Add in the Supreme Court decisions on Obamacare gay marriage, and you have a week that can only be described as one bring forth massive fundamental transformation.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Censorship and social change
The June 26th Don and Doug program:
Exploiting the deaths by a lone racist gunman in Charleston, South Carolina, the self-proclaimed progressive political Left has embarked on an emotion-driven campaign to exorcise the south of images of southern Civil War history.
And Republicans who hold elective office seem in competition to see who can cave faster to the progressive demands.
Add in the Supreme Court decisions on Obamacare gay marriage, and you have a week that can only be described as one bring forth massive fundamental transformation.
Add in the Supreme Court decisions on Obamacare gay marriage, and you have a week that can only be described as one bring forth massive fundamental transformation.
Friday, June 26, 2015
More enlightenment from the Libary of Congress
I challenge those who demand the "Klan's flag" be banned to peruse the photo archives at the Library of Congress.It's not the "stars and bars" at this Klan initiation.
No, I don't count Old Glory as a racist symbol, regardless of how it's been misappropriated by some. I don't advocate for its removal.
But the sheeple who blindly follow calls to remove "racist" flags and memorials had best stop and think about where they're being led.
There's a war being waged in America
Some see the violence on American streets as completely normal, even justified.
Meanwhile, most of America refuses to even see the complete breakdown of society that's taking place.
And how would they? They're mostly being told the biggest societal need we have right now is to purge America of the Confederate flag and, perhaps, other assorted southern memorials.
Meanwhile, there's this...
'He didn't do no wrong, he just shot a cop.'
Meanwhile, most of America refuses to even see the complete breakdown of society that's taking place.
And how would they? They're mostly being told the biggest societal need we have right now is to purge America of the Confederate flag and, perhaps, other assorted southern memorials.
Meanwhile, there's this...
'He didn't do no wrong, he just shot a cop.'
Thursday, June 25, 2015
The Great Purge of 2015
The Great Purge has begun. Confederate flags 'n such have been yanked from PC-obsessed vendor sites like Amazon and eBay.
Even if you already bought the stuff, on eBay, it just disappears, and it gets replaced in your purchase list with a very cryptic message.
Ben Stein agrees.
Stein also notes that while the Confederacy has been banished, Nazi or Communist paraphernalia is still being vended on sites like Amazon or eBay.
In the past six months, I've spent a ton of money on both eBay and Amazon. Books, camping gear, fishing reels and more. But I think I'm going to hold off on using these sites for a while, in the hope they come to their senses.
I've never been a fan of censorship. And I'm even less a fan when it's done hand in hand with purging symbols representative of American history, and seems designed to move us in directions that can only be described as intolerant and totalitarian.
Even if you already bought the stuff, on eBay, it just disappears, and it gets replaced in your purchase list with a very cryptic message.
 |
| From: eBay |
Seems kinda gosh-darn Orwellian to me.
Ben Stein agrees.
Stein also notes that while the Confederacy has been banished, Nazi or Communist paraphernalia is still being vended on sites like Amazon or eBay.
In the past six months, I've spent a ton of money on both eBay and Amazon. Books, camping gear, fishing reels and more. But I think I'm going to hold off on using these sites for a while, in the hope they come to their senses.
I've never been a fan of censorship. And I'm even less a fan when it's done hand in hand with purging symbols representative of American history, and seems designed to move us in directions that can only be described as intolerant and totalitarian.
What flag is the real target?
Sorry, I'm just not buying it.
I don't sense the scope or scale of the so-called mass movement pushing to purge the south of Confederate flags and memorials is nearly as big as its backers claim.
I'm not really sure it even qualifies as a mass movement, though it certainly is an orchestrated political one.
And I've begun to suspect the targeting of Confederate imagery is part of a set up for something bigger, that Confederate flag and vulnerable memorials are being exploited to create a sense of validity for the need to purge "racist" symbols, and when successful, then the the trap gets sprung. Targeting of "racist" symbols will be expanded.
Consider these photos of Ku Klux Klan activity found in the Library of Congress. Take note of what flag the Klan flies.
Another shot of the 1925 rally, best I can tell, fails to show any Confederate flags, though U.S. flags can be seen. This shot also knocks the stereotype that the Klan was exclusively southern. It was also not exclusively male.
