Category: General

Bits and Bobs

July 8, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Novel Covers – I’ve been playing with AI image generation to put “Book Covers” on the pages for my various fiction properties. I kinda consider those as “placeholders” until I get actual ones. Still, it’s something fun to have. For example, this was one I generated for the Irregulars universe.

Meme Generation – A couple of weeks ago, I managed to snap this picture of some whistling ducks in the backyard.

Then an idea struck me and I went to the meme generator.

Algorithm Surprises – Sometimes YouTube’s algorithms deliver interesting little finds. Hence…

Stupid Onion Ninjas – There are a few songs that will bring on tears just from me listening to them – but it has to be in certain situations. Amazing Grace played on bagpipes will do it, mostly because of the solemnity where it is usually played. Over the last few years, it’s been John Denver’s “Country Roads,” particularly when crowds chant it. There’s something about that song’s gentle powerfulness. Anywhoo, case in point.

World Cup Fans Discover America

June 15, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I have been getting a kick out of the stories of tourists experiencing America. One of my guilty pleasures prior to this was watching Europeans reacting to videos showing the differences between America and other places.

The one that’s been filling my feed is Freddy the German Soccer Fan. I’m not on X or TikTok, so I only get reports of what he posts and a few things that pop up on YouTube.

I also loved the story of the Scandinavian woman who discovered ranch dressing.

I also love the story of Lawrence Kansas going all out to welcome the Algerian soccer team include decking out the place in Algerian flags and setting up a watch party in the main area for fans to come and watch together.

I hope to be inundated of people finding out that America is more than what they see in on their feeds. And I hope Americans find out that most people around the world are good people.

EDC Post – 2026

March 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Another in my series of seeing how things change year over year. I tend to carry a lot of stuff. Here are my previous posts:

2018 post.

2019 post.

2020 post.

2021 post.

2022 post.

2023 post.

2024 post.

2025 post.

With the return to the office, my daily carry has semi-expanded, in as much as I have a completely different set of bags that routinely get used.

On Person – Just Around The House

This is the EDC I will carry most days that I don’t go outside the house, or at least, outside the neighborhood.

Phone

I’m using an iPhone 16 Pro. I have the 512 GB model because I kept hitting storage limits on my old phone. Particularly since I’m out and about more. My case is one of those that allow me to use MagSafe chargers. It came with a wallet, but I really disliked it. I splurged and picked up a Pelican branded one that slips into my pocket better. Plus, I like the carbon fiber look.

Earbuds

I’ve been using some Apple AirPods Pro 2. I particularly like Apple’s “transparent” mode which allows more of the outside sound through. I’ve experimented with a few other earbuds, but I keep coming back to my Airpods.

Pocketknife

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool. for just around the house. Much to The Wife’s chagrin, I’ve found I need a knife or one of the myriad of little tools far too often.

Flashlight

For walking around the house, I have my Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA. I switched out my previous flashlight for one that took AA batteries, as I have a lot of rechargeables and some quick rechargers.

Watch

I’m using a 45mm Series 9 Apple Watch. I’m in the Apple ecosystem, and the Apple Watch works best.

On Person – Out of the House

Additional stuff when I’m going out that I keep on my person.

Wallet

I use a Saddleback Large Leather Wallet to hold all the cards and such that don’t fit into the phone wallet.

Keys

The Brother gave me a Lifelong Ring 300 key ring system a few years ago. I mainly use the main big ring and have all my keys on wire key rings. In addition to my keys, I keep:

  1. Olight I1R 2 Pro Eos – I don’t pull my keys out a lot, but there have been a few times I’ve needed extra light.
  2. Gerber Mullet multi-tool – Mostly because it’s TSA-approved
  3. SSK 128 GB flash drive – I like that the body is metal and has USB-A and USB-C attachments.

Pocketknife

My Leatherman gets switched out for a Spyderco Tenacious. I’ve always liked Spyderco knives, and I found this one on sale.

Flashlight

For going out of the house, I carry a Streamlight ProTac 750 lumen flashlight. It’s too big to really be a pocket flashlight, so I carry it in one of my IWB spare magazine holders.

Pepper Spray

I carry a small POM pepper spray for when I need something between strong words and deadly force.

Sidearm

Unless I’m going to a place I’m not legally allowed to carry, I generally have my Smith and Wesson M&P9 M2.0.

  1. Weapon-Mounted Light – Streamlight TLR-1 has been my go to for years
  2. Ammo – 124-grain Speer Gold Dots in the pistol and in the spare magazine, since that’s what the local cops use
  3. Holster – These days, I use a Raven Concealment IWB holster and Concealment Solutions IWB double mag holder.

On Person – Going to Work

Pretty much the same as above, but some things get switched out due to workplace restrictions. Some other stuff gets left home, but I’m not going to mention those.

Pocketknife

I carry a Leatherman Skeletool to work, but a different one. Mostly because my work Leatherman’s clip is bent and can’t really be securely clipped to my pants. It just rides in a pocket.

Flashlight

I have a Streamlight Pro-Tac 500 lumen that I carry to work. Small enough to ride in the pocket, but strong enough to throw a lot of light.

