I came across this article in the Washington Post about how Russia's GRU, or military intelligence directorate, has stepped up their use of cyber warfare to implement attacks against Ukraine and other targets in the West, including the United States.
The most telling part of the article is this quote:
“Ukraine is to 21st-century hybrid warfare what Spain was in the 1930s for battlefield blitzkrieg techniques — the place where the bad guys try out what they may use against us later on,” said Daniel Fried, a former senior State Department official who helped lead the West’s response to Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine.
I was really struck by this, as from my studies of military history, especially the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's, made me recall how both the German Army (Heer) and Air Force (Luftwaffe) perfected their techniques used later with devastating effect against Poland, Scandinavia, and Western Europe in the first 2 years of World War II. Combined with an apparent renewed nationalism by Russians, it definitely bears watching in the coming months and years.
Should President Trump fail at reelection in 2020, the next incoming Democrat administration may decide to ignore or downplay foreign affairs much as the US did during the late 1930's in regards to Europe, allowing the Nazis to finalize their initial plans for dominating Europe. Only later events caused the US to reverse such isolationism and join with the other Allied powers to defeat Nazi Germany and its allies.
I really hope that a similar scenario does not come to pass, as it wound up costing a lot of lives and the expenditure of countless financial and material resources in the end, not to mention launching the Cold War between the West and the Soviet Union.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Interesting stuff from the blogosphere
I have just gotten home from work at my primary job, the secondary one I won't have to worry about for a couple of days yet, and so I got inside, locked up, popped on some SiriusXM on the Fire TV, and decided to see what is new and interesting on the various blogs.
This first one from TL Davis via WRSA makes some interesting reading, and offers an tantalizing idea on how to do some creative 'monkey-wrenching'. Equally interesting were the comments on WRSA both praising and condemning the idea. Aesop's own reply runs parallel to this, and just goes to show what may occur when you push people past their limits.
Over at one of my favorite author's blogs, Mad Mike himself does the voice of (correct) reason which would be worth reading to help formulate your own responses to the rabid liberals that seem to just want to be so pedantic and venal to others.
At another favorite author's blog, Peter offers up some of his excellent wisdom and commentary on such things as politics, D&D spells, and the potential dangers of slingshots. Go check it out, and while you're at it, if you haven't already done so, scoot over to Amazon via his page links and check out some of his books...you can thank me later, just make sure to thank him after you finished reading!
On the real conservative side, The Thinking Housewife provides some interesting commentary on current events, with some reminiscing about the good old days (the 1940's through the 1950's), with a very Catholic view. While I do not hold with some of the items on there, it is still worth viewing just to get a wider viewpoint on certain things. I try not to limit myself on finding out information, as getting a variety of opinions does help me understand a specific issue better, and not force myself to only consider 'one' point of view on a subject.
In a similar vein, Ann Barnhardt (the woman who achieved notoriety by literally inviting potential jihidists to come to her residence where she will wait with her pink AR carbine in hand to send them to their reward), has some interesting things to say, especially about Pope Francis, who is seen by some Catholics as an anti-pope. Never a dull moment there!
Finally, for some great laughs, nothing IMHO beats looking at Kenny's blog. Just be aware, a lot of the content may be NSFW, so use caution if you're at work. Just sayin' ;-)
Now it is close to my bedtime, and as soon as the dryer is finished with my laundry I am off to bed.
Stay safe, everyone!
This first one from TL Davis via WRSA makes some interesting reading, and offers an tantalizing idea on how to do some creative 'monkey-wrenching'. Equally interesting were the comments on WRSA both praising and condemning the idea. Aesop's own reply runs parallel to this, and just goes to show what may occur when you push people past their limits.
Over at one of my favorite author's blogs, Mad Mike himself does the voice of (correct) reason which would be worth reading to help formulate your own responses to the rabid liberals that seem to just want to be so pedantic and venal to others.
