Ward Manor Happenings 02.05.26

February 5, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Cancellation Happenings – I was expecting that the top entry in this week’s happenings were The Wife’s and my adventures going to see Penn & Teller. Unfortunately, a few days before, my ticket vendor informed me the show had been rescheduled to the end of April. Well, darn, but okay. Then a couple of days later, I’m perusing FB and the top article is that Sabaton is postponing their North American tour due to health issues with one of the band members. The tour I have a ticket for and a hotel stay booked because it’s in the middle of the week. The hotel stay that is non-refundable. The Wife is working on seeing if they will let us rebook for the when Sabaton is coming – assuming the new date doesn’t fall on when we already have things scheduled. Stupid event clusters.

Veggie Tray Happenings – Since Ward Manor is on diet mode, we’ve been picking up a veggie tray for the weekends to snack on instead of chips, dips, chains, whips. Anywhoo, I got it into my head that maybe we should get a refillable veggie tray and just get the stuff we like. Because the veggie trays inevitably have at least one thing that no one wants. The Wife finds one she likes, and we order. Amazon tells us it was delivered, but it was after we went to bed, so we never went out to check. Yeah, no it wasn’t there. Go to the pic. That’s not our door. Well, fuck. Ask about it on FB. Crickets. Finally, I contact Amazon. They helpfully agreed to send out a replacement. Later that day, The Wife runs into the neighbor and finds out he has it. Just picked up the package off his stoop without looking at the label. Understandable. And now we have two.

Grandniece Happenings – The Wife’s niece wanted to go out to celebrate a recent life event, so we agreed to take the grandniece for a sleepover. This started with breakfast at Cracker Barrel for the family before taking the grandniece for her first trip to Hobby Lobby. It was like trying to corral a gas particle. She kept bouncing from shiny object to shiny object. From there, we took her to Five Below, because that is her favorite store. The only issue is the local Five Below is in a shopping complex that is notorious for bad parking. As in, you grab whatever spot you can find and just hope it is in the general vicinity of the stores you want to patronize. At any rate, we got the little tyke back to the Manor, and she went through her normal run of wanting us to build her new toys, do her arts and crafts, and wanting to go upstairs to play and look at all of my toys. There was a bit of pain when she asked to use some of my GI Joe Classified figures to do a “puppet show.” Overall, she had fun and we enjoyed having her.

Tea Happenings – When I go to the office, I generally take a large bottle of sweet tea. It’s a bit of a process to make them all on the weekend, so I went looking for a better process. We are experimenting with one of those ice tea brewers and some loose leaf teas. I wanted to go to loose leaf because while I like the bagged tea just fine, I want to be able to switch blends or try some of the boutique blends we run across. So, we’re experimenting with properly brewing my normal Earl Grey and]]s well as chai tea.

Cold Happenings – This past week has been the coldest temperatures in this area for a long time. Enough that the local electric cooperative was sending emails asking everyone to conserve electricity to only essential stuff and bundle up. There were flurries reported in Bradenton to our south. For natives, we were kind of at a loss as to how to properly prepare. The FB page for the neighborhood was kind of like – hey, all you Yankees who came down over the last couple of years, do you remember all that advice we gave you about hurricanes? Now’s the time to repay the favor. I broke out pretty much all my cold weather gear. I also lusted after one of 5.11’s jackets, but I don’t have the spare three hundred to buy. And it won’t come in until well after the current cold spell. I’ll look when they do their next outlet sale on jackets to see if I can pick one up on the cheap.

The real fun was dealing with our backflow preventer outside. We ordered an insulated cover. It was supposed to be here Saturday before all the really bad weather. Then Amazon said it wasn’t going to be here until Tuesday. So, we grabbed an old blanket that was already on its way out, wrapped the pipes and duct taped it down hard – while standing in the frigid temperature with even colder wind. Then the cover showed up on Sunday. Which meant cutting the duct taped blanket free, putting the cover over the pipes, and zip tying the cover – while standing in frigid temperature and nastier wind. I have the jacket I bought for going to Idaho in ’24, and while it’s warm, it’s very short – which doesn’t help against the wind. We rushed hard to get back in, which resulted in me accidentally tossing my cheap Gerber box cutter knife into the trash with the blanket. Eh, I can pick one up for less than twenty bucks, so I wasn’t going to go digging in the trash.

