Principia Discordia

Principia Discordia => Think for Yourself, Schmuck! => Horrorology => Topic started by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM

Title: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
I was ill yesterday, and stayed home.  Being bored, and having no internet access, I decided to do something dangerous.  I strapped on my Hockey Helmet of Derp, and did a lot of thinking...Not the regular kind, that happens in The World As TGRR Would Like It, but instead about The World As It Actually Is.

It wasn't a pleasant experience.

First, the shattered economy and the so-called recovery:  Nothing has changed.  Not one damned thing.  The financial institutions have the same leeway they've had since 1996, and they aren't interested in the long term.  So instead of loaning the bailout money, they're buying T-bills and charging us interest on the loan WE gave THEM.  End result, the economy is WORSE, long-term, than it was 2 years ago.  It won't be long before that becomes self-evident (those of you who can't find a job already know this).

Second, the bulk of the population is haring off after some mythical "government" that they blame for all of these problems, while defending the utra-rich who are driving the problem.  They cheer for tax cuts for income brackets nobody they even know are in, and screech "socialism" every time something that might benefit THEM comes up.

To put it bluntly, you can't fix stupid.

Here's a few things you can expect:

1.  Further short-sighted thinking.  Expect massive turnovers in congress every election - especially the house - as the people vote out everyone who can't fix 30 years of malfeasance in 2 years.  People will then install - again - people who promise easy answers to complex problems.  If history is any guide, this congressional impotence has a final result, one that can be reviewed by studying Rome from 60BCE to 2CE, and Argentina in 1946CE.

2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

3.  Radical groups will become mainstream, and will begin enforcing their beliefs on everyone around them.  This will eventually include the use of actual force.

4.  When the military is required to keep the peace, then you know it's the end of the republic.  When the power goes off for set time periods, then you know it's the end of the nation.

No exaggeration, there.  A republic's breakdown is a fairly understood event, which happens in 4-5 stages.

1.  Radicalization that seems to result from a single event (In this case, the economic downturn), but is actually caused by the overcomplexity of the republic. (Happening today)

2.  Riots, vigilanteism, and local insurrection. (Within 2 years of last month).

3.  Civil war.  Military units begin to side with factions, rather than the central government. (4-6 years from now.)

4.  Either a despotism/autocracy, or a complete breakdown of society's structure (No later than 2022).

Lastly, if history is any judge, the slide is by this point irreversible.  It may get slowed for a while (or sped up, which is more likely), but the root cause (complexity) will not and cannot be addressed, at least in a manner that will leave the USA as a single political entity (England's in the same boat, but can't really Balkanize, so will probably crash a bit faster and quite a bit harder).

So there you have it.  Official Prophecy™, and unlike loads of other prophets, I'm willing to put dates on the events.  How to PREPARE for the Coming Weird Times is another matter entirely, and one of which I will rant about, but my answers probably won't work in your situation, so you're going to have to, you know, THINK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Or Kill Me.

Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 06:59:36 PM
My exit strategy is already in place.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Whatever on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
Damn. 

It's not like this is a shock, I think most will have been expecting this stuff to happen, just not for it to be laid out on the line like this!!! 

Scary stuff Roger!! 

I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years.  Just a few more details to get taken care of!!!
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Phox on December 15, 2010, 07:12:20 PM
 :mittens:

:x :x :x :x :x
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:13:33 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

I am pretty sure my plan will work. I have spent 5 years laying it out. Not giving any details though, this comes under KYFMS.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Whatever on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:30:51 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  

What happens to farmers in lawless conditions?
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:31:20 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.

That's not going to be a concern.  That is, in fact, a hopelessly optimistic view of the future.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:31:20 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.

That's not going to be a concern.  That is, in fact, a hopelessly optimistic view of the future.

Why do you say this? High population centers are going to be horrible places to live. Gang anarchy will be the rule. Murder will be the daily past time.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:31:20 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.

That's not going to be a concern.  That is, in fact, a hopelessly optimistic view of the future.

Why do you say this? High population centers are going to be horrible places to live. Gang anarchy will be the rule. Murder will be the daily past time.

Rural areas will be even worse.  You think all those people are going to quietly starve in the cities?

