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“It’s a great American value to protest, but I don’t believe living in a pup tent for Hamas is really helpful,” Fetterman said. . . Since the start of the anti-Israel encampments, students at several universities and colleges have been suspended, those participating in the encampments have been arrested, and graduation ceremonies have been canceled.
Fetterman added that there was a “germ of antisemitism in all of these protests and then sometimes it flares up,” continuing on to reference words Khymani James, one of the leaders of the anti-Israel encampment at Columbia University, had said.
“One of the leaders in Columbia said some just awful things talking about, ‘Well, they’re lucky I’m not killing Zionists,’ and things like that. And, then he defended himself by saying, ‘Well, those were taken out of context,’ and I’m like, well those are very similar to the way the college presidents, same kind of language.”
. . . Since Hamas’ attack, Fetterman has defended Israel and criticized anti-Israel protesters.
I honestly cannot remember if I really knew at all how John Fetterman, a trust fund layabout whose résumé consisted of getting getting elected mayor of a dying Pennsylvania coal town and driving the final nail in its coffin, somehow emerged as a viable candidate for US Senator.
Dao-Min Yen election shenanigans aside, there he was dressed in grubby sweats and sneakers, ready to take his seat in "the greatest deliberative body in the world." At the time, I thought how low can one be to be so disrespectful to not show up in a suit and tie. Yet considering the corruption, venality and tyrannical thuggery that infests that building and every other one in DC, why should I get all exercised? Recall the late, unlamented Harry Reid, currently roasting in hell, complaining how he could smell the body odor of ordinary commoners visiting the Rotunda. All things considered, Fetterman actually is a breath of fresh air.
Was it the stroke, the lump on his neck, or even his odd wife Giselle that brought out this latent flash of sanity, reason and actual moral clarity from someone who at first glance should fit quite comfortably between the likes of Titty-Caca AOC and multi-millionaire Marxist Bernie Sanders? Who knows, and who cares? His voice of support of the state of Israel (and IIRC his anti-open borders statements) have been full-throated and consistent since this nightmare began last October. For sure, he is a liberal if not Leftist, but to go against something that is a shibboleth and central tenet of the anti-American Left – especially now during an election year when the Sponge-Brain Shits-Pants/Kalorama Klown Komintern is desperate to rally their rabid base – surely is political death. But still her persists.
“Antisemitism is a vile and disgusting ideology which has resulted in the deaths of many, many millions of people in the last hundred years. We’ve got to oppose it in every form. Do I doubt for a moment that antisemitism exists that is growing in the United States, that exist among some people in the protest movement, of course.” He continued, “Here is the reality right now, what Netanyahu right-wing extremist and racist government is doing, is unprecedented in modern history of warfare. "
Al Jazeera, which is no friend of Israel, stipulates that Israel has killed 34,000 Gazans (including the 12,000 or so Hamas terrorists it intended to kill) with 75,000 tons of explosives. If we assume that all were one-ton charges, Israel has deployed the destructive power of more than 120 Hiroshima-class bombs to kill less than half the number killed by only one such weapon in August 1945. This reinforces the proposition that Israel is wielding violence with almost superhuman precision against terrorists who are often menaces to peaceful Gazans as well as Israelis. It is also to be noted that collateral losses among noncombatants, while regrettable, were less than two for every terrorist despite the terrorists’ use of the noncombatants as human shields. . .
. . . In summary, then, the difference between the war in Gaza and traditional wars is twofold. Unlike legal combatants of all nations who carry their arms openly, follow the rules of war, and do not use civilians as human shields, Hamas consists solely of terrorists who deserve death. In addition, even though Hamas does its best to use noncombatants as human shields, Israel has done close to a superhuman job of excising the terrorists with minimal harm to their human surroundings.
One major quibble with this author is that unless the civilian is under the age of 4 or 3, is incapable of language and crawling around in his diapers, there are virtually no innocent civilians in Gaza. From scouting targets months or even years before the assault courtesy of being given work visas by Israel to actively participating in the kidnapping and detention of Israelis after the attacks began, they are de facto enemy combatants and as a result legitimate targets. Yet Israel is doing whatever it can to take out only those identified as Hamas cadres.
Psaki-psircling back, given the choice between Fetterman and Sanders, it's a no-brainer. No pun intended. Meanwhile, those allegedly on our side in the GOP are proving themselves as Grifting Oleaginous Parasites, shoveling more money to Ukraine, a few relative shekels to Israel, and a not inconsiderable sum to Gaza. And guess where that money winds up?
The $9.1 billion is earmarked, of course, as “humanitarian assistance,” but that ruse is fooling fewer and fewer people. Just The News reported Friday that the bill is “under scrutiny” in the first place because the amount that Gaza will be getting is “significantly more than the annual gross domestic product of the Gaza Strip,” and no safeguards are in place to ensure that the money will not fall into the wrong hands: “critics say the U.S. is essentially funding Hamas through the bill.”
Officially, this massive cash outlay is for "Migration and Refugee Assistance" and "International Disaster Assistance." It is so massive, in fact, that it is “more than four times the amount of the annual GDP in the Gaza Strip, which was about $2 billion last year, according to the United Nations.” The Gaza Strip is about to be awash in American money, and that means that even if Hamas has already burned through the $10 billion that Old Joe Biden and his henchmen sent to Hamas’ money men in Tehran last month, more billions are on their way.
The Biden regime doesn’t want you to worry about this. The bill “calls for the Secretary of State to establish oversight measures to ensure that the aid is not diverted by Hamas,” but really, what can he possibly do short of establishing an American military presence in Gaza? Hamas controls Gaza. There is no force in Gaza that is strong enough to stand up to Hamas. So provisos written into legislation drafted and passed in faraway Washington, D.C. is one thing, but the reality on the ground in Gaza is something else altogether, and the Biden regime must know that.
Morton Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America, stated it plainly: "Biden and this administration knows that almost all of it,” that is, the aid, “is stolen by Hamas.” That leads to an inescapable conclusion: “We are funding Hamas. Do you realize the nightmare of this? We are funding Hamas with this 9 billion. What is wrong with this administration?"
Well, that last question would take longer to answer than there is space on the Internet, but Klein is right: the Biden regime is funding Hamas, which means that American taxpayers are getting soaked to provide for the upkeep of jihad terrorists. Klein also pointed out that by waiving sanctions on Iran and ensuring that billions flow into the mullahs’ coffers, the Biden regime was "funding the biggest funder of terrorism of Islamic terrorism in the world."
“The Correspondents’ Dinner is nothing more than a celebration and endorsement of the administration’s actions. That is not journalism. That is complicity,” the Code Pink website states.
Footage of the evening’s activities shows protesters banging on drums and yelling chants such as, “Shame, shame, shame on you, for all the terror that you do” and others about the media’s alleged lying . . .
. . . In one clip, what appears to be two attendees arriving for the dinner could be seen being berated by activists, who shouted at the couple. The couple was repeated shamed by one protestor, seen standing next to a sign which had the ABC logo placed adjacent to a phrase reading, “All Bullsh*t Constantly,” and another which had the CNN logo next to the phrase, “Criminal News Network.”
“Shame on you! Children in Gaza are dying! While you dine, children are dying,” one protester could be heard yelling as the couple walked off.
Like Sanders, they're sort of right, if not for all the wrong reasons. "All Bullshit Constantly" and “Criminal News Network" indeed. The "roast" of Biden was a laugh riot. Mostly riot, yet considering he's a vegetable, roasting is an appropriate word in a manner of speaking
Robert Spencer: "If the Biden regime gets four more years, the U.S. will turn against Israel entirely, isolating the Jewish state on the world stage as it faces a threat to its very survival. If jihadis succeed in destroying Israel and turn against America with new energy and enthusiasm, will any of the leftist policy wonks ever have a tinge of regret for how they destroyed the U.S./Israeli alliance? Not on your life." Did the Biden Regime Green-Light Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders, Including Netanyahu?
Victor Davis Hanson: "Its failure to stop a much smaller Israel response, coupled with the overwhelming success of Israel and its allies in stopping a much larger Iranian attack, reminds the Iranian autocracy that its shrill rhetoric is designed to mask its impotence and to hide its own vulnerabilities from its enemies." Iran Just Pulled its Own Nuclear Teeth
Robert Spencer Part Deux: "Morton Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America, stated it plainly: 'Biden and this [junta] knows that almost all of it,' that is, the aid, 'is stolen by Hamas.' That leads to an inescapable conclusion: 'We are funding Hamas. Do you realize the nightmare of this? We are funding Hamas with this 9 billion. What is wrong with this [junta]?'" (Let me count the ways - jjs) Who Funds Hamas? You Do, Thanks to Old Joe Biden
"Falling for the jokes of a fake rabbi is one thing. Actually offering to help plan a fundraiser for a virulent anti-Semite claiming to be running for Congress as a Democrat raises questions that Bowman doesn't want to answer." How Dumb Do You Have to Be to Get Duped by the "Chief Rabbi of Gaza?"
"The Hamas apologists who now infest Ivy League seem not to know that war is not intended to punish the guilty and spare the innocent." War is Not Law Enforcement
* * * * *
Robert Spencer Three-peat: "The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) has been laying the groundwork for years for what’s happening now." Why Have Campuses Gone All-In For Hamas?
"Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein was arrested Saturday night while protesting in support of 'Palestine' on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, Fox Digital reported." Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein Arrested
"Once again, young people who have nothing important or valuable in their lives and who believe in nothing substantive or enduring are demonstrating their desperate need for belonging and purpose." Heroic Doubling and Supporting Hamas
Clarice Feldman: "A generation of reckless, entitled, ill-educated brats has stampeded American universities off a high place into the sea." Was it All That Baby Proofing?
"Peter Beinart tells American Jews (those calling themselves themselves liberals, at any rate) to oppose the continued existence of a Jewish nation and homeland in the Mideast." Peter Beinart vs. Israel and the Jews
Donald Trump has described migrant crime as a dangerous “new category of crime.” Last week, Chairman of the House National Security, Border, and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Rep. Glenn Grothman confirmed that authorities are monitoring at least 617,000 illegal aliens with criminal convictions or pending charges. MIGRANT CRIME ROUND-UP: Pedos & Predators Repeatedly Released by Authorities
Thad McCotter: "Given their prevarications and party propaganda, will the Biden [junta] and its regime media cohorts ever receive their just desserts?" Cannibalism: A Teachable Moment
Rep Comer: “The Bidens don’t sell a product, service, or a set of skills. It’s simple: the Biden family is selling access for millions of dollars to those around the world willing to pay for it. And Joe Biden continues to lie about the role he played in the influence peddling schemes.” House GOP Raises Alarm Over Biden Family’s Alleged Business With Qatari Officials
". . . if the GSA had been in possession of the boxes, why wasn't a review of the materials conducted before they instructed Trump's team to get them? When it comes to classified information, they wouldn't have expected Trump and his staff to be responsible for ensuring that classified documents weren't among the records. Perhaps they did review the contents of the boxes and knew classified documents were contained in them before they told Trump's people to come get them." New Bombshell Evidence Emerges: Was Trump Set Up in Classified Docs Saga?
