The Laughing Wolf – Commentary, Punditry, and More

Yes, I’ve Noticed…

Seems a number of countries around the world have decided to “suggest” to their citizens/subjects/whatever that they have three days of food and water on hand for “emergencies.” Yes, I do think it interesting.

In several cases, there appear to be storms and such that could do some damage which would make sense for them to be prepared. I can’t find my original post on this topic, but keep in mind that in my system an inconvenience is roughly one minute to three days; an emergency is three days to three weeks; and, a true disaster is something that lasts longer than three weeks. I highly recommend having enough items on hand to last out an emergency at a minimum.

That said, I am finding it interesting that 18 governments have said basically the same thing. Recommended the very same time frame and supplies. Not alarmed at this, but am curious.

Meantime, I know most of my regular readers are prepared for a bit more than that. I think that a very good idea. Anyone wants to hit my tip jar or Amazon Wish List, look at the upper right corner and know it would be very much appreciated. Especially here before November 3.

Pay attention and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Remember, preparedness always pays.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. If you would like to help me with seminary courses, pilgrimages, and more, 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. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. Thank you.

Canning Ground Beef

A while back, I mentioned that I’m having to change some of my preparedness food stocks due to digestive issues from being hit by lightning. For all that I am Blessed to have gotten up again, and have seen some miraculous healing on the cardiac front, my digestive system has some issues. A few weeks ago, after the first major intestinal flare in two or three years sent me to the ER, I decided to go hardcore.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but among other issues is the need to avoid beans and bean products (including oils from beans, like soybeans among others). In fact, avoiding most seed oils has been presented as a good idea, along with avoiding legumes, sugar, grains, and other delights. Given that I was born allergic to almost everything but meat, dairy, chocolate, and potatoes, I’m eating pretty much what I could eat then just minus the potatoes. In short, I’m pretty much on a carnivore diet via eating meat, cheese, mushrooms, and some onion. I do get some peppers on occasion, but have to watch them as they can set things off. To answer a question I was asked recently, spices are not a direct cause, but they can be an aggravating factor.

So, I went hardcore about four (five?) weeks ago. Add in no alcohol to the above too. Week before last met with my doctor after having blood work done. Amazingly good results, and anything that wasn’t where I wanted it was trending towards where I wanted it. My triglycerides were down by half, the digestive system was happy, and we are on a path that could see me off most or all cardiac medicines in a year. Part depends on getting the gym on a regular basis for some intense workouts, and I’m trying to make that happen despite coursework and other demands on my time.

So, I’ve been working to add a lot more meat to my emergency stocks. A couple of months ago, I bought into a bulk deal that got me about 60 pounds of beef for a very reasonable price (less than a formal 1/8 of a cow) from a local farm and butcher. I think you can guess my thoughts on some of the USDA regulations and the processing monopoly (President Trump nuke that nightmare now!). Half the beef was ground beef, all was frozen, and I wanted to explore a shelf-stable option for some of it. So, I tried my hand at canning some of it.

For my first time canning ground beef, it didn’t go too bad. I got some very good advice from a friend (who is a certified food preservation expert) and went at it. I par-cooked the ground beef and tried to get rid of as much fat as I could. In a true survival situation, getting enough fat is the big problem. Eating six large moths as I was taught really wasn’t that appealing. Yet, fat in canning can have a negative effect on the sealing. I actually ended up with more fat than I expected, and plan to do things a bit different next time.

Some of the ground beef I thawed was made into hamburgers, par cooked, and frozen.

Yes, I used boiling water as dry canning isn’t the way to go no matter how many rebel canning videos you watch. May switch it for homemade beef stock next time. Besides, the “water” ends up filled with nutrients, including fat, and can be used to add to your water/liquid requirements for the day. It is a very useful way to augment your water supplies. Neat watching the jars continue to boil even after coming out of the pressure canner.

