‘Rust’ Crew Member Hospitalized, May Lose Arm After Spider Bite."
Brown Recluse.
Monday, November 08, 2021
Saturday, November 06, 2021
The UK's Finest Actors Recite WWI Poetry
I remember trading emails with the late Christopher Hitchens about the War Poets on the occasion of Siegfried Sassoon's Military Cross being found in the poet's attic.
Friday, November 05, 2021
School Administrator Admits CRT Is Being Taught In Schools...
...and that teachers are instructed to lie about it if asked by parents.
You can bookmark the link so that if some communist asshole tries to deny it, the evidence is immediately available to refute him/her.
You can bookmark the link so that if some communist asshole tries to deny it, the evidence is immediately available to refute him/her.
Wednesday, November 03, 2021
I Am Quite Happy...
...to have my prediction about the outcome of the Virginia Governor's election proven wrong.
It was dangerously close, however. I read a joke on the internet that the votes to put McAuliffe over the top, which had been printed in China, were stuck on a container ship outside the port of Los Angeles.
It was dangerously close, however. I read a joke on the internet that the votes to put McAuliffe over the top, which had been printed in China, were stuck on a container ship outside the port of Los Angeles.
Monday, November 01, 2021
Virginia Governor's Race Prediction
I posted this on my Facebook page, and I wanted it here as well:
I'll go on record with my prediction for the Virginia Governor's race next Tuesday:
I believe Youngkin will lose to McAuliffe. Although Youngkin is leading and is beating the "margin of error," he isn't beating the margin of fraud. At one time I would have said the margin of fraud (that is, the margin required to defeat Democrat cheating) was 5%. After the 2020 presidential election, I think the margin of fraud is now 10%, or even 15%.
And I have heard no stories out of Virginia that election laws have been tightened up to prevent cheating. Just the opposite, in fact.
I'll go on record with my prediction for the Virginia Governor's race next Tuesday:
I believe Youngkin will lose to McAuliffe. Although Youngkin is leading and is beating the "margin of error," he isn't beating the margin of fraud. At one time I would have said the margin of fraud (that is, the margin required to defeat Democrat cheating) was 5%. After the 2020 presidential election, I think the margin of fraud is now 10%, or even 15%.
And I have heard no stories out of Virginia that election laws have been tightened up to prevent cheating. Just the opposite, in fact.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
I'm Lucky To Not Be At Work
Apparently American Airlines has had 1000 flights cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. My hotel takes distressed passengers in a limited way - - we have no airport shuttle, so everyone arriving from and returning to the airport has to take cabs (the airline vouchers the cab companies for payment). Because of the lack of a shuttle we only take a limited number of distressed passenger rooms - - typically ten per night. We've taken as many as 30 per night, but there just aren't enough cabs to service all those passengers, and the passengers tend to take out their frustrations on hotel staff for the lack of cabs.
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Music That Makes Me Sob
Some music is so beautiful that it makes me weep. Mike Oldfield has written several pieces that can have me in tears, most recently this one, which is from his album Music Of the Spheres, and features the angelic voice of New Zealand's Hayley Westenra:
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Rittenhouse Hearing Update
Story.
Judge ruled that Rittenhouse's attackers may not be described as victims by the prosecution, but that they could be described as arsonists, rioters and looters by the defense. Pretty cool!
Judge ruled that Rittenhouse's attackers may not be described as victims by the prosecution, but that they could be described as arsonists, rioters and looters by the defense. Pretty cool!
Monday, October 25, 2021
If You're A Fan of the Brother Cadfael Mystery Books...
...you might wish to check out this long YouTube video on the background history of England at the time, called "The Anarchy." It's a fun telling with some good animation of battles and skirmishes. To summarize it, Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, was predeceased by his legitimate son (Henry had numerous bastards, but they couldn't inherit). So Henry secured promises from his vassals to acknowledge his daughter Matilda as queen of England after he died. One of them, Stephen of Blois, usurped the throne after Henry's death, and a civil war ensued that lasted over ten years, with the issue only being settled when Stephen agreed to adopt Henry's grandson Henry Plantagenet as his heir (Stephen's own son Eustace had predeceased him). This was acceptable to all parties, and when Stephen died, Henry Plantagenet became Henry II.
Rittenhouse Use of Force Hearing
Story.
Basically the prosecution wants all mitigating factors to be ruled inadmissable as evidence. They don't want the riot called a riot or the people Rittenhouse shot described as rioters, criminals or arsonists, and they particularly don't want the criminal records of the men Rittenhouse shot admitted as evidence.
Basically the prosecution wants all mitigating factors to be ruled inadmissable as evidence. They don't want the riot called a riot or the people Rittenhouse shot described as rioters, criminals or arsonists, and they particularly don't want the criminal records of the men Rittenhouse shot admitted as evidence.
Sunday, October 24, 2021
How Is Usurper Biden Handling This Situation?
2,000 Migrants Continue Walk Through Southern Mexico.
The caravan was confronted by Mexican police and just pushed them aside. How will Usurper Biden and his people handle it?
The caravan was confronted by Mexican police and just pushed them aside. How will Usurper Biden and his people handle it?
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Maher Speaks Truth On National Divorce/Civil War
"You want a real war, liberals? Really? You think you're going to win the 'I want you dead!' war? You're not. You're gonna lose. They have way more guns and they know how to use them. And with all due respect, no one can do hate like a right-wing conservative."
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Human Remains Found In Florida Confirmed To Be Brian Laundrie
Story.
Presumably he committed suicide and saved the State the cost of trying and imprisoning him. That's definitely Doing the Right Thing. It's probaby a better outcome for the parents of Gabby Petito, who now won't have to endure the publicity of a trial and the knowledge that their daughter's probable murderer lived while their daughter was dead. A life for a life. Probably the best outcome available.
Follow-up story.
My belief is that Laundrie's parents knew exactly where he was and even provided him the means of committing suicide, since it seems likely that is what has occurred. Not likely via a gun, since that would remain with the body unless later retrieved, but perhaps via sleeping pills or an opened vein. The Florida wildlife has seen to the destruction of most of the evidence, apparently.
Presumably he committed suicide and saved the State the cost of trying and imprisoning him. That's definitely Doing the Right Thing. It's probaby a better outcome for the parents of Gabby Petito, who now won't have to endure the publicity of a trial and the knowledge that their daughter's probable murderer lived while their daughter was dead. A life for a life. Probably the best outcome available.
Follow-up story.
My belief is that Laundrie's parents knew exactly where he was and even provided him the means of committing suicide, since it seems likely that is what has occurred. Not likely via a gun, since that would remain with the body unless later retrieved, but perhaps via sleeping pills or an opened vein. The Florida wildlife has seen to the destruction of most of the evidence, apparently.
