Month: June 2023

Griz Tales – Karma being repaid?

Griz

Gather around, it is time for another Tale from Griz.

It is no secret that in my youth I was a .. well had times where I was a pain in the ass. There are many things that I need to do better to shift the karmic balance. I may be getting to a neutral point by now, or maybe even positive.

In March of ’92, I was about to become a father. Wife 1.0 was a week or so from her due date and I was going fishing. Well, she was not going to be left behind, so she was coming along and she new the path to the fishing spot better than I so I (dumbly) trusted that she knew what she was getting herself into. There are a couple of tricky spots on the way down the embankment to reach the ledge were we fished.

As I will still on the fairly easy stretch, my bad (actually both knees are bad, so it was the worst of the two knees) buckled. The path was somewhat wet, so I lost traction in the process and cartwheeled into a full mad scramble tumble down a cliff. I was clawing at the air and branches trying to find a way, any way to slow my descent. In the fall, I landed on a large branch. The crease as the bottom of my butt cheeks where the back of the leg begins hit and my spine became a spring to launch me out into the river. This sounds bad, but it allowed me to not land on the rocks and since the river was up, I splashed down.

This is the North Fork of the Lewis River, which for the non-locals, this is run off from Mt St Helens. This water runs cold year round. In fact I scuba dive a few hundred meters upstream form where I plunged. Much of my gear is think for arctic use and I still have a hard time doing two tank dives due to the cold. I just do one tank, sit for an hour to warm up, then the second tank. As to the actual temp at the time, I do not know. In the peak of summer the water runs 71-77 degrees. in the winter, BRRRR!

As I broke surface, I could hear something tumbling down after me. Being concerned that it was wife 1.0 I yelled out that I was okay. Thankfully our dog had lunged out as if to safe me, causing my ex to have to grab her, reminding her that she was in no condition to come down after me.

I had set out to quit smoking when I got done with my pack and a half were gone. As I exited the water, I knew that my open pack was flooded. My sealed pack, if it were wet too, would be replaced. This was the biggest scare I had had in quite a while. There was more clattering. It was just my tackle box, which I was able to save from going over the ledge and into the drink. I got all the way out of the water, and found that the sealed pack was almost completely dry. That cigarette tasted fuckin’ good. It was hard to keep it dry as I dripped everywhere and my fingers would keep getting wet.

I yelled up that there wasn’t much reason to come, as I didn’t see any fish while I was under. Yes, humor has been a stress defense as far back as I remember.

I packed up my stuff, took a quick physical assessment of myself. I was battered, bruised, had split nails from clawing at branches, and suspected that I could go shocky if I did not tend to myself.

I climbed back up to the top of the cliff and met back up with the worried ex-wife and dog.

We went back home and got me undressed to find out what the damages were. I was limping badly and cold. A hot shower helped, but the pain in the foot was not great, but I had to work that night.

When I got up for work, I was pretty stiff and the right foot was still trashed. My Ex went in with me to work. I got my tasks complete then decided to head to the VA hospital.

I had never gone to the VA for care before. I saw my service connected injury as the source of why I was in this predicament. When we got to the hospital, the nurse did not know which one of us was the patient; The hobbling guy, or the beach ball with arms and feet. (she has said this before, so I do not think that I will in trouble for saying it as well)

They took me in for x-rays and ex-mrs pushed me in my wheelchair around the floor while we waiting for news. it must have been amusing. I am 6-2 and (at the time) 260 pounds, being pushed by a 5′-.25″ Low 100s woman.

They let me know that there was a fracture in the foot. The specific bone, if broken in one direction is just a cast job to fix, but in the other direction, it would require surgery. They would have to wait until morning for the specialist to arrive to find out. You know, we were in a damn hospital, how can there not be a F’n book to tell which way was which?

I got “lucky” it was just a cast. I told the guy that was about to put the cast on that I had my open water for scuba diving in a week or two. He could have gone with a fiberglass cast so I could dive, but he opted for a plaster cast. shiiiiiit. grounded from the water!

It was nearly mid-morning so I called the office to let my boss know what had happened and the outcome. I needed to go into the office for some reason. I parked in a nearby garage and crutched to and fro. Due to my crutch time in the army, I was very well experienced in getting around on them. It was tiring though. When we went to head home, wife 1.0 went up to get the car and bring it down to get me.

At the time, I had a Dodge Aries that HATED my ex. It could commonly not start for her. She came back down in a bit of a panic. Not only had the car not started for her, but she drifted out of the parking stall and was blocking the path out and cars were waiting.

