Ever notice that when a dog or horse looks into your eyes it is like they are looking into your soul. When cats look into your eyes it like they are eyeballing their next dinner.
John A. FlemingNovember 25, 2024, 2:51 PM
When the pride’s alpha male is old and loses his last fight to a younger, hungrier male, the first thing the new pride alpha does is kill all the cubs such as these. That brings the females back into estrus.
Nature, red in tooth and claw; nasty, poor, brutish, short. Nobody should be sentimental about the king of beasts. Their job is to cull the weak, sick, old, infirm. And the occasional child that the parent’s won’t or can’t defend.
We have humans like these. We call them lawyers.
It’s one of my goals, stay out of hospitals and courts. With a hospital there is a chance, however slight, of a happy outcome. Not so for the courts, nothing good happens inside a courtroom. The best outcome is to be a permanently damaged survivor.
DTNovember 25, 2024, 3:10 PM
“nothing good happens inside a courtroom”
Especially if you’re innocent
ghostsniperNovember 25, 2024, 3:02 PM
New Resident
==========
A new resident has shown up today on the compound.
Apparently, according to my wife, it has been hanging out in a different location for the past couple weeks and decided it want to be closer to the action.
A Barred Owl
WoW!
What an animal.
Slightly bigger than a great horned owl.
Sitting on the limb, from feets to top of head must be about 14-16 inches.
Massive.
Out in our front yard about 20-30 feets from the front porch is a 40′ tall Norfolk Island Pine tree. That’s the kind where the branches are arranged in equal distances up the trunk and radiate around the trunk like spokes on a wheel. This tree was about 8′ tall when we moved here and in the early years my wife actually decorated it a bit a Christmas time, but now 19 years later it’s way too big for any of that. Every couple years the lower branches get so long that hang down and interfere when I try to mow so I’ll lop off a set of spokes. Then the trunk is covered in sap til it hardens in a coule weeks.
So that owl sits on a large branch close to the trunk about 15 feets above the yard. It’s head is on a swivel and what a swivel it is. It will go at least 180 degrees in either direction. The smaller birds flit about all around it, landing next to it, etc., it is not bothered by them, nor they by it.
It was in the 50’s today and the temps are supposed to drop to the 20’s by next week so though we have a rule that the Christmas front porch decorations do not get installed until the first week of Dec. But in light of the temp drop coming and the fact that both of us are enduring an overwhelming illness my wife decided to go ahead and get it all installed today. She always goes all out at Christmas and several of the neighbor ladies up and down the road take notice and comment in emails and texts. Nothing gaudy or garish, none of that retardery yard statuary stuff. Just nicely arranged strings of LED lights swooping from the porch beams and railings, and spiraling around the columns. The large hanging planters have been switched out to their Christmas regalia and the large evergreen wreaths with red bows and fairy lights flank the double french doors. Eventually all of the windows on the front of the house will be lit from within as time and health allow.
This year she has a special treat because I bought all new LED lights for the porch. They are the ones with the “control panel” that not only causes the lamps to sequence in various ways but is also has a motion sensor, a wireless remote control, and plays (I think) 40 different classic Christmas songs. So 2 of those strings, about 60′ in either direction, are swooping on the railing, all held in place by red, white, and green ribbons and bows. Quite festive. Yes, it’s all waterproof.
Eventually, little by little, she’ll have the entire crib decked out as she wishes, with little spritzes scattered all about. She has a 100 year old 12″ cast iron frypan that she keeps in the oven with her special concoction of oils, spices, and herbs that fills the space with seasonal aromatherapy. Turn the oven on to 400 degrees for about an hour than turn it off for the rest of the day. The Yankee candles flickering in all corners, the fireplace chattering and casting shadows, quilts and throws draped over tables and chairs with a cat or 2 nestled within. And the crooners Nat and Johnnie roasting each others nutz on them open fires as they are want to do….the season approaches. No, I didn’t check this for errors. I’m sick…sue my ass….lol
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 4:09 AM
Owls are as curious about you as you are about them. Large ones like the Barred are impressive when seen close up in the wild. It’s a good sign.
We appear to have, at least it’s been said, the densest riparian habitat in the state of Washington, right here around my house. And this part of the county. Everything has been seen here, and in particular we have every owl species you can name (I think – anyway I’ve identified almost the whole list). The GHO likes the barn, but one morning I walked out on the north porch, bleary-eyed and wanting coffee. The birds all around were upset about something, and then on the fencepost about 15 yards out and level with myself I noticed a Great Horned Owl, with a mouthful of long feathers from some unlucky bird he had just snagged. We eyed each other. I noted his tremendous size and had to look up what the experts say they size to 2 feet in height. My visitor was easily that and I thought even taller.
I hope and plan to make sure the wind farmers don’t build here, as threatened. For one thing they’re bad for the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. For another, they only make a nuisance expense for taxpayers, and look big and ugly.
John A. FlemingNovember 25, 2024, 4:31 PM
Very nice essay, you go more out than I do, I am the master of the outside lights, and I pretty much keep it the same every year. I still use the 2.5W incandescent mini-lights. Some have a primitive pattern controller, but my wife is skeptical of such new-fangled effects, she prefers steady-on. As I said, I am the outside master and so I choose the effects to be seen.
One tech note re: pine tree trimming. It has been my understanding that the bottom rows of pine tree branches are to be cut in February before the sap begins running, to give the cuts time to heal up so they don’t weep. It was also my understanding that removing these lower branches stimulates a height growth-spurt in the spring and summer.
Yeah, no, who likes to go out in cold February and trudge through the snows to wrestle pine tree branches? Maybe Eaton Rapids Joe knows more about this, he seems to be a sage on all things arboreal.
ghostsniperNovember 25, 2024, 4:38 PM
Been awhile since I was last over at Joe’s.
He’s a wealth of information.
Going over there right now.
Thanks for the reminder.
azlibertarianNovember 25, 2024, 9:30 PM
My darling Mrs. azlib is so far ahead of herself for Christmas, it’s not even funny. The gift lists have been thought about, the brick-and-mortar shopping is done, the online shopping is also finished with just a few items yet to be delivered*, and the gifts are wrapped and fill up the bathtub in the master bath. The Christmas picture was taken in June and she came home this evening with the photo Christmas cards which we’ll mail out the first week of December. She’s even baked one of the Christmas cookies she likes to bake every year. She’ll bake some more with the grandkids after Thanksgiving. I am a very lucky man.
