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A reminder to the reader this is not a political blog, but commentary on human behavior. I am not pro-Trump, but pro-American, plus I truly love watching liberal scum squirm. I am not for or against any political party. Liberalism is not a political party, but a social cancer. It is wrong to steal money and it is just as wrong to elect people to steal it for you. One more thing, never argue with a man who buys his printer ink by the barrel.

July 10, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 10, 2024, the Valdosta rip-off shop.
Five years ago today: July 10, 2020, sigh, still no vacuum.
Nine years ago today: July 10, 2016, the Brits are weird.
Random years ago today: July 10, 2008, Pudding-Tat.

           Yep, we are broke. But, we got most of the situations sorted out, for example, yes, the Reb and I have a joint account. Then, I discovered neither of us had survivorship, which is different that it used to be. If you wade through the paperwork, it is much like setting up a whole new account and then linking them by computer. That, you know, a system I could never really trust. The Reb uses credit cards, I won’t touch the evil things. All’s I’m saying is I think it must be nearly impossible to appreciate the depth of my planning until you see what can go wrong. Silver is inching toward $38.

           We we in the banking office nearly an hour, and once the people knew we were legit, we talked a bit about the weird things they’ve seen. Alert, peeps, most the horror stories came about concerning estates. One relative moves fast and cleans out the accounts before the rest know what hit them. The clerk has tales of customers who take out $1,000 in one dollar bills. I’m beginning to wonder how much longer before lawyers refuse to take anything less that fifties.
           Today I’ve got some general interest photos. This expensive toy is a strobe flasher. The photo guy has a bunch of gear stowed here and I’ve never seen anything like this. The Reb says the bulbs are handheld, like wands. I took this photo with my $35 Panasonic.

           Some years ago I pointed out that Thomas Rousseau, born leader and patriot. His organization is Patriot Front. Every MSM flunky was blasting at him and the lefties call them them paid federal agitators. Well, he’s back, well-funded by the looks of things, and more confident than ever. He’s got people on the ground in Texas doing more than, it seems, all the churches and charities. He so points out the other organizations exist mainly to help their own at that Patriot Front, although he does not say it, would be justified to be doing the same thing. Careful, he does not know how right he is. Can you imagine the outcome if a private organization of this sort favored Whites. The howling would echo off the Rockies.
           Seems piracy is up in the Singapore Straits. That is, of course, BS. The place is only 12 miles wide with a well-lit shoreline. It would be almost impossible to sneak up on a ship. I smell another insurance scam. And the stats show while Trump deported 80,000, but let in 670,000 immigrate legally. That’s 85% non-White. Trump is exposing Democrat weaknesses, but is not plowing them under. I still bear a strong-man takeover if Trump does start kicking ass.

           My new paperback about the Cambodian refugees and their church rescue is disappointing. The title, “A Simple Seller of Noodles” misled me to believe it was a tale about a peasant to escaped the Pol Pot regime. But real Cambodian peasants I am sure to not speak ten languages including English and French well enough to become personal friends with royalty. Nor have weddings with 200 guests or fly their wives to Saigon to shop and visit. It’s true he was abandoned, but was adopted by an American missionary family, who altered his birth certificate so he could graduate. Sorry, folks, getting lucky like that is not a rags-to-riches fable you can sell me. I’m ten times more self-made, I just don’t look or act like a refugee.

           What the? A picture of the fridge door? Yes, it now has handles again. The photo guy may take great pics, but he managed to break both those handles, which stayed broken until, you got it, I arrived. It happens when you pull them sideways instead of back. I used the superglue gel brand made for ceramic. Another chore was to haul everything out of the cupboards and spray Bengal. It is a mist and nasty, and I was down on the floor spraying under the drawers and cabinets. Somebody’s got to do it. This is the second roach invasion and it is those wood-eating roaches. And while I’m crabbing, yes, I know the pots and pans I bought here are a mismatched set. But I can tell when I open the cabinets which ones get used the most. That’s why I have three sizes of frying pans. Experience.

Picture of the day.
Eiffel tower, from bottom center.
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           Due to the spray, I grabbed a Happy Meal and the toy was this play cell phone. The toys have been progressively dumbed down for years, so I would have chucked this except, when I turned it over, there are two metal disks on the back. No explanation in the package or on-line. They are not magnetic or batteries. They are too expensive a manufacturing step to be simple decoration. The yellow plastic snap on cover has a cutout on the back to scopes these disks. Darn right I’m curious.

           A dull afternoon going over the books, let’s just say I’ll feel better back in Florida where my tools and equipment are. You mustn't think this is at all like the veiled panic of living off credit cards. It is more like a deep bite into resources originally put away for other purposes. It is nothing I haven’t done before, but I see others have no experience at all. I know in ten or twenty days I’ll be back on my feet and gaining back by September. This turned the conversation back to Caltier, which I will recap the problems. First most is they have not explained why the account was suspended, and no, it is not enough to activate it again. This is a Class A (startup) investment and I need a clear explanation of what happened, lest it happen again. Next is the issue of them not returning calls or email inquiries. Last, smaller items like why no disbursement since March without explanation—and I have sent them many emails with these direct questions.
           There is also the problem of changing the account log-on, which is now entering it’s fourth month. The on-line system never worked, and now their new web page does not even present the options.

           The bright side is this brings the Reb and I closer to collaboration. Forgive me if it’s a repeat but i believe the reason we never argued money is since day one 38 years ago, we have always paid our own bills and split the ones we incur together. Neither of us has any idea how much the other spends on themselves, but all the signs are that we are not spendthrifts or irresponsible. We are in the middle of something yet if the real estate market crashes to half its value, we will be in a position to buy in mid-January, or in the alternative, take on a $188,000 mortgage. Now you know too much.
           Recent data shows Americans are not worried about climate change and the media is “shocked”. Critics point out the “ten years left” warnings have dulled since 1980 and even Greta has dumped the cause. Ireland is reaching a flash point, the population is far more hardened and united than even three months ago. They want them all out, including the “legals”. Folks, it takes a lot to anger the Anglo-Saxon and it has to start somewhere.