And, as you can see here, more fat in there than I intended. Next time, plan to do the separation differently so as to reduce the fat in the jars while adding to the fat I can render/refine into beef tallow. Yes, I have started rendering my own beef tallow to go with the bacon drippings and other delights.

Yep, there was some fat in there. Just glad things sealed well.

Number of lessons learned, and plan to kick things up a notch next go round. Plan to do some ground beef with homemade taco seasoning, some with homemade chili seasoning, etc. Really want to can some of my good chili, and in reviewing what the big book of Ball has to say seems doable. Also, plan to can soups and some broth here soon. More on that when it happens.

Next up, my adventures canning some beef brisket. Nice thing was, not only got canned meat, but some really good tallow and beef consomme out of it.

Into The Light: Walter Koenig

The original cast of Star Trek is now down to two living members. Word went out today that Walter Koenig passed away at 90.

I actually met him years back when a group of us who worked LibertyCon were asked to come in and be personal security/help to some of the original cast (and others) at a media con/event. Walter didn’t want security, so I told him I would stand at a discrete distance and unless something happened not get in the way. He genuinely liked and appreciated his fans, and disliked anything and anyone who got in the way of that as he saw it. With keeping my distance and helping out a small bit once or twice, we got along tolerably well.

I think he was a bit surprised when in the Green Room some of the other cast members knew me (courtesy of Mr. James Doohan) and we began chatting. The fact that I was a fan from the 60s, and known, seemed to smooth over any remaining rough edges.

He was different. Can’t pin it down more than that, but he was different. Part is that he was much quieter than, say, George or Nichelle. Then again, most people were/are less ebullient and gregarious than George or Nichelle (RIP). He struck me as a quiet man, who while friendly and talkative with fans, was just as happy not to talk. Never met him again, but got the impression he really LOVED playing Bester in Babylon 5, as it was a type of character and side of him he almost never got to play.

As for his not wanting security, found out later from something he wrote (autobiography?) that it stemmed from a con where someone had sent in multiple threats that they were going to come down there and kill him. Specifically him. The con put security on him and apparently set condition Red which messed up his time with the fans. To the point of sweeping him up and out when the person making the threats said he was nearby. Ever since then, cons gave him security despite his asking strongly (and apparently pointedly) they not do so. Hard to blame the man for being grumpy about it.

Between some personal experience and some reading, he faced tragedy more than once in his life. Despite that, he pressed on and continued to enjoy meeting his fans. I’ve said a prayer or two for his soul, and for those he leaves behind — especially his family who were by his side when he passed. Please do the same.

Remembering Bill, And His Brothers

This day, in 1983, the Marine barracks in Beirut were hit by two truck bombs. I’ve been remiss in writing Bill, and sadly haven’t been in touch with his family for far too long. I wrote to him in February, trying to catch up a bit.

Absent Companions: LCpl Bill J. Stelpflug, Beirut, 1983. Godspeed.

Godspeed also to all his Brothers in Arms who died that day. Remember them.

Whew!

There is more to come, but right now I’m behind on classwork and things here at home. Last week, pretty much every hour was spent on Church work given the extra services and such. This week, trying to get caught up on everything that didn’t get done last week (or the week before, or the week before). I have gotten do so some cooking, canning, and freezing, and will be sharing more on that soon. Meantime, a few pictures for you.

Probabilities 2026

I want to be clear that this post is not prophecy, the office of prophet having passed out of the Church within the first two centuries after founding; but, rather, it is an oversimplification of the range of probabilities that I currently see. The number of permutations that are possible are, in my opinion, beyond the mind of man to discern and understand, and focusing on one specific thing always seems to effect or negate that thing. So, no prophecy; rather, two potential avenues with rather extensive gradations.

Along with Sarah A. Hoyt and a number of others, I’ve pushed for people to hold for several years now. To not react to the provocations of those who want to destroy civilization. For many of those provocations were designed to have the very people who believe in Western Civilization and such concepts as Freedom, Individual Rights and Responsibilities, Liberty, and the rest, take the steps to destroy them by their actions. I would still very much prefer we avoid those actions; however, we are fast approaching schwerpunkt, an inflection or even undulation point theoretically capable of forming a new dimension. Make no mistake, we truly are at a such a point.

