Cool and clear, fairly nice if it all goes to plan. No chance of snow for Christmas. Don’t laugh, it’s happened before, or missed by only a day or two. Doesn’t stick, but it was here long enough to get pictures last time.
I’m ready for the night’s festivities and tomorrow. My family always opened family gifts on Christmas Eve, at night. My wife’s family opened a gift or two, but did the bulk on Christmas morning. She’s been pushing in that direction for years and I think she’s got the kids convinced it’s the right way… another tradition falls, but a new one rises. Change, I don’t like it much in my life. Which is either funny or completely understandable considering I’ve made a career being able to deal with rapid and dramatic change, and just get the job done. Live entertainment and event management is nothing but change and flexibility. So I think it’s natural I would minimize it wherever I could. Others might differ.
Of course, life is change. We can no more stop change than we can hold back the tide. Doesn’t keep some people from trying. We are living through a period where, I think, everything changes. Big changes. Like from 1916 to 1948 kinds of changes. Flexibility and preps are my strategy for getting through to the other side. I hope ‘shooting the b@stards in the face’ won’t be necessary. I guess we’ll see.
In the mean time, take it day by day, find joy where you can, and count what blessings you do have.
nick
(stack a few things too)
The best thing that could happen for Abbott's reelection chances is a snow-free Christmas.
Snow in Austin or, worse, Houston would be built into a crisis by the media.
"I say, Millicent, it certainly is a sporty holiday season in the States this year. What time is the Queen's message?"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10341919/Woman-armed-PICKAXE-seen-casually-shoplifting-Rite-Aid-crime-ridden-Los-Angeles.html
Achoo!
If you have a cold right now, there's a good chance it's COVID-19, study finds
Hi, Mr. SteveF
I'll reserve judgment on whether "half" of "colds" are actually the less potent version of the Chinese bioweapon until we see some details on what "tests" are used to distinguish between the bioweapon and the ordinary coronavirus which makes up a large fraction of the ordinary colds which people catch. For now I'll just keep on with my assumption that almost every government or drug company leader or spokesman is lying. If his statements support an increase in government power, an increase in pharma profits, or an increase in public fear, then it's dang near a certainty that he's lying.
68F, 80%RH , and sunny this Christmas Eve.
I think some bacon is in order.
n
It's Christmasdome! Two traditions enter, one tradition leaves. Our family always did the Christmas morning presents, leaving Christmas eve for anticipation.
Lying. What? No. Not an American drug company C-suite.
https://tennesseestar.com/2021/12/23/pfizers-comirnaty-available-abroad-not-in-u-s/
And certainly not our politicians. Biden is the paragon of virtue.
Nevermind that plagiarism business. That was the 80s.
In Joe Biden’s words, “I think it’s pretty clear it’s time to move on.”
Merry Christmas, Charlene:
https://hotair.com/karen-townsend/2021/12/23/santas-sleigh-is-an-audi-car-company-provides-good-cheer-for-wheel-of-fortune-contestant-n437412
https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2021/12/23/china-removes-pillar-of-shame-with-help-from-us-law-firm-n437495
Two clear violations of law:
1) The sculpture was on loan from the artist, and remained his property
2) The Berne Convention gives artists rights that include protecting their works from destruction.
oh, where to file, where to file?
How about a suit against the scum-sucking weasels at the U.S. law firm? Despite their withdrawal from representing the university on this particular action, they were instrumental in the outcome.
https://hibid.com/lot/108623686/container-full-of-prepper-food
Not me! Look carefully, there is a lot of long term storage food from freeze dried companies. Notice to that there is no way to get the container out from under the roof without taking the roof apart. Otherwise, I'd be a bidder.
n
Laura Love, one of my favorite singer / songwriters, wrote/performed an excellent piece on Tiananmen Square slaughter. I’ve heard her in person and her performance of this piece still raises the hair on my neck.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ERg0qYS5Q
With the exception of decorating the tree and a few odds and ends we are ready for Christmas. Usually we’re (I) up late wrapping. Not this year. Bed before midnight is my goal.
I bought tickets to see It’s a Wonderful Life in theater, stunned to find out it’s over two hours long. Which means it’ll run past the start of the 6 pm church service we are sort of committed to attending with friends. I often wind up at the 10 pm service, and a few years ago we started attending the 10 am service. I know, a lot of church. It helps drive out the gross commercialization that’s corrupted the meaning. I appreciate hearing the Christmas words in multiple ways, and am left with good things to ponder and treasure up in my heart.