At another favorite author's blog, Peter offers up some of his excellent wisdom and commentary on such things as politics, D&D spells, and the potential dangers of slingshots. Go check it out, and while you're at it, if you haven't already done so, scoot over to Amazon via his page links and check out some of his books...you can thank me later, just make sure to thank him after you finished reading!
On the real conservative side, The Thinking Housewife provides some interesting commentary on current events, with some reminiscing about the good old days (the 1940's through the 1950's), with a very Catholic view. While I do not hold with some of the items on there, it is still worth viewing just to get a wider viewpoint on certain things. I try not to limit myself on finding out information, as getting a variety of opinions does help me understand a specific issue better, and not force myself to only consider 'one' point of view on a subject.
In a similar vein, Ann Barnhardt (the woman who achieved notoriety by literally inviting potential jihidists to come to her residence where she will wait with her pink AR carbine in hand to send them to their reward), has some interesting things to say, especially about Pope Francis, who is seen by some Catholics as an anti-pope. Never a dull moment there!
Finally, for some great laughs, nothing IMHO beats looking at Kenny's blog. Just be aware, a lot of the content may be NSFW, so use caution if you're at work. Just sayin' ;-)
Now it is close to my bedtime, and as soon as the dryer is finished with my laundry I am off to bed.
Stay safe, everyone!
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Post-election thoughts
I apologize for being away for so long, but sometimes life just intrudes too much to give me time to post my random crazy thoughts on here. Now that things seem to have stabilized I hope to have more time to do so.
And so here we go...
The midterm elections were as always very entertaining to watch, and while somewhat disappointed in the outcome, I hope now that things will be less contentious between the despicable D's and the rotten R's....but I'm not holding my breath.
I expect more shenanigans to ensue with the D's trying to slow down the Donald's administration with threats of investigations and possible impeachment proceedings to liven up the last two years of the first term. Meanwhile, the administration along with the Senate can take advantage of getting more conservative judges appointed to help act as a firebreak against most of the most odious proposals being bounced about.
Locally, the congressional delegation and the state governorship have now gone blue. Expect more crazy crap to come at the expense of the rural counties here which are still pretty solid red.
I'll say this much: 2019 is going to start off real interesting ;-)
More to come later.
And so here we go...
The midterm elections were as always very entertaining to watch, and while somewhat disappointed in the outcome, I hope now that things will be less contentious between the despicable D's and the rotten R's....but I'm not holding my breath.
I expect more shenanigans to ensue with the D's trying to slow down the Donald's administration with threats of investigations and possible impeachment proceedings to liven up the last two years of the first term. Meanwhile, the administration along with the Senate can take advantage of getting more conservative judges appointed to help act as a firebreak against most of the most odious proposals being bounced about.
Locally, the congressional delegation and the state governorship have now gone blue. Expect more crazy crap to come at the expense of the rural counties here which are still pretty solid red.
I'll say this much: 2019 is going to start off real interesting ;-)
More to come later.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Checking in
Too much fun stuff has been happening of late.
First, I just finished hosting a nice lady whom some would call a 'shirt-tail relative'. In actuality, she is my great-nephew's maternal grandmother, and she has just spent a week out here staying with me to get away for awhile. She is now back home and overall it was a nice visit.
Second, the heat is definitely on (h/t to the late great Glenn Frey):
Am chilling at work for now, prepping myself for a long marathon session of work for tonight through tomorrow. Hopefully more to come later.
First, I just finished hosting a nice lady whom some would call a 'shirt-tail relative'. In actuality, she is my great-nephew's maternal grandmother, and she has just spent a week out here staying with me to get away for awhile. She is now back home and overall it was a nice visit.
Second, the heat is definitely on (h/t to the late great Glenn Frey):
Currently we are under an excessive heat warning until tonight, but word is temps will be back to pushing 110's or better next week. Ah yes, summer in Sin City.
Could be worse I suppose...I'm lucky I'm not in Phoenix. Or even Laughlin ;-)
Or even worse: Death Valley (screengrab from NWS)
So in the meantime I am trying my best to stay cool and comfy, or relatively so. Usually after a week or so of 110+ temps it usually settles down to the usual 100s during the day. Then next month of course I have to brace myself for the monsoonal flow leftovers coming up from Arizona and New Mexico that will make things sticky and hot. By now I am used to it but it's never easy.