Also, crime is ALREADY higher per capita in rural areas.

But I was referring to the chip issue.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:31:20 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.

That's not going to be a concern.  That is, in fact, a hopelessly optimistic view of the future.

Why do you say this? High population centers are going to be horrible places to live. Gang anarchy will be the rule. Murder will be the daily past time.

Rural areas will be even worse.  You think all those people are going to quietly starve in the cities?

Also, crime is ALREADY higher per capita in rural areas.

I wasn't thinking rural either.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:40:57 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:37:26 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:31:20 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:16:35 PM
The biggest thing is to get out of Dodge before chip implants become mandatory.

That's not going to be a concern.  That is, in fact, a hopelessly optimistic view of the future.

Why do you say this? High population centers are going to be horrible places to live. Gang anarchy will be the rule. Murder will be the daily past time.

Rural areas will be even worse.  You think all those people are going to quietly starve in the cities?

Also, crime is ALREADY higher per capita in rural areas.

I wasn't thinking rural either.

But you WERE thinking chips.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:42:30 PM
Yes I was.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:43:50 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:42:30 PM
Yes I was.

Chips won't matter when the technology to utilize them ceases to be available.

The slide, after all, isn't about to begin, it's about 25% complete.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Precious Moments Zalgo on December 15, 2010, 07:44:57 PM
Good stuff, Roger, and scary.  It seems that each one of these is even better than the last.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:43:50 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:42:30 PM
Yes I was.

Chips won't matter when the technology to utilize them ceases to be available.

The slide, after all, isn't about to begin, it's about 25% complete.

Ah. I see your point.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:47:53 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:43:50 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:42:30 PM
Yes I was.

Chips won't matter when the technology to utilize them ceases to be available.

The slide, after all, isn't about to begin, it's about 25% complete.

Ah. I see your point.

Oppressive governments will be looked upon with nostalgia.

No shit.

Humanity has had two massive dark ages, and we're about to see #3.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Nast on December 15, 2010, 07:51:32 PM
There's a terrible sense of denial that plays into this, and no one wants to let go us the USA #1 mentality and realize that things aren't good. It's easier to think that these things aren't supposed to happen in "America". They're supposed to happen in hot sweaty 3rd world countries.

Hungry children? They're just stray animals.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 07:52:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:47:53 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:45:47 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:43:50 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 07:42:30 PM
Yes I was.

Chips won't matter when the technology to utilize them ceases to be available.

The slide, after all, isn't about to begin, it's about 25% complete.

Ah. I see your point.

Oppressive governments will be looked upon with nostalgia.

No shit.

Humanity has had two massive dark ages, and we're about to see #3.

As long as I have enough time to pass on a skill set learned over a lifetime to family. Without drugs and my treatments my life will be considerably shortened.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Whatever on December 15, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:30:51 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  

What happens to farmers in lawless conditions?

Yeah I see where you are coming from.  I reckon even going back up into the hills isn't going to be an option unless I plan on moving all the time.  There are still areas on this continent (and others I am sure) you can disappear into, problem is, I don't know I have it in me to be that much of a pioneer.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 08:10:30 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:30:51 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  

What happens to farmers in lawless conditions?

Yeah I see where you are coming from.  I reckon even going back up into the hills isn't going to be an option unless I plan on moving all the time.  There are still areas on this continent (and others I am sure) you can disappear into, problem is, I don't know I have it in me to be that much of a pioneer.

Seriously, you're better off being a looter.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 08:12:00 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 08:10:30 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:30:51 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  

What happens to farmers in lawless conditions?

Yeah I see where you are coming from.  I reckon even going back up into the hills isn't going to be an option unless I plan on moving all the time.  There are still areas on this continent (and others I am sure) you can disappear into, problem is, I don't know I have it in me to be that much of a pioneer.

Seriously, you're better off being a looter.

No shit. Without knowing what you're doing you will die in a week or less in the wild.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 08:16:36 PM
Quote from: Charley Brown on December 15, 2010, 08:12:00 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 08:10:30 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:30:51 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:14:22 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 07:10:28 PM
Quote from: Niamh on December 15, 2010, 07:07:23 PM
I'm with Charley, I'm off the grid within the next 2 years. 

Won't help.

