about bearlike people that takes the grin away from some people. I bet I ate between two and three pounds of food. And several drinks. Well, not counting half the beans and rice that comes with the entrees.
I have that little bit left for tomorrow. If it makes it. Maybe, with what I ate tonight and ready food tomorrow, I might be able to do the dishes. Doing dishes might get me back on track to eating. That does little good in allowing me to be active and yet it is probably better somehow. I also purchased a 12 pack of caffeine. That will at least allow me to be awake a bit longer and perhaps more regularly.
On my way in to town, I called my friend. He had called twice today but I was sleeping. I know he stays up until 2:00 or 3:00, so if nothing else I thought it might be polite to call him back and at least offer him a meal. He suggested that he was done for the day but perhaps we could get together tomorrow or Monday and go shooting. So be it. I suggested Monday though, as I know tomorrow is going to be rough. I need a little ramp time to get up to speed for anything at the moment.
If I do little else, I do need to start getting my home ready for company. My lady friend will be arriving early next month and I do not want to have to clean everything up in the last week. I will need to do touch-ups then, but not the whole ball of wax. As well, I need to start walking. I plan to take her to some of the national and state parks. She will want to walk for miles and miles. I would rather be ready than gimping it the whole way. I do not know how much of either of these things I will get to, but they are on my short list.
Wheat will be checked into this month. I would like to get a hundred pounds, or so, at least. It depends on the price and what I have left in the bank after bills. I would like to get some for bucket storage and some for canning in #10 cans at the Mormon food bank. They have these devices and the grains for use there. Actually, since I am having troubles getting my butt into first, I may just buy what I am going to buy there, and let them teach me how to do it. At least I know that money earned by them in the way of profits is put to use helping the hungry and helping other preppers. A cause that pays for itself is not a bad cause, at least when one owns that cause.
I sure have been dark lately. I have not truly been in a bad mood, mind you. Nor is anything I have written new, mostly. Well, some of it is new in one sense, but like digging through an onion, is anyone really surprised there is a next layer? If not in a bad mood though, I have had a few more grumpy moments. I think that is just coming down from political overload that politics can bring. Since I am not a sports fan, my highs and lows from such affairs are more regional. Although I actually think my events are smaller than those who pray at the sports idles. And, unlike even many of them, I am not nearly vested in my "heroes" as they are. All fail before Christ, sometimes most notably Christians. Not that there should not be Christians, only that Christians (it is thought and wrongly) know better so should do better. This happens in my own mirror too. We seem hypocritical (until you note that Christ suggested He came because Father saw we could not do what was needed, none of us). Then it all goes back into alignment and on I go.
Blathering again. Well, off to... do something or other until I can crash again. Good night, probably... sometime... or not.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Getting squirrely.
.
.
I did eat yesterday evening. Not much but some. I slept today, pretty much all day. I woke for periods of time but could not keep it going. I am drinking more water, then again I am out of everything else. Whatever. If I can pull it together I will take a shower, get dressed, and go into town for a meal. I might even get enough to bring home to try and kickstart tomorrow. The good side? I am still relatively conscious. Clarity of mind is still here, memory is good enough, and I am able to keep the cats fed and their litter boxes clean. By the way, two litter boxes are exponentially easier to manage than a single litter box... somehow.
I was watching the documentary on the killing of Escobar, Pablo. If you are a youngen', you probably do not remember him. He was a major Colombian drug dealer and narco-terrorist. His "methods" of control are pretty much along the lines of what al-qaeda and others use, though his efforts were to control the drug trade alone. Watching the thing, again, was more remembering than learning. Some of the things he would do is bribe police, judges, politicians, and any one else who he felt was needed. The choice was literally an offer they could not refuse. To walk away from the bribe was a death sentence. He used car bombs, assassinations, kidnappings, and pretty much anything he though might work, to include many bombings large enough to take down a full city block. Being so ingrained in the political, military, and police, he stayed one step ahead of capture near the end.
To deal with the problem, the government agreed to allowing the military and other forces to go after him. That did not work, so they brought in U.S. Delta Force operatives to train those forces. Of course, with so many holes in intelligence, this was never going to work. Finally a force appeared and began using the same tactics as his drug cartel. Killing and destroying property of those involved with Escobar. Neither this para-military group nor the official military/police group alone was able to take him out, but the combination finally did the job. That war was as dirty as any war I have ever witnessed in such a small region. Civilians, police, military, and all branches of the government were targets of both sides to varying degrees. Unlike Vegas, what was done in that war did not stay in that war... it was buried in it.
The reason the government could do nothing was because it had given up having a say in things. The corruption was so profound, listening to their president, you could tell the man wanted nothing to do with any part of it and walked a razor edge. He was in a popularity contest, not a war. He simply wanted to stay alive, get richer, and avoid taking sides but without making enemies. To be honest, it sounds like many politicians to this point. I do not think our politicians fear death. They fear losing their seats, their power, and their access to better returns on investments than those who have an inside track due to their jobs! Is that all politicians are about? It is starting to look like it. As for Supreme Court Judges, I have to think it is more a social fear. Limousine liberals, the ones many of these folks wish to consider themselves party to, do not tolerate... common thinking, objectivity, or such. Though I have some wonder how much blackmail goes on. This political war is not costing lives, but it is just as real. Power, money, and even fame seem to be the playing cards. In this way, it is a very dirty war.
The bad thing about it is, when front people of either side get heavily armored up, and both sides are, they do by necessity become above the law. Even if they start out with the correct direction, with that much power comes temptation. Along with the obvious fallibility of men, the outcome is sure. Neither side can be trusted all on their own, but when they fall as they most surely will, they become hand puppets to those who know and "protect" them. Who is protecting your chosen politician, judge, or such? Actually, I think the left is far worse at this. They research endlessly against opponents and even their own, if mild forms of blackmail do not work then exposure is next. They create the situations by which they can blackmail people in power. Further, their ability to protect their own through legal methods or through social disconnect is profound. Think Ted Kennedy (any Kennedy actually), Gerry Studds, MLK, jr., Clinton, and others.
This war is filthy, if in a different way. To be honest, most "conservative" politicians remind me more of the president of Colombia during Escobar than of anything else. I hope they are not it for our defense, but I do think that is about it. It is not just power, or the economy either. Our enemies are not trying to simply control or pick a better way, they are trying and succeeding at destroying us. This is going to be a long two years... tracking down our own Escobars. Do we have the gullet for a coup de gras when we get to that point? By the way, FARC and NLA have replaced Escobar, but the military and the former Los Pepes (now the UAC) continued the war until a (weak) truce was signed. The truth is, the war is still on, just not as hot.
.
I did eat yesterday evening. Not much but some. I slept today, pretty much all day. I woke for periods of time but could not keep it going. I am drinking more water, then again I am out of everything else. Whatever. If I can pull it together I will take a shower, get dressed, and go into town for a meal. I might even get enough to bring home to try and kickstart tomorrow. The good side? I am still relatively conscious. Clarity of mind is still here, memory is good enough, and I am able to keep the cats fed and their litter boxes clean. By the way, two litter boxes are exponentially easier to manage than a single litter box... somehow.
I was watching the documentary on the killing of Escobar, Pablo. If you are a youngen', you probably do not remember him. He was a major Colombian drug dealer and narco-terrorist. His "methods" of control are pretty much along the lines of what al-qaeda and others use, though his efforts were to control the drug trade alone. Watching the thing, again, was more remembering than learning. Some of the things he would do is bribe police, judges, politicians, and any one else who he felt was needed. The choice was literally an offer they could not refuse. To walk away from the bribe was a death sentence. He used car bombs, assassinations, kidnappings, and pretty much anything he though might work, to include many bombings large enough to take down a full city block. Being so ingrained in the political, military, and police, he stayed one step ahead of capture near the end.
To deal with the problem, the government agreed to allowing the military and other forces to go after him. That did not work, so they brought in U.S. Delta Force operatives to train those forces. Of course, with so many holes in intelligence, this was never going to work. Finally a force appeared and began using the same tactics as his drug cartel. Killing and destroying property of those involved with Escobar. Neither this para-military group nor the official military/police group alone was able to take him out, but the combination finally did the job. That war was as dirty as any war I have ever witnessed in such a small region. Civilians, police, military, and all branches of the government were targets of both sides to varying degrees. Unlike Vegas, what was done in that war did not stay in that war... it was buried in it.
The reason the government could do nothing was because it had given up having a say in things. The corruption was so profound, listening to their president, you could tell the man wanted nothing to do with any part of it and walked a razor edge. He was in a popularity contest, not a war. He simply wanted to stay alive, get richer, and avoid taking sides but without making enemies. To be honest, it sounds like many politicians to this point. I do not think our politicians fear death. They fear losing their seats, their power, and their access to better returns on investments than those who have an inside track due to their jobs! Is that all politicians are about? It is starting to look like it. As for Supreme Court Judges, I have to think it is more a social fear. Limousine liberals, the ones many of these folks wish to consider themselves party to, do not tolerate... common thinking, objectivity, or such. Though I have some wonder how much blackmail goes on. This political war is not costing lives, but it is just as real. Power, money, and even fame seem to be the playing cards. In this way, it is a very dirty war.
The bad thing about it is, when front people of either side get heavily armored up, and both sides are, they do by necessity become above the law. Even if they start out with the correct direction, with that much power comes temptation. Along with the obvious fallibility of men, the outcome is sure. Neither side can be trusted all on their own, but when they fall as they most surely will, they become hand puppets to those who know and "protect" them. Who is protecting your chosen politician, judge, or such? Actually, I think the left is far worse at this. They research endlessly against opponents and even their own, if mild forms of blackmail do not work then exposure is next. They create the situations by which they can blackmail people in power. Further, their ability to protect their own through legal methods or through social disconnect is profound. Think Ted Kennedy (any Kennedy actually), Gerry Studds, MLK, jr., Clinton, and others.
This war is filthy, if in a different way. To be honest, most "conservative" politicians remind me more of the president of Colombia during Escobar than of anything else. I hope they are not it for our defense, but I do think that is about it. It is not just power, or the economy either. Our enemies are not trying to simply control or pick a better way, they are trying and succeeding at destroying us. This is going to be a long two years... tracking down our own Escobars. Do we have the gullet for a coup de gras when we get to that point? By the way, FARC and NLA have replaced Escobar, but the military and the former Los Pepes (now the UAC) continued the war until a (weak) truce was signed. The truth is, the war is still on, just not as hot.
When light is shined.
.
.
I have noticed that as some of the attempts to corner markets, change policy quietly, and other acts come to light, and perhaps or not the reasoning behind it becomes exposed, the actions either fail or are set aside. A recent example is when billionaires started buying gold by the ton, the prices started to rise. When this came to light, gold dropped to below where it had been and... the story simply drifted onto a back burner. I am still watching that, as prices may again be on the rise if more quietly and slowly. Then again, just because one method is stopped does not always mean the effort is ended. For example, cap and trade was seen as one means of foisting a huge tax on Americans. When that failed, other implements of non-traditional taxation went forward. In this example, "quantitative easing". This is going to end up being a 20% tax (at least, if all goes right in a completely theoretic "solutions") on the American people. Who knows though, the attempt may have been a flood of loss on our currency and income and a rise in all other expenses through Cap and Trade, quantitative easing, and allowing of the sun-setting of the Bush tax cuts. There may be other methods in the works or as yet undiscovered or not yet drafted.
Sometimes the efforts end. Sometimes those pushing them just change lanes and hit the accelerator. It does seem that there is a large effort to strip Americans of our wealth. Everyone from the Fed to almost every Democrat and leftist (sometimes there is a difference, though the difference is more like the difference between Hitler and Mussolini than any real difference). Soros is in it. As are other limousine leftists. Who knows what Bill Gates and Ted Turner (who owns many if not most cattle production ranches in the U.S.) are doing. It is impossible to track them. A serious attempt by many of the ultra-rich along with political activists are, even when exposed, continuing a heavy handed attempt to financially and socially rape America. Whether they believe socialism works, because they think they can get richer off the deal, or just because they have the political tools in play to do it and feel that they can do it and want to do it, I am not sure.
As I have said, these plan are not new. They have existed for thousands of years. It takes a certain level of legal, social, and moral decay for these sorts to be in a position to outright lie, steal, and destroy. They believe, right or wrong, that they are in such a position. And, from what I can tell, they are correct. Even with many Americans finally awake, things like quantitative easing are going forward without regard to awareness. Even our trade situation with China, something they laugh about because of our seeming disinterest in letting them cheat the markets toward their favor, continues unabated. It would be amazing, funny even, if it was not so serious.
I still think the currency devaluation started with a war with China marking their currency to ours. And, I think in the beginning, that was precisely what it was about. At this point, either the thing has gotten out of hand or the hand has changed. Instead of the hand that controls these things working for U.S. interests, it is now working against our interests. At this point, it looks like the effort is to destroy the American economy and enrich China, creating a true second world power (which they are not at this point, 5 million troops who cannot fight out of a wet paper bag and 1 million engineers who could not construct a solid, safe, affordable ladder, is not a super power).
It came down to handing the reins of power over to a group of people who already had significant power to do harm and who wanted to do harm. When are the poor going to realize that the current acting president does not love them, he only wants every one to be like them? Is that truly what the poor in America, and the world, really want? At least, when coupled with the realization that once that is done, no one but politicians and their chosen and families will be able to gain wealth of even a middle class variety? Certain groups, to be sure. They honestly cannot make it without the government forcing their hiring, even their education.
There are two years to go before any real easing can begin. How much more damage is the Fed, Big Business for it's own purposes, and "our" government going to do? It is impossible to be sure, but this last election did little. What is more frustrating is the the Republican party damaged the chances of taking the Senate. We do not have friends in power. Elitists and fools in both branches and both aisles, who see us as a problem. This... will get ugly.
.
I have noticed that as some of the attempts to corner markets, change policy quietly, and other acts come to light, and perhaps or not the reasoning behind it becomes exposed, the actions either fail or are set aside. A recent example is when billionaires started buying gold by the ton, the prices started to rise. When this came to light, gold dropped to below where it had been and... the story simply drifted onto a back burner. I am still watching that, as prices may again be on the rise if more quietly and slowly. Then again, just because one method is stopped does not always mean the effort is ended. For example, cap and trade was seen as one means of foisting a huge tax on Americans. When that failed, other implements of non-traditional taxation went forward. In this example, "quantitative easing". This is going to end up being a 20% tax (at least, if all goes right in a completely theoretic "solutions") on the American people. Who knows though, the attempt may have been a flood of loss on our currency and income and a rise in all other expenses through Cap and Trade, quantitative easing, and allowing of the sun-setting of the Bush tax cuts. There may be other methods in the works or as yet undiscovered or not yet drafted.
Sometimes the efforts end. Sometimes those pushing them just change lanes and hit the accelerator. It does seem that there is a large effort to strip Americans of our wealth. Everyone from the Fed to almost every Democrat and leftist (sometimes there is a difference, though the difference is more like the difference between Hitler and Mussolini than any real difference). Soros is in it. As are other limousine leftists. Who knows what Bill Gates and Ted Turner (who owns many if not most cattle production ranches in the U.S.) are doing. It is impossible to track them. A serious attempt by many of the ultra-rich along with political activists are, even when exposed, continuing a heavy handed attempt to financially and socially rape America. Whether they believe socialism works, because they think they can get richer off the deal, or just because they have the political tools in play to do it and feel that they can do it and want to do it, I am not sure.
As I have said, these plan are not new. They have existed for thousands of years. It takes a certain level of legal, social, and moral decay for these sorts to be in a position to outright lie, steal, and destroy. They believe, right or wrong, that they are in such a position. And, from what I can tell, they are correct. Even with many Americans finally awake, things like quantitative easing are going forward without regard to awareness. Even our trade situation with China, something they laugh about because of our seeming disinterest in letting them cheat the markets toward their favor, continues unabated. It would be amazing, funny even, if it was not so serious.
I still think the currency devaluation started with a war with China marking their currency to ours. And, I think in the beginning, that was precisely what it was about. At this point, either the thing has gotten out of hand or the hand has changed. Instead of the hand that controls these things working for U.S. interests, it is now working against our interests. At this point, it looks like the effort is to destroy the American economy and enrich China, creating a true second world power (which they are not at this point, 5 million troops who cannot fight out of a wet paper bag and 1 million engineers who could not construct a solid, safe, affordable ladder, is not a super power).
It came down to handing the reins of power over to a group of people who already had significant power to do harm and who wanted to do harm. When are the poor going to realize that the current acting president does not love them, he only wants every one to be like them? Is that truly what the poor in America, and the world, really want? At least, when coupled with the realization that once that is done, no one but politicians and their chosen and families will be able to gain wealth of even a middle class variety? Certain groups, to be sure. They honestly cannot make it without the government forcing their hiring, even their education.
There are two years to go before any real easing can begin. How much more damage is the Fed, Big Business for it's own purposes, and "our" government going to do? It is impossible to be sure, but this last election did little. What is more frustrating is the the Republican party damaged the chances of taking the Senate. We do not have friends in power. Elitists and fools in both branches and both aisles, who see us as a problem. This... will get ugly.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Research is back on track.
.
.
I am still barely living. I have eaten... or more I have not eaten in a couple of days. I am not drinking much either. I have probably eaten only about 5 or 6 times in the last 2 weeks. Dishes stand in the way, again. I ran out of caffeine some days ago and have simply not been in to the store or seen a sale as I look through the advertisements which would induce me to make a purchase. I am out of milk, so I need to go to the store anyway so that might change. I am simply not running on more than a few of my twelve cylinders.
