Saturday OT 10/4/25: Odds and Ends
Good morning, good people!
Notice how zippy the site has been of late? Like old times?
Back in 1990, my home, which had been purchased as a partially completed one, had been finished and I was able to move in. Thing is, the front door was at the place a gravel driveway was laid for the former home's location. So, I started a project. No expenditures, no paid labor. Just me, a wheelbarrow, and a shovel.
I pushed the wheelbarrow down into the pasture, steep downhill, took the shovel and dug up sods of grass with about 2 inches of good soil underneath. There was this spot in the pasture that was covered in St. Augustine. I would put these sods in the wheelbarrow, about a dozen at a time, push up the steep hill, lay the grass on the road in checker board pattern. I would do one, and sometimes up to 3 wheelbarrows full a day. After I covered the road in checkerboard pattern, I started to fill in the uncovered spots with sods. The grass was already spreading by the time I finished. By the next spring, there was no trace of any former driveway. I worked sometimes in the evenings and most weekends, and it was a finished project in about a month. My lawn was taken over in large part by the St. Augustine, and it now looks like a golf course.
I wanted to do it myself. I didn't want help. I wanted a manual labor project, I wanted exercise. I knew it would be difficult because I have a lifetime of little strength and stamina. I think I wanted to prove some point, like can hell bent and determined whup ass on puny?
So, all you folks doing project at your homes, homesteads, hollers, and gardens, I send to you all the best.
There is lot of news about wars, politics, crime, (except Epstein), etc...and I encourage all of you to share whatever you happen upon that is of interest or import.
Comments
Gonna build
some cantilevered storage racks in the garage today, to get some boxes off the floor. We’ve decided to re-up the lease for another year, so some of those “maybe” projects can become a little more real.
2’ x 4’ plywood, angle brackets on the studs for the edge against the wall, chains to eyebolts on the ceiling joists for support on the cantilevered side. It’ll make the garage much more ship-shape and Bristol-fashion. And when we inevitably move on, they’ll strike and pack up easily.
Looks like we’ll have one more Denver winter. Can’t quite swing the expat thing this year, darn it- but we’re grinding on it hard for next year.
And the site is indeed hauling some serious butt. Full marks to JtC for those efforts- they are very much appreciated!
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Good morning ufs!
My local pals who bought Co. property and then turned a barn into a barndaminium, said that construction material in Co. was way higher than Texas prices. They hauled their material from Texas to Co. in trailers. I suspect your shelves are your practical treasures, by the time the lumber yard gets their money! Good your treasures go with you when you bug out.
Have you visited Costa Rica? Seems there were many American ex-pats there.
Grenada, although gorgeous, is a target for hurricanes. I am certain you have looked at the statistics and their emergency services. Nowhere is perfect.
I am gonna search the web for "accurate" news, see if there is anything interesting to drop in a comment.
Meanwhile, don't hit your finger with a hammer, friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Good morning...
Nice and cool this AM (50's). Made for a pleasant trade day. The annual craft fair is happening today in town. You could smell the BBQ smoking when passing by. Looked like a big crowd was there.
We're going to build a campfire and hang out this evening. I finaly have the firewood collected and stacked in the rack I recently built. Still need to get the metal over it, but I need to paint the rusty areas on the old metal first.
As to Epstein...
Glad you got the sod project done years ago, and are now reaping the rewards. Nice to see projects completed and successful.
Well thanks for the OT, and you're right the site is zippy...thanks JtC!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Its' a bit cooler here, too, LO!
Our county fair and rodeo was last week. When I was growing up, there were buildings full of spaces for folks to sell arts and crafts. Unfortunately, for the last 20 years, the craftsmen are drug dealers. It has become an event safe for families for a limited time during the day.
We have perfect conditions for a fire here. But it is also perfect for dining out on the patio of a local restaurant. We shall see...
Epstein List. Dems could have published it to destroy Trump. Oh, and the Clintons...And vice versa. And both are pressured by Israel because once published, it's useless as a black mail tool. Wait...is that a unicorn down in the pasture?
Nothing is more satisfying than finishing up some project around the holler, big or small, because it is you making your holler better, and you took charge and got 'er done.
