Couldn’t agree with you more, DT! We all need to get to the country, see the big sky and appreciate nature.
Tangentially, I’ve watched some of the old music videos recently posted on this site and was struck by how thin everyone is.
This got me thinking about why everyone, young and old, seems so much heavier today. I really recall very few fat kids when I was in school. Those that were fat were mostly asthmatic or otherwise unhealthy in some way that prevented them from running around the way most kids did back then.
I know there is a lot out there on this subject…the food industry substituting sugar for fat in “low fat” food, all the evils of fast foodand processed food, our sedentary lifestyle stuck to computer screens, stress of life in the city etc.
There is also an “anti-thin” mindset that promotes fatness as ok and normal as an excuse to make people, women mostly, feel better about themselves.
The MAHA movement seems set on addressing both healthy eating and obesity since they are clearly linked. Less discussed is the connection between the staggeringly high number of people in the USA on psychiatric drugs (including anti-depressants, ADHD, anti-anxiety and other drugs) that cause weight gain. The estimate, according to various government and other sites I have looked at, is:
All Ages — 76,940,157
Age Breakdown:
0-1 Years — 85,003
2-3 Years — 138,822
4-5 Years — 215,120
6-12 Years — 2,652,554
13-17 Years — 3,188,966
18-24 Years — 5,535,171
25-44 Years — 20,455,212
45-64 Years — 25,202,893
65 Years + — 19,114,040
So basically 80 million people on these drugs.
West Virginia apparently has the highest use at 16.5% of the population and Hawaii the lowest at 4%. West Virginia also has the highest obesity rate at 41% but all States have an obesity rate in 2025 of over 20%.
I find it astounding and frightening that we are now so medicated and so fat and that it all seems to have happened so fast.
Apart from the prescribed drugs there is also plenty of evidence that plastics and chemicals, so ubiquitous in food wrappers, household cleaners, cosmetics etc. also contribute to this problem.
Many folks on this site seem to have land and maybe vegetable gardens and animals, or at least live in rural areas. A healthier way of life for sure. If you are digging the soil, have pets or farm animals that keep you connected to the seasons and the earth, communing with God and nature, eating simply, spending time with family and friends, it’s a pretty good recipe for being happier. How sad that 80 million people need these prescriptions especially when so many of them are under 24 years old.
Much credit should be given to Kennedy for raising awareness of these issues and to Trump for letting him look for remedies.
19 years ago yesterday my wife and I left suburbia for good. While she’s been back a few times for family engagements I have not. Out here in the woods with no humans around is my lifeblood. I think the last time I seen a person other than my wife was the 17th of Mar. 2 weeks ago. I see all the people I need to online or on TV.
Hey DT, did I catch you at your side hustle?
I watched the whole thing and found it enjoyable.
Yep, Ghostsniper, and though I’ve only been out in the woods, permanently, for 1 year now, we love living in an area where there’s only 14 people per sq mile and wouldn’t go back to Grand Rapids, MI if you’d pay me, even though we lost power last Saturday, due to that ice storm in northern Michigan, and may not get it back for a few weeks.
Just a thought – I have one of these running right now as the power company re-configures some feeder lines.
“Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered“. Lots of juice; Has 240V outlets as well as 120V. $1000 at Amazon. Worth every penny.
Thanks for that pointer, DT. Running a small 4000 watt Predator right now to keep a few essentials running, and occasionally charge the water bladder, and pump the dirty water tank to the field. Figured out my wattage needs for whole house power and just sprung for a Honda EU7000is. Bit more pricey than that Westinghouse, but feel it was a good purchase. It’s being delivered tomorrow, had to get it from 2 1/2 hours away, and my brother, The Wizard, will help me wire it in. I appreciate your note. Glad I put an extra cord in the woodshed this past Fall.
What do you gentlemen use as a fuel source for the generators? Do you have propane tanks? Are they above or below ground? I’m thinking of a generator that could run the well pump, fridge, microwave and a couple of smaĺl space heaters.
It’s in a place that’s very cold in the winter. I have a huge fireplace that blows heat vack into the main downstairs room.
The house is all electric and I don’t have gas lines nearby so would have to go with propane for a generator.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Hey, SK. The one I’m currently running is regular gas, as is the Honda I just bought. The one DT recommended, runs on gas but sounds like can be run on propane. My main propane tank, we call it “The Pig,” is above ground, 500 gallons for furnace and stove. My woodstove performs like yours does. Great stove!