           Included in my reading is electronic schematics. If you don’t hear much, it is because there is so little new. However, I do like to find certain circuits normally bought as a functioning unit and see if I could build it from scratch. One such challenge was a Schmidt Trigger. I’ve never used one but it takes a sloppy input signal and makes it a crisp 1 or 0. I was delighted to find a schematic until I saw the 24V power requirement. My goal had been to create a flashing LED without using a 555. But my maximum voltage is 15 and I rarely use that.
           I also want to get back to practicing bass daily, which I don’t do hear as all the gear is for guitar and keyboards. It’s just a thought, but I know where there exists a bass line nobody would suspect would fit to “Beer-Flavored Kisses”, though it would have to be heavily modified. But I’m the guy to do it. Give a listen to the old Grass Roots hit “Midnight Confessions”. Because when I’m done, nobody will ever make the connection.

Last Laugh

July 9, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 9, 2024, The actual Valdosta event.
Five years ago today: July 9, 2020, remember EARN-IT?
Nine years ago today: July 9, 2016, phone becomes required.
Random years ago today: July 9, 2018, an early box.

           So little happened to day I was on the verge of calling the day off. Let’s go for the high points. First, held the coffee shop fell out of their chairs laughing when Biden’s doctor, when questioned about his mental balance, pleaded the Fifth. We are bombarded with news item after item that Trump is finished. He’s lost. He’s done it now, yet he’s riding the crest of a popularity wave. Who knows, today the Reb is in Chattanooga, the recycle boxes need emptying, and I may be raiding my bank account. It’s a long story. Mostly, a coffee and a good book.

           Well, the Goodwill is off my list permanently now. Today, I was refused the standard 20% discount because I would not give them a phone number. I could have given them a fake, but wanted to test their resolve. This hideously fat (and droopy-eyed ugly) “manager” refused to answer my direct question, six times, is this store policy or Goodwill policy. Yes, that is the Goodwill at Old Hickory and Lebanon Pike. There is actually a creature there worse than Oprah without makeup.
           So the so-called discount is really paid for using your personal information. Mostly I came away incredulous that in this day and age, people are still giving their phone number to strangers. But, I’ve always known there are people that stupid and I hope they get what’s coming to them. That is how they learn.

           When she realized she was not going to get away easy, she grudgingly admitted it was Goodwill [policy]. Needing a couple work shirts, I went to the Thrift on Hickory and scored this brand new MicroSoft wireless mouse for two bucks. What luck, it was one of the ancient designs, not millennial-improved. That means it is over designed and overbuilt, my kind of gadget. It means it is ergonomic, lights up when properly zinked, and the battery lasts a good six months. One of the rare MicroSoft products that worked. Did I just say zinked?

Picture of the day.
Choice Cafe, Oklahoma.
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           One of the books I started is about a Cambodian family that gets adopted by this American church. One of the church members decides to write the story of SamSung. He’s a Christian ethnic Vietnamese who is adopted by a Chinese family after being rescued from a trash bin. Day to day, his life was not that bad, as he has a part-time job and gets through high school. The local preacher’s wife teaches him English and he gets fake papers he is Chinese. (Vietnamese are not popular in Cambodia.)

           It’s interesting from describing how bad Asiatic politics can be and the worst is the Khmer Rouge who really did a number on the place. It’s a classic example of the opposite of gun control, sort of what the left wing seems to want for America.

           Now never you mind the explanation, but this is what $5,200 in cash looks like. I’ll be limping back to Florida and for the next 90 days. I wonder if my worldy experience at spending my last penny is there reason I’m not worried at all. Stop for a second as I explain that I do not use credit, so yes, there are times, like right after I bought my house, that I was nearly flat-busted. The thrust here is that at least I was never in the hole. The budget for the return trip is $181 of which $120 will be gasoline. If the van breaks down again, Sunshine, we are in for a bad time. I could not isolate the electrical problem, so I’ve taken to disconnecting the battery cable, which the Kaiser finds amusing—but I ain’t going to tackle any wiring with all my test gear two states away. I already know it is a short, so I’ll pull each fuse until it’s isolated, just not before I get back.

           After six, the Kaiser (I'll try to block the ads later) and I met up at Rosie’s. He’s got an excellent 250cc motorcycle these days. We got caught up on music, career into, and a general discussion of geopolitics. We have a common interest in one of his most-requested tunes, one that I picked out instantly years ago. “Beer-Flavored Kisses”, you might remember. The lyrics are a style missing from the shallow computer-generated text of contemporary schlock. Kaiser describes the demand situation, mentioning Netflix as an example. I did not know they held that much sway except with videos. Not so, he reports, a single requisition from them can cause a stampede.
           This is a change at their management level, so I’ll look into it. The Kaiser has the patience, for sure, but my angle is one of us should take a closer look at the process. Not to do anything, but to be aware of how this can be best approached. That is kind of my department, although I did explain to the Kaiser I do not even know what I’m looking for. But I’ll bet you it is still who you know. He mentioned completing another full album of recordings. I’ve listened to his web page samples.

           One important factor is his lyrics tell a story, we both find this to be a Johnny Cash influence. It’s a classic juxtaposition, I find his song words to be identifiable to realists, and he finds my writing to be experience-laden enough to have a poetic facet. He asked why I don’t compose lyrics and other than not thinking I had such talent, I could not come up with an answer. If I can find any samples of what little I’ve written, I’ll forward him a copy, as I’ve always felt we should probably collaborate wherever possible.

Last Laugh

July 8, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 8, 2024, and probably as useful.
Five years ago today: July 8, 2020, nobody willing.
Nine years ago today: July 8, 2016, in my opinion, reckless.
Random years ago today: July 8, 2006, working at the Thrift.

           In the morning cool, I took down sixty branches and some bamboo with the clippers. That tree is a goner, when I got up close it is till rooted. However, the size of the eight or nine “trunks” is far beyond anything I have to shore them back into place. That is not happening without pro help. Most of the debris is piled in the fire pit, when I hear a slight rustling noise. My camera is inside upstairs. Not wanting to miss anything, I sidled up to the doggie fence using the shed for cover. We have a family of nine-banded armadillos.

           By 9:30AM is was certain I was not going to get any help. The higher branches need to be pulled down and the thicker pieces need to be sawn to burning size. Estimate is two hours, after I get the photo guy to the airport. He’s into numerology, cults, witches, tarot, and all the things I had long recognized for what they were by his age. We only talked to and from the airport, but he brought up the supernatural and paranormal several times. I showed him the Nautical Almanac, saying if he could by the mysticism in there, I’d be glad to have that discussion. Meanwhile, this morsel of cheese, with the $11 price tag, was placed back on the shelf. Wasn't even non-GMO.

