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Monday, September 4, 2017

As The World Burns

stilton’s place, stilton, political, humor, conservative, cartoons, jokes, hope n’ change, remodeling, north korea, hydrogen bomb, hurricane harvey, texas
There's never an asteroid strike when you really need one.
Work goes on at Castle Jarlsberg, and the tasteful image above pretty much represents the reality of our situation: everything is torn up, nothing is finished, and we've devolved to a primitive existence in which we subsist on a diet of cold pieces of ham fat and jellybeans, while having just one glass to use for both scotch and toothbrushing. Not that a little minty freshness ever hurt a glass of Clan MacGregor.

By the way, the bottom right corner of the picture shows you where I'm standing right now: my computer is atop the new bathroom vanity, the keyboard (having no room) is to the right, and the mouse is down another level next to Mrs. J's sink. It ain't pretty, folks.

We're actually a little too burned out to give you much today, but there ARE a couple of things we wanted to at least mention because they're pretty darned important.

Right up there at the top of the list: Kim Jung Un apparently having a hydrogen bomb that he can launch on an ICBM. This would officially be the point at which the joke is no longer funny. If he can get off an EMP attack, we're done. Kaput. Finished. A threat which was well known throughout Obama's entire time in office, yet received no "shovel ready" funds for hardening our electrical grid. I can't remember the exact figures for protecting our entire system, but I think it's probably less than that jerk gave to Acorn or the car companies.

He could have affordably protected our country while boosting employment, but didn't - because both of these were things he didn't want.

We don't know what Trump is going to do about this situation, but it's serious enough that NO option should be off the table. And that should scare all of us.

The other bone we have to pick (see how we returned to that caveman imagery?) regards one particular aspect of the news coverage we've been seeing about the ongoing search, rescue, and rebuilding efforts going on in our great home state of Texas following hurricane Harvey.

We keep hearing that in a country torn by hate and strife, it's semi-miraculous to see people coming together, putting aside race and ideology, and working together in a spirit of community.

Well screw that.

Not the good works - which are myriad, heartwarming, and inspiring. But screw the idea that some sort of "change" has happened, and this wasn't how Texans were before the crisis. Here's a freaking news bulletin: Texas is filled, by and large, with good, Godly people who were already getting along just fine - and take it as a cultural norm that we reach out to help when others, any others, are in need.

You can see it in the rate we donate to charities, volunteer for community services, and enlist for military duty. There has been no change of heart for Texans because we didn't need one.

The people making these rescues, serving up meals, and providing shelter aren't magically reformed members of Antifa, Black Lives Matter, the KKK, or Neo-Nazis...none of whom are actually welcome in this great state. They're all still chasing their selfish agendas of hate, and the mainstream media is spinning this narrative of "coming together in a crisis" rather than admitting that it is THEY who have been lying to us all along about the degree of enmity and social unrest in our society, hoping to increase those very things.

Okay, we've said our piece. Now we're going to push our way out of the dusty rubble in our home to get a takeout order of cheap Chinese food.

That, and a smooch from the woman we love, is our special reward for turning 65 today.

66 comments:

Mike aka Proof said...

Stilton, Well said about the Texicans. The pinheaded Left just doesn't know who America is outside their bubble.

Velveeta Processed Cheese Food said...

Happy birthday. I hit the big 6-5 tomorrow.

mamafrog said...

Well, Happy Birthday ya old fart! Does that mean you now qualify for Medicaid? Ain't that a kick in that pants? You and my hubby, that is, and millions of other angry people. Hope the casa gets better down in what we refer to laughingly as "Southern Oklahoma", snrrk. What can I say, and hope you aren't falling apart as fast as some of us.

Pete (Detroit) said...

Stilt, Velveeta, happy b-day on you both!
Got a dozen years on me, but I'll catch up eventually...
As an adopted Texan, I can honestly say I've never lived w/ better people.

Skip said...

Happy B-day Stilt. As soon as I can get my shit together, I'll be in Tx or TN.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to you AND my Mother deep in the great state of Texas

Lapaho said...

Happy birthday to you! And me! I made it to 56!

-Lars

Unknown said...

65??? I have underwear older than that.

Phoebe said...

Happy birthday to you and long live Texas!

Larry Hoffman said...

I did several whole house remodel jobs years ago and only one where the family stayed in the house. After that one, I would never do another. Customers want it done fast as possible but when they are there, they cause it to slow down.

Jim Irre said...

Happy birthday old guy! Turned 60 last week myself.

Bobo the Hobo said...

Well happy birthday, Stilt and Velveeta - you two young whippersnappers! I remember when I turned 65 ... law, it's just like it was yesterday.