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021
Colin Powell, 1937-2021: R.I.P.
Story.
Powell was a moderate Republican during George W. Bush's term of office, which we see now was purely pandering, because after Bush left office Powell, more often than not, sided with the Left/Democrats, and was an Obama supporter/voter. By the time Trump was elected, Powell was one of those "conservatives" that the MSM would trot out to bash Republicans, and was a faithful dog at doing this. Totally a creature of the Deep State.
Powell was a moderate Republican during George W. Bush's term of office, which we see now was purely pandering, because after Bush left office Powell, more often than not, sided with the Left/Democrats, and was an Obama supporter/voter. By the time Trump was elected, Powell was one of those "conservatives" that the MSM would trot out to bash Republicans, and was a faithful dog at doing this. Totally a creature of the Deep State.
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Must. Post. Daily.
Need to get back in the habit of posting daily. This is technically Sunday's post, even though Sunday will end in 20 minutes.
Friday, October 15, 2021
Gary Paulsen, 1939-2021: R.I.P.
NPR Obituary.
Paulsen wrote a fine series of outdoor survival books, beginning with Hatchet. My nephew brought that book home from school, and I read it, and found it a great book in the old-fashioned manner of Ernest Thompson Seton. I read a bunch of the sequels to Hatchet, although possibly not all of them. They impart essential survival skills in an easy-to-digest way, without being pedantic, boring or condescending. Fine books.
Paulsen wrote a fine series of outdoor survival books, beginning with Hatchet. My nephew brought that book home from school, and I read it, and found it a great book in the old-fashioned manner of Ernest Thompson Seton. I read a bunch of the sequels to Hatchet, although possibly not all of them. They impart essential survival skills in an easy-to-digest way, without being pedantic, boring or condescending. Fine books.
If You're a US Capital Policeman and You've Just Murdered a Trump Supporter...
...you can go give the Official US Capital Police Emotional Support Dog a hug and weep into its doggy fur.
Who Knew?
Minnetonka, the maker of moccasins, isn't owned by Native Americans.
You mean my Minnetonkas weren't softened by a squaw chewing on the leather? I"m devastated.
You mean my Minnetonkas weren't softened by a squaw chewing on the leather? I"m devastated.
Remember Early In Trump's Term...
...when he identified a judge who ruled against one of his policies as an "Obama Judge?" And Chief Justice John Roberts got on his high horse and claimed that judges weren't owned by the presidents who appointed them, and they were all totally objective, just calling balls and strikes, and shouldn't have a presidential association attached to their names? And the MSM went wild and high-fived each other because Roberts (a George W. Bush appointee, BTW) rebuked Trump.
Well, here we are four years later. In just about any story where a federal judge plays a significant role, (s)he is almost always identified in the story as a President ________ appointee - - so you know whether to cheer them or jeer them, apparently.
Well, here we are four years later. In just about any story where a federal judge plays a significant role, (s)he is almost always identified in the story as a President ________ appointee - - so you know whether to cheer them or jeer them, apparently.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Buck Fiden
Before the chants of "Fuck Joe Biden" and "Let's Go Brandon" became popular, I made a couple of memes, based on an anagram of Biden's name and the word "fuck," so I ended up with "Buck Fiden." I found a pic of Biden in a cowboy hat to complete the image:
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Paddy Moloney, 1938-2021: R.I.P.
Paddy Moloney, the Uillean Piper and leader of the Irish roots band The Chieftains, has passed on at age 83.
A funny anecdote - - when my son was an infant, I used to play Mike Oldfield records all the time on the stereo. Two of them featured Uillean Pipe solos by Moloney. When the sound of the pipes began, my son would screw his face up and scream. Don't know why.
A funny anecdote - - when my son was an infant, I used to play Mike Oldfield records all the time on the stereo. Two of them featured Uillean Pipe solos by Moloney. When the sound of the pipes began, my son would screw his face up and scream. Don't know why.
Monday, October 11, 2021
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Filthy Traitors
Navy Nuclear Engineer and Wife Arrested in Counter-Espionage Raid.
Giving away the secrets of our nuclear submarines. The country they were spying for isn't even mentioned.
Giving away the secrets of our nuclear submarines. The country they were spying for isn't even mentioned.
Saturday, October 09, 2021
Friday, October 08, 2021
If This Was a Hollywood Caper Movie...
...then the FBI would announce that Laundrie's parents had been arrested for conspiring to aid their son in evading capture, and he would turn himself in to prevent their suffering.
It has the advantage of probably being close to the truth.
It has the advantage of probably being close to the truth.
Thursday, October 07, 2021
Wednesday, October 06, 2021
Meanwhile, In Durham, North Carolina...
...a new group has been formed to try and persuade the Usual Suspect to stop murdering each other.
Good luck with that one.
Good luck with that one.
Monday, October 04, 2021
Scheller Wants An Angel
USMC Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Scheller, who is in the brig awaiting court-martail for speaking out after the disastrous Afghanistan pull-out, has some harsh words for former President Trump and his family:
"President Trump. I was told by everyone to kiss the ring because of your following and power. I refuse. While I respect your foreign policy positions, I hate how you divided the country. I don’t need or want your help. You do not have the ability to pull US together. You may even win the next election. But your generation’s time is running out. Tell your son to stop tweeting about me. Your whole family knows nothing about US or our sacrifices. I could never work with you. I’d rather sit in jail and be released with a dishonorable than make compromises in my beliefs."
When that statement got lots of negative commentary, Col. Scheller doubled down:
"I’ve had such a strong reaction to my comments against President Trump I felt a follow up clarification was required. No, President Trump didn’t divide the country. But President Trump, in my humble opinion, is incapable of bringing us back together. Did he expose the corruption in the DOJ, media, and other places… yes. Was he the right person to expose the corruption at that time… maybe. Is he honest, accountable, and full of integrity… no. Would I want to work for a leader like that… no. I want a leader that will bring US together. Someone who has the courage to defend our country when called. My sons deserve that type of leader running the country in the future. That type of person is the only leader who I want in my corner. I respect all opinions. I’m not asking you to agree with me, but to at least consider my perspective. Much love."
In a famous debate between TV talk show host Phil Donahue and economist Milton Friedman, Friedman asked "Tell me, just where will you find these angels who will organize society for you? I don't even trust you to do that." In his second statement, Scheller is obviously looking for just such an angel. The problem is that such angels are in very short supply here on Earth where they are most needed, and so we must muddle along with lesser mortals.