If the breakdown of law is as bad as I fear, there won't really be anywhere to go.

And if an autocrat comes into power, it will be unlawful to be off the grid.  Hell, that's almost illegal now.

Even if I'm completely self sufficient?

Now I am waiting your way to survive this with a great deal more anticipation!!!  

What happens to farmers in lawless conditions?

Yeah I see where you are coming from.  I reckon even going back up into the hills isn't going to be an option unless I plan on moving all the time.  There are still areas on this continent (and others I am sure) you can disappear into, problem is, I don't know I have it in me to be that much of a pioneer.

Seriously, you're better off being a looter.

No shit. Without knowing what you're doing you will die in a week or less in the wild.

Most people are gonna die that fast no matter what, once the power stops working.  At least the looters will have some fun before they get shot and eaten.

And there isn't going to be any "wild".  Any undeveloped spot will be instantly overrun by every survival nut and gun freak.  The amount of available game will be depleted within a month at the outside.  You don't feed 301,000,000 people on deer.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 15, 2010, 08:38:38 PM
The resulting Donner Dinner Party will be funny as hell though.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Epimetheus on December 16, 2010, 12:27:21 AM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 15, 2010, 07:12:20 PM
:mittens:

:x :x :x :x :x
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 16, 2010, 08:58:51 AM
The only chance I see for survival is to begin building my own empire as swiftly as possible once I can do it without reprisal from a central government.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: President Television on December 16, 2010, 11:02:28 PM
I've been thinking about this, and if America(and Western civilization on the whole) really is dying, and there really is nothing we can do to stop it, it seems to me that the best course of action is to throw it a proper Discordian send-off. There may be only ten or so years left, and each of those years may be progressively more horrible than the last, but maybe it's best that we do everything we can to make it as fun as possible.  This is the time to kick Operation: Mindfuck into high gear. I mean, we should make the best of our situation. No point to wallowing in misery, right? Think of it as a New Orleans funeral on a grand scale.

I don't know how I'll survive, and I'm inclined to believe that I won't, but dammit, I want the last decade of my life to be worth it.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Reginald Ret on December 17, 2010, 12:30:48 AM
If When that happens here I will be dead.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Nast on December 17, 2010, 03:01:24 AM
I'd totally be the first one to be killed and/or eaten in one of those situations. But that's okay because I wouldn't want to be alive anyway. Survival of the fittest, etc.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Eater of Clowns on December 17, 2010, 03:21:40 AM
It's for specifically this reason I've been slowly acclimating my body to arsenic in minute increases.  I may be eaten, but I'll take them out as well.  I hope they're smart and they leave me alive as they eat me in pieces so I can see it happen.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Epimetheus on December 17, 2010, 04:18:20 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 17, 2010, 03:21:40 AM
It's for specifically this reason I've been slowly acclimating my body to arsenic in minute increases. 

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2qci42h.jpg)
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Eater of Clowns on December 17, 2010, 06:29:35 AM
Quote from: Epimetheus on December 17, 2010, 04:18:20 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 17, 2010, 03:21:40 AM
It's for specifically this reason I've been slowly acclimating my body to arsenic in minute increases. 

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2qci42h.jpg)

If you're so positive, try eating my leg.  :)
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Remington on December 17, 2010, 07:50:20 AM
What are the chances of Canada getting dragged down with the States, in your opinion?

Edit: And to what degree?
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Requia ☣ on December 17, 2010, 08:00:20 AM
high, on the off chance Canada doesn't get hit just as hard, you can expect refugees pouring over the border, and then making things just as bad.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Remington on December 17, 2010, 08:05:15 AM
We might be okay economically/societally so long as we get rid of Harper, but the refugees will definitely be a problem. Also annexation... the States apparently hasn't yet figured out that some parts of our country* are essentially floating on oil.


*Alberta. Although based on the level of Conservatism in Alberta, the Americans might just fit in.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Requia ☣ on December 17, 2010, 08:27:55 AM
I'm expecting the US to spend the last of its military power on Brazil, since they have more smudgy people in Brazil, and it lets us have that 'oh that's happening elsewhere I don't care' attitude we have with foreign wars, which would be harder to do with a border nation.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Remington on December 17, 2010, 08:32:19 AM
You seem to be under the impression that Canada would require armed forces to annex. Honestly, all you would need is a strongly worded request and a promise to keep the Timmys open.

