Sometimes, the things we think will solve our problems can create new ones
We have to start with this oldie but goodie…| Metallicman
PHONK is super-popular in China. You cannot go a half hour without hearing this tune… 02:20 DVRST – CLOSE EYES I often wonder what a “PHONK” song is. I mean, I know “Trance”, and “Country & Western”, and “Jazz”. But PHONK? So I asked QWen 2.5. Qwen2.5-Max “Phonk” is a subgenre of music that blends … Continue reading A well-groomed cat is a prepared cat. And a prepared cat is a successful cat| Metallicman
Today I had to play the school volunteer. And I have no problem with that. Here in China, the parents play an ACTIVE role in the education of their children. So, today, I got up and went to the school and donned on the zippered volunteer vest. And so, so dressed up in my ritual … Continue reading Balance is essential—whether it’s sunshine and rain, work and rest| Metallicman
When I was a kid, I used to play with ants. Yeah, on the hot boyhood summers, it looked like a pile of coffee grounds poured onto the cement. And I would often get a magnifying glass and play “evil snot-nosed dumb kid” on the poor ants just tying to live their lives. Often times … Continue reading The real treasure isn’t gold or jewels—it’s the friends you make along the way| Metallicman
We have to start with this oldie but goodie…| Metallicman
MM note; Premature publishing back in march resulted in this short take. Please accept my apologies for this much abbreviated post. One subject. A Sir Whiskerton story. Enjoy, and bask in the simplicity. -MM Sir Whiskerton and the Case of the Gassy Goose: A Tale of Floating Feathers, Foul Odors, and Feline Ingenuity Ah, dear … Continue reading No one has to face their problems alone (with a nice MM announcement)| Metallicman
I am a man, and I grew up as a boy. Here’s a secret that many of the pink-haired progressives can never relate to. (I say this after nearly two decades of being told that I am “toxic”, and a “loser” and a “no body”.) I’ll tell you what separates the boys from the girls. … Continue reading True bravery comes from the heart, not the claws| Metallicman
My normal day, of course, consists of a morning jog in the night air at 5am, a couple of warm mugs of hot water, and a shower followed by a sit down at my computer to check on the “news”. I don’t know why I bother. The “Drudge Report” is all propaganda all the time. … Continue reading And if it fits, you sit| Metallicman
Red tone. Damn… they locked out my keycard. I was hoping for the easy way, but I’m going to have to do this the hard way.My sledgehammer crashes against the steel door with a thunderous force behind it. The door dents, but doesn’t give in. I pull back and swing harder this time. I must get in.Boom after boom resounds around the parking lot as I throw my entire weight into removing the object that stands between me and my goals. The door is looking structurally mangled now, but not yet o...| Metallicman
Today, Mrs. MM generally forbids me from cooking or making anything in the kitchen. As it is her domain. I am totally cool with that. As I am comfortable with a traditional household.| Metallicman
A secret report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) paints a dire picture of Canada’s future — one where economic collapse, declining living standards, and widespread civil unrest are no longer a hypothetical.| Metallicman
When I was growing up, television was very big. It was (at that time) as influential as social media is today. And it influenced my generation… as well as a number of subsequent generations. My generation of “Baby Boomers” did great things in their youth… and when they entered the elder leadership roles they became … Continue reading Magic and wishes may seem like the answer to all our problems, but they often come with unexpected consequences| Metallicman
When I was a Senior in High School, the big “buzzword” on television and radio at that time was “rebate”. All the elected officials were talking about giving “rebates” of huge wads of money back to the citizenry. Lot and lots of talk… “hot air”. Round and round. So when I ran as the Class … Continue reading When faced with challenges, sharing and working together can often lead to the best outcomes| Metallicman
I well remember my father trying to teach me how to tie my shoes. I was young. Maybe four or so years old. he had made a wooden board showing the various stages of typing the lackes. It was a big elaborate project presentationt aht he made. And he worked with me. And he kept … Continue reading It’s important to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to think outside the box| Metallicman
Today I drove into Shenzhen to do some financial and Banking stuff. Shenzhen is getting more and more beautiful each and every day. But parking is super expensive. Hint: if you move to Shenzhen use public transportation, the price of parking is transcendent. Blue sky’s, trees and plants and flowers are everywhere. Super modern. Even … Continue reading Even the most dazzling displays can have unintended consequences| Metallicman
My trending posts for today… interesting. How a Chinese Business KTV Works – Introduction (285) How a Chinese Business KTV Works – The Tea Ritual (70) How a Chinese Business KTV Works – The Dinner (60) How a Chinese Business KTV Works – The Pretty Girls (60) How a Chinese Business KTV works – NSFW … Continue reading Your gourds are impressive, but they’re causing major problems| Metallicman