That Westinghouse is dual fuel, gasoline or propane. Either, not one or the other – there’s a valve. I usually use gas though. No nat gas here so above ground propane (500 gal tank) is already available. Propane runs around $2.30/gal. Mostly electric house with dual heat-pump/propane heat, dual-fuel stove/oven, plus wood stoves. Electric runs about 9.9¢ (thanks California). I like multiple sources of energy … thinking of setting up a wood-fired steam engine and generator. Mostly because I like steam engines.
Space heaters are going to suck up electricity (1.5 – 2kW each or more) – heavy load on a generator. Start-up power on motors (well pump, fridge) is maybe 3x regular running power. When sizing a generator, think twice rated power you think you need … then get a bigger one.
Thank you very much DT. I’m in the process of renovating the house, and of course have run into some costly unforseens but once the reno is done I want to have secure power sources. It’s a very handy practical and experienced group of people here so am grateful for the advice. Generator and driveway will be next year’s projects but I like to do my homework well in advance.
Above ground tank. Easier to deal with; not an eyesore in my case.
Solar – a more involved discussion.
First: If you have no electricity and need it, it’s the best system … but
Solar has limited cost/benefit. An example: A neighbor put in a roof-installed system. Fills his roof; he paid $28k with no batteries for 7.5kWh capacity (not enough to run a typical household but will run basics). Worse: his system is tied in to the power grid – he gets (some) “money back” if he generates an excess into the system but if the main grid goes out, his system shuts down. In my mind, that defeats the purpose. My generator – for $1000 – provides 12.5kWh and runs when the juice is off. Even with batteries on a solar system, you have essentially a large UPS (“uninterruptible power system”, similar to what is used for computers) that runs down eventually … and you have batteries to maintain.
On the other hand, smaller semi-portable solar systems are useful for powering smaller equipment: charging batteries, lamps, etc. Perhaps your computer, emergency radios and the like. A 400W, 12V panel (about the smallest you’d want) costs about $600. That will not run 110VAC equipment; you need additional parts – primarily an inverter to run standard “plug-in” appliances – another $200 -$400. For sensitive equipment such as computers and hard drives, you need a “pure sine” inverter – a bit more cost.
Power ratings are usually based on high-noon, clear sky solar. Power output is lower in the morning and afternoon or under cloudy or hazy skies. You should consider a 50% loss from rated power – if you >need< 400W, you should buy an 800W system. For myself, the costs and problems outweighed any possible benefit - especially when I consider that when I'd most likely need it - adverse weather, the skies would be cloudy. YMMV of course.
A simplistic discussion for a complex topic.
I live back in the woods you see, the woman and the kids and the dog and me. I got a shotgun a rifle and a four wheel drive, a country boy can survive. – Hank ll
jean
1 day ago
Me, I’d prefer more trees.
ghostsniper
1 day ago
Thought I saw it once at a yard sale back in the 80’s but the asking price of $15 was a little more than I was willing to get up off of. Plus, I don’t think it had the disciples on it. Oh well.
The International Association of Professional People Who Stare at Paintings:
The IAPPWSP has announced the discovery and authentication of the centuries’ old rumor of an alternate version, egg tempura on wood, of the famous “Last Supper” fresco by Leo Da Vinci. The rumores from after De Vinci’s death had the mysterious painting titled “The Last Get Together”.
People Who Stare at Paintings found written in De Vinci’s own hand on the back of the wood panel the title; “Jack sono Wild e non leccatevi le cianfrusaglie al tavolo, ragazzi” Roughly translated to english reads “Jacks are are Wild and No Licking your junk at the table, boys.”
Even here in our little wooded county the imbeciles are seeking us out.
A small, tight group of Patriots needs to show up at this event with axehandles and spread communist criminal skall tissue thither and yon.
Hands Off! Brown County Indiana Fights BackVisibility Event · Volunteer organized ?auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&h=494.24083769633506&w=944
TimeSaturday, April 5
10am – 3pm EDT
LocationBrown County Court House
20 E Main St Nashville, IN 47448
Map
About this eventDonald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. We are fighting back!
They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now. https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f6a8.svg On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f6a8.svg
This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.
Couldn’t agree with you more, DT! We all need to get to the country, see the big sky and appreciate nature.
Tangentially, I’ve watched some of the old music videos recently posted on this site and was struck by how thin everyone is.
This got me thinking about why everyone, young and old, seems so much heavier today. I really recall very few fat kids when I was in school. Those that were fat were mostly asthmatic or otherwise unhealthy in some way that prevented them from running around the way most kids did back then.
