[BRINDLEKIN TALES – Book 4: Chapter 14]
Subject: Youtube is turning into a monster!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 12, 2021 11:18 PM
More and more vloggers are getting unjustified strikes and bans lately, so I’m not the only one. Looks to me like they want to shake off all the small players and go head-on into the corporate mentality. Another thread on Reddit is now covering this issue, in which I’ve commented.
I’ve also informed Twitter’s “Team Youtube” group of my strike, which I’d like to have retracted…but YT rejected my appeal, and they won’t allow you to make another. There’s GOT to be a way to stop their draconic abuse towards decent vloggers out there. Gee, I hope WordPress doesn’t go that direction too, as I’d REALLY be sunk as an author trying to put my words out there!
It’s like every time I reach out to the world in order to achieve something good (that is: not based on selfish motives, but designed to lift up many others), walls start popping up around me. I realize, though, it’s all part of the game of life (the Battle of the Bodhisattvas)…thus I don’t get particularly upset, but forge on regardless.
– Zeke K-Holmes
P.S.: I just discovered today, that I have two copyright violations against me, in addition to that one strike. They don’t however, trigger two more strikes or impede me any other way, because I have not monetized them. One of the videos is the scene where Cliff’s Hardware found my spyglasses, so I picked them up with much gratitude, then stepped out to be inundated by victorious music booming from a truck a half block up. That song, though, IS copyrighted, and, even though I didn’t add it to the video myself, I am still charged with a violation. Ridiculous!
The OTHER video is one with Deek, where he turns on his Bluetooth speaker on a VERY low volume…so low you can’t really make out the song. Nonetheless, I was charged with copyright infringement by a music company on behalf a rap star Lil Wayne. Well, Deek plays nothing BUT rap. So what am I supposed to do when I’m recording him, and he’s playing his music at the same time? You mean I need permission from a music company, to include songs played in public, on the streets, which are INSEPERABLE from the urban milieu?
Well, at any rate, I’m not REALLY in violation, so long as I don’t try to monetize such videos. And that is why YT hasn’t given me two MORE strikes. THREE strikes within 90 days will ban you from their service FOREVER. Unless you go through a different appeals process, and have all your ducks in a row to win! Which nonetheless could take you anywhere from six months to well over a year. I’ve been doing my homework on this matter. Guess what I did with those two videos?
DELETED them from YT, then made NEW links for them on WordPress, to their backup locations on Google Drive. Take THAT, Youtube!
Now, I also have those “Doggy Dining with the Stars” videos, a new series for my channel. I make sure that the old-time movies I play in the background are public domain. But on my most recent “dining” video, a commercial break popped up right in the middle of my recording the pups. It went on for about a half minute before I decided to squelch the volume. Are they gonna come after me for THAT, too? Jeez Louise, Wattson!
Subject: Team Youtube on Twitter said they’ll look into the strike.
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 13, 2021 9:46 AM
Here’s the conversation thus far. Click on my original post at top, to expand the thread. Click on other comments to expand further.
And here is the Reddit page where I posted my grievance, before contacting Team Youtube.
Re: Team Youtube on Twitter said they’ll look into the strike.
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 13, 2021 10:55 PM
> Meanwhile:
>
> Shaking Shelter Dog Covers Her Foster Dad’s Face With Kisses
OMG, the wonder and love of dogs. And what a great lover of the canine species that fellow is! Two darling pups have certainly transformed MY life, their love is so strong, all my fears and anxieties are close to vanishing for good. Just one more hug with each, will do it! They are just TOO extraordinary and beautiful to have come into my life through the hands of a homeless person, as to be anything BUT a divine gift. The love is so pure as to VANQUISH any possibility of a bad outcome. Deek is simply putting me through my paces.
As for my contacting those two Youtube attorneys: I forgot I have to wait a few more days till Youtube allows me to post again. But Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, is on my side…such challenges are peanuts to him.
Re: Hey ! Your Sickness
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: Spike Kozlowski
Date: June 13, 2021 11:32 PM
On 2021-06-13 21:20, Spike Kozlowski wrote:
> So, how you enjoying life ?
I’m doing pretty damn well, thanks for asking. I have won many important victories in the local arena in recent months, and made my building and the neighborhood considerably safer and friendlier.
> Enjoying that little room with no toilet or kitchen ?
I’m actually fine with that. Living the humble life has its challenges, but it makes me a better person, as it encourages me to cultivate my inner life. Those were surprisingly charming photos you sent me this time around (as opposed to your previous ones, Mike). I always worry about you folks living up north in the dry season. So my wish is that you and everyone else up yonder be spared the horror of firestorms. that you may continue to live and enjoy the fine countryside up there, with good friends and family.
