Crypto currencies have suffered a Flash Crash, wiping-out upwards of $500 BILLION of value in about one hour today. It is likely tied to China’s announcement of aggressive Export Restrictions on nearly everything they export, including rare earth minerals they refine for OTHER owners!| Metallicman
As a boy, I hated to get my hair cut. There was this barber in our town, and he would get this panel that he would put on top of the barber chair (it has a black cushion on it) and he would sit me down, put a cotton or plastic apron around my neck … Continue reading Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the simplest ones—shared with those we love and enjoyed in the present moment| 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 have talked about the dinners that my mother would make for us kids growing up in the 1960’s and into the 1970’s. I have done so in a very general way. One of the most common dinners, perhaps because it was easiest, was to bake a casserole. I haven’t had one of those things … Continue reading Treating others with fairness and kindness is the key to a happy and peaceful life| Metallicman
Today I wanna talk about the guy in prison who was at his 16 parole hearing, and then again denied parole on the 16th. I worked with him in the prison canteen. Like all inmates we lived in barracks based on our “prison occupation”. I lived in the “kitchen barracks”. So we all knew each … Continue reading It’s important to use your talents for the greater good| Metallicman
When I lived in Indiana we owned a ski boat. It was 18 foot long, with a “pass though” front to the bow. And had a nice Bikini top for when it rained. Slick and new. We named it “Going coconuts” We stored it at a lake about an hour drive away. And we would … Continue reading Sometimes, you just have to dance it out| Metallicman
Well, it looks like cost of living inflation in the West is really horrific. As I predicted. I advise a serious cut down in restaurants and fast-food, and in grocery shopping… only buy fresh vegetables and cheap dairy. Stop all processed food purchases. You’ll be much happier for doing that. Get some chickens. Their eggs … Continue reading The most extraordinary things are right in front of us.| Metallicman
My sister had a few pet turtles. They lasted for two weeks. She also had a rabbit, and that rabbit lasted for a solid nine months until my Siberian Huskies broke into the cage and ate them. She had a gerbil. She had it for maybe a month and a half before it made it’s … Continue reading Science is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly| Metallicman
When I first started working, both the steel mills, and the coal mines had a company doctor. This was in the late 1960’s. By the 1970’s the doctors were putting in part-time hours, and were generally on call. By the end of the 1970’s the factory doctor office was open a part of the time … Continue reading True talent, Mr. Ducky, comes from the heart| Metallicman
Today I feel a little lazy. I’m just tired. I am tired. I’ve been going and going, even when I am on vacation, I just go and go. Everything is relentless and demands my time. And like yesterday post, I find myself daydreaming of mowing grass. Today, I am daydreaming about watching a stupid meaningless … Continue reading It’s important to find your place in the world—and to respect the places of others| Metallicman
I wanna tell you all a story. Back when I worked in Boston, we were assigned some Internsto assist us, and I gave “my” two interns interesting tasks in developing prototypes. And I walked them through the process. In bites. So that they started off small, but after five months or so they were able … Continue reading It’s important to be truthful and considerate of others| Metallicman
Whoa! I just had a flashback of when I was caring for my cancer ridden mother. It was a nice Spring day. I had just had breakfast (actually a cup of coffee) and was getting ready to mow the lawn. I had already chatted with my mother and cleaned the pool. It was a nice … Continue reading Sometimes, the greatest joy comes from knowing when to turn the volume down| 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
I know that I am getting old. Looking back at all the jobs that I have held in the past, most of those related to engineering would have these older guys working. Sure, they would put in part time hours. Maybe working twenty or so hours. And you would see them occasionally from time to … Continue reading The greatest wisdom is knowing when to laugh| 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
Life is changing so quickly. It’s at all levels. Today, I was musing about this. I listened about some Americans talking about China. And it got me thinking. You ask the average person who is noticing just how advanced China is today. And he / she will tell you their thoughts. Then you ask them … Continue reading Like, totally, man. It’s not about the clothes you wear; it’s about the love you share| Metallicman
When I was a young teenager, I loved building scale plastic models. My favorites were 1/35 scale figurines. I think that I have mentioned this to you all before. Lord only know where they are now. All those well-painted collections are off gone. Gone. Gone. But today, I want to talk about the joys that … Continue reading Don’t let stereotypes define who you are| Metallicman