One more photo, from a Klan stage production in Texas in 1924, shows no Confederate flag, but reveals display of the U.S. flag wasn't confined to Klan factions in the north.
I don't have to go out on a limb to predict we'll soon hear hyperbolic cries that the "racist" Stars and Stripes, like the Confederate flag, must also come down. Todd Starnes at Fox News noted several months back that some are already conducting an open campaign.
Of course, the set up to diminish or vilify Old Glory probably goes a lot farther back.
Lefty protests and opt-outs over the Pledge of Allegiance are but one example.
I don't sense the scope or scale of the so-called mass movement pushing to purge the south of Confederate flags and memorials is nearly as big as its backers claim.
I'm not really sure it even qualifies as a mass movement, though it certainly is an orchestrated political one.
And I've begun to suspect the targeting of Confederate imagery is part of a set up for something bigger, that Confederate flag and vulnerable memorials are being exploited to create a sense of validity for the need to purge "racist" symbols, and when successful, then the the trap gets sprung. Targeting of "racist" symbols will be expanded.
Consider these photos of Ku Klux Klan activity found in the Library of Congress. Take note of what flag the Klan flies.
 |
| Klan rally, Washington DC, August 1925 Click on photo for larger image |
Another shot of the 1925 rally, best I can tell, fails to show any Confederate flags, though U.S. flags can be seen. This shot also knocks the stereotype that the Klan was exclusively southern. It was also not exclusively male.
 |
| U.S. flags can be seen to the right of the "Bucks County, Pennsylvania" banner |
One more photo, from a Klan stage production in Texas in 1924, shows no Confederate flag, but reveals display of the U.S. flag wasn't confined to Klan factions in the north.
I don't have to go out on a limb to predict we'll soon hear hyperbolic cries that the "racist" Stars and Stripes, like the Confederate flag, must also come down. Todd Starnes at Fox News noted several months back that some are already conducting an open campaign.
Of course, the set up to diminish or vilify Old Glory probably goes a lot farther back.
Lefty protests and opt-outs over the Pledge of Allegiance are but one example.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
ISIS in Syria....
It seems ISIS is up to its old tricks.
Photos from Palmyra, Syria show ISIS soldiers blowing up historic shrines that ISIS finds offensive.
Strikes me, this is very much like what "progressive" activists would like to do to Confederate memorials across the south.
Photos from Palmyra, Syria show ISIS soldiers blowing up historic shrines that ISIS finds offensive.
Strikes me, this is very much like what "progressive" activists would like to do to Confederate memorials across the south.
New-to-me USA made fishing gear
I've been dabbling with some fishing lately, and I have to say I'm put-off by cheap Chinese made reels that American based companies now sell. The Internet's full of stories how these imports often fail right out of the package or, more commonly, within a season.
While the Chinese-made reels I've had for a few years (and have used only a few times) haven't failed yet, I'm wary of reports that the latest round of Chinese manufacture may be even less robust than what I have.
So when I decided to upgrade, and add some more gear, I turned to eBay.
A very nice used Zebco 33 from the mid-1980s, arrived today. Cost me under $15 delivered, and seems to work very well. Not nearly so wobbly as the Chinese "33"incarnation I've been using.
Also arriving today was a beefier American-made Zebco 888. Also used, but in outstanding condition. Total outlay through eBay was $21.50 including shipping. A couple of even older Zebco 33s I purchased, from the 1960s and '70s, are still inbound.
With mounting reports that new Chinese production reels are prone to failure with only light to moderate use, used U.S. manufactured ones in great condition can be had for about the same money. It seems a no brainer to go with used American, especially if you like to tinker, and don't mind picking up a second reel as a spare or for parts. If properly maintained, experience and eBay listings suggest an older American-made budget reel might last for 30, 40, even 50 years of occasional fishing.
I'm sure there's fishing snobs who will look down on my choice of reels, but the old Zebco "spincasters" are what I used as a kid growing up. And if not fishing solo, my fishing partners today are likely to be novices borrowing one of my rigs, so I'm sticking with what I know and what's easy to use.
Also on the subject of foreign production...
The new Hoover WindTunnel vacuum cleaner I bought last February has already failed. After just four months of light household duty, the motor apparently burned out last night, making a nasty spell.