Gotta figure out whether we’re going to IaWL, going and leaving early, or blowing one or the other off.
Uncut "It's a Wonderful Life", though. That's a tough call.
If you have access to "The Regular Show" episodes, find the Christmas special.
The end of the episode *is* secular Christmas without commercialism. "Best Present Ever! Oooo!"
Strange as it may sound, in their own way, the writers got it … unlike Seth Rogen.
Wait until you see the present and why the boys wanted it.
Cancelled my Tivo just now. Activated it in 2016. Activated the FIRST one in 2003. Feels weird, no more tivos in the house. They were so friendly…
I've got a couple of older Roku boxes, that I'll see if they still support the youtube channel. If they don't, a new one is $20-50, depending on features. The year sub for Tivo was $150. Even if I buy a $50 4K box, I'll still save $100 to 300 over the life of the box.
Heck it just occurred to me that I have an older apple tv too, that might support the youtube channel, if the older roku doesn't.
I have three Rokus in the house. We get all of our tv through them. I have an antenna somewhere but it not hooked up. Two of the Rokus are ultras (4K) and the other is a 2K. They work so well that we used 900 GB through Comcast last month.
Wizard Of Id: Rudolph Is Sick
https://www.gocomics.com/wizardofid/2021/12/24
For RBT.
Uncut "It's a Wonderful Life", though. That's a tough call.
The "It's A Wonderful Life" on Amazon Prime is 2:10:35. Sounds like it is uncut also.
Watch: The 1970s Cooling Scare Was Real
By: Marc Morano – Climate Depot
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2021/12/24/watch-the-1970s-cooling-scare-was-real/
Note that the paper discussed at 10:30 "The Myth of the 1970's Global Cooling Consensus", which was quickly debunked for cherry-picking, was co-authored by William Connolley, the global warming propagandist whose amazing feat of "editing" thousands of wikipedia articles (apparently at hyper-speed during near-continual breaks from his day job) to suppress any dissent from global warming ultimately got his editing privileges revoked. (and note also that his wikipedia entry has also been edited to minimize the actual controversy over his actions)
We don't keep Prime all year round. My wife does not quite understand what that "free" shipping costs the small vendors she deals with for the most part when buying my kids' Christmas presents.
We do have Prime right now. My kids used it to watch the "Clerks" movies last night.
Nothing says Christmas like necrophilia ("Clerks") or a donkey show ("Clerks II").
My kids were more astounded by the pre-Internet career options open to my generation of bored suburban kids, following the “peace dividend” and before Windows 95 put Internet into every home.
And, for the record, my kids are 20 (today) and 16 (on 12/27).
What they see from Funimation Anime releases is far worse than anything Kevin Smith could ever dream up. Smith isn’t comfortable with nudity or real violence which makes his movies okay with my wife.
"Do you want to make some F#CK?!! BERSERKER!!!!!!"
Clerks is REALLY talkie.
n
One on one conversation is his thing. "The Flash" on the CW uses him for those kind of episodes.
"Clerks" was nearly the first film to receive the NC-17 for language and implied sex acts alone.
Contrary to popular belief, the “Clerks” "lost" scene inside the funeral home was never actually filmed and then cut to obtain the 'R' rating.
“Clerks II” got an ‘R’ on the first pass through the MPAA, donkey show scene intact. I don’t think anyone was more astounded than Smith himself.
Oh Christmas Tree. Oh Christmas tree.
Phones are ringing. In the SEC.
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/gators/2021/12/23/ucf-beats-florida-gators-in-gasparilla-bowl-to-win-state-championship/?itm_source=parsely-api
The natural order of things in the SEC and Florida university system are in flux.
The Graspawillie Bowl, too. Now *THAT* is embarrassing.
Made it to Hendersonville. Traffic was light with a significant reduction in truck traffic on I-40W. I passed half a dozen trucks when it is generally a hundred or more trucks. Gas was purchased for $2.63 a gallon when I got off the I-State. State route 109 is completed with no construction. Thus it was a good trip.
Ya'all have a Merry Christmas and good times.
And there is still time to prematurely drag a Christmas tree to the curb.
But where …
https://redstate.com/bonchie/2021/12/24/ny-supreme-court-delivers-a-beat-down-to-the-new-york-times-in-project-veritas-case-n496621
Yeah, that's how brazen the leftwing media has become.
