tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37400696102945995322024-03-15T17:44:21.387-07:00Musings of the Desert Rat"Another circumstance, too, worried me in those days: that there was no one like me, and I was unlike anyone else."
- Fyodor DostoyevskyMark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-9701312954332211372024-03-15T17:43:00.000-07:002024-03-15T17:43:18.955-07:00A good example how spousal abuse is blind to the gender of the victim<p> <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/nanny-cam-footage-prison-boss-173227087.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to story</a></p><p>Abuse is abuse, no matter what.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-7332661930456114882024-03-15T16:07:00.000-07:002024-03-15T16:07:09.293-07:00More from the blogosphere and some personal updates<p> Some more tidbits from the blogs I try to follow:</p><p>1. <a href="https://bigcountryexpat.com/index.php/2024/03/13/twenty-years-ago-what-wait-its-been-20-years/" target="_blank">BCE</a> is reminiscing on 20 years since he went to Iraq as a civilian contractor and how times changed. I will say this, he's now almost half the man he used to be. Thanks for stepping up to the plate and still sending good vibes to you and Gretchen and hope her battle with cancer ends in a resounding victory.</p><p>2. Not much from <a href="https://www.electrospaces.net/" target="_blank">Electrospaces</a> (formerly known as Top Level Communications) lately, there's an article (in Dutch) regarding how the Dutch government is proposing regulations on how their intelligence community is able to respond to cyber threats.</p><p>3. Over at Wirecutter's blog, I came across <a href="https://ogdaa.blogspot.com/2024/03/oh-horror.html" target="_blank">this interesting tidbit</a> about how PornHub is going to block users in Texas in order to be compliant with a recently-passed state law that penalizes sites for not properly verifying the age of their visitors to prevent underaged folks from viewing the content. Depending on how they got their gateways configured, this can be easily circumvented with a VPN client just like how lots of folks are able to view IPTV content from other areas which may be blocked. Time will tell if this is gonna work out...</p><p>And on a personal note, my dad is once again back in the hospital for internal bleeding (his hemoglobin was at 4.5 :-o ) so hopefully they can find out where it's coming from and get it fixed.</p><p>Another personal and professional note, the live show that I regularly work as a backstage medic announced that they are closing and that the last day is May 11. I'll post more later about that along with pics when I get a chance.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-35578924800300230332024-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:002024-03-15T15:48:29.463-07:00Some thoughts on combat survival from the Russian point of view<p> In my usual tromps around the blogosphere, Peter at Bayou Renaissance Man posted <a href="https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-very-interesting-russian-document-has.html" target="_blank">this article</a> from a <a href="https://lethalmindsjournal.substack.com/p/i-live-i-fight-i-win-rules-of-life" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interesting source</a> on some suggestive advice to the Russian soldier on how to deal with the combat in the Ukraine.</p><p>I find it an interesting study on the mindset of the Russian soldier's mindset in particular and the Slavic culture and worldview in general.</p><p>Considering that Russia is trying to bring itself back to greatness on the world stage, it does bear some study. Knowing your potential adversary is a basic tenet on preparing for conflict. </p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-478385372652587922024-02-16T13:48:00.000-08:002024-02-16T13:48:39.539-08:00An example of when hard data doesn't fit the paradigm<p> <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/media/harvard-professor-all-hell-broke-loose-study-found-no-racial-bias-police-shootings" target="_blank">This article</a> about a professor at Harvard that had received a severe backlash when his study to determine if racial bias exists in regards to police shootings showed no such bias even exists.</p><p>Even after he redid the study with new assistants to formulate and tabulate the data, he still achieved the same end result. </p><p>I would like to see the actual study and review the methodology used for manipulating the data, and see if it holds to generally accepted practices used for similar studies. The fact that his peers warned him not to publish does make me wonder. At least he was forthcoming in publishing the results and not trying to bury it somewhere.