Used to be, you could buy a vacuum, even a budget one, and expect five to ten years of trouble free service. Not so anymore.
My failed unit is marked "Made in Mexico." But I'm guessing chances are good the motor came out of China.
Sent Hoover an email last night asking about warranty repair. Still waiting on a response.
Thought about buying an Oreck, but I see they too are now mostly made in China.
Are we really better off with declining quality and today's cheapness of goods that have resulted from off-shore sourcing and so-called free trade treaties?
Last year, when shopping for bicycles, I stuck to thrift stores, and found two from the 1980s. One for a daughter, the other for me. The first was made in USA, the other out of Taiwan. Cost me a fraction of what new ones would, and they'll probably be roadworthy long after today's new Chinese production has rusted out and been sent to the crusher.
While the Chinese-made reels I've had for a few years (and have used only a few times) haven't failed yet, I'm wary of reports that the latest round of Chinese manufacture may be even less robust than what I have.
 |
| American made Zebco reels arrived today. The rod however is a Chinese import bought for $12.99 at Academy. |
A very nice used Zebco 33 from the mid-1980s, arrived today. Cost me under $15 delivered, and seems to work very well. Not nearly so wobbly as the Chinese "33"incarnation I've been using.
Also arriving today was a beefier American-made Zebco 888. Also used, but in outstanding condition. Total outlay through eBay was $21.50 including shipping. A couple of even older Zebco 33s I purchased, from the 1960s and '70s, are still inbound.
With mounting reports that new Chinese production reels are prone to failure with only light to moderate use, used U.S. manufactured ones in great condition can be had for about the same money. It seems a no brainer to go with used American, especially if you like to tinker, and don't mind picking up a second reel as a spare or for parts. If properly maintained, experience and eBay listings suggest an older American-made budget reel might last for 30, 40, even 50 years of occasional fishing.
I'm sure there's fishing snobs who will look down on my choice of reels, but the old Zebco "spincasters" are what I used as a kid growing up. And if not fishing solo, my fishing partners today are likely to be novices borrowing one of my rigs, so I'm sticking with what I know and what's easy to use.
Also on the subject of foreign production...
The new Hoover WindTunnel vacuum cleaner I bought last February has already failed. After just four months of light household duty, the motor apparently burned out last night, making a nasty spell.
Used to be, you could buy a vacuum, even a budget one, and expect five to ten years of trouble free service. Not so anymore.
My failed unit is marked "Made in Mexico." But I'm guessing chances are good the motor came out of China.
Sent Hoover an email last night asking about warranty repair. Still waiting on a response.
Thought about buying an Oreck, but I see they too are now mostly made in China.
Are we really better off with declining quality and today's cheapness of goods that have resulted from off-shore sourcing and so-called free trade treaties?
Last year, when shopping for bicycles, I stuck to thrift stores, and found two from the 1980s. One for a daughter, the other for me. The first was made in USA, the other out of Taiwan. Cost me a fraction of what new ones would, and they'll probably be roadworthy long after today's new Chinese production has rusted out and been sent to the crusher.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Yup, it's that crazy
Via Twitter:
Your grandfather went to Europe and fought the Nazis so you could be called a Nazi for having the exact same opinions as your grandfather.
— Jonathan Davis (@TEPUMRA) June 22, 2015Pocket-size memorial
Anyone remember the Stone Mountain half dollar?
Anyone got one?
It's a commemorative half dollar minted by the U.S. government in the 1920s to help fund the Confederate memorial at Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Is possession now considered racist?
Anyone got one?
It's a commemorative half dollar minted by the U.S. government in the 1920s to help fund the Confederate memorial at Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Is possession now considered racist?
The other side of Orwell
“That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.” - George Orwell, writing in the Evening Standard, January 1941
Monday, June 22, 2015
Exploiting crisis tor political gamesmanship
While the political panders remain obsessed with South Carolina's display of a Confederate flag, let's take account of some of the other news of the weekend...
As of Sunday afternoon, four had been killed and at least 22 wounded in all-too-typical weekend violence in self-proclaimed progressive urban Chicago.
In Detroit, a dozen people were shot at a child's birthday party, one of them killed.