She had me put up the tree the other day. I’ve got the decorations for the tree out and she’s planning on putting those up tomorrow. We’re doing Thanksgiving at our house this year, so other than the Christmas tree, the house will remain decorated for Thanksgiving until next weekend. Then it’ll be a flurry as we switch out Thanksgiving pumpkins and gourds for all those Christmas Santa’s and Angels, kinda like those set decorators in Macy’s window changing things out overnight.
We’ve had these Trimlights on the house for about 3 years now. I had never heard of them till a neighbor behind us first put them in. These things are crazy expensive but when we first spoke to the neighbor lady about them, she said that if he doesn’t fall off the ladder one time, then they will have paid for themselves (and I hate ladders). Anyhoo, they run off an app and I just schedule what pattern I want to display on which nights and completely forget about them. They are permanently attached to the house, so there’s nothing to put up in December and therefore nothing to put away come January.
* I received Gerard’s book today and Mrs. azlib asked if I’d like to unwrap that for Christmas. Rather than opening it up right away, I think that I’ll wait and put it under the tree for the time being.
P.S. This will be our last Thanksgiving here together, and one of the things that I am thankful for is the good company that Gerard was able to assemble here at his American Digest. If I don’t make it back before Thursday, have a nice Thanksgiving everyone.
ghostsniperNovember 26, 2024, 6:58 AM
Looked up the trimlights and yes they seem nice. And expensive. However, spread out over say 10 years….not so bad.
I can see a system like that costing anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot of house size, depending on the complexity of the roof design.
I’ve designed a few houses for retired airline pilots and without exception and for reason I don’t know, they like a lot of angles in their home roofs. Staggered gables, terminal gables, multiple pitches and roof overhangs, cantilevered hips, dormers, clerestory’s, and stacked turrets. I guess in their retirement they like to surround themselves in an endless array of potentially airborne (hurricanes) control surfaces so that in effect they are still flying while staying stationary. shrug
No complaining, I likes some complex roof systems.
“…last Thanksgiving here together.” A feeling of gratitude to be sure and sadness. There is still Christmas though. And, I see tracking has my book in Detroit, not all that far from CLE.
Happy Thanksgiving all.
ghostsniperNovember 26, 2024, 8:16 AM
Well Thanksgiving this year is going to be different. In fact, it’s not going to happen. We have all the stuff, the birds been in the freezer for 2 months. But it’ll take 4 days to thaw in the fridge and as of right now, Tues, neither of us feels well enough to take it on. It’s been 10 days since we last left the compound. 38 degrees right now and I have no compelling urge to go anywhere. Been more than 2 weeks since I drank a Hamm’s or any Fireball. IOW, nothing is normal and I don’t know when it ever will be.
My wife just emailed me and told me our “Owl” is back, sitting on the same branch it was yesterday. I can see it from my north office window. I take comfort in it’s presence. A grilled cheese sounds kinda tasty….
John A. FlemingNovember 26, 2024, 11:51 AM
Well then, here you go. Thanksgiving in a[some] can[s]. Just line them up on the counter, some hot, some cold, walk the line taking your scoops. Relive your carefree bachelor[ette] days. Easy peasy, chili beany. Salt and pepper to taste.
My ma had one of those old-timey meat grinders: big, heavy, lots of grinding attachments, coarse to fine. Ma made cranberry sauce the old way: throw in the fresh fruits, turn the crank, out comes the melange dripping with juice. No need to sweeten the cranberries, that’s what the other fruits were for: oranges, apples, a lemon, other autumn fruits. The citrus fruits went in sectioned with the rind still on. I don’t know, maybe she did add some sugar, she let us sample the raw cranberries they were quite tart to a child’s palate. We kids sure liked to crank the grinder that day.
I’m taking a short break while I do the pre-Thanksgiving housecleaning. Somebody snuck in and dirtied up the place since I last did a serious clean. Ghost, you taking your Ivermectin? I still keep a good stash here, just in case.
I’m going through Gerard’s book slowly, resisting the urge to do a marathon read and finish it off in one very late night session. I remember every essay that I’ve read so far, and remember dropping a comment, along with the rest of you folks, on some of them. Strange. Reading these pieces has the same effect on me as hearing one of those songs on the radio that instantly time-jacks you to that well remembered place with the old crowd you hung with, and that sweet and sad nostalgia for times that are lost, but never really gone forever.
Mary doesn’t have a lot of family, and I have only a couple of brothers who are distant in more than just miles on the map. They were both here a couple of weeks ago, and the visit was good except for one unfortunate foray into politics. (I won)
Despite the lack of family, we’re expecting over a dozen guests. Years ago, Mary and I very deliberately set out to have our home be the regular gathering place for everyone in our circle of friends, and all of them who are coming Thursday would otherwise be spending Thanksgiving alone. We are blessed enough to have the means and the health to do it, but, of course, each year the work gets harder, and takes longer.
As a closing note, I have my own book, The Lost Era Transcripts, coming out before too much longer. I signed on with Amazon to publish it, and I’m altogether sorry that I did. But that’s a crappy tale for later.
Hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving.
(and Ghost- Take your Ivermectin!)
JWM
ghostsniperNovember 26, 2024, 2:40 PM
Thanks for your concern John. Yes, I did a tube of horsey in 2 gulps last week and I’ll start another one in the morning. I too stocked to the rafters 4 years ago.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 4:13 AM
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, John.
I only ordered Gerard’s book the other day, as I was being sick when it first published.
Do post your book link here when it’s out. Then, kick me in the ass and ask me why mine isn’t out yet.
Ken Kesey's HangoverNovember 26, 2024, 4:45 PM
Thought y’all might enjoy this tasteful video of the IDF desecrating a Christian church in Southern Lebanon.
Just another day at the office. Can’t post this at the Other Place.. that kind of thing gets you banned ;P
John A. FlemingNovember 26, 2024, 8:59 PM
Hmm, that looks to me like soldiers horsing around, behavior of soldiers since time immemorial. They’re goofing around blowing off steam, before they have to go back out on missions. They don’t seem to be destroying anything. Trespassing maybe, disrespectful maybe. No harm no foul. Where are the officers or senior sergeants to keep them civilized and respectful? That’s one of the jobs of the officers and sergeants. That video isn’t good PR.