Subject: My Reddit popularity appears to be on the rise!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 17, 2021 12:11 AM
I crossposted one silly post to r/antinatalism, and got 50 upvotes in less than an hour:
And 22 upvotes in as short a time by posting a Flaco & Lucky video to r/aww:
Wasn’t even thinking about collecting upvotes, just doin’ my Reddit thang. But the doggie videos are all so amazing, perhaps posting additional ones will start the ball rolling for my Brindlekin Tales to take off.
Oh, and yesterday, Morey (shopkeeper of that corner store two blocks up Noe Street) gave me an incredible boost over doing so much for the pups, and, in general, making so many breakthroughs in such a short time (Internet, smartphone, driving Myrtle & son out, etc.)! That was also unexpected, but a truly welcome lift to my spirit.
Meanwhile, no sign of Deek and doggies still; I expect they’ll show up tomorrow or Friday, for his “advancement.” Then disappear for parts unknown, again. Unless he has a change of heart, which I really hope will happen. Every time he drops by, before stepping out I set up the doggy box that they love to play in, and keep the door ajar, just in case he lets them visit…and, if so, they can dash right up the stairs and into my hovel before I even get back.
Last few times, though, I’ve returned home pupless, and placed the box back in the corner, upright and empty.
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: Team Youtube came through for me!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 17, 2021 2:53 PM
My video in question is now back up, because they concluded the strike was in error. I don’t envy the person or people who had to look into this, as that video is one of my narrations, an hour and ten minutes long. So I’m back to ZERO strikes…huzzah! Side note:
Have you noticed lately, that every nasty thing that’s happened to me in the last few months, has eventually turned out in my favor? The Deek/pups issue is simply a longer-term challenge that I’m sure will also be happily resolved. In fact, all these other victories (albeit minor in comparison, for the most part) also serve to reassure me re. the doggies.
P.S.: I should frame this and hang it on my door! Dammit, I don’t have a working printer any more…as I just thought it would be fun to REALLY do that, placing it on the OUTSIDE of my door for everyone to see, who strolls by. That would be kinda hilarious.
Re: Team Youtube came through for me!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 18, 2021 10:07 AM
> I’ll print it and mail it to you, if you like!
Well okay, I’ll take you up on that. 5×7 inches will do the trick. Then I’ll march over to UPS and have it laminated…punch a hole in the middle top and “voila!” Such an obscure thing to tack to my door, I love it. More good news:
WELL OVER 2,000 LIKES OVERNIGHT for that silly meme I crossposted to Reddit’s antinatalist sub…unheard of! It was not only NOT my creation, but an awfully dumb meme to begin with.
Lots of great comments piling up, as well. Someone even gave me a “hugz” award in that thread. I was able to thank him or her, but it does not reveal if it was in response to my OP, or some comment. So I guess it shall forever remain a mystery.
And now I have 105 likes for my posting Harvey Winston’s outspoken condemnation of anti-vaxxers!
The latest remark was: “Well hot fucking damn! Someone else out there in the ether understands what I’ve been banging on about for months now! Now I’m feeling vindicated! I’m also bookmarking this article.”
Kudos to Harvey, eh?
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: Deek Update – Vast Improvement but w/Grief in the Mix
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 18, 2021 3:11 PM
Showed up below my window with the pups, around 11AM. Asked for dog food, water for the doggies, and a cup of root beer and a cigarette for him…plus his allowance and that fukkin-heavy speaker. So I knew right away he did not intend to have the pooches visit me, else he wouldn’t have included the dog foot bit. Nonetheless, our meetup was OUTSTANDING, for the following reasons:
1. He actually was not in any rush to depart, after receiving the goods; instead, we lingered for over a half hour, talking about this and that.
2. He actually LISTENED carefully and calmly to everything I said…absolutely ZERO PERCENT DRAMA. The kind of heartfelt, friendly talks we SHOULD have been having all along! But look at how many YEARS it took to finally get there.
3. HE FINALLY GOT HIS COVID-19 VACCINATION IN FULL! The J&J variant. I gave him a hearty congrats, and he was eager to show me his card. Which I took in order to laminate, as well as take a pic and save it in my Deek folder. Watch it all here (1 min.):
http://drive.google.com/file/d/1kknJ9mixUegnOMEZT1W1g9tI9D-wFpNy/view?usp=sharing
4. Boulevard Joe showed up, and gave us the dirt about Hohokum smoke shop’s criminal activities. Check it out (18 secs.)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jS0jQSqCfqTQ4iQ-YSM-R9toU5PtnoQt/view?usp=sharing
I think he said “porn” right before “escort service.” At any rate, further mention of Hohokum ensued between myself and Deek later on (1.5 mins.):
http://drive.google.com/file/d/1spVXqu1Haoswac343V1y48AY2gK2CEvJ/view?usp=sharing
6. This was our first extended conversation that made it clear to me he listens to and respects everything I tell him. My prayers ARE being answered, including that he get vaccinated, and that his bipolar mood swings subside. Last prayer to be answered is that he resume the pups’ visits, not just occasionally, but often. Though it was sad to see them go, with Flaco tugging on the leash to be with me, and her looking back as they departed. Here is a clip of my appeal to resume the dog’s stay-overs (46 secs.):
http://drive.google.com/file/d/1zt4l5DKtp15Bu5tHbEtZmu5DuPovaMwg/view?usp=sharing
I made a second appeal some time later, but I still have to dig it out from the recording.