</p><p>Yet another example of the mob not liking reality, it seems...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-15437596135650663302024-02-14T13:02:00.000-08:002024-02-14T13:02:29.959-08:00Help requested from a blogger<p> I've been following <a href="https://bigcountryexpat.com/" target="_blank">Big Country Expat</a>'s blog for awhile, and while he is definitely on the right side politically, I do respect his views on most things we have in common, plus he is a good source for some twisted humor when most needed. And working in EMS, some days it is definitely called for.</p><p>He's had some issues come up with custody of his grandaughter Adrianna, which I have noted previously, and I've helped out with what I can financially.</p><p>Now he's got another unfortunate matter to deal with. His wonderful lovely and bosomy wife Gretchen has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and they don't want to deal with the nasty route of regular medical treatment like chemo and such (and I can empathize with them on that, seeing my maternal grandmother going through that when I was a teen), and so they are pursuing non-traditional but purportedly effective therapies to fight this.</p><p>Obviously they need some major moolah for this latest fight.</p><p>He has set up another fundraiser on GiveSendGo named <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/helpthehairdiva" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Help the Hair Diva!</a> to help get the money together for Gretchen's care. (Personally I would have called it 'Save da Girls!', as I commented on his blog, referencing Gretchen's lovely figure, but that is his prerogative)</p><p>Once I get paid tomorrow I'm kicking some money their way what I can spare, and I hope others can do that as well.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-69424396058145959872024-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:002024-02-14T12:41:37.703-08:00OK where do I start?<p> Lots of places:</p><p>1. Lost my oldest brother and his wife to not so certain causes. We haven't heard anything from them in awhile, so contacted the sheriff's office, they go do a welfare check, and find them deceased...and they've been that way about 4-6 weeks at least from the condition of the bodies. No clear cause as to why, no obvious signs of foul play, so likely fentanyl OD is the cause. My brother and his wife were messed up with that stuff for a time, and maybe it came back to hit them once too many.</p><p>2. Since we haven't had a chance to go down to my dad's place to check on things after the sheriff and coroner had been there (due to illnesses and other issues) my sister, my good buddy, and I went down there couple of weeks ago to check things out and make sure things are secured.</p><p>They weren't.</p><p>It looked like a tornado hit. Lot of stuff missing. Still hurts to discuss...so will get back to that.</p><p>3. The gov job didn't pan out as with my dad's downturn and other changes it didn't feel comfortable for me to continue down that path.</p><p>4. Been really sick this past week with stomach bug, getting little better but my gut's still doing flip-flops.</p><p>More to come...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-72308674193037007002023-10-17T07:08:00.001-07:002023-10-17T07:08:42.462-07:00Had to laugh at this cartoon<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1920/1080/cartoon100423.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="376" src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/10/1920/1080/cartoon100423.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" width="668" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-81830517509450457802023-07-22T19:49:00.000-07:002023-07-22T19:49:00.839-07:00Meanwhile, from Hell's Pantry....<p> ...because Hell's Kitchen isn't as hot as Vegas is right now!</p><p>Figured I'd take a brief break and take advantage of in between stuff to give a little update on things.</p><p>Think we're on a streak to tie or break the most consecutive number of days where the high is <i>above</i> 110 degrees F (or about 44 degrees C). Phoenix already broke that record earlier this month.</p><p>Job-wise, things are kinda improving...we all got a nice pay bump, so that would make things little easier, albeit the raise was due to state minimum wage going to $10.25/hr starting on July 1 ($11.25/hr if employer doesn't offer health insurance benefits).