Also, hanging out in a church invites an attack from the Hizb’allah side. Islamics respect churches maybe, but they want to turn them all into mosques. It’s not one of the modern hard-and-fast customs of war that a church is a sanctuary respected by all, i.e. don’t bomb mine and I won’t bomb yours. Lebanon and Syria used to be tolerant to all the various faiths, but the Hizb’allah folks and the other Islamics after they moved into Lebanon kind of ruined that. Some of those Christian faiths trace their beginning back to the Apostles. Jesus the Jew founded an inclusionary faith that anybody could join, the Jews of that time were more picky about who was and was not a Jew.
Desecration? I think not. But if I was the Captain or Colonel or General I’d chew out the Lieutenant and the Top big time. Those soldiers should have had more respect.
John A. FlemingNovember 26, 2024, 4:47 PM
How all do you guys stock up on horsey? I live in a non-permissive area, far from farm and ranch stores. I don’t think I can just go up to a doc and ask for USP-grade horsey, they’ll probably report me as the worst kind of drug addict, worse than guys on “H” and “F” and “M”. They don’t care about those folks, but horsey, well now, that’s a danger close and direct threat to the sovereign powers.
John A Fleming
Try these guys: The covid nazi’s have forbidden the sale here in CA, but these folks will ship it: https://www.virex.health/
I’d prefer the Durvet liquid like Ann B recommends, but you’d have to make an out-state connection to buy it and ship it to you. I get mine from Virex, even though it’s in tablets.
JWM
John A. FlemingNovember 26, 2024, 9:17 PM
How interesting. Gotta play the “wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what I mean” game. “Pharmaceutical grade” “Nobel Prize winning wonder drug” “for use in animals only”. Okayyy… 🙂
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 4:40 AM
I don’t want to ruin the holiday thread, but it is my self-appointed task to update about the war in Europe when there are things to report.
The ICBM thrown at Dnieper by Russia turns out to have been a smaller medium range (theater-sized) missile. The Russkies are very adept at 5G warfare (lying to shape the information battlespace). They could write the book on it. In other war news, Ukraine using American long range missiles to attrit the operational space behind the Kursk salient is standard military stuff. Conservatives need to stop clutching their pearls about this; damn I hate non-military and while I’m at it, non-combat arms people who mouth off in the news. The permissions given for these strikes are limited only to that area. Putin issued his like umpteenth nuclear strike threat, and damn if common taters aren’t still falling for it.
Neither Ukraine nor Russia have the doctrine, nor the organization, to conduct maneuver warfare (3G Warfare) in the same way that everybody from Napoleon to Guderian, and Patton and Schwarzkopf, did. Their war resembles World War I and the Iraq-Iran War, more than it resembles the kind of war you’re used to seeing in the West. Still, you say, Ivan defeated Napoleon and Guderian. Yes, through attrition and mass. But they were the defenders those times. which is a huge difference. The military commentators do not know what Trump will offer when he bargains the belligerent members to an armistice. My own estimate is that neither side will be happy, but they will accept some form of Trump’s deal. You say NATO is at fault? Jeebies you’re gullible! Think if Russia got all of Ukraine and now visualize the map: Russia’s (and Belarussia’s) entire western border would touch NATO!
As far as the US is concerned, our beloved president Biden, who is established as having been knee-deep in Ukraine corruption, is maybe the democrat’s biggest benefactor. One report suggests that his whatever it’s been (a trillion and half???) support for Ukraine the past 3 years has gone maybe half the amount right back into democrat pockets. I guess we know whose a lying dog faced pony soldier, huh? The worst thing Biden did in regards to the Russo-Ukraine War has been his failure to state an objective outcome for the war. Minus that, it’s all just give=away. He plans to fail, or perhaps he has planned to prolong. It has been lucrative. Ukraine – with friends like Biden, who needs enemies?
I’m hoping the war ends by the New Year. It’s gotta.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 4:46 AM
In which I fact check myself. Internet sources say Biden allocated 175 Billion to Ukraine. So kill me! Sometimes I exaggerate.
AnonymousNovember 27, 2024, 6:30 AM
A billion here, a billion there. In my opinion there are not too many politicians out there who give a dimes worth of care about the amount as long as it keeps the taxpayer under their thumb. That said, 1 simple EMP and we, the good ole U.S.of A. is back into the Stone Age. I personally think 175 billion is low balling it.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 10:12 AM
Thank you, Anon. Yes the govt. is a perpetual money taking and laundering machine. Agreed. Also agreed the number sounds low.
In actual nuclear weapons theory/doctrine, the EMP is unproven and untested. It’s not what keeps me awake at night.
azlibertarianNovember 27, 2024, 8:25 AM
“…The Russkies are very adept at 5G warfare (lying to shape the information battlespace)….”
Here’s the other thing that the Russians are adept at….
With some unfortunate exceptions (Grenada, the Wag-the-Dog attack on an aspirin factory), the US and the West are generally loathe to use our military without a very obvious provocation. We would much rather influence countries around the world with carrots (trade deals, etc) than with sticks. We have a high threshold for the use of our military.
The Russians look at our self-imposed thresholds, and decide upon actions that they can pursue without prompting our involvement. Ukraine is a great case-in-point. In 2014, Russia sent their military into Crimea, and shortly thereafter annexed it into the Russian Federation. The West’s response? Condemnation on the world’s stage, “suspension” (which is different than revocation) of Russia’s membership in the G8, and sanctions. Oh….there was also a resolution from the United Nations condemning Russia’s actions, because of course there was.
Multiply that a thousand times. Russian Little Green Men show up all over Europe. They act in very small, but substantial ways….deniable, yet influential.
“…Putin issued his like umpteenth nuclear strike threat….”
I agree. Not to dismiss the always-present threat of a nuclear confrontation, but Putin’s threats ring somewhat hollow now. Frankly, after watching the performance (or more correctly, their lack of performance) of much of their military equipment, I think that it is fair to question whether their nukes will even work.
“… The military commentators do not know what Trump will offer when he bargains the belligerent members to an armistice. My own estimate is that neither side will be happy, but they will accept some form of Trump’s deal….”