What I have been getting back on track is research. From wheat types, to storage information, to tools. Digging through this and that has brought me back up to speed on some of my projects, interests, and ideas. I am busy bookmarking links, organizing them as I go, and learning more about things that were more peripheral until I stumbled on the new areas. It is not much but it is what I can do right at this moment.
One of the areas which I am digging into is tools. Power tools, while not functional after a major fall, expensive now, and never ending in variety and possible usages, are in my sights. Table saws are being explored. Of course, I keep Craigslist on tap and view there along with my research. Routers are also being explored, along with hand and power saws along the line of jigsaws. As well, as might be noticed, hand tools are being researched. I must admit, hand crafting wood items after a possible end to electricity would definitely be a lot of work. I suspect rough hewn would be the new fact of woodworking life.
As I research and decide, pick and choose, learn and understand, the realization that being both a prepper and almost anything else is akin to being a progressive conservative. Or, to put it more simply, it is impossible. If I want to do some things seriously, I actually have to spend for power tools, gas operated tools, air tools and the like. If I want to spend the next 20 years fixing up my home, sure, hand tools would work just fine. Which is it? Considering that the twenty year rout find me, if things are to be doubted more seriously, into a time where even nails would become scarce, that way is not so good. And yet, if I spend thousands on power tools only to be left with nothing but those, the work would end then as well. Decisions decisions... The truth is, it is all a gamble at this point. The trick is limiting exposure, doing the best I can to make the more probably successful choice in tools and expenditures, and going on with faith.
No, I am not really tangled up and drowning in these things, I only note them. I will do what I can with what I have, as I have always done. It is just a bothersome understanding. Then again, Christianity is bothersome in a similar fashion. To have one foot on earth and one foot in heaven means being fully in neither and yet free of neither either. It is a trick, but one which I think God created to help teach... something. I can guess at what He wants us to learn from this, but I cannot truly know. And, more, just like at college, knowing what is wanted does not necessarily make the chore any easier or more palatable either.
Well, back to looking over how to build a router table, which type of table saw (or even which class or where to find one more inexpensively), and what manuals would be best for home repair, upkeep, and improvement. Never forgetting to check my alternative news sources, blogs, and just... drift as well. Have a good night.
.
I am still barely living. I have eaten... or more I have not eaten in a couple of days. I am not drinking much either. I have probably eaten only about 5 or 6 times in the last 2 weeks. Dishes stand in the way, again. I ran out of caffeine some days ago and have simply not been in to the store or seen a sale as I look through the advertisements which would induce me to make a purchase. I am out of milk, so I need to go to the store anyway so that might change. I am simply not running on more than a few of my twelve cylinders.
What I have been getting back on track is research. From wheat types, to storage information, to tools. Digging through this and that has brought me back up to speed on some of my projects, interests, and ideas. I am busy bookmarking links, organizing them as I go, and learning more about things that were more peripheral until I stumbled on the new areas. It is not much but it is what I can do right at this moment.
One of the areas which I am digging into is tools. Power tools, while not functional after a major fall, expensive now, and never ending in variety and possible usages, are in my sights. Table saws are being explored. Of course, I keep Craigslist on tap and view there along with my research. Routers are also being explored, along with hand and power saws along the line of jigsaws. As well, as might be noticed, hand tools are being researched. I must admit, hand crafting wood items after a possible end to electricity would definitely be a lot of work. I suspect rough hewn would be the new fact of woodworking life.
As I research and decide, pick and choose, learn and understand, the realization that being both a prepper and almost anything else is akin to being a progressive conservative. Or, to put it more simply, it is impossible. If I want to do some things seriously, I actually have to spend for power tools, gas operated tools, air tools and the like. If I want to spend the next 20 years fixing up my home, sure, hand tools would work just fine. Which is it? Considering that the twenty year rout find me, if things are to be doubted more seriously, into a time where even nails would become scarce, that way is not so good. And yet, if I spend thousands on power tools only to be left with nothing but those, the work would end then as well. Decisions decisions... The truth is, it is all a gamble at this point. The trick is limiting exposure, doing the best I can to make the more probably successful choice in tools and expenditures, and going on with faith.
No, I am not really tangled up and drowning in these things, I only note them. I will do what I can with what I have, as I have always done. It is just a bothersome understanding. Then again, Christianity is bothersome in a similar fashion. To have one foot on earth and one foot in heaven means being fully in neither and yet free of neither either. It is a trick, but one which I think God created to help teach... something. I can guess at what He wants us to learn from this, but I cannot truly know. And, more, just like at college, knowing what is wanted does not necessarily make the chore any easier or more palatable either.
Well, back to looking over how to build a router table, which type of table saw (or even which class or where to find one more inexpensively), and what manuals would be best for home repair, upkeep, and improvement. Never forgetting to check my alternative news sources, blogs, and just... drift as well. Have a good night.
You may have noted, I could be spooky.
.
.
No, really. Some of you understand that what I write might indicate I have a negative capacity for anything. And, there is that. Asking for trust is not something I would say or recommend as a general rule. First, the people who say that upon being questioned are people you should absolutely avoid. But more, I do not think trust is quite what it seems. I might trust Joe for this and Carol for that, but neither on all things, or even most things, or even all that far in any direction. That is not cynicism, just an understanding of the fact we are a fallen people. Only God can be trusted, and that assuming there is life after death. Some trust death and taxes and yet, I do not pay taxes and death has failed me... quite often.
No, do not trust me. I will say in my defense that I am not a sociopath, a psychopath, or even all that dangerous without cause and perhaps even with cause. Perhaps I am and am simply unaware of the danger. I know I have potential to be extremely dangerous but I do not know how weakened that potential is at this point, at this age, in this health. I suspect a threat could and would be treated reasonably with whatever force might be required, to horrendous ends if absolutely pushed, but I realize I might not even see it coming and actually might prefer not to see it. This last is where I do not completely trust what I am saying. If I am conscious, there is a good chance I would see it and react with skills and talents beyond what most even understand exist. Being out of shape might be my one problem, but having been elevated to the level of a controlled psychosis, a trained and honed will which goes beyond what would kill many all by itself, I am not even sure of that. The thing is, it is controlled. I would not simply snap and go over the edge. As half wolf half dog breeds err on the side of the wild, I err on the side of the domestic... right down to blind need and even within absolute rage due to mechanical pain, from what I have seen.
However, having become what I am, I see in some the opposite and other flavors of chaos. There are many people who live a functional seemingly kindly life who would kill, cause social harm, do unethical amoral and immoral things either on some cue from some source antithetical to goodness or who are simply and truly feral. I see these people, I see into their souls, I know they are dead and have no chance of resurrection in this or the next life, at least not a resurrection into true life. There have been many movies which have depicted these types, though more in a fantasy way. Some that come to mind quickly include vampire and werewolf type movies, The Body Snatchers (several versions), the television series "V", and many others.
The difference between real life and movies and shows is that there are no aliens, or radioactive, chemical, or viral explanations. People choose to be evil and then give themselves over to that. If someone tells you that there is no good and no evil, they are lying. Further, they have chosen evil. There is no use discussing anything with these people, unless like me you like tinkering with their logic in such a way as to let them know you know precisely what they are. When they realize you have been in their shoes and have found a way out, they will hate you. They will hate you right down to wanting you dead. These, folks, are the people you had best treat like venomous vipers.
What frightens me is, today, there are huge numbers of these people. Some of them go to churches. Some of them act as ministers. They run academia, from K through Grad. They are in power in nearly every nation of the world, to various degrees. I must admit, however, these people have often risen to power throughout the history of the world. The problem with the past, and possibly the present, is they are a vast minority, split into factions, or both. As such, at least historically and usually, they have not been able to complete their quests. As I see it, though they have won in areas and for times, they have usually been stopped either totally or at their (or some) borders, often by good sometimes by other evils. Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, the names of their leaders are infamous, though these are only the recent ones. Those who support these people or their aims are among the walking dead, if there are others of differing forms. Chaos, evil, death, whatever you want to call it, uses many tools and many styles in order to perpetuate itself and destruction.
What does stand against these things? Family, actually, is one of the most powerful antidotes. Not dad, mom, and 2 1/2 children, but families of several to many children. Religion, true religion, does as well. Any religion that does not support the family in absolutes should be avoided. It is a false religion in the way that by their seed you will know them is true. Education, does as well if it is unadulterated. If education were limited to simple functional reading, math, and real science, that would be enough if family and religion were strongly encouraged. Reading is the strongest skill to pass to children, all else will flow from a good understanding of that, just as math is more vital than science in that with math all science may be known. There are real antidotes to evil. It is easily noticed what is being harassed in America, and the rest of the world, and which way who wants what to go forward, mostly. I must admit, I thought Americans had given or lost in that last election cycle. Or perhaps I thought the thing was no longer available for choice. It may be too late but it looks like Americans are not completely giving out. Still, I have been whipping this nightmare for decades. To see others just now waking up is... frustrating. Well, at least I see some hope, real hope. Though that may end up simply being people living ghosts of the life they once lead, but humbly and with real satisfactions. Time will tell.
The next time you speak with a professor, an atheist, a Democrat, a serial killer, a pedophile, a teacher, a union member, have a small list of questions. Is evil real? Are some things unquestionably wrong? Is there hope for the world? Can you do anything to correct anything? Are you responsible, personally, for what you do? Look into their eyes, listen to the tone of their voice, listen to how they say what they say. Not all are lost, but the ones who are are notable in their emptiness. Understand that nothing is empty. If there seems to be nothing inside, understand that something is being hidden. Possibly hidden even from the consciousness of the face which seems to be the person you are speaking with. Wow and are they brazen when they go to work doing whatever for reasons they may not even know. Hiding ballots, allowing criminal behavior, being lewd, on to murder and suicide. Some truly do not know what they do. The ones who do are much more dangerous, in that they pull others into darkness knowingly and with purposes other than mere gratifications. Look around, the face of evil is all around you.
Just because I know evil, what it thinks, how it reacts, and perhaps even why sometimes does not mean I accept or kneel to it. Not that one can only know himself by knowing his enemy, but whichever way it starts out, knowing one's self will surely allow one to know one's enemy, and vise-versa. I cannot say for sure I started out evil, I only know I was headed that way. I was deep in the enemy camp before I fully realized I was going to die forever if I stayed there. I saw their plans, they are rather simple. The madness one contends with in fighting them and those plans is merely illusion. They bring, create, craft, and get stuck in that madness, but it is a fiction. They are self-destructive. They know mostly hate, using sex or camaraderie or other facsimiles of goodness to draw people in. No, I am not among them. Actually, I am psychically allergic to them. I can sense them, smell them on some level. That is my story and I am sticking to it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Always finding more.
.
.
While prepping, I keep running into areas which I have not covered in any way. Some areas I have simply not considered at all. The one that worries me the most is health care. Though, in spite of my health problems, I have pretty much avoided medical care for a great deal of time. Then again, I saw what at least one minor wound can do. The bleeding from the finger would have eventually killed me. I simple flick of a knife in a seemingly minor part of the body, and I would have died if not treated. I realize that without careful specialized treatment, something I could not do myself, I would not have been able to treat that wound. And more, though I did not feel pain, at least in the part where they had to rip the finger open and use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding long enough to find and repair the bleeder, I am pretty sure I may not have been able to handle that part of the procedure without heavy (even if local) painkillers even if a doctor was otherwise available. None of that stuff is available to me where I live. Lots of people will die if they cannot handle the treatment. Even with a doctor, I am not sure a modern doctor would be willing to fight through a patient's resistance without having those painkillers available. Vodka will not work and knocking someone out mechanically is at least as dangerous as letting the wound go. And without penicillin, it almost does not matter. Lots of people will die.
Right now I am sort of stuck. Getting several things done would help but I cannot seem to get to them. The only good thing about it, perhaps, is that while I try and get back on track, there is some good chance my cash reserves will build up. Well, so long as the worth of the dollar remains functional for anything. I will keep trying to figure out how to escape my frozen cage and I will continue to research topics. Who knows, perhaps there is enough time to cover some of the bases.
Food and water storage are the main concerns. In this area I am mostly focusing on storing food, short and long term. Still, it would be really good to find a way to do livestock. Even just chickens or rabbits added in, as food, eggs, and fertilizer, would be good. After that, cooking and heating are next. I need to find the link to the various devices again... *sigh* And hopefully I can save enough over the winter to feel confident about discovering where my fireplace is and whether it is insert ready. Of course, I want some tools and equipment to allow travel if needed, trade goods, and minor pieces that make life, cooking, and social affairs a bit simpler or better. I have enough guns, minus a long range rifle, to hunt and for security. Still, everything I have is half or quarter or only partially initiated, stored, or collected. Keeping track of everything is another issue. This is a tough job to do in a singular way. It is what I have though.
I am thinking about ordering a few more books and a few more pieces here and there. Some old cookbooks, a number of collapsible canteens, a cheap and very good compass, and a few other things are on my list. I have found several books which might make home repairs and upgrades better, though I am nervous about buying them. So many books are pure junk! Well, so it goes. Once I have my bills paid, that being complicated by losing my computer again recently therefor requiring me to find who I owe, where and how to pay them again, or at least check to make sure planned payments are continuing, I will figure out where I am and what I have. Then again, the major purchase I would like to make this month is wheat. I am not sure though, whether to buy half winter half red, or what. I will be looking into it. I am not even sure how much I can afford yet. As well, I keep seeing buckets of this, supposedly air sealed and properly set for years of storage... for $15 or so per 5 gallon bucket... I guess I have my doubts on those... So many... thoughts and wonders...
.
While prepping, I keep running into areas which I have not covered in any way. Some areas I have simply not considered at all. The one that worries me the most is health care. Though, in spite of my health problems, I have pretty much avoided medical care for a great deal of time. Then again, I saw what at least one minor wound can do. The bleeding from the finger would have eventually killed me. I simple flick of a knife in a seemingly minor part of the body, and I would have died if not treated. I realize that without careful specialized treatment, something I could not do myself, I would not have been able to treat that wound. And more, though I did not feel pain, at least in the part where they had to rip the finger open and use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding long enough to find and repair the bleeder, I am pretty sure I may not have been able to handle that part of the procedure without heavy (even if local) painkillers even if a doctor was otherwise available. None of that stuff is available to me where I live. Lots of people will die if they cannot handle the treatment. Even with a doctor, I am not sure a modern doctor would be willing to fight through a patient's resistance without having those painkillers available. Vodka will not work and knocking someone out mechanically is at least as dangerous as letting the wound go. And without penicillin, it almost does not matter. Lots of people will die.
Right now I am sort of stuck. Getting several things done would help but I cannot seem to get to them. The only good thing about it, perhaps, is that while I try and get back on track, there is some good chance my cash reserves will build up. Well, so long as the worth of the dollar remains functional for anything. I will keep trying to figure out how to escape my frozen cage and I will continue to research topics. Who knows, perhaps there is enough time to cover some of the bases.
Food and water storage are the main concerns. In this area I am mostly focusing on storing food, short and long term. Still, it would be really good to find a way to do livestock. Even just chickens or rabbits added in, as food, eggs, and fertilizer, would be good. After that, cooking and heating are next. I need to find the link to the various devices again... *sigh* And hopefully I can save enough over the winter to feel confident about discovering where my fireplace is and whether it is insert ready. Of course, I want some tools and equipment to allow travel if needed, trade goods, and minor pieces that make life, cooking, and social affairs a bit simpler or better. I have enough guns, minus a long range rifle, to hunt and for security. Still, everything I have is half or quarter or only partially initiated, stored, or collected. Keeping track of everything is another issue. This is a tough job to do in a singular way. It is what I have though.
I am thinking about ordering a few more books and a few more pieces here and there. Some old cookbooks, a number of collapsible canteens, a cheap and very good compass, and a few other things are on my list. I have found several books which might make home repairs and upgrades better, though I am nervous about buying them. So many books are pure junk! Well, so it goes. Once I have my bills paid, that being complicated by losing my computer again recently therefor requiring me to find who I owe, where and how to pay them again, or at least check to make sure planned payments are continuing, I will figure out where I am and what I have. Then again, the major purchase I would like to make this month is wheat. I am not sure though, whether to buy half winter half red, or what. I will be looking into it. I am not even sure how much I can afford yet. As well, I keep seeing buckets of this, supposedly air sealed and properly set for years of storage... for $15 or so per 5 gallon bucket... I guess I have my doubts on those... So many... thoughts and wonders...
Some thoughts.
.
.
I get some flak for believing that liberals should not be publicly engaged in the news. People can believe what they want, but the liberals who are doing the discussions are not mainstream mom and pop Democrats. At this time, I really believe that giving liberals a fair and balanced place in discussions is somewhere between allowing 12 year old children a place on the panel and allowing Westerner killing jihadis into the discussion. Between wrong and evil, there is little place for them. Let alone having them be the "stars" of programs.
Now, does that mean I want a conservative or so called conservative providing news? No, not really. I would prefer to have a commentator who offers information in such a way, both in the delivery and the type of news, that I cannot tell what they believe. Like movie stars, rock stars, and others, I really do not care to know what some jackjaw thinks, especially given the decay and outright leftist, socialist, communist, highjacking of the education system through which these idiots gained their bona fides.