I know there is a lot out there on this subject…the food industry substituting sugar for fat in “low fat” food, all the evils of fast foodand processed food, our sedentary lifestyle stuck to computer screens, stress of life in the city etc.
There is also an “anti-thin” mindset that promotes fatness as ok and normal as an excuse to make people, women mostly, feel better about themselves.
The MAHA movement seems set on addressing both healthy eating and obesity since they are clearly linked. Less discussed is the connection between the staggeringly high number of people in the USA on psychiatric drugs (including anti-depressants, ADHD, anti-anxiety and other drugs) that cause weight gain. The estimate, according to various government and other sites I have looked at, is:
All Ages — 76,940,157
Age Breakdown:
0-1 Years — 85,003
2-3 Years — 138,822
4-5 Years — 215,120
6-12 Years — 2,652,554
13-17 Years — 3,188,966
18-24 Years — 5,535,171
25-44 Years — 20,455,212
45-64 Years — 25,202,893
65 Years + — 19,114,040
So basically 80 million people on these drugs.
West Virginia apparently has the highest use at 16.5% of the population and Hawaii the lowest at 4%. West Virginia also has the highest obesity rate at 41% but all States have an obesity rate in 2025 of over 20%.
I find it astounding and frightening that we are now so medicated and so fat and that it all seems to have happened so fast.
Apart from the prescribed drugs there is also plenty of evidence that plastics and chemicals, so ubiquitous in food wrappers, household cleaners, cosmetics etc. also contribute to this problem.
Many folks on this site seem to have land and maybe vegetable gardens and animals, or at least live in rural areas. A healthier way of life for sure. If you are digging the soil, have pets or farm animals that keep you connected to the seasons and the earth, communing with God and nature, eating simply, spending time with family and friends, it’s a pretty good recipe for being happier. How sad that 80 million people need these prescriptions especially when so many of them are under 24 years old.
Much credit should be given to Kennedy for raising awareness of these issues and to Trump for letting him look for remedies.
Anyway that’s my unorganised rant for the day.
The life rules are so simple even a caveman can follow them:
“Do more, use less.”
(this one needs to do more)
Ha! Ain’t that the truth.
19 years ago yesterday my wife and I left suburbia for good. While she’s been back a few times for family engagements I have not. Out here in the woods with no humans around is my lifeblood. I think the last time I seen a person other than my wife was the 17th of Mar. 2 weeks ago. I see all the people I need to online or on TV.
Hey DT, did I catch you at your side hustle?
I watched the whole thing and found it enjoyable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOKuq51uNds
Yep, Ghostsniper, and though I’ve only been out in the woods, permanently, for 1 year now, we love living in an area where there’s only 14 people per sq mile and wouldn’t go back to Grand Rapids, MI if you’d pay me, even though we lost power last Saturday, due to that ice storm in northern Michigan, and may not get it back for a few weeks.
Just a thought – I have one of these running right now as the power company re-configures some feeder lines.
“Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered“. Lots of juice; Has 240V outlets as well as 120V. $1000 at Amazon. Worth every penny.
Thanks for that pointer, DT. Running a small 4000 watt Predator right now to keep a few essentials running, and occasionally charge the water bladder, and pump the dirty water tank to the field. Figured out my wattage needs for whole house power and just sprung for a Honda EU7000is. Bit more pricey than that Westinghouse, but feel it was a good purchase. It’s being delivered tomorrow, had to get it from 2 1/2 hours away, and my brother, The Wizard, will help me wire it in. I appreciate your note. Glad I put an extra cord in the woodshed this past Fall.
What do you gentlemen use as a fuel source for the generators? Do you have propane tanks? Are they above or below ground? I’m thinking of a generator that could run the well pump, fridge, microwave and a couple of smaĺl space heaters.
It’s in a place that’s very cold in the winter. I have a huge fireplace that blows heat vack into the main downstairs room.
The house is all electric and I don’t have gas lines nearby so would have to go with propane for a generator.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Hey, SK. The one I’m currently running is regular gas, as is the Honda I just bought. The one DT recommended, runs on gas but sounds like can be run on propane. My main propane tank, we call it “The Pig,” is above ground, 500 gallons for furnace and stove. My woodstove performs like yours does. Great stove!
That Westinghouse is dual fuel, gasoline or propane. Either, not one or the other – there’s a valve. I usually use gas though. No nat gas here so above ground propane (500 gal tank) is already available. Propane runs around $2.30/gal. Mostly electric house with dual heat-pump/propane heat, dual-fuel stove/oven, plus wood stoves. Electric runs about 9.9¢ (thanks California). I like multiple sources of energy … thinking of setting up a wood-fired steam engine and generator. Mostly because I like steam engines.