"I’m not a lawyer, but I had to listen to the oral arguments the other day. What I heard again was, they weren’t talking about the facts of the case. They were coming up with all these hypotheticals. They should go ahead and allow this trial on January 6th to go forward in the district court, and we should know the results before the election.” Donna Brazile-nut: Supreme Court Close to Election Interference, "Justice Delayed Is Democracy Denied"
"A 'not guilty' verdict will boost Trump’s campaign beyond any speech, ad, or debate." (Except this is a show trial and the verdict was in before it began - jjs) A Defense Strategy for the Case of NY v. Trump
CIVIL WAR 2.0: J-6 FBI FALSE FLAG "RIOT" & AFTERMATH, LEFTIST PERSECUTIONS, DEMOCRAT PUTSCH, AMERICAN DISSOLUTION
"It’s hard to imagine that anyone who didn’t hate our country would deliberately continue to take us even further towards the path of self destruction than Biden." The Gloves Will Come Off in a Second Biden Term
"We need to brace ourselves and, more, steel ourselves to hold course in the face of the coming threats." We Face a Long Hot Summer
Miranda Devine:"Joe Biden is the least popular president [legitimate or otherwise] of the past 70 years, according to a new Gallup poll. But you wouldn’t know it if you were at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday night. The glittering event is supposed to be a roast of the [so-called quote-unquote "president"]." Joe Biden is Far From "Decent" Despite What the Media and Celebrities Claim
"Perhaps the cringiest moment — emerging from a sea of pure cringe — came when members of the WHCA tried their hand at a viral TikTok trend, attempting to mimic the 'I’m a [insert random thing here], of course I [insert another random thing here]' meme. Current (but possibly soon-to-be former) White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre put the cherry on top of the cringe cake with her awkward rendition of the skit." The White House Correspondents’ Dinner Was a Monument to Corporate Press’ Self-Importance and Left-Wing Cronyism
CNN anchor Kaitlin Collins got schooled by former Attorney General Bill Barr when she pressed him about his belief that Joe Biden is a greater "threat to democracy" than Donald Trump, and insisting that he thinks "the real threat to democracy is the progressive movement." (Meh, he can go sit on a bagpipe and rotate - jjs) Bill Barr Doubles Down on Supporting Trump in 2024, and XiNN Can’t Even
“It’s not so much that we risk stagflation as we’re already there. We have basically pulled forward trillions of dollars of economic growth by borrowing from the future, but that must be repaid at some point. And it is highly inefficient as well.” Mounting Evidence is Pointing to a Nightmare Scenario for the US Economy
"The same forces of globalization and consolidation that hit the rest of the economy have wrecked America’s farms." How American Agriculture Went Wrong
"Biden’s lousy economy may predict Democrat defeat on November 5, 2024." It's the Economy – Again
RED-GREENS, CLIMATE CHANGE HOAX, DEMOCRAT-LEFT WAR ON FOSSIL FUELS, JUNK SCIENCE, LYSENKOISM
Even if you are an enthusiast for "green energy," the lesson by now is clear: energy and environmental protection are much too important to be left to environmentalists. They screw everything up. Environmentalists vs. the Environment
CRIME & PUNISHMENT, NON-DOSTOYEVSKY
Residents of Washington, D.C., have faced skyrocketing violence since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2017, gun violence in the city has risen by 40 percent. This past week, shootings across the nation’s capital resulted in three people being killed. In a particularly concerning incident, 71 shots were fired on Spring Road just two miles away from some of the city’s most tony addresses. WATCH: D.C. Mayor Bowser Refuses To Meet With Grieving Father Who Has Lost 3 Sons to Violence in Her City
"McKie served with the KCPD since April 2000, largely in the department’s Crime Free Multi-Housing unit from 2002 to 2023, according to the outlet. He led Mid-America Crime Free, Inc. (MACF), a nonprofit which promotes anti-crime programs and training for the rental housing sector, from 2009 to 2023, The Kansas City Star reported." Missouri Police Officer Who Ran Anti-Crime Charity Indicted In $300,000 Fraud, Laundering Scheme
AMERICA AND THE WORLD IMPRISONED: CHINESE CORONAVIRUS FICTIONS AND FACTS
"The lockdowns revealed something more than government tyranny or incompetence: our own disordered priorities." Covid and the Good-Time Economy
"Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Votes, and Planned Parenthood Action PAC North Carolina said on Thursday that they would be spending $10 million in support of pro-abortion candidates. The groups also said they want to knock on over a million doors in opposition to Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson’s campaign for governor." Planned Parenthood To Spend $10 Million Against Pro-Life Candidates In 2024 Battleground State
THE 2020 AND 2022ELECTION HEISTS & AFTERMATH
"Canvassing won’t prove that a particular candidate won, but it can show that a new election must be held." Ensuring a Republican Victory
DEMOCRAT/LEFTIST AND RINO SCANDALS, MESHUGAS, CHUTZPOCRISY
Bodycam footage obtained by WHAM on Friday depicts Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley refusing to stop her car after a police officer attempts to pull her over for speeding 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. Doorley instead drives home, calling the chief of police to complain on the way, and once met by officers in her driveway attempts to wield her position to evade responsibility for the offense. Bodycam Footage Shows Blue State DA Cursing Out, Disobeying Cop After Speeding Away From Traffic Stop
POLITICS
"When third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Jill Stein, and Cornel West are added into the field, Trump’s lead over Biden grows to nearly double digits. In that multi-candidate scenario, Trump is at 42 percent, Biden is down at 33 percent, Kennedy is at 16 percent, West at 4 percent, and Stein at 3 percent." Donald Trump Takes Biggest Lead Ever Over Joe Biden in XiNN Poll, Third-Party Candidates Expand Trump Lead
"Since Kennedy switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent in October, polling has largely suggested he’s more of a threat to Biden’s campaign than Trump’s. However, several recent polls have found the independent’s presence on the ballot hindering Trump’s candidacy, spurring questions about who Kennedy will eventually take votes from in November." (Meh, see the previous link. He can only hurt the vegetable - jjs) RFK Jr. is Poised to Tilt the Presidential Race — But It’s Still Not Clear to Whom
Roger Kimball: "A Rubicon has been crossed, and advance troops are already besieging various outposts of our taken-for-granted institutions and assumptions about our social lives." Shock and Awe on the Campaign Trail
The meeting was set up in hopes the two would repair their strained relationship, but Trump advisors were hoping DeSantis would help raise significant sums for the general election through his donor network, according to The Washington Post. The meeting, which was “mutually agreed upon and arranged by [real estate mogul] Steve Witkoff,” lasted for several hours, with DeSantis agreeing to help the former president, Burns reported. DeSantis, Donald Trump Discuss Détente In Miami
"Governor Spencer Cox received 32.46% of the vote from delegates during the second round of voting while Rep. Phil Lyman received 67.54%, making Lyman the winner, according to state delegate Aaron Bullen, who shared the results with the Daily Caller. Lyman is known for supporting former President Donald Trump, according to various posts on his social media." Trump-Aligned Candidate Phil Lyman Upsets Incumbent Governor Spencer Cox at Utah GOP Convention
"I think we’ve sort of refocused on the importance of playing the kind of role that we need to play in the world. It’s in our interest. None of this is charity and the whole democratic world is in favor of what we did this week." McYertle McConnell: Military Aid "Is Not Charity to Ukraine," U.S. Jobs Are Being Created (Lots of crack whore and assistant crack whore jobs being filled! - jjs)
"Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that the United States and Ukrainian governments are “working on a bilateral security agreement” that would result in sending additional monetary aid to Ukraine over the next ten years." (Now I'm really rootin' for Putin - jjs) Zelensky Reveals U.S. and Ukraine ‘Working’ on Scheme for 10 Years of Military Aid
Despite this assessment, U.S. [so-called quote-unquote "president"] Joe Biden continues to hold Putin accountable for Navalny’s demise, leading to increased U.S. sanctions on Russia. In comparison, former President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty when questioned about Putin’s involvement in Navalny’s death." U.S. Intel Suggests Putin Did NOT Orchestrate Navalny Death
FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL
"As of the last week of April 2024, China has not invaded Taiwan. Does this mean that Taiwan and the international community can breathe a collective sigh of relief?" Is China Rethinking its Invasion of Taiwan?
"The videos featuring the personnel in bathroom stalls had been uploaded to Pornhub and appeared to be “secretly shot,” but were taken down within days of being reported to the Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), according to court documents obtained by Military.com. A NCIS agent investigating how the videos were uploaded later obtained subscriber details from Pornhub after obtaining a subpoena and later a search warrant, according to Pacific Daily News." Over 100 ‘Secretly Shot’ Pornographic Videos Of Naval Service Members Uploaded Online: REPORT
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, THE COURTS, WASTE/FRAUD/ABUSE
"If Biden gets to nominate two replacements for two justices, he will reshape the composition of the Supreme Court." (As if SCOTUS will even matter anymore if he "wins" nudge-nudge wink-wink - jjs) The Real Stakes in the 2024 Election
"Buried in [so-called quote-unquote "president"] Biden’s State of the Union housing proposals was one good idea: remove government barriers to new construction." Just Get Out of the Way
Critics, including former Harvard Medical School dean Jeffrey Flier, have denounced UCLA’s curriculum as promoting political ideology over actual medical education. Flier stated that the curriculum “promotes extensive and dangerous misinformation” and that the college has “centered this required course on a socialist/Marxist ideology that is totally inappropriate.” UCLA med school faces backlash for requiring woke, 'fatphobia' courses
FEMINAZISM, TRANSGENDER PSYCHOSIS, HOMOSEXUALIZATION, WAR ON MASCULINITY/NORMALCY
"American civilization is breaking down, and there will be no fixing things until morality returns." Moral Anarchy: An Understatement
“I know a lot of people are sort of cynical about the increasing interest in Christianity and the return to God, but to me it’s obvious. As meaning deteriorates in the modern world, as our value systems and institutions crumble, all of us become increasingly aware that there is this eerily familiar awakening and beckoning figure that we’ve all known all of our lives within us and around us.” Russell Brand Announces Upcoming Baptism: "Opportunity to . . . be Reborn in Christ's Name"
"Japan is a sensible, welcoming island nation with moderate immigration and environmental policies." A Passover in Japan
"Is the rise of digital media causing the fall of literacy?" The Death of Gutenberg (Not Steve - jjs)
NOTE: The opinions expressed in the links may or may not reflect my own. I include them because of their relevance to the discussion of a particular issue.
ALSO: The Morning Report is cross-posted at CutJibNewsletter.com if you want to continue the conversation all day.
"My life has not been transformed by AI," he said. "Yes, maybe I can write an email better through all those assistants, but it's not fundamentally transformed my life. Whereas the internet has completely transformed my life."
In fact, most of what he says here is refreshingly sensible:
"There's probably like 17 different types of databases, and probably about 300 vendors," Ittycheria said. "There's no customer on this planet that wants to have 17 different databases. The complexity that creates, and the cost of learning, supporting and managing those different technologies becomes overwhelming. It also inhibits innovation, because it creates this tax of complexity."
I'm still meh on MongoDB's license structure, but I recognise the necessity to prevent Amazon simply draining their blood and discarding the lifeless husk.
“It’s also not keeping with our universal health care. This should be a service that is provided and is covered by our health-care system. If people are feeling that they need to turn to private clinics for medical reasons, I see that as very problematic.” Dr. Heather Scott, head of the IWK’s division of obstetrics
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The Comments of The Week
Once again I have the difficult task of presenting to you the Best Comments on The Webz. Thank you each and every commenter.
Since 1969, an IU Bloomington policy has allowed the use of temporary structures in Dunn Meadow without prior approval, forbidding them from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. IU changed the policy to ban the use of structures without prior approval April 24 — a day before the IU Divestment Coalition set up encampments in Dunn Meadow on Thursday.
The new policy, which can be viewed under the “Outdoor Spaces” dropdown menu on the Office of Student Life website, forbids the use of permanent or temporary structures without approval by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life and University Events. The policy change cited a section of the 1969 policy that suggested the creation of a committee by the Bloomington provost to give “continuing advice on changes of policy” and review denials of permission for “uncarried overnight signs, symbols or structures.” It suggests a small committee for prompt action if review is ever needed.
According to the BBC, the British government is considering deploying troops to drive the trucks that will carry aid from the pier along a floating causeway to the shore. No decision has been made and the proposal hasn’t yet reached Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the BBC reported, citing unidentified government sources.
A former DEI manager and Instagram model is suing the University of Minnesota for firing her over a photo that showed her posing near an Israeli flag emblazoned with swastikas.
In the filing this week, Mashal Sherzad accused the school of violating her First Amendment rights as well as discrimination, the Star Tribune reported.
She also asked to have her job reinstated and wants more than $75,000 in damages.
In a significant move for air travelers, the Department of Transportation unveiled groundbreaking regulations on Wednesday.
These new guidelines mandate airlines to automatically reimburse passengers in cash for flights that are canceled or face substantial delays.
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Tonight's ONT has been brought to you by Obsession. (Photo H/T Sharon, Willow's Apprentice)
Notice: Posted with permission by the Ace Media Empire & AceCorp, LLC. Cob's wardrobe provided by G. Will Menswear & Lawn Decorations, Ltd., legal representation by Dewey, Cheatem & Howe, S. C. and last but not least dental insurance coverage from Dynamic Dental Insurance Co. Proud to be an American company of profound pencil pushers.
Howdy, Y'all! Welcome to the wondrously fabulous Gun Thread! As always, I want to thank all of our regulars for being here week in and week out, and also offer a bigly Gun Thread welcome to any newcomers who may be joining us tonight. Howdy and thank you for stopping by! I hope you find our wacky conversation on the subject of guns 'n shooting both enjoyable and informative. You are always welcome to lurk in the shadows of shame, but I'd like to invite you to jump into the conversation, say howdy, and tell us what kind of shooting you like to do!
Holy Shitballs! How in the ever-loving hell did it get to be the end of April Gun Thread? Next thing you know it will be the first Gun Thread of May! I am writing this earlier than my usual panicked last minute effort because someone whose initials are Weasel are heading to the farm-o on Thursday morning, and not returning home until sometime on Sunday. I'm having a second organic tree farming building constructed and need to finalize site preparations, and maybe get some shooting fundamentals practice accomplished too. Hear that? Shooting fundamentals practice.
With that, step into the dojo and let's get to the gun stuff below, shall we?
Last week we had a homework assignment. Did you do the homework? Did you watch the short video and come to the thread tonight prepared to discuss your thoughts with the group? Completing homework comprises 35% of your Gun Thread grade, so please tell me you watched the video, because failure to complete assignments on time can result in an unfavorable note being placed into your permanent record. Below is the video.
The video is from an attorney in WA who gives the legal perspective on what you can and cannot do when your car is surrounded by a mob of peaceful protestors. Your assignment was to place yourself in the driver's situation and decide what you would have done a) without first watching lawyer-guy, and 2) what if anything you might have done differently after watching lawyer-guy.
There was also a Bonus Question: Do you know the relevant law(s) in your state? How does it differ from what was described in the video?
Rather unfortunately I think the likelihood of our seeing these situations again will only go up in the upcoming summer and fall months. I very truly believe it's a very good idea to think of these sort of scenarios, and what your reaction might be in advance. The best way to avoid a situation like this is to never get into the situation in the first place but that isn't always possible. Angry mobs can and do spring up spontaneously, and you might find yourself in the middle of one despite your best efforts otherwise.
I have one word for you all and that is situational awareness. I do not want to be overly melodramatic here, but your door locks and rolled-up windows are not going to always protect you, particularly from a determined attack. Be aware of problematic activity in your area and avoid it. Whenever you are out and about, be constantly aware of your current situation and constantly update your best avenue of escape using your own basis for threat assessments. Whenever that threat assessment goes up, use the route of escape by executing the escape plan as soon as possible. Picking up a pack of Camels and a Slim-Jim isn't worth becoming the subject of a mob's attention. The instant something seems wrong, un-ass the area as quickly as possible, and at all costs avoid what happened to the guy in the video who was boxed in with nowhere to go.
Now, on to the discussion. What do all y'all think?
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2024 NoVAMoMe
04/28/24 Note: One of the great joys of NoVAMoMe season, at least for me, is being able to cut and paste the entire block of text below and haranguing you to register for the event. Have you registered? Are you focusing on the fundamentals of registration?
Alright, guys and gals, the long awaited and highly anticipated opening of 2024 NoVAMoMe registration is upon us! That's right, registration for the event of the season is open, which means you can register to attend! You see, in order to attend, you must first register, and then wait for June 8th, and then attend! It's really more of an application to attend based on whether we like you or not, but what have you got to lose?!