When we get to commentary, a novel source of debating, I think even here liberal have no good place. I will admit that having some of them appear does remind me why I am not liberal, but they just as often cloud the discussion or side track what is being discussed, and are allowed to do so. Much like blogs, if the discussion is about the weather, I really do not want to hear about someone's favorite pet. These people do this always and everywhere. It is how they came to power. It should not be allowed.
I must admit, this latest bailout has me more concerned than ever. I do believe this will devalue the dollar. Glenn Beck seems to think the devaluation will be approximately 20% at best. I do not know, but that would probably be a minimum. I do honestly think that business can move forward with or without the dollar or some other viable currency, if there are two problems. It would take business some period of time to switch to a trusted economic system and it would be sloppy until it was implemented.
The good thing about this is it really might get people who are beginning to wake up to look beyond the mere face of politics and into the economic facets of power. I am doing that at this point. Perhaps behind some, definitely ahead of others. The Fed, the gold standard, and other issues are bound to become focal points. How banks work and what they are doing. Of course, the problem is, good research and real understanding are not created over night. Beyond, when and if that understanding does arrive, it then must be acted on, and from the ground level up since much of the upper echelon are quite happy with status quo whether they know it is wrong or not.
I am not sure if Americans yet know that a true economic collapse could really happen tomorrow or not. But it can. It might. Actually, to some degree or other, it has to happen. It is happening. I know many who looked a little bit and quit looking because they could not deal with this reality. They will not discuss it, they will not read anything more, and they choose to simply believe that yesterday is today is tomorrow. I can sense the trouble, simply in the air. No matter what we do with this meager victory, the hands cannot be turned back, the damage cannot be undone, and life as we know it is over. By the time you feel it in the grocery stores, when receiving your income, or when figuring out your economic realities, there will be no time to plan for it. You will simply be dealing with the reality of it in the harshest of ways. It is not coming, it is here.
I cannot blame this administration and the last congress, completely. It was headed this way for... a very long time. The creation of the Fed, the end of the gold standard, the creation of the welfare state and the various increases in that, even Social Security and most pension plans, these have all lead to the Perfect Economic Storm. We created the illusion of wealth by changing what the term "dollar" means, we adjusted the economic factors to mean what we wanted so that it looked like we were all getting rich, and now it is time for all of those decades of lying and abuse to come due. What they did do, however, is increase the problems which created the disaster so as to multiply the affect when it finally comes due. Republicans, no doubt, are doing similar things if their methods are slightly different.
Perhaps these people are correct, to a degree, that appearances are more important than facts. To some degree, that is true. If someone believes something, with only minor proofs, they will act as if that is true. Police keep civil rest, for the most part, because those who would do otherwise believe that the police can do that. The truth is, a major civil unrest episode is completely out of the hands of the police, and even state militias (barring the use of deadly force, and maybe even with that) to control. There are simply too many people. There are, what, 360 million people and only a few million military personnel, many of whom are not combatants. Belief is vital, for almost anything, but certainly with regards to a fiat dollar, one every one can clearly see is being devalued by thieves, liars, and politicians. We have no friends in high places. Even those we like and trust may not fully understand or even have the power to make the right changes even if they do understand.
Drats! Another book. Well, so be it.
.
I get some flak for believing that liberals should not be publicly engaged in the news. People can believe what they want, but the liberals who are doing the discussions are not mainstream mom and pop Democrats. At this time, I really believe that giving liberals a fair and balanced place in discussions is somewhere between allowing 12 year old children a place on the panel and allowing Westerner killing jihadis into the discussion. Between wrong and evil, there is little place for them. Let alone having them be the "stars" of programs.
Now, does that mean I want a conservative or so called conservative providing news? No, not really. I would prefer to have a commentator who offers information in such a way, both in the delivery and the type of news, that I cannot tell what they believe. Like movie stars, rock stars, and others, I really do not care to know what some jackjaw thinks, especially given the decay and outright leftist, socialist, communist, highjacking of the education system through which these idiots gained their bona fides.
When we get to commentary, a novel source of debating, I think even here liberal have no good place. I will admit that having some of them appear does remind me why I am not liberal, but they just as often cloud the discussion or side track what is being discussed, and are allowed to do so. Much like blogs, if the discussion is about the weather, I really do not want to hear about someone's favorite pet. These people do this always and everywhere. It is how they came to power. It should not be allowed.
I must admit, this latest bailout has me more concerned than ever. I do believe this will devalue the dollar. Glenn Beck seems to think the devaluation will be approximately 20% at best. I do not know, but that would probably be a minimum. I do honestly think that business can move forward with or without the dollar or some other viable currency, if there are two problems. It would take business some period of time to switch to a trusted economic system and it would be sloppy until it was implemented.
The good thing about this is it really might get people who are beginning to wake up to look beyond the mere face of politics and into the economic facets of power. I am doing that at this point. Perhaps behind some, definitely ahead of others. The Fed, the gold standard, and other issues are bound to become focal points. How banks work and what they are doing. Of course, the problem is, good research and real understanding are not created over night. Beyond, when and if that understanding does arrive, it then must be acted on, and from the ground level up since much of the upper echelon are quite happy with status quo whether they know it is wrong or not.
I am not sure if Americans yet know that a true economic collapse could really happen tomorrow or not. But it can. It might. Actually, to some degree or other, it has to happen. It is happening. I know many who looked a little bit and quit looking because they could not deal with this reality. They will not discuss it, they will not read anything more, and they choose to simply believe that yesterday is today is tomorrow. I can sense the trouble, simply in the air. No matter what we do with this meager victory, the hands cannot be turned back, the damage cannot be undone, and life as we know it is over. By the time you feel it in the grocery stores, when receiving your income, or when figuring out your economic realities, there will be no time to plan for it. You will simply be dealing with the reality of it in the harshest of ways. It is not coming, it is here.
I cannot blame this administration and the last congress, completely. It was headed this way for... a very long time. The creation of the Fed, the end of the gold standard, the creation of the welfare state and the various increases in that, even Social Security and most pension plans, these have all lead to the Perfect Economic Storm. We created the illusion of wealth by changing what the term "dollar" means, we adjusted the economic factors to mean what we wanted so that it looked like we were all getting rich, and now it is time for all of those decades of lying and abuse to come due. What they did do, however, is increase the problems which created the disaster so as to multiply the affect when it finally comes due. Republicans, no doubt, are doing similar things if their methods are slightly different.
Perhaps these people are correct, to a degree, that appearances are more important than facts. To some degree, that is true. If someone believes something, with only minor proofs, they will act as if that is true. Police keep civil rest, for the most part, because those who would do otherwise believe that the police can do that. The truth is, a major civil unrest episode is completely out of the hands of the police, and even state militias (barring the use of deadly force, and maybe even with that) to control. There are simply too many people. There are, what, 360 million people and only a few million military personnel, many of whom are not combatants. Belief is vital, for almost anything, but certainly with regards to a fiat dollar, one every one can clearly see is being devalued by thieves, liars, and politicians. We have no friends in high places. Even those we like and trust may not fully understand or even have the power to make the right changes even if they do understand.
Drats! Another book. Well, so be it.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Code.
.
.
Ah ha! I found the codes for my county and a place to lay my hands on one of the three or four different variations of code books currently being used. That one costs right at about $240. My worry is that the code will change. That code was written in 1988. Could you imagine buying all the books and having the code references be revised? I will continue to search online. I did note that the county is required to keep three copies of each on hand. I am not sure that means I may access them though. Further, I am not sure access would mean much if it was designated that I only read the material wherever it is stored. Still, after a few weeks of searching, I have a bit more to go on. On quick review, actually there are six various code books used, fire (two of these, different sources), electric, plumbing and mechanical, and general (two of these, different dates)... I think. Ugh. At least I can be sure these are ripe for the ease of do it yourselfers!
The main ones, I believe, are by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1988, and from International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 1988. Most of the books are from 1988, though the electrical guides were printed in 1990. I am pretty sure, that with these resources in hand, or printable, I could look over tasks I am considering and break them down, look them up, and figure things out. I doubt if it would be a fast process, but it should be doable. The electrical aspect possibly, and the gas for sure, might be something best left for professionals. With electric, it is more because the jobs are much more tedious and might require more than one guy than because they are over the top (like some wiring stringing, running from the box to the switch, and such). With gas it is because I do not trust the durned stuff at all.
I am trying to figure out how to get education in this field in a way that is more practical than just tearing out walls and figuring things out from there. Given my inability to function on any given day, I am not seeing that. It may simply come down to doing what I can, as I can, and hoping.
I had a couple of gentlemen stop by tonight. They are locals, doing a social call. My place is not exactly the neatest, but that was fine. I was not exactly company ready myself, but did not wish to be rude. We had an interesting discussion, learned a bit about each other and I learned a little about the town. I have suggested that they may send people to visit, apparently a monthly thing, and that I am interested in offering some money for the local food locker. It seems also that they do local networking for disasters and such. There are block captains and some sort of civil plans. All good. I look forward to having the visitors and learning more.
One of the reasons I have not cooked as much here as I had hoped is that I have precious little counter space. Cupboard space I have in spades, which will be nice if I can get more counter space. I am even considering having a split isle and a sitting whole island. The kitchen is actually huge but all floor space. Raising the cupboards would also help though, too. As is, the counter space is an odd space for me to bend in and down to use. I would actually like to put up a kitchen work bench for temporary usage. It would be super to have a place where I can cut or otherwise work that is open all around and raised for my optimal use. It is odd, but it is often seemingly little or even trivial seeming things that make all the difference. Oh, and open shelving underneath to have easy access to my larger appliances and pans! We will see. Another thing on my list.
Well, I am going to try to get to bed soon and try and get up early. Good night.
.
Ah ha! I found the codes for my county and a place to lay my hands on one of the three or four different variations of code books currently being used. That one costs right at about $240. My worry is that the code will change. That code was written in 1988. Could you imagine buying all the books and having the code references be revised? I will continue to search online. I did note that the county is required to keep three copies of each on hand. I am not sure that means I may access them though. Further, I am not sure access would mean much if it was designated that I only read the material wherever it is stored. Still, after a few weeks of searching, I have a bit more to go on. On quick review, actually there are six various code books used, fire (two of these, different sources), electric, plumbing and mechanical, and general (two of these, different dates)... I think. Ugh. At least I can be sure these are ripe for the ease of do it yourselfers!
The main ones, I believe, are by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1988, and from International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 1988. Most of the books are from 1988, though the electrical guides were printed in 1990. I am pretty sure, that with these resources in hand, or printable, I could look over tasks I am considering and break them down, look them up, and figure things out. I doubt if it would be a fast process, but it should be doable. The electrical aspect possibly, and the gas for sure, might be something best left for professionals. With electric, it is more because the jobs are much more tedious and might require more than one guy than because they are over the top (like some wiring stringing, running from the box to the switch, and such). With gas it is because I do not trust the durned stuff at all.
I am trying to figure out how to get education in this field in a way that is more practical than just tearing out walls and figuring things out from there. Given my inability to function on any given day, I am not seeing that. It may simply come down to doing what I can, as I can, and hoping.
I had a couple of gentlemen stop by tonight. They are locals, doing a social call. My place is not exactly the neatest, but that was fine. I was not exactly company ready myself, but did not wish to be rude. We had an interesting discussion, learned a bit about each other and I learned a little about the town. I have suggested that they may send people to visit, apparently a monthly thing, and that I am interested in offering some money for the local food locker. It seems also that they do local networking for disasters and such. There are block captains and some sort of civil plans. All good. I look forward to having the visitors and learning more.
One of the reasons I have not cooked as much here as I had hoped is that I have precious little counter space. Cupboard space I have in spades, which will be nice if I can get more counter space. I am even considering having a split isle and a sitting whole island. The kitchen is actually huge but all floor space. Raising the cupboards would also help though, too. As is, the counter space is an odd space for me to bend in and down to use. I would actually like to put up a kitchen work bench for temporary usage. It would be super to have a place where I can cut or otherwise work that is open all around and raised for my optimal use. It is odd, but it is often seemingly little or even trivial seeming things that make all the difference. Oh, and open shelving underneath to have easy access to my larger appliances and pans! We will see. Another thing on my list.
Well, I am going to try to get to bed soon and try and get up early. Good night.
Grumpy.
.
.
Hoping for more, expecting less, getting what one gets, that is life if things work out to some degree of how fallen man interacts with the world. Pessimism? Sure, surrounded by optimism, ingrained with a little salt, sugar, some spices, and of course some "other" (7% by law is it?). It is not always tasty but it works. It does not do what it needs to do and is guaranteed on only one account. It will fail in the end. And?
I still have no solid numbers on how many seats have changed hands at the various levels of government. A few nice things, some of the old old old guys gone if not all, three of the Iowa supreme court judges who legislated gay marriage into law are gone, and a few states taken I had not suspected would be in play. Some bad, Reid, the Senate, Barney, and more. I cannot believe how far America has fallen that large swaths of people would elect Barney, actually. Let alone discuss what he is publicly. Therein lies the problem. I wonder if women could not vote if he would ever be seated? Bah!
I do not think this is why I am grumpy though. That is sort of what I had expected. Until I hear the final numbers on the House, I cannot know if this wave was as big as it was supposed to be, or even the size I pegged it. That does not really matter, it is an ego thing. No, I am grumpy because I stayed up way late, it took so much effort to get to the poles, I am hungry, and the kitten and cat seem to want unending attention today. Usually not a problem, and I still give them a good deal of attention, but I am simply not in the mood to be crowded. Like women, they want to cuddle when I need space. On the good side... I am really enjoying being quietly, humbly, simply... grumpy.
.
Hoping for more, expecting less, getting what one gets, that is life if things work out to some degree of how fallen man interacts with the world. Pessimism? Sure, surrounded by optimism, ingrained with a little salt, sugar, some spices, and of course some "other" (7% by law is it?). It is not always tasty but it works. It does not do what it needs to do and is guaranteed on only one account. It will fail in the end. And?
I still have no solid numbers on how many seats have changed hands at the various levels of government. A few nice things, some of the old old old guys gone if not all, three of the Iowa supreme court judges who legislated gay marriage into law are gone, and a few states taken I had not suspected would be in play. Some bad, Reid, the Senate, Barney, and more. I cannot believe how far America has fallen that large swaths of people would elect Barney, actually. Let alone discuss what he is publicly. Therein lies the problem. I wonder if women could not vote if he would ever be seated? Bah!
I do not think this is why I am grumpy though. That is sort of what I had expected. Until I hear the final numbers on the House, I cannot know if this wave was as big as it was supposed to be, or even the size I pegged it. That does not really matter, it is an ego thing. No, I am grumpy because I stayed up way late, it took so much effort to get to the poles, I am hungry, and the kitten and cat seem to want unending attention today. Usually not a problem, and I still give them a good deal of attention, but I am simply not in the mood to be crowded. Like women, they want to cuddle when I need space. On the good side... I am really enjoying being quietly, humbly, simply... grumpy.
I hate to say it...
.
.
But I think we, really, lost. No Senate means very little change and only marginal power. To get anything done, negotiations will have to take place. Those negotiations do not favor the minor part of the power base real conservatives hold. The Dems are not going to back down or suddenly track right. It is a good start. But without those given an in doing something, which at this point they cannot do, there is little hope that those who loaned their vote will be hip on doing it again. With the speed at which modern Americans live, via the internet, facebook, texting, and all, people expect the world to change in their favor immediately. If it does not happen, they drift off. Having the attention span of fleas does not serve anyone. Just look at the elections from 1994 onward. Especially if exit polling is correct. The main issue was jobs. Those cannot return even after the problems with jobs being suppressed by high taxation and a corrupt new medical system are abated in full, and then time is allowed for business to spring back. Indians, ghost dancing, buffalo... smoke, mirrors, delusions, and death.
Beyond that, once people are shown that no matter how hard they work, the next administration or Congress just might loot it all, there is little incentive to keep trying. Once the initiative for people to strive for more is gone, it is a very difficult thing to bring back. I am not sure we saw anything tonight. A side note on a failed attempt to end the historic march to political and economic madness. I will continue to store goods and foods and pray. My hope, definitely, is not political. But the hopes I had for a political resolution to this nation becoming a hard socialism are fading quickly. It is not dead though. The next cycle will decide, without any doubt, if America is lost. By the third cycle out, we will know if America is perpetually lost or if it has a chance. I am not holding my breath. But then, I have a good chance of not be breathing by then anyway. I can, and would, roll in my grave though.
Good night.
.
But I think we, really, lost. No Senate means very little change and only marginal power. To get anything done, negotiations will have to take place. Those negotiations do not favor the minor part of the power base real conservatives hold. The Dems are not going to back down or suddenly track right. It is a good start. But without those given an in doing something, which at this point they cannot do, there is little hope that those who loaned their vote will be hip on doing it again. With the speed at which modern Americans live, via the internet, facebook, texting, and all, people expect the world to change in their favor immediately. If it does not happen, they drift off. Having the attention span of fleas does not serve anyone. Just look at the elections from 1994 onward. Especially if exit polling is correct. The main issue was jobs. Those cannot return even after the problems with jobs being suppressed by high taxation and a corrupt new medical system are abated in full, and then time is allowed for business to spring back. Indians, ghost dancing, buffalo... smoke, mirrors, delusions, and death.
