Sunday, May 12, 2024

AI Evaluation - "POTUS" Al Capone vs FPOTUS45 Donald Trump

I asked Copilot AI to answer some questions on this:

You

summarize in a couple of paragraphs what al Capone would have been like as POTUS.

Copilot

Imagining Al Capone as the President of the United States (POTUS) presents a fascinating alternate history. Known for his notoriety as a Prohibition-era gangster, Capone’s leadership style would have been unconventional and possibly tumultuous. As POTUS, Capone might have brought the same ruthlessness and cunning that he applied to his criminal empire to the political arena. His administration could have been marked by a strong emphasis on loyalty and an iron-fisted approach to governance.

Capone’s presidency would likely have been characterized by a blend of charm and intimidation, a tactic he mastered as a mob boss. He was known for his ability to maintain control through a combination of fear and favor, which could translate into a form of political patronage where loyalty is rewarded and dissent is not tolerated. His experience in running illegal operations might have led to a government that operates with a level of secrecy and a disregard for the rule of law, prioritizing personal gain and power over public service.

On the other hand, Capone was also known for his charitable contributions, often seen as a “modern-day Robin Hood” by the public1. This aspect of his personality might have translated into populist policies aimed at helping the less fortunate, albeit likely funded through unorthodox means. His administration could have been a mix of public works and social programs, coupled with a heavy-handed approach to law enforcement and an emphasis on national security.

However, the responsibilities of a POTUS are vast and complex, including appointing high-ranking officials, serving as commander in chief of the military, making treaties, and signing or vetoing legislation2. It’s uncertain how Capone, with his limited formal education and background in organized crime, would have navigated the intricacies of domestic and foreign policy, or how he would have dealt with Congress and the judiciary. His tenure could have been marked by scandal and controversy, or perhaps, in a strange twist of fate, he might have reformed to become a leader who sought legitimacy and respectability through the power of the presidency. Regardless, Al Capone as POTUS would have been a presidency unlike any other, potentially altering the course of American history in unpredictable ways.

You

compare and contrast that to the Donald Trump POTUS45 administration

Copilot

This is a complex topic. Consider checking information with Bing Search.

Comparing Al Capone as a hypothetical President to the actual presidency of Donald Trump reveals both contrasts and similarities, particularly in their unconventional approaches to leadership.

Leadership Style: Al Capone, had he been President, might have ruled with an iron fist, valuing loyalty above all else. His background in organized crime suggests he would have brought a certain ruthlessness to the office. In contrast, Donald Trump, while also valuing loyalty, was known for his frequent use of social media to communicate directly with the public and his tendency to make abrupt policy decisions1. Trump’s leadership was marked by a high turnover rate within his administration and a series of executive orders that bypassed traditional legislative processes1.

Public Perception: Capone was seen by some as a “modern-day Robin Hood” due to his charitable acts, despite his criminal activities2. Trump, on the other hand, had a polarizing effect on the public. His supporters praised his business acumen and “America First” policies, while his critics pointed to his controversial statements and policies, particularly regarding immigration and foreign affairs1.

Policy and Governance: Capone’s hypothetical presidency might have focused on populist policies, possibly funded through unorthodox means, reflecting his charitable side. Trump’s administration focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and a hardline stance on immigration. He sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act, implemented a controversial family separation policy at the border, and engaged in trade wars through the enactment of tariffs1.

Legal and Ethical Controversies: Both figures are associated with legal controversies. Capone was famously convicted for tax evasion, and his presidency would likely have been fraught with scandal. Trump’s presidency was similarly marked by investigations, including the Russia probe and two impeachments, and he was the first president without prior public office or military experience13.

Foreign Policy: Capone’s lack of experience in politics suggests that his foreign policy would have been unpredictable. Trump’s “America First” foreign policy was characterized by unilateral actions and strained relationships with traditional allies. He recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and brokered normalization agreements between Israel and various Arab states1.