Here is my sad goodbye to Flaco before they took off (2 mins.):
http://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-HSSaoeLMY-IitfYlQKvxEJ0NRo2hVC/view?usp=sharing
I shot the video with my pen camera, and have yet to figure out which parts to splice out as highlights to patch together and upload to Youtube. It will probably take me another two hours to work it all out. Maybe I’ll just run the whole thing, after removing that useless portion when I return hovel to pick up his drink and speaker on a second run.
Actually, when I said “last prayer” I meant the major ones as they apply to his present, houseless circumstances. Of course, there are the additional prayers of his finding decent accommodations, and expanding his world beyond his street exploits.
While I was grieved over yet one more week minus Lucky & Flaco’s dear company, I reflected upon all the good things that DID come out of this latest conversation, before posting them to you. And my conclusion is most optimistic: IT’S A STUPENDOUSLY GOOD SIGN!
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: Breakthrough Meetup with Deek! [my latest video – 27 mins.]
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: Zeke’ Mailing List
Date: June 18, 2021 5:17 PM
Re: Printout…
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: Zeke’ Mailing List
Date: June 19, 2021 12:15 AM
> …on its way to you today. Two size choices!
Can’t wait, thanks! It really marks a victory in my life, during this most incredible chapter filled with victories…though to others who walk by, it will appear trivial. They have NO idea of the momentous stories around that printout, which has become a part of my Brindlekin Tales! Heck, hardly a one in the building knows of my confrontations with Myrtle & son, and his punk friends…except the building manager and my quasi-fascist neighbor down the hallway, to whom I included a link to that “Trouble at the Gate” video in a most revealing email. Our paths have crossed a couple of times since, and he reveals not a CLUE how he’s taken it…just walks by quickly with a dismissive wave of the hand.
The video I just uploaded (and posted the link on the MCN lists) is almost a half hour long, but one of great value, because of the conversation therein. Sad to see he intends to keep the pups from visiting me ever again; he’s talking about returning to Louisiana, straightening things out with his son, etc. But I think he’s just playing the manly man. Anyway, Flaco sat beside me on the sidewalk, with a proud demeanor as my guardian, looking at me with such appreciation. Like she knows what I’m going through, and is loving me back for my regard. We are true friends!
Lucky sat nearby and watched us with a happy spirit…not bothering to compete for my affection, but delighted to see his sister’s joy, so in no way was he going to interrupt. He’s incredibly kind to her! You’ve seen how, when they play-fight atop the blankets, he bites her THROUGH a blanket, so as not to cause any hurt with those sharp little teeth. And how, when she’s moody and softly growls at him, he immediately jumps back and tilts his head most attentively, as if to make it clear he’s just playing. Though it is SO funny, whenever he ambush-jumps to grab her hind leg or tail and start tugging!
Soon as I stood up to return hovel, off she went with me in a dash. But of course I gently restrained her, and directed her to Deek, saying a couple of times, “I’m sorry.” Deek took the leash from my hand and strolled off with them, said, “They’ll be alright.” No concern whatsoever for the depth and wonder of my amity with the doggies, especially as regards Flaco’s incredible attentiveness towards me. She is SO ready to express her appreciation in every way she can, but sadly, that offends Deek. He has NO concept of just what remarkable brindlekin they are!
Before entering the gate, I just had to look back at them crossing the street…and saw Flaco turn her head towards me, and tug a bit on the leash, in hopes that Deek would have a change of heart. But naturally, he did not…so Flaco turned forward to continue her walk beside Lucky, and behind Deek and the cart. What choice did she have?
Remember, months ago, when Flaco had followed me hovel across the street, without either Deek or myself aware of that…until the moment I opened the gate, she dashed between my legs and into the lobby? She’s ALWAYS wanted to be with me from day one!