Edit: This does, however, mean that all it would take to instigate a country-wide revolution is a day or two's disruption in our strategic doughnut/coffee supply chains.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Triple Zero on December 17, 2010, 11:32:08 AM
Quote from: Regret on December 17, 2010, 12:30:48 AM
If When that happens here I will be dead.

I don't think it will happen that way in Europe. Not saying bad shit is not going to go down here, but America is a vastly different place than here (much more space between people, for one thing), and so Roger's predictions may be very accurate for the USA, I have no idea what Europe would look like WTSHTF.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 17, 2010, 03:26:22 PM
Quote from: Remington on December 17, 2010, 07:50:20 AM
What are the chances of Canada getting dragged down with the States, in your opinion?

Edit: And to what degree?

100%.  When the USA goes, everything goes (Canada will be one of the first to follow us into hilarity), for very solid reasons.  I'll go into detail if you like.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 17, 2010, 03:27:52 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on December 17, 2010, 11:32:08 AM
Quote from: Regret on December 17, 2010, 12:30:48 AM
If When that happens here I will be dead.

I don't think it will happen that way in Europe. Not saying bad shit is not going to go down here, but America is a vastly different place than here (much more space between people, for one thing), and so Roger's predictions may be very accurate for the USA, I have no idea what Europe would look like WTSHTF.

Actually, most of Europe is probably going to shit the bed before America does.  Mostly Southern Europe.  Germany will be in serious trouble, but you Belgians are pretty self-sufficient, and make things that last forever, like wooden shoes and cheese.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 17, 2010, 03:28:39 PM
Quote from: Unqualified on December 16, 2010, 11:02:28 PM
I've been thinking about this, and if America(and Western civilization on the whole) really is dying, and there really is nothing we can do to stop it, it seems to me that the best course of action is to throw it a proper Discordian send-off. There may be only ten or so years left, and each of those years may be progressively more horrible than the last, but maybe it's best that we do everything we can to make it as fun as possible.  This is the time to kick Operation: Mindfuck into high gear. I mean, we should make the best of our situation. No point to wallowing in misery, right? Think of it as a New Orleans funeral on a grand scale.

I don't know how I'll survive, and I'm inclined to believe that I won't, but dammit, I want the last decade of my life to be worth it.

SOMEONE GETS THE POINT!
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Epimetheus on December 17, 2010, 03:49:54 PM
So it's the fall of our civilization, so to speak?
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 17, 2010, 03:50:32 PM
Fuck getting that point, Roger. I'm going out fighting like a cornered rat.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: East Coast Hustle on December 17, 2010, 05:41:17 PM
I think Roger's timeline is hopelessly optimistic.

That shit is gonna take several generations to unfold. Which sucks, because I'm in perhaps the single most optimal position of anyone here to survive and thrive in a scenario like that, but by the time I'm 80 I'll be pretty well fucked regardless.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 17, 2010, 07:37:33 PM
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 17, 2010, 05:41:17 PM
I think Roger's timeline is hopelessly optimistic.

That shit is gonna take several generations to unfold. Which sucks, because I'm in perhaps the single most optimal position of anyone here to survive and thrive in a scenario like that, but by the time I'm 80 I'll be pretty well fucked regardless.

I have to disagree, there.  Most cultural collapses occurred during periods that didn't look all that unstable.

However, we may not see a collapse immediately.  Most republics turn to autocracies before they finally go belly up.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Requia ☣ on December 17, 2010, 09:44:48 PM
I've been thinking about how a total breakdown would go here in Utah, and I think we have an entirely different set of challenges ahead of us.  We have plenty of farmland here, and at least in North Utah we have our own water supply (South Utah is fucked), and while the infrastructure for that will fail eventually more primitive methods can replace those, and the Mormon obsession with storing food should help us deal with the transition to local food once the roads and oil are gone.

On the other hand, it gets damned cold here in the winter, and not many people have adequate insulation.  Without electricity or methane, I expect most of the valley to freeze to death, or kill themselves and their neighbors trying to burn something else for heat.  Or maybe we'll just strip the surrounding forests bare for firewood that first year, utterly destroying our water supply in the process.