So I have been working on various AI art. I have been doing this for some time now, and I am sure that you all have noticed. Here’s some representations of today’s efforts… These are wall mural designs…. And of course, I have been engaging AI to assist me in writing my Sir Whiskerton stories. … Continue reading Sometimes the greatest treasures are the ones we take for granted—like a roll of toilet paper| Metallicman
When I was attending my MAJestic training in Ridgecrest CA (at China Lake Naval Weapons Center), my wife got a couple of jobs to help us out. One of these was at a electronic fabrication facility. They would weld together electronic printed boards. Now it was a small “clic” of people who worked there and … Continue reading Turning off the water? But that’s so… simple| Metallicman
Life in prison wasn’t all that bad. It’s like life. You adapt to the situation and shared discomfort. And everyone in prison is enduring some level of discomfort. And you’ll make friends. Even the most crazy anti-social dude will end up with friends in prison. We are all surviving in various ways. You live. You … Continue reading Books can provide guidance, they can’t replace creativity and common sense| Metallicman
In Erie, PA I stayed at a monastery for a spell (after prison) to help me turn around my life. Not that I was a wayward person, but I lost all my possessions, money, family, connections, furnishings, associations, career, and part of my mind. And you know, with nothing except the clothes on your back, … Continue reading Porkchop became a local legend for his hay bale prowess| Metallicman
So I asked Gemini AI the following question; And it responded back… this… It’s fascinating to consider the distinct experiences of those who grew up in the 1960s. Here are 10 items or experiences that a child from that era would likely recall, which might be unfamiliar to someone born after 1980: Rotary Dial Telephones: … Continue reading Everyone has off days—even pigs| Metallicman
Matchbox metal cars. Do you remember your first one? I do. I must have been around five years old and I told my parents that I wanted a “matchbox”. They looked at me strangely. And the next day, my father gave me an empty box of matches, and I looked up at him quizzically and … Continue reading Beware of quick fixes—they often come with hidden costs| Metallicman
My mother lived in this huge country manor outside the confines of rural Kittanning in Western Pennsylvania. When she was getting older and sicker, she ended up with cancer and I moved in with her to take care of her. While I was there, I would keep and eye on her; play the role of … Continue reading The Arrival of Lady Quacka| Metallicman
I started working young. In Pennsylvania, you can work as young as 14 as long as your parents gave you permission. So at 14; I started working in the local grocery store; “Shop N’ Save”. It was my first job, and in the early 1970’s, which meant that I was constantly picked on and harassed … Continue reading Always double-check your sources| Metallicman
What should be the things that kids have to inspire and prod on their creativity and sense of wonder? Well, I’ve been thinking about this. Don’t you know. ‘Cause my girl. And how I grew up. So here’s my list… Girl or boy toys that promote their biological gender. Yuppur. Let girls play with dolls. … Continue reading True beauty lies in authenticity.| Metallicman
Bongos were before my time by about ten years, yet they were still lying around. My buddy Jeff had a set of them (inherited from his older brother; who was off at school), and from time to time he would take them out. Six cross legged on the floor, and put a leather headband on … Continue reading When life gives you bongos, make jazz| Metallicman
Back in my college days I dressed substantially different from what I do today. It’s funny. I wore jeans, and a jean-jacket over a florescent orange hoodie. I wore thick hiking boots with two socks; a inner cotton “regular” pair, and an outside pair out of wool. My jeans were patched all over, and I … Continue reading Every light shines for a reason| Metallicman
What ever happened to “pot luck parties“? They used to be really “big” back in the day. My parents always had them, and they were a staple at church get together for the longest time. A "potluck party" is a gathering where each guest brings a dish of food to share with everyone else, essentially … Continue reading Magic, like any tool, can be tricky. It’s not the power we wield that defines us, but how we use it| Metallicman
I do try to avoid heavy and difficult subjects as of late. But this kind of cropped up and I want to present it. Cats. Pets. Loved ones. A beloved pet that died. … You know what is intensely sad? It is to throw away your pet’s collar after they died. … Their leashes, their … Continue reading Freedom thrives within boundaries. Whether you’re a chipmunk, a cat, or a dog with a knack for baking disasters, rules exist for good reasons| Metallicman
Today, I choose to praise chocolate cake donuts and coffee. They have been my favorite breakfast as I went to work when I lived in Indiana, and Kentucky. I would go through the drive though, and grab this particular kind of doughnut and a tall (or large) cup of coffee. So get your mouth watering… … Continue reading It’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page| Metallicman
