Even when you think no one is watching you say it.
It is easy falling into the trap of thinking that the handful of folks that read my online diary have been with me for years and that none of them are local folks. There was a time when I actually promoted LTG by linking to Facebook. I consciously don’t do that now because I want to enjoy the freedom that comes with anonymity. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way. Back in my working life, I caused a ruckus by making reference to the “Pedophile Mohammed”. Someone complained, I got summoned to the EEO office, and my boss gave me a stern talking to. The lawyers got involved and determined that my opinions, while “churlish”, were my own and since I didn’t express them at work they were covered by the first amendment to the United States Constitution. I also pointed out in my own defense that my statement was factually and historically true (the Prophet married a 9-year-old).
Something similar occurred recently and I wasn’t so much in the clear. A friend of a friend here in Barretto had come across my posts about one of my Friends With Benefits participants. Some of the things I said about her past were not factually correct. I felt bad about that because I do strive for accuracy here and I’m also quite fond of the person in question. So last night I did a search through my archives and changed the name of the person in question. I also deleted identifying photographs. I need to remember I live in a small town where it seems everyone knows just about everyone else. I can tell my stories without invading someone’s privacy I think. I’m going to try and change my ways.
Coincidentally or not, I did see a recent uptick in unique visits to the blog. My “normal” is around 160 or so. This past week I averaged over 200. No idea why, and I won’t be surprised if the numbers drop back down to where they usually are. But as the above incident shows, there is a likelihood that new readers here may very well be my Barretto neighbors. In the recent past, I’ve had a couple of complete strangers approach me and say they’ve been reading my blog. I asked one how he found it and he responded “a Google search of bars in Barretto.” Yep, that would do it I suppose.
Anyway, hopefully, you won’t notice any significant change. Any name will work for the storytelling, not sure what I’ll do about the photos at this point. Stick with me!
No photos from yesterday’s Hash because I didn’t do the trail–long or short. I barely have the energy to walk up the road to my house lately. I don’t know if that is related to the eye surgery (or meds I’m taking post-surgery) but I’m a little concerned. I’ll discuss it with the doc during my follow-up visit on Thursday morning. I did do about 5K on the flat streets of Barretto, so there’s that.
I’m not anti-vax, but I’m definitely against vaccination mandates.
Now, if they want to treat getting vaccinated in the same manner as they do voting, maybe I could support the idea.
Alright, enough of this madness! For today anyway.
Small-town life, eh? Well, tread lightly, I guess. Karma has a way of sneaking up on you.
I have arguably more anonymity here in Korea; most Koreans can’t be bothered to slog through English-language websites. However, back when I worked at the Catholic University of Daegu, I got called onto the carpet three or so times by the native-speaker bosses for things I’d written on my blog. They were sensitive about that shit. Currently, I work with native speakers who know full well that I have a blog, but who can’t be bothered to read it every day. The Korean staff, meanwhile, doesn’t even know about the blog. Not that I spend time trashing them… they work in separate rooms, so I see them only on occasion, and we’re all on friendly terms.
Anyway, my asides aside, do be careful. Code names are acceptable, as are code words. A radio DJ that I used to listen to had all sorts of code names for sexual acts and bodily functions as a way to circumvent FCC regulations. “Cutting a slice” (pronounced “shlice”) meant “gettin’ some pussy.” “Gettin’ a snarlin'” meant receiving a blowjob, etc., etc. Start using idiosyncratic slang, and we’ll all catch on.
John, I think that surgery, regardless of how minor it seems, does take something out of person. I dont think it is too unusual that you are feeling a bit lethargic after the cataract surgery. I am sure you will be back to your usual energetic hash walking self soon!
Re: Vaccines – I guess we will agree to disagree. As part of living in a civilized society, we all have to give up certain rights and beliefs if you want to enjoy the overall societal benefits.