On one hand, we truly do live in a golden age with unheard of prosperity and health on a global basis. Even with all the problems we have, the average person right now enjoys a standard of living almost undreamed of by our ancestors. Particularly in the West we have freedoms to make the philosophers blush; we have medical treatments that in comparison to even a hundred years ago can bring the dead back to life; public health and hygiene are at levels where any time they aren’t high becomes news rather than being the norm; and, we still dream.

We have Elon desperately working to get us out of the cradle and on the way to the stars. He and his team are even working on a flying car, not because it is currently practical but because they can (and I will bet the practicalities come rapidly upon it truly hitting the market). Nor is Elon alone. His work and actions have inspired a host of others, and where they are not forbidden to do so great things are happening.

That future is bright, and I am skipping over many of the things to come from it. Truly regenerative medicine is on the way, as are treatments for any number of currently “incurable” conditions. Economic prosperity goes hand in hand with advancements medical, technological, and otherwise. So does individual liberty.

On the other hand, we have the failed models of communism and socialism being propped up to cover outright fascism. The rule of a self-appointed “elite” with the proper credentials who operate through token leaders who’s loyalty is not to country they lead but rather to the global elite.

This is the government of no. No, you may not do that. No, you may not worship as you want. No, you may not do anything to get ahead. No, you may not speak freely. No, you may not peaceably assemble. no, No, NO! You see it all around you already: the EU, the commonwealth of formerly great Britain, and in the repressive regimes of so many other countries. Governments where simply disagreeing with the government can and does get you arrested — England is but one example.

The people behind such have been losing power for a while now, and are not happy about it. If the United States falls, they see not only saving their way of life, but of being able to bring about a world government of the credentialed “elite” that can be kept at a manageable level via control of food, technology, and innovation. That the masses would be just short of starving and have no real wealth (you will own nothing and like it), and and under complete control is a feature, not a bug, to them. That said peasantry could be used for many things, including let us say physical pleasures without let or compensation, is left unsaid but is already seen in actions both near and far.

Before I forget, do take the time to read Glenn’s excellent article and here’s a link to the book he mentions.

Ah, but this is just lurid fantasy being presented as if it were reality the bots say. To which I reply: go listen to them and read what they say. Start with Sen. Slotkin, who almost gleefully boasted of her anti-American plan to go after young people who work for Trump (or anyone declared an enemy). Look at the judge in DC who is forcing DOJ lawyers to sign a document they are not required to sign in order to go after them with lawfare in the future (and this on top of interjecting herself into a plan to upgrade a golf course, which is far outside her purview). Look at all the other judges getting away with lawfare against the current legally elected administration, and/or who are also rather clearly operating a multi-tier system of justice.

Keep in mind Slotkin is not alone. She is the most prominent of those who have spoken the truth to other true believers and realized belatedly it wasn’t as private as they thought. In fact, if you aren’t following the work being done by Data Republican you really need to as what she is documenting right now is nothing less than the planning of a coup after the election. The pig squeal by the Washington Post says much.

This is exactly one reason I have said hold and hope we can continue to hold. There appears to be a large effort to create civil unrest, specifically vigilante actions against criminals and others (including low-level politicians). These are actions that are essential to some of what Data Republican (and others) are revealing. Throw in a U.S. version of the riots in Europe (organized and funded by the same people and groups), et voila you have the grounds to take the actions being discussed “theoretically” or otherwise.

Thing is, I don’t want to see it because I think the credentialed idiots truly do not understand humanity, and in particular Americans. On the former, even those who have operated overseas rarely see the results of their color revolutions (much less normal ones) up close and personal. They think that the actions of the mobs are because they are uneducated savages, rather than simply because they are human. They also seem convinced, thanks to COVID, that Americans will willingly acquiesce and do as they are told — completely ignoring the massive and not particularly hidden non-compliance/malicious compliance of the masses. If we cross that line, it will be brutal and uncontrollable to a level they can’t begin to imagine.