I “scrambled” well as much of a scramble as a temporary gimp (I can use the term for myself) can muster up. I too was unable to get the car to start. It was flooded and cars were backing up. So, we had to push it back up into the stall. Like most public garages, it was uphill into the slot.

So, being the bigger, and stronger (but be-crutched) male will push while the very short, and about to pop pregnant lady to steer the car back into place.

One would expect that one of the many impatient drivers would come to the assistance, if for nothing else but to expedite their exit form the garage. After all, the longer it takes, the more that they are charged at the gate.

Sadly, there was no assistance offered.

It really dampened my outlook on people outside my circle for a number of years. I really worked on sending better energy to the world and beyond. The man I am today is vastly different than who I was then. Then… I believe that I was still just a man-boy, just an apprentice to my current day self.

Never give up on people, but be selective of who you share yourself with. You time and energy is worth more that you likely believe.

Why is it that most only look to the jews killed by Hitler?

Griz

During Adolf Hitler’s regime in Nazi Germany, millions of people were targeted and killed as part of the Holocaust and other systematic campaigns of persecution. The breakdown of groups targeted by Hitler can be summarized as follows:

Jews: The Jewish population was the primary target of Hitler’s genocidal policies. Approximately six million Jews, including men, women, and children, were systematically murdered in what is known as the Holocaust.

Romani People: The Romani people, also known as Roma or Gypsies, were subjected to persecution and mass killings. Estimates of Romani deaths during the Holocaust range from 220,000 to 1.5 million.

Disabled Individuals: Under Hitler’s Aktion T4 program, disabled individuals, including those with physical and mental disabilities, were targeted for extermination. It is estimated that tens of thousands of disabled individuals were killed.

Political Dissidents: Hitler’s regime targeted political opponents, including communists, socialists, trade unionists, and other dissidents. Many were imprisoned, executed, or subjected to forced labor.

Homosexuals: Homosexual men were persecuted and imprisoned under Nazi rule. It is estimated that thousands were sent to concentration camps, where they faced harsh conditions and often died.

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious group were targeted because they refused to pledge allegiance to the Nazi regime or participate in its activities. Many were imprisoned and subjected to persecution, and an estimated 2,500 were killed.

Slavic Peoples: Hitler’s ideology considered Slavic peoples, such as Poles, Russians, and others, as racially inferior. Millions of Slavs were killed or died as a result of forced labor, starvation, and other brutal conditions.

Other Minority Groups: Various other minority groups, including black people, ethnic minorities, and people deemed socially undesirable, were persecuted, subjected to forced sterilization, and killed.

It is important to note that these numbers are estimates, as accurate records were not always maintained by the Nazi regime. The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., provides detailed information and resources for further study on this topic.

Why is merging so hard for the current drivers on the road?

Griz

This is a flat out rip of another website. I do encourage you to check them out and perhaps click on their links to show your appreciation. I am only reposting it for public education with proper attribution.

This is their link: https://keyw.com/on-ramp-merge-rules-washington-state/

Have you ever been driving on the freeway and come up to an on-ramp only to find that there’s a line of cars trying to merge? Do you know what to do?

Who’s Got The Right-Of-Way When Merging In Washington State?

In Washington State, there’s actually a law that dictates who has the right of way in this situation. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we explore the battle of the on-ramps!

Thanks to our friends at the California Highway Patrol, they’ve made a handy worksheet that breaks down how to merge onto the freeway.

If you have ever been on the Lewis Street on-ramp in Pasco and you are one of those people that merge like a turtle need, pay close attention below:

facebook/CHP
facebook/CHP

So how does merging work?

Here are a few examples:

The RED car is entering a freeway from a side street. If you are driving that RED car, you have the following responsibilities;

1. Use the long onramp and acceleration lane to ACCELERATE to freeway speeds. If you try to enter the freeway at much slower speeds, you will do nothing but cause a problem.
2. USE your left turn signal. Remember, a signal doesn’t automatically give you the right to change lanes. You have to do so safely. DO NOT cut across all lanes to the left lane.
3. You do NOT have the right of way. Plan accordingly and begin making your plan as you start onto the ramp, not when you reach the end.
4. If you still run out of space and haven’t merged, pull over to the shoulder and wait for traffic to clear, then speed up on the shoulder and merge. DO NOT try to force your way on the freeway. (if you follow #3 and plan ahead, this won’t happen)

The GREEN car is already on the freeway, driving in the #2 lane. If you are driving the GREEN car, you have the following responsibilities;

1. MAINTAIN your speed so the red car can plan for you.
2. You may change lanes to the #1 lane if safe to avoid the situation or you may slow down to allow the red car to merge in front of you.