In summary, while both Capone and Trump would have brought their unique backgrounds to the presidency, their administrations would have differed significantly in style, policy, and perhaps the level of controversy. Capone’s hypothetical presidency suggests a direct and possibly heavy-handed approach, while Trump’s actual presidency was marked by a mix of business-like efficiency, media savvy, and contentious politics.

Me
which of the two would be preferable as POTUS?

Copilot

As an AI, I don’t have personal opinions. The preference for a President is subjective and varies greatly among individuals, depending on their values, beliefs, and expectations for leadership. Some may prioritize strong law enforcement and business acumen, while others may value political experience and adherence to traditional governance.

Al Capone, as a hypothetical President, would bring a background in organized crime and might have applied a business-like approach to running the country, potentially prioritizing personal loyalty and possibly engaging in unconventional methods.

On the other hand, Donald Trump, as the 45th President, brought his experience as a businessman and reality TV personality to the office, with a focus on “America First” policies and a unique communication style.

Voters might consider various factors such as leadership style, policy priorities, effectiveness, and ethical considerations when determining their preference. Ultimately, the choice of who would be preferable as POTUS would depend on the individual voter’s perspective on what qualities they believe are most important for the role. It’s a decision that each person must make based on their own analysis and criteria.

ME
It should be noted that Al Capone was in advanced stages of syphilso and died  died in prison of a heart attack.
Donald Trump is currently on trial for criminal election fraud. It is yet to be adjudicated if he will eventually die in prison. Regardless how obvious and reasonable that is.

Happy Mother's Day 2024

Happy Mother's Day, 2024!

Our mom has been gone for a few years now. She's definitely in...what she would say is, "a far better place". Incredible mom the first part of my life. A very odd character the last half. 

Or maybe I just didn't notice it so much as a kid.

Mom's are our wives who mother our children, and...more.

They have to put up with a lot...

When my 1st born was yet to be born, I did a Tarot card reading for my pregnant wife and I which came out saying that he would be a "he" (which was correct), and a "demon" (which was also correct). "Demon" in the sense of a child that never ran out of energy, while his parents did, feeling far older than they were. 

You had to follow him, everywhere. "Out of sight, out of mind"? That was insanity. For us, and his safety. But just a good time for him. So I did wnat I could to enhance that for him, and for his safety. 

He was much as I had been as a child, apparently. My mother, over visiting one day pointed that out to me saying that it was like watching a little me running around. About the level of energy he and I had, she added: "If I put you down for sleep at 5AM, you'd be back up at 6AM!"

My comment back to her was, "Well, I just want to thank you for not killing me as a child. Because now I understand what I must have put you through." Honestly, I think I was the worse of the two of us.

My wife and I were often exhausted... but he was an amazing, happy, fun bundle of mostly never ending energy & happiness. 

I could talk here about my youngest too, but this isn't about kids per se, and they were both pretty pleasant to raise, so... what I will say is that I apprecaited my youngest having a more quiet demeanor and greater ease of handling. Still, both were a joy to raise, honestly. Though both were still "kids". So, there it is.

As for my siblings and my mom, there were a lot of issues with her over our lifetime together. And apart.

But the mom I remember best is the one whom I dearly loved...this version in the photos strip, above. 

The adventures we had with her as kids...through many different homes and schools, in different states, even different husbands and in different countries. 

That is the mom I prefer to remember.

Many of us have experineced such problematic things with our mothers. Some simply cut them off. Interpersonally, mentally, emotionally. I did myself from time to time. As did my siblings. They and I had a round robin over the years of who would take the lead to deal with her. 

Between having some form of mental issues and her self-medication, life was seldom ever simple or relaxed around her. I used to say within 15 minutes of being in her presence, she would start in on us. It would then take a day (or days) to try to recover from. Not a massive issue, but it wore on you time and time and time again.