Meanwhile in Baltimore, under the city's progressive Democrat leadership, city leaders now claim the police department there has become a cesspool filled with corruption, and they all but promise more police officers will face arrest. Gonna be tough on residents there as police become increasingly dysfunctional, residents knowing the city can't seem to manage the police, and the police become knowing the city won't back 'em up as they attempt to control hostile streets.
But politically correct progressives, including paid activists and community organizers, as well as meddling Republicans like Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush, treat the flag in South Carolina's as the country's biggest domestic crisis. They demand the flag's removal just like ISIS or the Taliban demand removal of items or images they find offensive.
Seriously, people. When is America going to wake up and recognize the decoys and distractions?
When will Americans en masse begin to see how far America's fallen?
When they do, let's hope Americans will be smart enough to see the societal decline has nothing to do with an historical remembrance flying in South Carolina.
As of Sunday afternoon, four had been killed and at least 22 wounded in all-too-typical weekend violence in self-proclaimed progressive urban Chicago.
In Detroit, a dozen people were shot at a child's birthday party, one of them killed.
Meanwhile in Baltimore, under the city's progressive Democrat leadership, city leaders now claim the police department there has become a cesspool filled with corruption, and they all but promise more police officers will face arrest. Gonna be tough on residents there as police become increasingly dysfunctional, residents knowing the city can't seem to manage the police, and the police become knowing the city won't back 'em up as they attempt to control hostile streets.
But politically correct progressives, including paid activists and community organizers, as well as meddling Republicans like Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush, treat the flag in South Carolina's as the country's biggest domestic crisis. They demand the flag's removal just like ISIS or the Taliban demand removal of items or images they find offensive.
Seriously, people. When is America going to wake up and recognize the decoys and distractions?
When will Americans en masse begin to see how far America's fallen?
When they do, let's hope Americans will be smart enough to see the societal decline has nothing to do with an historical remembrance flying in South Carolina.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
About that flag...
In the wake of the Charleston shooting, the political Left has chosen to revive attacks on South Carolina's display of the Confederate flag.
How many Democrat politicians, either officially or unofficially, have exploited the same flag, or allowed it to be exploited on their behalf, when they deemed it in their favor?
The history may not be as remote as some believe.
How many Democrat politicians, either officially or unofficially, have exploited the same flag, or allowed it to be exploited on their behalf, when they deemed it in their favor?
The history may not be as remote as some believe.
 |
How far can they divide America?
And at what point does the deliberate dividing of America result in a level of dysfunction where the nation can no longer function?
From Chris Muir's Day By Day Cartoon:
From Chris Muir's Day By Day Cartoon:
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
The jobs Americans used to do...
Only a delusional government would think it best to destabilize its citizens by engineering ways to give the nation's best jobs to foreign workers.
We have that delusional government, operating not in the interest of the people, but in the interests of its corporate cronies.
We have that delusional government, operating not in the interest of the people, but in the interests of its corporate cronies.
Going fishing
Been too long. Have the urge to go fishing. Think I'll make a day of it.
Guess I better go dig some worms.
Guess I better go dig some worms.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Do your neighbors have guns?
Can we say too much gun control may hurt property values?
Rasmussen poll: Americans prefer living in neighborhoods with guns.
Rasmussen poll: Americans prefer living in neighborhoods with guns.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Budget tent added to my inventory
Picked up a new tent recently with the intent of using it for some car camping.
It's a Coleman "Picton" (that appears to be a discontinued model) measuring 9.5 x 10.5 feet.
Easy set up, but I haven't had it out in the field yet, so no review on functionality.
What I do find remarkable is that the tent packs down to about a fourth the size of my old Camel brand 9 x 12 external frame cabin tent that I've had since the early '90s. The Coleman weighs but a fraction of the Camel, which weighs a ton.
Cost on the Picton, at a local Walmart, was just under eighty bucks,. That's about what you'd pay for a similar size and design Coleman tent on Amazon. I probably paid a similar price for the Camel, and that was 25 or so years ago.
Easy set up, but I haven't had it out in the field yet, so no review on functionality.
What I do find remarkable is that the tent packs down to about a fourth the size of my old Camel brand 9 x 12 external frame cabin tent that I've had since the early '90s. The Coleman weighs but a fraction of the Camel, which weighs a ton.