           Reminding you this was a business trip, the Reb and I went over most of our agenda. Bottom line? It may be years after the crowd, but inflation has finally begun to bite down hard. The very best of my planning and investment skill is no match for people who own a printing press. It’s clearer now the aftermath of the great Valdosta Disaster of 2024 was enhanced by a lot of these external factors. While I get full credit that we did not get taken by surprise, between now and January 2026, we will be in a holding pattern.
           I am changing my plans, expect that I’ll be using my house and sheds more and cooling it with any extras. This will be a lean summer and let me say, if anything else goes wrong, this is the shakiest I’ve been in a long time. Right now I’m miles from home with a van that is acting up. It’s the same feeling as the month after I bought the cabin and had $193 left. You might say I’m used to surviving those parts of life. There is nobody else I would care to go through this with than the Reb. We are not Nashville’s Golden Couple, instead unlikely Allies that have decided we don’t want to wind up like others, buying gum with a credit card.

           There is something you might hear more of, as you know all blogs have such surprises, and it is southern France. Last year you recall my mention of all the nice tools in the shed, used to build the doggie fence. The owner was overseas renovating a house. Well, he’s gone until (you guessed it) January 2026 and those tools are not on the Reb’s move list, nor will she will have space to store them. I’ll push for some pictures for you. It seems I did not tell you everything about the depth of our investment in this renovation project.
           But here’s what I can mention. It is not just a house, it is a small chateaux that is, shall-we-say, taxi distance to Monaco. It was once
owned by a Hollywood celebrity, which is where we come into the loop. Information will be sparse and sadly, keeping with the times, the building is now has drywall throughout and a condominium. The project is complete and for sale. You might ask how much we have tied up in it and I won’t tell you. But think of a number. Got it? Well, it’s twice that.

           For distraction I pulled up Gab. What do you know, sixty years later the Feds finally admit they had a connection to the Kennedy assassination. Lee Harvey’s father was a CIA employee. There is a device called a ghost phone appearing in ads that purports to anonymize phone usage in all modes. We will take a look, but like VPN, if it requires a subscription, it isn’t private. It’s happened again, another finely tuned A.I. system, after crunching a few terabytes of data, goes “anti-Semetic”. Grok, a newcomer, apparently requires constant tweaking to stop saying pro-Hitler things and such. All I can say is ha-ha-ha.
           The MS001, a drone that used Nvida A.I. is making headlines for its apparent ability to isolate a target and navigate for the kill without human intervention. This claim has been made before. Still, it is about time for such a weapon to appear. It’s apparently a strap-on to existing hardware. Hmmm, an upsurge in anti-Google posts some 20 years after we issued the warnings, including services that will degoogalize your system. I dunno, do you suppose the mollies have finally woken to the danger?

Picture of the day.
World’s 10th largest pyramid.
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           How serious was today’s business meeting. We wound up at Phat Bites after hours of planning and negotiation. For the first time since the 1980s, we went Dutch. And you know how I feel about things like that. To change the topic, they had some entertainment that got my attention. A guitar player like the one I have back in Florida. Tonight’s guy had mastered two of my top techniques. One, he strummed differently to every song, he’s mastered the art of capturing each tune in a unique pattern—one that would match up with my bass lines to a tee. Secondly, he also chose only those numbers that contributed to this manner of presentation. Before we continue, I was impressed that my el-cheapo camera caught the Damascus steel on this meat cleaver. It's not as hefty as the unit I use at the cabin but can that baby slice in a hurry. Um, I'm guessing that pattern is Damascus, because I once watched a video.

           Overall, his act lacked the audience “oomph” that I impart, but he was less restricted in what he could put on his list than a bassist like me. He has a stage presence but it is somewhat affected, it’s nice but is not reading the crowd. So while his guitar playing was middle-grade, his show has good generic appeal, just not the entire room, yet often drawing them into a sing-a-long. While this is not new, it has become so rare. Later, the on-line club says the entertainer was Mike White, which is a good match for that musical presentment.

           Later, the Kaiser called and actually has a half-day off. Did I mention he took a day job and now has a live-in gal? I’m surprised he can sneak out of the house. Check in tomorrow, but beyond that, I aim to get back home. If we can get a guy’s night out at the nearest cantina, then I’m done all the visiting I want for the season. Give me my room at my own cabin, my air conditioner, and my coffee maker, and time to wonder if I’ll ever have time to really, really settle down.
           Wait all you pet lovers, there’s more on the doggie pills. Turns out this is a superior brand, hence the premium price tag. Another surprise is it a change in the dosage, so the package is a year’s supply. The Reb doesn’t know it, but that is her birthday present, coming up next month. Yes, folks, we all get to that stage. But, at least it is not a new vacuum cleaner hose for our anniversary. Yet. The current state of situation has rattled deeper than ever before, even 30 years ago. I was up late mapping out a survival plan that avoids any credit card or outsiders—and yes, I makes me wonder how bad off most people out there must have it.

ADDENDUM
           Armadillos. First identified in Texas, they have spread all over the southeast but that is likely because their predators, such as mountain lions, have been killed off. Sorry, Josh & Tyler, it isn’t climate change. The myth that they spread leprosy false, it stems from the fact they are the only animal other than humans that can contract the disease. They eat almost anything and were attracted by the ground exposed when I cut down the foliage. My guess is there are five, since all births are identical quadruplets and they are young enough to still follow mommy. I have the game camera in the van, so let’s see if I can get some footage.

Last Laugh

July 7, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 7, 2024, hmmm, I understood it.
Five years ago today: July 7, 2020, remember the “final stage”?
Nine years ago today: July 7, 2016, a leisurely 15 hours.
Random years ago today: July 7, 1980, I scored.

           Nothing happens on Mondays. The dog turns out to be the most unenthusiastic so far, balking at even stepping off the porch. I pulled the van into the driveway and finished loading my tools in time for a thunderstorm. Moving fast, I pulled into the driveway to examine the electric problem with the van. We have a short, I was just about to start pulling fuses when a blue truck pulls up. It’s the photographer and he can use a lift to the airport. Of all the things, I forgot Tennessee was on daylight savings and lost an hour, but we got him to BNA.

           I stopped at Elm Hill on the say back to discover that ordinary heart worm pills are now $1.35 per pill, cash only. Three times the price of my own heart pills, I bought the package of 100. That’s when I noticed this was the infamous Ivermectin. The Reb owes me. Next to Wal*Mart and some hardware to fix that tree, the plan is to snip off the top ten feet and see if the bottom ten feet can be helped back into place with some rope. I know nothing of this sort but I remember JZ kept a tree away from his dad’s den wall in a similar way.