Beyond that, once people are shown that no matter how hard they work, the next administration or Congress just might loot it all, there is little incentive to keep trying. Once the initiative for people to strive for more is gone, it is a very difficult thing to bring back. I am not sure we saw anything tonight. A side note on a failed attempt to end the historic march to political and economic madness. I will continue to store goods and foods and pray. My hope, definitely, is not political. But the hopes I had for a political resolution to this nation becoming a hard socialism are fading quickly. It is not dead though. The next cycle will decide, without any doubt, if America is lost. By the third cycle out, we will know if America is perpetually lost or if it has a chance. I am not holding my breath. But then, I have a good chance of not be breathing by then anyway. I can, and would, roll in my grave though.
Good night.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Done.
.
.
I finally did get it together, get to the polls, and cast my vote. If we win the Senate, I will call it a victory. If we win only the House, I will call it a draw. It looks to be a draw. Which means almost nothing will change, one way or the other. I am not enthused. Well, back to seeing if I can find sources that make sense of the mess. I could be wrong, but I do think the Senate is a lost cause at this point.
.
I finally did get it together, get to the polls, and cast my vote. If we win the Senate, I will call it a victory. If we win only the House, I will call it a draw. It looks to be a draw. Which means almost nothing will change, one way or the other. I am not enthused. Well, back to seeing if I can find sources that make sense of the mess. I could be wrong, but I do think the Senate is a lost cause at this point.
Oh, right.
.
.
If I piss you off, take a breath, take a step back, and recheck. I may not always sound funny, then again, I do not always aim to. Right after I make you giggle like a little girl on a sugar high, I may just make you squeal like a little boy who just found out how much it hurts to have man parts. It is a talent. And, I do so with myself. Well, maybe not literally, but that is not the point.
If you have things that make you hurt, understand, I will find and explore them. Same goes for most of your emotional ties. I may not be as good at it as Pinhead in Hellraiser, but I am not too shabby. Not that I even do it on purpose, it seems to be a natural quality... if you use the term quality in a slightly alternate meaning. Then again, I think there are positives to the quality. It strengthens people around me and ensures that friends can take a hit. One shot friends are not friends. It even strengthens me, if too at times it cripples me. Yes, yes, what I do to myself with this skill makes what I do to others seem like child's play. I suppose that is why I am so surprised when someone gets upset at me about it. *thwack* Oh, that hurt? Ah, okies. My bad. *thwack* So ll y, again. Kiss and kick, hug and toss, it is the way of things.
I do get into my writing and thoughts. It just flows. Something in the back of my mind brews ideas like a tea kettle heats water. Then the whistle lets off steam. Though the exit of that psychic steam seems turbulent and chaotic, it is actually quite logical, directed, and mathematically and physically explainable and coherent. That is not to say it is correct, always, only that there is method, rhyme, reasoning, and such involved. My writing is, sometimes, just like that. Not always, but when I get going, hit a set of keywords and phrases, it might just hit that crescendo. And I do not, can not, correct for feelings, political biases, or much else. Neither did Clemens though. He would not have been published if his wife had not "corrected" (edited) his work... heavily. I wish I could get my hands on some of his unedited work, curiosity you know.
Just... letting you know. I bite, I sting, and I probably do not even realize it. Thinking back, I see it. But by then it is written, posted, and... hitting it's mark. BAM But I will not change what I have written. If I think I am wrong, or think it was too harsh, and think about it, I may add in another post. Bah!
.
If I piss you off, take a breath, take a step back, and recheck. I may not always sound funny, then again, I do not always aim to. Right after I make you giggle like a little girl on a sugar high, I may just make you squeal like a little boy who just found out how much it hurts to have man parts. It is a talent. And, I do so with myself. Well, maybe not literally, but that is not the point.
If you have things that make you hurt, understand, I will find and explore them. Same goes for most of your emotional ties. I may not be as good at it as Pinhead in Hellraiser, but I am not too shabby. Not that I even do it on purpose, it seems to be a natural quality... if you use the term quality in a slightly alternate meaning. Then again, I think there are positives to the quality. It strengthens people around me and ensures that friends can take a hit. One shot friends are not friends. It even strengthens me, if too at times it cripples me. Yes, yes, what I do to myself with this skill makes what I do to others seem like child's play. I suppose that is why I am so surprised when someone gets upset at me about it. *thwack* Oh, that hurt? Ah, okies. My bad. *thwack* So ll y, again. Kiss and kick, hug and toss, it is the way of things.
I do get into my writing and thoughts. It just flows. Something in the back of my mind brews ideas like a tea kettle heats water. Then the whistle lets off steam. Though the exit of that psychic steam seems turbulent and chaotic, it is actually quite logical, directed, and mathematically and physically explainable and coherent. That is not to say it is correct, always, only that there is method, rhyme, reasoning, and such involved. My writing is, sometimes, just like that. Not always, but when I get going, hit a set of keywords and phrases, it might just hit that crescendo. And I do not, can not, correct for feelings, political biases, or much else. Neither did Clemens though. He would not have been published if his wife had not "corrected" (edited) his work... heavily. I wish I could get my hands on some of his unedited work, curiosity you know.
Just... letting you know. I bite, I sting, and I probably do not even realize it. Thinking back, I see it. But by then it is written, posted, and... hitting it's mark. BAM But I will not change what I have written. If I think I am wrong, or think it was too harsh, and think about it, I may add in another post. Bah!
I am dragging bottom.
.
.
A rough night of sleep and late getting out of bed. No, nothing to do with the elections. I am simply running rough these last few months. It is a tough day for me to be getting ready and then getting out. But I will do it. If I could just wake up a little more I would feel a lot better about it is all. I have, for the most part, been ignoring the news, at least political news. There will be no real news until 20:00 or 22:00, and that only very tentative. The real news will probably come in much later or tomorrow.
Odds? Odds are that most of the people elected will take office. There will be more Frankins, of course. Soros seems to have gotten his money into too many pockets. Close calls will be wrangled and cheaters will win on those. If it is not a win by 2% or 4,000 votes or more, Soros will win. Until things are corrected in that area, that is the way of it. And do not think conservative states will have this down, I almost would guess that is where his money started to pour in. I am very dubious of the election officials and have been anyway for a long time. Too many middle aged or older women working those positions and that demographic is... notoriously notable for their partisanship. They always seem to have their token white guy seemingly heading the things, but he often wears a bow tie. Demographics, again. Bow ties are... out.
I still have not figured out how to deal with Sassy. No matter what I do, she still will occasionally attack, hard. I have avoided swatting her hard, merely pushing her off my lap, leg, or back, setting her down on the ground, then stomping the floor and hollering as the best method. Well, that and not letting her visit even nicely for a while. Sneaky as she is, after that harshest attack, I am able to keep an eye on her almost always now. She is larger and my peripheral vision and hearing are excellent. Perhaps more or different toys? On the other hand, I have finally gotten her to stop scratching most of the furniture. One thing at a time.
I had best get a shower, clean up the beard, groom otherwise, and hit the voting booth. Just in case I have to travel, if I have the wrong one somehow, I should be there early enough. I used to be all for Dems and Reps voting. Not so much anymore. I hope if you are a conservative, understand the issues, and know what is going on, you get out and vote. If not, I hope you stay home and find something useful to do there.
.
A rough night of sleep and late getting out of bed. No, nothing to do with the elections. I am simply running rough these last few months. It is a tough day for me to be getting ready and then getting out. But I will do it. If I could just wake up a little more I would feel a lot better about it is all. I have, for the most part, been ignoring the news, at least political news. There will be no real news until 20:00 or 22:00, and that only very tentative. The real news will probably come in much later or tomorrow.
Odds? Odds are that most of the people elected will take office. There will be more Frankins, of course. Soros seems to have gotten his money into too many pockets. Close calls will be wrangled and cheaters will win on those. If it is not a win by 2% or 4,000 votes or more, Soros will win. Until things are corrected in that area, that is the way of it. And do not think conservative states will have this down, I almost would guess that is where his money started to pour in. I am very dubious of the election officials and have been anyway for a long time. Too many middle aged or older women working those positions and that demographic is... notoriously notable for their partisanship. They always seem to have their token white guy seemingly heading the things, but he often wears a bow tie. Demographics, again. Bow ties are... out.
I still have not figured out how to deal with Sassy. No matter what I do, she still will occasionally attack, hard. I have avoided swatting her hard, merely pushing her off my lap, leg, or back, setting her down on the ground, then stomping the floor and hollering as the best method. Well, that and not letting her visit even nicely for a while. Sneaky as she is, after that harshest attack, I am able to keep an eye on her almost always now. She is larger and my peripheral vision and hearing are excellent. Perhaps more or different toys? On the other hand, I have finally gotten her to stop scratching most of the furniture. One thing at a time.
I had best get a shower, clean up the beard, groom otherwise, and hit the voting booth. Just in case I have to travel, if I have the wrong one somehow, I should be there early enough. I used to be all for Dems and Reps voting. Not so much anymore. I hope if you are a conservative, understand the issues, and know what is going on, you get out and vote. If not, I hope you stay home and find something useful to do there.
Monday, November 1, 2010
DYI not what it is cracked up to be.
.
.
Want to tackle a kitchen make-over? Would you like to re-do the bathroom? Curious about doing electrical work? First there is the work. There are, I am sure, somewhere, codes to be viewed. Look around, ask around, browse the web, you will... after a long time... get somewhere with that. Check the dates though, code can change, and drastically, quickly. What codes are you looking at? You do realize that federal, state, and county codes may apply, right? Okay, you find the codes, you draft a plan, and it is not just the easy way. You do know that beyond code, there is a cheap way to do something and a right way to do something, right? Okay, you are all set up. You know where to put 2 x 4s and not 2 x 2s or 3s. You realize that 6mm is what you should use, not the 4mm sheet code suggests. You know that wiring in metal fixtures needs shielding for several possible reasons. You have, after a great deal of research, found the right price for the supplies you will need. Next comes the work. Much of it is not difficult. Time consuming, tedious, nitpicking, sure. A few spots might take a little more muscle than what you can supply. Mechanical means or asking around might make that work well, but those things are not frequent. Stamina, here like fighting, is more important than strength (at least in my experience). Now, you do realize, while you are digging into your home, you may find things that cannot simply be covered back up without treatments? An inspector would not allow it. Oh, you did not realize an inspector might not allow something? Or that common sense, health, and safety (not even simply the stuff unions have shoved into law, which they often ignore, but that is not the point) might demand that you make fixes? Follow me a bit further on this, please.
How much can a simple repair or upgrade turn into? Imagine if you set aside $15,000 for a kitchen renovation and it turned into a $60,000 (or more) job? What in the world is one to do? Honestly? What if you cannot even close up the job or the inspector, further, condemns your property either because the repairs are code required or what you opened up is necessary for habitation and yet cannot be finished due to the uncovered code violation(s)? Yes, it does bug me. I think most work, anymore, requires paperwork. I have not found out what all needs that, but my guess is almost anything that involves electric, gas, digging, or structural concerns would need to be filed. You could probably get away with not filing for a permit. But that sounds a lot like not getting a driver's license or hunting without a license. It is fine until you get caught. As well, if you ever plan on selling your home, code will become a huge issue. Pay now or later.
Frustrated? A bit. Both with the legal tangles, the need for them, and the abuses surrounding it all. To be honest, I have not really checked into much of this, other than on the periphery. I have not contacted the county, or at least the one I live in. I have not checked this or that. I have simply been studying things I want done and running into walls, questions, doubts, and troubles. I have watched good professionals in several fields fix problems left by others, and at great expense. Doing something wrong can easily end up with expenses greater than the initial costs which is really sad when actually doing it right the first time might have been cheaper in the beginning. Further, even a single, let alone several, minor mistake can make your home dangerous or lethal. Many contractors simply cannot be trusted. Even if they are decent, they may well cover up something knowing you cannot pay. Many are good at one thing but totally ignorant about other areas. Others are completely unscrupulous. Just some things to note.
On to politics. I hope the Republicans are taking notes. If they win as big as is predicted, or bigger, they best understand that there is a very small list of wants from the electorate. We do not want corporatism. That is just the opposite (in the vein that, in a circle, the opposite taken full circle is the same) of socialism. If these politicians stick to hammering funding cuts, tax cuts, and reducing both personal and corporate regulation in a reasonable manner, they will win more room to wiggle. Lets be honest though, even good representatives HAVE to kick back something to those who supported them. Let us not lie here. It is more a matter of how and what they do that will count. (for example, spending reasonably and helping a business or community expand versus putting money in the pockets of a politician's children) They have no mandate to try new socialist programs, to push through regulations which hurt competition in favor of the big dogs, to do anything at all but stop the machine or reverse it if they can. They best not work with or for the current administration. At this point, it looks like closing down the government might actually be better than allowing Obamacare to continue, for example. The judgments will be as swift as three months, the punishment will be in two years. I honestly believe the Democrat party may be dead and the Republican party may well be on it's way out... if we have enough Republicans who are more for doing the right things than continuing this left and lefter two party game of the last half a century. It might take time to create a third party that is functional and strong enough to rout the Dem party and contest Republicans. But if the Republican party does not figure out that it is our tool rather than the other way around, it will cease to hold power.
The bouncing from Republican to Democrat and back should be a warning to both parties. Neither is fulfilling our needs or wants. Perhaps this is all about jobs and the economy, but I doubt it. I think these last half a dozen cycles have been about people looking for people to do the right things and do them well and consistently. Neither party has pulled through and the third parties have not been rational enough, or simply have not resonated with people (problematic as we are, that is what is). I am amazed though. I honestly thought the Republican party, and the Republic, was over. We will see.
On to health. Drinking that much water (4 x 16 ounces so far) is actually difficult. My throat is dry. The back of my tongue down the throat a ways is a bit sore... raspish. I have tried it room temperature but I simply cannot get it down that way, I gag. My water is both softened and then run through reverse osmosis, so it is not bad water. A few ice cubes per glass has helped. How odd. For as much water as people suggest I drink, I have to wonder about the reality of doing so long term. Maybe it will become easier in time? I have never really felt thirsty, though I know I do not often always feel my body and what it wants well. From physical pain to cold or heat, in different ways, I simply do not have a close association with my body.
As well, I keep reading about others who have similar symptoms, of the mind and body. Some are much worse off, others are more functional. There are always variations. Some of those are real, some are perceived I would guess. When dealing with the mind, objectivity is almost impossible. As bad as things can be for me, I actually am not all that bad off. Life closes in on me sometimes, but I often have freedom. And when I am free, I have enough income and time to enjoy, at least the little things. Further, I am neither addicted to anything (illegal), violent, truly paranoid (like in the movies), or even really hateful. I enjoy a plethora of emotions and moods. I enjoy cats and plants and tinkering. I can still mess with math, up to and sometimes well beyond calculus. I can read, write (within my skill level), and be with people (or not). I guess my sadness is that I do not quite have enough financial freedom to do more, I have too much time, and yet I am not quite functional enough to be a professional or otherwise more useful, productive, active. Bugs, crickets, and frogs, I say!
I watched the new zombie mini-series. Not bad, mostly. Typical egalitarian picks for "good guys", the usual dolt of a hero, and not a lot of explanation (yet). Considering there is some time, I can bide that time. I am hoping the rest of the series shapes up to something decent. The love triangle thing already has me edgy. I know it is a part of life, but do they need to infect every part of every story with it? Yeah, I like women. Sure, families are nice. I realize the drama all of it brings. But me, I am looking for a good scary story. KISS, remember that.
Well, that should be enough. Good night, probably. I am going to try and get my 6:00 wake-ups back in the schedule. Plus, I want to be up early to remember to go vote, and make sure I have enough time to shower, groom, and zoom in order to 'castigate' my vote. :P Sleep well.
.
Want to tackle a kitchen make-over? Would you like to re-do the bathroom? Curious about doing electrical work? First there is the work. There are, I am sure, somewhere, codes to be viewed. Look around, ask around, browse the web, you will... after a long time... get somewhere with that. Check the dates though, code can change, and drastically, quickly. What codes are you looking at? You do realize that federal, state, and county codes may apply, right? Okay, you find the codes, you draft a plan, and it is not just the easy way. You do know that beyond code, there is a cheap way to do something and a right way to do something, right? Okay, you are all set up. You know where to put 2 x 4s and not 2 x 2s or 3s. You realize that 6mm is what you should use, not the 4mm sheet code suggests. You know that wiring in metal fixtures needs shielding for several possible reasons. You have, after a great deal of research, found the right price for the supplies you will need. Next comes the work. Much of it is not difficult. Time consuming, tedious, nitpicking, sure. A few spots might take a little more muscle than what you can supply. Mechanical means or asking around might make that work well, but those things are not frequent. Stamina, here like fighting, is more important than strength (at least in my experience). Now, you do realize, while you are digging into your home, you may find things that cannot simply be covered back up without treatments? An inspector would not allow it. Oh, you did not realize an inspector might not allow something? Or that common sense, health, and safety (not even simply the stuff unions have shoved into law, which they often ignore, but that is not the point) might demand that you make fixes? Follow me a bit further on this, please.
How much can a simple repair or upgrade turn into? Imagine if you set aside $15,000 for a kitchen renovation and it turned into a $60,000 (or more) job? What in the world is one to do? Honestly? What if you cannot even close up the job or the inspector, further, condemns your property either because the repairs are code required or what you opened up is necessary for habitation and yet cannot be finished due to the uncovered code violation(s)? Yes, it does bug me. I think most work, anymore, requires paperwork. I have not found out what all needs that, but my guess is almost anything that involves electric, gas, digging, or structural concerns would need to be filed. You could probably get away with not filing for a permit. But that sounds a lot like not getting a driver's license or hunting without a license. It is fine until you get caught. As well, if you ever plan on selling your home, code will become a huge issue. Pay now or later.