If you are in the #1 lane, DO NOT change lanes into the #2 while vehicles are merging. Wait until they have merged, then you may change lanes for a future exit.

So there you have it:

The next time you’re caught in a merge situation on I-5 or I-82, take a deep breath and remember these simple rules.

By following them, you can help keep traffic flowing smoothly and avoid being that person who causes everyone else to brake suddenly.

The Atrocities Perpetrated by China: A Century of Human Rights Abuses

Griz

Over the past century, China has witnessed a series of atrocities that have left an indelible mark on its history and the lives of its people. From political purges to mass killings, human rights abuses in China have spanned decades, calling into question the country’s commitment to fundamental freedoms and international norms. This essay examines some of the major atrocities perpetrated by China over the last one hundred years, shedding light on the need for accountability and a renewed commitment to human rights.

  1. The Chinese Civil War and Great Leap Forward: The Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) was marked by widespread violence and atrocities committed by both the Communist Party and the Nationalist Party. The Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, emerged victorious, but it set the stage for future human rights abuses. The Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) witnessed the forced collectivization of agriculture, resulting in a man-made famine that claimed the lives of millions due to starvation, execution, and torture.
  2. Cultural Revolution: One of the most infamous periods in Chinese history is the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). Orchestrated by Mao Zedong, it was a social and political movement characterized by mass persecution, violence, and suppression of dissent. Intellectuals, artists, and political rivals were purged, leading to countless deaths, forced labor, and the destruction of cultural artifacts.
  3. Tiananmen Square Massacre: In June 1989, the Chinese government’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square shocked the world. Thousands of unarmed protesters, mainly students, were killed or injured when the military was deployed to suppress the peaceful protests. The Chinese government’s censorship and suppression of information regarding this event continue to this day.
  4. Persecution of Ethnic Minorities: The Chinese government’s treatment of ethnic minorities, particularly the Uighur Muslim population in Xinjiang, has raised significant concerns in recent years. Reports of mass internment, forced labor, cultural assimilation, and religious repression have shed light on systematic human rights abuses, with estimates suggesting that over a million Uighurs have been detained in camps.
  5. Suppression of Dissent and Freedom of Speech: China’s track record on freedom of speech and suppression of dissent is well-documented. The government’s strict censorship, internet surveillance, and control over media outlets limit the ability of citizens to express their opinions freely. Human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists face harassment, imprisonment, and forced disappearances for challenging the status quo.

The atrocities perpetrated by China over the last century are a stark reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and promoting accountability. From the Chinese Civil War to the present-day repression of ethnic minorities, the country has experienced a tumultuous history marred by violence, suppression, and disregard for fundamental freedoms. It is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and hold China accountable for its human rights abuses, while also working towards constructive dialogue and engagement to foster positive change. Only through a concerted effort to address these atrocities can China begin to restore its reputation and create a future that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens.

Decline in driving skills

Griz

As I do all of the errands for the household I spend a fair amount of time behind the wheel. With 30+ years of driving experience including some time holding a CDL, I have seen some miles.

Over the last few years, I have noticed a tremendous drop in a) driving skills and b)good natured drivers.

Some blame the pandemic, but this goes before the pandemic. I will say that it has gotten much worse since then though.

As the millennials took to the road there seemed to be a certain entitlement that was introduced.

People have last the desire or ability to maintain their lane in a turn. Taking the next lane over is chronic, enough so that nobody can trust them to turn at the same time when there are two lanes.

Drivers are having issues trying to maintain an arc so that they end up either driving over the oncoming turn lane, or they drive almost at a diagonal having to cut hard left to complete the turn without wiping out into the curb.

Granted I am in Washington and our legislature has gutted the law enforcement community so that they can barely police the community. The drive appear to be leveraging that to their advantage and it is bleeding over into general lawlessness.

I used to love getting out and driving. Now… I am an emotionally controlled violent man. I am quite patient, but let’s get this straight, I value animal life far more than human life. So… if you succeed in really pushing my button enough to snap, my veteran ass will likely not feel guilt for killing you. Accidents happen… I will not intend to go that far, but when I red-out, shit happens.

I also view road-rage as a social correction.

Tales from Griz

Griz

Gather round lil chillin’s and let GrrrPa Griz tell you a tale.

Perhaps it is a dream, or perhaps it is just a tale of caution, I will let you decide. One never knows how statutes of limitations may or may not apply.