We're getting together next month to celebrate my sister's 65th. There will be libations of the alcoholic variety; I might even share.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, Stilt. I raise my glass of Cutty to you and thank-you for the mind bending narratives you provide. Keep it up, Bro.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy that 65th Stilt, 75 is beatin feet your way. Keep well and keep doin what you do best.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday - And, by the looks of your abode - I expect President Trump and the first lady to drop by to survey the damage.. Maybe bring along an old FEMA trailer..

Em said...

Happy birthday, Mr. Jarlsberg! You have the same birthday as my father who is also 65 today.

chef621 said...

Just wondering, Stilt, did you get a second opinion before you started this project? lol

We had a hail storm some years back and had to put on new shingles. Our annual project the year before had been to invest in covered gutters. When they started to tear off the shingles, I asked one of the guys on the roof if they knew how to remove and replace the gutters. He answered "Si" The first hard rain we had after they finished the roof, I had water coming through the ceiling in the dining room. That had to be repaired and the gutters had to be taken down and put back up right which meant that they made a lot less on that job.

They threw the old shingles off of the roof on one end of the house. They landed on top of a rhododendron bush that I had coaxed to a height of three feet. Split it right down the middle and broke one half off three inches above the ground. Needless to say, I freaked.
The guy in charge said, "Lady, what do you want me to do about it?" I couldn't believe his uncaring attitude. I went in the house and cried. I figured that it was his fault for not watching what his guys were doing.
I wish you and mrs J a smoother transition than we had. Will they be finished by Thanksgiving? or Christmas?

Judi King said...

Boy, you DO have a mess. Hope it is finished quickly and is worth it.
As for "news" coverage of the hurricane, they don't get the mind set of ANY Americans who aren't coastal. I live in Michigan, and after Katrina hit LA some of the men in my city drove down there just to help. That's how all fly-overs react.
Kim Jung Un needs to be taken out. I see no reason why we should have to put up with this idiot.
PS: A very happy Birthday to you.

idahobob said...

Happy 65th! I'm a bit past that and my DW keeps reminding me that I am getting closer to 70! Sheesh!

Bob

MD Vickery said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May this one and the next 137 are great! Enjoy the day and relax. Never mind the rubble, this too, shall pass. It's not just Texas, ALL of America is full of good, strong people. But like every barrel of apples, this country has a few rotten ones. Namely antifa, neo-nazis, KKK, CBS, ABC, NBC, PMSNBC...

Fred Ciampi said...

Well, a very happy birthday to you. I turned 75 just 3 weeks ago but I keep telling folks that it was the 35th anniversary of my 40th birthday.

My neighbor's house burned down last year and it was cheaper for the insurance company to buy them a motor home to live in while their house was being rebuilt than to rent them another house for that time. Now they have a new house and a motor home. Something to think about...

And for little Kimmy, we need a preemptive strike. 'Nuff said.

MD Vickery said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope this one and the next 137 are GREAT! Texas, like America is full of good, helpful people. But like every barrel of apples, there are a few rotten ones at the bottom. Like antifa, neo-nazis, KKK, ABC, NBC, CBS, PMSNBC...

Dan said...

"Members of Antifa, Black Lives Matter, ... none of whom are actually welcome in this great state."

Except for Austin, in the Peoples' Republic of Travis.

Happy birthday, youngster (turned 69 just a few days ago).

Alan said...

Happy 65th Birthday fellow senior citizen. You now qualify for the 10% senior citizen discount on a meal at Captain D's on Wednesday evenings. I can't think of anything else happy about getting old.

Fred Ciampi said...

There are lots of happy things about getting old; you can fart in public, speak your mind, tell tall tales to your grandchildren, and ...... er, I forgot what the rest are.

James of Sioux City said...

Happy Birthday from a 76-even-older-guy. Enjoy your work and humor. We lived through a remodeling once, but lived in the "old" edition while the "new" one was being attached so disruption was less dramatic than yours. It will soon end and then you will miss the turmoil, perhaps?

Geoff King said...

Happy birthday to Stilt, and happy Labor Day to all!

Sally said...

Happy Birthday!

I lived through the May Day flood in Nashville when Obama didn't even mention it for days. We didn't wait around either. People took care of each other and would have regardless of whether the government showed up--which it did not for quite a while because TN had the cheek to be a red state. So I have no doubt Texas is just the same.

I love your blog and read regularly!

Dave Mail said...

Well happy birthday! Only 65? almost young enough to be an Antifa, and your house already looks like you are living in an abandoned building.

Geoff King said...