I agree that what is sure to be Trump’s The Art of the Deal approach to both Russia and Ukraine, will be to make sure that both sides are equally unhappy. But where I disagree is that I don’t think that Trump has the power to force these belligerants into negotiations. The Ukrainians are hurting, sure, and they are completely dependent on the West. But they still believe (with good reason, IMO) that if they agree to accept that the lands already lost, now belong to Russia, that in the not-too-distant future, Russia will again attempt to take all of Ukraine. And I don’t see that the Russians believe that they’re hurting enough to stop. They’re advancing every day (although very slowly and at a very high cost). Why should they stop? In short, I don’t believe that Trump has the hold over either party that he thinks he does.
“…The worst thing Biden did in regards to the Russo-Ukraine War has been his failure to state an objective outcome for the war….”
I agree, completely. Not stating the end-state of where our policy should be taking us is a fundamental failure. But the failure is not just Biden’s. Congress should have been demanding, loudly, if necessary, that he state what our policy is.
azlibertarianNovember 27, 2024, 9:58 AM
Related, although the same point could be made with anyone, to include Trump.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 10:34 AM
Biden as Sun Tzu. I’ll stay with Abe Lincoln’s timeless warning: don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
I understand your points about negotiation, but I’d like to argue about a possible continuation of the Ukraine War after a treaty. Remember Casey’s axiom: Russia always takes half. “Half” meaning a portion; Russia took “half” of Finland, half of Poland, half of Europe so that they could then take half of Germany. Half of Georgia. There are many definitions for achieving your war objectives, and yet we are blind to them because we won the shit out of WWII. We expect total victory, but that’s not the history of war and the Europeans know it. I expect that if Russian retention of the Donbas and Crimea is on the table, that several attachments go with that. Some say a demilitarized zone with third party buffer forces, but I put little stock in those arrangements. My own theory is it’ll be Ukraine accepting the loss of territory but in trade they’ll get some form of NATO arrangement. That would be anything from membership now, or membership later (let’s say membership if invaded). Or perhaps a sub membership that offers treaty security and also gives Putin some rights to say NATO doesn’t have a full ally in Ukraine. Putin will hate it, but he’s got to end the war sometime because he’s vulnerable to a removal threat from his own inner circle, and he’s just keeping his head above water with the war (which has shown remarkable tenacity and resource on Russia’s part). Ukraine has to end it because of the losses and if their European and American allies demand it so they’ve got little power to bargain against that. The war ends the day the West says stop and dominates Russia convincingly enough. I understand the West has more economic leverage it can bring to bear against Russia. Russia can declare victory in Ukraine because it looks the same as their past victories. Putin wants more power against the West but he’s pretty much blown his wad and realistically continuation isn’t a viable path.
azlibertarianNovember 27, 2024, 1:35 PM
Russia, beat up though they may be, are still in it to win it.
“…Russian officials continue to demonstrate that the Kremlin aims to seize more territory in Ukraine than it currently occupies and is unwilling to accept compromises or engage in good faith negotiations, no matter who mediates such talks. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin claimed on November 26 that Russia is open to negotiations but stated that Russia “categorically rejects” any “freezing” of the current frontline or the creation of a demilitarized zone.[1] Naryshkin alleged that the “elimination” of the reasons that “caused” Russia to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine is the only way to ensure peace — demonstrating that Russia continues to uncompromisingly demand Ukraine’s full capitulation….” [my emphasis]
And Russia is beat up, and not just on the battle field: Russian central bank intervenes as ruble tumbles past 110 to the U.S. dollar
“Russia’s central bank said on Wednesday it would stop foreign currency purchases in order to ease pressure on the financial markets after the ruble weakened beyond 110 to the U.S. dollar, down by one-third since early August….” [my emphasis]
In short, it looks to me that despite clear signs that they are losing and that they have done irreparable harm to their country, Russia isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 8:22 PM
Many have said that Russia wanted to negotiate 2 years ago, and we rebuffed them. Of course, that is as specious as it sounds. Both sides will stiffen their necks before a negotiation. Note that Ukraine occupies Russian land in the Kursk region, and that, in spite of a summer of offensive action, Russia has only a fractional amount more of Ukraine than it did a year ago. Neither side is that good at war. They really need to just give it up; the war as they are prosecuting it is just unseemly BS.
DT: we’re the bad guys? Categorically that’s incorrect. You aren’t among the “we” when you say that. Russia invaded Ukraine on pretexts. Yawn. I already proved the NATO as aggressor theory is bullshipt. Russia says NATO had better not expand, and in the event they close their entire border up to NATO’s border. NATO did not do that. “NATO made them…” listen to yourself.
Russia will play hard to negotiate, but Ukraine holds a very strong hand. Why hasn’t Russia beaten them yet after a thousand days or war? Russia is inept, corrupt and in many real ways weak. Ukraine has plenty of historic corruption, but balls of titanium alloy. Their defense against the bear will go down in history as epic as the Finnish defense in the Winter War.
Day 1 after Trump comes into office, Putin’s going to awake with a severed horse head in his bed. Zelenskyy will have fewer options yet when we cut them off the dollar tit. Let’s put it another way: the Russo-Ukraine War continues at the pleasure of President Biden. Prove me wrong.
Casey KlahnNovember 27, 2024, 8:46 PM
I’ve heard good and bad reports from this YouTube channel, and am ambivalent on it’s quality. However, this report had more good analysis than bad. It reflects a lot of what I’ve said about the potential deal to end the war. https://youtu.be/SlWnvCoDo-o?si=UsS4J8CXKrxHJow2
I don’t necessarily feel that ending the war will crush Russia economically. They must rebuild their military, and when Ivan comes marching home again, the labor force will explode. The real danger for Putin is that domestic and Oligarchic support may collapse (and let’s hope it does).
The transition of Biden to Trump is an exceptionally dangerous time on all fronts, domestic and foreign. Keep you head on a swivel, and pray continuously.
DTNovember 27, 2024, 3:51 PM
Given the people on “our side” supporting Ukraine, I have to … support isn’t the right word … favor Russia. But the Ukrainian people are getting the wrong side of the stick. I fear we’re the bad guys this time …
Real World Address for Donations, Mash Notes and Hate Mail
Gerard Van der Leun
1692 MANGROVE AVE
APT 379
Chico, Ca 95926
Green Pants Interior by Klahn
Who Am I? by Carl Sandburg
My head knocks against the stars.
My feet are on the hilltops.