Cost on the Picton, at a local Walmart, was just under eighty bucks,. That's about what you'd pay for a similar size and design Coleman tent on Amazon. I probably paid a similar price for the Camel, and that was 25 or so years ago.
Paul Ryan, the little tyrant
In 2012, Republican elites (and a bunch of Republican voters) told us Paul Ryan would be a great vice president, and they made him the party's nominee.
Fast forward to present, and Congressman Paul Ryan shows himself to be nothing more than a petty tyrant, obsessed with secrecy, someone who aspires to be another Nancy Pelosi.
To right minded Americans who want to review Obamatrade legislation prior to a Congressional vote, the little tyrant Ryan offers up this response:
“It’s declassified and made public once it’s agreed to.”
In other words, Ryan wants the bill passed before those of us he considers the little people get to see what's in it.
Why is a prospective trade treaty, let alone legislation intended to guide the treaty's negotiation, considered "classified" in the first place?
The concept of American representative government appears to be dead. The oligarchs in DC don't even pretend it still exists or offer lip service to it any more.
Goes back to something I've noted for years.
American political elites increasingly function like their European counterparts who gave rise to fascism in the 1930s.
Fast forward to present, and Congressman Paul Ryan shows himself to be nothing more than a petty tyrant, obsessed with secrecy, someone who aspires to be another Nancy Pelosi.
To right minded Americans who want to review Obamatrade legislation prior to a Congressional vote, the little tyrant Ryan offers up this response:
“It’s declassified and made public once it’s agreed to.”
In other words, Ryan wants the bill passed before those of us he considers the little people get to see what's in it.
Why is a prospective trade treaty, let alone legislation intended to guide the treaty's negotiation, considered "classified" in the first place?
The concept of American representative government appears to be dead. The oligarchs in DC don't even pretend it still exists or offer lip service to it any more.
Goes back to something I've noted for years.
American political elites increasingly function like their European counterparts who gave rise to fascism in the 1930s.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Back on the subject of flashlights
Two hundred, five hundred, a thousand or more lumens.
Seems there's no limit to the brightness and beams in today's modern flashlights.
But I have a question: How robust are these increasingly electronics based units?
I blogged last week that I upgraded some older Maglite flashlights, as we ll as purchased a new Gen-3 LED Maglite. Lite the Gen-3 Mag, many of the new, superpower flashlights have permanent bulbs, not replaceable ones. And I'm reading at least a handful of reviews that say some of these electronic lights can be unstable, even damaged to the point of failure, if used with rechargeable batteries.
I don't have big bucks to pile into flightlights, and while it's nice to have one or two around with super-beams., updating an older light with a retrofit LED bulb offers a decent amount a light without having a unit loaded with vulnerable circuits.
I may eventually splurge for a light with bigger lumens and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. But for the time being, I feel most comfortable knowing most the retrofit lights I have can deliver mid-range LED illumination while also being powered by off the shelf AA or D size batteries, either fresh-bought or recharged without the vulnerability that comes with electronics. That said having a few extra bulbs is always a good idea, just in case resupply becomes impractical or impossible.
Seems there's no limit to the brightness and beams in today's modern flashlights.
But I have a question: How robust are these increasingly electronics based units?
I blogged last week that I upgraded some older Maglite flashlights, as we ll as purchased a new Gen-3 LED Maglite. Lite the Gen-3 Mag, many of the new, superpower flashlights have permanent bulbs, not replaceable ones. And I'm reading at least a handful of reviews that say some of these electronic lights can be unstable, even damaged to the point of failure, if used with rechargeable batteries.
I don't have big bucks to pile into flightlights, and while it's nice to have one or two around with super-beams., updating an older light with a retrofit LED bulb offers a decent amount a light without having a unit loaded with vulnerable circuits.
I may eventually splurge for a light with bigger lumens and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. But for the time being, I feel most comfortable knowing most the retrofit lights I have can deliver mid-range LED illumination while also being powered by off the shelf AA or D size batteries, either fresh-bought or recharged without the vulnerability that comes with electronics. That said having a few extra bulbs is always a good idea, just in case resupply becomes impractical or impossible.
Is your alarm going off?