Q: Weasel, your world frightens and confuses us. How do we, how do you say, register for the NoVAMoMe?
A: Welp, it's pretty darn easy!
First, check your calendars for June 8th, 2024, and cancel anything already planned. Good so far? Then simply send an email to WeaselBell Productions expressing your interest, then sit back and anxiously wait for a reply. Our pal and most delightful 'ette and MoMe Hostess Extraordinaire bluebell will review your application and relevant permanent record notations to decide if you're NoVAMoMe material. If you're one of the chosen, you'll get a reply with a link and secret password to the registration site containing all the pertinent details. Look these over and complete the simple registration form, following the PayPal link provided at the end of the form to make your payment. The $30 pp fee covers appetizers, dinner (BBQ Chicken, hamburdogs, sides, and dessert) plus an unlimited amount of fun! Since we must guarantee a headcount to the caterer, all registrations must be made online by May 26th. We are not accepting payment for registration at the door. You do not need a PayPal account to register and can pay with any major credit card.
A NoVAMoMe PSA from our pal bluebell
Hi folks - just a quick PSA. If you write for info about the MoMe, please give us a few words in the body of the email just so I know you are a Moron and not a spammer (moron). I do receive spam on this email account because it's sitting right here in my nic, so that's why I'm asking. I don't want to give our details to a spammer. Also, once registered, remember to check your spam folder if you don't receive a confirmation email.
Thanks.
bluebell
Seriously, just send an email, go to the site with the password provided, fill out the simple form, and make your payment. If you forget, a link to the email is on the main page, left sidebar. If you do not sign up, bluebell will be disappointed. Weasel will be disappointed, too, but it's bluebell you need to worry about.
Win a Dream Date with Weasel!
Due to popular demand, we are again conducting a separate raffle for a Dream Date with Weasel This fabulous prize includes an entire day of shooting and personalized one-on-one handgun & rifle coaching and instruction at Weasel Acres on a mutually agreeable date with yours truly. The lucky winner will be able to not only bring and shoot their own weapons, but also try out a variety of WeaselWeapons using WeaselAmmo!
We will end the day with dinner at a good Mexican place in nearby Appomattox. The winner will be responsible for their travel to and from Central Virginia, hence the separate drawing.
Don't be a pathetic girly-man loser, register today!
Q: Weasel, anything else for 2024?
A: Why I'm glad you asked! There are in fact TWO things to mention for 2024.
First, we are again having a pre-party get-together the afternoon/evening before the main event. Details at the registration site.
Dos, we are again offering a NoVAMoMe commemorative mug for 2024 available only to NoVAMoMe participants!
We sincerely hope you can join the festivities. I promise you this event is as laid back and non-anxiety inducing as humanly possible, and nothing makes me happier than to meet new people who have been reluctant to join in the past. If sitting on the sidelines and just observing is your thing, you can do just that with zero pressure from anyone. I hope some of the past NoVAMoMe participants will jump in and share their thoughts on the event to inspire the scairdy-cat lurkers out there to throw caution to the wind and sign up!
Range Report
First up our pal Blake shares the details of a competition range trip!
There are targets out there somewhere!
Saturday, March 23, I made it to my second silhouette match. But, the day before, I hit the range to check the zero stop I'd recently set up on my scope and practice that which Weaselsan Gunsei mentioned the previous week: fundamentals. (zero stop was spot on)
The first couple of shots were just bad, on my part, then I finally got settled in and put three shots in two holes. After that, I lost it for a shot, put one just high and left, settled back in and put another shot touching the first three.
From there, I moved to some different ammo and put three shots in basically two holes, show in the upper left target. (the ammo is some custom ammo I purchased for use in our local 1,000 yard match. I think it passes muster)
Now, on to the silhouette match: I first shot this match 3 months ago or so and didn't do all that well, which is to be expected. The match consists of 5 half size silhouettes at 200. 300, 400 and 500 meters for a total of 20 possible points. These are not big targets. The turkeys at 200 meters, are maybe 6" tall x 4" wide. The rams, at 500 meters are 6" tall but a bit wider, maybe 10". And it's not enough to just hit a target. The target needs to be knocked completely off the rail they are standing on. One thing I did have in my favor was my range book. In the course of my first match I noted the appropriate MOA elevation adjustment for each distance, which turned out to be spot on. Anyway, after everything was said and done, I went 5 for 5 and 200 and 400 meters, 4 for 5 at 500 meters. Unfortunately, 300 meters had me for lunch and I only got 2 out of 5. Drat.
One thing which caught be off guard was my new bipod. It turns out it was a bit taller than the previous one I had and my rear bag couldn't make up the height enough to bring the muzzle down on to the target. Now, I could have adjusted by moving the legs on the bipod to the forward 45 degree angle, but, I decided against it because I've never used or practiced with that set up. Instead, I used my hand on the bag to get the rifle high enough to be on target. Which was another lesson learned and necessitates further practice trips to the range.
Darn.
This, people, is how you become a better shooter. Very nicely done Blake!
The first thing you notice about this cigar is how hard it is to the touch, it felt almost like a cardboard tube. That always makes me wonder if it is going to be a difficult cigar to smoke, hard to draw and hard to keep lit. Not the case here. The Classic has an Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder plus a Dominican/Nicaraguan filler. Their web site calls this a medium bodied cigar and I concur. I found it to be a pleasant smoke with a spicy start followed by flavors of chocolate and leather. The middle third provided a very smooth and relaxing tobacco flavor. The cedar finish is noteworthy and very pleasant. Cigar Aficionado gives it a very respectable 92 rating. I liked this cigar. Nothing fancy, nothing outrageous. Just a good peasant smoke and depending on where you shop, a reasonable value.
Excellent, Diogenes! Thank you very mucho!
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Here are some different online cigar vendors. You will find they not only carry different brands and different lines from those brands, but also varying selections of vitolas (sizes/shapes) of given lines. It's good to have options, especially if you're looking for a specific cigar.
A note about sources. The brick & mortar/online divide exists with cigars, as with guns, and most consumer products, with respect to price. As with guns - since both are "persecuted industries", basically - I make a conscious effort to source at least some of my cigars from my local store(s). It's a small thing, but the brick & mortar segment for both guns and tobacco are precious, and worth supporting where you can. And if you're lucky enough to have a good cigar store/lounge available, they're often a good social event with many dangerous people of the sort who own scary gunz, or read smart military blogs like this one. -rhomboid
Anyone have others to include? Perhaps a small local roller who makes a cigar you like? Send me your recommendation and a link to the site!
This week's mailbag entry is from our pal ShortBusRider. Will you look at that smile!
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Please note the new and improved protonmail account gunthread at protonmail dot com. An informal Gun Thread archive can be found HERE. Future expansion plans are in the works for the site Weasel Gun Thread. If you have a question you would like to ask Gun Thread Staff offline, just send us a note and we'll do our best to answer. If you care to share the story of your favorite firearm, send a picture with your nic and tell us what you sadly lost in the tragic canoe accident. If you would like to remain completely anonymous, just say so. Lurkers are always welcome!
That's it for this week - have you been to the range?
When I think of Mexican food I think of three different kinds.
The first is real Mexican food in Mexico. There are all sorts of regional styles, and the best examples of those are delicious...really sophisticated cooking that is tremendously pleasing.
The second is the American version of that food, which can be quite good, but also stupidly fussy and pompous. A lot of high-end Mexican joints in this country are guilty of that.
The third kind is what I think of as "smashed beans and rice" Mexican. It's an Americanized version of generic Mexican food, and is usually on the left side of the price graph. And it can be crappy, just like every other sort of food.
But it can be loads of fun and scrumptious too! And it almost always starts with some salsa and chips, which if done well makes me smile! I love that stuff, and will always...ALWAYS...eat too much of it.
Burritos and enchiladas and other assorted Americanized Mexican food, served with a side of refried beans and some Mexican rice. Is it refined and elegant? Nope! Neither is a smashburger, which is damned close to the pinnacle of culinary achievement. But it sure does hit the spot!
There was a burrito joint near where I worked...it was someplace in Richmond or San Pablo...I don't remember. They made a burrito that was about five pounds of freshly grilled pork or chicken, filled with fresh ingredients and seasoned very well. Fantastic, simple, basic food. I still think about that stuff, mumblemumble years later!
Food is way too pompous and snobby for my taste. There is a time and a place for all sorts of foods, and the best chefs understand this.
Food service! Lots of entry-level jobs in the industry, and they are perfect for kids starting out in the job market, when they have literally no job skills and have to be taught to do everything valuable. Sure...it's easy to teach a kid with half a brain how to flip burgers, but the act of keeping a job is at least as important a lesson as the skill learned.
But crank that entry-level wage to a point at which it simply does not make financial sense to hire that well-meaning but skill-less kid, and businesses large and small will make due without. They will find alternatives, as economic law demands.
Short version? Democrats are stupid.
[Hat Tip: Jay Guevara]
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That's from the rather impressive kitchen of a lurker who goes by the name of "Marty." Crunchy pork belly is rarely a bad thing, although "Marty" is not completely happy with this version. Sadly he didn't discard it onto my plate, so I might need to have a bit of a chat with him.
Pork belly is a grand food, and a great bang for the buck. Crunchy and rich and unctuous and absolutely delicious, and very affordable too. There are tons of recipes for it, and while some are better than others, it's one of those dishes that tastes pretty good even if the recipe is "eh," and the execution is crappy too.
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Matzo Brei! Or Matzoh Brei!
Broken-up matzoh, eggs, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Yup. Complicated.
I like to get the matzoh nice and soaked, so the crunch comes from the exterior that is fried in butter.
And if you think that you are going to get away with putting syrup on it, You are nuts! The 11th Commandment is, "Thou Shalt Not Eat Matzoh Brei With Syrup!" It's cream cheese, sour cream, or butter. That's it.
What he is actually saying is that some people make crap French Toast at home. Of course some people make great French Toast at home!
Unsaid is the reality that there is plenty of mediocre French Toast being pumped out by restaurants across America.
I hate these sorts of articles.
Now get out of my kitchen!
[Hat Tip: Misanthropic Humanitarian]
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Before you laugh at this (like I did), realize that it actually tastes pretty good! I have a relative who is trying "gluten free," although to her credit she isn't a lunatic about it. She brought these over for the Seder, and of course I had to try them. They aren't Kosher for Passover according to the Askenazi tradition, but I'll give anything a try (especially since my great-grandmother was Sephardic).
And they were pretty damned good! Which irritates the hell out of me.
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Good butter, and Flap Meat...whatever the hell that is...just send it, Broccolini that isn't $6/bunch, garlic...lots of garlic!, well-marbled hanger steaks and elk chops to: cbd dot aoshq at gmail dot com.
Who are those poor deluded souls who shake their Manhattans? These are the same people who drink fine bourbon with coke, and probably shake red wine with ice too.
However, I will give dispensation to those who use maple syrup on Brussels Sprouts! I tried that and it worked nicely. I still prefer Agave, but still...
And yes, I used to demand fancy bourbon, but let's face it, $1,200 for a bottle of bourbon is just stupid, insulting, and a ghastly affront to most people's palates and wallets. I think the sweet spot is $40-$60 for excellent and interesting bottles, and bumping that to $100 gets you an incremental improvement in quality, but nothing mind-blowing. More than that and I think you are paying for hype and rarity, which may look good in your liquor cabinet, but doesn't translate to more quality in the bottle.
Not really a First-World Problem, but it is certainly a result of the incredible technological successes of the first world.
Or am I the only one who thinks that the projected trip time is a direct challenge to my driving prowess, ability to control my bladder, resistance to hunger, attention to speed traps, and most of all to my worth as a man?
I will beat Google Maps and its bitchy algorithm like a rented mule!
Blue-On-Blue Fighting! Cheer For Casualties On Both Sides!
—CBD
The Kennedy family is bathed in the blood of others: from Joe Kennedy's bootlegging criminality that built the foundations of their sordid little empire, to JFK's expansion of America's presence in Vietnam and cowardice in the face of communist expansion in our hemisphere , to the execrable Ted Kennedy's destruction of our immigration system, serial raping, and murder of Mary Joe Kopechne, and all of the other vile Kennedys who pillaged us mere mortals.
They are a horrid family, and the sooner they are cast on to the ash heap of history, the better.
But not until their internecine conflict helps defeat Drooling Joe Biden!
In a statement at the time, they wrote, "Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment" and "We denounce his candidacy."
RFK Jr. is a loon who says some pleasing things for the majority of Americans who are deeply suspicious of our government. He is correct about the Covid vaccine...sort of.
"Covid-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese," he said, according to the video published by the Post. "We don't know whether it was deliberately targeted that or not."
And he is also 100% on board with throwing "Climate Deniers" in jail.
Regardless of his insanity, if he can pull votes from Drooling Joe, then we need him hail and hearty for the 2024 Presidential Election! Will he energize the moonbat wing of the Democrat Party? Will he alienate the solid, idiotic, reflexive Dem voter because the majority of the Dem royal family is supporting Senile Joe? Will he pull disgruntled Republican voters? Will he provide a sane-sounding alternative for disgruntled Democrats?
Who the hell knows! My suspicion is that he will draw disgruntled Democrats more than disgruntled Republicans, and that may mean the difference in some swing states.
But mostly I am cheering for Kennedy blood to be spilled. Lots of it...publicly, nastily, so that their reputations are tarnished, and their disgusting political machinations are exposed for all to see.
And when I say "blood," I mean both the metaphorical kind and the real kind. One of those ridiculous staged Kennedy touch football games descending into violence would immediately become my most-watched video of all time!