"President Trump. I was told by everyone to kiss the ring because of your following and power. I refuse. While I respect your foreign policy positions, I hate how you divided the country. I don’t need or want your help. You do not have the ability to pull US together. You may even win the next election. But your generation’s time is running out. Tell your son to stop tweeting about me. Your whole family knows nothing about US or our sacrifices. I could never work with you. I’d rather sit in jail and be released with a dishonorable than make compromises in my beliefs."
When that statement got lots of negative commentary, Col. Scheller doubled down:
"I’ve had such a strong reaction to my comments against President Trump I felt a follow up clarification was required. No, President Trump didn’t divide the country. But President Trump, in my humble opinion, is incapable of bringing us back together. Did he expose the corruption in the DOJ, media, and other places… yes. Was he the right person to expose the corruption at that time… maybe. Is he honest, accountable, and full of integrity… no. Would I want to work for a leader like that… no. I want a leader that will bring US together. Someone who has the courage to defend our country when called. My sons deserve that type of leader running the country in the future. That type of person is the only leader who I want in my corner. I respect all opinions. I’m not asking you to agree with me, but to at least consider my perspective. Much love."
In a famous debate between TV talk show host Phil Donahue and economist Milton Friedman, Friedman asked "Tell me, just where will you find these angels who will organize society for you? I don't even trust you to do that." In his second statement, Scheller is obviously looking for just such an angel. The problem is that such angels are in very short supply here on Earth where they are most needed, and so we must muddle along with lesser mortals.
Saturday, October 02, 2021
Two Cultures, One Country
A poll has found that 52% of Trump supporters favor seceding from the Union. Interestingly, 41% of Biden voters feel the same way. It makes one wonder how the percentages would look if Trump had won and Biden had lost - - would there be more support for secession among Biden voters than Trump voters in such a scenario?
Unfortunately there's no real provision in the Constitution for the Union to be broken up, other than perhaps the Article V "Convention of States." Given the Civil War precedent, it's unlikely that any president, current or future, would wish to go down in history as the person who allowed the Union to dissolve peacefully. And how would it even work? Presumably a vote would be taken to dissolve the federal government, allowing the individual states to resume sovereign power with the governors as heads of government. The various states could then form smaller unions as they see fit, or not. California, New York and Texas, for example, might wish to exist as separate nations rather than join with smaller states and have to compromise. It's difficult to see how the smallest states, such as Rhode Island and Delaware, could avoid being invaded and absorbed by larger neighbors.
A lot to ponder.
Unfortunately there's no real provision in the Constitution for the Union to be broken up, other than perhaps the Article V "Convention of States." Given the Civil War precedent, it's unlikely that any president, current or future, would wish to go down in history as the person who allowed the Union to dissolve peacefully. And how would it even work? Presumably a vote would be taken to dissolve the federal government, allowing the individual states to resume sovereign power with the governors as heads of government. The various states could then form smaller unions as they see fit, or not. California, New York and Texas, for example, might wish to exist as separate nations rather than join with smaller states and have to compromise. It's difficult to see how the smallest states, such as Rhode Island and Delaware, could avoid being invaded and absorbed by larger neighbors.
A lot to ponder.
The Winner Brought a Knife To the Fistfight
In Schaumburg, IL, a Chicago suburb, two Usual Suspects engaged in what amounted to a duel, with the winner stabbing the loser to death.
The father of the dead combatant seems less concerned with his son's death than with the niceties not being observed, i.e., his son wasn't also armed with a knife.
It's very important in a duel to fix the terms beforehand, so both sides are sastified with the results of the duel. If you're willing for your son to be beaten to death with fists but not stabbed, you ensure that the duellists are not armed prior to starting the proceedings.
It's difficult to have any empathy for anyone involved in this stupidity.
The father of the dead combatant seems less concerned with his son's death than with the niceties not being observed, i.e., his son wasn't also armed with a knife.
It's very important in a duel to fix the terms beforehand, so both sides are sastified with the results of the duel. If you're willing for your son to be beaten to death with fists but not stabbed, you ensure that the duellists are not armed prior to starting the proceedings.
It's difficult to have any empathy for anyone involved in this stupidity.
Friday, October 01, 2021
The FBI Is the KGB
Breaking: FBI Arrests Retired Green Beret Jeremy Brown for Attending Jan. 6 Protests and Standing Outside Capitol — AFTER HE REFUSED TO BE THEIR INFORMANT!
If the FBI, DHS, ATF or other federal police agencies knock on your door for a "friendly" visit seeking information/cooperation and you refuse to give it to them, you may be assured that they will return with a tactical team to take that information and haul you off to jail. Are you prepared for such an eventuality?
If the FBI, DHS, ATF or other federal police agencies knock on your door for a "friendly" visit seeking information/cooperation and you refuse to give it to them, you may be assured that they will return with a tactical team to take that information and haul you off to jail. Are you prepared for such an eventuality?
Should I Resurrect It?
It's been dead for years now, but Facebook is hardly a viable choice any longer, since they have imposed 30-day bans on my account for simply typing the word whore. And Blogger is still owned by Google, which gave up its "Don't Be Evil" motto long ago. Let's see if anyone replies, that might be an indication that the memory of the blog is still valued.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Saturday, July 13, 2019
You Saw It Here Second (After Facebook)
Just had an idea for a Western story featuring a protagonist named Dan Banner. He's a serious sort of fellow and wants to be taken seriously, but after a drunken cowhand refers to him as "Ban Danner," he is subsequently branded with the new name forever and laughed out of every saloon he enters.
Bandanna
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Saturday, February 09, 2019
Random Opinion of the Day
Corollary to Johnson's Law ("Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel"): Hypocrisy is the favorite refuge of the politician.
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
Random Opinion of the Day
I don't think that Ruth Bader Ginsburg will return to the Supreme Court at this point - - too frail and ill - - but she'll refuse to resign because she doesn't want to give President Trump the satisfaction of hearing those words from her lips. She's probably still hoping to make it through 2020 so as to have a chance at a Democrat president naming her replacement.
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
Even Old Scratch?
Music interlude. Chris McDermott, Even the Devil Gets Right Someday. He's weird-looking, admittedly, but it's a great song, and the sentiment he expresses - - that even Lucifer/Satan/the Devil will one day be forgiven by God has always been thought possible by Christian theologians, dating all the way back to Origen (c. 184-253).
The basic guitar chords on this one seem pretty simple. I'd like to learn to play it.
The basic guitar chords on this one seem pretty simple. I'd like to learn to play it.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Thursday, January 17, 2019
I've Never Karaoked...