</p><p>Meanwhile am still trying to keep my sanity and not go off into crazy-land.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-63570507693506230532023-05-14T15:12:00.001-07:002023-05-14T15:12:13.444-07:00More fun and games, and a potential career shift<p> Well, I finally managed to kick the crud that pretty much laid me out for most of March, though it took until last week to finally get rid of the last of it. It also laid up some co-workers of mine for a bit. Starts out as bronchitis, then moves to a sinus/inner ear infection, which also turned into a minor eye infection for a bit. Fortunately, antibiotics did their thing, along with the prescription strength Robitussin DM.</p><p>So I came across <a href="https://areaocho.com/skills/" target="_blank">this post from DiveMedic</a> regarding skillsets in austere times, and his post did raise a legitimate point. Having the knowledge and means to apply it real-world is one thing, having the tools to do so is another.</p><p>DM rated his applicable skills, and that made me take stock on my own capabilities:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Master level: IT skills, including Windows server administration, network security and defense, and hardware/software troubleshooting (both book learning and hands-on experience from 17 years in the IT field, from telecom tech, to helpdesk, to NOC tech.</li><li>Journeyman level: Advanced EMT, basic electronic troubleshooting and repair (nearly 7 years of hands-on skills and practical learning as an EMT and AEMT, and a near lifetime's experience with electronics, plus being a licensed ham radio operator). Though my emergency medicine skills would likely be considered by some as more of a master's level, I know that there is still plenty more I should learn, and when I have the capability to, I plan on upgrading to Paramedic.</li><li>Apprentice level: Basic automotive maintenance and repair, sewing and mending clothing, and home maintenance.</li></ul>Obviously, there's always more to add, and one thing I would love to learn is basic blacksmithing and tool fabrication. I've picked up a book which is a reprint of an older tome that covers such skills, and when time and finances permit I want to explore that more in detail.<p></p><p>Meanwhile my dad (he's 85), has been taken to the hospital due to extreme hypotension, and according to my sister, looks like a possible GI bleed somewhere. As of this writing, he's still in the ER waiting to be admitted, and he has had 4 units of blood transfused in him to keep his blood volume up and his systolic pressure stable. Not the first time this has happened but still worried. </p><p>On a personal note, I'm in the process of getting hired on as a contract EMT for a government contractor down in the Yuma area, what's holding things up is the required background check, which my recruiter tells me can take up to a year (!!) to complete. So let's see what happens. I'm gonna try to stay on part-time with my current employer, but have to see what transpires.</p><p>More later as I know it...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-65460178671746559722023-03-07T11:39:00.001-08:002023-03-07T11:39:23.175-08:00Updates from reality and the cyberworld<p> Been quite busy of late, plus had lot of other issues to deal with on a personal level. Today been trying to deal with this nasty flu and getting a chance to collect my thoughts.</p><p>First off, I am putting out an appeal to help a good friend and my EMS mentor, Orvis Slack. Last week, he started having nearly unbearable pain in his chest and back; he thought it was a pinched nerve or slipped disc in his back. Turns out, he was having a major heart attack, even though it never occurred to either myself or him that it would be cardiac. After going through catherization, he is now resting at home, but is now facing massive medical bills, as well as loss of income. So a mutual friend of ours set up a <a href="https://gofund.me/c8a26534" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GoFundMe fundraiser</a> to help witn his expenses. Please help out if you can.