Sunday Morning Book Thread - 04-28-2024 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
—Open Blogger
Welcome to the prestigious, internationally acclaimed, stately, and illustrious Sunday Morning Book Thread! The place where all readers are welcome, regardless of whatever guilty pleasure we feel like reading (Untap. Upkeep. Draw.). Here is where we can discuss, argue, bicker, quibble, consider, debate, confabulate, converse, and jaw about our latest fancy in reading material. As always, pants are required, unless you are wearing these pants...
So relax, find yourself a warm kitty (or warm puppy--I won't judge) to curl up in your lap, and dive into a new book. What are YOU reading this fine morning?
Disparage no book, for it is also a part of this world.
I was going to use this picture last week, but then the picture of the One Ring showed up in my Inbox by chance and I could not pass that up. This week's pic is just one of those random pictures of libraries you can find all over the internet. This one stood out to me because there is NO WAY that I could stand having my library look like that. Horizontally arranged books just don't work for me at all. Yes, it's easier to read the spines because you don't have to tilt your head sideways. However, it's difficult to pull books from the bottom of the stack off the shelf and it's equally difficult to return them.
THE PURPOSE OF LORE AND CANON
Carl Benjamin, aka "Sargon of Akkad," went on a tear recently on the importance of lore and canon in preserving carefully crafted worlds, especially those that span multiple media with numerous creators. The people involved in crafting those worlds often rely on the lore and canon in order to keep any additional disruptive elements to a minimum so that the overall storyline is mostly consistent over time. It's a big challenge when you are dealing with a 40-year-old franchise that is based on a tabletop miniature wargame, but also has numerous spin-offs such as novels, video games, board games, at least one movie, and an upcoming television show (that may be stuck in development hell going forward). All of that needs to work together to satisfy the fans. They WANT the creators to be thoughtful, considerate custodians of the intellectual property.
As ace, Critical Drinker, and others have pointed out, the most recent controversy is the inclusion of women in the elite personal guard of the Emperor of Mankind. Up until now, Space Marines have been exclusively MEN. This especially true of the elite-of-the-elite, the Adeptus Custodes. There are units and factions within Warhammer 40K that are dominated by females, but the Space Marines have NEVER been among them. However, according to the recently updated Warhammer 40K Wiki, "The Custodes is an elite cadre of genetically-engineered transhuman male and female warriors who are even more potent in combat than the Adeptus Astartes." [Emphasis added -- PS]
This fundamentally breaks the lore in ways that will cause backwards ripples throughout the canon, as that change now has to be ret-conned into all previous media. Why have female Custodes never been featured in books and storylines before? How are they able to survive the incredibly grueling initiation process that kills most candidates? As this YouTuber points out, there are some changes that can be added to the lore with minimal disruption, but changes that affect the culture and society almost always cause great disruption to the story. Ursula K. Leguin--an early feminist icon in fantasy--wrestled with this idea when she returned to the Earthsea stories after a long hiatus. She ultimately decided that women in Earthsea could NOT be wizards, though there are plenty of women who have magical powers of their own. They just can't be called "wizards" and they cannot fulfill the same role in society. Wizarding was exclusively the domain of men.
Some authors are not all that concerned with their own canon and lore and just write whatever they feel like. H.P. Lovecraft allowed many, many authors to contribute to his Cthulhu Mythos, even when he might not have agreed with some of those changes. For instance, August Derleth added a category of godlike beings that was much more benevolent towards humanity than most of the Mythos, even protecting us at times from the callous disregard of Great Old Ones. Raymond E. Feist doesn't re-read his own books to keep his cosmology and history consistent throughout the Riftwar Saga, leading to odd discrepancies and contradictions from series to series.
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\ (*sigh* My TBR pile grew again this week...See below)
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LORE BREAKING -- WHEEL OF TIME EXAMPLE
NOTE: You may want to skip down to the comments section if you are not interested in this topic, as I intend to go into excruciating detail of one instance of critical lore breaking...
The following excerpt is the opening monologue of Season 1 Episode 1 of Amazon's Wheel of Time, which was first released in Fall 2021. The show is very loosely based on Robert Jordan's epic fantasy series--to the point where only some of the names are the same. The plot and character arcs have wildly diverged in the television series from those that are presented in the books. I've added emphasis to the statements that are contradictory to the source material. This information is presented to the casual viewers as canon exposition, but it's all a pack of lies and I'll demonstrate why in a moment.
The world is broken. Many, many years ago, men who were born with great power believed they could cage Darkness itself. The arrogance. When they failed, the seas boiled, mountains were swallowed up, cities burned, and the women of the Aes Sedai were left to pick up the pieces. These women remembered one thing above all else...the man who brought the Breaking of the World. And him they named Dragon. Now this man has been born again. We don't know where or to whom. If he was reborn as a girl or a boy. The only thing we know for certain is that this child is coming of age now, and we must find them...before the Dark does. -- Moiraine Damodred
Let's unpack the highlighted portions to examine WHY these statements are incorrect.
Many, many years ago, men who were born with great power believed they could cage Darkness itself
Three thousand years before the events of the main story, the War of Shadow tore the world apart because the Dark One had been freed from his eternal prison. Note that a WOMAN initiated his release, though she had help from others who sought greater power. It was up to a coalition of male and female channelers (magic-users) to attempt to put this evil genie back into the bottle. Unfortunately, only Lews Therin Telamon had a workable plan and could only find male channelers to assist him, as everyone else thought he was mad. So yes, it was MEN that attempted to "cage Darkness," but only because none of the female channelers could be persuaded to assist.
When they failed, the seas boiled, mountains were swallowed up, cities burned, and the women of the Aes Sedai were left to pick up the pieces<
Lews Therin Telamon didn't fail. He and his Hundred Companions (give or take) *succeeded* in sealing the Dark One back in his prison and used potent magical seals to patch over the breach in the Dark One's prison. Unfortunately, because only the male half of the True Source was used, this made the patch weaker than it should have been. The weakening of imperfect seals is the source of the conflict in the current Age. The Dark One was able to exact one last retaliatory strike before he was imprisoned again. The backlash from sealing the Bore tainted the entire male half of the True Source, causing all male channelers to go irrevocably insane. With their great power, they reshaped the world, causing the seas to boil and tearing down mountains over here while erecting even larger mountains over there. (Dragonmount is the site of Lews Therin's death, where he drilled a hole to the center of the planet with the One Power causing an enormous volcano to spew forth from the earth.) It wasn't their fault. Even Lews Therin succumbed to madness, killing everyone in his family--including his beloved wife and children--and earning the appellation "Kinslayer." Because the female channelers had not participated in the attempt to seal the Bore, their half of the True Source was untouched by the Dark One's taint. So yes, they were the only magic users sane enough to rebuild society.
And him they named Dragon
Lews Therin Telamon, the worldwide leader of all of the Aes Sedai (magic users), was already known as the Dragon during the War of Shadow. His banner was a serpentine, Oriental-style dragon on a field of white. Entire armies clashed with the armies of the Shadow under that banner. Because he was the most powerful channeler in the entire world and led the strike on the Dark One's stronghold at Shayol Ghul, his name was remembered well into the following Age, as he saved the world and broke it at the same time.
If he was reborn as a girl or a boy
This right here breaks the lore at a fundamental level. The world of the Wheel of Time is a strictly binary one when it comes to genders. There are men. There are women. Souls only come in those two flavors. Nothing in between. A certain percentage of female souls have the ability to wield the female half of the True Source. A certain percentage of male souls have the ability to wield the male half of the True Source. It *is* possible for a male soul to be implanted in a female body and vice versa, but that takes the intervention of the Dark One and very specific circumstances around one's death in order for that to happen. It becomes a plot point later in the books when the Dark One infiltrates the Aes Sedai with one of his remade Forsaken who can channel the male half of the True Source while wearing a female body (female channelers have a hard time detecting a man's channeling ability). The Dragon--in EVERY Age--is a man and will ALWAYS be a man, because he is the most powerful channeler of either gender in the entire world, in all the Ages that were and all the Ages that will be (time is circular in this series). It's simply not possible for the Dragon to be born as a girl. Period. The Creator would never allow it.
and we must find them...before the Dark does
Note the use of the word "them" in this context. Moiraine is using a gender-neutral pronoun to refer to the "child" in the previous sentence because in THIS bastardized lore, the Dragon can be either gender (contrary to the actual lore). Also note the use of the word "Dark" here. In the books, there is no such thing as "the Dark." Instead, the main antagonist is usually referred to as "the Dark One"--the most common appellation though he has a lot of other colorful names depending on one's culture, ethnicity, and species. If evil is referred to in more general terms, it's usually referred to as "the Shadow" in contrast to "the Light." This is somewhat of an interesting word choice, as a shadow relies on a light source in order to be cast, while darkness is the complete absence of light. It's implied in the story that the Creator (the Light) created the Dark One, and therefore could be the source of "the Shadow." The Creator (i.e., God) is also supposed to have sealed the Dark One in his prison at the beginning up time, and thus is more powerful than the Dark One. By referring to him as "Dark," then that implies equal or greater status with "Light."
As we can see in these examples, the television show just shat all over the source material in favor of its own nonsensical and inconsistent narrative. I counted a minimum of FIVE lore/canon breaks within just one paragraph of text that is spoken in less than two minutes. Even FJB would be hard-pressed to pack that many lies in that much time. The show does NOT get any better from there. And now the showrunners have to somehow find a way to finish their story in maybe one more season if they are lucky. (SPOILER: It will be a complete disaster, rivaling the finale of Game of Thrones in how much it disappoints its audience).
This desire by certain elements to *replace* existing lore instead of creating *new* lore is a direct manifestation of the evil that surrounds us. Both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were adamant that evil cannot create. It can only mutilate, pervert, corrupt, and destroy what the Creator (i.e., God) has made.
Moral of the story: Lore and canon MATTER, people! Violate it at your own risk.
MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
Loren D. Estleman's Vamp: A Valentino Mystery is a fun accompaniment to our own MP4's Theda Bara tales. Val is a modern-day L.A. movie palace owner/restorer who, in this outing, in addition to helping a friend restore a drive-in, is also trying to save a long-lost print of the 1917 epic Cleopatra.
It has a ton of great one-liners: "L.A. has no landmarks, only placeholders for the next Tim Horton's."
Posted by: All Hail Eris at April 21, 2024 09:17 AM (3e3hy)
Comment: If you want a good snapshot of what life was like in Hollywood over a hundred years ago, Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing's Theda Bara stories are an excellent example. Interesting characters, lively dialog, and just nice slice-of-life prose to make you feel immersed in that time. Sounds like Estelman's story takes a similar approach, but uses a modern setting in addition to the older Hollywood.
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A cousin gifted me with Athenry by Cahal Dunne, mainly because he met the author at a pub in Pittsburgh, but also because the novel is well written and tells the true story behind the Great Famine. The story is an homage to a song called "The Fields of Athenry," which tells the tale of a young Irishman who is sentenced to the Australian penal colony for stealing a bag of grain to feed his starving family. Set in 1840s Ireland, the novel instructs the reader on the English penal code that enforced the English conquest of Ireland. Catholics were prohibited from practicing their religion, owning or leasing property, entering a profession, owning weapons, voting, living in a town, all in an attempt to render the Irish to the level of slaves. The story is gripping and the level of brutality of the English toward the Irish was stunning to me. (My knowledge of Irish history is not detailed.) The odyssey of Liam O'Donoghue as told in the novel is entertaining and I found it difficult to put the book down. Morality trumps inhumanity, and the love of family sustains Liam through his travails. The book has haunted me from the first page and I want to read it again later.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at April 21, 2024 09:49 AM (U3L4U)
Comment: "The Fields of Athenry" (song) was written in 1979 by Pete St. John and recorded by Danny Doyle. It seemed to capture the spirit of Ireland at the time remaining on the Irish charts for 72 weeks, though never reaching #1. Numerous artists have covered this song over the decades since, such as The Dubliners, The Dropkick Murphys, and Michael freakin' Jackson. I listened to a few of the covers on iTunes, but I think I like the Dropkick Murphys the best. It has a nice tempo to it compared to most.
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Since I'm watching Streets of Laredo, the six-hour miniseries based on that novel by Larry McMurtry, I picked up the book at the library to re-read. Since McMurtry co-wrote the teleplay, it follows the novel very closely, down to individual lines of dialogue. On this one I'm not noticing his quirk of shifting viewpoint from one character to another in the same scene, sometimes even in the same paragraph.
What LMcM does better than anybody I've read in the Western genre is to create (or use actual historical) villains. Serial killers, not to put too fine a point on it: savage creatures like Blue Duck the Comanche, Mox Mox the "man-burner," Ahumado the vicious Mexican who traps people in pits and cages, and Joey Garza the merciless, blond, blue-eyed Mexican gunman. His heroes are classics like Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, too, but his antagonists are pure evil and very memorable . . . as if Hannibal Lecter, Jame Gumb, and Francis Dolarhyde were transported to 1870s Texas.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 21, 2024 10:18 AM (omVj0)
Comment: It's good that the original author of the work apparently had enough creative control to keep the showrunners in line. We need more of that, I think, as so many adaptations are run off the rails by writers who have no clue what they are doing and deliberately disrespect the source material for their own political ideology. There's also an art to writing a good villain, one that is dangerous and menacing, but not so much that he becomes a caricature or a cartoonish super-villain. Drawing upon real-world examples for inspiration is a great way to add that villainous verisimilitude to your characters.
More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (1000+ Moron-recommended books!)
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WHAT I'VE BEEN READING THIS PAST WEEK:
After reviewing some of OregonMuse's old Book Threads, I thought I'd try something a bit different. Instead of just listing WHAT I'm reading, I'll include commentary as well. Unless otherwise specified, you can interpret this as an implied recommendation, though as always your mileage may vary.