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: The Lumpy Red Blotch on the Back of My Hand (by Zeke Krahlin)
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 22, 2021 5:47 PM
So this morning I woke up (as usual, thank Herod), performed my minimalist ablutionary ritual of a quick dump, 20-second alcohol/gel hand cleansing, a quick shave o’ the ol’ mug with a 5-blade disposable razor that I make last until I bleed a month or so later, and, finally, crawl on down to Rosenberg’s around the corner for my indispensable java, freshly brewed. Always of good cheer no matter what (with the “what” meaning my prayers for the pups), because I know everyone has or has had tragedies in their own life, so it’s a really nice thing to be a light in their lives, even if just a brief spark in their day.
Once hovel, I added a dollop of raw honey and two packets of Sweet ‘N Low to the coffee, then sat myself at the workstation to do a little research on using the Tor browser, which I had just downloaded. Once midway through my beverage, I noticed a small, irregular dark-red blob on the back of my right hand.
“Uh-oh, this wasn’t there yesterday,” I thought. The fear of melanoma welled up in my mind, as that’s something I’m SUPPOSED to worry about at this decrepit decade of my life.
I touched it gingerly and, seeing as no pain or pus-gushing ensued, I pressed a tad firmer to discover I could move it around! With that, I dabbed a spot of saliva on the clot, wiped it completely clean, then licked it off my finger to see whether or not it tasted bloody or foul. Nope! It was a dab of Cholula Original Hot Sauce from yesterday evening, that I enjoyed with my Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese and a small bowl of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips. The tongue never lies! Speaking of potato chips:
I rarely imbibe, but once in a blue moon I crave them like a cow to a salt lick. I’ve tried the ridged and kettle varieties, but they just don’t cut the mustard for me. Too crunchy and stabby for this old mouth with crumbling ivories! Gimme those fragile, thin, almost-melt-in-your-mouth chips that go so well with a hot pepper condiment and a few slices of cheese and some diet root beer any old day. For both the appealing texture on the taste buds, as well as all that savory zing, quenched by a chilled soda of old fashioned birth!
So yesterday I tried to register an online account with Social Security for the SECOND time in three months, yet failed again. It all started when I got my first cell service and a new phone number to go with it. Of course, within a few days of acquiring my Tracfone, it occurred to me to let them know my new number (which for some stupid reason I’m very proud of). Went online to find their page where I could register, so plodded through the gauntlet of filling out the requisite personal info and, once I was done, the Soc Sec Bot told me my activation code would arrive in the mail within three to four weeks. And, with that one-time code, I could complete my registration.
Almost six weeks had passed with nary a letter, so I decided to try again, filled out the form like before, whereby I’d have to wait yet ANOTHER three to four weeks (or longer, maybe even for all eternity) for the code to arrive. Two weeks later, a letter from Social Security DID show up in my mailbox, whereby I eagerly opened it to discover the activation code. So I swiftly returned upstairs to key it in, but guess what:
THEY REJECTED IT! Which sorry result made me conclude that this was actually the FIRST activation code, which had been canceled by my filling out their form a second time. So once more I waited, and waited…but not TOO long, as it arrived in just under three weeks this time around. Which was yesterday. So I rushed back hovel to key in THIS code, hoping with all my heart that it would finally be a worthy sacrifice to their god (or goddess, as this Age of Aquarius is supposed to be matriarchal, I hear tell), whereby he or she (or IT) would devour it in his or her (or IT’s) maw with a gluttonous satisfaction.
But I first had to go through all over again, filling out my personal information, including three security questions, some of which didn’t apply to my world. Such as: “What was the make and model of your first car,” “What street were you living on at the age of three,” and “Who was your best friend during childhood?”
I never even OWNED a car, so the first question was clearly OUT of the question. As for the delicate age of three: my mom said the family moved from Brooklyn to the suburbs of North Massapequa right when I was that age…so the street could have been EITHER Monroe Street or Shawnee Drive. But I thought:
“Is this a trick question? Do they actually KNOW the answer to that, or THINK they know, and want to catch me in a lie?”
As for question #3: I didn’t HAVE any best friend back then, nor have I EVER had a “bestie” through my entire life! Should I lie about that, too, and say “John Knopf” or “Pauline Miratello?” One lived right behind my house, and the other three doors down the street. But they weren’t so much best friends as others I was forced to live among, with whom I was begrudgingly amicable (just as I was to my parents). There was also my faux cousin “Helen-Ann,” who grossed me out one day when I was eleven, by asking me to peel the skin off her sunburned shoulders.
Well, I finally got through all that (as painful a process as that was) and tapped in my NEW activation number, and guess what:
THEY REJECTED ME AGAIN! So I carefully reread that number in the mail and compared it to the one I had typed, to discover that the last number, a nine, could not be added in! So it looked to me like their online form would only accept five digits instead of the six I was allotted. But upon closer inspection, I discovered that the first digit was preceded by a space. Once having corrected that, I was able to tap in that nine, and they DID accept the number and “voila!” I was activated. But that isn’t the end of the story:
I had to click through one more thing, which was a button entitled something like “accept” or “done” or “process.” So I did just that, only to result in a rejection that stated “you are not recognized in our database.” The nerve!