Finally, I bring you as a kind of a teaser preview before Peter's wonderful Sunday music selections, some interesting music vids courtesy of the Danish National Orchestra. They provide a nice take of movie themes from the classic spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone
And, being a Trekkie at heart, they also did a suite of Star Trek themes:
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Some funny stuff overheard on the police band
(h/t to CWBChicago.com)
10:33PM — Up at Montrose Beach:
Dispatcher: “I’ve got a ticket for a female trying to carry her heavy-set intoxicated friend to a car. Can I get a code for that?”
Sergeant: “Yeah…She needs to start working out or get better friends.”
😏
10:33PM — Up at Montrose Beach:
Dispatcher: “I’ve got a ticket for a female trying to carry her heavy-set intoxicated friend to a car. Can I get a code for that?”
Sergeant: “Yeah…She needs to start working out or get better friends.”
😏
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Monday, April 2, 2018
A good treatise on 'liberals' from Mad Mike (warning - may be NSFW)
This is excerpted from Michael Z. Williamson's blog:
First, we need to define the term "liberal." The modern American "liberal" is nothing like the classical liberal of the 19th Century, who gave us most of modern civilization, nor even the anti-statist liberals of the 60s, who were well-intentioned if a bit naive.
The modern American "liberal" is a statist cocksucker who cannot tolerate even the existence of dissent. They claim to be "tolerant," but a quick discussion will lead to them admitting they don't have to tolerate those hatey haters who hate, which is anyone they disagree with, even if the facts conclusively support the other party. They are a cancer on society and, as in several past societies, at some point they will have to be exterminated.
Strong words? These are the people who will riot and shut down a campus to avoid even the presence of a gay man they disagree with. It wouldn't be a problem if they simply refused to attend, and thereby maintained their ignorance (a valued liberal trait). No, the very existence of a speaker who they've never actually heard, but have been told by their collective will say things they disagree with, is unacceptable.
This behavior is not "liberal." It's just like when the USSR claimed to be a "Democratic republic."
Check out the rest on his blog page. Then read his other entries. And while you're at it, buy some of his books, they're great!
(Yes that was a shameful plug...I just love his wit and writing ability)
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Advanced EMTs - lost in the crowd?
Note: not a bitch session, just something that's been percolating in my forebrain for awhile
To the general public, there are consciously aware of two types of emergency medical service professionals: emergency medical technicians (EMT), and paramedics. According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), the organization responsible for maintaining the standards for training and certification, there are actually 4 levels of EMS certification. These are, in ascending order:
EMTs are the backbone of EMS in many communities in the US. Most fire departments (including the departments here in the Las Vegas area), require firefighter recruits to possess EMT certification before they even start academy. In many rural areas they are the only EMS workers that staff the ambulances to provide patient transport to the hospital. EMTs are trained in providing basic life support (BLS) medical care, and generally do not perform any invasive procedures other than doing a finger-stick to check blood glucose levels. They can provide oxygen, operate an automated external defibrillator (AED), assess and treat minor injuries, and transport the patient to the hospital for advanced care.
AEMTs (like myself), can do the same level of stuff as EMTs do, but we have a little more capabilities that we can bring into play, which include:
Paramedics are at the top of the EMS food chain, with the ability to do a wide variety of tasks including 12-lead EKGs, cardiac pacing, cricothyrotomies, intubations, administer narcotics for pain management, and other medications for cardiac and anti-seizure among others. They have the longest course of study, which can average anywhere from 15-24 months depending on schedule, and in most instances you can earn an associates degree in paramedicine. From there they can branch out into specializations such as flight medics, critical care transport, and community paramedicine. Some take the plunge and become RNs or even physicians. US Army Green Beret medics and Air Force Pararescuemen are trained to paramedic levels and beyond as part of their extensive course of study.