Japanese Happenings – For the last year, I’ve been doing Japanese lessons on Duolingo. Am I conversant? No. Do I understand more when watching subtitled anime? Yes. Am I going to keep doing it? Yes. It’s fun and it helps me understand. I still wish it were easier.

State of the Podcasts 2026

February 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Previous posts:

State of Podcasts 2018

State of Podcasts 2019

State of Podcasts 2020

State of Podcasts 2021

State of Podcasts 2022

State of Podcasts 2023

State of Podcasts 2024

State of Podcasts 2025

This is the eighth year I’ve reviewed which podcasts I listen to, how I listen to them, and when I listen to them. Part of it’s my own curiosity at how my podcast habits change. I’m also curious what others think about the same podcasts and which podcasts come and go.

I listen to my podcasts in Overcast. I prefer Overcast because the app deletes podcasts I’ve listened to, plus it has a smart speed feature which will speed up if it hears dead air. Generally, I listen to my podcasts at 2X speed.

The Podcasts

Active Self Protection Podcast – I listen to build up my “scenario card file” for self-defense. I generally don’t listen to the episode with Steve Gutowski because he covers much of the same topics on his own podcast.

Advisory Opinions – This one helps me understand how the law “thinks” and why it sometimes is at odds with what people think it should think. It’s helped me gain perspective on why things happen the way the do when it comes to the courts.

Alienating the Audience – Andrew Heaton goes into aspects of science-fiction with authors and his friends. This one makes me think and introduces me to new sci-fi properties.

Angry Planet – Another of my “opposing view” podcasts with a focus on conflict in the modern world.

Assorted Calibers Podcast – Weer’d Beard and Erin Pallette are the real reason I listen to this, but the other segments are generally surprisingly good. I’m also a patron, and listen to the Mag Dump round tables, Film Tracks, and Blooper Reels (which are hysterically funny).

Bound By Oath – This is another legal podcast, but dives into a specific subject throughout a season.

The Bradenton Times Podcast – This is one I use to get to know what’s going on in my local community. And as much as I disagree with the host, at least he makes me think and re-evaluate my stances. I will admit to fast forwarding when they start talking national politics. It’s not what I listen to them for.

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations – The official podcast of Manatee County government, which is why I listen to it. I want to know what the government wants me to hear about what they’re doing. I’ve learned a lot about some of the workings of the county government and other entities.

The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast – I will always listen to Charlie Cooke, and he brings in some very interesting guests to talk over their books.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – This podcast is a master craft in how to tell history in an exciting and entertaining way. It’s probably better to treat the arcs as audiobooks and just listen to them all at once to get the width and breadth of the story. This updates very infrequently.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum – A companion to the Hardcore History podcast where Dan Carlin does segments outside his normal narrative style. Often very informative.

The Dispatch Podcast – Roundtables with Dispatch writers, editors, and contributors to discuss the issues of the day.

Econtalk– This is one of those podcasts that discuss a wide range of topics – almost always interesting.

The Editors – Editors from National Review discussing the issues of the day. Part of my keeping an idea of the conservative side of the issues of the day.

Fall of Civilizations Podcast – This is a good companion to Hardcore History in its story-telling style. Not that they cover the same things, but this one does an excellent job in showing the decline and fall of various civilizations from every level.

FBI Case File Review – This has been very useful in dispelling some misconceptions about how the FBI works. Plus, many of the cases are very compelling and excellent for storytelling.

The Fifth Column – This is an excellent roundup focusing on the issues of the day and how the media reports them. They also bring on guests who will disagree with them and have excellent discussions.

The Handgun Radio Show – Delving more into the history and technological aspects of guns – mostly handguns. Also, just fun musings on different aspects of guns. Sometimes they bring on interesting guests.

Honestly – Sometimes this one is interviews, and sometimes Bari brings on several guests for a panel to discuss an issue. This is also one where opposing views are a common and welcome feature. Currently on hiatus.

Honoverse Today – The three hosts analyze the Honor Harrington books in publication order. The nifty catch is that two of them are brand new to the series, while the third is a fan who has read the series multiple times. It’s interesting to hear the different items they pick out from the books. Plus, David Weber makes an occasional appearance.

How The World Works – Kevin Williamson is another person I always enjoy listening to, and his podcast focusing on the work people do is excellent. Mainly, a lot of intellectuals, but he’s been doing a good job bringing on other occupations.