Decipher by Stel Pavlou
Write down every conspiracy theory and nutty physics idea you can think of on slips of paper. Then put those slips of paper into a basket. Draw out anywhere between a dozen and a score of those slips of paper. Then craft a story around that. That's a good summary of the plot of Decipher, which is a veritable cornucopia of crazy conspiracy theories all jumbled up and mixed together in an entertaining Michael Crichton-esque tale that draws upon almost every Hollywood global disaster movie ever made. Here is just a sampling of what can be found in Decipher:
Corrupt corporation seeking to exploit a newly found resource for fun and profit? Check.
Equally corrupt CEO of said corporation attempting to grab the main phlebotinum in the story for profit? Check.
Corrupt Vatican suppressing historical documented evidence about the upcoming end of the world? Check.
Mysterious ruins created by an ancient race all linked together in a global network for an equally mysterious purpose? Check.
Smart, sassy, sexy female scientist? Check.
Cynical, world-weary anti-theist linguist who's only mission in life seems to be to disprove Christianity? Check.
Somewhat optimistic physicist who knows a lot more than he's letting on? (Also directly inspired by Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park--Pavlou even plagiarizes a speech from him) Check.
Unexplained solar storms that threaten the planet? Check.
Jewish mysticism confirmed by the existence of golems? Check.
Buckyball (Carbon-60) technology that can do whatever the plot demands? Check.
Brink of war between the United States and another major power (in this case, China)? Check.
The lost city of Atlantis rising again? Check.
I could go on, but I think you get the point. Although it's not a great book by any means (quite a bit of formulaic writing in many places), it does hit all the right notes and somehow makes all of these conspiracy theories work together. Some of them are presented solely through exposition as the characters work out the details of the global apocalyptic threat they face. I won't spoil the ending, but it's quite inventive and creative. You *know* (more or less) how the end of the story will play out, but the final resolution throws in a couple of cool twists that are foreshadowed earlier in the book, but don't quite register until the characters have their "AHA!" moment at the end. Entertaining and fast-paced.
Shadow of the Leviathan Book 1 - The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
In typical Robert Jackson Bennett fashion, he drops you into the middle of a strange and bizarre world with little explanation (at first) about what is going on. Over the course of the first few chapters, he interleaves the strange worldbuilding in with the actual events of the story. In this case, he's created a Holmes and Watson mystery-solving duo, but also drawing upon Nero Wolfe to create the lead investigator. A man has been murdered in the most gruesome manner under seemingly impossible circumstances, with equally inscrutable motives. Figuring out what happened and who administered the fatal blow prove to be relatively simple. Now Ana and Din have determine the real culprit who hired the assassin and the true motives behind the murder. I think I've figured out why I enjoy Robert Jackson Bennett's stories so much. They are very similar to Brandon Sanderson's form of storytelling in many ways (with a lot more profanity). Bennett always has an exciting and satisfying conclusion, as well.
The Abyss Beyond Dreams by Peter F. Hamilton
This novel takes place within Hamilton's future history Commonwealth stories. It starts out a couple of hundred years before the events of the Void Trilogy (even though it was written several years later). Humans attempting to escape the galaxy to found a new extra-galactic colony are instead captured by the Void at the center of the Milky Way, where they have to learn to adapt to the strange new rules within the Void. Mental powers rule here instead of technology. They also have to defend themselves against a violent, shapeshifting race that seeks to dominate and replace the humans in the Void.
Three thousand Void years later, an infiltrator from the Commonwealth must unravel the secrets of the alien Fallers who are attempting to dominate the humans on Bienvenidos, as they may be they key to destroying the Void that threatens to overtake the external galaxy. To do that, he'll need to orchestrate a revolution to overthrow the current power structure.
WHAT I'VE ACQUIRED THIS PAST WEEK:
The Essential Life by author unknown -- This is a bit of a mystery. This book showed up on my doorstep this week, completely out of the blue. It did include a packing slip/invoice showing that it was sent to me by a man in Michigan unknown to me via eBay. It's quite a lovely book, actually, with a lot of excellent pictures and jam-packed with information about essential oils. Any Morons in Michigan want to 'fess up? I don't mind the gift. It was quite thoughtful.
The library in which I work (but do not work for) had their annual book sale this week. Naturally, I could not resist. I walked away with the following selections for the low, low price of $7 total.
A Passion for Books: A Book Lover's Treasury of Stories, Essays, Humor, Lore, and Lists on Collecting, Reading, Borrowing, Lending, Caring For, and Appreciating Books edited by Harold Rabinowitz and Rob Kaplan with a foreword by Ray Bradbury. -- This is exactly what it says on the cover: a book BY bibliophiles FOR bibliophiles.
The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith -- This is the sequel to his novel Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and follows the adventures of vampire Henry Sturges across the first part of the twentieth century through JFK's assassination.
Edgar Allan Poe: The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales by Edgar Allan Poe -- For $1, why not have a selection of his classic stories? Poe was very influential in both the mystery and horror genres.
Darwin's Children by Greg Bear -- I've only read a handful of Greg Bear's stories, but I've enjoyed the ones I've read. So I decided to add a few more to my collection. This one features super-advanced children that may be conspiring to eliminate the "old" human race.
Vitals by Greg Bear -- Ah, the quest for immortality...It seldom works out well.
Psychlone by Greg Bear -- What happens when radical climate events develop a mind of their own? Or something to that effect...The blurb on the back of this book is quite vague.
Or not. Actually, I'd recommend not. Though some of the comments are good:
Not sure what these numbers mean. According to Wikipedia consumed energy in Germany was 76 percent fossil in 2023 (including a lot of lignite which is amongst the dirtiest coals). Also to note, over the years Germany has imported more and more energy from France (biggest nuclear park) to compensate for the closure of their own nuclear plants so in a way they have just outsourced their nuclear. And last, electricity prices in Germany are amongst the most expensive in Europe. All this sounds a little less shiny than the article?
They could try burning Ars readers but they're probably too wet.
780W is unremarkable for a computer power supply these days, though this has some nice features like running on mains power anywhere from 90 to 264 volts, and being able to sustain a 25% overload - right on 1000W of power draw - almost indefinitely.
Proxmox VE is a pretty neat server virtualisation and management system based on a customised Ubuntu kernel. I've been meaning to set it up at home for a long time, but it's been a while since I had a standalone server that wasn't in use.
Speaking of which, I've spent the weekend engaging in necromancy.
Apart from the new Asus laptop (the one that refused to talk to the nice 2TB Team MP44 I bought for it) and the three cheap Beelink mini-PCs I bought to build a Linux cluster, I also had four old laptops sitting around.
So I got everything assembled in what is nominally the music room (and in fact does contain an Akai midi keyboard) and I'm working through a long list of hardware upgrades that I already have the parts for, and an even longer list of software upgrades.
At the end of it I'll have eight - probably nine, actually - working computers instead of just the one.
It's all fun and games as usual. I couldn't remember the password on one of the laptops, so I stuck in the Windows 10 install drive and told it to reinstall.
The Windows installer reported that it couldn't find the SSD.
Fortunately I had another identical laptop that I could log in to, so I created a recovery drive from that, and with that I could reinstall Windows.
Those two will soon have 64GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD each. The laptops and their upgrades have been sitting around waiting for me to have time to attend to them since February.
You do know that you could just not buy iPhones, right?
Speaking of which, I also set up my Moto G14 today.
Great screen.
Works well.
1080x2400 screen, 50 megapixel camera, two A75 plus six A55 cores, which is fine for me, though I'd avoid anything that was A55 only, and a headphone jack and microSD slot, which many phones at ten times the price don't have.
Dirt cheap - I paid about $110 on sale for the 4GB / 128GB model.
This is to replace the Oppo phone I've been using as my on-call pager because that one died of battery bloat.
I'd recommend it but it's not available in the US.
Also it talks when you boot it up, which I could do without.
Alpine scrambles and beachfront strolls; multi-day singletrack adventures and quick urban escapes; soaring trees and rolling sand dunes—every state in the country has something to offer intrepid hikers. So we rounded up a bucket-list-worthy, best-of-the-best guide.
WIRED found thousands of ads running on Meta’s social platforms promoting sexually explicit “AI girlfriend” apps. Some human sex workers say the platform unfairly polices their own posts more harshly.
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*****
The ONT Musical Interlude & Brussels Sprouts Emporium
Mis Hum:
I am saddened to report that Alex Hassilev, the last original member of the 1960s folk music group The Limeliters, passed away yesterday (4/21/24) at age 91. The Limeliters burst upon the music scene in the early 60s with their mix of harmony, comedy, and international music. The lead singer was tenor Glenn Yarbrough, and Lou Gottlieb provided a lot of the jokes. Their "Through Children's Eyes" album is a classic. Alex Hassilev was fluent in many languages and helped provide that flair to the repertoire. - Isophorone Blog
ZOO HORROR Shocking moment zookeeper is pinned down by two pandas who chase her down inside enclosure during feeding time
Another zookeeper tried to help but the situation only worsened
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The disguise in this story wouldn't pass as a Halloween costume. Genius Award Winner.
In addition to his mugshot, the Glades County Sheriff's Office also released a photo of the man as he was arrested -- showing his failed attempt at going incognito.
The photo above is what Joshua Kolotka looked like when he posed for his mugshot in Lakeport, Florida -- but it sure wasn't how he appeared when he was apprehended by police.
In a release from the Glades County Sheriff's Office, authorities claimed Kolotka tried his best to evade deputies by going incognito, wearing a wig and dress to avoid arrest.
It didn't work.
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Tonight's ONT has been brought to you by Rest & Refreshment.
Notice: Posted with permission by the Ace Media Empire's hall monitors & cafeteria workers.
Saturday Evening Movie Thread [moviegique]: Hundreds of Beavers
—Open Blogger
How often do we see a movie that is exactly what it says on the tin? Since mainstream movies aren't all named "Soulless Crap", those are out. But it's long been a practice in the indies to name your movie something you can't really live up to. The odds of exaggeration go up exponentially when there's a number in the title. Two Thousand Maniacs? More like two dozen maniacs. A Million Ways To Die In The West? Fifteen, tops! (It affects music, too! "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" has about four or five ways, depending on how you count. Shrinkflation was really bad in the '70s.)
Beaver count in Hundreds of Beavers? Literally hundreds. You lose track, there are so many. But the movie, knowing how often the audience has been betrayed, toys with us at first, giving us a couple of beavers here and there along with a lot of raccoons, bears, wolves, and other furry, skinnable critters, before the third act reveal.
Ryan Brickson Cole Tews plays Jean Kayak, a furrier in the frontier days of the country, and in the movie's setup, we see that he is a great grower of apples—and a great purveyor of applejack, to which he finds himself in thrall. His drunkenness causes him to lose his factory and apple groves, to say nothing of his reputation, and he must find another way to survive in the perpetual winter of Wisconsin (or possibly Michigan).
He attempts to trap animals for food and fails miserably, but ultimately ends up teaming up with The Master Fur Trapper, who teaches him all the tricks. When The Master meets an untimely demise, he strikes out on his own, trading with The Merchant, who runs his shop exactly like one you might find in a computer role-playing game. A knife is one penny, a rope is two pennies, a pipe is three beavers, and so on.
Did I say "like" a video game? I mean...EXACTLY THE SAME AS.
In this way, our hero "levels up" and captures more and more pelts of various sorts.
But what he really wants is The Merchant's daughter, and The Merchant demands hundreds of beavers in order to purchase an engagement ring.
But while Jean Kayak has been struggling to get ahead in the wolf-eat-dog world of fur trapping, the beavers have been making their own, possibly sinister, plans. (Even in retrospect, I'm not sure the industrious beavers were exactly villainous. It's more a collision of world views.)
Will Jean Kayak survive the frontier? Will he get the girl? Will he be able to survive hundreds of beavers?
If the little clues didn't tip you off Hundreds of Beavers (which is fun to say and type) is a comedy, brought to you by the masterminds that made Lake Michigan Monster. Without a lot of money, and with a lot of resourcefulness and creativity, Tews and director/co-writer Mike Cheslik have created a new, old kind of comedy.
The lovely Miss Graves skins a beaver. (She's also a proficient pole dancer!)
Filmed in black-and-white (in part to hide the low-budget) and "silent" (in terms of having almost no dialogue), HoB uses the tropes and gag mechanics of the silent era and Looney Toons, then blends them with video game tropes, and non-stop, wall-to-wall gag which hit way more often than not.
I mean, by the time you're registering that a joke didn't quite hit, there have been two others that did. And, almost shockingly—because who remembers how to do comedy these days?—a lot of times, the joke that only got a little smile out of you comes back later in different forms, funnier each time it comes back.
Like The General or The Gold Rush (which it cannot help but evoke), or a Road Runner cartoon, the movie trains you in its comedic language. For example, there's a gag involving a wolf whistle, which inexplicably summons an enraged woodpecker. OK, kind of cute in context, but not hilarious. As the movie goes on, Jean Kayak finds himself repeatedly tormented by said woodpecker, but ultimately finds a way to exploit this mechanism to his advantage.
On trial for beaver crimes.
It's so ingrained that by the end of the movie, you're just laughing at the whistle itself. A month later when seeing a different film, I poked my head into the theater showing HoB, heard the whistle, and laughed without even seeing what was on screen. (And the theater was about 2/3rds full.)
My only complaint, if I had to make one, was that it was slightly too long, in particular a very video-game-y segment in the third act.
But this is a quibble. I haven't seen a new movie this funny in years and I don't expect to see another until these guys do a follow-up.
Made on a budget of $200,000—apparently the various costumes cost $10K each!—it has broken $300K at the box office, playing week-after-week—three months as of today, in fact—playing in about a dozen theaters nationwide. It's the sort of film you drag your friends to.
Tews is perfect, as he was in Lake Michigan Monster, and Wes Tanks (as The Master Fur Trapper) and Doug Mancheski (as The Trader) are great in their roles. A special shout-out to Olivia Graves as Kayak's love interest, who enjoys tormenting her suitor. This is a tricky role just because we're rooting for Tews and she's making his life hard, but in a charmingly ridiculous way.