So yes it seems wonderful and exciting, and truth be told it is to me. But often I wind up seeming to be a little short-changed in some ways, namely the face that the general public are not often familiar with the fact that AEMTs exist and usually get classified as either EMTs or paramedics.
Well, part of the reasons for this is that statistically AEMTs are not very numerous overall (about 4% of total certifications per the NREMT), and some states do not license them at all (Florida and California for example). There has been some commentary that AEMTs are unnecessary and confusing to the public and should not be part of the EMS system.
My own two cents on this is that AEMTs do provide a niche service to the public, with the ability to provide limited advanced care that would often help stabilize a patient until they get to more comprehensive care at the hospital. They are often the most advanced field care provider in many areas that do not have the financial or logistical means to provide paramedics.
I chose to be an AEMT as I felt that it would provide an extra layer of skills I can utilize to provide patient care when necessary. About 98% of the time I usually just do the basics anyway, and it's just nice to have the extra available when needed. Besides, to attend paramedic training and be successful requires you to be financially independent and a bit of a hermit to get through the material.
For those that want to read more about an example of the trials of becoming a paramedic, I definitely recommend that you read Kevin Grange's book 'Lights and Sirens', which describes the author's experiences of attending UCLAs paramedic training program.
Would I want to become a paramedic? If the money and time are there, yes I probably would. But for now I am happy with the level I am at.
To the general public, there are consciously aware of two types of emergency medical service professionals: emergency medical technicians (EMT), and paramedics. According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), the organization responsible for maintaining the standards for training and certification, there are actually 4 levels of EMS certification. These are, in ascending order:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- Paramedic
EMTs are the backbone of EMS in many communities in the US. Most fire departments (including the departments here in the Las Vegas area), require firefighter recruits to possess EMT certification before they even start academy. In many rural areas they are the only EMS workers that staff the ambulances to provide patient transport to the hospital. EMTs are trained in providing basic life support (BLS) medical care, and generally do not perform any invasive procedures other than doing a finger-stick to check blood glucose levels. They can provide oxygen, operate an automated external defibrillator (AED), assess and treat minor injuries, and transport the patient to the hospital for advanced care.
AEMTs (like myself), can do the same level of stuff as EMTs do, but we have a little more capabilities that we can bring into play, which include:
- Starting IVs on patients.
- Use certain advanced airways (those that don't require you to see the person's throat).
- Administer some medications (e.g. nalaxone (Narcan), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), glucagon, dextrose 50% solution (D50), epinephrine 1:1000, albuterol, and Solu-Cortef. In some jurisdictions, AEMTs can administer nitrous oxide for pain management (unfortunately not here).
- In some areas, AEMTs can do intraosseous (IO) fluid administration on pediatric patients; here in the county, they can do IOs on unconscious adult patients under certain circumstances, but not on pediatric patients.
Paramedics are at the top of the EMS food chain, with the ability to do a wide variety of tasks including 12-lead EKGs, cardiac pacing, cricothyrotomies, intubations, administer narcotics for pain management, and other medications for cardiac and anti-seizure among others. They have the longest course of study, which can average anywhere from 15-24 months depending on schedule, and in most instances you can earn an associates degree in paramedicine. From there they can branch out into specializations such as flight medics, critical care transport, and community paramedicine. Some take the plunge and become RNs or even physicians. US Army Green Beret medics and Air Force Pararescuemen are trained to paramedic levels and beyond as part of their extensive course of study.
So yes it seems wonderful and exciting, and truth be told it is to me. But often I wind up seeming to be a little short-changed in some ways, namely the face that the general public are not often familiar with the fact that AEMTs exist and usually get classified as either EMTs or paramedics.
Well, part of the reasons for this is that statistically AEMTs are not very numerous overall (about 4% of total certifications per the NREMT), and some states do not license them at all (Florida and California for example). There has been some commentary that AEMTs are unnecessary and confusing to the public and should not be part of the EMS system.