           [Author's note: it turns out this is the wrong medicine. There was some new staff at the clinic, but they had access to the pet files and should have known she wanted some kind of de-worming preventative gummie. So, now a trip back for the Reb, who insists she had cleared the order with them by phone and they should have know. Myself? Now I know if I'm ever stupid enough to believe the COVID hoax, I have an idea where to waste any money I'm not using.]

           Next, I checked and there is no break for a second vehicle on the insurance. The premiums for six months would be over $900, something I’d really have to think about. I took the pooch with me up to the store to where he refused to either lay down or get out of the van. I bought a cleaver and a big tree-size pair of tree clippers. The clippers are coming back to Florida with me. There are some other items I wanted but money has run out super-fast this trip.
           Primitive, that’s the way I look at most “tools” made from things like bones and vegetable husks. That would include ocarinas and this animal horn trumpet that was in the living room. I don’t look at such things as musical instruments, but more like objects that can make a sound. This is where I discover the photographer guy plays many of these oddball gadgets Lyres, pan pipes, you know, the things that blur the line between instrument and decoration.

Picture of the day.
West Texas, I think.
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           At 4:30PM, the Reb calls to say the flight was cancelled, would I pick up her friend at the airport since the next flight is noon tomorrow. As I approach Donelson, the airport traffic was backed up two miles. Finally at 6:30PM I got the guy to find another hour getting out of the airport. Fortunately I had the audiobook and we learn Eve has finally been exposed. It is the cafe owner, worried about loss of business if the Germans find his staff are spies, that systematically breaks all 28 of Eve’s knuckle bones. He’s just turned her over to the authorities, but it seems he drugged her with opium and may have got her to talk about the spy network.

           Everything is packed up and ready for the return trip, yet I have not decided to leave. Somethings are not right yet, including the finances and that move in September will be here fast. A substantial amount of walking brought back the weakness in my spine but not the pain. I’m back where I was two years go in overall condition—except for all this weight gain. That’s one condition I would be ashamed to die of, yet it is a long time before I can exercise like I want to.

           I had another go at getting the laser to work standalone. Nope. It is, mind you, a very sturdy and well designed unit. The laser assembly I have seen somewhere before. I have the 5W model which the on-line demo shows slicing balsa wood. Rather than tinker with the unit, I packed it up ready for transport back to Florida.
           It took an hour to inch up to the arrivals to find one distraught and grumpy photographer, which I understand. The American airline industry went for a dump in 2002. The US version of the flying cattle car. I don’t know the guy, but one look and I said, listen dude, I’m going for a beer and you better tag along. He knew the place, Shooters, and now he knows the staff. And that I don’t play billiards.

           I am not a happy camper this trip. While it is no different than ever, I would stress that when I say “efficiency”, I mean the kind I studied in school, not my personal agenda when others disappoint me. I understand most people optimize their own activity, and all too often without a thought how that might not be the best overall strategy. It is also why they so often get stranded. And have nothing the Monday after payday.
           I’m going to cash in Caltier unless they begin explaining things same day as questions are asked. It was my mistake using a gmail account to set that up, but I point out it was not really meant to be more than a trial for on-line investing. It has been 16 months without explanation what this “pause” is all about, and no disbursements since March. The attached gmail is not being forwarded and there are other issues all linked in some way to refusal to institute even the most basic forms of computer security. The more I look at that gmail account, the more convinced I am I don’t like it.

Last Laugh

July 6, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 6, 2024, some Karaoke.
Five years ago today: July 6, 2020, remember the COVID budget?
Nine years ago today: July 6, 2016, pitiless.
Random years ago today: July 6, 2014, pretty snippity.

           My dog finally remembers me, the guy who feeds him chicken. I slept in till 7:30AM, unlike y’day when all the people who were not shooting off fireworks until two in the morning were running their two-stroke yard tools at six in the morning. No reports of casualties. I should be out in the van looking for my hatchet, but the dog has the right idea. I’m obliged to mention my inability to see close up objects on end is now a serious condition, see addendum. Do I dare open the shed and see what I’ve left there over the years? Return later today for this, and other blogworthy events. My iMac files disappeared, so these videos are the only thing I have for you today. You've probably guessed they are not usual blog fare, but I'm tapped out, all I can say is these videos are very current material, within the last 48 hours.

           Let’s check the news over an extra coffee. Old Bernie has some explaining to do over a $44 million grant to “promote democracy” during 2016 when he suddenly decided not to run against Hillary. The new bigger-fatter AOC who sicced the IRS on Trump now wants the IRS abolished now that her sudden acquisition of $22 million is under scrutiny.

           Back from the hour’s walk and we have the neighborhood update. It confirms it is time to move. Out toward the main road there are now five, possibly six houses occupied by obvious renters. Really obvious. I cleared away the main jungle trail which leads to the heavy woods between the subdivisions. Almost. As we got to the far end, we found this barrier. I walked along the shadeless side until I saw a couple on their patio and asked what gives. They said a lady from this side faked a slip and fall and was suing their HOA.
           I asked if said lady was this high, wore horn-rim glasses, and was an [obvious renter] and they said yep, that’s her. Assuring them she was not representative of this neighborhood, the damage has been done. Other factors reveal the troubles began the month those people started moving in. I will henceforth lock my van at night. We have a problem, the van battery was dead this morning. It responded to a boost and a walk-around revealed the brake lights on one side and marker lights on another a staying on. I have no choice but to disconnect the battery when this far from the cabin.

           The tree that fell from the north side over the fence is too big for me to move. I used my hatchet to chop it off even at the fence line, peering into the bamboo. This is not an axe, it’s a light hand tool and I’m sweating full-scale. I don’t think Dale (the neighbor) is ever going to be able to clean his yard now that the bamboo is forty feet high. I got myself winded clearing the shed before 10:00AM. My beauty of a mini-chop saw, perfect for making 45 degree cuts, is folded and ready to place in the van.
           I checked the blade on the old club circular saw. I intend to use it on the tree to fit the fire pit. And that beauty of a “rose” tree on the west side of the porch keeled over from heavy rain on the branches. It came back to life but is blocking the passage to the back yard. I will have to saw those back as well. Just when it is in full bloom. The Reb wants some other bamboo removed so get ready for work, because I walked all the way to the back and did not find what she meant. It’s the neighbor’s bamboo that how chokes the whole west side, you cannot even see the fence I put in last summer. I stayed outside to watch how the dog is getting out, but he knows I’m watching.
           So I walked out to the back to look at the exact spot the Reb pointed to. But that is not a bamboo tree. Things like that wait until I’m sure. All’s I’m saying for now is there is one hell of a lot of bamboo heading right this way. Let’s see if we can squeeze any adventure out of today, there must be something can be found, even in 2025 Tennessee.