Anyway, try not to do that to  yourself. IF you can find it in yourself, for yourself, to enjoy the once beloved "Mom" side of your mom whom you wish to remember. 

Remember, HER.

Just remember THAT person. Feel free to love that version you most perfer to remember. 

Especially if that was your first version of your mom that you knew. 

Because they were the "mom" who formed you. So? Love...HER.

And Love Your Self.

Happy Mother's Day. To us all.

Cheers! Sláinte!

Frank Zappa & the Mothers Of Invention

Walkabout Thoughts #73

Thoughts & Stream of Consciousness, rough and ready, from an award-winning filmmaker and author you’ve never heard of, while walking off long Covid, and listening to podcasts…walk day was yesterday 5/11/2024


Happy Mother's Day! My mom's has been gone for a few years now. She's definitely in, what she would say is a far better place. Incredible mom the first part of my life. A very odd character he last half. Maybe I just didn't notice it as much as a kid. More later, below...

Weather for the day… starting out, 65° nice sunny day 79° when I got home.

Podcast Marc Maron's WTF? Episode 1537 - Joe Mande

My Instagram post for the day from this walk.

Good podcast by two Jewish commedians.

I'ms till fighting something here. Covid. Long Covid? I don't know. Lungs are still not 100% after covid recently. I'm wondering if the Paxlovid, which killed my near 3 years of long covid now, stopped it. I'm expected it to return within 6 weeks as a study showed happens, last year. But maybe it's starting to come back already? Just not sure. I would love to feel better though.

"Guns are easier to get in this country than compassion." Nikki Glaser 
Yup. Especially from some conservative groups more than others.

First up I'd just like to say...

JD Vance's MAGA Republican view this morning on SOTU, between Israel & Palestinians seems to be if this were our own current American insanity, we should be bombing the hell out of MAGA voters, then target himself, Trump & GOP Leadership for MAGA voters having makd their indipidly dumb decision to support seditionists & insurrectionists they have and a career criminal Trump as leader and worst POTUS in US History.

Don't get me wrong, I hear him. There is a logic to it. But it seems a bit extreme. Wait...MAGA? Extreme? Hamas? Yes, that IS kind of a MAGA level conflation between a Middle Eastern murderous group and an Amerian-style, evangelical, Christian Nationalist, insurrectionist/seditous, wannabe murderous group, but still...

Being the most hated in Congress is easy to do but be in the most beloved or even just “beloved“ is much harder to still follow your outlier or singular agenda, but be welcomed when people see you coming. That is not Ted Cruz. That is not Marjorie Taylor Greene. That is not JD Vance.

I had a very weird very realistic dream the other night. I was in the passenger side of my wife’s 1990 Ford Ranger truck. That would be my ex-wife. The other day I realized I had gotten divorced in the early 80s. Then I got divorced in the early 90s. And then I got divorced in the early 2000s It’s now been over 20 years that I haven’t gotten a divorce! My oldest son said, when I told him that, "Congratulations on kicking the addiction!" I said, "I’m not sure you can call wanting to have a life partner an addiction."

Anyway, in the dream we were driving along and talking as she drove. I generally say I’ve been married 3.5 times because the one I didn’t marry, we were together long enough for a common law marriage in some states, albeit not in Washington state. Suddenly up ahead of the truck in the dream, we see a dead deer as a headlights hit it. Time slows down. I flashback on a memory of videos where vehicles hit things in the road and fly up in the air, spinning. We look at one another. She tries to react, but it’s too late. We run over the deer. The truck flies into the air, spins and all I can see is inside the cab of the truck. I can’t see outside, only the inside around us. Not us, just the inside of the cab like my face is too close to the interior.. And then we land and... we’re OK. We stare at each other for a moment and then I realize who this is. It's' not that ex wife whose truck it was, but my college girlfriend. Miss 3.5. My most recent ex-wife‘s truck, being driven by my one time I seemed to avoid getting maried. And then I wake up. Weird. 

