The Laughing Wolf – Commentary, Punditry, and More

I Survived, Sorta

Well, the annual Old World Christmas Village was a success and I mostly survived it. Had some issues yesterday that I suspect were a result of only eating one real meal a day for several days and then eating some very rich food. Bouncing back, though tired from a week plus of long days helping get ready for the event. Totally worth it. Just sorry I missed meeting one person who came by.

That out of the way, I want to thank everyone who has donated towards my seminary course(s) including covering my deposit! I can’t tell you how much I do appreciate that. I’ve spent part of this morning working on getting set-up via the online system and think I’ve got the important things done. I need to go back and take care of some minor things, but there is no rush on some of those. Almost wish I was an in-person student as they are doing some cooking lessons on campus that sound wonderful.

There is more to come this week. I am behind on posts, but will get caught up — one day. It’s going to be a busy week, as it also appears that I will be switching gyms. Have the chance to join a much nicer facility courtesy of silver sneakers, which will give me a lot more workout options over winter. More on that soon. We also have some extra services this week, so that is also a factor. Even with all that is going on, hope to get some things done here.

More soon, very soon, I hope!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

A Date That Lives

On a sleepy Sunday morning more than 80 years ago (84 I believe), the sounds and sensations of paradise were shattered by those of guns, bombs, and war. The events not only shattered the old world order, but the lives of all Americans. The resulting war took the life of my uncle Foster; was responsible for the later death of my uncle James as the growth that got into his lungs as he floated around the Pacific after having a ship shot out from under him was responsible for his later death; and, altered the lives of my other uncles and my Dad.

FDR decreed it a date that would live in infamy. For a while, that was true. We were vigilant and determined not to sleep again at the dawn. Now, it is dawn again, and again at the dawn I fear we sleep. Just as last time, there are far too many who desire us to be asleep and remain asleep. Well before that dawn some sounded the alarm: among others, look up the name Richardson and what happened to him. Then look to not just current events, but the last four or so years.

Nor is it a single- or double-axis threat. Following the money can be easy in many cases; but, trying to follow the ideologies is much harder. And, yes, there is more than one paymaster and more than one ideology at work today. We face not two major enemies, but several; and, of them all the ideologies are the hardest for most to recognize as they wear masks that appeal to specific groups and demographics. Yet, many mask the same godless authority that even uses religious groups for its ends.

Nor was the enemy truly already within the gates then. Despite the racism and land-grab of FDR, there was no real internal threat (or at least not with the Japanese, arguments can be made in other cases). Today, well, if you’ve been reading me a while I think you can figure out my concerns. Or already share them.

The best we can do is pray, prepare, and continue to push for policy and military reforms. Meantime, Sal has a good thread up at X and there is a lot of other good food for thought going up at different places. As for me, I have done what I can and will spend at least some time today thinking about visiting the Arizona, the Punchbowl, and other places associated with that Day. I will most likely say a prayer for those involved. Take some time today and think and pray. I believe both are very much needed.

Seminary Studies

Well, I think I alluded to it here, but it is now official: I’ve been accepted as a non-degree student (HCHC Open Learning program) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. What this means is that I am going to be taking some online courses from them in the next year plus. During that time, based on discernment and growth, I have the option to apply for degree or certificate programs.

This is a very different path for me, and it is one that has several possible destinations. For me, simply walking the path is a start towards something I feel drawn towards. Ever since I got up after the lightning strike, I’ve felt drawn towards a new path. I’m simply happy to be walking it, and am very happy to leave the destination to the Lord. I know that I will be guided towards that which is right, be it some form of monastic life, academic or administrative work, the Deaconate, or Clergy. I am content to let the destination be revealed in due time.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, it would be very much appreciated. Right now, there is not a lot of financial aid available, and I need to start paying fees and such ASAP as I have a $200 payment that has to be made now. My goal is to take at least one course starting in January, preferably two, and each course is $1,500.00. Any and all help is appreciated, especially as I still need (more than ever) to do my pilgrimage next year for spiritual growth and discernment. See the link above for more details.

I’m still going to be here, still offering pithy takes on things of interest, noting the struggle against the godless authority, and more. That said, I also plan to share some of what I learn in the process of walking this new path.

So, please do feel free to hit the tip jar above (upper right corner). Also, please do feel free to offer prayers for me. I need them.