</p><p>Meanwhile, I came across this interesting <a href="https://www.thinkinghousewife.com/2023/02/the-end-result-of-racial-equality/#more-137331" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">posting</a> from The Thinking Housewife blog. I don't usually follow Laura's postings often, but this really stuck out, and it is something that's not widely known or reported in the MSM. Might reach out to fellow blogger <a href="https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Peter</a> for his insights, since he is originally from South Africa and has his own insight worth considering. </p><p>Also, some more interesting tidbits from <a href="https://thenewbittercenturion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">JL's blog</a> regarding matters in the Great White North, my interest being that is where my fiance is residing. From what I have learned during my trip up there to North Bay, the majority of residents tend to be more of a conservative viewpoint, and not big fans of Trudeau's governance, so this just seems to confirm what is being said.</p><p>Hopefully can be able to get more updates later today, in between dealing with massive sinus congestion and just feeling like crap. Make sure you check out the other blog listings on BRM's site, and stay tuned for more from yours truly as it happens.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com042J8+GV Sunrise Manor, NV, USA36.1313174 -114.982772535.2452080904221 -116.0814053125 37.0174267095779 -113.8841396875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-41616166966202260422023-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:002023-01-10T11:56:18.661-08:00Happy New Year, and some great news!<p> Well, let's hope 2023 is less lively than 2022.</p><p>Also, <a href="https://theoutlawintrepidreporter.blogspot.com" target="_blank">BCE</a> has some wonderful news regarding his <a href="https://theoutlawintrepidreporter.blogspot.com/2023/01/a-draw-and-long-game.html" target="_blank">ongoing battle to get his granddaughter back.</a></p><p>Mind you, this is just round 1 in the fight, but it's a good portent of things to come, I think. If you can, please also click over <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveAdrianaGrace" target="_blank">here</a> to donate to his legal and miscellaneous expenses (his lawyer is an example of you can either have cheap or good, not both...and by all accounts she is very very good!), and help him get Adriana back to his and his wife's loving arms.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-60256903337606588012022-12-04T16:23:00.005-08:002022-12-04T16:23:59.365-08:00Could this be the beginning of something?<p> <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-carolina-power-substations-taken-out-gunfire-moore-county-sheriff" target="_blank">Somebody's getting frisky!</a></p><p>There's been lots of stuff both in meatspace and cyberspace over the last 30-40 years on how easy it is to disrupt power distribution. With most substations not monitored or guarded, and usually in rural/secluded areas, it can be easy for those inclined and just a modicum of hunting ability to disrupt the operations.</p><p>I'm just wondering if this can be misdirection, to divert our attention from sneaker and more nefarious actions which could be starting.</p><p>Hopefully we'll soon see, and not being the target...</p><p><br /></p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-56410199235855108532022-11-12T07:01:00.001-08:002022-11-12T07:01:30.273-08:00Some half-baked thoughts on Saturday morning<p> So am at work at a convention site this morning, and been idly perusing the blogosphere as well as my usual news sites.</p><p><a href="https://ogdaa.blogspot.com/2022/11/a-repost-from-monday-big-countrys.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Over at Kenny's blog, he reposted BCE's update</a> on the battle to get his granddaughter back from her beyond loser parental objects. (These idjits are so bad I cannot call them parents or even people!) I was able to shake loose some money to send off, but they still need lots more as good legal help isn't cheap, as well as the various sundry expenses on setting up a temporary place to live. <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveAdrianaGrace" target="_blank">Click here</a> to donate if you are able to do so.<br /></p><p>Speaking of Big Country, his original blog got nuked from orbit, so he is back up for the time being <a href="https://theoutlawintrepidreporter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">at this link.</a> He's also got another blog <a href="https://bigcountryexpat.com/" target="_blank">here</a> which will be his main site once he gets things ironed out. I'll be updating his link on the sidebar later today if I'm not too busy.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Peter and Miss D</a> are enroute to my neck of the woods to attend a convention this coming week. I wish them safe travels and am hoping we would be able to cross paths, but given their schedule and with mine, it is not very likely. If it happens, it happens...