My own two cents on this is that AEMTs do provide a niche service to the public, with the ability to provide limited advanced care that would often help stabilize a patient until they get to more comprehensive care at the hospital. They are often the most advanced field care provider in many areas that do not have the financial or logistical means to provide paramedics.
I chose to be an AEMT as I felt that it would provide an extra layer of skills I can utilize to provide patient care when necessary. About 98% of the time I usually just do the basics anyway, and it's just nice to have the extra available when needed. Besides, to attend paramedic training and be successful requires you to be financially independent and a bit of a hermit to get through the material.
For those that want to read more about an example of the trials of becoming a paramedic, I definitely recommend that you read Kevin Grange's book 'Lights and Sirens', which describes the author's experiences of attending UCLAs paramedic training program.
Would I want to become a paramedic? If the money and time are there, yes I probably would. But for now I am happy with the level I am at.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Getting somewhat settled in
Been a lot of craziness these past weeks, but on the brighter side am pretty much settled in to my new home. Am thankful that it is a decent neighborhood around here on this side of the street. There are some dodgy areas as there would be in any big city, but not having to worry too much about that.
One thing I am thankful for is that the house has gas heat, stove, water heater, and dryer, so my electric bill won't be too outrageous. Gas rates here are very reasonable and I don't expect my monthly bill to be too much out of line, especially now that spring weather is coming.
I expect to get things tidied up in the next few months, depending on how my work schedules are, and I am looking forward to some peace and quiet for a change.
One thing I am thankful for is that the house has gas heat, stove, water heater, and dryer, so my electric bill won't be too outrageous. Gas rates here are very reasonable and I don't expect my monthly bill to be too much out of line, especially now that spring weather is coming.
I expect to get things tidied up in the next few months, depending on how my work schedules are, and I am looking forward to some peace and quiet for a change.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Now in couch-surfing mode
I've completed my move-out from my apartment, but am having to do the couch-surfing routine amongst friends for at least a week or so. The house I had applied to rent had somehow(!!!) already been rented out, so it's back to square one for me for now.
I'll be looking at a couple of places tomorrow, plus contacting a realtor that my manager has used previously to scare up some places.
On a side note, the recent allegations against our local casino mogul Steve Wynn are in some ways not too surprising for those who may have heard about his reputation. To me, this just shows that he is human, with human fallacies; that to me does not impact the man he is and his reputation for bringing his dreams to reality for all to enjoy. I will leave any other speculation to the scribblers and alarmers of the Fourth Estate (a.k.a. the MSM) where it belongs, as it just clouds the issue.
I'll be looking at a couple of places tomorrow, plus contacting a realtor that my manager has used previously to scare up some places.
On a side note, the recent allegations against our local casino mogul Steve Wynn are in some ways not too surprising for those who may have heard about his reputation. To me, this just shows that he is human, with human fallacies; that to me does not impact the man he is and his reputation for bringing his dreams to reality for all to enjoy. I will leave any other speculation to the scribblers and alarmers of the Fourth Estate (a.k.a. the MSM) where it belongs, as it just clouds the issue.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Quiet Sunday mornings are so valuable...
...especially if you've been busy as hell most of the last 2 weeks ;-)
Think I'll take advantage of the quiet time while am sitting here on my shift to see what Peter has for his Sunday morning music selections today. Follow that up with some nice new age music from Hearts of Space.
Think I'll take advantage of the quiet time while am sitting here on my shift to see what Peter has for his Sunday morning music selections today. Follow that up with some nice new age music from Hearts of Space.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
So finally after 112 days...
...we finally get some rain starting yesterday.
It is a nice welcome change from the atypical weather we've been having, and temps are now down to more seasonal levels, which makes me wish even harder for spring to come!
It is a nice welcome change from the atypical weather we've been having, and temps are now down to more seasonal levels, which makes me wish even harder for spring to come!
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Nitro-Pak is coming back!
Got a nice surprise in my e-mail this morning...appears that Nitro-Pak is starting back up again. I had considered them one of the best bargains when it comes to survival preparedness supplies and freeze-dried foods. They should be fully back up and running by later this month, so check it out here at their website.
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