...but a band at a local venue is asking for volunteers to sing Tom Waits songs, and I'm tempted to give it a try. My problem is that I don't have the necessary years of cigarettes and bourbon required to pull off Waits's gravelly shouting without my being reduced to a coughing fit. I even know what song I'd choose, and for a little bit of showmanship I'd take a swig from a hip flask before starting to sing. Here's what I'd choose:
Lyrics:
Anywhere I Lay My Head (Waits)
My head is spinning round, my heart is in my shoes, yeah
I went and set the Thames on fire, oh, now I must come back down
She's laughing in her sleeve boys, I can feel it in my bones
Oh, but anywhere I'm gonna lay my head, I'm gonna call my home
Well I see that the world is upside-down
Seems that my pockets were filled up with gold
And now the clouds, well they've covered over
And the wind is blowing cold
Well I don't need anybody, because I learned, I learned to be alone
Well I said anywhere, anywhere, anywhere I lay my head, boys
Well I gonna call my home
Lyrics:
Anywhere I Lay My Head (Waits)
My head is spinning round, my heart is in my shoes, yeah
I went and set the Thames on fire, oh, now I must come back down
She's laughing in her sleeve boys, I can feel it in my bones
Oh, but anywhere I'm gonna lay my head, I'm gonna call my home
Well I see that the world is upside-down
Seems that my pockets were filled up with gold
And now the clouds, well they've covered over
And the wind is blowing cold
Well I don't need anybody, because I learned, I learned to be alone
Well I said anywhere, anywhere, anywhere I lay my head, boys
Well I gonna call my home
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
I'm Nostradumbass!
My January 7 post on breaking ties to the Gillette corporation is kinda prophetic, ain't it?
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Tift
Folk/Americana singer Tift Merritt was born in Houston, Texas, but was raised in Raleigh, NC. She's multi-talented - - writes songs, sings them, plays guitar, electric guitar, and keyboards. She's sexy and cute, rather than sexy and beautiful, if you can discern the difference, with a breathy voice and a feminine vulnerability that is endearing. She spent a bunch of years living in NYC, until she became pregnant with a daughter; after the birth she returned to NC, desiring to raise the little girl in a more relaxed atmosphere. Currently Tift is a single mom, raising the little girl by herself and taking her along to the occasional live music gigs - - Tift's touring schedule has been curtailed by motherhood, to a large degree.
Here's a few of my favorite Tift Merritt songs. We'll lead off with a paean to a mill town that died when a highway bypassed it:
Next, "All the Reasons We Don't Have To Fight." A bittersweet relationship song.
Next, the very first Tift Merritt song I ever heard, and instantly fell in love with: Trouble Over Me, from her breakthrough album Bramble Rose:
Here's one from 2017, Heartache Is An Uphill Climb, filmed in Wilson, NC, during a parade, Tift seemingly frightened by the climbing of the water tower - - I'd have been scared shitless, myself:
Tift also has a fondness for Motown-style soul, shown here in Good Hearted Man:
Finally, Tift doing her trademark song Bramble Rose, her sweet vulnerability on full display as she sings the song solo. The guitar, a Martin parlor guitar - - OOO-series, I'd guess - - is capoed up to sound almost like a mandolin. Tift has said that this song is a favorite with Eagles member Don Henley, who has played it in concert.
Here's a few of my favorite Tift Merritt songs. We'll lead off with a paean to a mill town that died when a highway bypassed it:
Next, "All the Reasons We Don't Have To Fight." A bittersweet relationship song.
Next, the very first Tift Merritt song I ever heard, and instantly fell in love with: Trouble Over Me, from her breakthrough album Bramble Rose:
Here's one from 2017, Heartache Is An Uphill Climb, filmed in Wilson, NC, during a parade, Tift seemingly frightened by the climbing of the water tower - - I'd have been scared shitless, myself:
Tift also has a fondness for Motown-style soul, shown here in Good Hearted Man:
Finally, Tift doing her trademark song Bramble Rose, her sweet vulnerability on full display as she sings the song solo. The guitar, a Martin parlor guitar - - OOO-series, I'd guess - - is capoed up to sound almost like a mandolin. Tift has said that this song is a favorite with Eagles member Don Henley, who has played it in concert.
Tuesday, January 08, 2019
Mild, Pleasant Evening
The sort of night you'd want to be outside watching the sunset, preferably on the coast somewhere, such as Southport, NC:
Image via Surfchex Webcam service.
Image via Surfchex Webcam service.
Monday, January 07, 2019
Breaking the Chains To the Gillette Corporation
It's no secret that the Gillette Corporation, which sells most of the men's razors and razor blades in the US, engages in monopolistic pricing practices of its products. The razors are overpriced, but the replacement cartridges are ridiculously overpriced, which has led to much hatred toward Gillette by working-class men, and the rise of "shaving clubs" that supply replacement cartridges a a lower price point than Gillette does - - but even those are no real bargain.
So when I found myself with an Amazon gift card from my sister as a Christmas present, I pulled the trigger on purchasing an old-fashioned double-edged safety razor. Blades for it are readily available, and at Amazon can be had for $6.68 for 100 blades - - seven cents per blade, if my arithmetic is correct. In comparison, 12 blades for a Gillette Fusion cartridge razor are being sold at Amazon for $39.99, or $3.33 per cartridge. That's just robbery, pure and simple. I typically shave three times a week, so 100 blades, if I change out a blade once per week, will last me very nearly two years.
And I actually tried the new razor for the first time tonight. I'd never used one before - - when I first started shaving most men were using Schick Injector razors, and Gillette's Trac II had just been introduced - - butterfly safety razors were viewed as "old man" razors, holdovers from the 1940's and 1950's. Damnation, though - - I haven't had this smooth a shave in years, my face is as soft as the proverbial baby's bottom, and there is no clogging issue as found in plastic cartridge razors. And the single edge is quite sufficient to accomplish this task - - no 2 or 5 blades to ensure a close shave. One does the trick.
On the downside, I nicked myself slightly on the chin, which indicates that a softer touch is necessary on the tight curves of my face ("But Bob, you don't have tight curves on your face!" Shut up.). So far I'm quite happy, though. I'll report further if necessary.
So when I found myself with an Amazon gift card from my sister as a Christmas present, I pulled the trigger on purchasing an old-fashioned double-edged safety razor. Blades for it are readily available, and at Amazon can be had for $6.68 for 100 blades - - seven cents per blade, if my arithmetic is correct. In comparison, 12 blades for a Gillette Fusion cartridge razor are being sold at Amazon for $39.99, or $3.33 per cartridge. That's just robbery, pure and simple. I typically shave three times a week, so 100 blades, if I change out a blade once per week, will last me very nearly two years.