My finger-tips are in the valleys and shores of universal life.
Down in the sounding foam of primal things I reach my hands and play with pebbles of destiny.
I have been to hell and back many times.
I know all about heaven, for I have talked with God.
I dabble in the blood and guts of the terrible.
I know the passionate seizure of beauty
And the marvelous rebellion of man at all signs reading “Keep Off.”
My name is Truth and I am the most elusive captive in the universe.
Duty, Beauty, Liberty, Country, Honor, Family, Faith — Plus a few simple easy to follow rules for guys
Men saw the stars at the edge of the sea
They thought great thoughts about liberty
Poets wrote down words that did fit
Writers wrote books
Thinkers thought about it
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
Many’s the road I have walked upon
Many’s the hour between dusk and dawn
Many’s the time
Many’s the mile
I see it all now
Through the eyes of a child
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
Lost dreams and found dreams
In America
In America
In America
And close your eyes
Leave it all for a while
Leave the world
And your worries behind
You will build on whatever is real
And wake up each day
To a new waking dream
Take it where you find it
Can’t leave it alone
You will find a purpose
To carry it on
Mainly when you find it
Your heart will be strong
About it
[Chorus]
Change, change come over
Change come over
Talkin’ about a change
Change, change
Change come over, now
Change, change, change come over
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I’m gonna walk down the street
Until I see
My shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
I see my light
See my light
See my shining light
Gerard Van der Leun
Too cute !!
Or as DH likes to say:
“Cute damn enough!”
Ever notice that when a dog or horse looks into your eyes it is like they are looking into your soul. When cats look into your eyes it like they are eyeballing their next dinner.
When the pride’s alpha male is old and loses his last fight to a younger, hungrier male, the first thing the new pride alpha does is kill all the cubs such as these. That brings the females back into estrus.
Nature, red in tooth and claw; nasty, poor, brutish, short. Nobody should be sentimental about the king of beasts. Their job is to cull the weak, sick, old, infirm. And the occasional child that the parent’s won’t or can’t defend.
We have humans like these. We call them lawyers.
It’s one of my goals, stay out of hospitals and courts. With a hospital there is a chance, however slight, of a happy outcome. Not so for the courts, nothing good happens inside a courtroom. The best outcome is to be a permanently damaged survivor.
“nothing good happens inside a courtroom”
Especially if you’re innocent
New Resident
==========
A new resident has shown up today on the compound.
Apparently, according to my wife, it has been hanging out in a different location for the past couple weeks and decided it want to be closer to the action.
A Barred Owl
WoW!
What an animal.
Slightly bigger than a great horned owl.
Sitting on the limb, from feets to top of head must be about 14-16 inches.
Massive.
Out in our front yard about 20-30 feets from the front porch is a 40′ tall Norfolk Island Pine tree. That’s the kind where the branches are arranged in equal distances up the trunk and radiate around the trunk like spokes on a wheel. This tree was about 8′ tall when we moved here and in the early years my wife actually decorated it a bit a Christmas time, but now 19 years later it’s way too big for any of that. Every couple years the lower branches get so long that hang down and interfere when I try to mow so I’ll lop off a set of spokes. Then the trunk is covered in sap til it hardens in a coule weeks.
So that owl sits on a large branch close to the trunk about 15 feets above the yard. It’s head is on a swivel and what a swivel it is. It will go at least 180 degrees in either direction. The smaller birds flit about all around it, landing next to it, etc., it is not bothered by them, nor they by it.
It was in the 50’s today and the temps are supposed to drop to the 20’s by next week so though we have a rule that the Christmas front porch decorations do not get installed until the first week of Dec. But in light of the temp drop coming and the fact that both of us are enduring an overwhelming illness my wife decided to go ahead and get it all installed today. She always goes all out at Christmas and several of the neighbor ladies up and down the road take notice and comment in emails and texts. Nothing gaudy or garish, none of that retardery yard statuary stuff. Just nicely arranged strings of LED lights swooping from the porch beams and railings, and spiraling around the columns. The large hanging planters have been switched out to their Christmas regalia and the large evergreen wreaths with red bows and fairy lights flank the double french doors. Eventually all of the windows on the front of the house will be lit from within as time and health allow.
This year she has a special treat because I bought all new LED lights for the porch. They are the ones with the “control panel” that not only causes the lamps to sequence in various ways but is also has a motion sensor, a wireless remote control, and plays (I think) 40 different classic Christmas songs. So 2 of those strings, about 60′ in either direction, are swooping on the railing, all held in place by red, white, and green ribbons and bows. Quite festive. Yes, it’s all waterproof.
Eventually, little by little, she’ll have the entire crib decked out as she wishes, with little spritzes scattered all about. She has a 100 year old 12″ cast iron frypan that she keeps in the oven with her special concoction of oils, spices, and herbs that fills the space with seasonal aromatherapy. Turn the oven on to 400 degrees for about an hour than turn it off for the rest of the day. The Yankee candles flickering in all corners, the fireplace chattering and casting shadows, quilts and throws draped over tables and chairs with a cat or 2 nestled within. And the crooners Nat and Johnnie roasting each others nutz on them open fires as they are want to do….the season approaches. No, I didn’t check this for errors. I’m sick…sue my ass….lol
Owls are as curious about you as you are about them. Large ones like the Barred are impressive when seen close up in the wild. It’s a good sign.
We appear to have, at least it’s been said, the densest riparian habitat in the state of Washington, right here around my house. And this part of the county. Everything has been seen here, and in particular we have every owl species you can name (I think – anyway I’ve identified almost the whole list). The GHO likes the barn, but one morning I walked out on the north porch, bleary-eyed and wanting coffee. The birds all around were upset about something, and then on the fencepost about 15 yards out and level with myself I noticed a Great Horned Owl, with a mouthful of long feathers from some unlucky bird he had just snagged. We eyed each other. I noted his tremendous size and had to look up what the experts say they size to 2 feet in height. My visitor was easily that and I thought even taller.
I hope and plan to make sure the wind farmers don’t build here, as threatened. For one thing they’re bad for the eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. For another, they only make a nuisance expense for taxpayers, and look big and ugly.
Very nice essay, you go more out than I do, I am the master of the outside lights, and I pretty much keep it the same every year. I still use the 2.5W incandescent mini-lights. Some have a primitive pattern controller, but my wife is skeptical of such new-fangled effects, she prefers steady-on. As I said, I am the outside master and so I choose the effects to be seen.