While the presence of scams and con artists isn't anything new, the presence of such activity today is perhaps unprecedented in modern history
Charles Hugh Smith cites government unemployment stats, the Clinton Foundation, and the Chinese stock market as just a few examples that should be setting off your "BS detector."
Charles Hugh Smith cites government unemployment stats, the Clinton Foundation, and the Chinese stock market as just a few examples that should be setting off your "BS detector."
More betrayal afoot in Washington DC
My congressman, Rep Rob Woodall, has seemingly been mum in recent weeks on the secretive trade bills being rushed through Congress. Maybe he thinks we didn't see previous press accounts where he defended the measures. What part of representing the people do arrogant "representatives" not understand? We're tired of the posturing, out-right lies, and being told everything needs to be done lightning fast and in secret.
Death toll could have been higher...
But in Rockdale County, Georgia, a good guy with a gun happened to be in the chosen path of a bad guy who was hell-bent on doing some killing.
From the Rockdale Citizen:
A customer who fired back at the suspect who killed two people in a Ga. Highway 20 liquor store Sunday afternoon is being hailed as a hero.
Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett said at a press conference Monday that Todd C. Scott, 44, a resident of Covington, very likely prevented other customers in the store from losing their lives.
Levett said store video from Magnet Bottle Shop showed that the suspect, Jeffrey Scott Pitts, 36, came in the store Sunday afternoon firing a handgun.
“I believe that if Mr. Scott did not return fire at the suspect then more of those customers would have hit by a gun,” said Levett. “It didn’t appear that he cared who he shot or where he was shooting until someone was shooting back at him. So in my opinion he saved other lives in that store.”Those targeted by criminals on't have the advantage criminals have. Criminals pick the time and venues in which they strike. Those targeted often have to react without prior warning, using only the means they have at hand.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Rule of law means nothing to these people....
The UK Guardian reports:
The Obama administration has asked a secret surveillance court to ignore a federal court that found bulk surveillance illegal and to once again grant the National Security Agency the power to collect the phone records of millions of Americans for six months.\
The legal request, filed nearly four hours after Barack Obama vowed to sign a new law banning precisely the bulk collection he asks the secret court to approve, also suggests that the administration may not necessarily comply with any potential court order demanding that the collection stop.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Meanwhile, up in Flint...
The military was back to raising a ruckus in Flint, Michigan over the weekend.
Amateur video reportedly captured helicopter operations.
At least this time, local media carried warnings in advance, to lessen the chance of residents being taken by surprise.
Too far north to be part of Jade Helm.
The Flint activity is apparently part of a National Guard exercise dubbed Northern Exposure.
Amateur video reportedly captured helicopter operations.
At least this time, local media carried warnings in advance, to lessen the chance of residents being taken by surprise.
Too far north to be part of Jade Helm.
The Flint activity is apparently part of a National Guard exercise dubbed Northern Exposure.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Disney wages war on American workers
Layoffs at Disney... but before being sent home for good, outgoing workers are reportedly being told to train their imported foreign replacements.
Government data (uspicious as it is) today says jobs are being created. But who gets those jobs?
Big government and big business no longer believe citizens are necessary to carry things forward. Cheaper foreign replacements are being recruited en masse.
War on American workers. War on middle class.
But shhh... it's supposed to be a secret.
Government data (uspicious as it is) today says jobs are being created. But who gets those jobs?
Big government and big business no longer believe citizens are necessary to carry things forward. Cheaper foreign replacements are being recruited en masse.
War on American workers. War on middle class.
But shhh... it's supposed to be a secret.
Today's podcast
Don and I are back at 1:00 pm EDT today "Don and Doug".
May anchor the show to some of this week's politcal nonsense (or outright treachery, depending on your mindset), but the main focus will be on how to get ready for when things really start falling apart.
Maybe I should say when they obviously start falling part.
Conditions have been deteriorating for a long, long time. And the pace appears to be picking up.
Smoke and mirrors, bread and circuses can only maintain the facade of normalcy for so long.
May anchor the show to some of this week's politcal nonsense (or outright treachery, depending on your mindset), but the main focus will be on how to get ready for when things really start falling apart.
Maybe I should say when they obviously start falling part.
Conditions have been deteriorating for a long, long time. And the pace appears to be picking up.