E.g I think stop lights are stupid. I think I should just be able to ignore them and drive on. Well, I am putting myself and others at risk by doing that. So, I have to stop at each red light and “follow the rules”
I think that people had a (fairly) legitimate opposition when the Pfizer vaccine was under emergency authorization, but that is no longer the case. It is fully authorized for the vast vast majority of adults. It appears that the Moderna vaccine will be getting full authorization soon also. The same people who are concerned about the vaccine are the same ones who celebrate and stand in line when McDonalds brings back the McRib sandwich!! (God only knows what is in that!!!) LOL
I am guessing that when you went to Korea, there were possibly certain shots, drug tests, etc that were a condition of employment? Of course, a person could refuse, but there would be consequences.
When your kids entered school and at various ages, certain vaccines were requited – measles, mumps, polio, diphtheria, etc. That is a vaccine mandate.
Even George Washington had a “vaccine” mandate for his troops during the Revolutionary War. It was not a true vaccine, but rather the precursor to the smallpox vaccine, and while very rudimentary, he required his troops to take it because of the alternative
Again, people are not being forced to take it. But if they decide not to, there will be certain consequences. My company added a insurance surcharge for smokers. I dont smoke, but if I did, I could either suck it up and stop smoking or pay the consequence.
If they have a vaccine requirement, i can suck it up and get a vaccine or find employment elsewhere. I do have a choice. I dont like it when I hear people say they are being forced to take the vaccine. You do have a choice. Now granted, the alternative is pretty steep (loss of job, denied entry into restaurants, etc.), BUT there is a choice.
Anyway, I know this is quite a passionate issue on both sides of the table. I think you do a good job of not going overboard on one side, and I hope I have doing the same. Peace out!!!
Kev, good stuff. I like the idea of “code words”. I’ll need to work on some. CATastrophe will be a good one for falling in love. My high school girlfriend calls eating pussy “pumpkin pie”, so I’ve already got that one! Anyway, I just need to do a better job masking identities I think. We’ll see how that works out.
Brian, to be clear, I’m not anti-vax and never have been. In fact, I got a jab for everything the doc could think of before moving here. The key thing is, the government didn’t order me to do so–my body, my choice right? And if the COVID vacine is so wonderful, why does it matter if I get the jab or not–you should be immune to the virus. Instead, even after you’ve been vaccinated nothing changes–still have to wear the mask and still not immune. I think a lot of people are resisting because they can see through the bullshit–COVID kills less than 1/2 of 1% of people who catch it. Why are we in panic mode? Something ain’t right here. Again, I’m sure I’ll get a vaccination at some point–not because I’m afraid of getting COVID or spreading it–I just want to get on with my life, and traveling was a big part of my retirement plan.
John, I think the “my body, my choice” is somewhat disingenuous.
For example:
You want your kids to go to public schools? They need a vaccine (mumps, measles, diphtheria, etc etc).
Dont want them to get a vaccine. Cant go to public schools.
What is the death rate for mumps and measles? Why have required vaccines for those?
Avid nudist? Have to wear clothes to go into public spaces.
Dont want to do it (my body, my choice)? Fine. Expect there to be restrictions on where you can go.
Again, the government is not ordering anyone to get the vaccine. However, just like the above examples, if you want to participate in certain parts of society, you will have to “follow the rules”. If that “rule” means that a vaccine is required to enter/participate, so be it. If a person does not want to get a vaccine, then they must understand there will be restrictions placed on them.
Anyway, I think we both understand where each of us is coming from on this issue. And I dont want to beat the proverbial horse to death. LOL
Rock on!!
I’m not in total disagreement with you Brian. I’m just calling BS on this whole governmental reaction to COVID beginning with the worthless lockdowns to “flatten the curve”. Now, the vaccinations they are pushing are not really vaccinations in the classic sense because they do not provide immunity. I was actually talking to a doctor friend about this last night (he shares your views on vaccination by the way) and he said it is an unfortunate word choice. He calls it an inoculation–a shot that lessens the risk should you be infected.
The government simply has no credibility.