One tech note re: pine tree trimming. It has been my understanding that the bottom rows of pine tree branches are to be cut in February before the sap begins running, to give the cuts time to heal up so they don’t weep. It was also my understanding that removing these lower branches stimulates a height growth-spurt in the spring and summer.
Yeah, no, who likes to go out in cold February and trudge through the snows to wrestle pine tree branches? Maybe Eaton Rapids Joe knows more about this, he seems to be a sage on all things arboreal.
Been awhile since I was last over at Joe’s.
He’s a wealth of information.
Going over there right now.
Thanks for the reminder.
My darling Mrs. azlib is so far ahead of herself for Christmas, it’s not even funny. The gift lists have been thought about, the brick-and-mortar shopping is done, the online shopping is also finished with just a few items yet to be delivered*, and the gifts are wrapped and fill up the bathtub in the master bath. The Christmas picture was taken in June and she came home this evening with the photo Christmas cards which we’ll mail out the first week of December. She’s even baked one of the Christmas cookies she likes to bake every year. She’ll bake some more with the grandkids after Thanksgiving. I am a very lucky man.
She had me put up the tree the other day. I’ve got the decorations for the tree out and she’s planning on putting those up tomorrow. We’re doing Thanksgiving at our house this year, so other than the Christmas tree, the house will remain decorated for Thanksgiving until next weekend. Then it’ll be a flurry as we switch out Thanksgiving pumpkins and gourds for all those Christmas Santa’s and Angels, kinda like those set decorators in Macy’s window changing things out overnight.
We’ve had these Trimlights on the house for about 3 years now. I had never heard of them till a neighbor behind us first put them in. These things are crazy expensive but when we first spoke to the neighbor lady about them, she said that if he doesn’t fall off the ladder one time, then they will have paid for themselves (and I hate ladders). Anyhoo, they run off an app and I just schedule what pattern I want to display on which nights and completely forget about them. They are permanently attached to the house, so there’s nothing to put up in December and therefore nothing to put away come January.
* I received Gerard’s book today and Mrs. azlib asked if I’d like to unwrap that for Christmas. Rather than opening it up right away, I think that I’ll wait and put it under the tree for the time being.
P.S. This will be our last Thanksgiving here together, and one of the things that I am thankful for is the good company that Gerard was able to assemble here at his American Digest. If I don’t make it back before Thursday, have a nice Thanksgiving everyone.
Looked up the trimlights and yes they seem nice. And expensive. However, spread out over say 10 years….not so bad.
I can see a system like that costing anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot of house size, depending on the complexity of the roof design.
I’ve designed a few houses for retired airline pilots and without exception and for reason I don’t know, they like a lot of angles in their home roofs. Staggered gables, terminal gables, multiple pitches and roof overhangs, cantilevered hips, dormers, clerestory’s, and stacked turrets. I guess in their retirement they like to surround themselves in an endless array of potentially airborne (hurricanes) control surfaces so that in effect they are still flying while staying stationary. shrug
No complaining, I likes some complex roof systems.
“…last Thanksgiving here together.” A feeling of gratitude to be sure and sadness. There is still Christmas though. And, I see tracking has my book in Detroit, not all that far from CLE.
Happy Thanksgiving all.
Well Thanksgiving this year is going to be different. In fact, it’s not going to happen. We have all the stuff, the birds been in the freezer for 2 months. But it’ll take 4 days to thaw in the fridge and as of right now, Tues, neither of us feels well enough to take it on. It’s been 10 days since we last left the compound. 38 degrees right now and I have no compelling urge to go anywhere. Been more than 2 weeks since I drank a Hamm’s or any Fireball. IOW, nothing is normal and I don’t know when it ever will be.
My wife just emailed me and told me our “Owl” is back, sitting on the same branch it was yesterday. I can see it from my north office window. I take comfort in it’s presence. A grilled cheese sounds kinda tasty….
Well then, here you go. Thanksgiving in a[some] can[s]. Just line them up on the counter, some hot, some cold, walk the line taking your scoops. Relive your carefree bachelor[ette] days. Easy peasy, chili beany. Salt and pepper to taste.
Apparently the single Craig’s Thanksgiving in a Can is long-out-of-production.
My ma had one of those old-timey meat grinders: big, heavy, lots of grinding attachments, coarse to fine. Ma made cranberry sauce the old way: throw in the fresh fruits, turn the crank, out comes the melange dripping with juice. No need to sweeten the cranberries, that’s what the other fruits were for: oranges, apples, a lemon, other autumn fruits. The citrus fruits went in sectioned with the rind still on. I don’t know, maybe she did add some sugar, she let us sample the raw cranberries they were quite tart to a child’s palate. We kids sure liked to crank the grinder that day.
I’m taking a short break while I do the pre-Thanksgiving housecleaning. Somebody snuck in and dirtied up the place since I last did a serious clean. Ghost, you taking your Ivermectin? I still keep a good stash here, just in case.
I’m going through Gerard’s book slowly, resisting the urge to do a marathon read and finish it off in one very late night session. I remember every essay that I’ve read so far, and remember dropping a comment, along with the rest of you folks, on some of them. Strange. Reading these pieces has the same effect on me as hearing one of those songs on the radio that instantly time-jacks you to that well remembered place with the old crowd you hung with, and that sweet and sad nostalgia for times that are lost, but never really gone forever.
Mary doesn’t have a lot of family, and I have only a couple of brothers who are distant in more than just miles on the map. They were both here a couple of weeks ago, and the visit was good except for one unfortunate foray into politics. (I won)
Despite the lack of family, we’re expecting over a dozen guests. Years ago, Mary and I very deliberately set out to have our home be the regular gathering place for everyone in our circle of friends, and all of them who are coming Thursday would otherwise be spending Thanksgiving alone. We are blessed enough to have the means and the health to do it, but, of course, each year the work gets harder, and takes longer.
As a closing note, I have my own book, The Lost Era Transcripts, coming out before too much longer. I signed on with Amazon to publish it, and I’m altogether sorry that I did. But that’s a crappy tale for later.
Hope y’all have a great Thanksgiving.
(and Ghost- Take your Ivermectin!)