Almost brazen enough to think that they could enter into a conspiracy to take down a sitting president…
Yup. The only debate is whether anyone besides the night cleaning crew gets out of the building.
Well, it's Christmas Eve, and Hans Gruber has a date with Nakatomi Plaza.
The elf lure is baited with cookies, and every fourth 20mm round is tracer in honor of RBT.
Y'all have a Merry Christmas, and if the elf does make it through, cherish the coal in your stockings as a hedge against worse winters to come.
The PCR tests are very specific as are the antigen tests. They both look for specific unique features of the either the virus or antigens to it.
>> And, for the record, my kids are 20 (today) and 16 (on 12/27).
Good planning (times two) to grab the full year exemptions.
Hey turns out Tivo has a streaming dongle, same price as the other guys, in 4k too. No sub required. Might have to get that one…
n
Getting ready to start the present extravaganza…
>> NY Supreme Court Delivers a Beat Down to the New York Times in Project Veritas Case
FYI…this will be appealed. In NYFS their top-level court is the Court of Appeals and their Supreme Court is their appellate court. Why? Because…lawyers??
Broadcast shows recorded to TiVo are available for download from a web interface. I don’t remember the port number, but it is standard HTTP. You just need the MAK from your settings page as the password.
The only problem with the interface is that the download speed tops out at 1.5 Mbps and only allows one transfer at a time. At least, that's how my TiVo HD works.
I’ll post the port later if you want to experiment.
Of course…he agrees?!
Joe Biden Says He Agrees After Christmas Caller Tells Him 'Let's Go Brandon'
https://www.newsweek.com/president-biden-trolled-lets-go-brandon-santa-tracking-broadcast-1663074
So as long as there's no miracle cure for senility in the next year or two we're all set…
“If I’m in the health I’m in now — I’m in good health — then, in fact, I would run again,” Biden said.
https://nypost.com/2021/12/22/biden-says-he-will-run-for-reelection-if-he-is-in-good-health/
Guess this meeting was during his nap time…
https://nypost.com/2021/12/24/white-house-rejected-plan-to-boost-holiday-covid-testing-report/
In an interview with ABC News this week, Biden conceded his administration’s rollout of at-home COVID-19 testing has not “been good enough” and admitted he wished he “had thought about ordering” the tests “two months ago.”
Hmm…"two months ago"…December…November…October…
Hey turns out Tivo has a streaming dongle, same price as the other guys, in 4k too. No sub required. Might have to get that one…
n
"TiVo’s first Android TV dongle also appears to be its last"
https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/8/22425753/tivo-stream-4k-dongle-android-tv-no-more-jon-kirchner
"Don’t expect a followup to the TiVo Stream 4k"
@lynn, does your truck have this?
https://jalopnik.com/best-of-2021-ford-f-150-taillights-have-a-feature-prev-1847854319
Fauci's replacement?
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2021/12/24/golfer-phil-mickelson-asks-a-key-question-about-the-panic-over-omicron-n2601057
What is Christmas Eve without 50 or 70 fireworks in our rural neighborhood ?
@lynn, does your truck have this?
https://jalopnik.com/best-of-2021-ford-f-150-taillights-have-a-feature-prev-1847854319
Not my 2019 F-150 4×4. That I know of.
I don't even have LED lights. You had to get the Limited, Raptor, Lariat, or King Ranch. About $20K and up.
There are aftermarket LED conversion kits for my 2019 F-150 starting at $3K or so.
Another thing to break down the line.
About once a year, the camera on my Camry enabling the safety features like Lane Assist and Collision Avoidance suddenly goes "unavailable".
Since I either don't use or depend on those features, I don't care, but the camera outage causes several angry lights to appear on the dash, and I'd never be able to get the car through inspection if the camera broke permanently. I’d have to shell out the $1200 + labor cost to replace the module.
That is a cool feature. Useful too, as long as they don't use it to lock you out of driving with an overload.
Well, tonight's presents are opened. I got mostly food. One tool for my non-prepper hobby that I wouldn't have bought for myself. Kids are happy so far, although one each of my presents was a bit of a dud. Happens.
At least there are no bikes to assemble tonight. Just a couple more things to get out and whatever the jolly fatso brings…
n
What is Christmas Eve without 50 or 70 fireworks in our rural neighborhood ?