My project is to stop cussing. I kid, I kid...
Enjoy a damn fine day, dear friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Well, good morning, otc, et.al. nada muho going down here.
Farmers' market rsn (real soon now) then work on apricot until I can't stand it, work on front redbud until I finish one subtrunk and make apple clafoutis. The xperts say only put 3 things on your to do list, so I guess farmer's market just happens but isn't a task.
aside:
site is definitely back up whre it beoongs, thanks and congrats, Johnny, and hang in there.
much cooler past couple of days. My week to cook starts Sunday, so I should be able to use oven again, but I'll start out grilling anyway. Wonder if I can find some cuban bread in my local neighborhood. May have to go with ciabatta rolls. Irrigation system is once again up to snuff, so I have more time to fart around in the kitchen ;-).
Social Progressive did the safari park yesterday, and there were no gnus, so I decided to make that my theme for the day, perhaps the entire weekend, we'll see.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Good morning, el!
I am jealous that you folks in or near cities that have a population from from all over the globe can buy foods and ingredients that aren't on our shelves. In order to make authentic Italian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, etc...dishes, I would have to go to Houston to shop. All we have locally is traditional American and Mexican foods. My local store doesn't even stock pre-made pizza crusts, and pizza sauces are the cheapest of the cheap.
I wasted many hours pruning orange trees, getting stabbed by the thorns for my troubles. After 5 straight years of losing all blooms to March winds, I dug them up and said farewell. May you not have my luck with your apricots.
So sad we have reached the no-gnus-is-good-gnus point, but it is what it is.
Enjoy your day, and get ready for your week of being Top Dawg chef! It is ok by me if you lose the ridiculous hat, friend! Lol!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
holy moly
.
must be another Saturday
rebuilding the heating system
volunteered at the local food bank
this AM, and generally trying not to
hurt myself too bad.
Beautiful day here nonetheless.
Thanks for the O&E, always a pleasure!
Zionism is a social disease
Good morning, Cap'n!
Now, don't hurt yourself, friend!
There are no permanent food banks here in town. I know people who drive to neighboring counties and make a haul at 2 or 3 food banks in a day. It is typically g'parents trying to feed their grown kids and little g'babies. We haven't recovered from the enormous economic turndown of 2021 and Covid. Nothing is the same. In the last week, every single new case I accepted required me agreeing to a payment schedule. Nobody can pay up front attorney's fees.
Over the winter, my kitchen ceramic tiled counters will be de-tiled, and changed to a laminate. I am tired of tiles falling off when the grout gives it up. The other winter project will be to upgrade the bathrooms. One will get a walk-in shower, the other will get a new tub, new surrounding walls, and a new tile flooring. It is easy to get construction guys to work indoor projects in the winter.
Well, feed some folks in need, and take good care of yourself, friend.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Sanae Takaichi- new LDP leader in Japan
Hi OTC! The big story is in Japan in the Far East.
Japan is poised for its first-ever female prime minister
Takaichi is far right. So:
I understand she doesn't care whether politicians tainted by Unification Church payoffs are appointed within her government. She is denialist when it comes to Japan's WWII crimes against humanity. She's big on historical censorship in education. Far right Sanseito Party gained seats in the upper house of legislature in July posing something of a threat to the LDP coalition damaged by the Moonie payola scandals and weak economy. Returning to the Abe/Aso conservative revival is something of an LDP defense mechanism.
Conservative Takaichi set to be Japan's first woman PM
Some relevant news from Rashid-
The far right provocateurs still at work in South Korea with their flags and English signs. In the current environment support seems to wane for that sort of thing in South Korea. South Korea and China have been easing up on their visa requirements to facilitate tourism. Meanwhile US supported groups trying to create an anti-Chinese atmosphere.
語必忠信 行必正直
Good afternoon, soryang!
Well, the Japanese people must all have a death wish, eh?
Our tax dollars will support Japan's re-arming to fight China, no doubt.
It's one thing to have a dented brain, but why do these stupid people always lack hearts, empathy, and have an abundance of cruelty in their souls?