The Bags – Non-Work

Generally when I go out some place around town, I carry a 5.11 LVC12 Backpack for all the other essential bits and bobs I want to have on-hand.

Electronics Support

  1. Spare cables – I have a Maxpedition Fatboy Organizer with several cables that I need to recharge my various devices. I use almost exclusively Anker cables.
  2. Earbuds – A spare pair of Apple EarPods in case my Airpods are not available. Or someone needs them.
  3. Power Banks – I keep a couple versions of Anker’s MagChargers because I like the ability to just slap them on the back of my phone to recharge.
  4. Wall Plug – I have an Anker wall plug to recharge when the batteries are depleted. Or when I don’t want to use my chargers.
  5. Batteries – I keep some spare CR123’s for my flashlights and a couple of AA’s for the odd device that needs them.

First Aid Stuff

  1. The “Boo-Boo” First Aid Kit – Coleman Mini First Aid Kit although I’ve replaced most of the guts with my own band-aids, disinfecting wipes, and small antibiotics.
  2. The “Oh-Shit” First Aid Kit – I have a generic MOLLE IFAK bag that I stashed a CAT Tourniquet (because that’s what I trained with), a QuickClot bandage, a pair of trauma shears, a roll of vet tape, and a bunch of gauze pads.
  3. Spare Meds – I generally keep small bottles of ibuprofen, tylenol, and Pepcid AC. Because that’s generally what I need to deal with the aches and pains of going outside.
  4. N-95 Mask – I keep a couple of the 3M N-95 disposables in case of sickness or other such emergencies. Or I’m in a confined space and someone is coughing just a bit too much.

Tools

  1. Mini Tape Measure – I think mine is from Tractor Supply, but running around with The Wife necessitates having a tape measure when she finds stuff for the house.
  2. Reusable twist ties – The Brother got me these a long time ago, and they’ve come in handy on more than one occasion.
  3. Flashlight – Streamlight Polytac X Flashlight – Yes, I have another flashlight. Don’t judge. I like this one because it has a rechargeable battery, but will also run on a couple of CR123’s.
  4. Pair of Paracord Shoelaces – Because sometimes my shoelaces break in the most inconvenient places. Or I need to tie something while I’m out and about.

Odds and Ends

  1. Cleaning cloth – Amazon Microfiber Cloth – These are really handy for cleaning my eyeglasses and my electronics’ screens.
  2. Hand Sanitizer – I prefer the small little bottles from Bath and Bodyworks.
  3. Field Notes Notebook – Well, a generic version of the little pad of paper.
  4. Pen(s) – Zebra Metal Ball Point Pens – I’ve been keeping a couple of these in the bag. These tend to get through security better than dedicated tactical pens.
  5. Travel Pack Tissues – I keep a pack or two of the Kleenex Travel Packs. Because allergies. And occasional cleaning.
  6. Emergency cash – No, I’m not going to say how much
  7. Hairbrush
  8. Lint Roller – Flint Retractable Roller – I like this one because of its form factor

The Bags – Work

The Briefcase

My briefcase is a Maxpedition Attache bag. The concept behind the briefcase is it should have everything I need to set up for work. I should be able to sit down at a desk or table and have everything I need to do my job.

Workstation and Peripherals

  1. Laptop and Phone – These are issued by my employer, so I have no control or input on what I get. It also makes getting peripherals sometimes challenging. Particularly for anything I want that would require software being installed.
  2. Portable Monitor – I have an LG Gram portable monitor. The Wife and I got used to having two monitors even while traveling.
  3. Headphones – My headphones for work-related stuff (meetings, calls, etc) is a pair of Jabra Evolve 75 UC. I really like the light weight, comfortable fit, and noise cancellation.
  4. Laptop Stands – I keep a couple of collapsible stands. They help keep the monitors at eye level and the laptop from overheating.
  5. Phone Stand – I have a foldable stand that I use for the work phone so I can monitor it while I’m working. Plus it lets me plug in the phone while on the stand.
  6. Webcam – I keep a Logitech C310 webcam in my bag. It lets me get a better picture when I’m required to have my camera on.
  7. Trackball – I have a Logitech MX Ergo trackball. I prefer trackballs for their ergonomics and the fact that they don’t need additional space beyond their footprint to work. It helps in tight spaces.
  8. Keyboard – With the laptop on a stand, I can’t use its keyboard. So, I have a ProtoArc Ergonomic Foldable Keyboard

Electronic Support

  1. Extension Cord / Power Bar – I have an Anker Nano Charging Station. It’s relatively small and compact, as well as being able to take two traditional plugs, two USB-A and two USB-C.
  2. Power Block – I keep an Anker 140W MAX charging block. It has three USB-C ports and a USB-A port.
  3. Cables – I keep a pouch with the necessary cables, such as Thunderbolt, USB-C, lightning, and Micro-USB. Again, these are generally Anker.
  4. USB Hub – I have a Monkin USB Hub because it has two USB-C display ports. Which is helpful if I have my ASUS dual monitors along.