And I actually tried the new razor for the first time tonight. I'd never used one before - - when I first started shaving most men were using Schick Injector razors, and Gillette's Trac II had just been introduced - - butterfly safety razors were viewed as "old man" razors, holdovers from the 1940's and 1950's. Damnation, though - - I haven't had this smooth a shave in years, my face is as soft as the proverbial baby's bottom, and there is no clogging issue as found in plastic cartridge razors. And the single edge is quite sufficient to accomplish this task - - no 2 or 5 blades to ensure a close shave. One does the trick.
On the downside, I nicked myself slightly on the chin, which indicates that a softer touch is necessary on the tight curves of my face ("But Bob, you don't have tight curves on your face!" Shut up.). So far I'm quite happy, though. I'll report further if necessary.
Saturday, January 05, 2019
Not To Put Too Fine a Point On It...
...but it's just a matter of time before some leftist politician will try to be sworn in on a copy of The Communist Manifesto.
Newly elected Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema refused to be sworn in on a Bible, opting, instead, to place her right hand on a book of laws, including the U.S Constitution and the Arizona Constitution.
It would probably be best if there was a small list of acceptable books to swear an oath on, and an approval process for adding other books as necessary. Any book by Karl Marx or Adolf Hitler should be forever banned.
Newly elected Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema refused to be sworn in on a Bible, opting, instead, to place her right hand on a book of laws, including the U.S Constitution and the Arizona Constitution.
It would probably be best if there was a small list of acceptable books to swear an oath on, and an approval process for adding other books as necessary. Any book by Karl Marx or Adolf Hitler should be forever banned.
Funding the Wall Is Chump Chage, In the Greater Scheme of Things
Want to fund the wall fully? Simply divert all foreign aid for the coming fiscal year for the Wall. Problem solved.
Thursday, January 03, 2019
I Wonder Which Would Have a Higher Body Count?
I'm pondering which would likely have the higher body count: a civil war to prevent the US from becoming a Communist country, or peacefully allowing the US to become a Communist country, with the body count coming down the line as Communism works its usual murderous magic?
A civil war at least has the advantage of killing Communists from the get-go, and possibly killing enough of them that they're never able to rise again. Letting Communism take hold peacefully will result in the death of the US we (the deplorables, the rurals, the white trash, the flyovers, call us what you will) grew up loving, with ourselves marked for gulags and firing squads by the Communist urban dwellers.
And yeah, I'm not willing to call them just Democrats or Liberals or Progressives or Democratic Socialists any more. They're fucking Communists, and we need to start calling them this - - even their propaganda wing, the journalists of the MSM. Fucking. Communists.
A civil war at least has the advantage of killing Communists from the get-go, and possibly killing enough of them that they're never able to rise again. Letting Communism take hold peacefully will result in the death of the US we (the deplorables, the rurals, the white trash, the flyovers, call us what you will) grew up loving, with ourselves marked for gulags and firing squads by the Communist urban dwellers.
And yeah, I'm not willing to call them just Democrats or Liberals or Progressives or Democratic Socialists any more. They're fucking Communists, and we need to start calling them this - - even their propaganda wing, the journalists of the MSM. Fucking. Communists.
Well, On the First Day With Democrats In Charge of the House of Representatives...
...they've already filed impeachment charges against President Trump, proposed a bill to replace the Electoral College with direct popular vote for President/Vice President, and proposed a bill to prohibit the President from using the pardon power to pardon himself, his family, or members of his staff.
Oh, and one Muzzy Democrat Representative has changed the map in her office to eliminate Israel, replacing it with a fictional "Palestine."
Oh, and one Muzzy Democrat Representative has changed the map in her office to eliminate Israel, replacing it with a fictional "Palestine."
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Since I'm Now Banned On Facebook...
...for the next 30 days, I'll post here a bit to keep in touch with those of my online acquaintances who aren't on Twitter or MeWe.
I actually had just finished a five-day ban on Facebook for typing the words "tranny" (not a reference to automobile transmissions) and "muzzy" (slang for Muslim). Don't know if I was ratted out by other people on Facebook or whether Facebook has an algorithm that looks for such words. Anyway, today was my first and last day of freedom on Facebook for the next thirty days, as I typed the words "white trash peckerwoods" in a comment about the movie Deliverance only a few minutes after being able to post again. Within a half hour I was again in Facebook Jail, this time for a 30-day stretch. Still don't know whether it was a rat or an algorithm that got me.
So, thirty days from now when Facebook allows me to do things on my profile beside read it, I'll update my profile photo:
I actually had just finished a five-day ban on Facebook for typing the words "tranny" (not a reference to automobile transmissions) and "muzzy" (slang for Muslim). Don't know if I was ratted out by other people on Facebook or whether Facebook has an algorithm that looks for such words. Anyway, today was my first and last day of freedom on Facebook for the next thirty days, as I typed the words "white trash peckerwoods" in a comment about the movie Deliverance only a few minutes after being able to post again. Within a half hour I was again in Facebook Jail, this time for a 30-day stretch. Still don't know whether it was a rat or an algorithm that got me.
So, thirty days from now when Facebook allows me to do things on my profile beside read it, I'll update my profile photo:
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Mark Him Down As #1 On a Particular List.
"Rep. Eric Swalwell Thinks Gun Confiscation Will Work Out Fine Because Government Has Nukes."
It shouldn't be necessary, really, to say that Rep. Swalwell is both a Democrat and from California. He's a gun grabber, and ready to kill deplorable gun owners, or actually to have others do the dirty work for him.
It shouldn't be necessary, really, to say that Rep. Swalwell is both a Democrat and from California. He's a gun grabber, and ready to kill deplorable gun owners, or actually to have others do the dirty work for him.
Tuesday, November 06, 2018
Lafayette, the Debt Is Paid.
One of the oldest allies of the United States - - France - - has decided that the US under President Donald Trump is to be treated as an enemy:
Emmanuel Macron has called for the creation of a “true European army” to allow the EU defend itself from threats ranging from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin.
The French president has pushed for closer EU defence union since coming to power last year but has been so far met with limited success amid foot-dragging by other member states.
“We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America,” Mr Macron told France’s Europe 1 radio in an interview.
I've been less scornful of France in the past than other Americans because of the tremendous debt that our budding country incurred when France came to our aid during the Revolutionary War. It's quite probable that without that aid the Revolution would have failed, and we would still be subjects of the Queen of England. Even going to their aid during WWI and WWII didn't repay that debt, at least in my mind. Now, though?
Lafayette, the debt is paid. You're on your own from this point on, as far as I'm concerned.
Emmanuel Macron has called for the creation of a “true European army” to allow the EU defend itself from threats ranging from Donald Trump to Vladimir Putin.
The French president has pushed for closer EU defence union since coming to power last year but has been so far met with limited success amid foot-dragging by other member states.