Another point of interest is Luis Rico, who plays The Indian Fur Trapper, and whose part is laden with classic Amerind movie tropes. I'm not foolish enough to believe we've gotten past our cultural madness, but it was sure nice to see a bunch of "injun jokes" that people were laughing at, without a single dudgeon being raised on high.
If you're not fortunate enough to be living near one of the dozen theaters it's in, it is available for streaming on Amazon and Apple, and will be available for purchase in a few weeks.
This is also as close to a "general recommendation" movie as I get these days. You almost have to be anti-comedy to not be able to appreciate this. Heck, you could be anti-comedy and just appreciate the craftsmanship here. The writing—the sheer effort that must have gone into packing in hundreds of gags—is admirable just as a work of art.
Plus, it's a Christmas movie!
Other Films Of Note:
Chocolat (1988): Not the 2000 Johnny Depp/Juliet Binoche romance but a "slice of life" memoir about French Cameroon in the '50s. Beautifully shot with a competent (and good looking) cast, but not a lot to say for itself.
Late Night With The Devil: Breakout horror hit of the year, this "found footage" film stretches (and even breaks) the boundaries of the genre to provide a very compelling experience.
Remembering Gene Wilder: A fun documentary narrated by Wilder, and hitting the highlights of his career. A lot of smiles with the mandatory memento mori end.
Arcadian: Nicolas Cage indulges his agent, who wrote this thinly plotted horror which makes less and less sense the more you think about it.
Le Samourai (1967): Classic French noir about a hitman with a code, complete with made-up quote from the Bushido. Hard-boiled inspiration for every filmmaker dabbling in noir ever since.
The Teacher's Lounge: Moral uncertainty plagues a German school, leading one teacher (a Pole) to an increasingly tenuous career position. Fine acting and buildup puts the writers into a corner they don't dare try to get out of in this Oscar-nominated film.
Chinatown (1974): The fiftieth anniversary of the Best Picture Oscar-winner that reminds you that Jack Nicholson used to put out some amazingly subtle performances before becoming a caricature of himself, and Roman Polanski could direct a great film, no matter how big a creep:
The Pianist (2002): We're in-between the 20th and 25th anniversary, making me wonder if this isn't part of a(nother) push to rehab Polanski by reminding us that, even as recently as 2002, he could direct a hell of a film. Adrien Brody's breakout role.
Woman in the Dunes (1964): The highest rated film I've seen in the past year (with an 8.5 on IMDB), this tells the story of an entomologist trapped in a pit with a woman for two-and-a-half hours. I don't think I "got" this one.
The Taste of Things: I loved this movie about a 19th century French gourmand and his lifelong chef/lover. The first hour-and-a-half is mostly cooking, but it slows down after that a little. Juliette Binoche looks rather good naked even at sixty.
Perfect Days: Wim Wenders gives us a story of a peaceful, happy toilet cleaner in Japan, whose life is touched by the chaos in others', but only just. A drama for people who don't like drama.
Amelie (2001): Jeunet's classic love-song to Paris is as charming as ever—a rare film where the heroine is a coward, or is overcoming her cowardice—and even more remarkable in its resemblance to A Christmas Story. That is to say, it was a nostalgic film at the time, and of a time that is so far gone, nary a trace remains.
With a little searching, you can find HoB posters for "Reservoir Dogs", "Sleepless In Seattle", "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and many others.
Tutti Fruitti has been featured before, but we are celebrating his comeback from a, what I am sure was a stroke, cough that was related to eating and drinking--cat dysphagia. Took him to the vet and spent a bunch of money to get less info than I already figured out; but ruled out an obstruction for the cough and refusal to eat or drink. So, just gently encouraged him to drink water and he slowly improved from there. At 16, I know that he does not have a long time left, but he is a fighter and worked his way back. I'm enjoying every day that I have with him.
Nan in AZ
What a beautiful cat! Glad you still have him.
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Hi K.T.
Thanks so much for hosting the Pet Thread. I look forward to your commentary and seeing the Moron Pets every Saturday.
I'm attaching pics of my West Highland Terrorist, Bodie. He's 4 years old and doesn't he look cute? It's a damn good thing because he's a real pistol. He is stubborn, headstrong and hasn't met a dog that he won't go after. He's a little dog that thinks he's big. In other words full of Westitude. And we love him.
The first pic is Bodie and his favorite toy, the sneaky snake. Second pic is just chilling.
My nic is MeLurkYouLongTime.
We can tell that we would love Bodie, too. Even though he has Westitude.
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Cats in the evening:
We have no idea what the draw is but in the late evening Sangria and Rooney camp out with the computers. They don't stay long, it's only one of the stops on their way through the house. The rest of the day and evening they fight over the chair when it's unoccupied.
Lirio100
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My wife and I are empty nesters. We live in a house with many pets. Birds, cats and a dog. Everybody gets along fairly well as these pictures reflect.
The first is our lab Bella and her buddy Nola. We have raised Nola from a hatchling and Bella adopted her. They canoodle together and Bella is very gentle.
The next is our White Bellied Caique and Val. The cat tolerates this indignity somehow.
Love the site and this feature.
Regards,
DJ
Wow. Remarkable photos. And interesting stories!
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We don't want to get too political here, but there is a post I haven't completely figured out on what the border crisis means for animals, some of which are being abandoned at the border.
Here are some links from our correspondent to get you started in becoming informed and in helping:
There are also smaller operations starting up. We will try to watch some of these. Thanks for the information, including that which we haven't gotten to yet.
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What a wonderful collection of pet stories today. We have one left for next week.
Thank you for sharing your pets with us.
If you would like to send pet and/or animal stories, links, etc. for the Ace of Spades Pet Thread, the address is:
petmorons at protonmail dot com
Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known when you comment at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.
Until next Saturday, have a great week!
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If you start feeling nostalgic, here a link to last week's Pet Thread, the Ace of Spades Pet Thread, April 20 Some special PetMoron stories and photos there.
I closed the comments on this post so you wouldn't get banned for commenting on a week-old post, but don't try it anyway.
Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, April 27
—K.T.
More cherry blossoms
I love it when Sharon (Willow's Apprentice) goes on a photo excursion and sends us great images of plants. Perhaps we would pay more attention to the beauty around us if we focused like she does.
How is your weather? We have had a touch of an April Shower, while the cherries are ripening (not the best for the orchardists, but we have gone through so much drought).
I sent a picture last fall of my tiny fignomenal fig tree. The little discolored leaf is the last of the leaves that lasted over winter. Maybe three weeks ago it suddenly took off and looks pretty healthy now.
The second is my baby tomato, it's a little leggy because I've just started being able to set it outside in the sun recently. When it's warm enough to plant outside I'll bury it some. It's a GMO purple tomato (has two purple snapdragon genes) from Norfolk Healthy Produce. They passed USDA and FDA regulatory requirements last year and offered seeds for sale. It's an indeterminate cherry tomato. I just checked the website and they've closed sales for this year but plan on selling again in Nov/Dec. Supposedly the two genes are intended to increase the amount of anthocyanins in the fruit. The seeds were pretty expensive so I hope the price will come done then!
Lirio100
Love that little fig tree!
The plant is coming right along. Let us know how the tomatoes taste! This is what they look like:
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Art
A Daily Dose of History, April 26
By the time he was in his 40's, John James Audubon was prosperous and world famous. But not before having to overcome lots of adversity.
Born Jean Jacques Audubon in the French colony of Sainte Domingue (now Haiti), he was the illegitimate child of a chambermaid and a French sea captain/plantation-owner. His mother died when he was only a few months old and at age 6 Jean was taken to France, where he was adopted and raised by his father's wife.
Jean's father had hoped the boy would become a naval officer, following in his footsteps, but Jean was a failure at military and naval training. So, to keep him from being conscripted into Napoleon's army, Jean's father acquired forged identity papers for the boy and sent him to America. On the way over Jean adopted the anglicized version of his name: John James Audubon.
In America, after surviving a bout of yellow fever, John met and fell in love with Lucy Bakewell, eventually marrying her.
John was a brilliant and gifted man, but he failed repeatedly in business. By 1819 he was bankrupt and in debtor's prison. Lucy supported the family by working as a teacher.
As we all know now, John's true calling was as an artist and a naturalist. For nearly 15 years he had traveled around America, collecting and painting birds, while trying in vain to establish himself professionally.
Finally, in 1826, when John was 41 years old, his wife encouraged (and paid for) him to go to Europe to try to find a publisher for his collection of drawings. And there he became a sensation. His work was immensely popular, he had audiences with royalty, and his book The Birds of America became a smash hit. He is remembered today as one the greatest naturalists and nature artists in history. . .
The photo is of his drawing "Marsh Wren," which is in the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia.
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Ah, Nature
Lots of these guys around today. Not very appetizing.
- fd
Google disagreed. Recommended that I respond that they were great!
Puttering
Flower arranging: Form, color, variety
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Adventure
Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park
M. Gutierrez
Recognize the flower?
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Gardens of The Horde
A couple of weeks ago, we featured a photo of the front yard of a long time lurker in Washington State:
Thanks! That was fun!
You're welcome to stop by and visit if you ever find yourself in Kirkland. The picture I sent was the front yard. I recently added flower beds, patio, trees and pathways on my backyard hill.
More greatness on the way!
Here's a detail from the photo of the front yard, in case you don't remember:
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Hope everyone has a nice weekend.
If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening, Puttering and Adventure Thread, the address is:
ktinthegarden at g mail dot com
Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.
This fall foliage is in Utah
But PG&E in California plans to bury electrical cable
in similar landscapes
The Grid
Electricity and Petroleum are big issues right now, with politicians being sensitized to ecological issues. Gasoline prices are especially high in California. But the state seems to have a special ongoing problem with their electrical grid. Is your state having any problems like this?
Here's the Real Reason PG&E Rates Are Skyrocketing in California
California now holds the ignominious prize for the highest electricity rates in the nation, except Hawaii. How did we get into this predicament?
Because the California Public Utilities Commission -- the five-member agency appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom that regulates the prices, service and reliability of private energy utilities -- has failed to do its job.
There are other government entities that hand out cookies to energy companies without a care for who pays the bill. But the buck stops at the Public Utilities Commission to protect utility customers.
When a private utility like PG&E decides it needs to build new infrastructure -- say, to protect against wildfires -- it's the commission that determines if the infrastructure is necessary, if the utility's proposed costs for that infrastructure are fair, and if better and cheaper alternatives exist.
The commission enjoys limited scrutiny by the courts. Decisions made by other state agencies can be appealed to Superior Court. But only an appellate court can hear commission appeals, and taking that case is discretionary. This limited judicial review means that the Public Utilities Commission essentially answers to the governor alone.
As a former commission president, I know what keeping energy prices down requires . . .
Anyway, that was originally published on April 20.
Big rate increases were passed for PG&E customers, not only for electricity, but also for advertisements so PG&E could tell customers what a great thing it was that they were being charged for PG&E burying electrical cables.
I recently noted that Los Angeles passed a "Mansion Tax" that had the elites in the area scrambling to sell their properties and contributing to the mass of "Left-ugees" now fleeing California.
The number of left-ugees will likely explode, fueled by the latest scheme now being proposed. Since California's energy rates are skyrocketing, power companies propose income-based pricing in response to an Assembly bill.
If you live in California, your electricity bill could soon be affected by how much money you earn, and your bill will start to look different by 2025.
California's three largest power companies - Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric, and San Diego Gas & Electric - submitted a joint proposal to the Public Utilities Commission outlining a fixed rate restructuring that would be based on one's income.
Here are the numbers being put forth for consideration:
Put simply, the more you earn the more you pay for recurring charges (not related to energy usage) . . .
A bill to rein in a proposed monthly fee on California electric bills has been quietly shelved in the Assembly without receiving a single vote.
Assembly Bill 1999, written by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, was a response to the California Public Utilities Commission's proposal on fixed charges. The version to be voted on next month would let California's largest for-profit utility companies charge customers $24 per month -- with fees as low as $6 for lower-income customers -- as a kind of membership fee for the power grid.
In exchange, power providers would be required to lower the rate that customers pay for every unit of electricity consumed. Customers who draw relatively little from the grid -- including those with solar panels -- would likely face higher overall bills. Customers who buy more electricity from the utilities are more likely to see their bills decline.
Irwin's legislative rejoinder would have capped the set fees at $10 per month -- and just $5 for lower income customers.
But that effort appears to be on ice, though Rivas' office says that while the bill will not move forward in its current form, talks with Irwin on possible amendments are ongoing.
Bills that cost the state money, like AB 1999, have until today to make it out of their first policy committees. . .
See the political details at the link.
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The income-based legislative wranglings above may have something to do with one solar company's sales people claiming that they are not a solar company, but rather an alternative power provider to PG&E offering lower rates, merely using your home as a place to put one of their little power plants and your wall as a place for one of their battery arrays. This is a desperate sales line which still requires the salesperson to get the mark's recent bills to see if they "qualify" as a location for that placement of a power plant on their roof.
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This is related to the PG&E rate hikes. Geege Welborn wrote it last October:
The magic juice. It ebbs, it flows, sometimes it just dang shuts off.
Old timers in Southern California - like we were, having lived in Orange County during the golden 80s decade thru early 90s - love to tell the youngsters of today about the times they've never really experienced. Cheap water - our water bill ran about $12 every...TWO MONTHS. There was natural gas for stoves and the furnace (the one night out of a thousand winter night you might need it), and there was electricity...ALWAYS...at 6.5? kwhr. San Onofre, Diablo Canyon, the coal plant in Carlsbad - Southern California Edison had it humming along, and life was good.
The infrastructure hasn't kept up with the state's population needs itself, less mind the grandiose plans, mandates, and deadlines imposed on citizens and utilities alike. They're also hamstrung by regressive progressive policies as far as proper fire control for the semi-arid desert scrub most of them inhabit. Every year CA burns. Every year aging powerlines fall into scrub and brush that was never cleared or control burned off to minimize that very outcome.