Left, Right, & Center – I generally like the format of the show, particularly as the hosts debate, but are not confrontational. I’ve heard many folks whose opinions I completely oppose but wouldn’t mind having the discussion.

The Michael Shermer Show – Very thought-provoking conversations as Dr. Shermer interviews scientists, scholars, and other intellectuals – generally on their new books.

The Pack Podcast – This discusses the Mercy Thompson-universe of books, which The Wife and I highly enjoy.

The Political Orphanage – Andrew Heaton interviews a variety of individuals to discuss issues that aren’t normally covered by other podcasts. And sometimes he does deep dives into subjects that I just don’t get other places. Then he does musicals based on those deep dives, which is amusing.

Politics Politics Politics – This is essentially an ESPN-style podcast for politics. Not calling whose position is wrong or right, but what makes sense politically. I find it intriguing for the sausage-making side of politics.

The Reason Roundtable – The Reason crew discusses the issues of the day from their unique libertarian point of view.

The Remnant With Jonah Goldberg – This is mostly another interview show with mostly interesting guests. Jonah also does a weekly solo rant on the issues of the day.

The Rest Is History – I’ve learned quite a bit of new historical tidbits. Plus, I have a lot of other podcasts that reference this one, so it helps to keep in the conversation.

The Rewatchables – Variety panel of guests discussing a movie that is considered highly rewatchable. Depending on what movie they’re reviewing, if it’s one I haven’t seen, I’ll delete it. The categories are neat, but sometimes I get lost when they make sports references.

Tactical Tangents – I picked this one up originally because it has some excellent breakdowns of historical gunfights and mass shootings. It’s mostly geared to the professional, but the regular person can pick up some really good info. I tend to delete if it’s too “service focused” and less stuff I can use as a civilian or writer.

Tracer Burnout – This has been a good podcast for me to learn small details that make up service in the American military.

Urban Warfare Project – I picked this one up after hearing the host discuss the Gaza War. I found some interesting points to consider about the unique nature of urban warfare.

We’re Not Wrong – This is another one of those I listen to because the hosts bring different views than my normal feeds and challenge my ideas.

The Weekly Reload Podcast – The audio companion to The Reload newsletter. The host interviews a wide variety of pro-gun and anti-gun guests, or those who just have something important to add to the world around guns.

Wells Said – This is the podcast from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve learned about some interesting local programs and initiatives from the MCSO to deal with crime and welfare.

What the Hell Is Going On – This is another one of those that keep me apprised of the what’s going on in conservative world. Or more to point, what are some of the talking points and issues high on the minds of the conservatives.

Words & Numbers – An economist and a political scientist discuss different aspects of economics from a libertarian perspective. Sometimes dipping into issues of the day.

Writer Dojo – This one has helped me with the art of writing. If I ever decide to actually get my stories published, I’ll probably go back through those episodes on the business of writing.

Promise to the Magic Heart – Chapter 23

February 2, 2026 / / 0 Comments

It remains a mystery how Marteen the Scythe and Ela the Huntress found themselves on a modest farm in the heart of the dwarven lands. Yet, upon closer reflection, one cannot help but sense the invisible hand of the Goddess at work. It seems that the divine foresight knew the Madrigal siblings would be summoned to undertake the perilous mission of rescuing the Crystal Blood. Thus, they were sent to a place that would temper and mold them into the heroes they needed to become. Why else, indeed, would two dwarves accompany them on this momentous journey to save an elven princess? – Jol Kol, excerpt from “The Heroes’ Journey”

KURT

Kurt twisted his shoulders to loosen the straps on his armor. He didn’t remember the leather and chain being so tight across his chest. Or so heavy. He certainly didn’t remember the armor being so damn hot. It didn’t help Marteen looked comfortable in his much heavier crystal plate armor. Kurt trundled over to where Marteen was talking with Chief Constable Dalan, Major Agnelli, and Rin. The group was standing on the roof of the five-story Bank of Lisandra building. It was the tallest building outside of Aponte Hill and provided the best view of the Purists.

“You’ve brought what, ten rangers?” Marteen asked the human major.

“Twelve, including Sergeant Acciaio and Corporal Morelli,” Major Agnelli replied sharply, “It’s what I could legitimately commit. The embassy is treading on very shaky ground, Hero Madrigal. Technically, my rangers are assisting local volunteers in a covering action so Rangers Acciaio and Morelli can hunt down a wanted sorcerer to bring back to the Republic. I can’t turn out my entire cadre and leave the embassy without any rangers for one suspect. If I were strictly following regulations, with the threat posed by the Purists, I would need to bring all of my rangers inside the walls to assist our guards."

Marteen scowled but didn’t protest further. He spent several silent moments watching the outer city. Several of the wide boulevards and many of the narrower side streets were full of people fleeing towards the protection of the Aponte Wall. Whatever constables Dalan could spare trying to direct the flood. Fortunately, the constables were quietly supplemented by several dozen of the Knifehand’s men in “borrowed” constable uniforms.

“The volunteers are chomping at the bit. The inexperienced ones, at least,” said a new, deep voice. A short but powerfully built elf in traditional chain and leather armor stepped onto the roof. Sergeant Axe, so called because of the pair of half-moon battle-axes at his belt, commanded the three volunteer companies. Putting a sergeant, even a veteran like Axe, in charge would normally rankle the lesser nobles among the volunteers. Except for the small fact Sergeant Axe earned a reputation second only to Marteen the Scythe during the War of Reclamation. Even the rangers gave the stocky elf a wary respect.

“To be expected,” Dalan said. “Most have no idea what’s coming.”

“The Knifehand’s folks take care of their scouts?” Marteen asked.

“We think so, but either the Purists sent in fewer scouts this morning, or the Knifehand’s people missed a few,” Dalan answered. In an odd twist of necessity, the Knifehand’s thugs and assassins working in the outer city were reporting to Dalan and his senior constables. Dalan was shocked when his favorite fruit vendor showed up at his door earlier in the morning to hand over a bag of ears from Purist scouts. Dalan was sure the old man took a few of the ears himself.

“Major, can your rangers play scouts and harassers?” Marteen asked.

“It’s what we’re good at doing.”

Marteen barked harsh laughter completely devoid of any mirth. Kurt only heard Marteen laugh that way on a few occasions. It was never a good omen.

“Yes, I remember quite well,” Marteen said and traded a knowing look with Sergeant Axe. Their reminiscence was broken by the whoosh of heavy objects hurtling overhead. Kurt looked up to catch a glimpse of a large iron ball, about the size of an ale cask, sailing over the building. Kurt watched as it punched cleanly through a three-story apartment building about five hundred yards from them. The building shuttered before collapsing into the street.

“How under the Goddess are they doing that?” Marteen shouted. “That was nearly a two-mile shot with a trebuchet! Not even cannons fire that far.”

“Magic,” Rin answered.

“The Goddess would never allow Her grace to be used like that,” Marteen said.

“Didn’t say it was the Goddess’s magic,” Rin said.

“If you’re correct, that would be confirmation Shafford is on the field of battle,” Major Agnelli said, “You and the corporal best see to that, Sergeant.” Rin braced to attention before dashing back down the stairs. Four more iron balls passed overhead. They destroyed a glazier, a silversmith, and a general store. Smoke rose from the wreckage of the glazier. Dalan ran to the stairwell and yelled at his subordinates to get a fire party out. Marteen traced the arcs of the artillery and let out a stream of curses.

“The Aponte Wall,” Marteen said once he managed to exhaust his inventory of swear words. “They’re trying to crack the Aponte Wall.”

“That’s impossible,” Dalan said, “Nothing can crack the wall.”

“They think they can,” Marteen observed.

“What happens if they do crack the wall?” Axe asked.

“Ask Selene, but I’m willing to bet a thousand Imperials the Barrier couldn’t be raised,” Kurt answered. “If I remember correctly, the wall is just a large focus object for the magic of the Barrier.”

“But the wall is impregnable,” Dalan argued.

“The wall’s tough, but anything can be breached, given enough time,” Kurt said. “It’s one of the reasons the Empire always made sure to keep the dwarven lands under their thumb. Given enough time, we could figure out how to break any jewel-spun structure.” The elves stared at Kurt in shock.

“Do you think they have dwarves with them?” Dalan asked incredulously.

“The Purists are worse than most elves in how they regard dwarves,” Kurt answered bluntly. “The point I was making is these people could have figured out a way to break the wall. Especially if they are magic.”

“I need a company of volunteers and a company of constables and some of the Knifehand’s better thugs,” Marteen said.

“You’re getting that wild look in your eye again. What are you planning?” Kurt asked cautiously.

“I thought we’d stroll over and take out those trebuchets,” Marteen answered.