“We have to protect ourselves with respect to China, Russia and even the United States of America,” Mr Macron told France’s Europe 1 radio in an interview.
I've been less scornful of France in the past than other Americans because of the tremendous debt that our budding country incurred when France came to our aid during the Revolutionary War. It's quite probable that without that aid the Revolution would have failed, and we would still be subjects of the Queen of England. Even going to their aid during WWI and WWII didn't repay that debt, at least in my mind. Now, though?
Lafayette, the debt is paid. You're on your own from this point on, as far as I'm concerned.
Monday, November 05, 2018
Meanwhile, In Maryland...
...family members call on police to execute grandpa, who had become a bit of a nuisance.
Now that Grandpa is taken care of, we can divvy his stuff up, and we don't have to go broke putting him in a nursing home a few years from now.
Oh, you don't think there's potential for abuse in "red flag" gun confiscation orders? Just fell off the turnip truck, did you?
Now that Grandpa is taken care of, we can divvy his stuff up, and we don't have to go broke putting him in a nursing home a few years from now.
Oh, you don't think there's potential for abuse in "red flag" gun confiscation orders? Just fell off the turnip truck, did you?
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
Arrival
Ordered Friday, arrived Monday. Fender Sonoran electro-accoustic guitar, $289. This one is in a color described as "surf green," which was the same color as a house I grew up in as a boy in Florida. I can't play a lick, but I'd like to at least learn a few early Jimmy Buffett tunes to strum, if nothing else.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Hurricane Day!
Hurricane Florence has washed ashore in North Carolina near Wilmington, and will be crossing the Carolinas throughout the day. I'll make updates throughout the day as long as power stays on. I'm also available on Facebook and on Twitter (@drawncutlass).
Update, 4:40 p.m.: woke from a nap. No rain, wind is gusting but not blowing steadily.
Update, 6:10 p.m.: rain finally arrives. Wind still mild.
Update, 3:00 a.m.: It's now the 15th, I woke up a half hour ago. We still have power, currently no heavy winds or rain. Checked on the cars outside, they are undamaged.
Update, 3:45 a.m. Sunday 16 September. Nothing much to report in the last 24 hours. We had gusting winds but not sustained wind conditions, and rain has been mostly moderate. Florence apparently spent herself slamming into the NC coast, and has been downgraded back to tropical depression status. Crossing my fingers and touching wood and saying a prayer that it stays that way.
Update, 12:01 a.m., Monday 17 September: *at work* So the hurricane weekend is now over, and I'm back at work. I violated the Union County curfew by driving around after 9:00 p.m. tonight, but no one stopped me, so...
We made it through well at the house. Never actually lost power, although it flickered at least once, my sister reports (I was asleep at the time). The storm itself came through our area on Sunday, with heavy rains but little wind. A lot of areas in the county flooded, and I was worried about our rental house, with it being bordered by a creek; but the creek provided enough quick drainage that our house was never in serious danger of flooding. A neighbor's house down the street required sandbagging to avoid damage, however.
This will be the last storm update.
Update, 4:40 p.m.: woke from a nap. No rain, wind is gusting but not blowing steadily.
Update, 6:10 p.m.: rain finally arrives. Wind still mild.
Update, 3:00 a.m.: It's now the 15th, I woke up a half hour ago. We still have power, currently no heavy winds or rain. Checked on the cars outside, they are undamaged.
Update, 3:45 a.m. Sunday 16 September. Nothing much to report in the last 24 hours. We had gusting winds but not sustained wind conditions, and rain has been mostly moderate. Florence apparently spent herself slamming into the NC coast, and has been downgraded back to tropical depression status. Crossing my fingers and touching wood and saying a prayer that it stays that way.
Update, 12:01 a.m., Monday 17 September: *at work* So the hurricane weekend is now over, and I'm back at work. I violated the Union County curfew by driving around after 9:00 p.m. tonight, but no one stopped me, so...
We made it through well at the house. Never actually lost power, although it flickered at least once, my sister reports (I was asleep at the time). The storm itself came through our area on Sunday, with heavy rains but little wind. A lot of areas in the county flooded, and I was worried about our rental house, with it being bordered by a creek; but the creek provided enough quick drainage that our house was never in serious danger of flooding. A neighbor's house down the street required sandbagging to avoid damage, however.
This will be the last storm update.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Musical Interlude
Chris McDermott, Even the Devil Gets Right Someday. He's sort of goofy-looking, but it's a great song. Sounds like it would be fairly easy to learn on guitar:
Saturday, September 08, 2018
Monday, September 03, 2018
Sunday, September 02, 2018
Vanilla Extract Project, Update 1
The vanilla beans were bottled in rum on July 19th, it is now September 2nd, so just over a month in bottle, with the bottle shaken vigorously several times per week. Color is now that of dark rum or vanilla extract or tobacco juice; when the bottle is opened to smell, a strong vanilla aroma dominates. I'm happy so far.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Begun, the Vanilla Extract Project Has.
I remember reading on Facebook that vanilla extract for cooking is dead easy to make at home, all that is needed are vanilla beans and a source of alcohol to infuse them in. The recipes call for vodka for this task, but say that rum or even bourbon can be substituted. I chose white rum. Here's a pic on Day One:
I'll post an updated pic every 30 days or so.
I'll post an updated pic every 30 days or so.
Denoument To the Bradford Pear Problem
In my last post we saw a Bradford Pear tree branch that shed from the tree and partially blocked the road. Since then, this happened:
This was on 6 July. I was in the house at the time, and in fact had just woken up; the tree branch came to rest on the roof above my bedroom. I wasn't hurt, nor was the roof damaged. We notified the landlord, and rather than get rid of the Hell Trees entirely, he paid for this:
Not the best solution in my opinion, but better than doing nothing, and this will result in far fewer leaves to blow in the front yard this fall, and we can get a better lawn next spring by planting Bermuda grass seed, which loves sun more than the current fescue grass does.
This was on 6 July. I was in the house at the time, and in fact had just woken up; the tree branch came to rest on the roof above my bedroom. I wasn't hurt, nor was the roof damaged. We notified the landlord, and rather than get rid of the Hell Trees entirely, he paid for this:
Not the best solution in my opinion, but better than doing nothing, and this will result in far fewer leaves to blow in the front yard this fall, and we can get a better lawn next spring by planting Bermuda grass seed, which loves sun more than the current fescue grass does.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Well...Crap.
This is what I came home to an hour ago:
A Bradford Pear, also known as Satan's Own Tree, also known as Causes Arborists To Grind Teeth In Rage. They have beautiful blooms in early spring, and that is all. They suffer from branch-shedding as seen in the photo when they are mature, and the two in my front yard are as big as they get - - and need to be removed. This is the second large limb that has shed from this same tree. They need to go before they fall on the house, one of the cars, or one of us peoples.