And to think all I wanted to do in the first place, was give them my new phone number. Now I’m worried that my two failed attempts may have set off their FRAUD ALERT bot!
And that, Wattson, wouldn’t be (to quote Martha Stewart) “a good thing” at all.
– Zeke K-Holmes
P.S.: I remember when filling out the form, they preceded it with a statement that they will do a simple credit check, to verify I’m the person I say I am. By “simple” they meant they wouldn’t rifle through all the gory details, but just see if it made a match with some of the info I already gave them. Now get this: nowhere in the form could you type in your CC number, which I would have gladly done, though it’s actually a debit card. Which, for all my purchasing needs, has always worked just LIKE a credit card. So THAT is why they didn’t accept my registration: I’VE NEVER HAD A CREDIT CARD! And their database does NOT include debit card numbers. To add insult to injury:
After that rejection, they suggested I register with a non-government service that takes all your most personal information and adds it to their database, so you can use THAT as a handy all-in-one solution for registering with gov’t and other priority services. Yet this particular service (called something like “MyID”) has a lousy customer rating, and the Social Security form added that they are NOT responsible for whatever this third-party company does with my information! Are we having fun yet?
Re: The Lumpy Red Blotch on the Back of My Hand (by Zeke Krahlin) PUPS ARE BACK!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: Zeke’s Mailing List
Date: June 23, 2021 12:12 AM
> Great about the non-melanoma.
At our age, we’re often more grateful for what we DON’T have, than for what we do.
> Bummer about the rejected code! Cheeses K. Reist, but they love to pile on the frustration. I think they hope we’ll just blow a gasket, keel over dead, and quit bothering them.
Bodhisattva mischief. Just more psychological tweaking to get me over any dark mood that may strike, ASAP.
THE DOGGIES ARE BACK!
They’re here right now, lying on the cot in utter bliss. Deek showed up 15 minutes ago, said I can have the dogs for the night, he’s gonna ride his bike all over the place. I thanked him profusely, said they’ll just love it, as I will too, we’re gonna have a great night, and I hope he does as well.
They went WILD at the gate, dying to step in; I dropped the keys and they could barely control themselves. Flung open the gate, then the doors…they literally yanked me up the stairs, where I stopped them both, in order to unleash them. First Flaco, then Lucky. I had already set up the box for them to run in, and the door ajar, before stepping out…HOPING of course, they’d visit tonight. And…I GOT MY PRAYER ANSWERED!
I wish you could see how happy they were to return, if only I had a camera running. Flaco went RIGHT for the box (an extra large one she hadn’t seen yet), and started digging like a maniac…I think it brings her great pleasure, just doing that. Group hugs all around, so much kindness, love and joy!
And soon I shall join them snug atop the sky-blue, fluffy sleeping bags. I’m sure I’ll have very nice dreams, but no dream, no matter how wonderful, could ever TOUCH the bliss of their lying beside me, breathing their little doggie sighs of contentment, and twitching their chunky legs and paws in deep slumber in their OWN world of puppy-dog dreams.
Deek said he’ll return in the morning to pick them up. Fine with me; I am delighted he’s brought them back, even if just for a night. For there will be many more great stay-overs to come, I’m sure. For Deek has changed for the better, I can see it all over him. He asked if I could give him a few bills, that would be really nice. So I said okay, and ran back hovel to grab a fiver. But no, the smallest bill was a sawbuck.
“Lucky you,” I said upon returning, as the pooches patiently waited for me to bring them inside. “I was planning to give you five, but all I had was this instead.”
He grinned, handed me a heavy jacket and a metal dog bowl to keep for him overnight..then off we went one way, and he, the other. I was glad to express my gratitude with a boisterous spirit, as that will reinforce a more positive perspective in his psyche…keep him going in the right direction. Jungian therapy all the way!
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: Here they are, at rest!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: Zeke’ Mailing List
Date: June 23, 2021 8:45 AM
Just got up, took this little video (16 secs.):
Re: [MCN-Announce]- Just curious
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: MCN announce list
Date: June 24, 2021 9:45 AM
On Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:43 Kenan Blau posted:
> How about the 600,000 dead people who didn’t get the chance to get vaccinated
They are angels of death, so consider that a victory. They’ll make up excuses such as “they were old people ready to die anyway,” or “they were useless eaters such as the disabled, blacks, immigrants, progressives, gays and Jews.” This is the new Nazi movement. People need to wake up; they’re already using COVID-19 as a bioweapon against the noble opposition, by showing up unvaccinated at their gatherings and marches. Fortunately, this will all backfire, as they themselves will die off in MUCH greater numbers. For obvious reasons.
