What’s on your mind?

[Apple fanboy]

The snow is flying but the house is clean and warm and quiet.

The bird feeders are full but the cardinals aren’t to be found. 🙁
Plenty of finches and chickadees though.

There’s leftover crab in the refrigerator so it will likely find it’s way into a bisque. Or maybe not. *yawn*

And finally, I’m mulling over making a weekend trip west. The window is being pretty persuasive.

Finches are nice. We only get them in summer. Our garden has Sparrows (like 50+)
We had some blue tits visit the bird house we hung for them 18 months ago yesterday. Mrs AFB was very excited! She feeds the birds 3 times a day.

 

[Gutwrench]

Finches are nice. We only get them in summer. Our garden has Sparrows (like 50+)
We had some blue tits visit the bird house we hung for them 18 months ago yesterday. Mrs AFB was very excited! She feeds the birds 3 times a day.

Good for Mrs AFB!

Cardinals, blue birds, chickadees, and wrens are my favorites to watch. A week ago there was maybe six cardinals in the front yard. They eat from one feeder but I’m trying to coax them to a new one I just hung. But ‘no can do’ they apparently say to themselves.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Good for Mrs AFB!

Cardinals, blue birds, chickadees, and wrens are my favorites to watch. A week ago there was maybe six cardinals in the front yard. They eat from one feeder but I’m trying to coax them to a new one I just hung. But ‘no can do’ they apparently say to themselves.

We have 7 feeders, but one is the definite favourite.
We also have a couple of bird baths.

 

[0388631]

I opt for simple syrup solution for smaller birds. I love watching them in the morning feeding on them or some of the fruit trees' flowers or other nectar rich flowers we have. I never liked feeders or baths. I feel they attract other animals, often the non avian type and they become a nuisance to maintain.

I do throw any fruit we miss from our trees and gets too ripe way way way off our property for wildlife to feed, which are usually deer or rabbits since they don't dare get close to our property anymore due to measures I've put in place. And anything we forget in the fridge. Kitchen scraps usually get composted, though.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I opt for simple syrup solution for smaller birds. I love watching them in the morning feeding on them or some of the fruit trees' flowers or other nectar rich flowers we have. I never liked feeders or baths. I feel they attract other animals, often the non avian type and they become a nuisance to maintain.

I do throw any fruit we miss from our trees and gets too ripe way way way off our property for wildlife to feed, which are usually deer or rabbits since they don't dare get close to our property anymore due to measures I've put in place. And anything we forget in the fridge. Kitchen scraps usually get composted, though.

I don’t think our birds eat syrup. Just seeds, mealworms and suet. We have feeders that only the little birds can use. Starlings, pigeons and Magpies aren’t welcome and if they do appear, get chased off.

We also get a Sparrowhawk now and then. I don’t mind as he makes a nice photo. Mrs AFB chases him off!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Brother and self chatting about Mother.

 

[S.B.G]

Reading a book about WWI and I can't help being astounded at the amount of deaths from a single battle on the Western Front. Literally tens of thousands of men would die in a single battle.

Being trained in contemporary warfare myself, it is hard to fathom how people, i.e. generals of the time thought that trench warfare in the manner they fought was a good idea and how they thought it might help them win - which it didn't. Sending so many people into certain death like that, crossing "no mans land" directly into enemy fire of rifles, machine guns and artillery, is complete insanity to me. From my modern perspective there were no real tactics employed in that strategy. It was a war of attrition to see which side could gain a 100 meters of ground by sending thousands of men to their deaths. How completely stupid.

Even more stupid was on the 11th of November 1918 in the morning when local commanders knew the armistice was going into effect at 11 am, that they still sent men forward in assaults to die.

I get it that it was a different time and the evolution of warfare was different than it is now and certainly with the advances in technology and tactics, but seriously, how stupid. Utterly reckless and without care or concern for humanity were many of those generals of the time.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Reading a book about WWI and I can't help being astounded at the amount of deaths from a single battle on the Western Front. Literally tens of thousands of men would die in a single battle.

Being trained in contemporary warfare myself, it is hard to fathom how people, i.e. generals of the time thought that trench warfare in the manner they fought was a good idea and how they thought it might help them win - which it didn't. Sending so many people into certain death like that, crossing "no mans land" directly into enemy fire of rifles, machine guns and artillery, is complete insanity to me. From my modern perspective there were no real tactics employed in that strategy. It was a war of attrition to see which side could gain a 100 meters of ground by sending thousands of men to their deaths. How completely stupid.

Even more stupid was on the 11th of November 1918 in the morning when local commanders knew the armistice was going into effect at 11 am, that they still sent men forward in assaults to die.

I get it that it was a different time and the evolution of warfare was different than it is now and certainly with the advances in technology and tactics, but seriously, how stupid. Utterly reckless and without care or concern for humanity were many of those generals of the time.