Oh, and for those on the left that are unfamiliar with the word:

la·bor
ˈlābər
noun
1.
work, especially hard physical work.

smokepole said...

Happy Birthday; and many more to come..
In your newly revamped domicile ...
thom from OZ, New Yorkistan....

Rod said...

Follow-up after posting on previous edition last night. Also noticed when in Houston: Local press was not giving any exposure to the sob stories and "Go find a victim" outrage. It was all about the good side. Houston is busy getting back to normal as fast as receding water will allow. I went out to dinner with two friends Saturday night, Houston is getting access back and folks are getting out. We tried to pick up the dinner tab for two police officers and the manager of the place already had it covered. This is typical.

The amount of volunteer help to clean up and handle huge influx of donated supplies at a large animals shelter my daughter manages was overwhelming Skeleton staff had camped there 7 days and nights to care for the animals. Then many extra Volunteers came in when they could and put it all away or even better, redistribute to field rescue sites where rescued people are coming in on boats and if they have animals they are immediately provided medicine, food, etc for their rescued pets. They never have to come to the shelter as much as they used. to.

Now I'm back home and see some of the national press. Screw it; it's worthless. I think this will be a milestone for change in how I spend much time. No more BS.

Rob said...

Happy birthday & the best of luck with your home!

Bill said...

Hello,

I own several houses. And I do the maintenance on all of them.

I have found that it is much harder to work on the house I live in than to do the same work on one of the houses I don't live in.

Bill Moore

TrickyRicky said...

Happy Birthday Stilton, and wishes for many more. I'm just a couple of years behind you, and I am glad to still have birthdays, although it scares me the way they seem to pile up with increasing velocity.

KellyfromWI said...

Happy Birthday and good luck with living in re-modeling, I lived in remodeling the entire time I was a kid and live there now, and there are things still to be done.

Dick said...

Happy Birthday!!! Today is your Medicare day. You can now join the ranks of Medicare recipients as a newbie or nugget. How does if feel to be old and in need of medical care you ask? Well, if you do a time lapse of your house remodel from completely torn up to a beautiful finished job in a few weeks/months you will have a perfect reverse record of what your body is going to do. That's right, from healthy to a wreck who delights in sharing medical stories with all the other old farts. I didn't know I could survive no less remain able to move with all the stuff that is broken in my body. Yup, I'm a veteran of Medicare and darn proud of it. Did I mention how often I have to pee? No? Well, never mind, maybe later.

Keith said...

since you're monitoring the comments from the john, I'll offer a bathroom wish; Happy b day.

Emmentaler Limburger said...

Merry burfmas, cousin. Congratulations on your attainment of more advanced age.

Shelly said...

It doesn't matter how old you are as long as you are on the green side of the grass. It appears there are a bunch of geezers commenting here, including me! I will turn 71 next month and I still can't believe I'm old. I hang around with 40 somethings (my kids and their spouses) so I feel just like them, except for the new titanium hip and the other aches and pains. Happy birthday, buddy.

John the Econ said...

"I can't remember the exact figures for protecting our entire system, but I think it's probably less than that jerk gave to Acorn or the car companies."

Or how about the $150-billion we gifted Iran?

"Texas is filled, by and large, with good, Godly people who were already getting along just fine - and take it as a cultural norm that we reach out to help when others, any others, are in need."

Actually, most of "flyover country" that the coastal leftist elites take pride in sneering at is chock-full of such people. It comes as no surprise to me that the "useless class" of Progressive snobs who claim to melt at uncomfortable words or at the sight of mere statues aren't familiar with a world where people get off their own asses and take care of themselves and each other when stuff goes south. These are the people who should be shared ****less that North Korea might actually have a deliverable weapon, because when the stuff hits the fan, they should know the comfortable existence they assume isn't going to be anymore for a long time, if ever.

Happy Birthday. Expecting many posts in the near future regarding the joys of being on Medicare, and why we all should be hoping to be on it as well soon.

Rob the Curd said...

Happy Birthday, Stilt! You're 11 years, 364 days older than this Curd!

Hope your remodel goes well. We're just about to gut our master bathroom and closet, so I can certainly relate to your current situation. (And we're about 3 miles away from you, so maybe we should grab some celebratory and/or medicinal whiskey sometime.)

Best Wishes,
Rob

AmyH said...

Happy Birthday Stilt! My dad was 69 yesterday, my uncle is 65 in a couple days & my grandma (RIP) was the 1st.

Every day I am thankful I pushed the button for Trump. I shudder to think how shrillary would have handled everything so far. Half of us would probably be speaking Korean & the other half farsi.

ringgo1 said...