           The way to deal with this is get out of the sun and put on more coffee. I read another chapter of the personal privacy book and see that the courts are increasingly allowing “truthfulness” as a defense in defamation cases. In earlier times, the issue was not the accuracy of the facts, but whether or not there had been harm. For clarity, it was the harm that was illegal, not how true or false the facts. It made it difficult for anyone but famous people who ostensibly derived their livelihood from their reputations. But gossip was associated with idle tongues and village do-nothings. That has been replaced by soulless journalists and the Internet.

Picture of the day.
Henry Ford’s machine shop.
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           My packages arrived just before the windstorm. My present to myself was one of those roller marker tools that lets you scribe a line with one hand. The treat is the Wainlux laser engraver, here it is on the kitchen counter next to a salami sandwich. Hey, I’m not some bean-head youTube unboxer who lives on Ramen noodles. The first impression is this device is very well designed. It seems to come with a full set of accessories, including a pair of safety glasses. There is a 150-page user manual of which of which 25 or so are in English. It was only gaining this manual that several questions got answered and that is not right. One was that jpeg format could only be used with downloaded drivers. That was one of many chances I took ordering this unit on-line. Even asking people who claim to be in the loop with all the apps and downloads are no help at all.

           It appears to need connection to CutLabX, mentions sparingly in the documentation. My guess is that is software than must be installed. The paperwork and on-line how-to material is almost totally focused on using a mobile phone connection. That might explain why so much of the art is boringly simplistic. I scrolled past some 800 designs on five web pages without seeing a single novel or original pattern, so I gave that avenue up. Taking another chance, I downloaded the MAC software on to this computer, a process I have not done since 1991. Mercifully, that part does not seem to have changed, or put another way, no millennial has been allowed to “improve” it, although I am certain many have tried.
           Dang, the driver install requires the system password and the one I’ve been using does not work. Should I just plug the thing in and see if it has a demo mode? Meanwhile, let’s go to CutLabX and see what we are in for. The similarity to LightBurn is instant, both of which I would have rejected due to privacy issues with their account requirements. Sure enough, the software is not compatible with older iMac OS installs and I think this computer is from the 1990s.

           Looking deeper at the files, I see the samples use a “g-code” which I think stands for a gerber file, the very format that I balked at with 3D printer software. I am not an artist and I cannot design such things. The apps have no useful demo modes, but it is easy enough to see they are some sort of grey-scale conversion. Since I’m after a one-dimensional “branding iron” design, maybe I can bypass that step. One more, the process confirms why every on-line example is repetitious crap from the unwashed masses. Then, the system winks out for a ten-second power failure. It rejects the password so we are locked out until the Reb returns after the weekend. This, folks, is your measure of how little progress has really been made since 1985. And the guest mode is set to lock out social media. Safari sucks.

           So, let’s plug the sucker in and take our chances. Nope, no demo mode. Won’t even burn their own logo. It’s the same old, a guesswork setup, not quite like any other I’ve done, and which has to be relearned every computer I ever use with it. It’s quite sturdy to handle and has a solid feel to it, plus an interesting way to focus the laser. The junior unit requires a reflective plate and focus know, this model has a feeler that folds down to the burning surface, and then back up out of the way. I got it to trace but not burn the engraving outline. Every bit of progress is always welcome around here.
           Not to be outdone, I got out the depth marker and set it for 1/2”, now every piece of scrap lumber around here has a scribe. My centering cone is also here, along with that pricey hinge router bit, the one that cuts mortices for my box hinges. If it works right, that speeds up production by a half-hour per box. I have no hinged boxes for sale, this intense labor part makes each unit too precious to part with.

           Fifteen arrested for ballot harvesting in Texas, including two mayors, the local judge, and the Democrat representative. Don’t worry, nobody is going to notice they were all Latinos. The part of the Big Beautiful Bill I follow is the $100 billion funding for ICE so the deportations can finally get underway big time. I still don’t think we should be flying them out. Let them back into Mexico where they crossed from and let that place deal with any subsequent issues. The Mexicans broke their promise to patrol the border the instant Trump was out of power.
           Another Stalingrad documentary, but the propaganda myths of what happened die hard. The Germans never flew in the majority of their supplies. There was a railroad from Karkhov, a major railway hub for both sides. The Stalingrad line ended at Kalach where the bridge could not support rail cars. The cargo was loaded onto trucks and put back on the Stalingrad-Don, the oldest railway line in Russia at the time. So old that the trains could not turn around and were pushed backward to return to base. That hook mechanism used to destroy tracks was called Schwellenpflug (no link) and it says here a museum in Germany still has one in working order. (It was also called the rail wolf and the rail pig.)
           It operates like so. The hook is lowered onto the railway bed and begins to plow up and break the ties. A clamp over the rails pulls out the spikes, and finally a trailing bar bends the rails into unusable twisted meal. Apparently the strain on the system was so great the device required a crew of ten to keep replacing the wheel bearings.

ADDENDUM
           How could I have gotten so suddenly old in just four years? And no history to go on, I am the oldest male of my bloodline, no other has ever lived as long as I have, although I had an uncle that came close. He bore a strong facial resemblance to my father, but was a kind and gentle soul. Yet, he shared the family characteristic (until I came along) of no hobbies, interests, talent, personality, popularity, ambition, or ability to put in an ounce of extra effort. Just work a day job, go home and watch TV, and vegetate except for the long spells of criticizing anyone who at least even tried. I generally “feel” like I’ve got five years left and if so, that would make me by far the longest survivor in my lineage.
           To describe my emerging vision problem more accurately, I now had a distinct “blind spot” for objects lying on end directly in my field of vision between three and roughly five feet away. Say a tool that is long and narrow. The last short while I was subconsciously always setting them down across my field of vision. It’s when I didn’t that I detected something wrong. If it is positioned on end, lying flat and away from me, I do not recognize the shape until I get close enough to look down on the object. This is not good.