A Bradford Pear, also known as Satan's Own Tree, also known as Causes Arborists To Grind Teeth In Rage. They have beautiful blooms in early spring, and that is all. They suffer from branch-shedding as seen in the photo when they are mature, and the two in my front yard are as big as they get - - and need to be removed. This is the second large limb that has shed from this same tree. They need to go before they fall on the house, one of the cars, or one of us peoples.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Mr. Noscandal
*sings*
I met a man Noscandal
And he'd dance for you
In Gucci shoes
With greying hair and starchy shirt
And sharp-pressed slacks
The IRS blues!
He would tell such lies
Tell such lies!
With a snarky little frown.
Mr. Noscandal...
Mr. Noscandal...
Mr. Noscandal...dance!
"Judge Awards $3.5 Million Settlement to Tea Party Groups for Obama IRS Targeting Scandal."
I met a man Noscandal
And he'd dance for you
In Gucci shoes
With greying hair and starchy shirt
And sharp-pressed slacks
The IRS blues!
He would tell such lies
Tell such lies!
With a snarky little frown.
Mr. Noscandal...
Mr. Noscandal...
Mr. Noscandal...dance!
"Judge Awards $3.5 Million Settlement to Tea Party Groups for Obama IRS Targeting Scandal."
This Needs To Be Said
At some point in the future - - possibly the near future if Democrats take the House and Senate in November - - there is going to be a bloody and headline-dominating "cold dead hands" moment between a law-abiding gun owner(s) and agents of the State charged with confiscating guns. Aesop's fable "Belling the Cat" is germane. Ask yourself if you're ready to die for the principle of gun ownership.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Not To Put Too Fine a Point On It, But...
...running on the following agenda seems sort of counter-intuitive, unless you're a Godless commie Democrat:
1. Speaker Nancy Pelosi!
2. Impeachment!
3. Raise taxes!
4. Gun confiscation/repeal the 2nd Amendment!
1. Speaker Nancy Pelosi!
2. Impeachment!
3. Raise taxes!
4. Gun confiscation/repeal the 2nd Amendment!
I Love a Happy Ending!
Sheriff: Concealed Carrier Pulled Gun, Fatally Shot Assailant While Being Robbed at Gunpoint.
Florida’s Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) says a concealed carrier was able to pull his gun and fatally shoot an assailant while being robbed at gunpoint Tuesday morning.
The concealed carry permit holder was a white male in his 60s and the deceased suspect was a Hispanic male in his 20s.
Florida’s Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) says a concealed carrier was able to pull his gun and fatally shoot an assailant while being robbed at gunpoint Tuesday morning.
The concealed carry permit holder was a white male in his 60s and the deceased suspect was a Hispanic male in his 20s.
Sunday, May 06, 2018
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
For Sale: Frying Pan Shoals Tower
The Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower, which was retired by the Coast Guard about a dozen years ago and sold, is for sale again.
It's off the coast of North Carolina south of Wilmington. It's been operated as a bed-and-breakfast place for the last several years, but would make a good Bond Villain Hideout, or a great place for a hermit with a lot of money.
It's off the coast of North Carolina south of Wilmington. It's been operated as a bed-and-breakfast place for the last several years, but would make a good Bond Villain Hideout, or a great place for a hermit with a lot of money.
Sorry For the Scant Posting
I'm going through a particularly misanthropic period right now. Headlines and particularly Facebook or Twitter just infuriate me. I'm spending all of my spare time on Lord of the Rings Online, where if someone acts like a troll or an orc they likely are, and you can deal with them as trolls or orcs should be dealt with: face to face, hand to hand, to the death.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Monday, April 16, 2018
Damn, I Hate Leftists
Social Justice Warriors managed to get author John Ringo disinvited from ConCarolinas, a literary convention that will be hosted here in Charlotte in June. I've never attended a convention before, but was considering it because I'm a fan of John's writing. Now? Forget it.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Restless President Polk
Born just down the road here in North Carolina, but unable to find permanent rest in Tennessee.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Translations From the Romanian
Pope Francis tweeted this a few minutes ago:
Translated from the Romanian it reads "Your hovercraft is full of eels. How would you like to come back to my place bouncy-bouncy?"
Translated from the Romanian it reads "Your hovercraft is full of eels. How would you like to come back to my place bouncy-bouncy?"
Monday, April 09, 2018
Neighborhood Meeting
It was an animal neighborhood meeting, actually, as I drove to work this evening. My headlights caught two rabbits in a yard sitting and waiting, and a possum was making his way in that direction, also.
Random Thought
Leftists react to criticism of their ideology in much the same way that Muslims react to criticism of Islam - - they go apeshit. They'll riot, commit violence, make death threats. This should tell you how leftists view Leftism.
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Back In the NRA
I let my membership in the NRA lapse in 2016 - - money is tight, and I felt complacent, as I should never have, knowing that leftists, gun grabbers and Communists (but I repeat myself) never rest in their efforts to take guns from law-abiding Americans. After the Florida shooting I renewed my membership - - so I'm good for supporting the murder of schoolkids for the next year.*
*this is what is referred to as "humor" or "sarcasm."
*this is what is referred to as "humor" or "sarcasm."
Friday, March 30, 2018
153 Ducks and 11 Feral Cats
A New Hanover County, NC woman has been hoarding ducks.
Charges are still pending against a local woman who allegedly kept more than 150 Muscovy ducks in unhealthy conditions, according to the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office.
Cynthia Huber, 56, was arrested Dec. 29 on nine misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, one count of failing to vaccinate a dog/cat/or ferret and one count of misuse of 911. In North Carolina class 1 misdemeanors such as these carry penalties of 120 days in jail and a discretionary fine.
The charges stemmed from the Dec. 20 seizure of the ducks and 11 cats from Huber’s Watermill Way home. Among various ailments, the ducks were reportedly underweight; 80 percent suffered from an upper respiratory infection; some had tumors that were left untreated and others had broken bones, according to Skywatch Bird Rescue, which helped New Hanover County Animal Services collect the ducks and has been caring for them since the rescue.
Crazy duck lady with a minor in crazy cat lady.
Charges are still pending against a local woman who allegedly kept more than 150 Muscovy ducks in unhealthy conditions, according to the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office.
Cynthia Huber, 56, was arrested Dec. 29 on nine misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, one count of failing to vaccinate a dog/cat/or ferret and one count of misuse of 911. In North Carolina class 1 misdemeanors such as these carry penalties of 120 days in jail and a discretionary fine.
