It looks like NAFTA is on the ropes. Not only that, but also the trading relationships with the European Union.
What to make of that?
It seems to me to be an extension of the coup against Trump. Evidently, these other countries believe that by abandoning agreements that they can cause Trump to have political problems. Note that Trump hasn't abandoned the agreements, these other countries have. All Trump has sought was to renegotiate the agreements so as to make them more equitable towards this country. If the other countries will not negotiate, what choice does Trump have?
Indeed. It is almost as if these other countries want to dictate our internal policies. All the more reason to stand firm.
I believe that Trump will stand firm. What I don't know is how the public will respond.
It would seem that instead of hinting darkly at future wars, the Europeans would seriously consider renegotiating the trade agreements. Their attitude seems very unreasonable.
As for our own country, would it not be best to reconsider the path that we have been on for all these years? Our culture has gone down the tubes, and these trade agreements may well be a part of that. Our country's existence should not be taken for granted. This current path is likely to lead to a total disintegration of our culture. The implications of that should not be underestimated. Nothing would be sacred if the culture falls apart. Note how sacred institutions seem to be falling by the wayside. Extrapolate that out to everything, and try to imagine what that would mean.
If separation is inevitable, then so be it. But it would be better if things were worked out. Let's hope that they return to negotiations.
Al Fin: "Cowboy Commentary", aka "Eat your veggies" The Flag banner is posted in order to defy those who would make patriotic symbols illegal or disreputable.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Why Mueller's appointment was Illegal
Can't they just get rid of this jerk?
3 Reasons Rosenstein’s Special Counsel Appointment Was Illegal https://t.co/kUQhqJW4n7— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) May 31, 2018
Sketchup
A few years ago, I bought a pdf on how to build a cabin. It was from a guy whose handle was "Solarcabin". Lemar Alexander, I think what his name is.
Anyway, he suggested using a software tool called Sketchup. Well, I just tried it after all these years and I don't find it to be useful at all. Maybe other people find it useful, but this thing just frustrates the hell out of me.
A piece of paper and a pencil is much better.
By the way, the reason I wanted to use the program was to make drawings that look better than my own. I'm not going to commercialize this anyway, so why bother?
The drawings I had in mind were some ideas for making my dwelling out West.
Anyway, forget about Sketchup. I'm not going to use this pos.
Anyway, he suggested using a software tool called Sketchup. Well, I just tried it after all these years and I don't find it to be useful at all. Maybe other people find it useful, but this thing just frustrates the hell out of me.
A piece of paper and a pencil is much better.
By the way, the reason I wanted to use the program was to make drawings that look better than my own. I'm not going to commercialize this anyway, so why bother?
The drawings I had in mind were some ideas for making my dwelling out West.
Anyway, forget about Sketchup. I'm not going to use this pos.
The times are a changing
Rather than get bogged down in the news of the day, let's take a step back and view the whole scene.
Doesn't it appear that something big is happening? Perhaps it was happening all along, but now it is coming to the surface.
That something was some sort of intentional plot to undermine this country and turn it into something old timers would not recognize.
I became suspicious about the intentions of the ruling class a long time ago. Someone in the Clinton Administration said the USA wouldn't exist at some point in the future. To me, this seemed like an unintentional tell of what was going on.
The Globalist project is what I am talking about. Well, this Globalist project seems to be running into some real resistance from those who voted for Trump. Thus, Trump is an agent of change. Those who seek to remove him from office are those who want to keep the destruction of this country on track.
What comes out the other side of this struggle is the change that is on the way. Either the Globalists succeed in deposing Trump, or they don't. Either Trump succeeds in restoring a sense of national purpose, or he doesn't. It is a struggle that will determine the future of this country. At the moment, it is hard to say who is going to win this struggle, but one thing is certain: the GOP is not going to be the same as before. Those who want to restore the GOP to the same role as before seem to be fading away.
Note also that they are going after Trump's son. Trump's son could be the heir of his father's victory, and carry own his father's work. For it would seem that Trump would probably not be able to fully get the job done by the end of a second term. There is a lot to do in order to rebuild the country. It may take two eight year terms in order to do it.
If Trump fails, it will be the last chance to stop the Globalists. They were so close to final victory. That is why the defeat of Hillary was so bitter for them. The final outcome is still in doubt. But I think the Globalists are going to lose.
Doesn't it appear that something big is happening? Perhaps it was happening all along, but now it is coming to the surface.
That something was some sort of intentional plot to undermine this country and turn it into something old timers would not recognize.
I became suspicious about the intentions of the ruling class a long time ago. Someone in the Clinton Administration said the USA wouldn't exist at some point in the future. To me, this seemed like an unintentional tell of what was going on.