Thank you all, particularly my regular readers. It has been an interesting time these last few years, and it does give an additional twist to my starting a new life. Not at all what I expected when I first thought a new life would be moving out West. The journey now continues but towards a truly new life. I hope you will continue to check in and share a bit of that journey in the days ahead.

A Happy And Blessed Thanksgiving!

As with most years, there is so much for which to be thankful this year. With so much negative, and even evil, tidings going around it is far too easy to get sucked into a negative mindset and viewpoint. I’m sure the evil one delights in it; but, life is much better for us with a positive focus. Rather than looking at the world, take a moment to look at the small picture that is yourself.

For me, I would start with my health. On top of long-term chronic conditions, getting hit by lightning four-plus years ago wasn’t exactly helpful in a number of respects. Heck, between what hit directly and what came in through inductance, I effectively lit up like the element on an electric stove. Seems like it was just a couple of years ago we were looking at yet more heart surgery.

Instead, after my baptism, the damage done to my heart healed completely. Doesn’t mean I can’t and won’t have future heart problems, just that the damage done by the lightning has healed. Along the way, we may have fixed some other issues that might have been building. Tests this year show things continuing to tick along nicely (all puns intended) and that I’m good to getting back to good workouts at the gym. Need to get my lazy rump back to such…

This year, my mobility has improved rather dramatically. I got around, but my right shoe shows a lot of damage from not being lifted and placed correctly; and, I found it easy to get down but not so easy to get back up. The “new” neurologist worked with me to get the physical therapy I should have had about four years ago (right after I was hit), and despite some payment issues (always appeal claim denials!), the physical therapy got me to the point I can now run with it on my own (figuratively speaking).

On top of that, I was introduced to a wonderful massage therapist by a friend at Church. Before taking me on, she researched lightning strikes and massage/therapy related to same. One of the more interesting things she found is that the fascia (which surrounds muscles, blood vessels, etc.) can and does harden from the shock. While it has not been pleasant, she has broken a lot of that up by her work. Net result is that on top of the physical therapy, I’m moving my legs and feet in ways I’ve not been able to for four years. All of which is helping me start getting back into the shape I want to be in.

There are some digestive issues that have popped up since the lightning strike. Not surprising in many respects, but we’ve been able to dial in some simple changes to my diet and routine that limit the impact. We are working to take my diet a bit more towards Mediterranean now, but this year has seen a good bit of improvement. While the accidental verification this year that I am one of the growing number of people who have problems with garbanzo beans (like trip to the hospital level problems) was not fun, it is good to know and has helped cut down some problems.

While I technically went on disability last December, a lot of things didn’t really kick in until this spring. It is nice to have a steady income and resources, for all that it is not lucrative. It gets me by and with help from you and from friends, I not only get by but also can pursue a few opportunities for growth.

One such is the religious pilgrimage I will be taking next year. This is a trip for spiritual growth and discernment that will take me from our “home” church to Mount Athos in Greece, allowing me to learn more about my faith, experience different and important traditions, and grow both spiritually and as a person. It will build on some of the things I do at my Church, such as being a Chanter and helping with preparations for services.

Another such is the recent opportunity to apply for online learning at a seminary. While that is an ongoing process, if it is approved, I will have the chance to take a course (or courses depending on financial assistance) to verify that I am up to that level of work and learning (the tests say yes, I seek practical validation via real-life data). This not only will apply to those courses, but to any potential formal study at a seminary.

I’ve also been blessed with the gift of a car. It may not be much to look at, but it runs, seems to be mechanically solid, and it has already been a blessing. It lets me get to and from Church much more easily and despite weather; it has let me run errands related to the Church and activities there; and, it has made grocery shopping much, much easier. Even with insurance, fuel, and such, right now it is saving me money as I am not using Lyft to do these things. I’m grateful for Lyft and what it let me do this last year, but I’m also quite grateful not to be dependent upon it.

I also enjoy and appreciate the blessing that is you, my readers. Some of you have been reading me for years, either here or at Blackfive. Some of you are newer. All of you are appreciated, and your comments, suggestions, and critiques help make this blog, and make it a home for rational discourse and discussion. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.