</p><p>And in what seems like another repeat of 2020, it's down to another runoff election in Georgia to determine which party is going to have control of the Senate. I am somewhat thankful that I never decided to get into politics, otherwise I couldn't really live with myself. I could go on about that whole mess, but am trying to avoid messing with my brain too much this early in the morning...</p><p>As for my personal situation, I am just taking things one day at a time. With convention season cranking back up again, I hope to be busy and making enough money to get a handle on things.</p><p>So, working here, short break, then back at my usual location for the shows tonight. be around 2300 when I get home, then getting up at 0500 again to cover another event tomorrow. Oh well, it pays the bills.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-75654741671308152492022-11-07T12:58:00.002-08:002022-11-07T12:58:25.886-08:00Some possible hijinks on election day?<p> Just came across this in the R-J:</p><p><a href="https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/clark-county/federal-election-monitors-to-observe-voting-in-nevada-2671832/" target="_blank">DOJ sending election monitors to Nevada</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Makes you wonder...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-39688574009574696872022-11-07T09:09:00.002-08:002022-11-07T09:09:32.801-08:00Another election is upon us<p> Tomorrow is Election Day here in the US, and as usual the propaganda is flying back and forth on both sides. Just am glad it will be over with tomorrow...the nonsense ads at least.</p><p>Since Nevada sends out mail ballots to every registered voter (including those <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graveyard%20vote" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">voting the graveyard</a>), I am looking forward to how things stack up this time around.</p><p>And just sayin', Powerball jackpot is near $2 billion for tonight's drawing ;-)</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-42376481526840990972022-10-25T09:11:00.003-07:002022-10-25T09:11:45.917-07:00The disturbing secret behind 'Drag Queen Story Hour' at your local library (via Peter)<p> <a href="https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-real-story-behind-drag-queen-story.html" target="_blank">Check this out, especially if you have kids or grandkids!</a></p><p>While I am pretty open and tolerant about people having the right to love and have a physical relationship with whomever they desire, there are lines which should NEVER be crossed. Forcing this particular ideology down the throats of regular families in general and the children in particular is abhorrent and totally wrong.</p><p>I do not care if you want to do this, but you must respect the right for others to raise their children as they see fit, and should those kids grow up and decide to explore that lifestyle, then once they reach age of consent they can do so as they would have a better idea of their own identity. But to force this on pre-schoolers who often say their a cat, or a dog, or a dinosaur (often in one day!), let alone saying their a girl one day and a boy the next, or vice-versa, is just plain wrong.</p><p>Those that force this on the kids are just asking for a beat-down at the very least...just sayin'</p><p>Again, please read the info Peter presents, and be better aware. Knowledge is definitely power.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-21314105843904348162022-10-03T13:02:00.001-07:002022-10-03T13:02:38.382-07:00Downtime Monday<p> After my marathon shifts last week, was time to take things a little easy and address things around the house. With little help from one of the roommates, got the discone antenna mounted in place of the old DirecTV dish on the outside and the coax ran over to where the entry point will be.</p><p>Next phase: install the ground rod and lighting arrestor on the feedline. I'd put a ticket in to <a href="https://call811.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Call 811</a> so that the various utilities can come mark anything relevant to their lines coming into the house. Big ones to avoid are the water, sewer, and gas. My power and cable TV entry points are further away and won't be affected, but I want to make sure before I start hammering an 8 ft ground rod into place. Just need to wait a few for them to make it out here, so I allowed plenty of lead time.