I occasionally get these ‘Bots that try to communicate with me. usually disguised as a woman. With the standard boiler-plate profile; single-mother two kids (usually boys), and wants to know me, as they found what I had to say about XXXX so great. Then they plot themselves down and try to maintain a conversation. Today, … Continue reading They are no longer mere undergarments—they are masterpieces| 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
I drink a lot of water these days. Part of it has to do with my diet, and the other part is that I have noticed changes. By super hydration, I find that many of the bad habits that I used to have … like Flem building up in my throat… has all disappeared. I … Continue reading Just a little help from a film-noir rat…| 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
My brother must have had seven or eight accidents while he was in High School. All, of course, attributed to “hitting a deer that jumped out at him”. After all, we did live in “deer country”; Western Pennsylvania. What was really going on? Obviously it was a ruse. He couldn’t drive for shit, and when … Continue reading Even the most unlikely of beings deserve a chance to find their purpose| Metallicman
My mother had this bird-feeder. It sat outside the kitchen window and she would feed the birds there. She had a 50 pound bag of feed. It was pretty heavy, and I would grab a cupful of seed and fill it a few times a week. Then she died. For a while I still kept … Continue reading Cockroaches, though small in stature, have big dreams| Metallicman
This post is a little messed up. It was accidentally pre-released on 11 March 2025. I recovered it in it’s broken form, and then fluffed it out. Here it is. Up in it’s corrected manifestation. Intro notes. Note that I have been providing kitchen intel rather than meals as of late. This will change. I … Continue reading If Elvis wants to lay eggs, who am I to stop him?| Metallicman
It was Summer. I had gotten back from my freshman year at university, and I was working in the grocery store. Pretty much, for one reason or the other, it was basically myself and my mother and the other kids had their own lives in one form or the other. I’m sleeping and I hear … Continue reading The past holds lessons, but the present is where we live| 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
Here’s a story for you. I was taking care of my dying mother and needed to get some more chemical for the pool. So I drive to the local pool store. But the owner wasn’t in. Just his kid or a yound cousin. When I was accidentally given the wrong pool chemical by a dumb … Continue reading The best way to solve a problem is to laugh at it| Metallicman
Anyone who has ever had to mow grass know that there are many different kinds of grasses out there. And though the years, I have found my favorites and my not so favorite varieties. I tend to love long and tall grasses that grow for a few weeks making a nice thick and rich (moist) … Continue reading Even the smartest minds need a little help sometimes| 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
My brother used to sneak into my kid sisters room and try on her clothing. This constantly stretched her clothing, and they would eventually lose their elasticity. Oh, and my kid sister was always so furious about this. Now, I have no clue as to why he did this. maybe it might be a sexual … Continue reading The friendships you build along the way are the real treasures of life| Metallicman
LAGNAF in College. When I attended university, I used to hang out with various groups of friends. My core group was a group of fellow engineering students that shared many of the same courses that I was taking at the time. In their dorm room (normally festooned with think silk tapestries and other teenage clutter) … Continue reading Being a hench-animal is… kind of fun| Metallicman
Here’s a story from the 1960’s. I figure sometime around 1968 or so. My first wife; Cheri; was a Pennsylvania girl. Her folks came from the hills of Western Pennsylvania. They were all worker folk that hovered in the lower strata of the sociological-economic scale. And it was the 1960’s. With “big hair”, the television … Continue reading Maybe leave the map at home| Metallicman
People react differently to the death of a loved one. Some handle it really harshly, while others move on and stumble about. But my Step-mother; Karen and her reaction truly takes the cake. Karen, my step-mother, immediately started throwing out all of my father’s belongings within the first week of his death. By day three … Continue reading It’s important to appreciate the world as it is—and maybe leave the abstract interpretations for another day| Metallicman
MM loses his umbrella. I’ve got a bunch of them. Big ones. Small ones. Portable ones. Singular ones. Patterned ones, and old ones. New ones. Many are in my car trunk. But I have a bunch in storage and they tend to lie about the house all over the play. From the hallway to the … Continue reading It’s important to remember that not everything needs to be complicated—and sometimes, silence is golden| 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
My favorite shoes in the early 1970’s had these buckle sides. These were different from the lace-up shoes of the 1960’s that I always wore. Ugly damn things… Boy foot attire was shit during that period in time. So now we’ve got Crocs. Don’t think it’s much of an improvement. I think that I gotta … Continue reading While a little drama can be fun, it’s important to remember the line between fiction and reality| Metallicman