The Backpack

I have a 5.11 COVRT 24 backpack that I use as my “get home” and version of my non-work slingbag. It carries almost all same things as my normal backpack – or at least some variation thereof. In addition, I tend to carry along:

Nebula Capsule – Because I have gone into a presentation/training one too many times where there was no screen / monitor to show my slides.

Headphones – I have some Soundcore over the ear headphones. They work pretty well, fit pretty well, will get through several days of music, and I really like their transparency mode.

The Lunchbox

I use a Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack as my lunchbox. Really, it’s more of a drink carrier, but I make sure I have additional supplies – just in case.

Drinks – I keep a pair of Camelbak 50 oz bottles – one for sweet tea and one for Crystal Lite. In addition, I have a smaller Camelbak Eddy full of water, just in case.

Emergency Food – I keep a Cliff bar for emergency food, because I can eat a Cliff bar and not like it. Which means I won’t eat it unless I really need to.

Breath mints – I keep a tin of cinnamon Altoids. Most of the time, it’s just to “reload” the tin I keep in the car.

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.

That Was An Interesting Storm Season

November 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Okay, technically, the hurricane season lasts until the end of the month. And there’s the superstitious fragment of me that fears I’m tempting fate by talking about it as if it’s done. Still, with the nasty cold front that’s come through Ward Manor’s environs, I’m fairly certain we won’t see any tropicals until next year.

Looking globally, it hasn’t been a slow year. If anything, it’s been an unusually strong year. There were three Cat 5’s. Which, according to Wikipedia, hasn’t occurred since 2005. Looking at what Melissa did to Jamaica brought back the terror I felt when Milton was at its peak and headed straight towards us.

What made it interesting is the entire lack of impacts at Ward Manor. I look back at past blog posts, and it seems we get a busy year, a slow year, a busy year, etc.

Now, I could look at 2025 as the pendulum swing from 2024 – which was extremely active for my AO with three nasty storms in less than two months. However, that side of me that drives my prepper instincts is screaming that I need to be super-prepped for 2026.

I’m hoping for an easy 2026, but I’ve got my list of things to do before mid-May rolls around.

The Xterra Is Returning… In A Few Years

November 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Before the Ward Wagon and the Wardmobile, I had a 2011 Nissan Xterra. That car was the first car I bought simply because I wanted a new vehicle. It was a few years into my professional career after years of fast food management. While I loved my Aztek that I had at the time, I wanted something a little more nondescript, and something that didn’t have the lingering odor of fast food grease.

Way back in the early aughts, Mom rented me an Xterra to use in the lead up to my first wedding. I fell in love with that truck, and desperately wanted one when I was looking for a new vehicle before purchasing the Aztek. I just couldn’t afford them at the time. However, after being gainfully employed at the current day job for a few years, I was financially able to pick up my Xterra.

I loved that truck – even more after I upgraded the stereo to Carplay and added the backup camera. Yet, once we were all sent on telework, it just didn’t get driven much. So, it was traded in along with The Wife’s car at the time for the Ward Wagon.

Now, I find out that Nissan is reintroducing the Xterra after more than a decade. Well, sorta. They’re introducing a new SUV with the Xterra badge.

What It Is A reincarnation of the 2000–2015 Xterra as a tidy, off-road-focused hybrid SUV, as confirmed to Bloomberg by Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier. Leading up to the announcement, Nissan filed a trademark application for the Xterra name in the U.S. and a teaser photo of upcoming Nissans included a boxy SUV with prominent roof rails, a silhouette familiar to Xterra fans (and on which our speculative renderings are based). Meunier also confirmed the new Xterra will be built starting in 2028 at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, plant in order to take advantage of available capacity at the facility.

Why It Matters Nissan’s product lineup needs a few more injections of “interesting,” and with several off-road-focused SUVs now popular in the market—think Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser—it makes sense Nissan would greenlight an Xterra reincarnation. The first generation of this SUV won MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year award in 2000 and performed rather well within its segment.

I dunno. I look at the new Xterra and I don’t get the same rush I did from the original. It just seems like a semi-modded version of a standard mid-sized SUV. As of right now, nothing that would make me want to change from the Ward Wagon or Ward Mobile.

Derek’s Mildly Useful Reviews – Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

September 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Wife and I are fans of Downton Abbey. So much so that we have physical media so we can watch it if we lose internet. As a fan, the movie hit a lot of the same notes. In many ways, the movies seem less grand spectacles and more “very special episodes.” Which has its good points and its bad points. While I enjoyed the movie, there was a certain flatness when I put on my writing hat.

The main plot surrounds the passing of the torch from the elder characters to their younger counterparts. Once again, scandal surrounds the eldest daughter and presumed heiress Mary. A small quibble here is that it’s a case of “in late, out early,” but in some ways, we come in far too late. This, I fear, is the case of telling the story over a two hour film and not an eight-ten hour episode arc. In some ways, the various plots and subplots are rehashes of themes and issues that were previously done in the episodes. But, there’s an endearing quality to that as well.

It is a fitting end to the entire arc of the Downton Abbey saga. While I may have some quibbles from a writing standpoint, as a fan, I was immensely pleased to seeing these characters one last time. And feeling the touch of