</p><p>Will post pics later once I get a chance.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-7021104048648661412022-09-30T12:04:00.001-07:002022-09-30T12:04:27.127-07:00This made me laugh (NSFW)<p> <a href="https://www.oglaf.com/collider/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out</a> (FYI this link is safe, but other pages on site are definitely NSFW)</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-10468209212818445602022-09-30T10:52:00.001-07:002022-09-30T10:52:45.176-07:00The Nordstream pipeline: a very plausible theory of what happened<p> <a href="https://thelawdogfiles.com/2022/09/nordstream.html" target="_blank">Lawdog</a> gives a good and lengthy explanation of a likely hypotheses regarding the Nordstream 1 and 2 pipeline ruptures. While conspiracy theories abound on other parts of the blogosphere, this is definitely a good example of Occam's Razor.</p><p>And given prior anecdotes of how Russians often do maintenance of their vehicles and machinery, it's not too far off the mark.</p><p>I'm still keeping an open mind, and looking at alternative explanations. You never know though...could be aliens😏 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/158/329/9189283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="461" height="403" src="https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/158/329/9189283.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-46101094671822639342022-09-18T13:37:00.001-07:002022-09-18T13:37:29.239-07:00BCE still needs help and support<p> As you may have seen in earlier postings, <a href="http://bigcountryexpatoriginal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Big Country Expat</a> is still fighting the good fight to get his granddaughter Adriana back into his and his wife's custody from the loser scum parents, so his <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveAdrianaGrace" target="_blank">GiveSendGo campaign</a> is still active and has a new goal to reach.</p><p>I'll be trying to kick loose some funds shortly to add to my previous donation, but if any others can shake loose some dinero, moolah, or shekels to bring this nightmare to an end for that little girl, please do so.</p><p>Make sure you read the campaign updates, as it shows things are going from retard to potato real fast.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgi13Z1ko2tCmCXUx87DzvuTY1VWNi9dh_ZbDNY5Ojs0QKW7Vkq6Ck88xGwgK92ElyT7gxSP4PHUCmB4Jumgoe9rPz9HjWaWhi5wsgk9_nlVOUaIangE5VS0bgG_rZif7-jYB97MNIVi67nuG_ueO5I5rwUoLWZ182oOZQ-CX6lmQ1OJmGAe4cIVcEw/s300/TT_potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgi13Z1ko2tCmCXUx87DzvuTY1VWNi9dh_ZbDNY5Ojs0QKW7Vkq6Ck88xGwgK92ElyT7gxSP4PHUCmB4Jumgoe9rPz9HjWaWhi5wsgk9_nlVOUaIangE5VS0bgG_rZif7-jYB97MNIVi67nuG_ueO5I5rwUoLWZ182oOZQ-CX6lmQ1OJmGAe4cIVcEw/s1600/TT_potato.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Again, please help if you can do so.</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-44838491404849062082022-09-11T12:28:00.000-07:002022-09-11T12:28:16.794-07:009/11/01...Never forget<p> Hard to believe today's been 21 years since the al-Qaida attacks.</p><p>From someone that was on the periphery of all that had happened, and went through several days of the surreal and heartbreak, experiencing and watching the horror from afar while trying to keep shit together in my little corner of the whole shebang, it still seems like yesterday to me in some ways.</p><p>That was the impetus to want to do more to be able to help others, and eventually took me on a journey that wound up where I am today.</p><p>To the families of those lost in NYC, Arlington, and Somerset, as well as the families of those who stepped up to the plate to bring America's vengeance on her enemies and made the ultimate sacrifice for our beloved country, I humbly offer my thanks, my remembrance of those we've lost, and the feverent hope that our warriors' sacrifice shall not be in vain.</p><p>Call me an optimist, but I do honestly believe that there is still some hope for our country to rise up again and be strong, despite the wishes of others to bring us down. Should our country be lost, the world will descend into darkness and despair, from which there may be no escape.</p><p>May that moment never happen...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-33072016423665404962022-09-01T23:52:00.002-07:002022-09-01T23:52:30.977-07:00Rumblings from the blogosphere and other matters<p> Since things are still hectic with my life, am making the time to try and do some more blog updates to try and re-center myself, or some similar hippy-trippy BS (trust me am not gonna start wearing tie-dye or passing out daisies), but a little bit of Zen couldn't hurt at this point.</p><p>There's been a lot of talk about Sleepy Joe's speech essentially calling out conservatives in general, and some MAGA R's in particular, as 'semi-fascist' or some similar crap. <a href="https://areaocho.com/the-brink/" target="_blank">Divemedic spoke of this at length</a> and I've seen similar expressions at other sites. </p><p>Over at Big Country Expat's <a href="https://bigcountryexpatoriginal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, he's still as entertaining as always, with his own unique view of the world's happenings. I've recently <a href="http://desertratmusings.blogspot.com/2022/08/help-to-fellow-blogger.html">shared</a> his request for assistance in getting custody of his little granddaughter, and he sent me a message of thanks for helping spread the call for assistance. I'll be updating my blog list in the sidebar so that we all can keep up to date on his doings.</p><p>Meanwhile, over at Peter's blog, he recently <a href="https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2022/09/how-not-to-shoot-fish.html" target="_blank">posted a new anthology of hunting stories</a> with him, <a href="https://thelawdogfiles.com/" target="_blank">Lawdog</a> and several other notable authors and bloggers contributing. I'll definitely be checking it out.</p><p>Although he is obviously busy with other tasks and hasn't updated his blog recently, <a href="https://www.michaelzwilliamson.com/cms/index.php" target="_blank">Michael Z. Willamson's blog</a> is still worth checking out occasionally, with his latest always showcasing his own take on things, delivered with his iconic style. Never a dull moment's reading, to be sure.</p><p>I've recently acquired some housemates, whom I have known for awhile, and needed a place to stay other then outside in the storm drain (where they had to stay previously for a bit), and so far things have worked out to our mutual benefit. It has helped me financially, and of course it never hurts to try and help those you know when they're in a tight spot.</p><p>As for work, it's been entertaining at times, frustrating at others, but am still enjoying every minute I can. My current assignment is being the backstage medic for one of the shows on the Las Vegas Strip (for various reasons I can't say specifically which one, but it's a great show), which is keeping things constant for the time being.</p><p>As it is now almost midnight, am gonna call it a day and rack out. Stay safe out there!</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-91431035985824443912022-08-29T11:43:00.000-07:002022-08-29T11:43:00.109-07:00A little trip last weekend<p> So thanks to one of my work buddies, he, myself, and another friend from work went down to Cali and visited the <a href="https://www.lacountyfiremuseum.com/" target="_blank">Los Angeles County Fire Museum</a> for their 50th anniversary celebration of the premier of the 1970's TV series <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency!" target="_blank">Emergency!</a></p><p>This show has been credited by many as the catalyst for the expansion of emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States and throughout the world as well. It laid the seeds in me to eventually start my career in EMS after nearly 18 years in the IT field. Many other people, usually in my generation, also credited the show in inspiring them to work in EMS and/or go into medicine in general as nurses, doctors, and specialists.</p><p>Below are some of the photos I have taken at the museum, where the fire engine and rescue squad used in the series are on display, along with many other fire engines and historical pieces. We also took a trip to LA County Fire Station 127, which was the setting for the fictional 'Station 51' in the series.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD6Bf9G4EDROhB78jsff29f3vaObV7iX2SG5-WuIqgfjpnT6KrWxKd9Qq4dn1iMRsJvGzXYYMn_nUG_0d9-RDm66YSj7uASZZ-nKOPUC6uu5NPWMEGP6TJjVceGxjRBKWkKFSshbKvcrEDfzhg6QOiH7I9q8e5G-6KFp4xn6XT00K7yB_VbgcfTluXg/s1440/300341611_5883599755002131_9007036445281693600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVD6Bf9G4EDROhB78jsff29f3vaObV7iX2SG5-WuIqgfjpnT6KrWxKd9Qq4dn1iMRsJvGzXYYMn_nUG_0d9-RDm66YSj7uASZZ-nKOPUC6uu5NPWMEGP6TJjVceGxjRBKWkKFSshbKvcrEDfzhg6QOiH7I9q8e5G-6KFp4xn6XT00K7yB_VbgcfTluXg/w516-h387/300341611_5883599755002131_9007036445281693600_n.