Napoleon Bonaparte had revolutionised warfare in the early 19th century with the use of mobilised citizen armies who gave their loyalty to the nation state (as opposed to the more usual use of mercenaries, or hired troops) and, with such numbers, (and such motivation) the mass infantry charge became a potent and feared - and successful - tactic in warfare. The weaponry of the time was barely able to deal with it.

However, by the mid century, a series of technical developments which transformed muskets to modern (rifles), or guns (breech loading rather than muzzle loading; the development of rifled barrels which increased both distance and accuracy; and the capacity to fire multiple shots - rounds - with repeating rifles, rather than a single shot at a time) gave the military advantage to defenders.

The further introduction of the machine gun by the very end of the 19th century further increased the advantage held by defenders against the tactic of the massed infantry charge.

Those generals were living in the past, guided by concepts and tactics already obsolete by the time of the American Civil War (some of which presaged what occurred in the First World War), and, ensconced in rear HQs (often in salubrious chateaux) were even further removed from any understanding of the consequences of the grim and grisly reality of what they regularly ordered.

 

[S.B.G]

Those generals were living in the past, guided by concepts and tactics already obsolete by the time of the American Civil War (some of which presaged what occurred in the First World War), and, ensconced in rear HQs (often in salubrious chateaux) were even further removed from any understanding of the consequences of the grim and grisly reality of what they regularly ordered.

Indeed. In the book I'm halfway through they have already touched on this fact. Personal drivers, nighttime slumbers of 10 hours, drinks, white gloved waiters and special trains just for the top brass were some of the things they enjoyed being far removed in the rear echelons. All the while being totally disconnected with the reality of life on the front lines where men lived in mud trenches infested with lice and rats.

 

[JamesMike]

Reading a book about WWI and I can't help being astounded at the amount of deaths from a single battle on the Western Front. Literally tens of thousands of men would die in a single battle.

Being trained in contemporary warfare myself, it is hard to fathom how people, i.e. generals of the time thought that trench warfare in the manner they fought was a good idea and how they thought it might help them win - which it didn't. Sending so many people into certain death like that, crossing "no mans land" directly into enemy fire of rifles, machine guns and artillery, is complete insanity to me. From my modern perspective there were no real tactics employed in that strategy. It was a war of attrition to see which side could gain a 100 meters of ground by sending thousands of men to their deaths. How completely stupid.

Even more stupid was on the 11th of November 1918 in the morning when local commanders knew the armistice was going into effect at 11 am, that they still sent men forward in assaults to die.

I get it that it was a different time and the evolution of warfare was different than it is now and certainly with the advances in technology and tactics, but seriously, how stupid. Utterly reckless and without care or concern for humanity were many of those generals of the time.

I agree. Having served twenty of my twenty-one in Special Operations helped developed my keen interest in military history, in particular WW I and WW II. It is the one of the main reasons I moved to England, giving me easier access to the battlefields in Europe. It amazes me how even present day leaders are forgetful of the past mistakes and the effect it has on the troops.

 

[0388631]

I can think of one dumbass in particular. And his English twin for that matter.

I don’t think our birds eat syrup. Just seeds, mealworms and suet. We have feeders that only the little birds can use. Starlings, pigeons and Magpies aren’t welcome and if they do appear, get chased off.

Suet as in the butchering byproduct? Interesting. What birds visit seems to dependent on what you grow here or the region. Someone who I know from your side of the pond lives out in the country (but close to village shops) whose entire family has made it a sport to keep the magpie and starling population in check. Seems to give the older kids something to do.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Indeed. In the book I'm halfway through they have already touched on this fact. Personal drivers, nighttime slumbers of 10 hours, drinks, white gloved waiters and special trains just for the top brass were some of the things they enjoyed being far removed in the rear echelons. All the while being totally disconnected with the reality of life on the front lines where men lived in mud trenches infested with lice and rats.

The haves and the have nots. I don't think the officers were that bothered if a few more of the lower classes got shot because of the tactics they employed.
These days when class is mostly a thing of the past (I say mostly because sadly there are still those who feel they are entitled due to titles, birthright or education opportunities), I think things (hope) would be different.

Been watching Seal Team where the team refer to the officers as the cake eaters! Good show if you like that sort of thing.

Might be a bit of a busman's holiday for you and @JamesMike though!

 

[chown33]

I've almost depleted by store of Christmas cookies.

When they finally run out, I don't know what I'll do.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I've almost depleted by store of Christmas cookies.

When they finally run out, I don't know what I'll do.

Cold Turkey?

 

[chown33]

Cold Turkey?

That was Thanksgiving's leftovers.

For Christmas it's ham.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That was Thanksgiving's leftovers.

For Christmas it's ham.

If you say so. I don't celebrate either festival.