Smoke and mirrors, bread and circuses can only maintain the facade of normalcy for so long.
Check Out Prepping Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with TalkSouthRadio on BlogTalkRadio
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Something in the air
As if Flint, Michigan didn't have enough of an image problem, apparently the military's settled in there for round of urban military exercises.
I wonder if the military considered holding similar exercises in Dearborn, Michigan?
Naw. Dearborn's probably off limits due to political correctness.
Update: A guy with a video camera caught up with an "army" guy acting as "security" while the exercise in Flint was setting off explosions. Yes, the camera guy seems to have an agenda of his own, but why are explosions being set off without warning in a neighborhood, and there's no one there to address startled neighbors' concerns in an official capacity?
The military's been doing training exercises in and around American cities for more than 25 years. But in the current political climate, where the EPA and other regulatory agencies grab more control over our lives, where the president has virtually opened our borders, and where Congress passes legislation shrouded in secrecy, exercises like this take on an entirely different and provocative tone compared to how things were done in the past.
I wonder if the military considered holding similar exercises in Dearborn, Michigan?
Naw. Dearborn's probably off limits due to political correctness.
Update: A guy with a video camera caught up with an "army" guy acting as "security" while the exercise in Flint was setting off explosions. Yes, the camera guy seems to have an agenda of his own, but why are explosions being set off without warning in a neighborhood, and there's no one there to address startled neighbors' concerns in an official capacity?
The military's been doing training exercises in and around American cities for more than 25 years. But in the current political climate, where the EPA and other regulatory agencies grab more control over our lives, where the president has virtually opened our borders, and where Congress passes legislation shrouded in secrecy, exercises like this take on an entirely different and provocative tone compared to how things were done in the past.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Did it
Bought that blowtorch of a Maglite flashlight I blogged about earlier today.
First test, I looked under a rental property we're rehabbing. Been under it a bunch of times, but never saw it in the light I did today. Where'd that debris and junk come from? Probably been there 25 years, I just never saw it in bright light before.
After sundown, I took a look at my own backyard. One flashlight pretty much lit up the whole thing. I was completely impressed. The picture doesn't do justice.
Also popped a Nite Ize LED adapter into an old Mini Mag I've had for 26 years. Not as bright as the new LED Mini I bought last fall, and actually I'm glad. I don't necessarily want a AA flashlight to light up the world. Sometimes I want just enough light to accomplish a simple task, without waking others nearby in camp.
Bought my Maglite ML300L-S3016 at Walmart. Sometimes, I just like being able to walk into a store and buy something. Too often these days, the good stuff has to be ordered online.
While in Walmart, something else caught my eye. Rayovac LED conversion bulbs for two or three battery flashlights. Not as beefy as the Nite Ize offerings, the Rayovacs came in 30 or 40 lumen brightness ratings. But each was priced at only $3.97, so I bought a couple, and upgraded some cheapo flashlights I keep stashed around the house.
Now that I've got some hopped-up flashlights, I guess I'd better start scouting for batteries on sale.
First test, I looked under a rental property we're rehabbing. Been under it a bunch of times, but never saw it in the light I did today. Where'd that debris and junk come from? Probably been there 25 years, I just never saw it in bright light before.
After sundown, I took a look at my own backyard. One flashlight pretty much lit up the whole thing. I was completely impressed. The picture doesn't do justice.
Also popped a Nite Ize LED adapter into an old Mini Mag I've had for 26 years. Not as bright as the new LED Mini I bought last fall, and actually I'm glad. I don't necessarily want a AA flashlight to light up the world. Sometimes I want just enough light to accomplish a simple task, without waking others nearby in camp.
Bought my Maglite ML300L-S3016 at Walmart. Sometimes, I just like being able to walk into a store and buy something. Too often these days, the good stuff has to be ordered online.
While in Walmart, something else caught my eye. Rayovac LED conversion bulbs for two or three battery flashlights. Not as beefy as the Nite Ize offerings, the Rayovacs came in 30 or 40 lumen brightness ratings. But each was priced at only $3.97, so I bought a couple, and upgraded some cheapo flashlights I keep stashed around the house.
Now that I've got some hopped-up flashlights, I guess I'd better start scouting for batteries on sale.