Those who think people like Ruby Vinegar, Peggy-Lee Gish and Alvin Hock are simply ill informed and caught up in the nonsense (rather than intentional vectors of death and misery) are fooling themselves. That is just a tactic to weaken the resistance. Ms. Vinegar’s snarky choice of subject title “Just curious” tells me all I need to know about her REAL intentions. Don’t you think it peculiar that these snakes in the grass pose as “progressives,” “liberals” or “Democrats” while siding in FULL FORCE with right-wing ideology, in the matter of anti-vax conspiracy?
Re: [MCN-Announce]- Just curious
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: MCN announce list
Date: June 24, 2021 9:56 AM
On Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:58 Ladye Birdsong squoinked:
> Because it’s easier to shoot the messenger than cope with threatening ideas. The Thought Police have no place in the public debate of important issues.
Oh, I get it, now anti-vaxxers are accusing anyone who tries to correct their dangerously erroneous conspiracies of being “thought police.” Your double-digit IQ impresses no one, Ms. Birdsquawk. BTW:
Did YOU get vaccinated yet? There’s still time, you know, but the window is rapidly closing. Because the Delta Variant will soon be upon us, and those who aren’t vaccinated will be in real danger of contracting this DEADLIER and MORE SEVERE virus. Seeing as these current vaccines are likely to have excellent resistance to the impact of the next wave to hit. But it takes a full THREE weeks after your second shot, for the vaccine to kick into high gear.
Re: A very touching dog rescue.
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 24, 2021 10:07 PM
> And then that joyful shake!!!
And that gentle groan of exasperation and relief.
> How did your night with the doggies go??
WONDERFUL! Attached is a pic of them sleeping in, after a lovely night. They loved their visit, as usual, and slept like logs, their little paws drooping in the air from twitchy forelegs, bellies exposed in utter trust, and hind legs spread out.
Deek showed up around 2 PM. It was an amicable meetup, except right at the end when he made some offensive remark. To which I responded: “I don’t wanna hear it. You just can’t have a friendly few moments without coming up with something nasty to say. I’m going now, God bless you all, I hope you have a great day. And thanks again for trusting me with the pups.”
He then said thank-you, and wished me a good day, as well. And I stepped inside with one last glance at the sweet doggies. Though when he showed up to collect the dogs, he asked me if I got that $600 yet, that Newsom just gave out. I told him no, and I haven’t heard anything about another stimulus check. He said “all his friends” just got theirs, so he figured to ask me.
So I told him wait, let me check. Searched the web and found nothing, nor was there a deposit to my account. I did read one article, where some folks who never GOT their CA stimulus some months back, are getting them now. But that’s all I could make of it, and I returned downstairs to explain all that to Deek.
“Don’t worry, if I’m gonna get extra money from the government again, you’ll get half, as usual. But I suspect your ‘friends’ are collecting theirs late.”
He didn’t whine about it, in fact, just dropped it politely…which is quite an improvement. He’s due to show up tomorrow for his weekly allowance, so let’s see how things unfold. I certainly HOPE he’ll resume letting Flaco & Lucky stay over more frequently, as he has in the past. But since I’ve played all my cards, I’m now totally dependent on his decisions which, I hope, will be based on the important advice I’ve given him in recent months. At this point, I see no sense in repeating myself, laying down the same old cards.
I’ve played out my hand as best I could…the outcome no longer lies with the cards, but in the stars. Artemis bless ALL the canine critters in this world! I sent you a little something in the mail; it should arrive any day now.
– Zeke K-Holmes
P.S.: Around a week ago, I dumped my dozens of pics of the mutts into the wallpaper folder, and got rid of any other images. I have them set to randomly change every 10 minutes. I’m deep in dog coo!
Subject: THE BRINDLEKIN HAVE RETURNED!
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 24, 2021 10:24 PM
Deek just showed up, called to my window, asked for his allowance and invited me to have the pups over again. So I set up the box for Flaco to run right into, should she so desire…and of course left the door ajar so she could do just that, before running downstairs.
And there they were, leashed as always to the cart, ears alert with eager spirit to greet me once again: slobbery kisses and love bites. As I handed Deek the moolah, he reminded me to not let any bugs get in their food or water, or chemicals. And that they’re for me to ENJOY their company (as opposed to running away with them).
I said, “Aye, aye, captain. You know how much I love them, I guard them with my life and treat them like the angels they are.”
They were just bursting with love and kindness to be with me again, group hugs all around, ducky treats…then off to puppy dreamland they went, cozy as bugs in a rug. Lucky made a huge deal with preparing his nest, plumping it here, fluffing it there, snatching parts between his tiny jaws, setting the blankets up, and one jacket just so, with decisive snorts…before he finally plopped right down with a doggie grunt of comfort.