Of course, all that assumes we won't be dealing with the same refugee problems Canada will.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: East Coast Hustle on December 17, 2010, 10:32:03 PM
Oh yeah, everybody is gonna be flocking to Utah.

:lulz:
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Requia ☣ on December 17, 2010, 11:09:01 PM
How do you think people got to Utah in the first place?

People only move here when they have no other choice.  But there won't be a lot of options when the unpleasantness happens.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 18, 2010, 05:44:06 PM
(http://mommylife.net/archives/2009/08/25/FabianWindow-1.jpg)
Beware Obama's Fabian Window

By William Kevin Stoos Friday, August 21, 2009

If you feel the ground shaking under your feet; if the America you once knew seems to be changing daily; if you feel that you have less and less control over your life and the country is being governed from the top down, then you should take heed. Someone is "remoulding the world nearer his heart's desire," and he has the biggest hammer in the world. If you want to understand Obama's agenda, you need to peer into the Fabian Window.

The Fabian Window is a beautiful, if sinister, thing. Although it currently hangs in London, it should be hanging in the White House, for the message in the window is an eerie reflection of what is happening in the United States before our very eyes. Built to commemorate the founding of the Fabian Socialist Society, the Fabian Window contains images that are clear, unapologetic and, as a friend of mine once said--brazen. It is one thing, as Lenin said, to howl like wolves in order to live among wolves; however it is quite another to advertise the fact that you are a wolf in sheep's clothing. Yet, the socialists who constructed the window had no qualms about advertising the fact that they had a hidden (or not so hidden) agenda when it comes to reshaping the world.

The window contains the image of two men--founders of the society--hammering the globe (from the top down no less) with sledgehammers--imposing their will on the world so to speak. They are not voting; they are not persuading; nor are they preaching to the masses. They are hammering the world with very big hammers. If imposing one's will from the top down does not remind you of the current occupant of the White House, then you have been living in a cave for the past eight months. The Czar and his Commissars are imposing their will on America every day, ramming legislation down the collective throat of America--legislation that Congress itself does not even read. And we are paying hundreds of billions of dollars, ceding our personal freedom, and witnessing the centralization of power in the federal government to an extent never before seen since we declared independence from the last dictator to rule America over two centuries ago. Are we being governed from the ground up--by the consent of the people? Or, is someone imposing their will upon us--hammering us from above?

More ominous still--the wolf in sheep's clothing. Amazingly, the Fabian Window contains an image--just above the fellows hammering the world--that is as clear as it is foreboding: the socialists are wolves in sheep's clothing. I often wonder why they did not choose a less ignoble animal. What about a courageous lion? A proud bull? A vigilant hawk? A noble horse? No, they chose a wolf--a cunning, ravenous, devious, and scary critter--and cloaked him in a sheepskin. Why? Because, as Lenin taught, if you want to operate in a capitalist society you must disguise yourself. Put the sheepskin on and you can easily mingle with the flock. Until you decide to shed the skin and consume the flock. The most frightening thing about the image is that the socialists make no apology about being wolves and living among sheep.

Creeping socialism has pervaded our government. We can deny it, wish it were not so, and the captive media can dismiss the notion as "right wing propaganda," but the truth is plain. Power is being consolidated daily in the central government--at the expense of the governed. The current occupants of the White House look and dress like capitalists and profess to believe in freedom--all the time hammering the world and remoudling it nearer their heart's desire--which, of course, is the motto inscribed on the Fabian Window. Does it say, "remould it nearer the will of the people?" Or, "remould it nearer the will of the voters?" No, the socialist window commands them to: "remould it nearer [their] heart's desire." This should send chills down the spine of every freedom loving American. We should question what is in their hearts and the wisdom of giving them the hammers.