Here’s some memories of my mother’s, aunties, and grandmother’s sewing machines. They all had them. My Grandmothers machines were made in the 1920’s or so. My Mother’s and my aunties machines were all 1950 – 1960 machines. And I bought a 1980 era machine for my first wife. And that is all I have to … Continue reading Don’t you know that it’s important to think outside the box—and maybe avoid glowing pickles| Metallicman
I do love the color , shape and texture of various cuts of wood. It’s always been a pleasure to saw wood and smell the wonderful scents. And then to handle and hold wood has always been a pleasure. Whether it is a hardwood like Cherry, or a smooth wood like birch, I have always … Continue reading Honesty and quality are worth more than flashy promises| Metallicman
Here’s a story that I never tire about relating. My maternal grandmother had a stroke and was “not all together there”. But she lived alone and was living in her house. My aunties lived down the street from her, and would constantly check up on her a few times a day. Now, this story occurred … Continue reading The flashiest solutions aren’t the most effective| Metallicman
My father never allowed me near guns, and while he had a few pistols and rifles, he kept them locked up and shooed me away from them. So gun culture was not anything that I participated in growing up. Well, one day, my dog (a Siberian Husky that lived in the backyard) mauled up a … Continue reading The wobbliest of mysteries can lead to wisdom if you approach them with a curious mind and an open heart| 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
So, you know those old-school metal bread boxes you sometimes spot in vintage shops or your grandma’s kitchen? Yeah. My folks had one. It was beige and brown and had a floral design on the front. (Kind of matched the hamper with was a light green thing upstairs in the hallway.) Back in the 1960s, … Continue reading True wealth isn’t measured in gold or gadgets, but in the bonds we share with others| 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
Here’s a story about when I cobbled up a flashlight from a bunch of toys during a sudden blackout in the 1960’s. I didn’t think anything of it. Lights went out during a cold Winter storm, and we are stuck in the dark. No candles, or Coleman camping lanterns. So I had some toys, and … Continue reading Our past, no matter how painful, shapes who we are| Metallicman
There was a time when I was in third grade and I was exploring an abandoned, and run down wooden house at the end of town. It was covered in rambling feral flowers and vines. It was a great place to explore as a kid, whether a boy or a girl. As my sister and … Continue reading Greed and deception may lead to short-term gains, but they always come at a cost| Metallicman
Lighters. Oh, not the disposable kind. The metal kind. You see, the United States USED to have a “Lighter Culture”. This was at the time when everyone smoked cigarettes. And everyone carried their very on lighter. Perhaps you’ve seen them in smoking or cigarette shops; perhaps in old black and white movies, or in the … Continue reading Ambition is a wonderful thing, but it must be tempered with caution| Metallicman
Here’s a story of my early youth, when we (me and my friends) would play in the dirt displaced during construction in our apartment complex. I must have been around 4, perhaps 5 years old. There was some construction going on outside the apartment complex where we lived in Bridgeport, CT. And they had torn … Continue reading Addressing emotions is the key to harmony| 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
Back in the day, as a young boy, I (and my friends) would take long “hikes” along the rural train-tracks on the edge of the river, and throwing round beads into the water. These balls were all over the place. They were black and the size of marbles, and we often wondered what they were. … Continue reading Whether you’re a ware-rabbit, a cat, or a dog with a glowing green tail, the important thing is to embrace who you are—floppy ears and all| Metallicman
I well remember installing an FM converter to the AM car radio during 1976 / 1977. It was a “thing” back then. Oh sure, I had been listening to FM radio for nearly ten years by then, but when it came to being in a car, we had to deal with AM radio. KDKA was … Continue reading Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—but that’s where the fun begins| Metallicman
When I went on vacation to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, I was forced to use paper and coin currency again. And it felt really strange. It was such a novelty. My daughter was amazed about the cute little discs of metal. You know guys, I haven’t used a wallet for over a decade. Funny huh? … Continue reading Tractor Appreciation Day| Metallicman
I had a George Forman grill (My sister’s Christmas present to me) in Freshman year in college. Ugly ass thing. But I used it, and as a young man, I really needed it. A loaf of bread, a pack of cheese and some ham slices and I had an instant toasted sandwich. It was one … Continue reading It’s not the size of the horde that matters—it’s the size of the brain| Metallicman
In Arkansas jails you could buy checkers, dominoes, cards and chess. But in prison, all that you could do is play chess, or dominoes. Many inmates would make up their own games and play them; betting on the outcomes. Banned contraband such as drugs and cigarettes we often prizes as was food, tasks, chores, and … Continue reading True strength isn’t about flashy abilities—it’s about using them wisely| 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