The Globalist project is what I am talking about. Well, this Globalist project seems to be running into some real resistance from those who voted for Trump. Thus, Trump is an agent of change. Those who seek to remove him from office are those who want to keep the destruction of this country on track.
What comes out the other side of this struggle is the change that is on the way. Either the Globalists succeed in deposing Trump, or they don't. Either Trump succeeds in restoring a sense of national purpose, or he doesn't. It is a struggle that will determine the future of this country. At the moment, it is hard to say who is going to win this struggle, but one thing is certain: the GOP is not going to be the same as before. Those who want to restore the GOP to the same role as before seem to be fading away.
Note also that they are going after Trump's son. Trump's son could be the heir of his father's victory, and carry own his father's work. For it would seem that Trump would probably not be able to fully get the job done by the end of a second term. There is a lot to do in order to rebuild the country. It may take two eight year terms in order to do it.
If Trump fails, it will be the last chance to stop the Globalists. They were so close to final victory. That is why the defeat of Hillary was so bitter for them. The final outcome is still in doubt. But I think the Globalists are going to lose.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Building advice from an old pro
Prev Next
This post will go into the Construction sub-series of the off-the-grid main series of posts. These posts can be accessed from a table of contents and read individually or in series from beginning to end.
Originally posted 12.2.17, updated on,
5.30.18:
At the rate I am going, this will take years and years. After reading the below, and reading some stuff online, I am not getting any closer to a system that I like.
I want something simple that I can construct myself. Alone, if necessary.
That would seem to be something like I have already done. But, if I do that, I run the risk of failure, unless I do a few things differently.
To break this down to a manageable size, I figured on doing it in 8x8 foot sections. In order to expand to something larger, just add another 8x8 section. If I had 3 of them, end to end, that would given me an 8x24 foot cabin. It doesn't seem so hard then, I should hope.
I like the footer idea, but I want to try a modification upon the idea. The modification idea would be to drill using an auger bit on an electric drill. Frame out a square area around the holes. Drop a rebar down the hole, and attach the rebar to wire screen inside the frame. Pour out the concrete, giving a footer pad. Then build on top of that.
The tricky thing is the details of how it all fits together. Also, need to keep it simple. I figure using a 2x4x8 board as a measuring stick between the posts. The center of the 4x4 post will be drilled so that the rebar will bit into it. Measure out using the 2x4 from each post to where the next post will be.
It is very tricky to get these dimensions right so that there isn't any cutting necessary. That entails using a method of setting the footers so that the center rebar isn't necessarily 8 feet apart. Have to remember that a roof has to go on top. The roof needs to cover everything, and what I see is also available in 8 foot sections. If it is too big, the roof won't cover it all. There is wiggle room to the sides, but not to the length of the thing.
Perhaps I could practice it around here so that I can feel confident that it will work as I envision.
The foundation has to be right, or the rest won't work, or not fit right without a lot of cutting.
I'd like to use sliding doors, because I made a few of these before. There would be one on each side, so that each new addition will have another entry point. Screen doors on the outside of these, so as to allow the doors to be open, while screening off the bugs.
Shiny metal on the roof, if I can find it. Always looking to keep things cooled down as much as possible.
Considered glass, but this plan doesn't include any. Sliding panels for any side to side additions may be considered later.
That is all for now.
12.4.17:
Even though I have ruled out Quonsets, a final decision on what to do has not been made. Now, I get to cogitate further on the possibilities.
The newest point of indecision is whether or not to build the structure mentioned originally on this post, or to just build a carport like structure that will allow me to park the trailer under it.
It will need to be bigger than 10x20 feet. Maybe 10x30 or 10x40. It will need to be expandable on the sides so that it will have a sufficient overhang. The sun cannot be allowed to touch the walls of the living quarters. That is what I don't like about putting walls up.
Ten feet is more width than the trailer has, but isn't enough for an overhang. It will have to be extended at least 3 feet on each side. Since the trailer is 8 feet wide, that means it must be 14 feet counting the overhang.
Two feet on each side would be enough. That brings it up to 14 feet total. I would guess that the overhang would have to be reinforced in order to be structurally sound.
The eight feet in height needs to be changed to about eleven. What that entails is another question.
More study is needed.
Before I end this post, I noticed a concrete breaking tool more powerful than a jackhammer. A way to save labor is something I may want to consider.
Not to mention that it may also be useful in digging a hole for holding tank. Perhaps I shouldn't give up on a holding tank as opposed to a septic tank. If I can still get the incinerating toilet, that is.
All of this could add up to savings, which in my financial position, could be attractive.
The original post follows:
One of my older brothers has built many a house. So, why not listen to his advice on what to build out there? So, I went over his place earlier this week, and we talked it over.