Frustrated? A bit. Both with the legal tangles, the need for them, and the abuses surrounding it all. To be honest, I have not really checked into much of this, other than on the periphery. I have not contacted the county, or at least the one I live in. I have not checked this or that. I have simply been studying things I want done and running into walls, questions, doubts, and troubles. I have watched good professionals in several fields fix problems left by others, and at great expense. Doing something wrong can easily end up with expenses greater than the initial costs which is really sad when actually doing it right the first time might have been cheaper in the beginning. Further, even a single, let alone several, minor mistake can make your home dangerous or lethal. Many contractors simply cannot be trusted. Even if they are decent, they may well cover up something knowing you cannot pay. Many are good at one thing but totally ignorant about other areas. Others are completely unscrupulous. Just some things to note.
On to politics. I hope the Republicans are taking notes. If they win as big as is predicted, or bigger, they best understand that there is a very small list of wants from the electorate. We do not want corporatism. That is just the opposite (in the vein that, in a circle, the opposite taken full circle is the same) of socialism. If these politicians stick to hammering funding cuts, tax cuts, and reducing both personal and corporate regulation in a reasonable manner, they will win more room to wiggle. Lets be honest though, even good representatives HAVE to kick back something to those who supported them. Let us not lie here. It is more a matter of how and what they do that will count. (for example, spending reasonably and helping a business or community expand versus putting money in the pockets of a politician's children) They have no mandate to try new socialist programs, to push through regulations which hurt competition in favor of the big dogs, to do anything at all but stop the machine or reverse it if they can. They best not work with or for the current administration. At this point, it looks like closing down the government might actually be better than allowing Obamacare to continue, for example. The judgments will be as swift as three months, the punishment will be in two years. I honestly believe the Democrat party may be dead and the Republican party may well be on it's way out... if we have enough Republicans who are more for doing the right things than continuing this left and lefter two party game of the last half a century. It might take time to create a third party that is functional and strong enough to rout the Dem party and contest Republicans. But if the Republican party does not figure out that it is our tool rather than the other way around, it will cease to hold power.
The bouncing from Republican to Democrat and back should be a warning to both parties. Neither is fulfilling our needs or wants. Perhaps this is all about jobs and the economy, but I doubt it. I think these last half a dozen cycles have been about people looking for people to do the right things and do them well and consistently. Neither party has pulled through and the third parties have not been rational enough, or simply have not resonated with people (problematic as we are, that is what is). I am amazed though. I honestly thought the Republican party, and the Republic, was over. We will see.
On to health. Drinking that much water (4 x 16 ounces so far) is actually difficult. My throat is dry. The back of my tongue down the throat a ways is a bit sore... raspish. I have tried it room temperature but I simply cannot get it down that way, I gag. My water is both softened and then run through reverse osmosis, so it is not bad water. A few ice cubes per glass has helped. How odd. For as much water as people suggest I drink, I have to wonder about the reality of doing so long term. Maybe it will become easier in time? I have never really felt thirsty, though I know I do not often always feel my body and what it wants well. From physical pain to cold or heat, in different ways, I simply do not have a close association with my body.
As well, I keep reading about others who have similar symptoms, of the mind and body. Some are much worse off, others are more functional. There are always variations. Some of those are real, some are perceived I would guess. When dealing with the mind, objectivity is almost impossible. As bad as things can be for me, I actually am not all that bad off. Life closes in on me sometimes, but I often have freedom. And when I am free, I have enough income and time to enjoy, at least the little things. Further, I am neither addicted to anything (illegal), violent, truly paranoid (like in the movies), or even really hateful. I enjoy a plethora of emotions and moods. I enjoy cats and plants and tinkering. I can still mess with math, up to and sometimes well beyond calculus. I can read, write (within my skill level), and be with people (or not). I guess my sadness is that I do not quite have enough financial freedom to do more, I have too much time, and yet I am not quite functional enough to be a professional or otherwise more useful, productive, active. Bugs, crickets, and frogs, I say!
I watched the new zombie mini-series. Not bad, mostly. Typical egalitarian picks for "good guys", the usual dolt of a hero, and not a lot of explanation (yet). Considering there is some time, I can bide that time. I am hoping the rest of the series shapes up to something decent. The love triangle thing already has me edgy. I know it is a part of life, but do they need to infect every part of every story with it? Yeah, I like women. Sure, families are nice. I realize the drama all of it brings. But me, I am looking for a good scary story. KISS, remember that.
Well, that should be enough. Good night, probably. I am going to try and get my 6:00 wake-ups back in the schedule. Plus, I want to be up early to remember to go vote, and make sure I have enough time to shower, groom, and zoom in order to 'castigate' my vote. :P Sleep well.
Things to think about.
.
.
Scurvy? Scurvy indeed. Visiting one of my usual reads, I clicked on a link which lead me to this very topic. The initial post concerned lost knowledge and how valuable some of it really is. The linked article concerned scurvy, something that once basically cured came back to haunt those who forgot. Though there was misunderstanding, advances, and economic factors that affected the need for "the cure", which made understanding how the problem came back... well... understandable.
What is scurvy, and can it be cured? What was all this about? It seems scurvy is not a disease, so it cannot be cured. Scurvy is a deficiency of vitamin C. It is not a pleasant ailment and will end in death if not properly treated. Why does that have anything to do with me? As a man who is storing goods for long term food and survival needs, this is vital. Though vitamin C is in every growing thing, mostly, of vegetable origin, it is also easily lost through cooking or storing food. Doh! So, my next job is to investigate what vitamins and minerals might be useful for long term storage needs, and their expiration dates (real and manufacturing). Of course, I still have dozens of research projects on the books, tons of expenses to be made already, and much of that I have to recapsulate since I lost my hard drives. But, that is the way of it. Back to researching.
One thing that baffles me, about the upcoming election cycle, is the notion that Republicans will win some huge supermajority in the House but not take control of the Senate. Perhaps the Senate options are more strongly positioned in "liberal" bastions, perhaps the conservative candidates are weak for one reason or another, or perhaps people who are prognosticating are just wrong. Of course, there is a larger number of seats to be won in the House, making slight changes seem more pronounced. We will see.
Oh, water. I have never drank enough water. Somehow, in my readings, water keeps coming up. Often the suggestions for consumption have been ridiculous. This last reading, like many others, suggested drinking one's weight, divided by two, in ounces of water per day. So, 140 ounces of water per day? See what I mean, ridiculous. However, this last article suggested that some portion of that water will be gained by eating food. If a little more than half of that suggested intake is eaten, say 80 ounces, that still leaves 60 ounces. I suppose I can do that, and a little more. I am trying to make sure to drink 4 to 6 16 ounce glasses of water per day here on out. Why? Because some of my problems may be a result of dehydration. I wish there were clearer studies on water consumption for various levels of activity, by sex, by size, and such. I do, though, think the push to drink tons of water is hocus pocus. We will see. Along with a continued good diet, there might be hope though.
I am on the fence about an complete, systemic, economic and social collapse. I do know the potential is there, both small, medium, and large scale. My difficulty believing flat out is that so many parties are working so hard for their individual state and personal goals that much will be forgiven to keep the flow going. China, if I am right, is as much behind bankers taking foreclosed houses rather than who probably does have legal claim to them demanding those as is any corporatist in our current and future government. They are not the only country to wish this, merely one of the larger players. Even European concerns, Japanese financiers, and other holders of the toxic debt are suggesting this all go away quietly. It is a house of cards but nobody, and I mean NOBODY, wants to rock the boat. Neither conservative, "liberal", communist, socialist, banker, typical American, typical foreigner, those with horses in that race or those who have no horse in the race. The ones who want to see this upturned either have some problems, or believe they can make a small fortune through suits or trickery of their own, or are a form of ideal purist. Disagree, but that is how I am seeing it. Not that I agree, but I am not going to demand to see the damages below decks before getting into the life boat.
The currency war, why our dollar is "flagging" actually, is another thing. We are trying to get China to unhitch it's currency from ours, still. It has become a problem. They said they would do so and have failed to comply with what they said. The war continues. While many want the dollar high, because of China's gains through a high U.S. dollar, it is unwise socioeconomically and politically to allow the dollar to rise. Europe is being crushed by this, as is the Middle East through oil prices. I am not even sure the economic war is completely about China's currency fight, though I think that was a primary catalyst. Oil is a part of it, and strangling the finances of terrorism is in there perhaps. It is merely a ploy, a tactic. As with generals giving orders, their are always casualties. One could be angry with generals, but it is wiser to dislike wars, if foolish to despise even war. It has it's purpose, use, and there is reason even in that madness sometimes.
Though I find Vox interesting, I have some wonder if his finger is in the pie that would gain from a major collapse or banktropcy (death of banks). Maybe yes, maybe no. I am not sure how much I trust his drive and direction. He seems to have personal ponies in the race, which tends to show him not only betting on the dark horse, but hoping for it regardless of his fiscal involvements. Much like burying your head in gold sand, despising American politics, and idealism over practicality (even if rightly at times), there are problems. I see a ghost of Soros there, that is all I can say for sure.
As well, many survivalists(tm) seem imbued with a fascination in what seems folly to me. Food, check, gear, check, guns, check, seeds, check, ground to plant, check, even solar power, way check if you can do it, but gold?, silver?, solitude?, anarchy (what else would one say about suggesting shooting at approaching military units, or suicidal)? Lots of things to think about. All I am saying is I will learn about my Church doctrines, pray, prepare, but choose wisdom and even (especially) charity over brute survival... at least within reason and surety as I understand these things. Yeah yeah, I know. There would be many darker realities if all falls. I am no fool, simpleton, or coward. But in darkness is when light shines the brightest. If you have it, that is the time to let it shine. Think for yourself, you do not have friends who randomly inform you of wisdom. Learn of wisdom and see if others fit that, then interact or learn from them after they pass muster or in the areas in which they do "fit". Those who do not pass muster will be charity or dead weight spiritually, and you can only carry so much before you fall to their darkness.
Sassy will not receive smack downs. I was pretty tired and my feelings were a bit lit up after her attack yesterday. And, I knew that. Her fine bones and lack of understanding make striking her a poor choice. She probably would not understand. That does not mean she might not get swiped while jumping on me, unexpectedly, with claws drawn. It just means I will try to find other methods if I have the wits to think the thing through beforehand. I did get some of the oddest suggestions though, in my search for cat behavior modification. Like, spraying her with water when she scratches furniture, but not to let her see me do it. HUH? I do not have an invisible suit or super powers. I am inventive, if that has limits to the constraints of reality. Another was setting up cans in front of where I do not want her to scratch. I think those would be more of a problem for me than her. Hey, maybe a squirt gun that shoots around corners, with a flexi-scope! Doh! Idiots.
.
Scurvy? Scurvy indeed. Visiting one of my usual reads, I clicked on a link which lead me to this very topic. The initial post concerned lost knowledge and how valuable some of it really is. The linked article concerned scurvy, something that once basically cured came back to haunt those who forgot. Though there was misunderstanding, advances, and economic factors that affected the need for "the cure", which made understanding how the problem came back... well... understandable.
What is scurvy, and can it be cured? What was all this about? It seems scurvy is not a disease, so it cannot be cured. Scurvy is a deficiency of vitamin C. It is not a pleasant ailment and will end in death if not properly treated. Why does that have anything to do with me? As a man who is storing goods for long term food and survival needs, this is vital. Though vitamin C is in every growing thing, mostly, of vegetable origin, it is also easily lost through cooking or storing food. Doh! So, my next job is to investigate what vitamins and minerals might be useful for long term storage needs, and their expiration dates (real and manufacturing). Of course, I still have dozens of research projects on the books, tons of expenses to be made already, and much of that I have to recapsulate since I lost my hard drives. But, that is the way of it. Back to researching.
One thing that baffles me, about the upcoming election cycle, is the notion that Republicans will win some huge supermajority in the House but not take control of the Senate. Perhaps the Senate options are more strongly positioned in "liberal" bastions, perhaps the conservative candidates are weak for one reason or another, or perhaps people who are prognosticating are just wrong. Of course, there is a larger number of seats to be won in the House, making slight changes seem more pronounced. We will see.
Oh, water. I have never drank enough water. Somehow, in my readings, water keeps coming up. Often the suggestions for consumption have been ridiculous. This last reading, like many others, suggested drinking one's weight, divided by two, in ounces of water per day. So, 140 ounces of water per day? See what I mean, ridiculous. However, this last article suggested that some portion of that water will be gained by eating food. If a little more than half of that suggested intake is eaten, say 80 ounces, that still leaves 60 ounces. I suppose I can do that, and a little more. I am trying to make sure to drink 4 to 6 16 ounce glasses of water per day here on out. Why? Because some of my problems may be a result of dehydration. I wish there were clearer studies on water consumption for various levels of activity, by sex, by size, and such. I do, though, think the push to drink tons of water is hocus pocus. We will see. Along with a continued good diet, there might be hope though.
I am on the fence about an complete, systemic, economic and social collapse. I do know the potential is there, both small, medium, and large scale. My difficulty believing flat out is that so many parties are working so hard for their individual state and personal goals that much will be forgiven to keep the flow going. China, if I am right, is as much behind bankers taking foreclosed houses rather than who probably does have legal claim to them demanding those as is any corporatist in our current and future government. They are not the only country to wish this, merely one of the larger players. Even European concerns, Japanese financiers, and other holders of the toxic debt are suggesting this all go away quietly. It is a house of cards but nobody, and I mean NOBODY, wants to rock the boat. Neither conservative, "liberal", communist, socialist, banker, typical American, typical foreigner, those with horses in that race or those who have no horse in the race. The ones who want to see this upturned either have some problems, or believe they can make a small fortune through suits or trickery of their own, or are a form of ideal purist. Disagree, but that is how I am seeing it. Not that I agree, but I am not going to demand to see the damages below decks before getting into the life boat.
The currency war, why our dollar is "flagging" actually, is another thing. We are trying to get China to unhitch it's currency from ours, still. It has become a problem. They said they would do so and have failed to comply with what they said. The war continues. While many want the dollar high, because of China's gains through a high U.S. dollar, it is unwise socioeconomically and politically to allow the dollar to rise. Europe is being crushed by this, as is the Middle East through oil prices. I am not even sure the economic war is completely about China's currency fight, though I think that was a primary catalyst. Oil is a part of it, and strangling the finances of terrorism is in there perhaps. It is merely a ploy, a tactic. As with generals giving orders, their are always casualties. One could be angry with generals, but it is wiser to dislike wars, if foolish to despise even war. It has it's purpose, use, and there is reason even in that madness sometimes.
Though I find Vox interesting, I have some wonder if his finger is in the pie that would gain from a major collapse or banktropcy (death of banks). Maybe yes, maybe no. I am not sure how much I trust his drive and direction. He seems to have personal ponies in the race, which tends to show him not only betting on the dark horse, but hoping for it regardless of his fiscal involvements. Much like burying your head in gold sand, despising American politics, and idealism over practicality (even if rightly at times), there are problems. I see a ghost of Soros there, that is all I can say for sure.
As well, many survivalists(tm) seem imbued with a fascination in what seems folly to me. Food, check, gear, check, guns, check, seeds, check, ground to plant, check, even solar power, way check if you can do it, but gold?, silver?, solitude?, anarchy (what else would one say about suggesting shooting at approaching military units, or suicidal)? Lots of things to think about. All I am saying is I will learn about my Church doctrines, pray, prepare, but choose wisdom and even (especially) charity over brute survival... at least within reason and surety as I understand these things. Yeah yeah, I know. There would be many darker realities if all falls. I am no fool, simpleton, or coward. But in darkness is when light shines the brightest. If you have it, that is the time to let it shine. Think for yourself, you do not have friends who randomly inform you of wisdom. Learn of wisdom and see if others fit that, then interact or learn from them after they pass muster or in the areas in which they do "fit". Those who do not pass muster will be charity or dead weight spiritually, and you can only carry so much before you fall to their darkness.
Sassy will not receive smack downs. I was pretty tired and my feelings were a bit lit up after her attack yesterday. And, I knew that. Her fine bones and lack of understanding make striking her a poor choice. She probably would not understand. That does not mean she might not get swiped while jumping on me, unexpectedly, with claws drawn. It just means I will try to find other methods if I have the wits to think the thing through beforehand. I did get some of the oddest suggestions though, in my search for cat behavior modification. Like, spraying her with water when she scratches furniture, but not to let her see me do it. HUH? I do not have an invisible suit or super powers. I am inventive, if that has limits to the constraints of reality. Another was setting up cans in front of where I do not want her to scratch. I think those would be more of a problem for me than her. Hey, maybe a squirt gun that shoots around corners, with a flexi-scope! Doh! Idiots.
So much to think about!
.
.
I realized, today, for the umpteenth time in my life, how superficial most of civil life is. Can you honestly decide whether two people will end up being married based on a few criteria? Actually, yes. They will not be looking for the same parameters in each other, but the common modern variables are simple and empty. How about employment, all else being equal? Yes, a quick look will say it all... if you know what the employer wants. That usually is a quite small grouping of wants, if not always predictable from the outset. It seems many are hired precisely to be empty chairs, suits, skirts. They are hired to be incompetent so as to make it easier for those who plan to impoverish the company for their and the maybe the board's advantage.