MM has some dental issues. Have you ever had to go to the dentist? Well, that is my story for today. *Dental Woes*. Well for the last few months, I would periodically get these shooting pains that would hit me in the skull originating from above my jawline. And then the rest of the day, … Continue reading While predictions can be fun, they’re no substitute for living in the moment.| Metallicman
How are you all doing? How has this year been a treating you all? Are you coping well, fearful, apprehensive, hopeful or just treading water? Don’t let the media get you down, and don’t allow the apparent crazy-world around you upset you. The world is filled with good stuff. Of all sort. For me, it’s … Continue reading A little research can save a lot of trouble—and acorns| 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
My dogs liked to dig. I mean it, they loved the soil; the smell of the earth. And once they would dig a hole, they would crawl into it and hang out. We had a “doll house” a play house for my sister in the back yard that she (and myself) would play in. And … Continue reading Art may inspire imagination, but reality keeps ticking along| Metallicman
We had no idea how great our life was before the United States became a psychopathic shit-hoe. Here’s some meme’s to underline this truth. First one… Don’t be bitter, but do try to appreciate what we all have lost… Today… ** FLASH TRAFFIC ** URGENT** U.S. MAKES DIRECT NUCLEAR THREAT TO RUSSIA Hal Turner World … Continue reading A world where a rat’s gotta do what a rat’s gotta do| Metallicman
Today I want to say a few words about why there used to be glasses of water at dinner tables everywhere. Back in the day, meals were served with alcohol. Often in Europe, it was wine or beer. While in China, it’s hard alcohol. And this tradition of having glasses of water with a meal … Continue reading Beauty comes from within—even if you’re already dazzling| Metallicman
After I left the Navy, I worked in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a steel company. For a short period of time, I lived with my father’s mother; my paternal grandmother. She was very “old school”. She was a traditional woman. And I want to relate just one story of a memory that I have of her. And … Continue reading Not every X marks the spot—but teamwork does| Metallicman
Back in the day, my brother stumbled upon a 1920’s “piggy bank”. Only this bank was painted cast iron. It was a pretty unique item. He “found it” inside a locked credenza that was “protected” under a huge oil stained canvas tarp covered with all sorts of misc junk, in a dark alcove in the … Continue reading Even straw brains deserve respect—if only to avoid trouble| 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
The 1970’s was a time of many things. We had The Monkeys, and we had “Pet Rocks”. We had “Channel 53” (well, in Pittsburgh) which gave us “Benny Hill”, and Belly Dancing at 8pm. We had Pinto’s, and Vega’s, as well as muscle cars that were REALLY fun to drive. And we also had “Shag … Continue reading Winning isn’t everything—especially if you’re not even racing| Metallicman
We used to use a Triangle can opener. Back in the day, the use of triangle can openers were being displaced by pop-top pull tabs. And for a brief wile (when I started drinking) the both existed side by side. Do you remember these things? They would often leave this triangle shaped hole in the … Continue reading Even dragons have room to learn new tricks| Metallicman
There was a place at the edge of the small town where I grew up in Western Pennsylvania; East Brady. This was tucked between the river, and the local train tracks. It was off a side (dirt road) from the High School Foot Ball field. It was called… “Bums Hollow”. Back in the 1920’s and … Continue reading Sweet rewards often come with sticky consequences| Metallicman
When we (myself and my first wife) were “wandering” in the wilderness trying to “find our place” in life and society, and before we found training at China Lake NWC… we learned a lot of “shortcuts” on how to shower, cook and survive without the modern necessities that we take for granted in our households. … Continue reading Sometimes, direction is more important than determination| Metallicman
Does anyone still darn socks? Or underwear? Honestly, when holes start forming in my undergarments, we toss them out. I don’t know how many that I threw out. I mean, the tropics are hard on clothes. But darning… nah. Only for coats and valuable jackets and pants. When it comes to underwear toss those rags … Continue reading Creativity is wonderful—but don’t let it disrupt the daily grind| Metallicman
I used to take guitar lessons. I was terrible at it. The reason was practice. I simply wasn’t able to practice without a relentless stream of insults and disruptions from my sister.I would try practicing and she would make such a racket of insults, and slamming and turn up television and radios so loudly, all … Continue reading Balance is important—but so is knowing your limits| 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
I think all of us have skills and abilities. I have some. You have some. Even the stranger on the street has some. I am an absolute expert in sleeping and eating. I am really good doing those things. Oh, don’t give me that “Oh, everyone can do this.” When my mother had cancer, she … Continue reading Procrastination may be tempting, but progress is far more satisfying| Metallicman