Politics gets ever more divorced from reality
Via Twitter:
For those who missed the comment about Obama's cred as a (almost) Jew, it stems from a comment made by Obama advisor David Axelrod.
Liberals want you to believe Hillary is one of the "folks" Elizabeth Warren is a Native American and Obama is a Jew.C'mon Man!
— G A on Rock 94 1/2 (@GARock945) June 3, 2015
For those who missed the comment about Obama's cred as a (almost) Jew, it stems from a comment made by Obama advisor David Axelrod.
Lighter, brighter flashlights
There's apparently a relatively new Maglite flashlight on the market, an update on one of those big thingys that takes three D-cell batteries.
Saw one at Walmart, and it's also available on Amazon. Said to pack 625 lumens on its high output setting. Sounds impressive. And there's three brightness settings, so you don't have to over illuminate. And it's said to be much lighter in weight than the older full-side Mags I've been toting and using for a couple of decades.
Of course, the thing's got electronics, so it'll probably go dead in an EMP type event.
Still, the day to day and other preparedness applications are too numerous to mention. I'm tempted to pick one up.
I've seen less advanced LED 3-D-cell Maglites, at 114 Lumens, on Amazon for under $20.
Even 114 lumens is way beyond anything I have now.
I also saw LED upgrade bulbs at Home Depot for older non-LED flashlights. Bought one this week.
Substantial improvement, at a rating of 55 lumens, over the standard bulb that was in my 20+ year old 2 D-cell Maglite.
Pricey at nine bucks, but the price-point was much lower than the new model Mag, and it should be a battery saver. Tried it out last night. The LED conversion makes for a vast improvement in brightness and range over the old fashion bulbs. Tempted to get several more and upgrade my other D cell lights.
There are several videos on YouTube that showcase how drasticly flashlight performance is improved with LED update kits.
Of course, as I upgrade I'll save the older bulbs (and any original parts) as spares.
Sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse, I'm usually one to lag behind when it comes to adopting most new technology. Flashlight technology is vastly improved since I did any kind of a substantial upgrade. I guess it's about time I took the plunge.
Saw one at Walmart, and it's also available on Amazon. Said to pack 625 lumens on its high output setting. Sounds impressive. And there's three brightness settings, so you don't have to over illuminate. And it's said to be much lighter in weight than the older full-side Mags I've been toting and using for a couple of decades.
Of course, the thing's got electronics, so it'll probably go dead in an EMP type event.
Still, the day to day and other preparedness applications are too numerous to mention. I'm tempted to pick one up.
I've seen less advanced LED 3-D-cell Maglites, at 114 Lumens, on Amazon for under $20.
Even 114 lumens is way beyond anything I have now.
I also saw LED upgrade bulbs at Home Depot for older non-LED flashlights. Bought one this week.
Substantial improvement, at a rating of 55 lumens, over the standard bulb that was in my 20+ year old 2 D-cell Maglite.
Pricey at nine bucks, but the price-point was much lower than the new model Mag, and it should be a battery saver. Tried it out last night. The LED conversion makes for a vast improvement in brightness and range over the old fashion bulbs. Tempted to get several more and upgrade my other D cell lights.
There are several videos on YouTube that showcase how drasticly flashlight performance is improved with LED update kits.
Of course, as I upgrade I'll save the older bulbs (and any original parts) as spares.
Sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse, I'm usually one to lag behind when it comes to adopting most new technology. Flashlight technology is vastly improved since I did any kind of a substantial upgrade. I guess it's about time I took the plunge.
Monday, June 1, 2015
See any resemblance?
Is the apparent resemblance here intentional?
 |
| Kerry in helmet/Gimlinopithecus from Cartoon Network's Ben Ten |
DOJ wants to know more about "far right" social media
Want a good laugh?
The GOP vows to "rein in" Obama on EPA regs and on Climate Change.
Uh...
This is the same GOP that promised to repeal Obamacare and rein in Obama's Executive Amnesty.
How those latter two work out?
Is there even a shred of GOP credibility left?
Best I can tell, not a single scintilla.
Uh...
This is the same GOP that promised to repeal Obamacare and rein in Obama's Executive Amnesty.
How those latter two work out?
Is there even a shred of GOP credibility left?
Best I can tell, not a single scintilla.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)