           Keeping my promise of 2003 to document the major changes due to age, that knotted muscle in my leg has stabilized and feels like a length of cartilage that makes walking uncomfortable. Which of these conditions will be the one to do me in? One thing age is no barrier to is making feminist enemies. I’m the guy who created the meme that if you don’t like Grammar Nazis it is because you are a Grammar Jew. Time permitting, I rag on people who cannot type, and one such feminist tried the angle that I was “flirting” with her. I assured her I only flirted with young, slim, blonde, college-age girls, which is basically true, and have now officially received my first death threat. Who said blogging was not a dynamic hobby?
           Later, I’m thinking this crazy Wendy broad may be serious.

Last Laugh

July 5, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 5, 2024, a music night.
Five years ago today: July 5, 2020, needlessly complicated.
Nine years ago today: July 5, 2016, I’ve seen these tepuis.
Random years ago today: July 5, 2007, don’t lend paintings.

           Home alone. Chooks had steak for breakfast. He did not fare greatly with the fireworks y’day and I see the bush trails have not been cleared since I last did it, what, two years ago. I put a right angle in them so anybody driving past doesn’t know they go through the woods. The paths are worn so people use them, not maintain them. Could be I’m the closest thing to a woodsman they know. Their philosophy must be let the branches grow until one of them gets a stick in the eye.
           Walking uphill still bothers but me and the dog were all over the place y’day. The bamboo has invaded again. Let’s see if I can muster the energy to hammer that back, a real test of my recovery. Let’s glance at the news and move along. Library opens in four hours. The media is taking real pains to avoid mentioning the ethnicity and religion of an aide who was shot dead in DC, a policy most Americans disagree with. Political correctness is still imposed on the majority. TMOR, at street level most Americans do not like Middle Eastern people and do not want them here, even the “good ones”.

           The new Jurassic movie is declared a dud at the box office even though the villain is Big Pharma. Fact it, the dinosaur phase has moved on. Speaking of reptiles, the Reb is pet-sitting again and I have more info. It is a Mexican king snake and it is living in JeePee’s aquarium. Ugh, she has this dude come by and feed it baby mice, which I know she would not do. Me either. They are dead, but have to be microwaved or the snake cannot sense it. I made sure Chooks and I were out on a long walk during the process. The guy who feeds him looks like this friend of mine who lives in Calgary, Alberta.
           How is our audiobook lady faring? She’s found a witness in the village who says Rose and her baby were killed, but the witness sounds flakey. Char “Charlie” is now very pregnant and falling for the chauffeur, showing the 1960s had no monopoly on stupid rich girls. There’s a dozen loose ends dangling in the plot, as it turns out Eve, the alcoholic, was also a spy in the second war, and among other things was awarded an OBE. In practical matters, I can’t find my hatchet in the van to clear those bush trails. Just the two main paths, let the lazy neighbors fend the rest themselves. This neighborhood is going downhill—but it is still infinitely better than places like Miami or Memphis.

           Hmmm, Liechtenstein, per capita income $185,000 and tax rate of 1.2%. Near zero immigration (around 1,500 Islamics and 30 Jews in the whole country). And it appears some people still need to be told not to camp or build on a flood plain. The 46-year-old mayor of Miracle (Quebec) died suddenly. As the National Post puts it, “It is so sad to see all these young, healthy, full-vaccinated and boosted men dying suddenly, because of climate change.”
Nobody, especially not Big Media, noticed that when the FBI said it would investigate the source of Democrat protest funding, the riots across America stopped same day. Illegals in California are demanding doctors learn to speak their languages.

Picture of the day.
Grand Union Station
(Kansas City)
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           Other than my insurance and the post office being closed, it was a pleasant drive. The lady at the library was put off when I pulled my shirt over my nose, I guess she has some right to sit down next to decent folk and start with her coughing and sneezing and sniffling. If you are reading this, it means I figured out how to get files off the Apple, probably by exporting them. Nothing happened today unless you want to hear about the challenges of getting a phone charged around here when you forgot the right cable back at the ranch. Meanwhile, here's a shot of my stunt double grabbing a cofee in Bowling Green y'day. Man, the old guy gets around.

           I read for an hour about the long process of the courts stripping away your Fourth Amendment rights, the one that says they cannot arbitrarily search your private papers with out a warrant. It’s difficult study because there is no definition of “private”, but I’m on the side that says when in doubt, it is private. The court, for example, has repeatedly rules that items like your bank deposit slips and phone dialing list are “voluntarily conveyed” to those outfits and become their property, not yours. Such laws are repugnant to me, especially where the paperwork is required by law.
           What’s irksome to me is the way the courts say that you are agreeing such records can be openly viewed by employees of those businesses, and therefore it makes no difference if the police also view them. That is about as primitive a sting setup as it gets and those who think like that are disgraceful. Even if, as the courts insist, there is no expectation of privacy, it is highly unlikely anyone gave out that information for the purpose of providing evidence against themselves. And to me that is vitally important, as these businesses don’t carry warning stickers.

ADDENDUM
           The radical left is incensed. The implications of the Big Beautiful Bill are too spacious to cover in my little blog. However, the direction it moves things is clear and that is away from the infrastructure the Democrat/Libtard people spend decades and billions setting up for what they thought would be a final takeover of the country in 2016 led by Hillary. The bill cuts off the money-laundering that propped up the regime and worse for the party, awakened millions as to what was going on and how to combat it. Now they are howling that Trump has threatened to deport anyone who does not agree with him—embarrassing his accusers since Trump cannot deport valid US citizens.
           Libtard professors claim Trump said he would take away citizenship from “natural born citizens”, meaning anchor babies who most Americans detest. That law was meant for freed slaves, not illegal immigrants. The upshot is that they’ve made such claims before, and so often that the steam is gone. And way down at the bottom here, I record there is a really sore knotted muscle down the length of my inner left leg halfway between hip and knee. It is a new pain and impossible to say if it is from the recent treatments, which have affected this leg for several weeks now.

Last Laugh

July 4, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: July 4, 2024, that’s her on the radio.
Five years ago today: July 4, 2020, drenched.
Nine years ago today: July 4, 2016, Charlie Daniels was right.
Random years ago today: July 4, , independence from what?