This is a story about when I got my first set of Bell Bottom slacks in (around) 1966. Ah, it’s not much of a story. But here goes. School was starting, and of course, my parents took me to the local city nearby; Butler, and we went shopping at K-mart and Pennys. My mother picked … Continue reading Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one| Metallicman
Growing up all my friends had guns. These were guns that young boys possessed such as 22 caliber rifles and a shotgun or two. As we entered high school, many would have a “deer rifle”. Hunting in Western Pennsylvania was a way of life. But my father isolated me from that local lifestyle and ritual. … Continue reading Embracing the weird can make life more fun| Metallicman
Many people today cannot imagine what it was like to live in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Primarily, it is the differences in dining culture. Back in those days, trips to “grab a bite” at a fast food restaurant were rare. I mean REALLY rare. Fast food visits didn’t exist. If you wanted to eat something … Continue reading Timing is everything| Metallicman
I am a “plant person”. Oh, for certain, I just don’t have a “green thumb”, but I do like to have plants around me. Flowers are nice, but I prefer to have lush deep tropical ferns and broad leaf tropical plants. I’m a guy that is comfortable in lush wood-paneled hard-wood room full of books … Continue reading The greatest adventure is the one you take together| Metallicman
Back in the 1990’s I was living in Columbia City, Indiana. And I opened a bank account there; a “checking account”. One day, I deposited $600 into that account, and two days later I went to withdraw money, and only had $30 in it. I argued, pleased and discussed things with the manager. But nothing … Continue reading While fun brings us together, it’s our shared responsibility that keeps us strong| Metallicman
Let me tell you all about the hot dog shoppe in Marion Indiana.It was down town in the deserted downtown, on a clean but empty street. With all the nearby buildings boarded up. But it was clear that the times were hard in Marion. But back a few decades earlier, it was another story. Back … Continue reading Sometimes, patience brings the sunshine back| Metallicman
Here’s today’s memory… Long telephone cord to the yellow wall phone in the kitchen. Aside from being a most common feature of the 1970’s, this phone was (and should be considered to be) the unified symbol of the 1970’s. For most of the 1960’s we had a (shared) “party line” and we had to wait … Continue reading True creativity requires cooperation—not coercion| Metallicman
I used to have numerous motorcycles. My favorites were the Yamaha bikes. They were my pleasures and joys when I was young in my 20’s. As we age, our images and pleasures change. What mattered to you when you were young fade away. And new things, beliefs and passions wake up within you. Whether they … Continue reading Too much sparkle can blind you to what truly matters| Metallicman
Disrespect to a man is the WORST thing that could ever happen to him. Seriously. And if it occurs by a loved one, a family member, or someone you care about, it is an ARCH CRIME and unforgivable. Often times, being a man, you have to deal with “everyone’s shit”. You take it, take it, … Continue reading Wisdom isn’t always where you expect to find it| Metallicman
When I lived in the ‘States, one of my favorite family pastimes was going to “Flea Markets” and “Garage Sales”. I was always on the hunt for cheap and unusual things. And you most certainly would find them on this visits. A garage sale, also known as a yard sale, tag sale, or rummage sale, … Continue reading The Great Shoe Debacle| Metallicman
Growing up in the 1960’s in Western Pennsylvania was a magic time. I didn’t realize it of course, but looking back, some of the elements that I experienced was truly magical. With emotions, scents, smells and relationships forming an intoxicating concoction that was truly splendid and wonderful. The smell of the crisp Fall air as … Continue reading Curiosity may lead to adventure, but it can also land you in hot water| Metallicman
In early 2025 I wrote a piece covering conceal carry while baby wearing. Due to baby Primer Peak being just a few months old, they [...] The post Conceal Carry Methods and Back Wearing for New Parents [2025] appeared first on Primer Peak.| Primer Peak
One of the major lacking factors in most people’s EDC is effective medical gear. Over the past decade I’ve seen a huge uptick in the [...] The post NEW RWT Pocket Medical Kit appeared first on Primer Peak.| Primer Peak
Learn essential tips for prepping for an internet outage, including downloading critical information and understanding potential impacts. The post Prepping for An Internet Outage appeared first on Off-Grid Rebel.| Off-Grid Rebel
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that being prepared for the unexpected is more important than ever. Whether living off the grid full-time or just starting your journey, prepping for a future pandemic is smart. The past few years we’ve endured everything from mob attacks to blocked sea ports. One thing … The post Prepping for the Next Pandemic appeared first on Off-Grid Rebel.| Off-Grid Rebel
🎧 Prefer to Listen? What desk item should be in every adventure kit? Ever notice how the most useful tools aren’t always the ones with fancy packaging and high price tags? Sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight—like that small metal object sitting in your desk drawer right now. The same principle applies to survival skills. Read more […]| Final Prepper