On top of that, regular and other readers have hit the tip jar (upper right for those new here) and made gifts, given gifts through the Amazon Wish List, etc. Those, along with the prayers offered, are very much appreciated as well.

There is more, much more, for which I am thankful this year. However, this gives both me, and you my wonderful readers, a place to start for further Thanksgiving. Don’t just take a moment, take time throughout the day to give thanks for the wonder and bounty within it (even for annoying friends and relatives) for it all makes our lives richer and fuller.

For me, I will close with thanks that I am alive and capable of starting to walk a very new path. I know not where it leads, but I am content with that as the preliminary destination is not up to me. That is up to another, and I am thankful to have this opportunity.

Thank you all for making this last year a wonderful and blessed time. We don’t always appreciate it as it is happening, and it can be hard to see at times; but, it all happens for the good.

May your day be Blessed and full of thanks at the bounty in our lives. Remember that while we enjoy the bounty of food and plenty, that the true bounty are the people in our lives and the Grace that surrounds us. May your day be bright and warm with both.

Happy Pre-Turkey Day!

Sorry for the silence, but life has kept me busy. On the plus side, got Mrs. Broughton’s Asparagus Supreme made and ready to go into the oven today. Each year it is a bit different, depending on what cheeses I can find and how much I tweak it. Today was interesting as I couldn’t find my casserole dish from last year, so had to get a new one and wasn’t sure how much it would hold.

Doubled the recipe but ended up only doing two layers of asparagus, white sauce, egg, and almonds. The white sauce was a bit dark as I put in some smoked sweet paprika with the flour, and I found a hickory smoked sharp white cheese that was amazing but added some color. In addition, had some hard goat cheese, extra sharp white cheese, English coastal cheddar, and real Gruyère. Nice mix that tasted amazing. Will bake it tomorrow just before heading out to the dinner to which I’ve been invited.

The last few days have been interesting. I’ve had some minor medical issues that appear to be mostly sinus. That said, lots of fun waking up because you feel like you can’t breathe. Also fun having the first nose bleed I’ve had in decades, had to put a plug up one side to deal with it.

All of this led to my discovering that the 4+-year-old inexpensive chain-grocery BP machine I had appears to have zorched. No way to recalibrate, cheaper and easier to buy new. Even the newer pulse-ox finger monitor was doing funny. Neither were true medical devices (most inexpensive pulse-ox monitors are not medical but rated sports/aviation as they are not accurate enough to be medical devices, same holds true for a lot of inexpensive home BP monitors). So, after doing some research, got a new medical-grade BP monitor and ordered a new medical-grade pulse-ox.

Really wishing I had gotten the BP monitor a long time ago. When I bought my first BP and pulse-ox, it was a bit of a rush and no real time to research. They got me by and I’m frankly amazed the BP machine has lasted this long. The new machine is nearly fool-proof to use (and, yes, being a fool I need that), far more comfortable, easier to use, and far more accurate. It even can detect if I am starting to go back into afib (I’m not). The new pulse-ox is supposed to be better and even give me perfusion readings. Won’t be here for a day or three, but looking forward to it.

I’m also using a nasal spray that was highly recommended to help deal with the bleeding and the congestion. Two versions: one for everyday use and one for “rescue” use if bad things are already underway. Have used both and things are better. More on the sprays later if there is interest. I’ve had to get a humidifier as well, should be here Friday. Not in the budget or what I wanted to spend money on, but all are worth it in the long-run.

On top of that, I’ve been busy in another area. Short version is that, with the blessing of my Priest, I applied to take some online courses from a seminary. After some e-mail exchanges last week, I had a telecon this last Monday with the very nice lady who is the admissions counselor for the online courses. Not long thereafter, I submitted my application to take two courses this spring semester as part of a non-degree program. Acceptance is not guaranteed, but this is a good first step. Also, were I to end up attending this seminary later, these courses should count towards any degrees or certificates being pursued as I understand it.

Because I am a non-traditional student in a non-degree program (for now), conventional financial aid does not apply. That said, they are aware that I am on disability and will be looking for any options that might apply to me. If there are none, I will only take one course as that would be the limit of what I can finance for now. Really hope something can be found as would love to take both. One is on the Liturgy and Liturgics, and the other is on the Book of Matthew. If I am accepted, can take one or both courses, etc., etc., etc., next fall semester I would be looking at taking some courses I need to take as prerequisites for yet more courses that I would need to take.