And instead of using proper fire suppression techniques?
Every year it's lather, rinse, repeat. The aging lines and poles stay the same, and the power to customers gets turned off "just in case" when the Santa Anas start to blow.
Like now. . .
California really was a Golden State before all of this . . .
They sure financed some fancy, if useless, environmental experiments through the power companies (and by the state) instead of clearing brush.
* * * * *
Climate Change or Weather?
I missed this last year. But maybe there would have been more fires if California hadn't shut off the electricity when the wind blew.
I wonder what happened to all the firebugs, though?
Funny thing has happened on the way to the glorious "energy transition" to a net-zero economy: environmentalists keep getting in the way.
It is well understood that the maniacal drive to install massive wind and solar power projects, not to mention large new battery farms and "carbon-capture" facilities, all require substantial expansion and upgrading of the electricity grid. When Sen. Joe Manchin finally capitulated in 2022 to supporting President Joe Biden's blowout "green energy" subsidy bill (the so-called "Inflation Reduction Act"), it was supposed to be part of a deal in which regulatory and permitting reform would follow, not only to allow for a natural gas pipeline in West Virginia that is dear to Manchin, but other infrastructure projects, especially to enable new green energy supplies.
But the permitting reform legislation never passed Congress. Environmental fundamentalists, including 70 Democratic House members, opposed any permitting reform. The chief achievement of decades of environmental activism is the patchwork of laws at the national and state level, such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), that have empowered environmentalists to slow and sometimes block development of all kinds. While NEPA and its state-level versions have not stopped all development, they can delay or increase the cost of projects sufficiently that many projects are simply deterred from even being proposed. When one lawsuit fails, environmental lawyers are often ready at the courthouse steps to file a dozen more, and the cycle of delay repeats.
Environmentalists are loath to give up their superpower, even for the supposed "climate change" kryptonite of "green energy." . .
The Sierra Club is irritating to people in California for obstructing their access to undeveloped land for recreation and such. The details here are interesting.
The Sierra Club, for example, has spent six years blocking a proposed transmission line intended to import emission-free hydropower from Canada. The Sierra Club has also opposed proposed solar power projects in California's desert areas. (The silver lining here is that the Sierra Club is in deep financial trouble at the moment, with internal rifts and mass layoffs imminent, according to The New Republic.) The Washington Post editorial page took note of this perverse state of affairs in a recent editorial, "Environmentalism Could Stop the Clean-Energy Transition."
He used to get up in the morning and sit at the window to drink his coffee, listen to the birds sing, and balance a sneaker on his head.
"I've got too much pride for somebody who's got so much to be humble about," he once said. "And trying to keep a stinking shoe from falling off the top of my head is a good way to get a little humility to start the day."
But I think he had plenty to be proud of.
Tex Ritter dubbed him "The Storyteller." Johnny Cash called him the best in the business. Kurt Vonnegut said "I'm glad that he writes songs instead of short stories or a lot of us would be out of work." Critics called him a Hillbilly Poet and the Countryfried Philosopher. The rest of us called the same thing his sainted momma called him -- Tom.
Tom T. Hall was to writing songs what George Jones was to singing them: natural, unassuming, peerless. Admittedly, Tom wasn't a great singer, but boy could he spin a yarn. He didn't so much write songs as translate life into lyrics. A Tom T. Hall tune was never an abstract meditation, never untethered and ephemeral. His melodies were concrete, incarnate creatures who first walked around in cracking leather boots upon this tired earth long before they ever crawled into our ears to rest. In a word, his songs were real.
His first hit, "A Week in a Country Jail" was drawn from his own experience of being arrested and held seven days for a speeding ticket while the judge, who had just lost his mother, apparently needed a full week to grieve before handling arraignments. "Harper Valley PTA," the chart-topper he wrote for Jeannie C. Reilly, was about a widow woman from his hometown in Kentucky. "The Ballad of Forty Dollars" was drawn from his time spent working as a gravedigger in his youth. "The Year that Clayton Delaney Died" was indeed biographical with only the names changed. And "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine" was a retelling of a conversation he had in a barroom outside the Democratic National Convention. Such examples could be multiplied. . .
The Classical Saturday Morning Coffee Break & Prayer Revival (4/27/24)
—Misanthropic Humanitarian
*****
Happy Saturday from the thawed Tundra. Hard to believe it is the last Saturday of April. Before we enter the Prayer Revival just a few housekeeping matters (Rulz for those of you in Park Falls):
1) This is an open thread, feel free to lurk, opine & or bloviate away.
2) Be kind to one another. Or at least don't leave marks.
3) No running with sharp objects.
4) Have a nice weekend.
Please submit any prayer requests to me, “Annie’s Stew” at apaslo atsign hotmail dot com. Prayer requests are generally removed after four weeks unless we receive an update.
Prayer Requests:
3/2 Reforger asked for prayers for his Coworker “D”, a widowed mom of 4 who is having a rough time with daughter #1. D’s daughter had to be incarcerated. She went nuts, trashed her room, broke things, and even kicked a cop. She could use a lot of prayers.
4/20 Update – Coworker D’s daughter is going to go live with her dad. Mom is at wit’s end. They hope a change in scenery will provoke some positive changes, since nothing else is working.
2/29 – DaveT asks for prayers. We had prayed in the past for him, as he was trying to save his cats and his home from repossession (due to a relative who burdened the family home with debt). DaveT is over 65 and is not able to work much. The cats are elderly and one is blind, and the only family he has. Things had turned around and it looked like he was going to be fine last summer, but now a new judge is on the case and seems to want to kick DaveT and the cats out of the house. Please pray. If anyone wants to contribute, Annie’s Stew has the details of his GiveSendGo.
3/20 Update – The sham trial took place on 3/20. The judge would not allow DaveT to speak or give any evidence. He is still taking donations for a new appeal.
4/19 Update – DaveT sent word that he was in desperate need. One of the cats was dying and DaveT was not able to bear the loss, and he did not have a reason to live anymore.
4/25 Update – No new information has come from DaveT. He has not responded to emails, so we do not know his status or situation.
3/3 – Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle to maintain Moron standards asked for prayers as he is scared to death of some much-needed surgery. Pain, healing, iyiyi! Even the red tape involved in scheduling. Thank you all again!
4/10 Update – Recovering from diverticulitis surgery. It’s rough. Much pain, and there is talk of another surgery. He is miserable.
3/9 – Hadrian the Seventh asked for prayers for Her Majesty, who is having knee replacement surgery. He’d like prayers for a successful operation, but also an uneventful recovery. Her previous surgery in 2019 (on the other knee) was marked by great pain and the effect of the medication was terrible.
4/13 Update – Her Majesty is on a cane now and doing very well. The downside is that now she’s no longer bedridden, she’s going around the house finding things for me to do. She goes to physical therapy twice a week, which is exhausting, but she wants to drive the RV to Washington state in a couple of months for our National Specialty, so she’ll have to put in the work.
3/9 – Dr_No asked for prayers for his daughter, Megan. We had prayed for her in 2021, when she had cancer. Her cancer is still in remission, but she has blood clots in her lungs. She went to the local ER, where they said everything was normal. She sent a message to her PCP, to ask her to review the situation. She is still weak, and gets tired if a conversation lasts more than 1-2 sentences. Please pray that she be restored to full health. Thanks once again to the Horde for the help.
4/13 Update – The shingles have passed the most painful point (the first two weeks), and she’s now mostly pain-free. The colon cancer is still in remission. Thanks so much for sending words up for her recovery.
3/23 – Jewells would appreciate prayers for her niece, who is in the hospital for the second time in a week. She was diagnosed with pneumonia the first time, but still felt awful. She went back to ER, and they admitted her again. Her oxygen level was 76. She is the niece who is fighting cervical cancer.
4/13 Update – They suspended treatment for Jewells’ niece for 6 weeks and have her on oxygen. Her cancer is responding to the treatment, but at an awful price.
3/23 – Fenelon Spoke needs prayers for Jessie, their “retired” organist. Jessie had fallen. Nothing was broken, but it is a setback for her and she is in pain.
4/20 Update – Jessie is in less pain now.
3/28 – Reforger asked for prayers for his wife, who is applying for a promotion. The new job would triple her salary.
4/20 Update – Mrs. Reforger got the job.
3/30 – mindful webworker asked for prayers as he is going under the knife again for what will be a few hours’ surgery and maybe a week in the hospital. His surgeon used the word “mystery” three times while describing what they will be doing.
4/13 Update – After 3 intense hours, the surgeon packed out his pickaxe and jackhammer, weary but confident that he had removed all the cement-like crud blocking mindful webworker’s intestines. The next few months will be spent recovering and healing. After 9 inhospitable days, he is trying to adjust to home life. He’s asked MiladyJo to wake him every couple of hours to check his vital signs. Every day is a gift. Prayers for all in need.
4/1 – News from Washington Nearsider: His savings have expired and May's bills cannot yet be paid. Another custody hearing - to reevaluate the March 13 determination to give his ex full custody - has been scheduled for May 13th, so that's a date on the calendar towards which he has to work.
He has added one (1) client to his custom model aircraft list, and hopes to add several more, even though he can only work on one at a time. Having a known stream of income is better than not. You can contact Nearsider at washingtonnearsider at gee mail to learn about shipping and timelines or to discuss any details. Interested Morons can look at some small segment of his previous work by heading to this link: https://tinyurl.com/yzmucshu
On the job front, Nearsider had a promising interview, only to be told at the end that though his writing samples, resume, attitude, background, and presentation were all exceptional, his removal from federal service prevented any path forward. Nearsider explained the details leading up to his removal, and while the panel expressed their sympathies for his situation and their admiration at his courage, their position was unchanged. He suspects this employer was simply the first to be so direct, and that he's missed out on several other opportunities for the same reason.
Several contractors have contacted him in response to applications he's submitted and he's hoping at least one of them will be willing to focus on the writing, resume, attitude, background, and presentation vice the end of his federal career. As usual, more follows.
Since several people encouraged it, he has set up a GiveSendGo account. Please contact Annie for the details, if you wish to contribute.
4/24 Update – After receiving an overwhelming outpouring of support from the Horde, Washington Nearsider was able to pay the mortgage for May and June, and is less panicked about losing his house. He also received a promotion at Home Depot, so he is managing a department, which will also increase his pay at bit. He loves you all and is so grateful.
4/3 – Notsothoreau posted that Mrs. Salty (as in Mrs. NaClyDog) had a bad fall and broke four ribs. She tested positive for Covid, as well. Prayers for quick healing and that she is out of the hospital soon.
4/13 Update – Mrs. Salty is out of the hospital, recovering slowly. There is progress. She avoided the bogus Covid-19 Wuhan money grab in the hospital. She is a tad more independent. Occasionally she needs a non-skilled, uncoordinated, non-dancing or singing helper, whom TikTok would not show. They say thank you for all the prayers. They can testify to their effectiveness.
4/4 – J. J. Sefton could use prayers. Here was his posting:
“After suffering some sort of seizure back in February, while the initial MRI and spinal tap showed nothing, a subsequent MRI this past Friday evidently seems to indicate that I might have some sort of brain tumor/growth that would require immediate attention. As in surgery.
That said, on a positive note -- and I'm holding onto this bit of news as positive with all my might -- the medical neurology team and the surgical neurology team are apparently still reading the tea leaves to see what kind of surgery, if any, is required to deal with this. I am hoping against hope for that non-surgical option but am preparing myself as best as I can for whatever is to be.”
4/5 – Teej posted and asked for prayers for a Marine who is on hospice, with possibly two weeks left to live.
4/5 – Pipe asked for prayers for a dear friend who has lung cancer, who lives alone.
4/6 – MikeOxlong requested prayers for healing and that treatment goes well, He was diagnosed with stage 5 esophageal cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes and lungs. Traditional treatment doesn’t have a good answer, so he is taking non-traditional treatment in AZ.
4/6 – Grammie Winger posted that Rev had some tests done and he has a cracked sternum from their earlier car accident. They also found several nodules in his lungs, and an aortic aneurysm. Prayers appreciated.
4/6 – RedMindBlueState asked for prayers for an old and dear friend who just started chemo and is feeling it hard. And for the friend’s dog, who may need surgery soon.
4/6 – Paisley1333 gave an update. We had prayed for her trainer, who went through her third round of cancer in December. The trainer’s surgery was successful, and it appears they got all the cancer. While under the knife, she had a seizure (which she has daily), so the doctors got to experience that and changed her meds. This has been a huge help. So very good news and so grateful for all the prayers.
4/8 – FenelonSpoke asked for prayers for her husband. He was stubborn and didn’t go to the doctor for about 5 days and has shingles. He is in pain.
4/20 Update – FenSpouse is much better. He still has a little tingling but the pain from the shingles is much better.
4/10 – FortWorthMike updated the Horde. His MIL, who was going through cancer treatments, had miraculous results. The tumor is reduced so much, there is no sign of cancer. They won’t say cancer-free, but it’s just something to monitor now.
4/13 – NaughtyPine asked for prayers. There was a “psychic” who went on a murder-suicide rampage. A 9-year-old girl survived the attack, but her baby sister died in her arms. The surviving little girl needs prayers.
4/13 – Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd gave an update. His former son-in-law has died. It is something of a relief. He was an abusive, manipulative, drug-using alcoholic whose hobby was breaking into cars. He was well-known to law enforcement and the justice system. He had a remarkable capacity for wiping out wealth, either through outright theft or negligence. A.H. Lloyd’s daughter tried to leave him multiple times, but he was able to woo her back again and again. The last straw was when he used their tax refund for an Only Fans girl. The deceased is survived by his children, who he should have supported, but have been in A.H. Lloyd’s care for more than a year. Pray for the deceased if you like, but please pray for the children and their mother.