I bounced some ideas off him, and he knocked 'em down. One idea that he approved was to use concrete footers for foundations. This would require an 18" deep hole be dug out, which will in turn require a jackhammer to loosen up the soil in there, so that a hole can be dug. Six of these footers would support a 10x20 foot structure in lieu of a concrete foundation. A concrete foundation was his first choice, but not mine. He did say that this idea should be sufficient for a structure that could last 25 years. Good 'nuff fer me.
How big were the footers? I think two foot square. A cylindrical pier can be poured on top of it. The pier will support a 4x4 pillar on to which will be built everything else. That means the floor and the roof.
The materials may go for less than 3k. It is conceivable that I could build the thing myself.
Anyway, it is a plan that could work. However, it may need some refinements.
The bottom line is that the Quonsets are out.
This post will go into the Construction sub-series of the off-the-grid main series of posts. These posts can be accessed from a table of contents and read individually or in series from beginning to end.
Originally posted 12.2.17, updated on,
5.30.18:
At the rate I am going, this will take years and years. After reading the below, and reading some stuff online, I am not getting any closer to a system that I like.
I want something simple that I can construct myself. Alone, if necessary.
That would seem to be something like I have already done. But, if I do that, I run the risk of failure, unless I do a few things differently.
To break this down to a manageable size, I figured on doing it in 8x8 foot sections. In order to expand to something larger, just add another 8x8 section. If I had 3 of them, end to end, that would given me an 8x24 foot cabin. It doesn't seem so hard then, I should hope.
I like the footer idea, but I want to try a modification upon the idea. The modification idea would be to drill using an auger bit on an electric drill. Frame out a square area around the holes. Drop a rebar down the hole, and attach the rebar to wire screen inside the frame. Pour out the concrete, giving a footer pad. Then build on top of that.
The tricky thing is the details of how it all fits together. Also, need to keep it simple. I figure using a 2x4x8 board as a measuring stick between the posts. The center of the 4x4 post will be drilled so that the rebar will bit into it. Measure out using the 2x4 from each post to where the next post will be.
It is very tricky to get these dimensions right so that there isn't any cutting necessary. That entails using a method of setting the footers so that the center rebar isn't necessarily 8 feet apart. Have to remember that a roof has to go on top. The roof needs to cover everything, and what I see is also available in 8 foot sections. If it is too big, the roof won't cover it all. There is wiggle room to the sides, but not to the length of the thing.
Perhaps I could practice it around here so that I can feel confident that it will work as I envision.
The foundation has to be right, or the rest won't work, or not fit right without a lot of cutting.
I'd like to use sliding doors, because I made a few of these before. There would be one on each side, so that each new addition will have another entry point. Screen doors on the outside of these, so as to allow the doors to be open, while screening off the bugs.
Shiny metal on the roof, if I can find it. Always looking to keep things cooled down as much as possible.
Considered glass, but this plan doesn't include any. Sliding panels for any side to side additions may be considered later.
That is all for now.
12.4.17:
Even though I have ruled out Quonsets, a final decision on what to do has not been made. Now, I get to cogitate further on the possibilities.
The newest point of indecision is whether or not to build the structure mentioned originally on this post, or to just build a carport like structure that will allow me to park the trailer under it.
It will need to be bigger than 10x20 feet. Maybe 10x30 or 10x40. It will need to be expandable on the sides so that it will have a sufficient overhang. The sun cannot be allowed to touch the walls of the living quarters. That is what I don't like about putting walls up.
Ten feet is more width than the trailer has, but isn't enough for an overhang. It will have to be extended at least 3 feet on each side. Since the trailer is 8 feet wide, that means it must be 14 feet counting the overhang.
Two feet on each side would be enough. That brings it up to 14 feet total. I would guess that the overhang would have to be reinforced in order to be structurally sound.
The eight feet in height needs to be changed to about eleven. What that entails is another question.
More study is needed.
Before I end this post, I noticed a concrete breaking tool more powerful than a jackhammer. A way to save labor is something I may want to consider.
Not to mention that it may also be useful in digging a hole for holding tank. Perhaps I shouldn't give up on a holding tank as opposed to a septic tank. If I can still get the incinerating toilet, that is.
All of this could add up to savings, which in my financial position, could be attractive.
The original post follows:
One of my older brothers has built many a house. So, why not listen to his advice on what to build out there? So, I went over his place earlier this week, and we talked it over.