When I was training at China Lake Naval Weapons Center, I interacted with many other people. All were associated with the Navy and various confidential projects. From janitors to executives and everything in between, there’s a lot of different people on these bases. One of the gals that worked in one of our shared offices … Continue reading Sometimes, the strangest things can lead us to the deepest truths| Metallicman
I don’t recall the Domain Commander telling me that he / it said something to me. But he / it says that he did. Is the DC lying, or are my memories faulty? This is what I want to talk about today. … What the heck is going on? Is he/it playing with me, or … Continue reading The simplest solutions are the best| Metallicman
Today, MM went down. People logging onto the site saw this message; Well, this is what I saw from the backend… So, I believe that either the site is being overwhelmed, or that there is a problem with the hosting servers; Bluehost. Ok. It’s 10:30pm at night and I am back from a heavy banquet … Continue reading There’s always something to learn—if only we take the time to look| Metallicman
I used to occupy my time during my (our) van days. This was the period in time when my (first) wife and I were traveling the nation looking for work. And I would immerse myself in mental pursuits during the long waits between jobs and income. I would draw, compose stories and poems, and work … Continue reading We are stronger together than we are apart| Metallicman
Wow. Things are changing so fast. We have Geo-political landscapes changing and the demise of the American-led world order. We have massive breakthroughs in technology, and a changing warfare landscape. We have a complete breakdown of WHAT WAS, and the emergence of WHAT WILL BE. It’s all pretty amazing. AI… Artificial Intelligence. Robots. Green energy. … Continue reading Perhaps the shoe was never the problem| Metallicman
Let me tell youse guys how the Chinese eat noodles. Firstly, there are many kinds of noodles in China. As well as so many different ways to make them. And today, I really am just going to talk (write) about “making a quick noodle meal” by Chinese people in China. Oh, and no, I’m not … Continue reading The bamboo was safe, the farm was at peace, and all was right in the world| Metallicman
Today I want to introduce you all to some AI resources. In this post, I’m going to introduce you to a collection of easy-to-use, budget-friendly (or even free!) AI resources that can help you streamline your workflow, spark creativity, and solve everyday challenges. From generating ideas to automating tedious tasks, these tools are designed to … Continue reading While it’s important to ponder life’s big questions, it’s equally important not to forget the little things—like feeding...| Metallicman
Life gettin’ you down? Ya. You gotta have the rain to appreciate the sun. And you know, as long as the rain is hard, and long… the Spring will be glorious. Keep your eyes on the sunshine around the corner. Here’s some blues for today… POPA CHUBBY – “LITTLE WING” What can Porsche do to … Continue reading Sometimes, the most unexpected solutions come from the unlikeliest of places| Metallicman
Today, I want to talk a little bit about my vacation to Kuala Lumpur. First off… I needed it. We all need to shake up our life, regardless of the cost. And so to keep costs down, we spent a month on vacation. It’s counter intuitive, but the trip for one month was cheaper than … Continue reading Life is about balance, not endless repetition| Metallicman
Maybe you have skimmed though the MM dailies… (Erm. My “daily posts”). And not paid much attention to the nuances of the messages presented. That’s fine. That’s cool. But you should of, by now, noticed my “Sir Whiskerton” stories. This has become an artistic passion of mine and I use this venue, in a comedic … Continue reading The world needs more laughter. And more pigs in comedy| Metallicman
I have continued my experimentation on the AI image generations. I have injected some modifications onto the text prompts and the results are quite interesting. I believe the key phrase was “with pleasures”. This made the art quite unique and attractive. I injected a “creative” element in the prompt as well. Please enjoy today’s presentation… … Continue reading sometimes, the best thing to do is know when to walk away. Or, in our case, run| Metallicman
I have been playing around with a new AI image generation tool called XDSL 1.0. It is similar to AlbedoBase XL, but has really nice colors and superior human anatomy presentations. Today, I wish to present some of my latest works using this new platform. Please tell me what you think. ? Today… DJI’s drone-in-a-box … Continue reading Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination| Metallicman
I used to chew tobacco. But stopped. I also used to chew chewing gum. But I stopped. Too sweet. I used to chew on tree bark. Usually birch. But stopped when I no longer hiked in birch woods. I always did like to chew on bones; particularly pork chop bones and T-steak bones. But haven’t … Continue reading Greed and trickery will always lead to embarrassment. And while it’s fine to dream big, it’s better to do so with honesty and integrity| Metallicman
I like statues. They have weight, and they grow significance though association. Today, I want to present some small statues that can serve as a nice gift to those who appreciate art and passion. Today… What is the scariest gut feeling you had about someone that came true? My brother always said “trust your dog … Continue reading Sometimes, the biggest mysteries have the simplest explanations| Metallicman