Fast forward to the present day. Is someone pounding our world with a very big sledge hammer, imposing his will on the country? Or do we feel as if we have control over our lives? You be the judge:

Read the rest at Canada Free Press.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Adios on December 18, 2010, 05:47:41 PM
I think the above fits in with the OP. Not in the form of Socialism, but in something much worse.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Remington on January 20, 2011, 12:10:37 AM
(http://www.religiongonecrazy.com/wp-content/uploads/whatcrazychristiansattend.jpg)
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on January 20, 2011, 12:12:37 AM
 :lulz:
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Phox on January 20, 2011, 01:22:31 AM
Quote from: Remington on January 20, 2011, 12:10:37 AM
http://www.religiongonecrazy.com/wp-content/uploads/whatcrazychristiansattend.jpg

Say what you will about their optimism, but at least they are trying*. That's more than most monkeys, and damn sure more than most churches.  I like to imagine that title is ironic.





*I have no confidence in their ability to make any sort of difference in any of those areas, but if every church did that every week...
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Remington on January 20, 2011, 03:35:12 AM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on January 20, 2011, 01:22:31 AM
Quote from: Remington on January 20, 2011, 12:10:37 AM
http://www.religiongonecrazy.com/wp-content/uploads/whatcrazychristiansattend.jpg

Say what you will about their optimism, but at least they are trying*. That's more than most monkeys, and damn sure more than most churches.  I like to imagine that title is ironic.





*I have no confidence in their ability to make any sort of difference in any of those areas, but if every church did that every week...
Is true, what you say. I hope the sermon is ironic, although it seems like they rarely are.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2011, 05:20:31 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
I was ill yesterday, and stayed home.  Being bored, and having no internet access, I decided to do something dangerous.  I strapped on my Hockey Helmet of Derp, and did a lot of thinking...Not the regular kind, that happens in The World As TGRR Would Like It, but instead about The World As It Actually Is.

It wasn't a pleasant experience.

First, the shattered economy and the so-called recovery:  Nothing has changed.  Not one damned thing.  The financial institutions have the same leeway they've had since 1996, and they aren't interested in the long term.  So instead of loaning the bailout money, they're buying T-bills and charging us interest on the loan WE gave THEM.  End result, the economy is WORSE, long-term, than it was 2 years ago.  It won't be long before that becomes self-evident (those of you who can't find a job already know this).

Second, the bulk of the population is haring off after some mythical "government" that they blame for all of these problems, while defending the utra-rich who are driving the problem.  They cheer for tax cuts for income brackets nobody they even know are in, and screech "socialism" every time something that might benefit THEM comes up.

To put it bluntly, you can't fix stupid.

Here's a few things you can expect:

1.  Further short-sighted thinking.  Expect massive turnovers in congress every election - especially the house - as the people vote out everyone who can't fix 30 years of malfeasance in 2 years.  People will then install - again - people who promise easy answers to complex problems.  If history is any guide, this congressional impotence has a final result, one that can be reviewed by studying Rome from 60BCE to 2CE, and Argentina in 1946CE.

2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

3.  Radical groups will become mainstream, and will begin enforcing their beliefs on everyone around them.  This will eventually include the use of actual force.

4.  When the military is required to keep the peace, then you know it's the end of the republic.  When the power goes off for set time periods, then you know it's the end of the nation.

No exaggeration, there.  A republic's breakdown is a fairly understood event, which happens in 4-5 stages.

1.  Radicalization that seems to result from a single event (In this case, the economic downturn), but is actually caused by the overcomplexity of the republic. (Happening today)

2.  Riots, vigilanteism, and local insurrection. (Within 2 years of last month).

3.  Civil war.  Military units begin to side with factions, rather than the central government. (4-6 years from now.)

4.  Either a despotism/autocracy, or a complete breakdown of society's structure (No later than 2022).

Lastly, if history is any judge, the slide is by this point irreversible.  It may get slowed for a while (or sped up, which is more likely), but the root cause (complexity) will not and cannot be addressed, at least in a manner that will leave the USA as a single political entity (England's in the same boat, but can't really Balkanize, so will probably crash a bit faster and quite a bit harder).

So there you have it.  Official Prophecy™, and unlike loads of other prophets, I'm willing to put dates on the events.  How to PREPARE for the Coming Weird Times is another matter entirely, and one of which I will rant about, but my answers probably won't work in your situation, so you're going to have to, you know, THINK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Or Kill Me.