On the podcast they're talking about a four night gig Joe Mande had in Phoenix. I lived there for a bit in the mid 70s. Loved it there. Loved the desert. But way too many conservatives. A fact exemplified by recent insanity in the 2020 election, still ongoing for some weird reason. Which brings up a thought...

Here’s the thing about guns and the 2nd amendment. It sounds cool, maybe, that everyone can have a gun in practice. Yet it’s fucking insane. I’ll give you one reason to support that: We used to have to have a reason to own a military type armament, or to a be allowed a carry permit. But allowing everyone to have whatever they want is a complete lack of respect for firearms. We really need to get back to that respect for killing tools. Guns have been turned into a kind of toy. They're not toys. 

Joe detailed to Marc on the podcast about his time in Phoenix when he was surprised on stage by how badly his jokes were landing and how he was riling the audience to the point they were threatening him on stage As he put it, at one point he just asked the audience if they could at least wait until he got to the punch line for them to heckle him. But no, apparently. No self control. No self control from the people, some of whom were no doubt carrying firearms. I know here in Washington state it's illegal to carry in a bar. Because I don't know...alcohol? He said he was a little nervous walking out of the club into the parking lot. No one, no American should have to fell that, just because of...words.

Very enjoyable podcast overall with some interesting commentary who just who the hell we have turned into. Apparently there are a lot of liberals (and Jews, as Marc pointed out) in that area. But for those nights Joe said, none of his fans in the audience were going to speak up to those who once voted to elect a crimional like Joe Arpaio as Sheriff. 

So, I got up to 1 mile today and was ready to be done. But I pushed to walk a 2nd mile and that's it for the day. Better than nothing but looking forward to back up to 5 miles again. Usually I feel better after a walk. I wish that were true today.


When my 1st born Nik, was yet to be born, I did a Tarot card reading which came out he would be a "he" (it was right) & a "demon" (which was right). Yes, we were often exhausted... But he was an amazing, happy, fun bundle of never ending energy & happiness.

And with that... I wish you all great success and health! 
Until next time!

Cheers! Sláinte!

Friday, May 3, 2024

Walkabout Thoughts #72

 Well, first day of a walkabout since catching covid the 3rd time. Got in 2 miles. Nice day, about 63 degrees, felt great. But I'm beat after a month of nothing except the store and doctors appointments.

Instagram video for the day.

Podcast Marc Maron WTF? with Episode 1535 - Tiffany Haddish

I have very little to say, just wanted to mention I got in a walk today.

I haven't been able to do any work of substance since end of last year really. Hoping soon. I was working on putting "Gumdrop", a short horror, up on Filmhub, but maybe not. They found too many problems for me to fix and I'm not sure I care. Kelly Hughes offered two other places to try, I may do that. 

Cheers! Wishing you all...all the best.

Sláinte!

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Kicking Around What God Knows With Copilot

I asked Bing AI Copilot today:

You

definition of omniscient?


Copilot

The term “omniscient” is an adjective that describes a state of having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding12. It’s often used to refer to an entity that perceives all things2. The word “omniscient” combines two Latin roots: “omni-”, meaning “all” or “universally,” and “scire,” meaning "to know"1. This term is frequently used in religious and philosophical contexts to describe a deity or higher power that has unlimited knowledge. For example, in many monotheistic religions, God is often described as being omniscient1.

You

so if god can manipulate space/time does that mean he fully comprehends how it works and why?

Copilot

In many religious and philosophical traditions, a deity or higher power, such as God, is often described as being omniscient, meaning they have complete and unlimited knowledge of all things. This would presumably include a full understanding of concepts such as space and time.

However, it’s important to note that these are deeply philosophical and theological questions, and interpretations can vary widely depending on one’s personal beliefs, religious tradition, and philosophical outlook. Some may argue that a deity’s understanding of space and time transcends human comprehension, while others may hold different views.