I’ve also been playing chauffeur to a 40- or 50-year-old meat slicer (that feels like it weighs 50+ lbs) that came to the Church from Brother Juniper’s. Been a while since it was last serviced, so got it in to service so it is ready for use as needed. The service guy was amazed at how good in shape it is given that it is from the late 80s. Some work was needed, but nothing bad and I am warning everyone the blade is now razor sharp. Frankly, if we keep it serviced and clean, wouldn’t be surprised if we got another 40 years out of it. I’m not sure even Hobart builds them like that anymore. It’s not a Hobart, but a rival, and nice to know what it is and a bit more about it. Even know how to sharpen it at need now.

More soon.

Louisville Crash Preliminary

Just saw the preliminary report from the MD-11 crash in Louisville (Main Page, Preliminary PDF). As for the cause, no surprise but want to go back and check one thing on maintenance before commenting on such.

One thing I can say is that I expect this will end the use of MD-10/MD-11 planes in the U.S. The issues with the pylons and attachments are ongoing and it is not clear that even aggressive inspection and maintenance will be sufficient. Or, rather, it is going to be costly to operations. It’s also more than the direct costs: it is going to be insurance, litigation (and threats thereof), and public relations in regards continued use.

That said, it will be interesting to see what comes out of the testing being done at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) labs. A soft landing in this case might be a recommendation by the NTSB that the 10/11 be retired, which the FAA could then make a directive. This could allow various insurance and other protections to proceed.

In a way, it’s a bit sad. The plane (s, I am referring to the 10/11s as one) has been a wide-body heavy workhorse, though with some stigma. A lot of that came from the 3-engine design of it and the L-1011 TriStar. Both were advanced aircraft in terms of technology, and there were some accidents that resulted in the public being wary of them at first.

I seem to remember a movie being made about the L-1011 crash in the Everglades that brought up the story that the ghost of one of the crewmembers killed in the crash was reported to have said that there would never be another crash of a L-1011. If a ghost did say that (great TV and propaganda, not so sure it’s real history) they were wrong, but it was many years before there was another crash.

The crash in Louisville is very similar to the crash in Chicago a number of years back. Same engine involved, similar pylon issues though that one was blamed on using forklifts to remove/replace the engines if I remember correctly. From what I was reading in the preliminary, I really think the metalurgical tests are going to pretty well make or break the future of the plane.

I have flown as a passenger on the L-1011 and the DC-10 (not sure about the 11), and have both loaded and done pushback on cargo DC-10 & 11s. So glad to do pushbacks with a batmobile versus a tug, as they truly are heavies (esp. loaded). This made using a tug not particularly fun, whereas the batmobiles would pick up the nose wheel and made pushing and turning a breeze (and even fun).

The three-engine widebodies had range and capacity. They filled a particular niche in cargo operations that can be covered but not necessarily fully replaced. For certain routes and operations, they really were the best choice.

That said, I’m not sure the pylon issues can be overcome. Even if they can, how insurers and others react to them continuing to be used is going to drive a lot of decisions. Air transport is costly enough as it is. If insurance and other costs go up too much, the planes will be gone even if a way is found to keep them flying. If I were in an air cargo C-suite right now, I’d be looking at my options very carefully and with an eye towards moving away from use of the 10s-11s.

Nor is it necessarily a loss to the air cargo companies. It is not uncommon, as I understand it, for those companies to buy the planes, then sell them to an outside company, who then leases the plane back to the air cargo company who then operates it including basic maintenance. Yes, tax laws and regulations are the big reason for this (again, as I understand it). Now, if I were the company that actually owned the plane, I’d be looking at options and for an overseas buyer.

And, yes, I am still monitoring the NTSB investigation into the DC crash (main page). The transcripts of the radio and internal coms is interesting. I’ve got my suspicions on what happened and what is likely to be in the final report. That said, still not jumping in as I may have missed something. I do think closing that corridor was long overdue. I am also still waiting for the final on the air ambulance crash as well.

More soon.