JWM
Thanks for your concern John. Yes, I did a tube of horsey in 2 gulps last week and I’ll start another one in the morning. I too stocked to the rafters 4 years ago.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, John.
I only ordered Gerard’s book the other day, as I was being sick when it first published.
Do post your book link here when it’s out. Then, kick me in the ass and ask me why mine isn’t out yet.
Thought y’all might enjoy this tasteful video of the IDF desecrating a Christian church in Southern Lebanon.
https://x.com/ytirawi/status/1861149234763829654
Just another day at the office. Can’t post this at the Other Place.. that kind of thing gets you banned ;P
Hmm, that looks to me like soldiers horsing around, behavior of soldiers since time immemorial. They’re goofing around blowing off steam, before they have to go back out on missions. They don’t seem to be destroying anything. Trespassing maybe, disrespectful maybe. No harm no foul. Where are the officers or senior sergeants to keep them civilized and respectful? That’s one of the jobs of the officers and sergeants. That video isn’t good PR.
Also, hanging out in a church invites an attack from the Hizb’allah side. Islamics respect churches maybe, but they want to turn them all into mosques. It’s not one of the modern hard-and-fast customs of war that a church is a sanctuary respected by all, i.e. don’t bomb mine and I won’t bomb yours. Lebanon and Syria used to be tolerant to all the various faiths, but the Hizb’allah folks and the other Islamics after they moved into Lebanon kind of ruined that. Some of those Christian faiths trace their beginning back to the Apostles. Jesus the Jew founded an inclusionary faith that anybody could join, the Jews of that time were more picky about who was and was not a Jew.
Desecration? I think not. But if I was the Captain or Colonel or General I’d chew out the Lieutenant and the Top big time. Those soldiers should have had more respect.
How all do you guys stock up on horsey? I live in a non-permissive area, far from farm and ranch stores. I don’t think I can just go up to a doc and ask for USP-grade horsey, they’ll probably report me as the worst kind of drug addict, worse than guys on “H” and “F” and “M”. They don’t care about those folks, but horsey, well now, that’s a danger close and direct threat to the sovereign powers.
John A Fleming
Try these guys: The covid nazi’s have forbidden the sale here in CA, but these folks will ship it:
https://www.virex.health/
I’d prefer the Durvet liquid like Ann B recommends, but you’d have to make an out-state connection to buy it and ship it to you. I get mine from Virex, even though it’s in tablets.
JWM
How interesting. Gotta play the “wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what I mean” game. “Pharmaceutical grade” “Nobel Prize winning wonder drug” “for use in animals only”. Okayyy… 🙂
I don’t want to ruin the holiday thread, but it is my self-appointed task to update about the war in Europe when there are things to report.
The ICBM thrown at Dnieper by Russia turns out to have been a smaller medium range (theater-sized) missile. The Russkies are very adept at 5G warfare (lying to shape the information battlespace). They could write the book on it. In other war news, Ukraine using American long range missiles to attrit the operational space behind the Kursk salient is standard military stuff. Conservatives need to stop clutching their pearls about this; damn I hate non-military and while I’m at it, non-combat arms people who mouth off in the news. The permissions given for these strikes are limited only to that area. Putin issued his like umpteenth nuclear strike threat, and damn if common taters aren’t still falling for it.
Neither Ukraine nor Russia have the doctrine, nor the organization, to conduct maneuver warfare (3G Warfare) in the same way that everybody from Napoleon to Guderian, and Patton and Schwarzkopf, did. Their war resembles World War I and the Iraq-Iran War, more than it resembles the kind of war you’re used to seeing in the West. Still, you say, Ivan defeated Napoleon and Guderian. Yes, through attrition and mass. But they were the defenders those times. which is a huge difference. The military commentators do not know what Trump will offer when he bargains the belligerent members to an armistice. My own estimate is that neither side will be happy, but they will accept some form of Trump’s deal. You say NATO is at fault? Jeebies you’re gullible! Think if Russia got all of Ukraine and now visualize the map: Russia’s (and Belarussia’s) entire western border would touch NATO!
As far as the US is concerned, our beloved president Biden, who is established as having been knee-deep in Ukraine corruption, is maybe the democrat’s biggest benefactor. One report suggests that his whatever it’s been (a trillion and half???) support for Ukraine the past 3 years has gone maybe half the amount right back into democrat pockets. I guess we know whose a lying dog faced pony soldier, huh? The worst thing Biden did in regards to the Russo-Ukraine War has been his failure to state an objective outcome for the war. Minus that, it’s all just give=away. He plans to fail, or perhaps he has planned to prolong. It has been lucrative. Ukraine – with friends like Biden, who needs enemies?
I’m hoping the war ends by the New Year. It’s gotta.
In which I fact check myself. Internet sources say Biden allocated 175 Billion to Ukraine. So kill me! Sometimes I exaggerate.
A billion here, a billion there. In my opinion there are not too many politicians out there who give a dimes worth of care about the amount as long as it keeps the taxpayer under their thumb. That said, 1 simple EMP and we, the good ole U.S.of A. is back into the Stone Age. I personally think 175 billion is low balling it.
Thank you, Anon. Yes the govt. is a perpetual money taking and laundering machine. Agreed. Also agreed the number sounds low.
In actual nuclear weapons theory/doctrine, the EMP is unproven and untested. It’s not what keeps me awake at night.
“…The Russkies are very adept at 5G warfare (lying to shape the information battlespace)….”
Here’s the other thing that the Russians are adept at….
With some unfortunate exceptions (Grenada, the Wag-the-Dog attack on an aspirin factory), the US and the West are generally loathe to use our military without a very obvious provocation. We would much rather influence countries around the world with carrots (trade deals, etc) than with sticks. We have a high threshold for the use of our military.
The Russians look at our self-imposed thresholds, and decide upon actions that they can pursue without prompting our involvement. Ukraine is a great case-in-point. In 2014, Russia sent their military into Crimea, and shortly thereafter annexed it into the Russian Federation. The West’s response? Condemnation on the world’s stage, “suspension” (which is different than revocation) of Russia’s membership in the G8, and sanctions. Oh….there was also a resolution from the United Nations condemning Russia’s actions, because of course there was.
Multiply that a thousand times. Russian Little Green Men show up all over Europe. They act in very small, but substantial ways….deniable, yet influential.
“…Putin issued his like umpteenth nuclear strike threat….”