I saw that 2 more storms are forming and might land on your heads in Florida. Keep your bug out bags packed, just in case.
Thanks for bringing us some Asian news, even if it is really bad. We now have a better idea of what's coming, after all. We need our bug out bags as well.
have a great day, friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I saw your comment and posts
...yesterday, and appreciate all you've done, and the challenges ahead for you and JtC. Wishing the two of you all the best.
With the hurricanes there's virtually nothing left to lose.
I agree with your take on tony. I posted the "two former jags" video to avoid expressing my personal view. The one guy is was a prosecutor military and civilian side, the other a former jag prosecutor as well, west point legal instructor, law school professor etc. I know you are quite busy, if have the chance sometime, take a look...You of all people probably already know.
語必忠信 行必正直
Video of the nonsense in Chicago
Unfortunately, Kit Cabello ruins the moment by saying, "I don't want to live in a police state. No one does." But that's not true. The billionaires behind Trump want to live in a police state. Otherwise why would we be getting one? Certainly not because a police state is "good for business" in the US. So, if it's more important than "good for business" to a billionaire, you can guess that, yes, they really want it.
"PayPal is evil" -- Max Blumenthal
Thanks for the video, Cass!
Maybe Kit doesn't go out of his way to mention that the 1% are not, never have been, and never will be "us".
BTW, what dangerous Republican city will be patrolled by troops? Can't think of one off the top of my head. Can you?
I hope you can find an article or video that can give us some optimism. I can't find one. Can you?
Enjoy your day, friend.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
It has been a tough summer, soryang.
Snoopy and I had been friends around 2010, maybe even earlier. I hired a tech guy to help her set up a web site to sell her photos, sent her gift cards for food, clothing, helped her fill out government forms, and this was the year JtC and I were planning on going to Utah to meet up with her and Sam. Even if we could make the drive, there is no grave to visit, and I do not know if I will be able to locate Sam.
Where did you post the former jag videos? Today would be the perfect time for me to view them.
If they are in your comment today, now you know I do not know how to use a translate function! Lol!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The gist of Rashid's comments
I put in the grey box. I posted these videos for the English signs and the bullying taking place. On X there's a blue translate link it's probably AI grok or whatever. I understand if anyone doesn't want to go to X.
The people at these Seoul rallies come from all over S.Korea because, if not, very few people would show up. So transportation and per diem of some kind has to be provided. Who's paying? Who makes English language political signs?
語必忠信 行必正直
Looks like a CIA-backed
color revolution going on, doesn't it?
I did watch the two JAGs breakdown the Hegseth and Trump speeches in military legal terms. I guarantee you no JAGs will be in the US cities with the troops. Our special form of "First, they kill the lawyers." Just don't send them in.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I'm so sorry really
...about your loss, OTC. I had a similar experience a few years ago when I lost my friend Carol. She had a chat room somewhat like this one. I only knew her for a few years, we became very close. We never met personally, but we talked many times live at night via some online connection. Everyone loved her. She was the person that held the group together. Then one day she called me to say goodbye. I was so shocked... It took me a while to get over it. Finding the community here helped a great deal with tough times. I so appreciate the community and friends here.
語必忠信 行必正直
I am sorry for your loss, as well.
Any one of us can remember the shock of losing a loved one or close friend. Like you, we have to roam, find new friends and companions, which you have done by joining us here at c99.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
@on the cusp I feel for both of
I feel for both of you, soryang and otc. If it's any consolation, grief is the other side of actual love. Yes, love is a hard taskmaster but it's the best part of being human. Speaking of the latest Japanese election, just goes to show that the stupid, ignorant, fascist mindset is worldwide. Why humans fall for it, who knows cos I sure don't! Also, we've had a very WEIRD storm season here in ECFL. No tropical storms or hurricanes and we're about 6 weeks from the season's end. The latest NHC reports don't bother me. I've lived here long enough to be a cracker (native). LOL. What is disturbing is the intensity of the actual weather events. You both take care, okay?
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Hi Orlbucfan!
Naturally, I'm watching the weather reports carefully. I like to watch Mr. Weatherman on youtube, but he's too chatty, so I skip through it, checking the charts.