Thoughts On A Theological Smugging, Part III

This should be the last “foundation” post for this series, but it is information that is good to keep in mind as we move forward. Especially since, as I said then, I’m not a theologian nor do I present this in any way, shape, or form as definitive or incisive. To quote: “…rather, it is an opportunity to lay out for your edification and my clarification some points about early Christianity and traditional faiths and how they differ from non-traditional Christianity. Given how many people there are out there today for whom history begins and ends with their own lifetime, it is good to review real history and how a number of things developed within it.”

Before moving forward with the discussion, I thought it would be good to review some aspects of the nature of God, and of man. I fear both often get overlooked in the rush to judgement, as it were, of commentary and rebuttal. In this case, I think both play an important role in understanding the veneration of the Theotokos and in why I think the concept I refer to as “Rent A Womb” is lunacy as well as heresy.

As I’ve noted in some previous writings (previously linked in this series I believe), the mind of God is not something we can understand save through what is shared in scripture. Let’s face it, God is larger than the universe; existed before time and will exist after time; is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent; and, a being for whom all of time is but a single instant. Those are not concepts easy to grasp.

Now, add to it that even the angels can’t look upon his face. In the Bible, there are many references to God appearing in or as fire. God appears as a cloud of smoke and fire, which causes mountains to burn and fall at his touch. The fire of God has more than thirty references in the Bible if memory (and some quick research) serves. A cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Keep in mind that fire was often used to destroy, as with Sodom and Gomorrah. There are a number of references to those not found in the book of life, or the unproductive vines (same), that will be cast into the fire. God also spoke from the fire more than once, and it is worth remembering that the burning bush is a foreshadowing of Mary the Mother of God.

It is also worth noting that the fire of God was not always destructive. Again, there is the burning bush, which burned but was not consumed. There are also references to the fire of God as a means of purification and sanctification (Malachi) and in Acts there are tongues like flames of a fire that filled the Apostles with the Holy Spirit.

A point that will come up again later (I hope) is that foreknowledge by God does not equal coercion, manipulation, or invalidation in any form of free will. It simply means that God knows what we are going to do before we do it.

In comparison, humans are limited in senses and in how we perceive time. We are limited to Chronos, or linear time, while God experiences time as Kairos. Think I’ve talked a little bit about this before, but we tend to try to put things divine into terms of Chronos, where they don’t belong, instead of Kairos (God Time). Our five basic senses are rather limited, nor are we the strongest, fastest, toughest, etc. as a creature. In fact, we are rather fragile when you get right down to it. We are also most definitely not fire proof.

There is a special part of the human condition that I want to bring up today. That is microchimerism, specifically fetal maternal microchimerism. This refers to stem cells and other fetal cells pass through the placenta and into the mother. These have been shown in at least some cases to protect the mother from cancer and other issues during and even after childbirth as those cells are detectable for a period of time after childbirth. In some respects, your baby will always be a part of you.

Which, as an aside, just makes even more horrifying the imaging showing a baby in the womb trying to escape the suction of an abortion, desperately reaching out and trying to cling to it’s mother as best it can as it is ripped apart. If you haven’t seen that video, I’m torn on recommending it as once you see it you will never forget it.

A short one today, but some important things to think about and to keep in mind in the upcoming discussions. Yes, this does all tie together, though it may take a bit to do so. The reasons why traditional Churches venerate the Theotokos/Mary the Mother of God are many and complex, but they do all tie together.

Probably not going to wait a week to do the next post, so stay tuned.

Posts In This Series:

Thoughts On A Theological Smugging

Thoughts On A Theological Smugging, Part II

Thoughts On A Theological Smugging, Part III

Pilgrimage Update

On some levels, there has not been much going on. I’ve not booked any rooms, or done other major things. Well, other than new glasses and getting the new pack. On other levels, however, a LOT has been going on.

My original thought was to visit some twenty working monasteries and a couple of historical sites as well as going to Mount Athos. After inputs from my Priest and my Bishop, those plans started modifying a great deal. Add in some other changes in life and the path I am walking, and they are morphing even more.

The short version is that what started as general spiritual development has become something much more including discernment. The initial plan changed to just a few monasteries and a lot more time at the home Church, plus my time on Mount Athos. Now, even that is changing, as is the order in which things are done.

Originally, when it looked as though I might be flying in to Budapest and then working my way South, I had planned to spend several days in Bucharest, Romania where I’ve started setting up some cooking lessons and a steam-train trip into the Carpathian mountains. The original planned visits and frequent travels around Bulgaria afterwards would have filled up most of the remaining time before Mount Athos.