The charges stemmed from the Dec. 20 seizure of the ducks and 11 cats from Huber’s Watermill Way home. Among various ailments, the ducks were reportedly underweight; 80 percent suffered from an upper respiratory infection; some had tumors that were left untreated and others had broken bones, according to Skywatch Bird Rescue, which helped New Hanover County Animal Services collect the ducks and has been caring for them since the rescue.
Crazy duck lady with a minor in crazy cat lady.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
They're Only Found In Coastal North Carolina
Venus's Flytraps, that is.
And only in a small strip of coastal North Carolina, at that - - the area right around the NC-SC border up to the Wilmington area and a little beyond. Only place in the world that they are found.
They are regularly poached and sold to plant fanciers; even a carnivorous plant garden in Wilmington was hit, with over $10,000 worth of plants taken. So it's now a felony in NC to poach them.
And only in a small strip of coastal North Carolina, at that - - the area right around the NC-SC border up to the Wilmington area and a little beyond. Only place in the world that they are found.
They are regularly poached and sold to plant fanciers; even a carnivorous plant garden in Wilmington was hit, with over $10,000 worth of plants taken. So it's now a felony in NC to poach them.
Caro Emerald
I discovered Dutch-born singer Caro Emerald via Pandora a few years ago, and like both her songs and videos a lot. Here's some samples, see if you agree:
And just listen to the dead-on Louis Armstrong vocals in this one:
And just listen to the dead-on Louis Armstrong vocals in this one:
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Waking Up
It's no great revelation that blogging isn't as popular as it one was - - Facebook and other social media outlets make it easy to post the details of your life there instead of on a blog; but increasingly, Facebook and Twitter are suppressing speech from everyone that doesn't approach the world from a leftist direction. I've been banned by Facebook twice already, and by Twitter a couple of times, also. I don't appreciate it, it pisses me off, and increases the resentment I have toward leftists to the level of hatred.
So I'm going to wake the blog up, based on Brigid's (Home On the Range) example. She was the victim of leftist trolls and hate mobs, and took her blog offline for a while, blogging as a guest at Borepatch's place instead. Now she's back, and since I see my blog listed on her sidebar, I can only man up and do what she's already done, and try to start posting regularly again. I'll try to start out slow. Can't make any promises.
Most of my leisure hours are spent taking refuge in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth, via the game Lord of the Rings Online. I literally waited decades for the technology to come along so I could spend time in Middle-Earth; I purchased a lifetime subscription while it was possible to do so, a decision that I've never regretted. The game is over 10 years old now, and people still play it daily, just as they do World of Warcraft or other online games. The developers bring new content online regularly - - North Mirkwod and the Lonely Mountain most recently - - and some of my happiest hours are spent exploring these new places. Being a game there is too much killing required for levelling up, which would probably horrify Tolkien; remember that Frodo Baggins never killed anyone in The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee is noted as killing only a single orc, and the other hobbits have similar low body counts. So I'm not really comfortable to be constantly killing stuff in game. I like wandering the landscape, exploring. Crafting. One can farm in the game,raise crops - - pipeweed included. And one can smoke a long pipe, and blow smokerings. Or play music - - there is a robust system for playing music in game, and there are many very talented bands that regularly give "concerts" in game.
I have a full stable of various characters, including a family of dwarves, the Stoneskulls, named after the patriarch of the clan, Blarni, who survived an orc bashing his helm in during the battle of Azanulbizar. Blarni has four sons: Sporki (named after an eating tool that Blarni invented), Snarki (the wiseass), Corki (likes to drink), and Tardi (a little slow, perhaps, or maybe it's because he's often late to appointments). There's a hobbit burglar, Asbo Stabbins (an ASBO is an Anti-Social Behavioral Order in the UK, given to minor criminals and delinquents), three men: Animbecil, Thoronwe, and Pinkrandir the Transwizard (he likes to be called Trandalf; he's pink now, but once was blue). And a couple of Elves, Feleg and Linroth. Blarni Stoneskull the dwarf is my main character, the one I've played the most; the rest are just there to provide a bit of relief from time to time.
Probably more information than you wanted, but it's my current main interest. Lord of the Rings Online can be played free in a limited way, so if you want to visit Middle-Earth, you can do so. I play on the Brandywine server, if you want to meet up in game.
So I'm going to wake the blog up, based on Brigid's (Home On the Range) example. She was the victim of leftist trolls and hate mobs, and took her blog offline for a while, blogging as a guest at Borepatch's place instead. Now she's back, and since I see my blog listed on her sidebar, I can only man up and do what she's already done, and try to start posting regularly again. I'll try to start out slow. Can't make any promises.
Most of my leisure hours are spent taking refuge in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth, via the game Lord of the Rings Online. I literally waited decades for the technology to come along so I could spend time in Middle-Earth; I purchased a lifetime subscription while it was possible to do so, a decision that I've never regretted. The game is over 10 years old now, and people still play it daily, just as they do World of Warcraft or other online games. The developers bring new content online regularly - - North Mirkwod and the Lonely Mountain most recently - - and some of my happiest hours are spent exploring these new places. Being a game there is too much killing required for levelling up, which would probably horrify Tolkien; remember that Frodo Baggins never killed anyone in The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee is noted as killing only a single orc, and the other hobbits have similar low body counts. So I'm not really comfortable to be constantly killing stuff in game. I like wandering the landscape, exploring. Crafting. One can farm in the game,raise crops - - pipeweed included. And one can smoke a long pipe, and blow smokerings. Or play music - - there is a robust system for playing music in game, and there are many very talented bands that regularly give "concerts" in game.
I have a full stable of various characters, including a family of dwarves, the Stoneskulls, named after the patriarch of the clan, Blarni, who survived an orc bashing his helm in during the battle of Azanulbizar. Blarni has four sons: Sporki (named after an eating tool that Blarni invented), Snarki (the wiseass), Corki (likes to drink), and Tardi (a little slow, perhaps, or maybe it's because he's often late to appointments). There's a hobbit burglar, Asbo Stabbins (an ASBO is an Anti-Social Behavioral Order in the UK, given to minor criminals and delinquents), three men: Animbecil, Thoronwe, and Pinkrandir the Transwizard (he likes to be called Trandalf; he's pink now, but once was blue). And a couple of Elves, Feleg and Linroth. Blarni Stoneskull the dwarf is my main character, the one I've played the most; the rest are just there to provide a bit of relief from time to time.
Probably more information than you wanted, but it's my current main interest. Lord of the Rings Online can be played free in a limited way, so if you want to visit Middle-Earth, you can do so. I play on the Brandywine server, if you want to meet up in game.
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