A long long time ago and state, far away, a man went out to the pub and had too much to drink. He was homeless and also without a car. Though in that state of inebriation the lack of a car was best. One of the other folks in the pub was passing within a couple of miles where the man was camping so he gave the man a lift.

A couple of miles to stagger in the middle of the night… When he came across a full size steamroller for a road project. The drums were about six feet tall a full lane wide. Drunken curiosity got the better of him. He mounted the steamroller. Well, let’s let it be known that they were not well protected form unauthorized use, it was after all a different time. Just a key in the ignition and all inhibitions (and common sense) were long gone. She fired right up.

The transmission was simple, a lever on the column; forward, neutral, and reverse. She went forward nice and easy. However, the drums were empty so they were LOUD. Brum-de-clang-bang! down the road he went, slow but easy.

Now being the middle of the night far off form street lights, it was easy to see when a car was coming. The glow would come up on the horizon and in the treetops. Well, that was the signal! Toss her in neutral and jump down then into the bushes… after all it could be the county police, or state park police making their rounds. Who wants to get caught for a DUI on a stollen steam roller?

Okay, the coast was clear, just a car. This happened several times.

One of the jaunts off of the steamroller the guy got a shock going over the fence. no really, it was an electric fence! That made it a little more challenging getting back to the idling steamroller. After some attempts at thought the path to clear the fence was worked out.

Back in the saddle, the steamroller continued brum-de-clang-banging down the road. That was, until it came to the top of a moderate hill that from experience driving this road he knew was a somewhat winding road as well. Not doing to try taking the roller down, was there even a brake? who knows/remembers?

That steamroller was left idling at the top of the hill. Time to wander down the hill, just about half way back to camp.

At some point our drink-dumb wandering did another stupid thing. He lay down on the double yellow lines to take a quick cat-nap. Caring not if one of the many cars known to fly up and down this hill were to come along.

Lucky for the tard muffin, a driver came along and checked on him and offered him a ride to where the road came to a T. To the point where, if you know where to look, there was a path to a little camp with two tents housing all of the possessions that he owned.

By the miracles of the tress and nature surrounding this foolish and drunken man, he made it back to camp safely. A question lingered in his mind. Why did the good Samaritan not mention the steam roller that he HAD to pass at the top of the hill? More than likely, it was the stink of the alcohol that connected the dots.

Sometimes, you have to be thankful (extremely thankful) that you survived the utterly stupid things that you may do in your youth.

Interesting stats

Griz

I was just looking at where my connections come from.

It is interesting that by far most of my connections are from China.

Helllo China!!

I love your county and people, but despise your government. I hope that you can regain control of your government and make it a less dishonest and deceitful pile of crap.

China’s people deserve better and should prosper without the oppression that they endure.

A Moment For The Country’s Greatest* President

Griz

In today’s installment of “Let’s get some shit straight” we will discuss the Greatest* American President.

It has been quite a week for the Orangatard, err former President T-Rump. His lawyers failed to convince the DOJ to not prosecute their client.

When that failed, Cheeto-Von-Tweeto took to his private social media club to try to sway the narrative that he is an innocent man. While yes, innocent until proven guilty. We have heard the tape and we know better. If he comes away from this without any criminal convictions, it will prove that the justice system is broken and that there truly are two levels of justice in our nation. (Now, I have previously discussed the likelihood of any convictions and why those chances are slim while his cult is alive and well) [article link]

Now let’s get to that big ole asterisk attached to the word greatest, shall we?

That are aspects of Cadet Bonespurs are a moments of greatness:

Greatest at being impeached – 2 times in the same term, double that of any other president

Greatest at being sued – While this number is still rising, it is currently 134 lawsuits. This is nearly three times what #2, 3, and 4 have combined (Obama, George W. Bush, and Clinton).

Greatest at mishandling classified documents entrusted to him – 37 counts related to his being fucking willfully incompetent and possibly selling out our trust.

Greatest violator of his oath – He continually abused the office for bilking the US taxpayers. From making the Secret Service pay elevated rates in his hotels, to installing a helipad at at least one of his businesses. The list of his schemes is too lengthy to go into as a bullet point.

Greatest leader of a murderous nation – The murder rate rose with the highest rate of increase in US history. (Aggravated assaults spiked drastically as well) This as on his inauguration when claimed that “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now”.

Greatest guardian of corporate profit – He loves to help the corporations and screw the little guy.

I will not mourn or miss him in the least when he is gone. I will however be thankful at his passing. Not enjoying his loss of life, but celebrating that his time of causing harm to our nation and potentially the world will be over. Form that point it will be getting his cult followers in check.