Before she zonked out for the night, I told Flaco “come here” as I half-reclined at the opposite end of the cot. She looked at me with ears perked up like the most wonderful thing in the universe just happened: an invite to cuddle up with me! So she swiftly clambered over Lucky, and plunked herself firmly by my side with a loving pressure. While intently gazing at Lucky with a cautious eye, to be sure he wouldn’t usurp her throne: resting by her paws was the most she’d allow. Not that Flaco was mean about it, in any way…she was just PROUD to be the one to guard me from all danger!
But Lucky wasn’t the least bit nonplussed over Flaco’s charade, being the kind brother he is. For his happiness so much depends on hers, first.
Now wasn’t it just moments ago I had prayed to Artemis for all the pups in the world, and reflected upon Deek’s turning a new leaf, with a sincere wish to have the dogs hovel more often? In fact, good doctor, he appeared on the sidewalk below within MINUTES after sending off my last missive to you!
– Zeke K-Holmes
Subject: NOT to let it get to me…
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 26, 2021 2:15 PM
…IS the important lesson.
Deek finally showed up to pick up the doggies, just a few moments ago. Lucky was NOT interested in eating breakfast, until right after I donned their leashes and was ready to bring them downstairs. So I left them upstairs to allow Lucky the few minutes it takes to eat his meal, and just brought Deek a fresh supply of kibble and canned food. Told him they’ll be down shortly, as Lucky decided to nosh at the last moment.
He then said, “Shhh! Everybody hears you!”
I replied (in a calm voice throughout) that no, they do not. Besides, it is YOU who made all our affairs public by broadcasting lies about me. Thanks to you EVERYone in the Castro knows I help take care of your pups. Besides which, YOU have made false accusations against me several times and in front of other street people. Which creates animosity towards me, and places my life in danger. So get off your high horse.
“I never did no such thing,” he retorted.
I told him then: you need to own up to your wrongs, but nonetheless it is extraordinary how you trust me with your dogs so much, and I credit you with many OTHER good things, in spite of your almost constant insults and badmouthing me before others.
“Alright, alright,” he responded. “Thanks for all the good things you do.”
I then returned hovel to deliver the dogs to him, and gave Flaco extra hugs because I could see how much she wanted to return upstairs.
The best approach at this stage is (I concluded) to just not allow Deek’s insults to get to me. Seeing as they are far fewer and between than ever…as well as less extreme. Plus, it’s bad for my own state of mind to do otherwise. He has made GREAT strides regardless, such that he’s a DIFFERENT and BETTER person, compared to the recent past. And it will only get better. I asked him how his own little vacation went, while I sat the dogs, and he actually said with a smile, “really nice,” instead of his usual snarky whine or shrug of the shoulders.
The ending of Flaco’s last cycle of false pregnancy about three weeks ago seems to have been the turning point. I guess because he finally knew for certain, that I did NOT accidentally get her inseminated. And from my perspective, it showed me HE did not allow her to get pregnant, either.
Lucky woke me early this morning, because he started to puke again. Though this time it was only twice, and very little…as well as a cinch to clean up. After his first upchuck, I knew I had to move really fast to get them outside, as Lucky was nervously pacing the floor and kept standing up to gaze out the window: his way of telling me he needs to do his thing. But I had to do MY thing first, so unfortunately he had to wait longer than either of us wanted.
Upon returning several minutes later, I saw he had puked again…but not anywhere on the floor; it was on a sheet of newspaper near the sink. Which was unexpected, because he usually chooses to vomit near the window, the furthest distance from my cot. He’s a smart and thoughtful (and impeccably neat) little pup!
Then I had to put my shoes on, don a jacket and hat, snatch up several poop bags, and put their collars and leashes back on. The dogs are so patient!
Finally, we stepped out and Lucky immediately expelled a generous glob of yellow-brown diarrhea right beside the Platanus acerifolia out front. I just left it there, because you CAN’T use poop bags on puddles.
Then, a minute later on the corner of Noe & 16th, he released another glob, though of lesser quantity thank Zeus. I was about to return the poop bag to my pocket, when this crew-cut jock walked by, obviously on his way to Fitness SF, as indicated by the athletic duffel sack swinging from a shoulder. So I decided to stand around with the poop bag hanging from my fingers, until he got a good distance away. I didn’t want him to witness my leaving the feces on the sidewalk, because I know how catty Castro queers can be. Once I saw him start to cross Market, I then shoved the poop bag back into my jacket and moved on. But wouldn’t you know, Wattson:
Within seconds I heard him holler, “Pick up that dog shit!” from the far corner, with a stereotypical, whiny-nasal gay timbre to his voice. So I shouted back: “I can’t, it’s diarrhea!” Of course he didn’t apologize, but just entered the gym. Meanwhile, I reached the nearby newspaper rack, extracted a free printout, and returned to Lucky’s second plop to cover it with a folded sheet of the Bay Area Reporter, the most popular and widely distributed LGBT newspaper in all the world.