“Marteen, there are four thousand Purists between us and those siege engines,” Kurt said with exaggerated patience. “You cannot attack four thousand with less than five hundred and expect to do anything other than get everyone killed.”

“Relax Kurt, I know what I’m doing,” Marteen said, with his characteristic smile firmly in place. Damn the man. Why couldn’t he stay the calm professional for a bit longer? Worse, the others accepted his mad scheme.

“If you get me killed elf, I’m going to pull you out of Paradise and drag you to the Dark Cavern with me,” Kurt said. Marteen just laughed.

Ward Manor Happenings 01.29.26

January 29, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Computer Locking Happenings – I have an Excel workbook that I use for blog-related stuff. Keeping track of the Metal Tuesday songs and anime recommendations for instance. Well, I came into my home office this week and found that my workbook suddenly had four new tabs. And charts. I was glad to see that none of the other worksheets were deleted or edited. Of course, this means one of the clowder (we have a couple of suspects) got up on my desk and walked across the keyboard. Which I never thought about before because the desk used to be raised to standing level and inaccessible. Now, I just need to start locking the computer when I’m done. Stupid cats.

Battery Station Happenings – We now have all three OStations up and running. Plus another bay. Plus sorted out battery caddies for all my rechargeables and “one-shots”. Then, The Wife helpfully added some labels.

Weight Happenings – I still haven’t fully recovered from the damage I did over the holidays. On the plus side – or minus side – I was down a couple of pounds. So, I’m holding at 272, which means 22 lbs until I hit my next tollgate.

Guns Coming Out Of SHOT 2026

January 26, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I’m putting links and videos on this post of guns that caught my eye in the time leading up to and during SHOT Show 2026.

LINKS

As expected, FN is reintroducing new versions of their SCAR. I am highly interested in a SCAR17 for my 7.62 rifle, but I’m not sure I’m $5K interested. I really wish CZ would release a Bren in 7.62 NATO, but…

Mossberg put out new versions of their 990 SPX with Magpul furniture. I still want a new semi-auto shotgun, and this is certainly a contender.

Iver Johnson is putting out a line of revolver shotguns. That is nifty, but not something I’m looking to pick up anytime soon.

Okay, the possibility of getting a Daewoo rifle is interesting. Especially if I ever want to cosplay Roof Korean.

VIDEOS

The one that made me want to start putting this post together is PSA’s Saber Key – their version of the venerable Masterkey concept. Okay, I’m interested. Probably not enough to pick one up, because my funds are limited. But if I get a bunch of disposable income?

Also from PSA another entry in the SR-25/AR-10 category. I keep going back and forth between the AR-10 platform and the G3 platform for my 7.62 rifle.

CZ is releasing the CZ 75 Legend, which is a retro to the very beginning. I am interested from a collection standpoint.

RIA has a folding pump shotgun. I am intrigued from a technical aspect. Particularly the shorty version.

I think B&T’s designers have been watching the 1990’s Ghost In The Shell movie on repeat. It’s not something I can get (stupid Hughes Amendment), but I still think it’s nifty.

Ward Manor Happenings – 01.22.26

January 22, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Conversation Happenings 1 –

The Wife: Are you coming downstairs for lunch?

Me: Yeah, why?

The Wife: You might want to bring a jacket.

This is what happens when we have a cold day and the doors get thrown open while Derek is upstairs in his office with the space heater running.

Conversation Happenings 2 –

The two dominant males in the clowder have been circling each other for the last couple of weeks. It’s seems like every other day we’re hearing their war cries before the fur starts flying. From one of their latest bouts:

Me: You two assholes are why we’re having to buy canned air by the case.

Canned air is about the only thing that will break them up when they’re in their war cry phase. When the fur starts flying? It sometimes helps.

Unusual Lighting Happenings – We recently added UV light to the HVAC to help keep the handler cleaner. The side effect is that coming out in the morning the vent has an eerie glow. It’s like the aliens are living in the handler closet.

Storage Shifting Happenings – Over the long weekend, The Wife and I, along with BIL and SIL, unloaded the old storage unit and moved it all over to the new storage. Good thing too, because the old storage place is too close to the really good ice cream place. Anywhoo, the shifting of stuff between the storage units resulted in finding things we forgot we had put in storage, and the need to re-organize and repack stuff. We also pulled a bunch of stuff out of the garage and donated it. There’s still a bunch of shifting that still needs to be completed. And purging.