4/13 – Cybersmythe sent an update on his job search. He has received a formal offer of employment, for a job he thinks he wants. He appreciates all the kind thoughts and prayers.
4/13 – Nurse Ratched asked for prayers for her Marine, J, and his wife, M, who are having their wedding celebration on 4/13. They are sweet kids, respectful and kind to each other and would benefit greatly from the power of Horde prayers.
4/16 – Notsothoreau asked for prayers for a co-worker’s mentor and long time friend, DM, who has been diagnosed with throat cancer. Prayers for DM and also for his wife, that they would be strengthened and, God willing, that DM would be healed.
4/18 – Misanthropic Humanitarian asked for prayers, as he will be having his right knee replacement surgery on 5/6/24.
4/20 – AnchorPoint wanted to share an answered prayer, as well as a request. The answered prayer is: AnchorPoint’s dad passed away about 2 years ago. The estate was not going to be a windfall, but they hoped it would be enough to pay off their mortgage. After all the work was done and all the bills were paid, the final check was $72.38 off from the total mortgage payoff amount! The prayer request is: AnchorPoint’s relationship with one sister is bad. The sister has had a lot of trauma in her life and significant mental health issues and physical issues. AnchorPoint asks for prayers that their relationship would be restored.
4/20 – FenelonSpoke asked for prayers for her son. God willing, her son will graduate in May with a degree in horticulture. He has a paid internship with a multinational agricultural company in the PA Dutch area starting right after graduation. He needs to find a place to live.
4/20 – Defenestratus humbly requests prayers for a friend named Jourdan, a wonderful young woman with a 2-year-old daughter. Jourdan had gotten the good news that her breast cancer tumors had disappeared after chemo. But now she caught a nasty bug, and Jourdan has spent a week in the hospital getting blood transfusions.
4/20 - Miley, okravangelist asked for prayers for her brother. They think he is on the verge of a breakdown, stressing out over prepping. He flies off the handle and is freaking everyone else out. Miley could use prayers, too, since worrying about her brother is making her ill.
For submission guidelines and other relevant info, please contact Annie's Stew, who is managing the prayer list. You can contact her at apaslo at-sign hotmail dot com. If you see a prayer request posted in a thread comment, feel free to copy and paste it and e-mail it to Annie's Stew. She tries to keep up with the requests in the threads, but she's not here all of the time, so she may not see it unless you e-mail it to her. Please note: Prayer requests are generally removed after four weeks or so unless we receive an update.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
*****
Thank you Annie for your coordination of this important feature.
The worm, created by China, was tied to a single specific IP address as its command-and-control hub.
For reasons that remain unclear, whatever server was originally attached to that IP address was shut down. So security researchers bought the address, granting them complete control over every one of the infected systems.
The first version will run at 1.6 terabits per second - 200 gigabytes per second, or about three times the speed of a full-size PCIe 5 slot - and will increase to 6.4 terabits per second the following year.
Disclaimer: Which is 8,695,652 copies of DOS 4 per second, which should be enough for anybody.
President Joe Biden suffered yet another gaffe Thursday as he mixed up the date of the Jan. 6 riots during a glitzy fundraiser hosted by Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at their Westchester home.
Biden, the oldest-ever US president at 81, made the blunder as he ripped his Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, 77, in front of the star-studded crowd.
"We'll certainly never forget the dark days of June 6, January 6th, excuse me," the commander-in-chief said, according to a White House pool report.
De facto White House communications chief Anita Dunn, 66, the wife of Biden personal attorney Bob Bauer, told colleagues she had decided to call in prominent Democrats to explain to Jean-Pierre, 49, that the time was ripe to move on, sources told The Post.
"There was an effort to have some outside folks who Karine knows and trusts talk to her about why leaving last fall would have made a lot of sense for her and her career," the source said, calling it an "effort to encourage her to move along."
Jean-Pierre, the person added, "had been in the job for a year and a half at that point, which is a pretty standard tenure for a press secretary in what is admittedly a very demanding job [and] Jeff and Anita [tried] to have folks that she would listen to and trust talk to her about why it might be wise to do that."
Jean-Pierre's predecessor, Jen Psaki, was press secretary for one week shy of 16 months before leaving to take a job as a host and analyst at MSNBC.
A second source told The Post that "Jeff [Zients] and Anita [Dunn] were trying to find Karine a graceful exit" because of the ugly optics of removing her against her will.
"There's a huge diversity issue and they're afraid of what folks are going to say," added this source, who said they learned of the effort from multiple people briefed by Dunn and confirmed at least one person from outside the administration did speak with Jean-Pierre.
The revelation of Dunn's plan is likely to make for awkward workplace dynamics, the first source said, but is unlikely to result in Jean-Pierre's departure.
"She has been pretty consistent in telling people from the minute she got the job that she was going to stay through the election," they said.
"I think Karine has decided to stay come hell or high water and that's that."
CNN's ratings disaster Poppy Harlow is bright enough to take the hint.
Veteran CNN host Poppy Harlow is leaving the struggling cable news network -- two months after the cancellation of "CNN This Morning," where a slew of on-air meltdowns had sparked last year's ouster of Don Lemon.
Oh, and China is also behind "Green Energy" propaganda, to cripple the country.
House lawmakers called on the IRS to investigate U.S.-based anti-Israel activist groups that have financial links to China, according to a letter obtained by the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday.
Members of the House Ways and Means Committee said they are concerned that "foreign adversaries are taking advantage of loopholes to impact American political activity with little-to-no transparency."
The letter follows reports connecting the Chinese government to a network of U.S.-based nonprofit groups.
The People's Forum, a group that helped organize anti-Israel walkouts in New York City public schools, is bankrolled by Chinese propagandist and tech mogul Neville Roy Singham, the New York Times reported last year. The organization encouraged student protesters to shout anti-Semitic chants, such as "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," a slogan that calls for the elimination of the Jewish state.
"Not only do these activities raise serious national security concerns, but they also raise questions about whether organizations like this receive foreign funding from America's adversaries and whether the Internal Revenue Service ('IRS') is conducting oversight of entities like these," wrote the lawmakers in a letter to IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel.
The letter also raised concerns about other China-linked political groups. The Energy Foundation, a U.S.-based nonprofit that promotes climate change activism, operates primarily out of China and has significant ties to the government, Fox News reported in December.
The Energy Foundation has pushed for U.S. green energy policies that would benefit China, which dominates the global solar energy and battery industries.
An official with the Palestinian terror group Hamas and the supreme leader of Iran have praised the growing college campus protests in the United States against Israel's military offensive in Gaza, including pro-Hamas demonstrations at Columbia University that have driven fear into the hearts of Jewish students.
Columbia University in New York City announced a shift to hybrid classes after protestors set up a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" last Wednesday. This led to the arrest of more than 100 people after Columbia University President Minouche Shafik authorized police to clear the camp. The demonstrators resettled the encampment, and there have been multiple reports of Jewish members of Columbia's community feeling unsafe due to the encampment.
The demonstration has prompted calls for the Biden administration to take away the school's federal funding and discipline the demonstrators, which some say should include revoking the visas of the students expressing support for terrorist groups.
Um, obviously. Stupid American brats have the right to chant "Death to America" in America. Nasty terrorist foreigners do not. Being here is a privilege, not a right.
Oh what am I talking about, The Regime has decided that every f*cking foreigner in the world has an inalienable right to mob up in America.
On Wednesday, Izzat Al-Risheq, a member of Hamas' political bureau, accused the Biden administration of violating student and faculty rights, claiming that they are only rejecting "the genocide that our Palestinian people are the subjected in the Gaza Strip at the hands of the neo-Nazi Zionists."
USA Today quoted the Hamas official as saying, "Today's students are the leaders of the future."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also praised the protests.
"Western governments say the Resistance Front is terrorism," Khamenei wrote in a tweet. "This comes at a time when people flew Hezbollah's flag in a street in the US. The people of the world are supporting the Resistance Front because they are resisting & because they are against oppression."
Khamenei's "oppression" comment comes as the Islamic Republic of Iran has a notorious record for infringing on the rights of religious minorities through imprisonment. Iran also used lethal force to crack down on widespread protests in 2022.
Remember during the Iraq War when Bill Kristol would attack anyone questioning the war as giving support to terrorists?
Israeli counterstrikes have killed "half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed on April 24. Gallant's remarks came as Israel launched an unusually intense wave of bombing sorties against the Iran-backed terrorist group's forces in southern Lebanon. "These were the men responsible for belligerent actions, for the drive to strike at the citizens of the State of Israel," Gallant said during a visit to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Northern Command. The other half, he added, "are in hiding and abandoning southern Lebanon in the face of IDF actions."
Gallant signaled that Israel could escalate to a ground operation if mediated diplomatic efforts to get Hezbollah to withdraw from the border failed. "Our main objective was and remains to bring about a different security situation here and for residents of the northern State of Israel to be able to go back home to quiet and safety," Gallant said, referring to some 80,000 civilians evacuated from border communities. "The coming period will be decisive in this regard."
Google has fired more employees who were involved in protests over the tech company's cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. The workers held sit-ins at the company's offices in California and New York over Google's $1.2 billion contract to provide custom tools for Israeli's military.
Google has fired more employees who were involved in protests over the tech company's cloud computing contract with the Israeli government. The workers held sit-ins at the company's offices in California and New York over Google's $1.2 billion contract to provide custom tools for Israeli's military.
Google has fired an additional 20 employees who participated in a protest last week against the company's defense contract with the Israeli government.
This brings the total number of employees laid off due to the protest to 50, according to the group that organized the demonstrations, No Tech for Apartheid.
My count is 48 total but you know, Hamas sympathizers tend to inflate numbers, don't they?
Jane Chung, a spokesperson for the group, said some of the dismissed employees were "nonparticipating bystanders" during the sit-in protests held on April 16 at Google's offices in Sunnyvale and New York. The group labeled the tech giant's action as an "aggressive and desperate act of retaliation."
The media rule: If rightwingers get into a scuffle with cops, they "attacked hardworking policemen."
If leftwingers attack cops, write that there were "clashes with police." It's just a case of mutual combat -- no bad guys, no good guys, just all misunderstandings all around.
On MSNBC, Stelter broke out the usual bravado that the liberals live on “Earth One,” they have to see what’s happening on “Earth Two,” in "Crazyville." Stelter claimed “For Jesse Watters, Trump is God, and that is the programming every hour of every day on these other networks.” pic.twitter.com/b6ANVEvi88
Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah, Here I Am at Intifada: "Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to preserve our freedom? The other side has clearly demonstrated what it is willing to do, and is actively doing, to take it away. That requires self-preservation 'by any means necessary.' As Allen Ludden (or Bert Convy) might say, the password is Revolution. Contemplating such a thing is unfathomable. But seeing New York City “fundamentally transformed” into Nuremberg-on-the-Hudson, the unfathomable quickly becomes not only fathomable but quite reasonable." My latest at Taki's Magazine. Please read and comment! [J.J. Sefton]
WTF?! New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial And yet Donald Trump was forced to pay off a psychotic liar and rape-fantasist for libel? A "libel" that accurately called her out as a liar for lying about him raping her in a Bergdorf's elevator? With the Alvin Bragg/Letitia James' Stalinist show trials still going on? It is to laugh. And vomit [J.J. Sefton]
CJN is shocked at how shocked Jews and other liberals are to discover anti-Semitism coming from the movement they supported for decades, while being somewhat heartened that maybe the scales are at last falling from their eyes. Happy Passover to all!
After his groundbreaking poll showing widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, Jim Lakely, VP and Dir. of Comms at the Heartland Institute discusses a shocking poll showing an equally large percentage of respondents willing to commit election fraud this November, and what it says about the state of our nation and society.
Reddit rumor: Games Workshop changed the lore of Warhammer 40K because Amazon -- which infamously ruined Tolkein with Rings of (Girl) Power -- demanded that insert a female character in power armor. There actually is a an all-female unit of "Fighting Nuns" called the Sisters of Battle. There is already-existing lore about female fighters. But according to this rumor, Amazon said that the Sisters of Battle weren't enough, they wanted female characters in the emperor's bodyguard (the Custodes). There are additional claims/speculations that Henry Cavill may walk away from the project, which I find hard to believe, because this is his dream project. He called this "the greatest professional honor of my life." He's been playing the game and reading the novels since he was 10. He is probably the wokies' greatest weapon in this fight.
86 All Agents of Control ". . . [the chaos] of elegant, natural freedom and independence [what Adam Smith referred to as 'the invisible hand'] is in direct contravention of those who have unleashed ideologically driven chaos by destroying freedom of choice in the quest to 'control' individuals as just one mass of a populace. Again, for our own good because we're too stupid and unenlightened to know what's good for us." My latest essay at Taki's Magazine. Please read and comment. [J.J. Sefton]
A reviewer from Tablet calls Civil War a "good movie" with "stupid politics" The film relies on a mostly unexplained premise that a future third-term U.S. president has dissolved the FBI, turning the United States into an authoritarian state. Garland doesn't beat the audience over the head with his intentions or his politics. However, in his press tour for the film--including an advance NYC screening earlier this week I attended--he revealed that he felt no need to explain why the country broke apart. "Everyone knows," he says. Indeed, we do.
Without making it explicit in the film, Garland clearly wishes to make an allusion not just to the orange man--and his all-too-familiar badness--but the much-lamented rise of "dangerous populism" across the West. Garland is subtle in how he takes sides, but he clearly aligns with the elitist interpretation of rising mass dissatisfaction as driven by the bad behavior of deplorables and their ignorant love of "disinformation."
Ace: aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD: cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck: buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix: mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum: petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton: sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
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Now THAT is a movie poster!
Did I say "like" a video game? I mean...EXACTLY THE SAME AS.
The lovely Miss Graves skins a beaver. (She's also a proficient pole dancer!)
With a little searching, you can find HoB posters for "Reservoir Dogs", "Sleepless In Seattle", "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and many others.