I think their idea of being able to control, or turn up and down, the violence is about as likely as their idea they can control and manipulate the Islamic hordes they have unleashed into Europe and America. Think they missed the whole Iran thing, where the left and the Islamics joined forces to topple the Shah. As soon as the Shah was gone, the killings of those on the left began. Rule of thumb: the useful idiots are always first against the wall (or off the rooftop). Doesn’t seem to matter what flavor or color the revolution either.

I could go on, but there is a good bit to think about, research, and consider above. There are some points that may need more discussion, for which I hope we have time. I really don’t want to get into politics, or even the appearance of such, because of the path I am on. That said, God gave us not just Free Will (which is a big deal to the Orthodox) but also bodies and minds in his image — and I think we are meant to truly use the latter. What I’ve brought up today is less about political parties as it is seeing two clear paths. It’s similar, to my mind, to standing on railroad tracks and seeing a train speeding at you. Some would say to just trust in the lord and stand fast. For me, I feel obligated to point at the train, and the switch between tracks that is just ahead of us.

I know not which way the switch will be thrown. It’s finer than a razor’s edge on how it goes.

I know which way I hope it goes, though there will be blood and suffering either way. Team Credentialed Idiots has invested a lot into building a lawfare machine that is not going to go away absent being deliberately and even ruthlessly eradicated. They have other mechanisms in place as well, via the NGO pipeline. This is their last real chance to cling to the power (and wealth/position) they have held since WWII. As I’ve noted before (particularly with Vladimir) desperate people do stupid and desperate things. They would far rather burn down civilization if they can’t rule it.

Team Hope, on the other hand, offers the best path for Free Will and the growth of humanity. It is not just a bright future of things; but, an expansion of Freedom and Opportunity to levels of which are almost beyond dreams. Freedom of Religion, which will be gone in the other, will also result in a new birth of Faith.

Keep in mind that there is no real way to step off the track. The best we can do is prepare for what is coming, understanding that there will be some hardship either way. It is just that with Team Hope I see that hardship being limited in scope and duration, allowing us to keep most of the momentum towards a positive future as possible. On the other hand, I wasn’t joking when I said on X earlier today that I see a thousand years before we can claw our way back to the point we currently hold. Lives and more will be lost. Christianity, Judiasm, and other “problematic” (according to Team Credentialed Idiots) will face persecutions that will make what happened after the Bolshevik revolution (much less pagan Rome) seem like a picnic. After all, examples must be made and the Islamic hordes “fed” (at least until they can be controlled/eliminated, on which subject my money is on them and not TCI).

Also keep in mind that TCI really does want some martyrs of their own. Preferably low-level, but those behind this honestly view Slotkin as expendable and even more useful than the “loss” of multiple lower-level pawns. They consider themselves untouchable, and I would simply point out that even The Untouchables were touchable, after they were identified. Keep in mind that they want, they NEED, the excuse of random/vigilante violence to bring parts of their plan to fruition. When someone attacks, and you know where the blow is aimed, move the target — rule of Aikido that applies to the great game as well.

I’ve given what I can of the two broad probabilities I see. The choices you make are yours to make. I am Team Hope, and Team Faith. The choice is before you, make yours. Know also that refusing to make a choice automatically defaults you to Team CI and the darkness.

Meantime, kick your preparations into overdrive and pray. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

UPDATE I: Welcome Instapundit Readers! As always, please feel free to look around, join in a conversation (rational discourse appreciated), and check out some of the other topics and posts. Scroll down as there are smaller posts between the larger ones. You might enjoy some thoughts on securing European nukes, some discussion on the FlyDubai incident, or browsing through some of my pilgrimage and theological posts. Or perhaps reading about the untold story behind Hogan’s Heroes. Or, if interested in Preparedness, start here and work your way forward. Grab a drink and a snack, and be welcome.