In the end, the interpretation of such concepts is often a personal and subjective matter. It’s a fascinating topic and has been the subject of much debate among theologians, philosophers, and scientists throughout history. It’s always interesting to explore these ideas and consider different perspectives. 😊

You

is that in the bible?

Copilot



Explore

Yes, the concept of God’s omniscience is indeed mentioned in the Bible. Here are a few verses that highlight this:Psalm 147:5: "Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite."1
1 John 3:20: "In whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things."1
Psalm 139:4: "Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all."1
Matthew 10:30: "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."1
Hebrews 4:13: "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."1

These verses, among others, suggest that God is all-knowing, or omniscient, according to the Bible. However, interpretations can vary, and it’s always a good idea to read and study these passages in their full context. 😊

You

what is the "I am" quote

Copilot




The “I am” quote is a significant phrase in the Bible and is linked to the divine name of God1. Here are some notable instances:Exodus 3:14: God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’"2
John 8:58: Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."2
John 14:6: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."2
Revelation 1:8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."2
John 11:25: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."2

These are just a few examples. The phrase “I am” is used in many other contexts throughout the Bible, often to emphasize God’s nature and attributes. As always, it’s a good idea to read these verses in their full context for a deeper understanding. 😊

You

if god knows you will turn left, but someone pops in from another dimension and slaps you and you turn right, would god have known you'd turn right?

Copilot

This is a fascinating question that delves into the realms of theology, philosophy, and even theoretical physics. The concept you’re referring to is often discussed in terms of God’s omniscience (all-knowing nature) and the nature of free will.

In many religious and philosophical traditions, God’s omniscience is understood to mean that God knows all things: past, present, and future. This would presumably include all possible outcomes of all possible events. So, in the scenario you described, if we follow this line of thinking, God would know both the possibility of you turning left and the possibility of you turning right, even if the latter is influenced by an external force from another dimension.

However, interpretations can vary widely depending on one’s personal beliefs, religious tradition, and philosophical outlook. Some may argue that God’s knowledge is beyond human comprehension and not bound by our linear understanding of time or the constraints of our physical universe.

It’s important to note that these are deeply complex and personal questions, and there’s a wide range of beliefs and theories about them. They’ve been the subject of much debate among theologians, philosophers, and scientists throughout history. 😊

You

yes but does god know the potential of what is to come or what actually will transpire outside of his view looking forward to what could and likely would be?


Copilot

This question touches on the concept of divine foreknowledge and predestination, which are complex and often debated topics in theology and philosophy.

In many religious traditions, God is considered to be omniscient, meaning that He has perfect knowledge of all things, including the future. This would suggest that God knows not only all potential outcomes but also what will actually happen.

However, this raises questions about free will. If God already knows what will happen, do we truly have the freedom to choose our actions? Different religious and philosophical traditions have different answers to this question.

Some propose that God exists outside of time and therefore perceives all of time simultaneously. This means that God’s knowledge of the future wouldn’t necessarily cause or determine future events, preserving free will.

Others suggest that God’s foreknowledge is compatible with free will because knowing what will happen doesn’t mean causing it to happen. In other words, God knows what we will choose to do, but we still make the choice freely.

These are just a few of the many perspectives on this topic. It’s a deep and complex issue with many nuances, and interpretations can vary widely. It’s always a good idea to explore these ideas and consider different perspectives. 😊

You

I ask this because the quotes you gave me all appear to be humans making and sharin observations of God. God speaking directly in the old testament is his describing himself but not in ways that actually explain my query.

Copilot

I understand your point. The nature of divine knowledge and its relationship to human free will is a complex and deeply philosophical topic. The Bible, as well as other religious texts, often present these concepts in a way that is open to interpretation and discussion.

In the Old Testament, God does indeed describe Himself, most notably in Exodus 3:14 when He says to Moses, “I am who I am.” This statement has been interpreted in many ways, but it often is understood to mean that God is self-existent, eternal, and beyond human comprehension.