Prophecy, you fuckers.  Prophecy.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 15, 2011, 06:03:41 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2011, 05:20:31 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
I was ill yesterday, and stayed home.  Being bored, and having no internet access, I decided to do something dangerous.  I strapped on my Hockey Helmet of Derp, and did a lot of thinking...Not the regular kind, that happens in The World As TGRR Would Like It, but instead about The World As It Actually Is.

It wasn't a pleasant experience.

First, the shattered economy and the so-called recovery:  Nothing has changed.  Not one damned thing.  The financial institutions have the same leeway they've had since 1996, and they aren't interested in the long term.  So instead of loaning the bailout money, they're buying T-bills and charging us interest on the loan WE gave THEM.  End result, the economy is WORSE, long-term, than it was 2 years ago.  It won't be long before that becomes self-evident (those of you who can't find a job already know this).

Second, the bulk of the population is haring off after some mythical "government" that they blame for all of these problems, while defending the utra-rich who are driving the problem.  They cheer for tax cuts for income brackets nobody they even know are in, and screech "socialism" every time something that might benefit THEM comes up.

To put it bluntly, you can't fix stupid.

Here's a few things you can expect:

1.  Further short-sighted thinking.  Expect massive turnovers in congress every election - especially the house - as the people vote out everyone who can't fix 30 years of malfeasance in 2 years.  People will then install - again - people who promise easy answers to complex problems.  If history is any guide, this congressional impotence has a final result, one that can be reviewed by studying Rome from 60BCE to 2CE, and Argentina in 1946CE.

2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

3.  Radical groups will become mainstream, and will begin enforcing their beliefs on everyone around them.  This will eventually include the use of actual force.

4.  When the military is required to keep the peace, then you know it's the end of the republic.  When the power goes off for set time periods, then you know it's the end of the nation.

No exaggeration, there.  A republic's breakdown is a fairly understood event, which happens in 4-5 stages.

1.  Radicalization that seems to result from a single event (In this case, the economic downturn), but is actually caused by the overcomplexity of the republic. (Happening today)

2.  Riots, vigilanteism, and local insurrection. (Within 2 years of last month).

3.  Civil war.  Military units begin to side with factions, rather than the central government. (4-6 years from now.)

4.  Either a despotism/autocracy, or a complete breakdown of society's structure (No later than 2022).

Lastly, if history is any judge, the slide is by this point irreversible.  It may get slowed for a while (or sped up, which is more likely), but the root cause (complexity) will not and cannot be addressed, at least in a manner that will leave the USA as a single political entity (England's in the same boat, but can't really Balkanize, so will probably crash a bit faster and quite a bit harder).

So there you have it.  Official Prophecy™, and unlike loads of other prophets, I'm willing to put dates on the events.  How to PREPARE for the Coming Weird Times is another matter entirely, and one of which I will rant about, but my answers probably won't work in your situation, so you're going to have to, you know, THINK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Or Kill Me.



Prophecy, you fuckers.  Prophecy.

:x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x :x
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Phox on December 15, 2011, 09:02:13 PM
OFUK. I forgot about this.  :x :x :x :x
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: ñͤͣ̄ͦ̌̑͗͊͛͂͗ ̸̨̨̣̺̼̣̜͙͈͕̮̊̈́̈͂͛̽͊ͭ̓͆ͅé ̰̓̓́ͯ́́͞ on December 22, 2011, 03:46:31 AM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2011, 05:20:31 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
I was ill yesterday, and stayed home.  Being bored, and having no internet access, I decided to do something dangerous.  I strapped on my Hockey Helmet of Derp, and did a lot of thinking...Not the regular kind, that happens in The World As TGRR Would Like It, but instead about The World As It Actually Is.

It wasn't a pleasant experience.

First, the shattered economy and the so-called recovery:  Nothing has changed.  Not one damned thing.  The financial institutions have the same leeway they've had since 1996, and they aren't interested in the long term.  So instead of loaning the bailout money, they're buying T-bills and charging us interest on the loan WE gave THEM.  End result, the economy is WORSE, long-term, than it was 2 years ago.  It won't be long before that becomes self-evident (those of you who can't find a job already know this).

Second, the bulk of the population is haring off after some mythical "government" that they blame for all of these problems, while defending the utra-rich who are driving the problem.  They cheer for tax cuts for income brackets nobody they even know are in, and screech "socialism" every time something that might benefit THEM comes up.