Now, most of my time will be spent in Sofia, Bulgaria with up to one week spent at a particular monastery to which I am strongly drawn; five or so days in Romania for the cooking lessons and the train trip; and the visit to Mount Athos and a few days in Greece. It looks like the only other real monastery visit I will do is an overnight to Rila and the monastery of St. John of Rila.

While I will visit a number of Churches in Sofia, my hope is that I may be spending more time in instruction and learning while I am there. Among other things, I am hoping to spend a day at a seminary there (and a day at one in Greece on my way to Mount Athos). I’m also hoping that some other learning and instruction, from liturgics to music, may also be arranged while I am in Sofia. Nothing is guaranteed yet, but it is changing plans and timing.

The nice thing is, the timing of most things is now up in the air. I say this is a nice thing as instead of logistics forcing timing, opportunity is driving the timing. Once a couple of key things are nailed down, everything looks to fall into place and I can then see what can, or can’t, be done in the nice-to-do list. Right now, the key things all look doable without rushing.

While not a direct part of the pilgrimage, I may also try to work in a couple of domestic trips. The path I am starting upon is likely to require some time at a seminary, and just as I plan to visit at least a couple on the Pilgrimage proper, I need to do some visits here. One will take me to Boston (Hi Maggie!). The other, while not a direct seminary trip, will take me to Missouri where I also hope to go down to Texas to take a friend and her family to an Orthodox service as I promised a while back.

It is early days yet, but I want to visit and think a bit while I can. Everything is on Orthodox Time (think mañana without the sense of urgency) which means in the fullness of time things that are meant to happen will happen. I’ve just found over the years that the best spontaneous decisions happen when there has been a lot of quiet prior preparation. So, looking around now at something, that if it happens, may be a few years off.

I think I’ve also mentioned before that the Priest at the local Romanian Orthodox Church has recommended a Church for me to attend while I am in Bucharest for the cooking lessons. He’s provided a lot of good suggestions on apps and more as he just got back from a sabbatical there.

Just wanted to share a bit on the changes in the plans, and how this is starting to take shape. I think it is already going to be a more rewarding trip than originally planned, and see the potential for a lot of growth and discernment. I plan to share with you as much as I can as I go, and will be getting a new phone to help support that. I thank all of you who are supporting this trip through prayer and donations, and with your help via both this will be an amazing and blessed time.

Recognizing Psyops

Doing my best to keep this from getting political, but it does amaze me how many people fail to recognize a psyop even after it punches them in the nose. I’ve seen two big ones and some smaller ones pop up recently, and am amazed in some respects at how many seem to be swallowing them hook, line, and sinker. Sadly, not surprised at some given that I strongly suspect they are paid for their efforts.

First up, if the same message pops up on multiple influencer accounts, usually with similar personalization, it’s not organic. It is most likely bought and paid for in one coin or another. Also, another hint is if said message is about the break-up of a political movement and how the anticipated front-runner in the next election is really a bad person and unworthy of the office they hold (much less the one they are likely to seek), and it comes just days after political victories for said movement and politician, well, it’s not organic.

Also, if it is the exact same message word for word on hundreds or even thousands of accounts, it’s a bot farm. I sincerely hope X does start putting flags of the real locations of accounts (and noting who uses VPNs like I do) on profiles as it will be fun to see how many so-called influencers actually are located in the Middle East and other interesting locations, and are not strong American patriots. I have said it before and will say it again, I think the engagement payments were one of the worst things to happen (amid a lot of good) to X. I also wonder how many Paki and other bot farms they have funded.

For the record: I am not a bot, Paki or otherwise. I am a Lupine Sapien from Wolf 579, and find the suggestions that I am a reticulated pythonoid from Antares most insulting. As if! (Sniff)

Second, follow the money. Look at who is leading the charge, and do a bit of research on the people and accounts. Lot of interesting connections out there, and thanks to the work of Data_republican and Mike Benz (see links upper right) a lot of connections have been laid bare. You really need to follow those two as what they post is data-driven and they post their data. Safe bet is that anyone who won’t let you see the data is a fraud.