We honestly live in one of the most dishonest, shallow, weak, corrupt, and defiled ages man has known. Perhaps it is just how many people now exist and that an evil done need not seemingly be shameful since no one else will know in any particular place one could move even should one get caught. Heck, there are places for people who do despicable things. Havens. Perhaps the end of times is near and this is just proof. It is not just civil life. Academia has rotted, the medical, legal, and professional classes have been indoctrinated by that rot, and there is little left outside of the sphere of that influence. If the end times are not coming, if death and destruction are not waiting in the wings, then we are in for a retched century... perhaps even millennium. Then again, even that was predicted.
I have my doubts, from time to time. I know there is still hope, weak as that may be. But I know the hope we see in a Republican, or even conservative, run is not what many are hoping. No government can create anything, save death and slavery. If the people who are voting, vote successfully for a conservative consortium and then get it, they may be sorely disappointed in the result. Jobs may or may not be created with the governments' various feet off the throat of corporations and businesses. If that is done the wrong way, we will merely replace the government's jackboot for a corporatist jackboot on our throats. There are so many ways this can go wrong and so few ways it can happen correctly. Even a revised civil war will probably end democratic republicanism. Narrow is the path. I would guess that praying is more important than almost anything else we could do. How many, though, still pray? We cannot do this, not on our own. As even Christ said, not My will, but His (the (His) Father's). Even should we lose all, life included, praying would be worth the price.
What I said earlier, about "conservative" pundits being scared? Just tonight I heard several of them, from several sources, suggesting that it would be better for "us" if we do not win the Senate. What? Idiocy is just that. No advantage, at this point, can be spared. Perhaps they were merely afraid to hope, or trying to inspire voters in those elections, or some other tactic. But that is not what it sounded like. I think I smelled... French! Cheese eating surrender monkeys hoping against hope that their own party would not gain the Senate. These talking heads are afraid. And well they should be.
I am considering sending for my mother. I am not sure how to move her out here. She will have to save up money for her move... the truck, the gas, the settling. I will figure out how to go out and help with the move, packing, driving, and paying for a place to rest on the way. I do think she will be an expense, so it is not about money. I just cannot believe otherwise. And yet she has many skills which she could teach. There is work here she could do. She is older, slower, and... well, ought to fit in. Some ground rules would have to be made. Why? So that I do not go crazy when or if the SHTF. I do not know if it would work, having her here, I only know it weighs heavily on my mind. She would not only be a potentially huge wasted resource as a woman who has lived on home made... everything... She is my mother. I need to call her. We need to talk. When I am ready. Fie!
Hmm, Sassy has become a bit dangerous with her claws. I have been cutting back on milk. I think they have been drinking far too much. She has decided otherwise. This is not play. I have some wicked scrapes now. I will not tolerate that, at all. Sam is good as long as I feed reasonably often and keep the litter boxes clean. Sam, actually, is one of the best cats I have ever met. I am hoping Sassy will come around. She is still growing however. I would guess some sort of hormonal things are going on as well, despite spaying before menstruation. How to punish without hurting though, or making the situation worse, or causing psychosis? Water does not always work. A wild one, this kitten. I may have to read up on what real owners do to change behavior. Actually, I think the reason Sam does not like Sassy is that Sassy will claw Sam (the harsh way) for not offering milk. Sassy really can be just a nasty little beast. I am almost considering a serious spank? Spraying water just makes her sneakier in her attacks. Pondering the deal.
Well, it's bed time. Past actually, and I still have another task. Good night.
.
I realized, today, for the umpteenth time in my life, how superficial most of civil life is. Can you honestly decide whether two people will end up being married based on a few criteria? Actually, yes. They will not be looking for the same parameters in each other, but the common modern variables are simple and empty. How about employment, all else being equal? Yes, a quick look will say it all... if you know what the employer wants. That usually is a quite small grouping of wants, if not always predictable from the outset. It seems many are hired precisely to be empty chairs, suits, skirts. They are hired to be incompetent so as to make it easier for those who plan to impoverish the company for their and the maybe the board's advantage.
We honestly live in one of the most dishonest, shallow, weak, corrupt, and defiled ages man has known. Perhaps it is just how many people now exist and that an evil done need not seemingly be shameful since no one else will know in any particular place one could move even should one get caught. Heck, there are places for people who do despicable things. Havens. Perhaps the end of times is near and this is just proof. It is not just civil life. Academia has rotted, the medical, legal, and professional classes have been indoctrinated by that rot, and there is little left outside of the sphere of that influence. If the end times are not coming, if death and destruction are not waiting in the wings, then we are in for a retched century... perhaps even millennium. Then again, even that was predicted.
I have my doubts, from time to time. I know there is still hope, weak as that may be. But I know the hope we see in a Republican, or even conservative, run is not what many are hoping. No government can create anything, save death and slavery. If the people who are voting, vote successfully for a conservative consortium and then get it, they may be sorely disappointed in the result. Jobs may or may not be created with the governments' various feet off the throat of corporations and businesses. If that is done the wrong way, we will merely replace the government's jackboot for a corporatist jackboot on our throats. There are so many ways this can go wrong and so few ways it can happen correctly. Even a revised civil war will probably end democratic republicanism. Narrow is the path. I would guess that praying is more important than almost anything else we could do. How many, though, still pray? We cannot do this, not on our own. As even Christ said, not My will, but His (the (His) Father's). Even should we lose all, life included, praying would be worth the price.
What I said earlier, about "conservative" pundits being scared? Just tonight I heard several of them, from several sources, suggesting that it would be better for "us" if we do not win the Senate. What? Idiocy is just that. No advantage, at this point, can be spared. Perhaps they were merely afraid to hope, or trying to inspire voters in those elections, or some other tactic. But that is not what it sounded like. I think I smelled... French! Cheese eating surrender monkeys hoping against hope that their own party would not gain the Senate. These talking heads are afraid. And well they should be.
I am considering sending for my mother. I am not sure how to move her out here. She will have to save up money for her move... the truck, the gas, the settling. I will figure out how to go out and help with the move, packing, driving, and paying for a place to rest on the way. I do think she will be an expense, so it is not about money. I just cannot believe otherwise. And yet she has many skills which she could teach. There is work here she could do. She is older, slower, and... well, ought to fit in. Some ground rules would have to be made. Why? So that I do not go crazy when or if the SHTF. I do not know if it would work, having her here, I only know it weighs heavily on my mind. She would not only be a potentially huge wasted resource as a woman who has lived on home made... everything... She is my mother. I need to call her. We need to talk. When I am ready. Fie!
Hmm, Sassy has become a bit dangerous with her claws. I have been cutting back on milk. I think they have been drinking far too much. She has decided otherwise. This is not play. I have some wicked scrapes now. I will not tolerate that, at all. Sam is good as long as I feed reasonably often and keep the litter boxes clean. Sam, actually, is one of the best cats I have ever met. I am hoping Sassy will come around. She is still growing however. I would guess some sort of hormonal things are going on as well, despite spaying before menstruation. How to punish without hurting though, or making the situation worse, or causing psychosis? Water does not always work. A wild one, this kitten. I may have to read up on what real owners do to change behavior. Actually, I think the reason Sam does not like Sassy is that Sassy will claw Sam (the harsh way) for not offering milk. Sassy really can be just a nasty little beast. I am almost considering a serious spank? Spraying water just makes her sneakier in her attacks. Pondering the deal.
Well, it's bed time. Past actually, and I still have another task. Good night.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
There were a few.
.
.
Young and old, some with parents, some teens, I did get a number of trick or treaters. I enjoyed the thing. I forgot to take a picture of the pumpkins all lit up, but will try to remember tomorrow. I am simply too tired now. Watching scary movies between visitors and just enjoying the evening was not a bad deal.
On the political scene, I have noted that many talking head establishment conservatives are as nervous as any Democrat. They loved the surge until they realized... they are next. They will not be able to talk the talk then skate. The mood is not convenient for graft, nepotism, insider trading, cheating, lying, and such. These so-called conservatives and talking heads realize that it is not they who are winning, but Americans. We are not interested in politics as a game, but many of us might literally seemingly be taking the sport as more than a game and mean business. They, in other words, realize they are just as likely to be next after the communists are crushed. Oh yes, I do see the fear in their eyes, hear the quiver in their voices, and see the wary words they banter.
Conservativism, whatever it used to mean, now means cutting government, cutting expenses, and cutting taxes. It means getting government out of ordinary people's lives and businesses. It means ending all the green initiatives and rolling that whole agenda back to before reason fled this nation. By the way, you do realize that for almost all of American history to include before we were a nation, river water has been undrinkable almost everywhere, right? No, this craziness has to end. Business has been burdened beyond it's ability to translate raw materials into goods so that we are left with technological edge (fast fading due to the hostile take-over of education making it into re-education), finance (and our "quality" is showing there), and services.
What will happen is anyone's guess. Some say it is black and white. Some say it is completely unknowable. I think it, in the bigger picture, is probably rather visible and dependent on what Americans choose to do as both consumers, an electorate, and as citizens. So far, if only tenuously, America is still ruled by the citizen. They have forgotten their duty, they have been distracted, humiliated, and reduced by the attacks on family, religion, and even common sense. If Americans actually choose to become adults, good Christians, and reverse much of the damaging laws and ethics, there is a chance. If they choose to continue to live like adult sized children, dependent upon a government that not only cannot but will not ever bee a caring entity, the gig is up. I really hope this is more than a hiccup on the way to slavery... but I honestly doubt it. One sign of positive change will be if women lose their right to vote, their super right to employment, and many of the "rights" they have come to possess without any true right, cause, real need, and in many cases to even want.
Time, as they say, will tell.
Good night.
.
Young and old, some with parents, some teens, I did get a number of trick or treaters. I enjoyed the thing. I forgot to take a picture of the pumpkins all lit up, but will try to remember tomorrow. I am simply too tired now. Watching scary movies between visitors and just enjoying the evening was not a bad deal.
On the political scene, I have noted that many talking head establishment conservatives are as nervous as any Democrat. They loved the surge until they realized... they are next. They will not be able to talk the talk then skate. The mood is not convenient for graft, nepotism, insider trading, cheating, lying, and such. These so-called conservatives and talking heads realize that it is not they who are winning, but Americans. We are not interested in politics as a game, but many of us might literally seemingly be taking the sport as more than a game and mean business. They, in other words, realize they are just as likely to be next after the communists are crushed. Oh yes, I do see the fear in their eyes, hear the quiver in their voices, and see the wary words they banter.
Conservativism, whatever it used to mean, now means cutting government, cutting expenses, and cutting taxes. It means getting government out of ordinary people's lives and businesses. It means ending all the green initiatives and rolling that whole agenda back to before reason fled this nation. By the way, you do realize that for almost all of American history to include before we were a nation, river water has been undrinkable almost everywhere, right? No, this craziness has to end. Business has been burdened beyond it's ability to translate raw materials into goods so that we are left with technological edge (fast fading due to the hostile take-over of education making it into re-education), finance (and our "quality" is showing there), and services.
What will happen is anyone's guess. Some say it is black and white. Some say it is completely unknowable. I think it, in the bigger picture, is probably rather visible and dependent on what Americans choose to do as both consumers, an electorate, and as citizens. So far, if only tenuously, America is still ruled by the citizen. They have forgotten their duty, they have been distracted, humiliated, and reduced by the attacks on family, religion, and even common sense. If Americans actually choose to become adults, good Christians, and reverse much of the damaging laws and ethics, there is a chance. If they choose to continue to live like adult sized children, dependent upon a government that not only cannot but will not ever bee a caring entity, the gig is up. I really hope this is more than a hiccup on the way to slavery... but I honestly doubt it. One sign of positive change will be if women lose their right to vote, their super right to employment, and many of the "rights" they have come to possess without any true right, cause, real need, and in many cases to even want.
Time, as they say, will tell.
Good night.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Pumpkins carved, candy set out and ready, groomed.
.
.
I am not sure any will show up, it is sprinkling as I speak. It is a cold sprinkle too, of course, given time of year and location. There is some chance little goblins, ghouls, ghosts, super heroes, and princesses will still find their way here. It could easily stop misting. And in any case, some might brave the weather anyway. Oh, I also did change the porch light. The old one was burned out.
I would like to make candy to hand out. There are several problems with that, at this point. I am not well established enough to be trusted. I am not sure how many to expect so it would be difficult gauge how much to make. And a large batch might end up being a bit much no matter how far in advance I might start such a project. I was always a bit dubious about home made treats when I was a child. Sometimes, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Home made chocolate chip cookies were my favorite, peanut butter cookies were and remain my least favorite with oatmeal cookies pulling up pretty close to peanut butter cookies. Yes, prejudiced I am.
The pumpkins are nothing special. I had looked online for quite some time to try and find a couple of patterns. I saw nothing I could really use and beyond, my tools are a bit limited. So... I freehanded, sort of. I drew a few designs and either carved or skinned to create a couple of very simply designs. I hope to have better tools next year. I simply could not get out and shop for them while time ran out this year. In any case, I am pleased to have done the little I did do. I do like the kids coming by, I think I owe it to all those who 'fed' me in my youth, and it is sort of an insurance policy (if not an absolute one) against eggs, toilet paper, and various other rascal options. I would know... from other kids mind you. I was actually already a prude in most ways by the time I was out and about. Even a tootsie roll was better than nothing and often might be all someone could afford. Those who did not treat, well, I considered it their loss though have come to understand some people simply do not have extra for anything. The grumpy people suffer under the weight of their own oppression, an egg will neither help nor hurt them.
Good luck with the gremlins in your neighborhoods.
.
I am not sure any will show up, it is sprinkling as I speak. It is a cold sprinkle too, of course, given time of year and location. There is some chance little goblins, ghouls, ghosts, super heroes, and princesses will still find their way here. It could easily stop misting. And in any case, some might brave the weather anyway. Oh, I also did change the porch light. The old one was burned out.
I would like to make candy to hand out. There are several problems with that, at this point. I am not well established enough to be trusted. I am not sure how many to expect so it would be difficult gauge how much to make. And a large batch might end up being a bit much no matter how far in advance I might start such a project. I was always a bit dubious about home made treats when I was a child. Sometimes, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Home made chocolate chip cookies were my favorite, peanut butter cookies were and remain my least favorite with oatmeal cookies pulling up pretty close to peanut butter cookies. Yes, prejudiced I am.
The pumpkins are nothing special. I had looked online for quite some time to try and find a couple of patterns. I saw nothing I could really use and beyond, my tools are a bit limited. So... I freehanded, sort of. I drew a few designs and either carved or skinned to create a couple of very simply designs. I hope to have better tools next year. I simply could not get out and shop for them while time ran out this year. In any case, I am pleased to have done the little I did do. I do like the kids coming by, I think I owe it to all those who 'fed' me in my youth, and it is sort of an insurance policy (if not an absolute one) against eggs, toilet paper, and various other rascal options. I would know... from other kids mind you. I was actually already a prude in most ways by the time I was out and about. Even a tootsie roll was better than nothing and often might be all someone could afford. Those who did not treat, well, I considered it their loss though have come to understand some people simply do not have extra for anything. The grumpy people suffer under the weight of their own oppression, an egg will neither help nor hurt them.
Good luck with the gremlins in your neighborhoods.
Not sure.
.
.
This election is looking like it might be much more than what it seems. We will see, but Christmas might indeed be early... for conservatives. The House alone would be little or nothing. The House and Senate would be an end to much of what has been happening. Further, even liberals in those places would lose nerve and change course. Communist idealism would die if congress as a whole changed hands. There is some chance that this might be exactly what is about to happen. That does not mean conservatives can stay home and hope though. Hope is precisely why they need to get out. We have seen what hope does.
I am holding my breath. I will be out voting myself if I have to figure a way to crawl there. I wish I knew others locally who would stop by and make sure I get there. You know me. In any case, despite my current condition, I will find a way.
What I find astounding, and I will try to keep track of the polls, is how wrong they are looking to be. For example, if O'Donnel wins, I have to think that she did not "gain" in the last week or two but that the polls were wrong from the outset. If she wins by a landslide, I have to believe further that the polling data is and always was skewed to keep conservatives at home rather than ever being a realistic tool. Then again, like many other conservatives I know, when called by the pollsters I automatically hang up when called, I ignore or decline "invitations" to comment, and I do not discuss much with what might be (pollsters of all types always come across as this) a liberal. I do not think I am alone. Actually, I have some small fear of personal retribution from these types. Not personal violence, these types are weak. But vandalism of all sorts, attacks on my records, hacking, and other types of typically "liberal" means. Again, from speaking with others, I realize I am not alone.
I am amazed at how many conservatives are stepping out and up though. I am further surprised at how many Democrats are leaving their party (often saying they did not leave their party but as I have said that their party left them). I have considered what has changed in the last 4, 8, even 12 years. What has changed is internet access so that so-called "msm" can be bypassed, access to history that has not been deconstructed, access to literal votes and who, the processes by which both parties have worked, and a couple of other things have become public record. The internet, or more properly, the clarification and honesty that the internet used properly can bring, has changed the course of events in America, and will affect the whole world. George Soros and the rest of the shadow entourage can no longer sneak in, steal, lie, cheat, and control and remain in the shadows. Further, spooks do very poorly in the spot light.