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQRTAcW1147XS0vfb9Hzhgv60OOTIcrxJ-jIktjV6xgSNu5KSnp-1CYhnnNISkxhffw4_7JoVXp0M_3K2vP4OErlhy_-Zi7TPr7O0RwYfJO0wPIpbiOtcTzzPcyKsHwwM7bHLsJjU3f3r-z-DIjRBxObCLDetIxhURsj3ZQKBYWbqQZ-TdrsaeKV7rg/s960/300889249_5883635891665184_6557401562123991517_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQRTAcW1147XS0vfb9Hzhgv60OOTIcrxJ-jIktjV6xgSNu5KSnp-1CYhnnNISkxhffw4_7JoVXp0M_3K2vP4OErlhy_-Zi7TPr7O0RwYfJO0wPIpbiOtcTzzPcyKsHwwM7bHLsJjU3f3r-z-DIjRBxObCLDetIxhURsj3ZQKBYWbqQZ-TdrsaeKV7rg/w526-h395/300889249_5883635891665184_6557401562123991517_n.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.flas1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300797830_5883988164963290_1809452898800174416_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=jzNaMYZJn-QAX_pqkgZ&_nc_ht=scontent.flas1-1.fna&oh=00_AT91I-sDjGRW7rDF7xkPzOWkQBW3Td8A3gAbCBW7CCyZVw&oe=63126DB1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="437" src="https://scontent.flas1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300797830_5883988164963290_1809452898800174416_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=jzNaMYZJn-QAX_pqkgZ&_nc_ht=scontent.flas1-1.fna&oh=00_AT91I-sDjGRW7rDF7xkPzOWkQBW3Td8A3gAbCBW7CCyZVw&oe=63126DB1" width="583" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.flas1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300577615_5886343724727734_7203930199746927862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=CPu1aZqOIZoAX9MGiOj&_nc_ht=scontent.flas1-1.fna&oh=00_AT-0Et3qU-JgBqzAaTY3VGFsit-jlwyjJHF_-dgJTakmFA&oe=63123793" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="437" src="https://scontent.flas1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300577615_5886343724727734_7203930199746927862_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=CPu1aZqOIZoAX9MGiOj&_nc_ht=scontent.flas1-1.fna&oh=00_AT-0Et3qU-JgBqzAaTY3VGFsit-jlwyjJHF_-dgJTakmFA&oe=63123793" width="583" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>Was a very good trip overall, and a nice change of pace.</p><p>Meanwhile, keep your powder dry, and watch your 6...</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-60697328938457752262022-08-22T21:25:00.005-07:002022-08-22T21:25:47.873-07:00Help to a fellow blogger<p> I haven't kept up much with things in the blogosphere, but there has been chatter about an issue that BigCountyExpat needs help with. <a href="https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveAdrianaGrace" target="_blank">Click here to read the details, but you better be ready to be pissed off.</a></p><p>That parents could do that to their own barely 2-year-old daughter is just sickening. If you all can, please donate so that Adriana can be back where she will be loved and cared for.</p><p>Also, feel free to drop by his <a href="https://bigcountryexpatoriginal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> for updates/</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740069610294599532.post-50212348867004527542022-08-04T12:56:00.003-07:002022-08-04T12:56:26.423-07:00China is turning things up a notch<p> Heard on the news that China is lobbing missiles around Taiwan today. What with the preparations that have been discussed in the media, along with the Chinese losing their shit over Pelosi's visit, and add in <a href="https://areaocho.com/paper-eagle/">this post from DiveMedic</a>, I expected things to get interesting by Labor Day.</p><p>Now had just heard from a live TV briefing from the White House, where some stuffed-shirt with the NSC is saying the government is postponing a planned Minuteman III missile test that had been planned this week 'as a demonstration of what a rational nuclear power should do', has made me think of that from two sides.</p><p>On one side, I do agree that postponing the test would lessen the likelihood of something even worse happening, as had almost occurred in 1993 when a Norwegian research rocket launch appeared to the Russian air defense as a ballistic missile attack against them, and they almost launched a nuclear attack. Some calm and collective coolness can help to make those in charge think twice.</p><p>On the other side, the test delay looks like appeasement to our enemies, and the extreme right-wingers would cry out that we're bowing down to our enemies and adversaries. </p><p>It's possible to argue both sides of this, but I'm not gonna try as it will just aggravate me. I just want to lay low, focus on things close to home, and think of boobies 😊</p>Mark Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15263596703092203941noreply@blogger.com0