This is what I mean by San Franciscan rudeness: most people go out of their way to be snotty or downright vile. Look at all the hatred flung at me for my many, kind and brave deeds to spare the lives of two, darling mutts! Hardly a one commends me.
But the solution is not to let this get to me, and instead, keep my eye on the prize, not the obstacles. For these obstacles lie within my own mind, that is: I am free to choose whether or not to allow them to block me from achieving my goals. Besides, dwelling on the hostility of others only serves to sour my world and ruin my day. And Deek, my main bodhisattva in this chapter of my life, is obviously my greatest teacher in this matter.
The recent curtailing of his attacks upon yours truly indicates that this particular lesson is almost accomplished. Much to my relief. Were it not for my love of Flaco & Lucky, I would NEVER have persevered. I thus conjecture that THAT is the precise REASON for Deek bringing them into my life. Well, in addition to showering me with so much love. Meanwhile:
Another nuisance I forgot to mention about the Hohokum smoke shop punks, is they toss firecrackers out the door late at night, every now and then. They did it last night, upsetting both the dogs and myself. And I wonder why the building manager looks away from their many offenses. Hence, I speculate:
Did Kevin’s quasi-reconciliation with me come from a wish not to have his possible “cozy” situation with Hohokum exposed? That is: could he be involved with their illegal escapades more deeply than I realize? And could this also tie in with the nasty behavior of Myrtle & son, with whom Kevin sided for a time?
At any rate, as I was bringing myself and the pups hovel, I crossed paths with Kevin, outside the front gate. He was friendly enough to the doggies, and myself, noting Flaco’s barking at the folks entering and leaving the Super Duper burger shop. “They don’t even know WHAT they’re barking at!” he exclaimed. So I corrected him:
“No, she smells all that good food, and is demanding they share some with her.”
He laughed at that, said “Well who can blame them?” We then wished each other a nice afternoon, then off we went our separate ways. The best part of my day (when the pooches are visiting) is when I release them halfway up the stairs, to wildly dash to my room…and, if the door is locked, watch them run madly up and down the hallways, play-fighting/tumbling with each other. They absolutely love it! But when I DO leave the door ajar, they scoot directly inside, jump on the bedding and wrestle with each other in canine glee.
To think unbounded joy could grace my hovel after so many years of a rather difficult residency, is simply astounding. But there it is.
– Zeke K-Holmes
Texting with Wattson – 6/25/21
Voice recording #1 (by Zeke): “One with the teeth, the other with the tongue.”
Voice recording #2 (by Wattson): “It’s a dog’s life.”
Re: NOT to let it get to me…
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 26, 2021 3:36 PM
> A good report, all in all.
Far less antagonism than what has been his usual behavior until recently. He also shows up much cleaner these days. Most outstanding was when he informed me he got vaccinated, and even went so far as to SHOW me his card. Which is now laminated, but I keep forgetting to show him. But also: never ONCE have I seen the pups less than immaculate and in good health, whenever Deek brings them over. And they’re ALWAYS incredibly cheerful. So that ALSO is to his credit.
> I’m loving the pics of the doggies; some of them are true prize-winners.
I’m sure there are tons more superb stills buried within my plethora of doggy videos. Can’t wait to start going through them!
> And oh, you sneaky sonofagun! I just popped in the wee SD card that arrived with Christmas wishes yesterday, and WOW!!!!
I found two boxes of those Xmas cards on the back porch, and realized they’ll come in useful. Another bonus of Myrtle & son’s timely departure. Along with four lovely, transparent, frosted-green bowls. And a ceramic kitchen knife. See attachment.
> A veritable cornucopia of Gene Wolfe, including Island of Dr. Death (and Death of Dr. island) and more, more, more!!!!!!
I even included a standalone epub reader on that chip. So everything can be read off that card, on ANY Windoze system. Enjoy!
– Zeke
P.S.: I miss the pooches already, their sweetness is unsurpassable.
Re: NOT to let it get to me…
From: Zeke Krahlin
To: My Dear Wattson
Date: June 26, 2021 9:25 PM
Speaking of not letting things get to me:
THIS crowd below my window Friday and Saturday nights, starting around 8 and going until 1 AM or later:
P.S.: Doesn’t help when an outdoor grill is set up right below my window! It was the sizzling and charred odor that alerted me to this additional nuisance.
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