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Felis desertus

Felis desertus



"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." - Proverbs 27:12.

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Friday, August 31, 2012

Direct Mind Control of Computer Interface 

How is it these things are developed and I don't hear about them until much later?  The damn thing is even "affordable"--less than a high end graphics card!

Neurotechnology | High Resolution EEG | Neuroimaging

Check out the applications link also (left sidebar). 
Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 7:39 PM | permalink

Your Complete Guide To The Coming Fiscal Cliff 

Your Complete Guide To The Coming Fiscal Cliff | ZeroHedge

Just another source of chaos, in time for December 21. 
Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 8:20 AM | permalink

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Semen Makes Women Happy -- Part 2 

Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 2:49 AM | permalink

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Progress Pics 

My efforts so far this weekend in the workshop have resulted in little more than a trash bag full of broken glass.

First, the pane I put up last weekend became subject to a misguided scrap of lumber that careened unexpectedly. It was replaced with the pane that had been intended to go up next to it. Then while cutting the aluminum frame on the *other* spare window, the saw blade bound in the kerf, the frame rattled and slipped on the sawhorse allowing the pane to come in contact with the sawhorse, and shattered.

Not to worry, I thought. Just cut a usable square of glass out of this frame and reinstall it in the (smaller) original frame. Good enough, except that the glass did not cut straight and instead cracked across the pane, ruining it.

Two panes in the trash.

I did learn a thing about glass cutting though. The surface you're working on needs to be absolutely planar and rigid, so as to avoid placing any strain whatsoever on the pane. Any stresses other than at the location of the cut can induce the crack to veer off across the pane and ruin it.

My good dear mother will be stopping at the hardware store on her way home from church this morning. Third time's a charm, right? Right?

Meanwhile my Subversive Tepary Bean experiment is going well. The beans came up over the week.

Besides the original watering, I constructed this Revolutionary catch channel to guide rainwater from its Capitalist Running Dog trajectory toward the Subversive Teparies, and rain this week watered the beans a second time.


The Anti-American Corn Plot is flourishing, together with the Fifth Column Blackeye Peas growing in their midst.



Comrade Clyde guards the Way to Truth.


----------------
Update
Success!

The windows are up, the remainder of the east end (except for the door, trim and some caulking) is closed in.

Just in time for this little stormcloud that rolled in at sunset.


There is ample natural light at this end of the shop now.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 9:11 AM | permalink

Cain's Enforcers Shoot Nine Innocents 

Stupid F#ckers!  Utterly irresponsible, retarded, Keystoneism!

So The Cops Shot 9 New Yorkers?

Time for some serious gun control measures--for the police! How many more innocents need to die before we do something about these out-of-control, gun-wielding thugs on our streets?

Jeff Cooper, Where Are You??!

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 7:53 AM | permalink

Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Mostest Importantest Election Ever!!11! -- 2012 

The wrong side absolutely must not win | Richmond Times-Dispatch

The past several weeks have made one thing crystal-clear: Our country faces unmitigated disaster if the Other Side wins.

No reasonably intelligent person can deny this. All you have to do is look at the way the Other Side has been running its campaign. Instead of focusing on the big issues that are important to the American People, it has fired a relentlessly negative barrage of distortions, misrepresentations, and flat-out lies.

Just look at the Other Side’s latest commercial, which take a perfectly reasonable statement by the candidate for My Side completely out of context to make it seem as if he is saying something nefarious. This just shows you how desperate the Other Side is and how willing it is to mislead the American People.

The Other Side also has been hammering away at My Side to release certain documents that have nothing to do with anything, and making all sorts of outrageous accusations about what might be in them. Meanwhile, the Other Side has stonewalled perfectly reasonable requests to release its own documents that would expose some very embarrassing details if anybody ever found out what was in them. This just shows you what a bunch of hypocrites they are.

Naturally, the media won’t report any of this. Major newspapers and cable networks jump all over anything they think will make My Side look bad. Yet they completely ignore critically important and incredibly relevant information that would be devastating to the Other Side if it could ever be verified.

I will admit the candidates for My Side do make occasional blunders. These usually happen at the end of exhausting 19-hour days and are perfectly understandable. Our leaders are only human, after all. Nevertheless, the Other Side inevitably makes a big fat deal out of these trivial gaffes, while completely ignoring its own candidates’ incredibly thoughtless and stupid remarks – remarks that reveal the Other Side’s true nature, which is genuinely frightening.

My Side has produced a visionary program that will get the economy moving, put the American People back to work, strengthen national security, return fiscal integrity to Washington, and restore our standing in the international community. What does the Other Side have to offer? Nothing but the same old disproven, discredited policies that got us into our current mess in the first place.

Don’t take my word for it, though. I recently read about an analysis by an independent, nonpartisan organization that supports My Side. It proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that everything I have been saying about the Other Side was true all along. Of course, the Other Side refuses to acknowledge any of this. It is too busy cranking out so-called studies by so-called experts who are actually  nothing but partisan hacks. This just shows you that the Other Side lives in its own little echo chamber and refuses to listen to anyone who has not already drunk its Kool-Aid.

Let’s face it: The Other Side is held hostage by a radical, failed ideology. I have been doing some research on the Internet, and I have learned this ideology was developed by a very obscure but nonetheless profoundly influential writer with a strange-sounding name who enjoyed brief celebrity several decades ago. If you look carefully, you can trace nearly all the Other Side’s policies for the past half-century back to the writings of this one person.

To be sure, the Other Side also has been influenced by its powerful supporters. These include a reclusive billionaire who has funded a number of organizations far outside the political mainstream; several politicians who have said outrageous things over the years; and an alarmingly large number of completely clueless ordinary Americans who are being used as tools and don’t even know it.

These people are really pathetic, too. The other day I saw a YouTube video in which My Side sent an investigator and a cameraman to a rally being held by the Other Side, where the investigator proceeded to ask some real zingers. It was hilarious! First off, the people at the rally wore T-shirts with all kinds of lame messages that they actually thought were really clever. Plus, many of the people who were interviewed were overweight, sweaty, flushed, and generally not very attractive. But what was really funny was how stupid they were. There is no way anyone could watch that video and not come away convinced the people on My Side are smarter, and that My Side is therefore right about everything.

Besides, it’s clear that the people on the Other Side are driven by mindless anger – unlike My Side, which is filled with passionate idealism and righteous indignation. That indignation, I hasten to add, is entirely justified. I have read several articles in publications that support My Side that expose what a truly dangerous group the Other Side is, and how thoroughly committed it is to imposing its radical, failed agenda on the rest of us.

That is why I believe 2012 is, without a doubt, the defining election of our lifetime. The difference between My Side and the Other Side could not be greater. That is why it absolutely must win on November 6.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 6:46 PM | permalink

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Highway To Hell 

...like you've never heard it before:



...was looking for some polka tunes and came across these guys. There's way more than you want to know where that came from.

example
example
example!!! (bwah! bwah!!)

It's sort of like what you get when you run a phrase through an English to Chinese translator and then back again.


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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 10:24 PM | permalink

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Fleeting Eternities 

They are not long, the weeping and the laughter, 
Love and desire and hate: 
I think they have no portion in us after 
We pass the gate. 

They are not long, the days of wine and roses: 
Out of a misty dream 
Our path emerges for a while, then closes 
Within a dream. 

Ernest Dowson:

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 1:05 PM | permalink

Monday, August 20, 2012

Tepary Info 

Answering my own question from the post below, it does appear that teparies are capable of bearing in 60+ days from planting. Frost sometimes hits here in late October/early November, so there is a chance these can set some pods before then.

ECHO - Plants Adapted to Difficult Conditions - Tepary Beans AZ 89

Blackeye peas are one thing.  They are grown natively around here.  But teparies can bear with no supplemental irrigation after summer rains.  I really need to increase my stock of seed to levels that will permit me to utilize larger swaths of currently unused land for food and forage production.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 9:07 AM | permalink

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Progress Pics 

I've neglected to post these regularly lately. It has seemed that small progress on multiple fronts was not enough to document. But then that is exactly the reason I started this series, to dispel the illusion of no progress when it is advancing too slowly for my impatience to acknowledge.

Last weekend I finished closing in the south wall around these new windows.

The last thing I did this weekend was get the first of two windows installed over the doorway to the left.

This new panel covers the spot where a window used to be, and will eventually have a window AC unit installed through it to the west bedroom.

Removing the window and getting this panel installed took portions of last weekend and this weekend.

I cultivated the corn with the tiller again, probably the last time, as it is chest high in the tallest areas.


The blackeyed peas are growing well underneath the corn. The different varieties are showing slightly different growth characteristics. I am hoping the results will be conclusive enough for me to select a couple varieties that are superior.


With the new furrower attachment for my tiller that I bought on eBay, I cut furrows and planted Tepary beans. To me it seems too late in the season for this. I read somewhere that the O'odham do plant them this late. Perhaps this is in areas of the desert that do not freeze as early as it does in this valley.

It is an experiment. We shall see.

I had a minor windfall a couple weeks ago that permitted me to purchase several pieces of shop equipment that I've been needing for a very long time. But they all seem to come "some assembly required". Here is my new drill press, assembled from a drill press kit I received.



It comes with a laser guide to help center the work on the drill table. Also I purchased a drill press vise (hard to see in the dark) that needs a couple bolts yet to attach to the table.


This is a biggie, an AC/DC stick welder. Some assembly required--I attached the wheels and handle, and assembled the clamps. I still need to wire a 50 amp 230 volt circuit to run the thing, and I need some additional supplies and equipment yet, specifically some welding rods of various sorts.


And...the nerve to try my hand at this*. New skill, new experience. Learning to weld has been high on my list for years. I've been banging up my tractor enough lately, requiring trips to the welding shop for repairs, that I decided I need to be able to do this myself.

*(All my prior experience with electric arcs has been when something has gone quite wrong. I'll have to retrain my reactions, lol!)

Finally, I bought this bench grinder a month ago, and got it assembled and ready to use this weekend.



No, I'm not done with my shop shopping list. I need a quality bench vise yet. I've got my eyes on a 6" Wilton vise. I also need an angle grinder. Every welder I've known uses this tool extensively to clean up welds afterwards and prep the metal for welding prior.

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posted by Desert Cat @ 7:51 PM | permalink

Friday, August 17, 2012

Why I Am Not Nice 

I've seen this posted several places in the last few days. I finally clicked on it to watch.

Whew! Amen Sister!


"You're not a nice husband!"

"Yes, that is correct. Thank you."

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 9:05 PM | permalink

Monday, August 13, 2012

Bloodshed Planned 

El-Erian Warns Of Populist Anger Returning

And what of it? DHS just put in an order for another 750 million rounds of ammunition to keep the serfs in line or shoot their sorry asses if they get uppity.

Seems like they are *expecting* something, nay planning for it!

Doomed.

---------------
Update: The fine folks in the comments sections at Zero Hedge are in high gallows-humor mode today:
The American People To Hire High-Powered Lobbyinst To Push Their Agenda

Also for perspective, DHS previously purchased some 400+ million rounds of ammunition for a total of about 1.2 billion rounds. That is enough ammunition to put three or four bullet holes in every man, woman and child in America. If they are just targeting the 25 million or so patriots that the Bill Ayers thinks need killing, that would be 48 bullets in each of our backs. That would be a tad overkill, but perhaps they believe Ayers was being too conservative.

Ahem.

We Are All Terrorists Now

-----------------
Extra credit

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 12:50 PM | permalink

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Ok, This Is Different... 

Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 3:30 PM | permalink

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Presidential Hair 

We all know that women tend to vote for the best looking candidate with the best hair. Given Romney's choice this morning of Paul Ryan as his running mate, who has it this time?
Mitt Romney

Paul Ryan

versus
Barry Obama and Joe Biden

Ol' Joe's got that great "used car salesman" hair.

Also their wives
Ann Romney

Janna Ryan

versus
Michelle Obama


Now having an attractive wife can be a mixed bag. Women tend to hate other beautiful women with a passionate intensity that borders on the psychotic. Witness: the ongoing hatred of Sarah Palin.


But on balance, I have to give this one to the Republican team. Their beautiful wives do not offset the clear winner that two complete sets of Presidential Hair provides them in contrast to...well...doofus and the razzle-dazzle man.


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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 4:37 PM | permalink

Friday, August 10, 2012

Make Of It What You Will 

DHS and US Military Make Final Preparations Before Announcing Martial Law

Confirmation bias perhaps, but I am not surprised.  Nauseated, yes.  Surprised, no. 
Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 7:04 PM | permalink

Lists 

Single women inevitably have their lists of demands that their potential mates must meet in order to win their heart.  These seem to change subtly as time goes on however:

What I Want In a Man- Original List
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises

What I Want in a Man- Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn’t drive off until I’m in the car
3.. Works steady – splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I’m talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn’t belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn’t borrow money too often
4. Doesn’t nod off to sleep when I’m venting
5. Doesn’t re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Doesn’t scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn’t require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he’s laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it’s the weekend

What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Breathing.
2. Doesn’t miss the toilet.


From the comments here

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 5:04 PM | permalink

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Ok, so what is the story? 

Has turning on login made it impossible for people to comment, or has the cat just got your tongues?

As for "how" it is just a matter of typing your comment and then at the bottom right corner is a box that says "post as..." Clicking on that box gives you the option of using one of about five different login possibilities. Use any one that you have and use, or create a Disqus profile. (Disqus is the commenting system I am using on this site).

If the comment box is not working for you, it is possible that you need to add an exception for Disqus.com for third party cookies. Disqus is "third party" in relation to this blog, as far as your browser is concerned, so to use the Disqus commenting system, you need to permit it in your browser security settings.

I really don't want to turn the login requirement off again. The site has been blissfully free of SEO spam and other drive-by disruptors in the last week or so.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 4:02 PM | permalink

Grandma Opens Fire On Five Armed Robbers 

Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 9:39 AM | permalink

Monday, August 06, 2012

*Sigh*, Another Day, Another Potential False Flag 

...designed to get us to give up our Second Amendment rights.

Sikh Shooting Ties Into DHS ‘Veterans as Terrorists’ Narrative

Sikh Shooter a Former Psyop Soldier Linked to FBI’s National Alliance

Eyewitnesses: 4 Man Team Involved. Authorities: Lone Gunman.

Who ya gonna believe? The government or your own lying eyes?

(Yeah yeah, it's Alex Jones, but only because I knew I'd find the story there...)

----------------------
Update: Deeper goes the rabbit hole! One of the men killed this morning was the father of the man making this movie. Anyone who follows Tom Horn's work knows where **that** rabbit hole leads and why "they" might be interested in suppressing it.

They couldn't possibly have selected their target better, if the goal was to feed into the consipracy theories.

Jeepers! The stuff is getting thick and coming fast and hard. Can I dig a deep hole to hide in, and someone let me know when it is over? I know I'll hear the trumpet from at least six feet down...

-----------------------
uPDATE 2: For those of you too readily inclined to cry "tinfoil", I remind you that Operation Northwoods was real. The documentation was finally made public in 1997. Read the Wikipedia entry (linked) and follow the sources for yourself.

------
Done reading? Ok, any questions now?

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 1:03 PM | permalink

Sunday, August 05, 2012

Progress Pics 

The corn is growing reasonably well.


I planted blackeye peas in between the corn plants last week. This week they are coming up.


I'm still seeing that weird problem of sickly areas adjacent to healthy plants. But this year I have an additional clue--the areas showing the most problems were hard packed when I dug them with the spading fork. The best growing areas had the softest soil So there is definitely a difference in the soil structure and/or composition that is behind this phenomenon.


Progress on the workshop walls has been annoyingly slow. Part of this is due to many fiddly cuts, both on the framing and on the panels.


I finally have some photos that illustrate actual progress.


I got these last panels up just as the light was fading this evening.


I have also been unwilling to let stuff go up without paint on the vulnerable surfaces--that is surfaces that may be exposed to moisture, particularly if I will not be able to reach these surfaces after the wood is installed. This has resulted in many trips to the sink to retrieve a clean brush, touching up some newly cut surface, then cleaning the brush again after use. Trust me, this is a time sucker when it adds up. Also the extreme heat/humidity means I've needed to take many water breaks indoors in the AC. I get less done in a day this time of year just because of that.

But it is looking like I may finally be able to install the windows on the south facing side of the workshop before the end of next weekend. There will also be a row of windows on the east side above the door, but I have quite a bit more framing to do before those go in.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 9:25 PM | permalink

Saturday, August 04, 2012

Sally's Technicolor Cuisinart 

I rode it again last night for therapeutic reasons. First time in years actually.

Those who know, know. I just had to put that title out there, because it is such a very apt description.

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 8:30 AM | permalink

Friday, August 03, 2012

Cat Scratch Fever 

Hat-tip to Doom

He's got a Motorhead version up. I like the original better, though the one on his site has better visuals. ;)

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 1:28 PM | permalink

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Care Bears Care 



Care Bear > Pooh Bear

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Comments
posted by Desert Cat @ 8:22 AM | permalink





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