Space heaters are going to suck up electricity (1.5 – 2kW each or more) – heavy load on a generator. Start-up power on motors (well pump, fridge) is maybe 3x regular running power. When sizing a generator, think twice rated power you think you need … then get a bigger one.
Thank you very much DT. I’m in the process of renovating the house, and of course have run into some costly unforseens but once the reno is done I want to have secure power sources. It’s a very handy practical and experienced group of people here so am grateful for the advice. Generator and driveway will be next year’s projects but I like to do my homework well in advance.
Question: do you have any solar generating equipment? If not, why not? Also, all of you have your gas tanks above ground–why is that?
Above ground tank. Easier to deal with; not an eyesore in my case.
Solar – a more involved discussion.
First: If you have no electricity and need it, it’s the best system … but
Solar has limited cost/benefit. An example: A neighbor put in a roof-installed system. Fills his roof; he paid $28k with no batteries for 7.5kWh capacity (not enough to run a typical household but will run basics). Worse: his system is tied in to the power grid – he gets (some) “money back” if he generates an excess into the system but if the main grid goes out, his system shuts down. In my mind, that defeats the purpose. My generator – for $1000 – provides 12.5kWh and runs when the juice is off. Even with batteries on a solar system, you have essentially a large UPS (“uninterruptible power system”, similar to what is used for computers) that runs down eventually … and you have batteries to maintain.
On the other hand, smaller semi-portable solar systems are useful for powering smaller equipment: charging batteries, lamps, etc. Perhaps your computer, emergency radios and the like. A 400W, 12V panel (about the smallest you’d want) costs about $600. That will not run 110VAC equipment; you need additional parts – primarily an inverter to run standard “plug-in” appliances – another $200 -$400. For sensitive equipment such as computers and hard drives, you need a “pure sine” inverter – a bit more cost.
Power ratings are usually based on high-noon, clear sky solar. Power output is lower in the morning and afternoon or under cloudy or hazy skies. You should consider a 50% loss from rated power – if you >need< 400W, you should buy an 800W system. For myself, the costs and problems outweighed any possible benefit - especially when I consider that when I'd most likely need it - adverse weather, the skies would be cloudy. YMMV of course. A simplistic discussion for a complex topic.
My TroyBilt 5500 is gas powered but this summer I’ll get the kit and convert it to propane. We have a 500 gal above ground propane tank.
Thank you all.
I live back in the woods you see, the woman and the kids and the dog and me. I got a shotgun a rifle and a four wheel drive, a country boy can survive. – Hank ll
Me, I’d prefer more trees.
Thought I saw it once at a yard sale back in the 80’s but the asking price of $15 was a little more than I was willing to get up off of. Plus, I don’t think it had the disciples on it. Oh well.
The International Association of Professional People Who Stare at Paintings:
The IAPPWSP has announced the discovery and authentication of the centuries’ old rumor of an alternate version, egg tempura on wood, of the famous “Last Supper” fresco by Leo Da Vinci. The rumores from after De Vinci’s death had the mysterious painting titled “The Last Get Together”.
People Who Stare at Paintings found written in De Vinci’s own hand on the back of the wood panel the title; “Jack sono Wild e non leccatevi le cianfrusaglie al tavolo, ragazzi” Roughly translated to english reads “Jacks are are Wild and No Licking your junk at the table, boys.”
https://www.diogenesmiddlefinger.com/
Even here in our little wooded county the imbeciles are seeking us out.
A small, tight group of Patriots needs to show up at this event with axehandles and spread communist criminal skall tissue thither and yon.
Maybe it’s me. I just don’t understand them.
https://bcdemocrat.com/2025/04/02/hands-off-rally-opposing-trump-musk-actions-set-for-nashville-on-saturday/
Hands Off! Brown County Indiana Fights BackVisibility Event · Volunteer organized
?auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&h=494.24083769633506&w=944
TimeSaturday, April 5
10am – 3pm EDT
LocationBrown County Court House
20 E Main St
Nashville, IN 47448
Map
About this eventDonald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. We are fighting back!
They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f6a8.svg On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f6a8.svg
This mass mobilization day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.
https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/770536/
Bunch of Free Shit Communists. Have them go study Pol Pot’s communal farms and economy. Bastards don’t read history, even recent history.