As for the feared fall of the economic world? Depending on the outcome, either that will be put on hold and we will remain in economic limbo or the crash will be denied as Americans rebuild our economy. Of course, any rebuilding will be incumbent upon much more drastic changes than now even on the radar. It will mean an end to corporatism, the corporatists as embedded in both parties as not. After the socialists go down, the socialist lights must follow. The Republican Party will have to be reborn, and of fire. I do have some hope of that. It depends on if the Tea Party is a fluke or a way forward. The difficulties with it being a way forward are two-fold. First, the possibility it might be coopted or bought out by the Repugnants before the Repugnants can be reformed. The second would be an attempt by the Tea Party to create a third party. For it to work, the Tea Party must remain unattached and ambiguous as an ideal, with limited but powerful goals, and with continued interest by supporters through the pain which will be felt by all on the way to those goals.
Recover will hurt first. It has to. Things have to change. Cutting the government will put more people out of work. Paring regulations always causes a flood which if natural is also to some degree destructive and with negatives all by itself. With no clear government backed industry, the fight for many things will cause prices to go up and down and simply slide until markets become regulated by, well, the market place. It might well become an economic Wild West. And it needs to do so. The thing buyers have now that we have never had before, as a defense, is what is causing this political change... the internet. No wonder the government wants to get it's filthy greasy paws all over the control of the internet.
Anyway, I am up way late. I missed having my machine. Good night, Pop Tarts. Ha!
.
This election is looking like it might be much more than what it seems. We will see, but Christmas might indeed be early... for conservatives. The House alone would be little or nothing. The House and Senate would be an end to much of what has been happening. Further, even liberals in those places would lose nerve and change course. Communist idealism would die if congress as a whole changed hands. There is some chance that this might be exactly what is about to happen. That does not mean conservatives can stay home and hope though. Hope is precisely why they need to get out. We have seen what hope does.
I am holding my breath. I will be out voting myself if I have to figure a way to crawl there. I wish I knew others locally who would stop by and make sure I get there. You know me. In any case, despite my current condition, I will find a way.
What I find astounding, and I will try to keep track of the polls, is how wrong they are looking to be. For example, if O'Donnel wins, I have to think that she did not "gain" in the last week or two but that the polls were wrong from the outset. If she wins by a landslide, I have to believe further that the polling data is and always was skewed to keep conservatives at home rather than ever being a realistic tool. Then again, like many other conservatives I know, when called by the pollsters I automatically hang up when called, I ignore or decline "invitations" to comment, and I do not discuss much with what might be (pollsters of all types always come across as this) a liberal. I do not think I am alone. Actually, I have some small fear of personal retribution from these types. Not personal violence, these types are weak. But vandalism of all sorts, attacks on my records, hacking, and other types of typically "liberal" means. Again, from speaking with others, I realize I am not alone.
I am amazed at how many conservatives are stepping out and up though. I am further surprised at how many Democrats are leaving their party (often saying they did not leave their party but as I have said that their party left them). I have considered what has changed in the last 4, 8, even 12 years. What has changed is internet access so that so-called "msm" can be bypassed, access to history that has not been deconstructed, access to literal votes and who, the processes by which both parties have worked, and a couple of other things have become public record. The internet, or more properly, the clarification and honesty that the internet used properly can bring, has changed the course of events in America, and will affect the whole world. George Soros and the rest of the shadow entourage can no longer sneak in, steal, lie, cheat, and control and remain in the shadows. Further, spooks do very poorly in the spot light.
As for the feared fall of the economic world? Depending on the outcome, either that will be put on hold and we will remain in economic limbo or the crash will be denied as Americans rebuild our economy. Of course, any rebuilding will be incumbent upon much more drastic changes than now even on the radar. It will mean an end to corporatism, the corporatists as embedded in both parties as not. After the socialists go down, the socialist lights must follow. The Republican Party will have to be reborn, and of fire. I do have some hope of that. It depends on if the Tea Party is a fluke or a way forward. The difficulties with it being a way forward are two-fold. First, the possibility it might be coopted or bought out by the Repugnants before the Repugnants can be reformed. The second would be an attempt by the Tea Party to create a third party. For it to work, the Tea Party must remain unattached and ambiguous as an ideal, with limited but powerful goals, and with continued interest by supporters through the pain which will be felt by all on the way to those goals.
Recover will hurt first. It has to. Things have to change. Cutting the government will put more people out of work. Paring regulations always causes a flood which if natural is also to some degree destructive and with negatives all by itself. With no clear government backed industry, the fight for many things will cause prices to go up and down and simply slide until markets become regulated by, well, the market place. It might well become an economic Wild West. And it needs to do so. The thing buyers have now that we have never had before, as a defense, is what is causing this political change... the internet. No wonder the government wants to get it's filthy greasy paws all over the control of the internet.
Anyway, I am up way late. I missed having my machine. Good night, Pop Tarts. Ha!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Ha!
.
.
Stupid machines. This is really getting old. Whatever else did happen, both of my hard drives were dysfunctional after that was repaired. I believe the power source died. Thankfully nothing else seemed to be problematic. And, while it was in the shop, I had the guy tinker with the sound card. As I suspected, it was simply dead. Why other boards would not work though, I am not sure. He had an old one he put in and I have sound... if I can find my head phones which... drifted further and further from the machine in various clean ups and sortings.
After I got the machine home, I could not find my sign-in data. The sign-in name and password were simply not available! It is strange, you would think these things would be memorized by now. Then again, I have been changing them a bit more and recently, to try and keep ahead of the hackers, or at least the weak ones. In any case, I was able to find my blog spot and at least visit a few of my favorites while trying to think through the problem. Oh, to add insult to injury my sign-in name is an email address... an email address that is no longer functional. Argh!!!
I would like to fix the sign-in name, but I will not use the new email address which came with my new service because it is too personal. Therefore I need to create a new email address. The problem is I have not had a stable way to check the new address formats, I have not found their online email checking site (all this crap is way too complicated for casual users anymore (and yet somehow still child's play to hackers of all stripes)). So, until I figure out how to even check the new addresses, let alone even setting another one up, I am stuck using a dead email address since Google will not allow a Google email address to be used for their own blogging email address. Which... tells you how much Google trusts itself... innit?
Little has been happening here on other fronts. I have been getting up early, save for the last few days. I am going to try and stumble back and keep waking at 6:00, but we all know that may not be possible. I realize now, more than ever on this particular point, that my rolling sleep cycle is not something I can do a lot about. I can go to bed at the perfect time, I can control caffeine intake, I can eat well, or not on some or all of those and... it does not matter. Last night I was to bed by 10:00 but woke at 0:00 or 2:00 and could not get back to sleep for several hours.
On the good side, I have been eating well and rightly. I finally cleaned the kitchen and did a few other tasks I had fallen behind on. The kitty litter was a mess (first time I have let it fall), having sat for 4 or 5 days. Yikes. I think I am going to go back to 2 kitty litter boxes. It seems like more work, but ends up being less and uses less kitty litter by a lot, somehow. They choose the one with less odor, I think, meaning that urine smells do not build up so much in a single box. This also gives them much more room to poo without having to dig so deeply before I can get to the boxes. Yes, 2 boxes gives me two to three days where I can be inattentive and yet keep the odors almost completely at bay while still using far less kitty litter. Odd how a seemingly much more complicated system ends up being cheaper, easier, and better all the way around.
I do think I am going to start pulling out small wads of cash each month for my rainy day fund. A hundred or three each month. A hundred to start the month and whatever remains of the old on payday. I receive no real interest on what is in the bank in any case. The problem with stored money is, as always, security. This home is not secure and with only one person around, when I am gone the place is easy. A bolt-down gunsafe would be my best overall solution, but that takes... well, money! Nothing is ever quite as easy as it should be. I really regret not having set up a nestegg. Then again, I was never supposed to live this long. Heck, my doctors are not sure WHY I am still alive even now. Go figure on the planning aspect?
Sam and Sassy are doing well. I think a tom is "bothering" Sam though. She wants to go outside but is afraid to go outside. I wish I had more going on so that I could go out with her. I would also like to create an escape place for her and Sassy which would not allow other animals in. I do not want a cat door into the house for a thousand and one reasons, with or without electronic entrance tagging. It is something I am considering... a problem... a solution or three... I could easily kill the tom(s), but I would no more do that than I would like someone else to kill my fury friends. No, some other solution is necessary.
Another thing is the bats. I think I suggested that I have bats. Either I have very many bats or they simply travel in the house quite a bit. It can be unnerving and it causes Sassy to claw the walls. Beyond, the risk of rabies is enough that I do not want them here. It is a bit late in the year to attempt to kick them out, in my opinion, so that they might find a roost before death, so I will not be doing anything that way until spring at the earliest. That too is on my mind.
And pumpkin carving is on the menu. I have not checked the pumpkins, but I think they will be fine. I have not opened them up yet. They have simply been at rest in the kitchen. Tonight or tomorrow I will begin carving. I need candles for them too. Since I have to pick up some milk tomorrow or even later tonight, that should not be a problem. It is a silly thing for a silly holiday. Being my first year here, in my first home, it seems... proper to do. I best get to that though. Time is quickly running out. I am almost guessing Saturday is when the event will be held? Bah! Booh? Bah!
Well, later.
.
Stupid machines. This is really getting old. Whatever else did happen, both of my hard drives were dysfunctional after that was repaired. I believe the power source died. Thankfully nothing else seemed to be problematic. And, while it was in the shop, I had the guy tinker with the sound card. As I suspected, it was simply dead. Why other boards would not work though, I am not sure. He had an old one he put in and I have sound... if I can find my head phones which... drifted further and further from the machine in various clean ups and sortings.
After I got the machine home, I could not find my sign-in data. The sign-in name and password were simply not available! It is strange, you would think these things would be memorized by now. Then again, I have been changing them a bit more and recently, to try and keep ahead of the hackers, or at least the weak ones. In any case, I was able to find my blog spot and at least visit a few of my favorites while trying to think through the problem. Oh, to add insult to injury my sign-in name is an email address... an email address that is no longer functional. Argh!!!
I would like to fix the sign-in name, but I will not use the new email address which came with my new service because it is too personal. Therefore I need to create a new email address. The problem is I have not had a stable way to check the new address formats, I have not found their online email checking site (all this crap is way too complicated for casual users anymore (and yet somehow still child's play to hackers of all stripes)). So, until I figure out how to even check the new addresses, let alone even setting another one up, I am stuck using a dead email address since Google will not allow a Google email address to be used for their own blogging email address. Which... tells you how much Google trusts itself... innit?
Little has been happening here on other fronts. I have been getting up early, save for the last few days. I am going to try and stumble back and keep waking at 6:00, but we all know that may not be possible. I realize now, more than ever on this particular point, that my rolling sleep cycle is not something I can do a lot about. I can go to bed at the perfect time, I can control caffeine intake, I can eat well, or not on some or all of those and... it does not matter. Last night I was to bed by 10:00 but woke at 0:00 or 2:00 and could not get back to sleep for several hours.
On the good side, I have been eating well and rightly. I finally cleaned the kitchen and did a few other tasks I had fallen behind on. The kitty litter was a mess (first time I have let it fall), having sat for 4 or 5 days. Yikes. I think I am going to go back to 2 kitty litter boxes. It seems like more work, but ends up being less and uses less kitty litter by a lot, somehow. They choose the one with less odor, I think, meaning that urine smells do not build up so much in a single box. This also gives them much more room to poo without having to dig so deeply before I can get to the boxes. Yes, 2 boxes gives me two to three days where I can be inattentive and yet keep the odors almost completely at bay while still using far less kitty litter. Odd how a seemingly much more complicated system ends up being cheaper, easier, and better all the way around.
I do think I am going to start pulling out small wads of cash each month for my rainy day fund. A hundred or three each month. A hundred to start the month and whatever remains of the old on payday. I receive no real interest on what is in the bank in any case. The problem with stored money is, as always, security. This home is not secure and with only one person around, when I am gone the place is easy. A bolt-down gunsafe would be my best overall solution, but that takes... well, money! Nothing is ever quite as easy as it should be. I really regret not having set up a nestegg. Then again, I was never supposed to live this long. Heck, my doctors are not sure WHY I am still alive even now. Go figure on the planning aspect?
Sam and Sassy are doing well. I think a tom is "bothering" Sam though. She wants to go outside but is afraid to go outside. I wish I had more going on so that I could go out with her. I would also like to create an escape place for her and Sassy which would not allow other animals in. I do not want a cat door into the house for a thousand and one reasons, with or without electronic entrance tagging. It is something I am considering... a problem... a solution or three... I could easily kill the tom(s), but I would no more do that than I would like someone else to kill my fury friends. No, some other solution is necessary.
Another thing is the bats. I think I suggested that I have bats. Either I have very many bats or they simply travel in the house quite a bit. It can be unnerving and it causes Sassy to claw the walls. Beyond, the risk of rabies is enough that I do not want them here. It is a bit late in the year to attempt to kick them out, in my opinion, so that they might find a roost before death, so I will not be doing anything that way until spring at the earliest. That too is on my mind.
And pumpkin carving is on the menu. I have not checked the pumpkins, but I think they will be fine. I have not opened them up yet. They have simply been at rest in the kitchen. Tonight or tomorrow I will begin carving. I need candles for them too. Since I have to pick up some milk tomorrow or even later tonight, that should not be a problem. It is a silly thing for a silly holiday. Being my first year here, in my first home, it seems... proper to do. I best get to that though. Time is quickly running out. I am almost guessing Saturday is when the event will be held? Bah! Booh? Bah!
Well, later.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
So slow, so very slow.
.
.
I am doing better. Some chores have been done and a few more will be done. Another load of laundry, more dishes, cooking, and a cleaning of the litter boxes. I had to wait for some of those to dry to complete the litter box work as I had not washed last week so I could not change both boxes immediately. Then again, this week, I will probably set up only one litter box. Now that I no longer keep a separate one for Sam at night in my bathroom, so as to shut my door and keep Sassy at bay. I have to finish that, as everything should be dry, and take out the trash and then take the barrel to the "curb".
I did not get enough done for a visit tomorrow. I doubt if I can finish the rest before I need to head into town. So I will probably just invite my friend to dinner out. Perhaps that is not perfect but it will be enough. I will try to get back on things Tuesday so as to have him out after his surgery and later in the week.
In the political arena, I cannot help but chuckle at some of the things going on. Attacking one politician for... having spoken to a group which might have had attendees who might have been related to people who might have been in an outlaw (the Outlaws, actually) bike club, or maybe just such members themselves could have been in attendance. Wow! And the debates where both the Democrat candidate and the "moderator(s)" are more like a snake with two heads. Funny, even in those, the Dems are losing. Even if the conservative only holds his or her own, considering the format, they do seem to be winning. Further, the idiocy of the thing turns off fair minded of every stripe toward any perceived gain. Only the die-hards, the ones already onboard, like the proceedings. When the Dems aren't shooting themselves in the foot, letting the media have the gun and doing it for them, then they are nailing the other foot to the floor, for dance contests. It... actually... is rather fun. I hate surprises, stupid notions, idiocy, hypocrisy, and foolishness. But like the Three Stooges, Dumb and Dumber, and Dems... I just cannot help but look and grin. Luckily, I think they realize that violence would turn ugly and they would lose should that start. Though like MLK, jr., I am almost surprised they or theirs have not set some of their own or themselves up for false martyrdom. I suppose they are not quite as Jim Jones as they used to be. Yeah, that IS how I think and what I see.
Anyway, it's about bedtime. As little as I have done it is actually a lot, for me, where I am, how I am. I am tired. I have a long day tomorrow. So, good night. May the winds of worry hold still, may the moon kiss your dreams, and may the sun bring a smile to your eyes. Pleasant dreams people.
.
I am doing better. Some chores have been done and a few more will be done. Another load of laundry, more dishes, cooking, and a cleaning of the litter boxes. I had to wait for some of those to dry to complete the litter box work as I had not washed last week so I could not change both boxes immediately. Then again, this week, I will probably set up only one litter box. Now that I no longer keep a separate one for Sam at night in my bathroom, so as to shut my door and keep Sassy at bay. I have to finish that, as everything should be dry, and take out the trash and then take the barrel to the "curb".
I did not get enough done for a visit tomorrow. I doubt if I can finish the rest before I need to head into town. So I will probably just invite my friend to dinner out. Perhaps that is not perfect but it will be enough. I will try to get back on things Tuesday so as to have him out after his surgery and later in the week.
In the political arena, I cannot help but chuckle at some of the things going on. Attacking one politician for... having spoken to a group which might have had attendees who might have been related to people who might have been in an outlaw (the Outlaws, actually) bike club, or maybe just such members themselves could have been in attendance. Wow! And the debates where both the Democrat candidate and the "moderator(s)" are more like a snake with two heads. Funny, even in those, the Dems are losing. Even if the conservative only holds his or her own, considering the format, they do seem to be winning. Further, the idiocy of the thing turns off fair minded of every stripe toward any perceived gain. Only the die-hards, the ones already onboard, like the proceedings. When the Dems aren't shooting themselves in the foot, letting the media have the gun and doing it for them, then they are nailing the other foot to the floor, for dance contests. It... actually... is rather fun. I hate surprises, stupid notions, idiocy, hypocrisy, and foolishness. But like the Three Stooges, Dumb and Dumber, and Dems... I just cannot help but look and grin. Luckily, I think they realize that violence would turn ugly and they would lose should that start. Though like MLK, jr., I am almost surprised they or theirs have not set some of their own or themselves up for false martyrdom. I suppose they are not quite as Jim Jones as they used to be. Yeah, that IS how I think and what I see.