Third, look at other signs that something might not be organic. If the ‘spontaneous’ protest has professionally printed signs, much less clothing and merchandise, it’s not spontaneous. There is a lead time for commercial printing, and if something happens and there is a protest literally the next day with professional signs, someone knew about the event in advance. It really is amusing how many recent protests have had professional branding from messages and signs down to music. Not organic.

Then again, one of my favorite signs is that the rent-a-crowd business isn’t what it used to be. A number of protests rather dramatically dropped in size after supposedly non-related funding got cut. I’ve had to laugh at several where once the protesters were no longer getting paid, they downed signs in stacks and then walked away. Almost feel sorry for the bus rental businesses, as that business has taken a hit as well. It is also interesting to see the same protestors now at different cities and different events across the country. Think about this paragraph for a minute, and if you see those things, what is going on is not organic.

One final thing to look for is who is supporting a message or such that would not normally do so. For example, if you suddenly see Russia Today, Iran, China, or others sharing the message on something in America or Europe, might want to think about what they are supporting — and why. When enemies of a country start endorsing (directly or indirectly) messages and people from within that country, you might want to take a very close look at what is being shared or endorsed.

There are a few other signs, but these get you going in spotting most non-organic psyops, online or in the real world. The truly sad thing for me is how many otherwise reasonable people fall for part of such, and end up giving credence to the whole thing directly or indirectly. It happens, and any of us (including me) have probably fallen for such over the years. Then again, once bitten twice shy comes into play there. Pay attention, apply some logic and reason, and view anything political with skepticism.

Two Local Stories Going National

Well, really three if you count the redistricting story, but I’m sitting that one out for now. My thoughts on the Indiana GOP and most politicians (of both parties) would probably have me in confession for months. Instead, two other stories are going national and I am seeing some key details not always making it into social media and/or corporate news.

First up, the shooting death of a cleaning lady who was at the wrong house. I’ve actually heard two different accounts, that they were dropped off at the wrong house or that they drove to the wrong house. She was trying the key when the homeowner shot through the door, striking her in the head and killing her. Her death is a tragedy and I would ask you to pray for all involved.

The account from police and the lawyer for the homeowner indicate that he was awakened after just a short time asleep, heard someone trying a key or keys in his lock, retrieved a gun that he had never shot before, and after sending his wife into a safe room, fired a shot through the door without warning or having a target in view. Said round hit her in the head, killing her instantly, and he has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Now, having taken Guy Relford’s Indiana Gun Law course (highly recommended if you own a gun in Indiana), I know that Indiana does have a very robust Castle Doctrine law, but that there are exceptions and caveats. I also know that what the homeowner did violates my own personal code and what I have taught in the past. Then again, from the gun law and other legal courses over the years, I know that my code is not the law.

I also know that the homeowner has been smart enough to hire Guy Relford for his defense. If I had the money, I would hire him too at need. I think that may be the only thing that keeps the homeowner out of prison.

Let’s face it, even among strong 2A types what was done is going to be a hard sell. Speaking for me personally, having a gun (guns actually) and never firing it (or getting training on use technical and legal) is another month in confession for me; firing without a clear target (if anyone I trained does that outside of certain combat situations I will smoke them until corpsmen are needed to get them back enough to do it until they drop again, and I will proudly go to confession for that); and, firing without any warning or attempt to determine the situation (yes, I have challenged and de-escalated, more than once), well, I’m not going to be a sympathetic juror. If I’m a hard sell, what do you think is going to be the case for anyone not 2A or even anti-2A? The nicest I can say is that Guy has his work cut out for him. That said, I will wait until all the facts have come out before saying much more on this case.

The second story that is going to be blowing up soon is that a military humvee crashed recently on I-65. Some guardsmen were in a convoy on their way to Camp Atterbury when a car-hauler abruptly changed lanes, apparently striking one of the humvees, causing it to swerve and roll, eventually hitting another car. Three were injured, and Terry Frye (no rank given in story) was killed. Turns out the driver of the car-hauler, one Goderdzi Gujabidze of Brooklyn NY (who required a translator to talk with LE afterwards), is an illegal alien. A hold has been placed on him by ICE and is being honored. Expect this story to have legs.

Once again, not really the best image for Indianapolis (or area). That said, if some of the recent national coverage on crime actually results in real changes, prosecutions, and proper sentencing…