Happy birthday, Silton! Growing older is definitely NOT for sissies. (I'll be 68 Wed., 9/6, IF I should live another 2 days.)

Being a native Texan myself, I agree entirely with your comments regarding the people of Our Great State.

I am certain that there are millions of good people in all the states of the USA. Too bad the media is so eager to ignore that, and hype instead the vanishingly small percentage of "citizens" intent on damaging relations between real citizens of the USA.

Best regards from the Red River Valley about 1 hour north of you!

Joseph ET said...

@Silton
Happy 65th Birthday Doc. Here’s a link to the theme song for those of us that are 65 plus.
Enjoy!
BTW, you are no longer 65 years old. You are “25 plus shipping and handling.”
I too have family in various parts of Texas. All are good folks!

Stilton Jarlsberg said...

@Readers- Thank you for all the birthday wishes! I know 65 isn't old old, but there's something about being an "official" senior citizen that rankles. And yes, I'm on Medicare now, but don't really know how it works (though I'm sure I'll find out).

Despite it being Labor Day, there is work going on in the house today. Baseboards being attached with nail guns, and sealant going on the new shower. Which is a good thing since our OTHER old shower is being torn out tomorrow. Mind you, the timing would be better if our new shower actually had the glass enclosure and door installed: we're being told "when you're using the shower, just try not to splash." Like on this computer, for instance. I dunno - I may just have sponge baths for awhile. I suppose I should get used to that...

One thing I want to mention is that my defense of Texas wasn't intended to be exclusively about Texas. I believe that most Americans (of every kind) are good people whose first instinct is to help others whether they're "different" or not. That's not a narrative that advances the Left's agenda, so it's not the one we're being fed - but it's the truth.

By the way, I'm not sure I've mentioned it before but I actually have a twin brother, which sort of makes us 130 now. (grin)

MAX Redline said...

Congratulations. I imagine Medicare's a lot better than Obamacare. And less expensive!

Tots said...

Happy birthday Stilton my friend. My you have many more with the woman you love.

You're exactly right about Texas. The media doesn't understand it so that's why they try to paint the narrative to fit their limited worldview.

We know the truth and I know where I want to spend the rest of my days.

Rod said...

The first thing Medicare means is more reports, possibly a different drug plan (example: "Express Scripts- MEDICARE" to meet Medicare rules) and when providers want to see your medical insurance card, it has your social security number on it so many people don't carry it. Then there all the rules about what Medicare covers and it's usually 80%... fbut not that simple... and who if anyone is backing that up such as Medicare Supplemental Policy OR (and it's not the same), a freestanding full secondary medical policy, or veteran benefits, or what. It all usually works pretty well; but keep your own good notes. And if /when the Mrs. goes on Medicare she has her own file, own reports, etc.

Happy Birthday and you are absolutely correct about Texas and other right-minded places. They are here all along, often invisible and busy taking care of business until needed... then THEY have time & oftern resources & know how to help. Where are the wagging jaws with all the advice for others? Usually not to be seen usually unless there's an agent involved. Very good comment.

Looking at the bright side on this one in Houston and much of Gulf Coast: If THIS flood did not get your house; You're probably safe for a very long time.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday. Here is to many more!

jack

great Unknown said...

Happy Birthday. I'm a bit older than you, but with proper care and handling, you're not a true geriatric...yet.

BTW, I'm impressed that you blew up the "remodeling" cover story and revealed the truth in today's Johny Optimism strip.

Chuck Baker (Macon) said...

Happy Birthday!!! I'm only about 2 1/2 years behind you ... and I'm already apprehensive about the snafu known as Medicare.

John the Econ said...

Why does the left think that "Medicare for all" is such a great deal?

What Health Care Will Cost You - Most of your retirement savings may be going toward your medical costs

You might think your medical costs will be taken care of once you qualify for Medicare. But you'll quickly find that you're still paying out of pocket, and probably paying much more than you expected.

Fidelity Investments, which has been tracking retiree health care costs for more than a decade, estimates that a 65-year-old couple retiring this year will need $240,000 to cover future medical costs. That doesn't include the high cost of long-term care. Nor does it take into account additional costs you may incur if you decide to take — or are forced into — early retirement before your Medicare kicks in.

Fidelity's estimated $240,000 includes the cost of deductibles and copayments, premiums for optional coverage for doctor visits and prescription drugs, out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs, and other expenses that Medicare doesn't cover, such as hearing aids and eyeglasses.