           It’s the most political holiday of the year and I’m up at 5:30AM. My dog still can’t figure it’s me and the Reb says I gain have that slight caramel aura. I know it is a reaction, but instead of figuring out which one, let’s do some politics this morning and see where that goes. Yep, the Democrats are bellowing about million of people being cut off medical, conveniently forgetting to mention they are on it illegally. A couple sites are announcing discovery of a new blood type, but it is really just good old COVID positive. A single man over 30 with no kids is a red flag says Reddit, posted by a single women with three kids.

           Here's downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky.
           BikeReg, the queer bicycle outfit, has been caught again sneaking males into female contests, but the shock is the extend on which they are able to cover up the flam—there are people watching out for this degeneracy. What else has any interest factor this morning. Russia has launched a robot supply ship to the space station, a total waste of resources. Yet another troop of crackpots have again announced discovery of methane/plastic/whatever-eating bacteria. Am I the only one who notices the instant improvement in crime rates, safety, and how well the system works in spots where ICE has cleaned out all the illegals?

           By mid-morning, the pooch and I headed out of town. I see now since the little doggie is gone, the big doggie has a personality change. I know they are a pack animal, but that is not it. More a slight melancholy and always looking for his pal. Even more sad, the days of romping the yard are ending. No decisions yet, but the 3,000 square foot townhouse could become a 1,000 square foot apartment. The effects of Bindenflation are making life hard on everyone. It’s amazing to hear some tards who think Trump caused the problem because it is happening now. At least gas is 69 cents a gallon cheaper out here.
           Wal*Mart. I was there again and prices are soaring. It is weird to see empty aisles though not an unpleasant surprise. Is it prices or the boycott caused by that freak Christy Walton (the boss’s widow) supporting the illegals? Interestingly to me, she has already lost half the $40 billion she inherited and now lives in Mexico. Argh, this iMac is exasperating. No commands to download or copy photos. I mean, I know it can be done, but where are the icons? I can open the camera and see the photos, dropping every menu only to find the buttons I need are greyed out.

Picture of the day.
Modern-built authentic stage coach.
(Around $72,000)
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           We wound up in Bowling Green. I swear, that dog has learned to smile when women are around. It was a van trip to get him used to me being around as the Reb is gone for the weekend. We took Lebanon Pike out to Gallatin, then to the old downtown where we know the best coffee is. You’ll know the place, the doors are 15 feet tall. There should be some photos around. We walked less than ten minutes and headed back. He got all the attention, but you know, college babes do not look like they used to. How about a quick video of Chooks? See, I knew you'd like it.

           I’ll pre-empt any critics by saying the college ladies all have nice personalities, but you know, if they are not squat and plump when they get to that college town, they certainly must get that way in a fast hurry. Chooks was not displaying enthusiasm so we came back around the river via Donelson and home. Where he plonked down solid faster than I did. We’ve never had a dog that liked fireworks and they’ve started early today.

           Since it was car-riding and sleeping, the top story is the audiobook, as much a good tale as a bad one. The underlying theme remains that young women only have sex when manipulated and now the added twist that they discuss with other women how much it hurt. Let me recap the plot. In 1947, Char is traveling with her mother to get and abortion in Switzerland. During a stop in London, she runs off with an alcoholic old lady and her hired driver, the plan is to find Char’s childhood friend, Rose, who disappeared during World War Two. Now, the old lady, Eve, it turns out, was a spy in World War One.
           Several chapters center on her spy career. She gets a job at a cafe and listens to German officers. To keep her job, Eve begins sleeping with the cafe owner, and of course, she hates it, and then gets pregnant. (Oddly, the owner is a cultured and educated man who treats her very nicely. In fact, if he was not a collaborator, he’d probably be a pretty good catch.) That was in 1915. Now back to 1947, it turns out Rose had also gotten pregnant and had a baby in a small town. Char, Eve, and the driver go there to find out the place had been massacred by the Germans in reprisals for harboring the Resistance.

           It’s too quiet around here when the Reb is gone, probably until Monday. This gave me time to look more closely at “the New America”, the one with all the pictures of the homeless. That is not America and most of the homeless are in California cities. The media claims 700,000 homeless, of which most of the chronic types are in cities like Los Angeles. This fact by itself eliminates placing any blame on anybody but themselves, and that is precisely what the left-wing politicians are trying. Claim it is a national problem so they can get even more aid than the $25 billion they’ve already pocketed. Plus, I do not believe people who refuse to pay rent because they “hate landlords” should be counted as homeless. They are vagrants at best.
           I scrolled though several hundred pages, none of which pointed out the people in California voted themselves into this mess. They openly admit to electing people they knew were wrong, and thieves, and corrupt, but still consider themselves victims. Screams one 250 pound woman with green hair, do you think anyone WANTED to be homeless. Well, lady, it sure looks like it. You can’t go on welfare and decry the system for 20 years and expect to emerge a landowner. From the outside looking in, there are two groups, the workers and the idlers. Each side calls the other lazy or greedy, depending on if you have anything. But I will never consider myself responsible for people who demand a free ride.

           How about the guy saying he hates it when people lie on their resumes to sound younger, that he never hires anybody in their 40s. He lays out some damn good reasons, why should he train somebody over 20, he says. This is not the last century, the jobs left that require experience are his choice. Good point.
           What gives me a laugh is how many XYZers think it was any easier to get a good job fifty years go. Their problem is they don’t realize how many Boomers had to take bad jobs and wound up there for life. This is why my first question to any homeless person is, “What is your trade?” Don’t have one? Then move the hell out of Los Angeles and go work in a Montana lumber mill. Do that until you are 26 before you complain to me.
           Every other article I read commented on the Democrat party, it is dying because of Trump. They have nothing to combat an outsider. Average approval ratings are a bad statistic because they include people who don’t outright detest liberals. The lowest rating today was 25%, an all-time low. But I say it is and always has been 16%. One person in six, that’s the brainwashing limit. And last for this afternoon, how many people out there think I have not noticed the upswing in bass players advertising for acoustic strummers. Actually, I hope they try, because I found out the hard way how much more there is to it than, by the tone of their ads, they think there is.
           Aha! Moments later, I find an acoustic strummer looking for a bassist, and guess who it is? Remember that dumb bastard Jerry who wasted my time in 2017? Never practiced, never learned my tunes. The Type A, he already has the perfect song list, so hurry up and learn it.