To put it bluntly, you can't fix stupid.

Here's a few things you can expect:

1.  Further short-sighted thinking.  Expect massive turnovers in congress every election - especially the house - as the people vote out everyone who can't fix 30 years of malfeasance in 2 years.  People will then install - again - people who promise easy answers to complex problems.  If history is any guide, this congressional impotence has a final result, one that can be reviewed by studying Rome from 60BCE to 2CE, and Argentina in 1946CE.

2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

3.  Radical groups will become mainstream, and will begin enforcing their beliefs on everyone around them.  This will eventually include the use of actual force.

4.  When the military is required to keep the peace, then you know it's the end of the republic.  When the power goes off for set time periods, then you know it's the end of the nation.

No exaggeration, there.  A republic's breakdown is a fairly understood event, which happens in 4-5 stages.

1.  Radicalization that seems to result from a single event (In this case, the economic downturn), but is actually caused by the overcomplexity of the republic. (Happening today)

2.  Riots, vigilanteism, and local insurrection. (Within 2 years of last month).

3.  Civil war.  Military units begin to side with factions, rather than the central government. (4-6 years from now.)

4.  Either a despotism/autocracy, or a complete breakdown of society's structure (No later than 2022).

Lastly, if history is any judge, the slide is by this point irreversible.  It may get slowed for a while (or sped up, which is more likely), but the root cause (complexity) will not and cannot be addressed, at least in a manner that will leave the USA as a single political entity (England's in the same boat, but can't really Balkanize, so will probably crash a bit faster and quite a bit harder).

So there you have it.  Official Prophecy™, and unlike loads of other prophets, I'm willing to put dates on the events.  How to PREPARE for the Coming Weird Times is another matter entirely, and one of which I will rant about, but my answers probably won't work in your situation, so you're going to have to, you know, THINK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Or Kill Me.



Prophecy, you fuckers.  Prophecy.

Oh snap!
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on December 22, 2011, 08:35:01 PM
Shit's about to get real funny.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: The Good Reverend Roger on August 21, 2013, 09:39:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

Note:  Texas has just announced that it is converting many of its rural roads to gravel, because it can't or won't spend the money to repair/maintain the existing roads.

Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Mesozoic Mister Nigel on August 21, 2013, 10:33:30 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on August 21, 2013, 09:39:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 15, 2010, 06:42:12 PM
2.  One thing that won't get fixed is infrastructure.  Ever since the 80s, anyone who calls for roads, bridges, and dams to be built or even maintained are branded as pork barrel swine, and derided for building "roads to nowhere".  As infrastructure degrades, a rise in vehicle maintenance costs will make shipping more expensive, which in turn will mean reduced revenues, which means LESS money for road repairs, etc.  It also means more pollution and less power, as dams are forced out of use due to cracks, etc.  This spiral, incidentally, has a bottom.  That bottom involves local-only traffic and the reintroduction of animal powered vehicles.  Don't laugh, we're almost there now in many places.

Note:  Texas has just announced that it is converting many of its rural roads to gravel, because it can't or won't spend the money to repair/maintain the existing roads.

Oh yessir, I saw that. :lol: The long slow slide is well underway.

I'm still waiting for a catastrophic dam failure.

Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Reginald Ret on August 28, 2013, 06:53:28 PM
I'll need to buy 3-4 pair of glasses, without my eyesight i will be a drain on my friends and family.
I won't need more than that because i expect to die soonish in such a scenario.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Pergamos on September 10, 2015, 08:00:01 AM
We should be on civil war about now right? 
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 10, 2015, 05:53:58 PM
Quote from: Pergamos on September 10, 2015, 08:00:01 AM
We should be on civil war about now right?

The range1 I gave ends in 2016.



1 This is, in the trade, known as the gross prophet margin.
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: LMNO on September 10, 2015, 06:05:26 PM
:crankey:
Title: Re: Slow Time in Fat City™, #11: The Long, Slow Slide
Post by: Doktor Howl on September 10, 2015, 07:03:36 PM
Quote from: LMNO, PhD (life continues) on September 10, 2015, 06:05:26 PM
:crankey:

I don't know what came over me.   :sad: