As mentioned in a previous post, the Oracle is heavily inspired by Firepit RPG, in the particular sense that its start point of using a six sided die to represent each of the six outcomes of a yes/no question:

• 1: No, and … Not only you failed the task, you failed so misarably that things got worst.
• 2: No. The plain and simple no. You don’t get what you asked for.
• 3: No, but … Okay, you failed, but it wasn’t a complete loss.
• 4: Yes, but … Yes, you succeeded, but at what cost?
• 5: Yes. The plain and simple yes. You do get what you asked for.
• 6: Yes, and … The best outcome, not only you suceeded in getting what you wanted, but you also got some extra rewards.

It is a simple idea and it fits well with the most common die.

So taking a step further, by going back a die size, we can use a d4 (four sided die), and only have the middle yes/no answers.

• 1: No.
• 2: No, but…
• 3: Yes, but…
• 4: Yes.

It is basically removing the extremes.

Going further still by increasing the die size to eight (d8), we no longer have a one-to-one relationship between die number and answer.

In this die, I imagine a bigger focus in the middle No-but and Yes-but:

• 1: No, and…
• 2: No.
• 3 or 4: No, but…
• 5 or 6: Yes, but…
• 7: Yes.
• 8: Yes, and…

Another step further lead us into d10:

• 1: No, and…
• 2 or 3: No.
• 4 or 5: No, but…
• 6 or 7: Yes, but…
• 8 or 9: Yes.
• 10: Yes, and…

It is kind like the d4, a focus in the middle answers but with the possibility of extremes.

And finally, the d12 would give us:

• 1: No, and…
• 2 or 3: No.
• 4, 5, or 6: No, but…
• 7, 8, or 9: Yes, but…
• 10 or 11: Yes.
• 12: Yes, and…

A bell curve. A much greater focus in the middle answers.

In all honesty, only the first three options – d4, d6, and d8 – are likely to see any use. d10 and d12 I made just because, well, just because.

One last alternative is using a d6, but removing the extremes:

• 1: No.
• 2 or 3: No, but…
• 4 or 5: Yes, but…
• 6: Yes.

#SoloRPG #RPG #Oracle

Ctrl-c.club (rendering only Welcome to nginx, right now) is down. No clue what happened with Eric Budd, founder/admin of that tilde instance. He in in Northern, Missouri, wish I could meet up and shoot the shit (given he is ok – Ctrl-c has been wayward (admin-wise) for some time)

Right now on iris (message forum) I get:

note the “$loghead@ctrl-c” handle at the bottom – it logged me out of iris even though I was IN iris reading a message

IRC, who knows. I nix'd (pub) that chat since most people have me on /IGNORE in there – tends to be a trend with me/online folks as of late

Either way, lurking SDF IRC and likely to start a page there in time

Yes ctrl-c.club/~loghead/ctrl-zine.html is still there, a .zip file can be downloaded for Issues 1-18, I think. ~singletona082 handles the zine now, lacking my artistic inspiration (that is, I lack inspo for maintaining the zine)

All issues I have downloaded if someone wants a particular issue, but I will re-re-host on SDF when I get a site going there. I will not put out future issues, though any other ctrl-c member may continue it – it is a community zine, not “my” zine

Trump’s Trade War: A Self-Inflicted Economic Wound

“I didn’t think Trump would actually implement tariffs—I thought it was just a negotiating tactic.”

I’ve heard this sentiment over and over, both in conversations and across the media. And honestly, it’s been frustrating to watch. Not only did Trump go through with the tariffs, but he has thrown the U.S. into an unnecessary and destructive trade war—one that will hurt American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers alike.

Let’s break this down:

• Higher Prices for Everyone: Tariffs are essentially a tax that gets passed down to consumers. Every time you buy something that contains imported materials—whether it’s a car, a smartphone, or even groceries—you’re going to pay more.

• The Midwest and Agricultural States Are Getting Slammed: China and other trade partners are retaliating by slashing their purchases of U.S. agricultural products. Farmers, already struggling with tight margins, are now facing an even tougher road.

• Market Uncertainty Stifles Growth: Businesses plan their investments based on stability. When tariffs are being adjusted on a whim, it becomes impossible to plan ahead, which discourages hiring and expansion. The stock market has already reacted negatively to this instability.

Job Cuts Are Piling Up

As if the tariffs weren’t bad enough, the latest job cuts report is alarming. In February, U.S. employers announced plans to cut 172,000 jobs—the highest since July 2020 and one of the highest monthly figures in decades. This includes 62,000 federal employees, and that number is expected to rise, especially with Trump’s plan to eliminate 80,000 jobs from the VA alone.

What’s driving this?

• AI’s Role in Job Cuts: Right now, one of the only things propping up the stock market is the AI boom. But AI is also a job killer. I personally know executives who have frozen hiring or outright eliminated positions because AI tools allow them to do more with fewer people.

• Recessions Give Companies Cover to Cut Jobs: Historically, companies don’t aggressively cut workers until a recession hits. But when they do, they use the downturn as an excuse to slash headcount. Add AI-driven job losses into that equation, and the outlook becomes even more concerning.

Are We Already in a Recession?

The warning signs are everywhere. February’s massive layoffs, combined with a weak Federal Reserve survey, suggest we’re teetering on the edge of a downturn. Confidence is already sinking, and widespread federal layoffs are about to throw thousands of households into financial chaos.

This isn’t just theoretical. Cuts at places like the NIH and USAID have already derailed the careers of thousands of researchers and non-profit workers. And as more layoffs hit, it will ripple across industries.

Trump’s Economic Chaos

This isn’t just bad luck or the natural ebb and flow of the economy—this is a self-inflicted crisis. Trump seems willing, even eager, to drag the country into economic turmoil through:

1. Trade war blunders that raise costs for Americans and stifle business investment.

2. Mass federal layoffs that will destabilize entire communities.

3. Erratic leadership that fuels uncertainty and weakens economic confidence.

I’ve seen a lot of bad economic policies in my lifetime, but this trade war might be the dumbest. So do I think Trump’s actions will lead us into a recession?

Yes. Yes, I do.

And if it plays out the way it’s shaping up, this one might feel very different from anything we’ve experienced before.

Monday 2025-03-10

Prayers, etc.: * 04:00 – Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel * 06:00 – praying The Angelus * 06:45 – praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary in English, followed by the Memorare * 07:10 – making an Act of Contrition then making an Act of Spiritual Communion, followed by praying Archbishop Vigano’s prayer for USA & President Trump. * 07:25 – Readings from today's Mass include – Lesson: Ezech 34:11-16 and Gospel: Matt 25:31-46. * 07:45 – Today's Morning Devotion (Psalm 28) found in Benedictus Magazine, followed by the Canticle of Zacharius (Lk 1:68-79). * 11:00 – Thought for today from Archbishop Lefebvre: How can we correct our blindness? Well, by reflecting, by praying, by asking God to give us the grace to live in His presence, to see that everything that has been made was made by Him, that everything is an effect of His almighty power, of His goodness, of His charity. May He open our eyes that we might live truly in reality, in truth and not in illusion. * 12:00 – praying The Angelus * 14:45 – prayerfully reading The Athanasian Creed. * 18:00 – The Angelus, followed by today's Evening Devotion (Psalm 114) found in Benedictus Magazine, followed by the Magnificat: Luke 1:46-55 * 19:00 – praying the hour of Compline for tonight according to the Traditional Pre-Vatican II Divine Office, followed by Fr. Chad Ripperger's Prayer of Command to protect my family, my sons, my daughter and her family, my granddaughters and their families, my great grandchildren, and everyone for whom I have responsibility from any demonic activity. – And that followed by the Monday Prayers of the Association of the Auxilium Christianorum.

Health Metrics: * bw= 222.0 lbs. * bp= 147/82 (69)

Diet: * 04:45 – 1 banana * 06:30 – 1 ham sandwich * 08:30 – 1 seafood salad sandwich * 09:35 – 2 HEB cookies * 10:45 – snack on cheese * 12:12 – garden salad * 12:30 – baked potatoes, steak * 16:00 – 1 orange

Chores, etc.: * 05:00 – listen to local news talk radio * 06:00 – bank accounts activity monitored * 08:00 – follow news reports from various sources * 10:00 – watch MLB Network * 12:00 – watching Blue Jays vs Astros * 12:30 – watch old game shows and eat lunch at home with Sylvia * 15:45 – follow news reports from various sources * 17:00 – now following the Cardinals vs Mets Spring Training Game

Chess: * 15:30 – moved in all pending CC games

posted Monday, 2025-03-10 ~19:40 #DLMAR2025

Since I'm feeling wordless today, here is a look at an illustration I produced.

With a little VO to keep you company.

https://youtu.be/cLnwJJqTGco

So today is “National Nap Day.” At least that's what the guys on my morning radio said. And I did catch some nap time this morning rather than doing my weekly laundry, a regular Monday chore. The laundry can wait till tomorrow. This morning's nap helped catch up on sleep missed during last night's insomnia. I blame that insomnia on the time change. Hopefully tonight will bring a good sleep, leading into a good day tomorrow.

posted Monday, Mar 10, 2025 at ~6:16 PM #QNMAR2025

Source: Bloomberg

Blown away by this... yes, yes it will emo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSyweojayG4

#MusicVideo #Emo

In to every life must fall an existential lunch or two

I am waiting at Scottie’s for two burgers and a cherry pie for my dad and I. We’re working in his shop a few blocks away to fabricate roof racks upon which we will install solar panels for camper van Beethoven. The patrons here are mostly north of their mid-sixties. Lots of snow on the roof of these pudgy men. Cholesterol be damned. Though medication may keep their blood balanced, waistlines enjoy no such chemical magic.

Everyone is excited to be here. The small building is crammed with people and though jockeying for the best seats, there are plenty for everyone. One suspects this place was built at at time when people, Americans in particular, tended to be proportioned smaller. I particularly like the old-style diner counter that they have with little cushioned stools bolted to the floor. You get to eat lunch with one, maybe two, strangers while you both pretend the other one doesn't exist even though they are well within the tiny square of personal space we all unconsciously maintain.

A young hispanic mother has taken the booth across from me along with her infant and the child's grandmother. The pretty woman shakes her foot nervously as grandma holds the new child. It is strange to me that though attractive, she wears too much makeup and too little that befits being in public. Not that it's immodest by any stretch... I am thinking of my wife's insistence that a certain standard must be met before one steps out into the world. We have never been a fan of sweatpants outside of the gym. Then again, young mothers very likely have different priorities than two middle-aged artists who've never been parents.

Grandma has the infant laughing while mom looks on. Neither mom nor his small child realizes how this moment is one of countless that will be forgotten in specifics but not emotions. Like a single brick in a fine home, times like this are building strong walls of good memory for this little human. I suspect grandma might understand. I imagine one day this little girl will sit where I do and be reminded of this feeling she is experience right now. S he won't be able to recall why it gives her a warm glow, just that it does.

Ah! Burgers up! Time for lunch, warm glows and fuzzy memories chased away by living in the moment and the smell of hot grease and salt.

I hope they didn't forget my cherry pie.

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#essay #memoir #confession #sxsw

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Great refresher on how, and even answers some of the why we fast for lent questions as Catholics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWBJGbsUIE

#Lent #Catholicism

Pruning is an essential part of garden care, especially for bushes and shrubs. It helps maintain the health, shape, and beauty of your plants, encourages new growth, and can even improve flowering and fruit production. In this blog, we’ll cover how to prune bushes correctly and recommend some shrub varieties that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zone 6.

Why Pruning Is Important

Pruning is more than just a way to shape your plants—it’s a critical part of their overall health and longevity. Here’s why regular pruning is essential:

• Encourages Healthy Growth: Pruning helps remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, which can prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
• Improves Air Circulation: Thinning the bush helps with air flow, which reduces the chances of fungal infections and allows the plant to breathe.
• Promotes Better Flowering: Some bushes bloom better when pruned properly. Removing spent flowers can encourage new buds to form.
• Shapes the Plant: Pruning allows you to shape your shrub into a desired form and keeps it from becoming too large or unruly.
• Removes Invasive Growth: If you have a shrub that tends to spread aggressively, pruning can help control its growth and maintain the garden’s balance.

When to Prune: Timing Is Key

The timing of pruning depends on the type of shrub and the goals you have for the plant. There are two main categories of shrubs when it comes to pruning:

1. Spring-Blooming Shrubs

Spring-blooming shrubs, such as lilacs and forsythias, bloom on old wood (wood that grew the previous year). These should be pruned right after they finish flowering, typically in late spring to early summer. Pruning them later in the season risks cutting off next year’s flowers.