ADDENDUM
           I’ve not been following the e-waste issue except that MicroSoft is proving for the nth time what a bunch of grubs they are. I gather Win 11 has some “hardware requirements” incompatible with Win 10, making those 400 million units into landfill. MicroSoft is now trying to gouge Win 10 users $30 each for a year’s “support”, but what caught my eye is their offer to store customer data on OneDrive, which is likely what Redmond wanted in the first place. Or you can cash in 1,000 MicroSoft Reward points, or some bullshit like that. I cannot believe anyone is stupid enough to store sensitive data of any sort on somebody else’s computer. But the world is full of thoughtless low-order morons who will buy into anything if you tell them it is new or leading edge.
           Don’t quote me, but Win 11 apparently requires a “security” chip that is not present on earlier computers. And cannot be retro-fitted. If you are like me, you know damn well what MicroSoft means by “security”. I heard this new term for MicroSoft enforced upgrades, ceaseless ads, pestering, and EOL-ing: “enshittification”, the word seems appropriate. Like many, I keep hoping for the day Redmond goes too far and dies.
While Apple keeps sinking to ever newer levels, one giant factor flies in MicroSoft’s face—Apple’s success at blocking advertising. Redmond has always insisted it cannot be blocked and is a necessary evil. Then along comes Apple with the flip of a switch.

Last Laugh

July 3, 2025

Yesteryear
One year ago today: xxxx 2024, WIP
Five years ago today: xxxx 2020, WIP
Nine years ago today: xxxx 2016, WIP
Random years ago today: xxxx, xxxx, WIP

           Things went lightning speed this morning. Then again, I’m here to do it myself. Most I can do is provide you and outline of the day so you know I was not on holidays. I had to enhance a few things as I own two vans of the same color that differ by around two feet in length. That means a handful of documents I need are in the wrong glove box. I dislike what has become of the paperwork thing in America, it’s gotten as bad as Canada. Everything designed to keep your file updated, that is their sole priority. I’ll tell you one of the situations.

           My files in Tennessee are set to be updated all on the same month. Well, The Valdosta incident as in August, meaning I have a vehicle registration different than my schedule. Now they are just a few days apart, but that shows how an ordinary circumstance turns into a burden. If I was President, I’d make registration a one-time event when you buy the vehicle. So I finally got out of the DMV to fine my insurance office is closed for the long weekend.

           Thanks for all my readers sticking around as this is not likely to be a fun-filled trip. Yep, we made it out to din-din for what might be our only social event. And I was right, the dog forgot who I was for the first day. Yes, folks, no coffee, my dog doesn’t know me, and I get dusted off with a tow carpet sweeper. Who needs grandchildren. There is company, but they are away in Texas this month, but that explains where all my bathroom gear disappeared to. Why buy razors when I’ve left ten behind. Ha-ha serves me right, but really, all the coffee? That one stung. Did you see that pic of the brew I tried making?
           One document I did forget will cost me $58 interest, it seems the bank now wants this piece of paper presented to buy a CD (Certificate of Deposit). Welcome to 2025 America, where now you have to show ID to put money into the bank. This found me out in Mt. Juliet and half that beautifully wooded area is now bulldozed for condo and townhouses. Same with many of the woodlands along Central Pike, turing that drive into an eyesore. Also, the trails we’ve walked the dogs along the power lines for years have now been plastered with no trespassing signs.

           And get this. When we walked Chooks up near Tulip Grove, a space we go back nine years with, a lady stood across from us and snapped out pictures, threatening to call somebody because she said we were homeless.The Reb dealt with it, but I would have took her picture and taught her a lesson. We are a respectable couple and she looked like a bag lady. Also, I saw which house she came out of so I know they are recent renters. We have around a dozen renters in the neighborhood now.
           I found the laser engraver for $100 off, by the way.

           Expect disruptions, Google/MicroSoft has again locked me out of all my email accounts, including the one for this blog. Utter, complete assholes, they send a code to an email that I can’t open because it requires another code sent to itself. I can unlock it at the library each time, but not here on this retarded iMac. This is why I wish Google/MS would just shrivel up and blow away. Let people learn their own security measures or screw ‘em. If somebody is too stupid to manage their own passwords, they should not be anywhere near a computer. And this iMac. You bring up a page and it sits there. None of the commands work, you cannot even delete the tab. It just sits.

Picture of the day.
Badlands (S. Dakota)
Remember to use BACK ARROW to return to blog.

           Now the Reb has a recording session so she is out of town, leaving me and the pooch, who is still trying to figure out who I am. But he don’t mind the home cooking. That he remembers just fine. I have the Wainlux laser engraver on order, the shipping label says the 7th, so we are here at least that long. I also got the router centering cone and a few goodies. I’ll show you when they arrive, to keep us moving along. This idiotic iMax mouse has to scroll wheel, making everything take twice as long.

           True, there are up and down arrows, but I would like to think anyone who reads this blog is intelligent enough to know the scroll wheel was invented to the operator did not have to keep switching between keyboard and mouse. One has to wonder about the low-grade mentality of whoever designed that mouse. Maybe it does scroll, but i tried all the buttons and features, so if it is there, it is not intuitive and that, I’m sad to say, is where Apple’s downfall began. They are far from the leading edge company we once knew, but certainly, the others are even worse.

           I’ve closed around 60 documents here and times have permanently changed. Time to start over a few items. The REb sent me downtown for dog food, but they were sold out of what I know is the favorites. So I stopped in to see Brian at Shooters, sure enough he’s got the same back pains as myself, and he’s putting thing off like I did. I can’t speak up, because he has the same reasons I did for hesitating. There was Karaoke, so we faked a couple tunes and I came home to another new discovery—I don’t get as much lead time for getting tired. I am okay to the last moment, then need to zone. The first sure sign of couch potato-ism, the American middle-class disease.

           Driving gave time to listen to a chapter of “The Alice Network”, a departure from the detective theme on audiobooks. It’s a spy story set in 1947, but confusing in that it was during WWI and keeps flipping back to those days. Our lady has decided she does not want the “Swiss operation” and has run off with a convict and an ex-spy, whose story is more interesting. Now and old alcoholic, she was once a waitress in a cafe frequented by German officers who did not know she spoke the tongue. They mention the Kaiser and the ace Max Immelmann, of flying maneuver fame.
           One uber-annoying aspect of the book is how every woman under 20 who has sex is portrayed as being coerced and tricked into it. Eve sleeps with the cafe owner to get war information. Charlotte slept with the frat boys because she was suffering from depression, and so on. There was still a smattering of this attitude around while I was growing up, but to me it was just another item to be swept aside. With a few exceptions, I slept with every woman I ever dated before the supply ran out.

Last Laugh