I bounced some ideas off him, and he knocked 'em down. One idea that he approved was to use concrete footers for foundations. This would require an 18" deep hole be dug out, which will in turn require a jackhammer to loosen up the soil in there, so that a hole can be dug. Six of these footers would support a 10x20 foot structure in lieu of a concrete foundation. A concrete foundation was his first choice, but not mine. He did say that this idea should be sufficient for a structure that could last 25 years. Good 'nuff fer me.
How big were the footers? I think two foot square. A cylindrical pier can be poured on top of it. The pier will support a 4x4 pillar on to which will be built everything else. That means the floor and the roof.
The materials may go for less than 3k. It is conceivable that I could build the thing myself.
Anyway, it is a plan that could work. However, it may need some refinements.
The bottom line is that the Quonsets are out.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Right Direction v Wrong Direction Poll
It struck me how low this poll was for quite some time. Also, that the poll was doing better under Trump than under Obama.
So, here it is. It is not really all that high, but the result is unmistakable. It is really perceived as being better under Trump than under Obama. That is, if you trust polls.
Most of the time, you cannot. Maybe this one you can because it is consistent.
So, here it is. It is not really all that high, but the result is unmistakable. It is really perceived as being better under Trump than under Obama. That is, if you trust polls.
Most of the time, you cannot. Maybe this one you can because it is consistent.
Right Direction or Wrong Track - Rasmussen Reports® https://t.co/ES0pAhEccw— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) May 29, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
Obligatory, 5.28.18
Here it is, afternoon, and I haven't made a post.
Nothing in particular to write about, so let's just mention a few things.
Nothing in particular to write about, so let's just mention a few things.
- The first thought in my mind this morning was that I am getting a little sick and tired about writing about politics. Actually, I feel better if I don't read the news. It does seem a bit extreme to "tune out", and just stop following current events. But, perhaps to not write about it could be a partial solution. The other part would be to drop current events altogether, but that would be too much. I suppose I could just read headlines, and then move on...
- Without posting about politics, I could just post about my own stuff. Like the stuff I do around this trailer, and my preparations for moving out to the land in W. Texas.
- With that in mind, one thing I am doing is a lot of work on weeds. I don't expect to have that issue out there, though.
- Another issue is bugs. I noticed some unwelcome visitors that seemed to getting in through the cracks in between the screen door and the outside. Wasps seem to love crawling through these cracks. I'd get one inside the trailer, and it would be lively around here for a little bit. To deal with that issue, I put in some new weatherstripping on the screen door. The cracks are still there, but they are smaller. The amount I got wasn't enough, so it may not wasp proof my screen door. We'll see.
- Last couple of weeks, I have been experimenting with the concept of "boondocking". This sleeping over at some parking lot overnight, or on a street where it is legal to park. Not sure if they like me sleeping on their lot, so I try to move around so as not to be noticed. If I were to do this out west, I would consider a road side park. There is one out of town from Austin, but it is a little too far for my purposes. Anyway, the idea of sleeping overnight like this is to avoid the long commute back and forth between Austin and this place, which is over an hour away. A work in progress, you might say.
- It is rather hot here lately. That is hard to spend time out there like that, but it is even worse here at home. It gets mucho hot in this trailer, so here I am thinking about how to make this a bit more bearable, while at the same time, not spending mucho buckos. I could mention what I did, but that would be a little too much to write about here, so just keep it simple and say that I managed to keep a wet towel on for as long as possible. Aside from that, I could just seek an air conditioned place. A library, or a mall might do.
- Been cooking with my egg cooker device. It is a neat little thing that can be used for other things besides eggs. I cooked a boneless pork chop with it yesterday. Even in the heat, it doesn't make things worse. If you used a cook top, it would add more heat than this thing. Anyway, I like it and I use it.
- Been thinking about construction ideas for the cabin out west. Or to not build a cabin at all, but use this trailer instead. If I used the trailer, my experiences here will help me understand what I need to do out there. One vital thing to remember is to keep the sun off the trailer. I don't do that here, and haven't done anything along those lines this summer. But that could change.
That is all.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
Fits the mood, so here you are:
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Well I'm standin' on a corner
With a bucket in my hand
I'm waitin' for a woman
That ain't got no man
With a bucket in my hand
I'm waitin' for a woman
That ain't got no man
'Cause my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Well, I went upon the mountain
I looked down in the sea
I seen the crabs and the fishes
Doin' the be-bop-bee
I looked down in the sea
I seen the crabs and the fishes
Doin' the be-bop-bee
'Cause my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Well, there ain't no use
Of me workin' so hard
When I got a woman
In the boss man's yard
Of me workin' so hard
When I got a woman
In the boss man's yard
'Cause my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
Yeah, my bucket's got a hole in it
I can't buy no beer
Songwriters: CLARENCE WILLIAMS
© Universal Music Publishing Group
For non-commercial use only.
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