Sorry, Lite Posting

I warned people last week that this week would be lite. I really didn’t intend for it to be this lite. That said, it has been a bit busier than planned. We’ve had two special memorial services this week, an extra vigil, and an extra liturgy. I hope that is all the extra this week as it comes on top of two Byzantine chanting classes, and the regular akathist, vigil, and liturgy. Oh, I did forget, we are also distributing fliers today for our upcoming Christmas Village we do. Doubting I’m going to make the distribution, which is a shame as it is fun.

Add to it the need to get all my course reading done (including Augustine’s “City of God”) and a fasting blood draw that didn’t go quite as well as I hoped, and it’s interesting. Overall, I’m pleased with the results of the blood draw and it appears things are trending the way I hoped. Problem was, on top of the amount drawn (multiple tubes), I have become a hard stick since the lightning strike. My veins are apparently scarred and exhibiting other signs of frequent use.

One of the reasons I use the lab I do is that generally they have some very good people there. The lady this time was good, but the vein decided to play games with the stick. I felt it roll as she went in, and while she was able to get it without re-sticking, it wasn’t pleasant. Not her fault, but it did not make for a great day.

So, I’m behind and need to try to get everything done for the history course today if possible. That’s on top of some domestic chores that also have to get done today. So, this is it. Probably TMI, but a bit of what is going on. Will have to do a post one day on the special memorial services, as they are a good and interesting thing. More soon.

Amazon Wish List Update

Just a quick FYI, I’m in the process of massively updating my Amazon Wish List. I’ve dropped pretty much all of the “nice to have” with the exception of a couple of Seminary-related books and two storage “milk cans.” I mean, I would still love to have the still and some other items, but I’m really concentrating on things I consider essential.

There are a number of new food items on there. While I have a good stock of basics, issues from being hit by lightning continue to impact my digestive health. One example among many is that I’ve been advised not to have beans or products derived from beans for two years. The system is a bit sensitive right now, and I am pretty much on a strict carnivore while things (hopefully) settle down a bit. More on that soon as I’m having some blood work done which may have some answers.

So, no beans, rice is discouraged, and that takes a lot of easy things (dried beans and rice are easy to store) out of play. I’m working on canning a lot of beef, which is a learning curve. More on that soon too.

Bottom line, I’ve added a number of new items to the list and hopefully a range of prices though some things are expensive. Thanks to everyone who has sent things from the list, as they have been a huge help!

UPDATE I: To the person who sent me the powdered goat’s milk, THANK YOU! Arrived today.

Two More Good Reads

For some, this is a day off and while I have lots of class readings to do, here are two good reads for you. Both are worth the time and the thought.

First up, a good discussion of “Deconstructionism, Class Warfare, and Islamic Terrorism” Mr. Henderson does a good job laying this out.

Second, a guest post at Sarah A. Hoyt’s place. “Artificial Stupidity, The Prodigal Frankenstein’s Monster, and a Dead Irishman- A Guest Post By Thomas Kendal” lays out a lot of things far too many in the anti-AI and corporate media don’t want you to consider.

Good and fairly quick reads. Go enjoy some very good food for thought.

A Speech You Need To Hear

The more I listen to Marco Rubio, the more impressed I am. This speech sums up why. It is a speech which you need to hear. It traces a history of growth, of advancement, of a better future for all — and what we need to do to restore such. Take a listen, watch if you can. It is well worth it.

On this Columbus Day, let’s look back at what set things in motion for Columbus, Brendan, and others. Let’s make the right choices so we can gift that same growth and future to our descendants.

UPDATE I: Welcome Instapundit Readers! And thank you Sarah A. Hoyt for the kind link! Feel free to look around, kick the tires, and enjoy some of the other posts. You might enjoy some thoughts on securing European nukes, some discussion on the FlyDubai incident, or browsing through some of my pilgrimage and theological posts. Or perhaps reading about the untold story behind Hogan’s Heroes. Plenty here to read, and good, thoughtful discussion is appreciated.