Author Archives: Joel

The second squirrel has apparently learned not to get all the way inside, so the door can’t latch down on it. It doesn’t always get the bait, but the trap never gets it. This morning I lay in bed thinking … Continue reading →

This being the first of the month I made my rounds of the powersheds under my protection, topping off batteries with distilled water. First stop, since his shed gets the hottest the fastest, was Former Neighbor J. I went armed … Continue reading →

or, “Can I have Greece, once it’s been emptied of people?” ATHENS — Retirees throughout Greece mobbed banks as they tried to withdraw a maximum of 120 euros ($134) in pension payments on Wednesday, as the country teetered on the … Continue reading →

The live-trap has been tripped three times so far today, with no prisoners taken. So I tried something different, having just finished baking bread. Less than half an hour later my foe managed to snag the bread without tripping the … Continue reading →

I suppose these puny lifeforms think they get all the rights? Probably won’t be happy until we all burn up in their abusive atmosphere, will they? AIA* Is Rape! Yes, when I heard about “Asteroid Day,” I thought at last … Continue reading →

The past several days have been free of Other People’s Cattle, a blessed state which ended abruptly yesterday morning. Before going to town I had to dismount Ian’s big propane tank and load it into the trailer, and this time … Continue reading →

I’ve been hoping all season to get some new Rhode Island Red pullets, but the chicks at the local feed store are strictly first-come-first-served and I always missed out. Finally this past Sunday I talked with Landlady about having her … Continue reading →

Words to live by, courtesy of Claire. I dunno where she found it.

The new trap, while difficult to set up, seems to serve its purpose. After this storm passes I’ll question the prisoner about his unit’s troop movements. I’m fairly sure a full and fair trial will subsequently find him guilty of … Continue reading →

Hoards of fast, stealthy giant Hessian squirrels have invaded the Lair’s grounds – I think they’re probably crack mercenary squirrels hired by the local packrats. I got one a few days ago, but he was so wily I had to … Continue reading →

Idealism and philosophical purity are luxuries, you know. And you won’t truly understand that until you try your hand at raising your own food. Sometimes, in raising food, you need to do things that make perfect sense, but that would … Continue reading →

Look what just showed up on Uncle Joel’s laundry table… So yesterday my weekender neighbor S told me he had scored a Dillon progressive press and a couple of boxes of accessories and components, the only problem being that he … Continue reading →

Progressivism Gotta Progress. I guess. So it will no longer be possible to purchase a Confederate battle flag: At Gettysburg National Military Park. Right: Makes perfect sense. And then Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, no panderer he, bravely proposes … Continue reading →

Ghost is off with Landlady and I was off to town. Brought him back a consolation prize. It’ll be a while before he wants company again…

“For every tragedy perpetrated by a lunatic, there are a thousand people who arm themselves and refuse to be made victims.” – Ian McCollum

…which only manifests when I’m falling down. Other discomfitures don’t bring it on: Just a minute ago I scalded myself with hot oil, and only said “Ow.” Granted I said it rather loudly, but still. Probably acceptable behavior anywhere, given … Continue reading →

ASM826 reminds us that America will have to come up with a new name for an entire state and its own capital. Not to mention this thing…Since “Johnson” is clearly contraindicated, I suggest “Willie.” Or maybe they could just tear … Continue reading →

…that a sufficient number of ‘conservative’ SCOTUS judges sold the country out on Obamacare. The Internet already offers a plausible explanation for this…

Among the numerous things I’m – well, not phobic. I’d go no higher than ‘cautious’ – about are the sparky parts of DC power systems. Having seen a number of dramatic things happen in the 12-volt power systems of automobiles … Continue reading →

Via Claire, here’s the infuriating tale of a barbarous tribe of potential terrorists and mass murderers trigger-fingering their collective nose at their betters’ attempts to bring common sense and freedom from gun violence to the howling wasteland. 4% compliance? Scandalous! … Continue reading →