As for your specific query about whether God knows the potential of what is to come or what actually will transpire, the Bible doesn’t provide a direct answer. Many theologians and philosophers have debated this question over the centuries, and there are a variety of interpretations.

Some believe that God, being omniscient, knows every possible outcome and what will actually happen. Others propose that God’s knowledge is more like an understanding of all possible outcomes, without knowing which one will occur. This view allows for human free will and unpredictability.

Ultimately, these questions touch on mysteries that are at the heart of many religious and philosophical traditions. They invite us to reflect on the nature of knowledge, the future, free will, and the divine. It’s a fascinating topic to explore! 😊

You

If god is an entity of higher dimensions can he know what might interfere in our lower dimension if what affects us should come from a higher dimension he either isn't a party of or does not at the time populate?

Copilot

This is a very intriguing question that delves into the realms of theology, philosophy, and theoretical physics. The idea of God as a higher-dimensional entity is a concept that has been explored in various forms of speculative fiction and theoretical physics, but it’s not a concept that is explicitly addressed in traditional religious texts.

In many religious traditions, God is considered to be omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (present everywhere), which could imply the ability to perceive and interact with all dimensions, even those beyond human comprehension.

However, your question seems to propose a scenario where there are dimensions even beyond God’s reach or perception. This is a fascinating concept, but it’s not one that is commonly discussed in mainstream theology or philosophy. It’s more akin to speculative fiction or certain interpretations of string theory and other advanced physics concepts.

It’s important to note that these are deeply complex and personal questions, and there’s a wide range of beliefs and theories about them. They’ve been the subject of much debate among theologians, philosophers, and scientists throughout history.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Walkabout Thoughts #71.6 covid & not walking to the clinic...

Yesterday I had to go to urgent care for post covid. I thought I had a sinus infection post covid and Paxlovid. Three hours I'll never get back. But chest xray was good, it's just post covid healing period now. Uncomfortable, no fun, but dealing with it.

While I was waiting I listened to Marc's podcast with one of my favorite actors, Malcolm McDowell. 

Episode 1530 - Malcolm McDowell  WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

If you like Malcolm you have to hear this one. Asked how he got the show he's on now, Son of a Critch, based in Newfoundland, he said someone saw him in a show, "Truth Seekers" and they got ahold of him. I've been watching this show from the beginning and apparently it is the biggest comedy show CBC has in Canada now.

There is also a ""Caligula recut coming out in August. I saw that film when I worked at Tower Video and it came out on VHS & Beta. I had to rent (from us) a Beta machine to watch it back then. No one I knew had a home video machine. I was staying at my parent's house. This was after the USAF and college as I was transitioning back into the workforce. 

A friend of mine and I brought it over and we started watching the film, then realized how bizarre it was. Not knowing that the famous actors in it had thought they were in a real drama, but it was produced by Bob Guccione of Penthouse. We hit one of those scenes in the film and stopped the film and decided we had to go buy some weed before finishing this film. 

So we headed out, leaving the machine attached to my parent's living room TV. We returned in about an hour, walking in and seeing my mon sitting on the couch and the film running. I panicked. My very Catholic mom was watching THAT film? I looked at my friend and we both grinned.. Mom seemed mesmerized, as if she didn't even notice us come in.

She saw the looks on our faces, looked at the TV, hit pause, and they panic swept her face. She got very upset and stood up and started complaining about how filthy the film was. We tried to explain but she hurried upstairs to her bedroom where she spent most of her time, reading or watching tv, or whatever.

My friend and I were both stunned. We sat down looking at the paused scene, a rather racy one and felt horrible. We talked about it and then my friend said, "But...she was watching it." I said, "But how much?" I picked up the control and hit reverse. We had to back up quite a ways to get to where we had stopped the film and realized she had watched quite a bit and many questionable scenes.