Do you have a favorite internet source for the hurricane season? I like Brian Norcross too. He shows up on the Fox weather channel. I guess 95L is a long way off.
語必忠信 行必正直
I found the video, soryang.
Watching it shortly.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Windy City, Motown, Portland ?
selective punishment.
Add in there Philly and a few
NJ towns. What ya got?
A friggen' civil war.
Thanks O'bama.
Zionism is a social disease
US troops
are the new Brown Shirts?
Meanwhile, last nights or maybe Thursday nights bombs on Gaza are strange. Fiery, painful deaths, smoke causing vomiting...did the US supply them? After all, Israel is where we test our weapons.
Going Ex-pat to Panama is sounding more like a sensible plan.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
do not feel proud of the country
.
in which I was born
the damage being done
under the banner of USA
does not represent my feelings
at all, not at all.
Zionism is a social disease
NOW you get it that for almost 20 years,
when I am in a foreign country, I identify as a Texan, not a US citizen.
My WII Vet Dad is not at rest. He is rolling in his grave. He turned on The Narrative way back in the late 50s.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I am watching this now:
edit: first streamed Aug. 24.
Misread it, thought it was new.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
overview of current military and economy in Russia
https://youtu.be/-Tto2ulpii4CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Russia’s Illusion of Safety
01:15 – The Rear Becomes the Front
02:30 – Flamingo Drones and Tomahawk Missiles
03:45 – America’s Tomahawk Transfer
05:15 – Hitting the Engels-2 Bomber Base
06:30 – The Refinery War
08:00 – Oil Terminals Under Siege
09:30 – The Economic Spiral
10:30 – Political and Banking Strain
11:30 – Ukraine’s Tech Edge
12:30 – The Flamingo Program
13:45 – Internal Sabotage and FSB Corruption
15:00 – Russia Repeats Its Own History
16:00 – Endscreen / Call to Action
When I look for news on Ukraine --
I always go first to writers for the Kyiv Post.
https://www.kyivpost.com/authors/5
Not!
I might add that, sure, they have the "wunderwaffen." But who's going to fire them? All the Ukrainian troops who participated in the last two years of the "counter-offensives"? Oh, right, they're dead. The British? Oh yeah, that'll be effective.
"PayPal is evil" -- Max Blumenthal
I'm guessing this is a non-starter
White House official inadvertently reveals plans to send elite army unit to Portland
I wanted to post this Aki performance earlier but couldn't find it. She's an extremely talented performer. She performs this famous oldie, Come back to Pusan Port, in Korean and Japanese. I've heard her sing in English as well in another performance, and couldn't really detect an accent. She may represent the high point of Korea-Japan relations. It reminds me vaguely of Pachinko.
lyrics
Chris Norland did one of his political podcasts from the Haeundae Beach at Busan today. It's a beautiful area.
語必忠信 行必正直
Great voice!
n/t
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Great ruling!
n/t
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
The “news” has nothing to offer us
but crafted narrative spin and misleading half truths, on ALL sides. Much like the Epstein issue being willfully ignored, the cyclical instability of our planet makes all life on Earth vulnerable to periodic mass extinction events.
Musk looks to flee to Mars for some reason and Zuckerberg and other billionaires have built elaborate and well provisioned “bunkers”. Have the uber wealthy lost their collective minds, or do they know something we commoners don’t?
The really important news may lie more in ancient structures, plate tectonics, vulcanology and solar events than the divisive items that pass for news being beamed into homes around the world.
“The story around the world gives a silent testimony:
— The Beresovka mammoth, frozen in mud, with buttercups in his mouth…..”
The Adam and Eve Story, Chan Thomas 1963
In the last nine minutes of this video
Nima asks a pertinent question: who are the factions?
And Max lays it out. I guess we're getting a purge of the military after all, like with Hitler. But, unlike with Hitler, the long-term planning faction is losing. And, unlike with Hitler, the preponderance of money is going to grifters.
I really do wonder, however, what the Rubio plan is for Venezuela. Are they going to establish and maintain a beachhead?
"PayPal is evil" -- Max Blumenthal