I agree. Not to dismiss the always-present threat of a nuclear confrontation, but Putin’s threats ring somewhat hollow now. Frankly, after watching the performance (or more correctly, their lack of performance) of much of their military equipment, I think that it is fair to question whether their nukes will even work.
“… The military commentators do not know what Trump will offer when he bargains the belligerent members to an armistice. My own estimate is that neither side will be happy, but they will accept some form of Trump’s deal….”
I agree that what is sure to be Trump’s The Art of the Deal approach to both Russia and Ukraine, will be to make sure that both sides are equally unhappy. But where I disagree is that I don’t think that Trump has the power to force these belligerants into negotiations. The Ukrainians are hurting, sure, and they are completely dependent on the West. But they still believe (with good reason, IMO) that if they agree to accept that the lands already lost, now belong to Russia, that in the not-too-distant future, Russia will again attempt to take all of Ukraine. And I don’t see that the Russians believe that they’re hurting enough to stop. They’re advancing every day (although very slowly and at a very high cost). Why should they stop? In short, I don’t believe that Trump has the hold over either party that he thinks he does.
“…The worst thing Biden did in regards to the Russo-Ukraine War has been his failure to state an objective outcome for the war….”
I agree, completely. Not stating the end-state of where our policy should be taking us is a fundamental failure. But the failure is not just Biden’s. Congress should have been demanding, loudly, if necessary, that he state what our policy is.
Related, although the same point could be made with anyone, to include Trump.
Biden as Sun Tzu. I’ll stay with Abe Lincoln’s timeless warning: don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
I understand your points about negotiation, but I’d like to argue about a possible continuation of the Ukraine War after a treaty. Remember Casey’s axiom: Russia always takes half. “Half” meaning a portion; Russia took “half” of Finland, half of Poland, half of Europe so that they could then take half of Germany. Half of Georgia. There are many definitions for achieving your war objectives, and yet we are blind to them because we won the shit out of WWII. We expect total victory, but that’s not the history of war and the Europeans know it. I expect that if Russian retention of the Donbas and Crimea is on the table, that several attachments go with that. Some say a demilitarized zone with third party buffer forces, but I put little stock in those arrangements. My own theory is it’ll be Ukraine accepting the loss of territory but in trade they’ll get some form of NATO arrangement. That would be anything from membership now, or membership later (let’s say membership if invaded). Or perhaps a sub membership that offers treaty security and also gives Putin some rights to say NATO doesn’t have a full ally in Ukraine. Putin will hate it, but he’s got to end the war sometime because he’s vulnerable to a removal threat from his own inner circle, and he’s just keeping his head above water with the war (which has shown remarkable tenacity and resource on Russia’s part). Ukraine has to end it because of the losses and if their European and American allies demand it so they’ve got little power to bargain against that. The war ends the day the West says stop and dominates Russia convincingly enough. I understand the West has more economic leverage it can bring to bear against Russia. Russia can declare victory in Ukraine because it looks the same as their past victories. Putin wants more power against the West but he’s pretty much blown his wad and realistically continuation isn’t a viable path.
Russia, beat up though they may be, are still in it to win it.
“…Russian officials continue to demonstrate that the Kremlin aims to seize more territory in Ukraine than it currently occupies and is unwilling to accept compromises or engage in good faith negotiations, no matter who mediates such talks. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin claimed on November 26 that Russia is open to negotiations but stated that Russia “categorically rejects” any “freezing” of the current frontline or the creation of a demilitarized zone.[1] Naryshkin alleged that the “elimination” of the reasons that “caused” Russia to launch its full-scale invasion of Ukraine is the only way to ensure peace — demonstrating that Russia continues to uncompromisingly demand Ukraine’s full capitulation….” [my emphasis]
And Russia is beat up, and not just on the battle field: Russian central bank intervenes as ruble tumbles past 110 to the U.S. dollar
“Russia’s central bank said on Wednesday it would stop foreign currency purchases in order to ease pressure on the financial markets after the ruble weakened beyond 110 to the U.S. dollar, down by one-third since early August….” [my emphasis]
In short, it looks to me that despite clear signs that they are losing and that they have done irreparable harm to their country, Russia isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet.
Many have said that Russia wanted to negotiate 2 years ago, and we rebuffed them. Of course, that is as specious as it sounds. Both sides will stiffen their necks before a negotiation. Note that Ukraine occupies Russian land in the Kursk region, and that, in spite of a summer of offensive action, Russia has only a fractional amount more of Ukraine than it did a year ago. Neither side is that good at war. They really need to just give it up; the war as they are prosecuting it is just unseemly BS.
DT: we’re the bad guys? Categorically that’s incorrect. You aren’t among the “we” when you say that. Russia invaded Ukraine on pretexts. Yawn. I already proved the NATO as aggressor theory is bullshipt. Russia says NATO had better not expand, and in the event they close their entire border up to NATO’s border. NATO did not do that. “NATO made them…” listen to yourself.
Russia will play hard to negotiate, but Ukraine holds a very strong hand. Why hasn’t Russia beaten them yet after a thousand days or war? Russia is inept, corrupt and in many real ways weak. Ukraine has plenty of historic corruption, but balls of titanium alloy. Their defense against the bear will go down in history as epic as the Finnish defense in the Winter War.
Day 1 after Trump comes into office, Putin’s going to awake with a severed horse head in his bed. Zelenskyy will have fewer options yet when we cut them off the dollar tit. Let’s put it another way: the Russo-Ukraine War continues at the pleasure of President Biden. Prove me wrong.
I’ve heard good and bad reports from this YouTube channel, and am ambivalent on it’s quality. However, this report had more good analysis than bad. It reflects a lot of what I’ve said about the potential deal to end the war.
https://youtu.be/SlWnvCoDo-o?si=UsS4J8CXKrxHJow2
I don’t necessarily feel that ending the war will crush Russia economically. They must rebuild their military, and when Ivan comes marching home again, the labor force will explode. The real danger for Putin is that domestic and Oligarchic support may collapse (and let’s hope it does).
The transition of Biden to Trump is an exceptionally dangerous time on all fronts, domestic and foreign. Keep you head on a swivel, and pray continuously.
Given the people on “our side” supporting Ukraine, I have to … support isn’t the right word … favor Russia. But the Ukrainian people are getting the wrong side of the stick. I fear we’re the bad guys this time …