2. Summer-Blooming Shrubs

Summer-blooming shrubs, such as spireas and hydrangeas, typically bloom on new wood (wood that grew in the current season). These can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to encourage strong, healthy growth for the upcoming season.

In general:

• Winter (late February to early March): Best time to prune evergreens and some deciduous shrubs, like roses.
• Spring (just after bloom for spring-bloomers, or before new growth for summer-bloomers).
• Summer (early summer for light pruning and shaping).
• Fall (after flowering for many deciduous plants, but avoid pruning too late to prevent stimulating new growth that could be damaged by frost).

Basic Pruning Techniques

Proper pruning involves more than just cutting back branches. Here’s a basic guide to pruning your bushes correctly:

1. Tools You’ll Need

• Bypass Pruners: Best for most pruning jobs, as they make clean cuts. They are great for cutting stems up to ¾ inch thick.
• Loppers: For thicker branches, loppers with long handles provide more leverage and can cut branches up to 2 inches in diameter.
• Hedge Shears: Ideal for shaping bushes, although they’re not suitable for cutting thicker wood.
• Pruning Saw: If you need to cut through large, woody branches, a pruning saw is the best tool.

2. Step-by-Step Pruning Process

1. Start with Dead or Diseased Wood: Always remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood first. This prevents the spread of infection and improves the overall appearance of the plant.

2. Cut at the Right Angle: When cutting back stems or branches, always make your cuts just above a bud or node at a 45-degree angle. This promotes healthy regrowth.

3. Shape and Thin the Plant: After removing dead or damaged wood, thin out overcrowded areas to improve airflow. Cut branches back to the base or a main stem to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage new growth.

4. Don’t Over-Prune: Always leave enough foliage and stems to allow the plant to continue growing. Avoid cutting too much at once, especially on older plants.

3. Avoid Over-Cutting

While it might be tempting to cut back everything that looks unruly, over-pruning can lead to weak growth or stunted development. It’s important to prune moderately and follow the guidelines specific to each type of plant.

Best Shrubs for Zone 6 Gardens

Nebraska (Zone 6) experiences hot summers and cold winters, so it's important to choose shrubs that are hardy to this climate. Here are some shrub varieties that perform well in Zone 6 and how to care for them:

1. Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris)

• Why They Work: Lilacs are a popular shrub in Zone 6 because they can withstand cold winters and thrive in full sun. They offer beautiful, fragrant flowers in late spring.
• Pruning Tip: Prune lilacs immediately after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers. Remove dead or crossing branches to maintain shape.

2. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

• Why They Work: Forsythias are one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring, with bright yellow flowers appearing even before the leaves. They tolerate a variety of soil types and are easy to care for.
• Pruning Tip: Prune right after they bloom in early spring. Cut back old, leggy growth to encourage new, vigorous shoots.

3. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)

• Why They Work: Spireas are hardy, low-maintenance shrubs that bloom profusely in late spring or early summer, depending on the variety. Their compact size and rounded shape make them ideal for borders or as a backdrop for other plants.
• Pruning Tip: Prune summer-blooming spireas in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Cut them back by a third to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

4. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• Why They Work: Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, showy blooms in various colors. They thrive in partial to full sun and are hardy in Zone 6.
• Pruning Tip: Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood should be pruned immediately after they bloom. If you have hydrangeas that bloom on new wood (like ‘Endless Summer’), you can prune them in late winter or early spring.

5. Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)

• Why They Work: Known for their evergreen foliage and stunning spring blooms, Japanese pieris are great for adding year-round interest to your garden.
• Pruning Tip: Lightly prune after flowering to shape and remove any dead wood. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can affect the next year’s flower production.

6. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

• Why They Work: Boxwoods are versatile, evergreen shrubs that hold up well in Zone 6 gardens. They’re excellent for creating formal hedges or adding structure to landscape beds.
• Pruning Tip: Boxwoods can be pruned in early spring or late summer. Trim them lightly to maintain shape and encourage dense foliage.

7. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

• Why They Work: Rhododendrons thrive in Zone 6’s cool climate and produce large, colorful blooms in spring. They prefer slightly acidic soil and partial shade.
• Pruning Tip: Prune rhododendrons after they bloom to remove spent flowers and dead wood. Be careful not to prune into old wood, as rhododendrons don’t regenerate well from old stems.

8. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

• Why They Work: Winterberry holly is a deciduous shrub with vibrant red berries in winter, which add color and interest to your garden in the colder months.
• Pruning Tip: Prune in late winter to remove dead or damaged wood. You can also cut back old stems to encourage new growth, but leave some stems for berry production.

Conclusion

Pruning is one of the most important aspects of shrub care, helping plants stay healthy, look their best, and even produce more flowers and fruit. By learning when and how to prune your bushes, you can enjoy vibrant growth, improved air circulation, and a well-maintained garden throughout the seasons.

When selecting shrubs for Zone 6, choose varieties that are hardy and well-suited to the climate. With proper pruning and care, shrubs like lilacs, forsythias, and hydrangeas will thrive in your garden for years to come.

Happy pruning and gardening! 🌿✂️🌸

Trump-administrasjonen vil kneble den frie forskningen totalt, med lange ordlister over hvilke ord og begreper som er “ulovlige”. I tillegg skal demonstrasjoner på campus forbys, og studenter som bruker ytringsfriheten sin skal utvises. Ytre høyre hater akademisk frihet og ytringsfrihet. Men det visste vi jo.

Stadig er det jo verdt å minne om hvor EKSTREMT mye meta-diskusjon vi har hatt om nettopp ytringsfrihet på campus og “trusselen” fra “woke” de siste årene. I spaltene til Aftenposten, fram mang en fast eller innleid skribent, og ikke minst på sosiale medier, Fra kulturkrig-importører som Espen Goffeng og Kjetil Rolness, for ikke å snakke om Danby Choi eller Alex Iversen. Flere kunne vært nevnt. Forskjellige stemmer som har sunget med i det samme koret, om at ytringsfriheten og den akademiske friheten er truet av en amorf gruppe med venstrevridde aktivister som fremmer “woke” og “identitetspolitikk.

Fantes det korn av interessante poenger inne i alt maset om den store illiberale trusselen fra venstre? Tja, kanskje. Men i ettertid vil dette stå igjen som absurde stormer i vannglass, som foregikk mens en virkelig storm, bestående av den autoritære reaksjonære bevegelsen på høyresida, vokste i styrke, og gjorde seg klar til å VIRKELIG knuse liberale friheter i vesten. Med skylappene godt festa på hodet har kulturkrig-importørene kun vært i stand til å se en liten mus i hjørnet, og ikke elefanten i rommet.

Det er faktisk ganske lett å finne paralleller til mellomkrigstiden her, der nazi-sympatisører gjemte seg bak ytringsfrihetens fane, og mange nyttige idioter stemte med i koret, uten å forstå at nazistenes plan var å avskaffe alle motstemmer så snart de fikk makten. Kjetil Jakobsen skriver godt om dette i siste utgave av morgenbladet, om da Forfatterforeningen ble splittet i dette spørsmålet, og sto imot presset fra Hamsum-apologetene og nazisympatisørene som seilte under falskt flagg som “ytringsfrihetsfundamentalister”.

Kulturkrig-importørene selv vil naturligvis insistere på at de har funnet det perfekt balanserte mellomstandpunktet. At de svever der oppe som ørner høyt over den kulturelle og politiske slagmarken, og er i stand til å se problemer på begge sider. Vi snakker om folk med godt utviklet selvbilde. Men det er et selvbedrag. Ethvert regnskap over deres tankeproduksjon vil vise en absurd slagside. Små eller irrelevante problemstillinger som involverer “woke” eller “identitetspolitikk” har slukt enorme mengder krefter, mens ytre høyre har gått under radaren.

Er jeg blitt helt McCharty her? Er det ikke lov å snu? Joda, det er det. Men det er også nødvendig å påpeke hvordan store deler av den norske ordskiftet har vært totalt skakkjørt, og nok en gang har gått glipp av den største trusselen mot demokrati og frihet i vesten. Nå har de fleste våkna. De som våkner sist er ironisk og passende nok de som har holdt fram “anti-våkenhet” som et adelsmerke. Kanskje våkenhet ikke var så dumt, når alt kommer til stykke.

Fascismens tilbakekomst i vesten er en av de viktigste og farligste utviklingstrekkene som har skjedd i vår levetid. De som har driti seg kraftig ut, enten ved å opptre som nyttige idioter eller støymaskiner som har dekket over denne trusselen, bør naturligvis få sine pass påskrevet. Det går an å ta feil, men dette er en ekstremt stor ting å ta feil om.