So all you folks who think you're retiring at 65, do you have nearly a quarter-million dollars saved on top of the money you think you are going to be living on for the rest of your life? Because that's what you will need if you wish to live comfortably under what the left is calling their single best idea for "single payer". What this really is is just another example of how the vast majority of people talking about this don't have a f-ing clue as to what they're talking about.

On Texas: I don't think that any non-Texans here were the least bit offended by the point you were making. (I certainly wasn't) Texas is a different place. And thank God that it is. My point is that the elitist snobs on the coasts don't get most of the people in this country, so they totally dismiss them. It's why we ended up with Trump, and are likely to get more Trump if they continue on their current track of clueless exclusivity.

rickn8or said...

Happy Birthday ya old fart. The same thing is going to happen to me in December.

On the bright side, turning 65 means the flood of offers for Supplemental Medicare Insurance should drop to a trickle. I wish I could offer the same confidence for spam calls for the same, some of which might actually be legit.

David in SoCal said...

Well there; Happy Birthday my dear friend Stilty!! May your glass always be full, and may your bottle never be empty! Absolutely love your wonderful shared experiences during the Jarlsberg remodel, Praying for your strength and sanity through it all. Mrs. SoCal and I just got back from visiting our Navy Diver Son and his family at Pearl City HI. The flags at Naval Base Pearl Harbor are all at half mast. Asked my Son why, and he said there are so many Texans serving in the Military, that out of respect, they have the flags at half mast for those who have lost their lives in the Texas floods. Very heartwarming and deserving indeed.

REM1875 said...

Hey Doc --does it hurt when ya get that old??? (I am a much newer 1953 model)

Judi King said...

I agree with what John the Econ said above about Texas.

Igor said...

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes, ya Old Fart - I'm 7 months behind you, don't look back!!

(Is it just me, or are there a lot of Seasoned Citizens on this site?)

Anyway, the only thing worse than a "live-in" remodel is a live-in remodel that you are doing yourself. Trust me on this.

Right now, I'm remodeling the interior of my '85 Beaver Motor Coach, and it's even more fun than hitting yourself over the head with a hammer (which feels GREAT when you stop...)! I want it to be my home-away-from-home when the time comes for me and the missus to go on our Mission. I'm installing one of those new-fangled washer/dryer combo units, and I have to plumb which involves running the pipes underneath the living space but over top of the chassis. It sure helps to have skills in carpentry (cabinet making, etc.), electrical, and plumbing. Once that's done, I will convert the 427 truck engine to Fuel Injection (which is no big deal nowadays). Ah, the Good Life.

Anyway, I raise a glass of Root Beer to you, you and the missus have many more!

Jack Wiegman said...

Everything is quiet with the girlillas until they meet up with the boyillas.

Rod said...

@Igor: "Seasoned" Yes; we be like that. Not as spicy perhaps but well seasoned.

Pete (Detroit) said...

Igor - "Seasoned Citizens"
Well, we ARE known to get a bit salty at times...
Seriously, yeah, at 53 I'm one of the youngsters... kinda nice for a change...

SC said...

Happy Birthday Stilt! And many, many more in the newly remodeled cave. I bet the 'after' pics are going to look just like a HGTV home!

Joseph ET said...

It drives my nuts as the politicians talk like both Medicare and Medicare are wonderful. Not!
Google "Medicaid + long term care" You need Medicare part D to cover drugs, or need your own secondary coverage such as 'Blue'
Most of us here have been paying into Medicare since it started in 1964. So how do they pay for "Medicare for all"?
Not!
Here are some notes from Medicare's web site:
Medicare Part A hospital inpatient deductible and coinsurance
You pay:  in 2017
$1,316 deductible for each benefit period
Days 1-60: $0 coinsurance for each benefit period
Days 61-90: $329 coinsurance per day of each benefit period
Days 91 and beyond: $658 coinsurance per each "lifetime reserve day" after day 90 for each benefit period (up to 60 days over your lifetime)
Beyond lifetime reserve days: all costs

Joseph ET said...

Medicare Part B premium
You pay: in 2017
The standard Part B premium amount is $134 (or higher depending on your income). However, most people who get Social Security benefits will pay less than this amount ($109 on average).

Part B deductible and coinsurance
$183 per year. After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most doctor services (including most doctor services while you're a hospital inpatient), outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.

Joseph ET said...

Medicare pays 80% of the fees they set. Most Doctors take this as paid in full and that gets our Blue insurance off the hook. We still have the 5k annual deductible plus co-pays. We find this very frightening because we have the 'unknown" factor of when, "not if" the hammer will fall. Of course Ocare has caused our insurance cost to sky rocket like everyone else.
Oh Well! We carry on happy little old farts as long as possible. ☺

Old Cannonballs said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KID!