—or in my semi-urban neighborhood. Some of those bangs are clearly firearms too, although with the price of ammo, a lot fewer than normal.
n
Yep, like my FIL.
n
>> About once a year, the camera on my Camry enabling the safety features like Lane Assist and Collision Avoidance suddenly goes "unavailable".
When I had my Subbie the EyeSight system used to occasionally go offline driving home from the office on I-4 West when the setting sun hit the cameras at just the right angle.
I'm sure that Tony's FSD cameras work better?
New Fords feature a nanny system that will optionally inform your insurance company about every minute detail about how you use the vehicle for a discount on the rates. You really don't want to add another sensor to that data stream because, sooner or later, activating the data stream won't be optional.
Tesla is going to buy the same cameras as everyone else in the industry. There are only so many suppliers.
"…I'd never be able to get the car through inspection if the camera broke permanently. I’d have to shell out the $1200 + labor cost to replace the module."
Good grief, what DOESN'T Texas inspect? I thought your state was known for freedom. I thought California was bad enough. We have emissions checked. Period. Prior to 1976 models, no inspection.
>> Good grief, what DOESN'T Texas inspect? I thought your state was known for freedom. I thought California was bad enough. We have emissions checked. Period. Prior to 1976 models, no inspection.
Come and enjoy…
No auto inspections
No state income tax
No masks
…where? Florida of course.
(And the hurricanes aren't really a thing.)
Someone at the end of the block has money to burn on some pretty impressive fireworks. Lots of big aerial displays. They are technically across the green space (high voltage power right of way) in the apartments, not my block, but it's my block then a couple hundred feet of open space…
All the tasks are done, and I'm soon for bed.
Turns out my old Roku LT still has youtube support and it works for me for now. I'll investigate a bit further later, like making sure I can log in and see my subs.
Now it's off to bed 'fore the sugar coma sets in.
'nite y'all.
n
Well in this future time zone it is officially Christmas. Lovely hot day in the land of sand, with the temp currently at 40C (104F) @ 1.55pm.
Just finished a small gathering with the neighbours, then we are going to my brother's for the family gathering.
There has been a small outbreak of whuflu and masks are required outside. Major functions and concerts etc are closed for 5 days. Tough time for the operators of these businesses at this time of year.
Anyway, wishing everyone here the best for Christmas and 2022. Plus thanks to Nick, Rick and Barbara for keeping the doors open and the lights on. Thank you to all contributors that make this place one of the best around.
Stay safe.. keep stacking..
Cheers
Thanks MrK, stay well…
Midnight and the fireworks intensified. Did not realize that it was a thing Christmas Eve. Could be pent up demand I guess. Good thing the dog isn't bothered by it.
n
Hurricanes aren't really a thing.
Neither are solvent property insurance carriers.
And "ugly" doesn't begin to describe what's coming in 2022 when the Dems attempt to put Charlie Crist back into the Governor's Mansion with the entire media against the incumbent, including the only TV station Warren Buffett made a point of retaining control over when he unloaded the Post’s assets.
Alan, where one lives is very personal. My wife and I had lived in a variety of places domestically and abroad in our childhood before we settled in Fort Lauderdale in 1971. Then, there were auto inspections, very high registration fees, brownouts, off the charts growth, RAIN, and the occasional hurricane. The engineering job situation also wasn't very good. We left after a year.
A long term goal of mine was to live in California, to be closer to relatives. I took a job in a small town somewhat close to Death Valley. Desert life was a bit of a shock, but we adapted in a couple weeks, and can't imagine living anywhere else. I should add that it is very different from the coastal cities in many ways. Most of the rural parts of the state are very conservative in politics, and the cost of living can be surprisingly low. Property taxes favor long time residents. The state income tax can be managed with prudent investments.
Of course, we do have winter: it often drops into the 20s at night, and occasionally snows, but daytime highs are usually in the 50s, so the ground rarely freezes. We are also one of the sunniest places in the US. Our house and garage are solar heated and evaporatively cooled. Our total utility cost is about $2500 per year for electricity and water.
Summer Temps hit 100 highs, with lows in the 70s. Relative humidity at the daytime high temperature is typically 10%. Annual rainfall averages 3.5 inches.
Nowhere is perfect but every other place we know has one or more aspects we wouldn't want to live with. We used to worry about overpopulation, so we told everyone we met they wouldn't like it here. It seems to have worked.