At that point we (quietly) broke up with laughter. Stoned as we already were, we continued to film to completion, quite shocked by the end that those actors were even in it. Malcolm McDowell...well, maybe. But Helen Mirren? John Gieldud? How?

This was maybe 1984 or so. It wasn't until this podcast I found out how. Malcom told Marc they had been hired to do that film and he knew the director. When he questioned the money behind the film he was told it was the Penthouse publisher but the director had said, "Who cares?" 

It wasn't until the film was completed, their roles all finished and "in the can" that Guccione added the pornographic scenes, unbeknownst to the actors. Actors who had signed a contract and could do nothing about it. Although, Gore Vidal, who had written the (in Malcom's words, horrible) screenplay, had them take his name off the film. Malcom said he had a screenwriter help him rewrite it and it wasn't a bad film, except for the Guccione editing where for instance, 40 minutes of Helen Mirren's acting had been removed and porno replacing it, leaving her only 15 minutes of screen time.

Apparently more recently some guy had purchased a storage unit and found a complete print of the entire film and has re-edited it and in August of 2024 a new version is coming out which is the original film and according to McDowell, a very good film now. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Regarding "A Clockwork Orange" Malcom has some interesting stories about Kubrick. He said at some point Kubrick had asked him what he wanted to wear in the film as they were walking out to Malcom's car at Kubrick's place. Which surprised him. He asked, "What do I want to wear?" Kubrick said, "Yes. What do you have?" And they looked in his car where his cricket gear was. And so Malcolm ended up wearing some of that as his costume in the film. 

About his "Singing in the Rain" dance in the film, that was apparently ad-libbed during their designing the scene and Kubrick liked it so much, he immediately purchased the rights to using the song in the film. Something Gene Kelly was not happy about it after the film's release.

Marc asked Malcolm if he ever thought about doing a "Son of a Critch" TV show reprise Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" as the grandpa version on the show. Malcolm loved the idea and said he was going to pitch it and that they just had to do it. That, would be awesome.

They discussed the film "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" which Marc recently hosted a showing of at a theater. I need to re-watch that film.

Malcom's favorite movie: "Fargo"

I switched at some point the the Pod Save America podcast ep: The People vs Donald Trump 


So let me get this straight... Trump is calling his own criminal trial the "Biden trial" because what? Biden was president when Trump committed HIS crimes when HE was president? What? Unbelievable this guy...

And with that... I wish you all great success and health! Until next time!

Cheers! Sláinte!


Monday, April 15, 2024

Walkabout Thoughts #71.5 covid not walking...

 What the hell happened?

After my last walkabout I got home and got sicker after my first 5 mile walk this year. Progress! Then... no progress. It is now a couple of weeks later after being unable to do much and losing ground daily on my walkabouts. Now I'll have to start building up to 5 miles...ALL OVER AGAIN AND I''M NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT!

I tested posted for covid for the 3rd time, two days after my last walkabout. I didn't think it was covid. Again. I'd gone to get a blood draw regarding my changes in long covid this year and I think that's where I caught this, I should have worn a mask. I mentioned that the the VA Nurse (see below) and she said, yes, I saw you did that and was going to say that may have been where you caught it.

That was a week or so of discomfort. What I've now been calling the most fun version of covid of the three bouts I've had (it's not fun). So I called the VA Nurse and he sent me to local urgent care to get Paxlovid via a VA program called "Mission Critical Care" ("You can use that 3 times").

So I took Paxlovid, three pills in each blister pack twice daily for five days. The day before I finished the meds, something else started. I'd had trouble getting my sinuses open, especially the top ones in my forehead, always a problem and I know that after only 2-3 days it can cause a sinus infection.

I finally was getting over it when saline flushes brought out blood from my sinuses over a few days...meaning I had a sinus infection. That's when I called the VA nurse again. She said it may be "Paxlovid Rebound" or covid rebound. 1 in 10 (10%) of people taking Paxlovid get this. Lucky me.