Anyway, it's about bedtime. As little as I have done it is actually a lot, for me, where I am, how I am. I am tired. I have a long day tomorrow. So, good night. May the winds of worry hold still, may the moon kiss your dreams, and may the sun bring a smile to your eyes. Pleasant dreams people.
Drats!
.
.
My computer is again having troubles. Blogging may be spotty or may end without notice and until I can get one of the machines working. I really have to consider a new computer. If only my arse spit green paper with a somewhat artistic flair. Or, something like that. I suspect the problem is merely the power supply. But the machine is old, I am guessing 7 years or older. Further, with Microsoft adding an addition to XP after telling everyone for some time that it was not going to continue supporting it, 3 or 4 of my drivers are out of date and there are no patches and will not be patches. The other industries have moved on and refuse to look back. As I see it, Microsoft is trying to screw people into upgrading or updating their systems. Of course, downgrading the version of XP is an option. But with reverse engineering being what it is, the flaws in the old have been exposed by the fixes in the new version. Just... letting you know. If you do not read anything new for a bit, do not be to worried.
With money as it is, I really do not know how to change this. There are two or three computer shops in town. They will build a super custom machine, no doubts. However, they are even more expensive than, if cheaper in quality as well as price, box machines. I am considering asking two of the shops to see if we can bring the price down by using their knowledge of parts and purchase power and my ability to build the machine. A sort of marriage which, if more expensive than simply ordering and hoping I get everything and get it right is also less (much less?) than having them do the whole thing. It is a spooky proposition, but...
I have looked at Egghead, done online searches, and tried to pick components that work together. I have indeed created a list of items, most of what would be needed if not a complete list, and... it sits. The problems I have with simply ordering parts a bit at a time is that when the whole thing is eventually corralled, compatibility issues, simply having the pieces fit and work properly, and maintaining warranties as they arrive, becomes... difficult. I may have to get on getting that rebate back and use some of it and some cash to buy a machine I can trust. I will be going for nearly the most powerful processor, a very good near the top video card(s), very hefty RAM, a smaller very fast hd and a bigger storage hard drive. And, like it or not, a decent sized flat panel... then again, do they sell anything else? I don't want "cool" anything. I want stock hard core utility power and stability. Gaming to science, the thing needs to hum. I do not care, and actually would prefer the reverse, if Johnny Badapple thinks it is gnarly, bad, hip, or such. I hope it bores Johnny. Less likely to be stolen that way anyway.
*grumbles*
I realize that what locks me up, on many things, is money. If I do something and make a big mistake, or with the house run into huge problems half way into a tear down, I would simply be stuck. I have decent money available each month, to live on and play a little. I do not have a nest egg, I do not have a large some over living expenses, and I have several ongoing projects as is. I have thought about it. If I could somehow generate about $150,000, to pay off the house and other items, my income would be good to do about anything else I wanted to do. I would be free, after a few months of saving, to actually simply begin designing and fixing the kitchen, finding out about the fireplace, and considering a well. Come on lotto! Too bad I do not play. *grins*
.
My computer is again having troubles. Blogging may be spotty or may end without notice and until I can get one of the machines working. I really have to consider a new computer. If only my arse spit green paper with a somewhat artistic flair. Or, something like that. I suspect the problem is merely the power supply. But the machine is old, I am guessing 7 years or older. Further, with Microsoft adding an addition to XP after telling everyone for some time that it was not going to continue supporting it, 3 or 4 of my drivers are out of date and there are no patches and will not be patches. The other industries have moved on and refuse to look back. As I see it, Microsoft is trying to screw people into upgrading or updating their systems. Of course, downgrading the version of XP is an option. But with reverse engineering being what it is, the flaws in the old have been exposed by the fixes in the new version. Just... letting you know. If you do not read anything new for a bit, do not be to worried.
With money as it is, I really do not know how to change this. There are two or three computer shops in town. They will build a super custom machine, no doubts. However, they are even more expensive than, if cheaper in quality as well as price, box machines. I am considering asking two of the shops to see if we can bring the price down by using their knowledge of parts and purchase power and my ability to build the machine. A sort of marriage which, if more expensive than simply ordering and hoping I get everything and get it right is also less (much less?) than having them do the whole thing. It is a spooky proposition, but...
I have looked at Egghead, done online searches, and tried to pick components that work together. I have indeed created a list of items, most of what would be needed if not a complete list, and... it sits. The problems I have with simply ordering parts a bit at a time is that when the whole thing is eventually corralled, compatibility issues, simply having the pieces fit and work properly, and maintaining warranties as they arrive, becomes... difficult. I may have to get on getting that rebate back and use some of it and some cash to buy a machine I can trust. I will be going for nearly the most powerful processor, a very good near the top video card(s), very hefty RAM, a smaller very fast hd and a bigger storage hard drive. And, like it or not, a decent sized flat panel... then again, do they sell anything else? I don't want "cool" anything. I want stock hard core utility power and stability. Gaming to science, the thing needs to hum. I do not care, and actually would prefer the reverse, if Johnny Badapple thinks it is gnarly, bad, hip, or such. I hope it bores Johnny. Less likely to be stolen that way anyway.
*grumbles*
I realize that what locks me up, on many things, is money. If I do something and make a big mistake, or with the house run into huge problems half way into a tear down, I would simply be stuck. I have decent money available each month, to live on and play a little. I do not have a nest egg, I do not have a large some over living expenses, and I have several ongoing projects as is. I have thought about it. If I could somehow generate about $150,000, to pay off the house and other items, my income would be good to do about anything else I wanted to do. I would be free, after a few months of saving, to actually simply begin designing and fixing the kitchen, finding out about the fireplace, and considering a well. Come on lotto! Too bad I do not play. *grins*
Down late, up late.
.
.
Staying awake until midnight, I allowed myself to sleep until 8:00. Actually, that worked out well. It is, after all, a weekend. Further, I think I have caught back up on my sleep. Just like rehydrating a dehydrated food, lost sleep is not something easily recovered, it takes a little time. I am going to try to sleep more along the eight hour rule from now on, dealing with the need for more sleep or inability to sleep as I must. Getting up at 6:00, however, is super. It has been my goal for a very long time. So, I am going to try and use that as my goal to wake up and work my sleep around that.
I did get a couple of loads of laundry done and many of the dishes. Pots and pans and a few side items, along with this morning's breakfast dishes remain to be finished. As well, I do have several more small loads to be completed. I think I can do that. I have decided against potato salad for tomorrow, opting for mashed potatoes. I may be able to peel and cube those tonight, leaving them in brine tonight. I cannot remember if that is advisable, however, and will look into it. Instead of my old ways of mashing potatoes, I will be using a tool I purchased before leaving Iowa but never quite got around to using. I have a mongo potato ricer. And, as any engineering type is wont to do I am dying to try it out. When I go in tomorrow to go shooting with my friend, I will grab a few groceries as well.
I purchased three hands of bananas when I purchased that lot some time back. One hand was relatively ripe and ready. The other two hands were quite green. And I do mean green. They are just coming due, sort of, now. But they seem extra dry. Perhaps they are not technically as ready as they seem or they have truly dried as much as ripened here at my place? Anyway, I have been eating bananas. I keep forgetting the prescribed potassium, but I do try. Oh, and I am going to try and get back to eating breakfast and at least one other meal each day. With the dishes done enough to do that today, I had a wonderful breakfast of mixed grains. I find it quite odd that people do not eat these more often. They do take a half an hour to cook, and some attention, but even for me (assuming a pan is ready), I can do that just like I would while making coffee and waking up with a little television news. The taste, feel, and sense of it is amazing. My guess, too, is it is extremely cheap in spite of being vastly superior to any "fortified" breakfast cereal, even the "health" food stuff.
I was watching a show about cats last night. I must say, my cats are wonderful. There is not one I saw that I would prefer. Both of mine are tiger striped, like tigers, only with gray, black, white, and Sassy has an orange flourish (very flowerlike actually) on her face. Their tiger stripes, I think (Sassy is still in that weird half kitty half cat phase, fur wise), are a bit different. Say, Sassy's woodland stripes to Sam's urban stripes. They are bright, inquisitive, playful, and very loving. When I am down, they really come around me. When I am more of a hothead... they have no real fear of me. Bah! But they will repurpose or move a little further along. Sassy actually fears going out, so I no longer force her outside for more than 5 minutes and even that only rarely. Actually, thinking about it, I will probably be stopping that as she is starting to fear me. I may try to take her out with me, for both our sake, and stay with her though. Sam likes going out for a morning or morning and afternoon hunt, then comes in to sleep except to visit me a few times for petting and attention. Both are papa's girls and I do enjoy that immensely. They are both sleeping with me now, and mostly to good ends. Neither keeping me awake or chasing each other off.
I realize I am still frozen on a couple of tasks and jobs. I have taken care of some of them, from the taxes to the supply orders to ordering airplane tickets. I still have not filed for the rebate on the house purchase (a big freeze there). I have not started on the roof. As I thaw and do things, however, life does improve. I am even stuck on storing the beans and rice! I did look at the gallon bags, but considering how many I would need to use, the thought of the price (whatever it might be) froze me and I bought nothing. I was hoping to find 2 gallon or even large bags. Bother! Piece by piece, from doing things to gaining some control of my sleep cycle, I am moving forward.
I have no idea, still, for certain, why I fall like this. I do know my falls are improving. I also know I really pushed everything for quite some time, not being able to take time off and pushing into brand new areas of thought, habitation, climate, different peoples, and new activities, with no ability to stop or change or rest many times over the last few years, and with a continuity of incoherent Mickey Mouse medical care. I have accomplished more, starting with the move from Iowa to the three moves here, to being in a house and beginning food storage, and house and lawn care, than I have accomplished sum total in my 20 years prior. But here I am, again, today, actually having to almost learn to walk again. On the other hand, it was a good restful collapse, this last one. And I did not lose memory, complete ability to focus, and was able to take care of Sam and Sassy.
I am hoping breakfast will see me to more work and and an easier time getting to it. Sardines for lunch perhaps and something meaty for supper, along with a can or two of veggies, will give me a bit of a springboard for work tomorrow. Dishes all done, laundry completed, maybe a bit of clean up here and there, potatoes put to the ready if that is advisable, and tomorrow will be easier. A 6:00 wake up, a couple hours to fully recover, a bit more housecleaning, and then a day of shooting, shopping, food, and company should make for a decent day. We will see. Goals, my friend. If you can make them, you have a chance. If you can do some of them, you are on your way. If you can do all of them, you are selling yourself short. Ha! Good day.
Oh! Samuel Langhorne Clemens' autobiography is coming out, or has come out. Uhrm, Mark Twain's real name. I... am looking forward to getting my hands on that. Unfortunately it is being prepared at Berkley. My guess is it has been completely expunged of some of the things he really wanted said and how he really would have said things. Yes, I do doubt them, and the publishing industry and ideals of this day even more. So, I will probably read reviews from folks I trust before sending anyone a nickel. When I used to read his works, I spent almost as much time reading about him. His family, his tragedies, his life, and his common and uncommon thoughts. I am not sure I liked him, he was a salesman and a grump, if that last more elevated due to the publishing industry of his time and that last often for good reason. But I am not sure I disliked him either. Hopefully I will know more sooner rather than later. I do have to wonder if he had known what academia was to become would he have left his material with them? I seriously doubt it. I wonder if they have destroyed any of his work, as it proved politically incorrect, over the years they have had it. Yes, I am that dubious of academia.
.
Staying awake until midnight, I allowed myself to sleep until 8:00. Actually, that worked out well. It is, after all, a weekend. Further, I think I have caught back up on my sleep. Just like rehydrating a dehydrated food, lost sleep is not something easily recovered, it takes a little time. I am going to try to sleep more along the eight hour rule from now on, dealing with the need for more sleep or inability to sleep as I must. Getting up at 6:00, however, is super. It has been my goal for a very long time. So, I am going to try and use that as my goal to wake up and work my sleep around that.
I did get a couple of loads of laundry done and many of the dishes. Pots and pans and a few side items, along with this morning's breakfast dishes remain to be finished. As well, I do have several more small loads to be completed. I think I can do that. I have decided against potato salad for tomorrow, opting for mashed potatoes. I may be able to peel and cube those tonight, leaving them in brine tonight. I cannot remember if that is advisable, however, and will look into it. Instead of my old ways of mashing potatoes, I will be using a tool I purchased before leaving Iowa but never quite got around to using. I have a mongo potato ricer. And, as any engineering type is wont to do I am dying to try it out. When I go in tomorrow to go shooting with my friend, I will grab a few groceries as well.
I purchased three hands of bananas when I purchased that lot some time back. One hand was relatively ripe and ready. The other two hands were quite green. And I do mean green. They are just coming due, sort of, now. But they seem extra dry. Perhaps they are not technically as ready as they seem or they have truly dried as much as ripened here at my place? Anyway, I have been eating bananas. I keep forgetting the prescribed potassium, but I do try. Oh, and I am going to try and get back to eating breakfast and at least one other meal each day. With the dishes done enough to do that today, I had a wonderful breakfast of mixed grains. I find it quite odd that people do not eat these more often. They do take a half an hour to cook, and some attention, but even for me (assuming a pan is ready), I can do that just like I would while making coffee and waking up with a little television news. The taste, feel, and sense of it is amazing. My guess, too, is it is extremely cheap in spite of being vastly superior to any "fortified" breakfast cereal, even the "health" food stuff.
I was watching a show about cats last night. I must say, my cats are wonderful. There is not one I saw that I would prefer. Both of mine are tiger striped, like tigers, only with gray, black, white, and Sassy has an orange flourish (very flowerlike actually) on her face. Their tiger stripes, I think (Sassy is still in that weird half kitty half cat phase, fur wise), are a bit different. Say, Sassy's woodland stripes to Sam's urban stripes. They are bright, inquisitive, playful, and very loving. When I am down, they really come around me. When I am more of a hothead... they have no real fear of me. Bah! But they will repurpose or move a little further along. Sassy actually fears going out, so I no longer force her outside for more than 5 minutes and even that only rarely. Actually, thinking about it, I will probably be stopping that as she is starting to fear me. I may try to take her out with me, for both our sake, and stay with her though. Sam likes going out for a morning or morning and afternoon hunt, then comes in to sleep except to visit me a few times for petting and attention. Both are papa's girls and I do enjoy that immensely. They are both sleeping with me now, and mostly to good ends. Neither keeping me awake or chasing each other off.
I realize I am still frozen on a couple of tasks and jobs. I have taken care of some of them, from the taxes to the supply orders to ordering airplane tickets. I still have not filed for the rebate on the house purchase (a big freeze there). I have not started on the roof. As I thaw and do things, however, life does improve. I am even stuck on storing the beans and rice! I did look at the gallon bags, but considering how many I would need to use, the thought of the price (whatever it might be) froze me and I bought nothing. I was hoping to find 2 gallon or even large bags. Bother! Piece by piece, from doing things to gaining some control of my sleep cycle, I am moving forward.
I have no idea, still, for certain, why I fall like this. I do know my falls are improving. I also know I really pushed everything for quite some time, not being able to take time off and pushing into brand new areas of thought, habitation, climate, different peoples, and new activities, with no ability to stop or change or rest many times over the last few years, and with a continuity of incoherent Mickey Mouse medical care. I have accomplished more, starting with the move from Iowa to the three moves here, to being in a house and beginning food storage, and house and lawn care, than I have accomplished sum total in my 20 years prior. But here I am, again, today, actually having to almost learn to walk again. On the other hand, it was a good restful collapse, this last one. And I did not lose memory, complete ability to focus, and was able to take care of Sam and Sassy.
I am hoping breakfast will see me to more work and and an easier time getting to it. Sardines for lunch perhaps and something meaty for supper, along with a can or two of veggies, will give me a bit of a springboard for work tomorrow. Dishes all done, laundry completed, maybe a bit of clean up here and there, potatoes put to the ready if that is advisable, and tomorrow will be easier. A 6:00 wake up, a couple hours to fully recover, a bit more housecleaning, and then a day of shooting, shopping, food, and company should make for a decent day. We will see. Goals, my friend. If you can make them, you have a chance. If you can do some of them, you are on your way. If you can do all of them, you are selling yourself short. Ha! Good day.
Oh! Samuel Langhorne Clemens' autobiography is coming out, or has come out. Uhrm, Mark Twain's real name. I... am looking forward to getting my hands on that. Unfortunately it is being prepared at Berkley. My guess is it has been completely expunged of some of the things he really wanted said and how he really would have said things. Yes, I do doubt them, and the publishing industry and ideals of this day even more. So, I will probably read reviews from folks I trust before sending anyone a nickel. When I used to read his works, I spent almost as much time reading about him. His family, his tragedies, his life, and his common and uncommon thoughts. I am not sure I liked him, he was a salesman and a grump, if that last more elevated due to the publishing industry of his time and that last often for good reason. But I am not sure I disliked him either. Hopefully I will know more sooner rather than later. I do have to wonder if he had known what academia was to become would he have left his material with them? I seriously doubt it. I wonder if they have destroyed any of his work, as it proved politically incorrect, over the years they have had it. Yes, I am that dubious of academia.
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