 

[kazmac]

We have 7 feeders, but one is the definite favourite.
We also have a couple of bird baths.

I love it. Birds are awesome.

When I do get my own place I will have at least one feeder. Seeing and hearing Blue Jays this past year has been the one beautiful aspect of living here. I loved seeing that one Jay kick a starling’s feather rump out of its nest all the way to the sidewalk. Blue Jay was not taking any stuff.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I love it. Birds are awesome.

When I do get my own place I will have at least one feeder. Seeing and hearing Blue Jays this past year has been the one beautiful aspect of living here. I loved seeing that one Jay kick a starling’s feather rump out of its nest all the way to the sidewalk. Blue Jay was not taking anything stuff.

We keep them well fed.

 

[kazmac]

We keep them well fed.

Sure sounds like it. 🙂

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I've almost depleted by store of Christmas cookies.

When they finally run out, I don't know what I'll do.

Buy more.

Bake some.

Or, forego this delight and torture yourself with a diet.

 

[Gutwrench]

Reading a book about WWI and I can't help being astounded at the amount of deaths from a single battle on the Western Front. Literally tens of thousands of men would die in a single battle.

Being trained in contemporary warfare myself, it is hard to fathom how people, i.e. generals of the time thought that trench warfare in the manner they fought was a good idea and how they thought it might help them win - which it didn't. Sending so many people into certain death like that, crossing "no mans land" directly into enemy fire of rifles, machine guns and artillery, is complete insanity to me. From my modern perspective there were no real tactics employed in that strategy. It was a war of attrition to see which side could gain a 100 meters of ground by sending thousands of men to their deaths. How completely stupid.

Even more stupid was on the 11th of November 1918 in the morning when local commanders knew the armistice was going into effect at 11 am, that they still sent men forward in assaults to die.

I get it that it was a different time and the evolution of warfare was different than it is now and certainly with the advances in technology and tactics, but seriously, how stupid. Utterly reckless and without care or concern for humanity were many of those generals of the time.

And shooting from a distance targeting officers was ungentlemanly. Just as slithering on the ground, hiding behind trees, and firing from bunkers and not meeting the enemy out in the open was rudely unsportsmanlike. Lol.

 

[kazmac]

After fifteen years of not having a credit card and getting another one, I can see why I was better off without it.

Now I am paying off the card as soon as possible to close it, and move to another bank. I’ve been disappointed with my bank for a couple of years now, so the idiocy of the hoops they were attempting to make me jump through just to allow me use the card was the last straw. I am all for security and want that, but not at the cost of any unnecessary stress.

So good things came of it: 1) I know I am nobody’s fool. 2) I can finally leave this bank in about six weeks. 3) Credit Cards are not for me, and 4) my local Best Buy will gladly price match any Apple product any time I want.🙂

 

[Apple fanboy]

After fifteen years of not having a credit card and getting another one, I can see why I was better off without it.

Now I am paying off the card as soon as possible to close it, and move to another bank. I’ve been disappointed with my bank for a couple of years now, so the idiocy of the hoops they were attempting to make me jump through just to allow me use the card was the last straw. I am all for security and want that, but not at the cost of any unnecessary stress.

So good things came of it: 1) I know I am nobody’s fool. 2) I can finally leave this bank in about six weeks. 3) Credit Cards are not for me, and 4) my local Best Buy will gladly price match any Apple product any time I want.🙂

Apart from my work CC, I've never had one. With a debit card you can do everything you can with a CC and zero interest all the time. It's worked for me all my life and I'm not about to change that.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Apart from my work CC, I've never had one. With a debit card you can do everything you can with a CC and zero interest all the time. It's worked for me all my life and I'm not about to change that.

After fifteen years of not having a credit card and getting another one, I can see why I was better off without it.

Now I am paying off the card as soon as possible to close it, and move to another bank. I’ve been disappointed with my bank for a couple of years now, so the idiocy of the hoops they were attempting to make me jump through just to allow me use the card was the last straw. I am all for security and want that, but not at the cost of any unnecessary stress.

So good things came of it: 1) I know I am nobody’s fool. 2) I can finally leave this bank in about six weeks. 3) Credit Cards are not for me, and 4) my local Best Buy will gladly price match any Apple product any time I want.🙂

Credit cards are very handy when you are abroad in the sort of countries where the very idea of having a bank account in the local currency is risible; I use them as debit cards to extract money from (secure) ATMs, and couldn't do without them.

Handy, too, for some of the online stuff I have bought over the years.

 

[kazmac]

Apart from my work CC, I've never had one. With a debit card you can do everything you can with a CC and zero interest all the time. It's worked for me all my life and I'm not about to change that.

Definitely. Going back to that (and ). Much prefer it.

@Scepticalscribe I understand this situation. Glad to be in a space where credit cards are not necessary though. 🙂