I thought maybe the sinus issue just caused a sinus infection, so take some antibiotics (which I avoid as I do tranquillizers and pain meds), and I'd be good. But she said let's hold off, see what happens, then take a test the day after I finished the Paxlovid.

I did. She had said not to be surprised if I tested positive as I probably would. I did not. So that's something. I've had all the covid shots, long covid twice, so would this new round of covid start me with a new round of long covid, again? April 1st was my 2 year anniversary of this last long covid experience. I'd hoped it would be done within 18 months like the first time, or 2 years. I mentioned the long covid to the VA Nurse who didn't know much about it.

This is an issue I've run into since I first contracted long covid in February 2020, health care professioanls know very little about it. Which was why I wrote a book on it, Suffering "Long Covid". I'm amazed still today how few are informed on it. It may only be 10% of those who were infected with Covid, but that's still actually a lot of people.

From Copilot:

What happened? The VA Nurse said Paxlovid might keep me from getting long covid and may shorten the infection, but that even if I got covid rebound it's worth having taken it. I have not been feelin any long covid since taking the Paxlovid. THAT was hopeful!

I'm very hopeful that long covid may now end. But will it? Over 3 years of long covid off and on? I'm ready to be done with it, emotionally exhausted about it all.

So I now just have a sinus infection apparently and I'm waiting to see if I need to call the VA Nurse again for the antibiotics, which I'd like to avoid if saline flushing my sinuses works, I'd be good with that but if I continue feeling sick, sinus headache upon waking every day as today again (not yesterday when sinuses were clear), then I'll need the antibiotics.

The good side of all this, as I couldn't do anything but watch TV these past two weeks was that I saw some great shows.

"Sugar", just started on Apple+

"Fallout", on Amazon Prime from the video game I have over 700 hours into helping me get out of long covid in early 2022 and led to my producing my greatest award winning documentary, "Pvt. Ravel's Bolero". Loved the show, can't wait until series two comes out.

I'd already watched the 30 ep Chinese version of "Three-Body" on Amazon Prime and newer ("Game of Thrones" producer related) "3-Body-Problem" on Netflix. Just wanted to give them a call out.

"Marcella", on Netflix was fun. 3 seaons.

Tried season 5 of "Virgin River" on Netflix, I uncharacteristically liked that show but this season is killing me. Maybe because it's a Christmas season but I can't get into it. Sometimes it just takes getting through a few episodes though, so we'll see?

New, "Shogun", that was fun.

"The Girls on the Bus", very fun.

"The Hunt", very enjoyable about finding Lincoln's assassin.

Just started, "Franklin" with Michael Douglas, starring. Like it very much.

So, time will tell how things go with this current respiratory infection as we watch the further demise of international lowlife Donald Trump in our country's first criminal FPOTUS trial of a career criminal authoritarian, our first to have run for POTUS, and who actually, ludicrously got it. 

We were lucky his first time. If he gets another he'll try to end America and be more effective at it in now having those around him who are not protecting America and are very into evolving an authoritarian country. 

Hopefully we're stronger than that, we are more aware of what a lowlife Trump is, he's lost many of his MAGA, and hopefully we won't lose the democracy these people hate so much. 

My older MAGA brother being one of them, the only one in our family where we all grew up democrat and a union (Teamster) family. I've been an independent most of my life, voting for the best candidate. The GOP in recent years and Donald Trump ended that, pushing me necessarily into partisanship. Something I find disgusting, binary thinking, and anti-American.

But we must fight against a GOP whose motto appears to be through actions: "Profit and power at any or all cost to any or all others, as long as it's not US." Corporate Thought at its worst. This is Russian level stuff, China level stuff. 

Better times are coming though, people. 

We cannot afford to descend into a Trump inspired Putinesque mire of RINOistic hate and division and despair.

And with that... I wish you all great success and health! Until next time!

Cheers! Sláinte!