MASK ON; MASK OFF; I AM STILL A FREE MAN IN A ONCE FREE AND GREAT NATION (published 4-28-2021)

Introduction

For how many eons has the “mask mandate”—which the “guvrmint” types (i.e., federal, state, and local) think that they have the power to enforce—been the “new normal?” I don't remember. It seems like we have endured over a decade of having to wear masks!

Under the Corona Myopia topic section, I have been writing about this insanity since 2020 until I'm blue in the face. Enough is enough!

Mask Off

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee removed the “mask mandate” that he did not have the power to order in the first place. Effective yesterday, Tuesday, 4/27/2021, at 11:59 PM, “mask off” is now in effect. See “Gov. Lee Pushes Reopening, Focus on Economic Recovery: Ends Public Health Orders and Local Mask Authority.” Tennessee State Government, 4/27/2021. I like how these bureaucrats get it down to the second.

Subsequently, Knox County, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I unfortunately reside, has also lifted the “mask mandate” as of the same date and time. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, the former professional wrestler, followed Bill Lee's “executive order.” See “State health director: Mask-wearing now a 'personal choice.'” WBIR-TV, by Staff, 4/27/2021.

Well, good. It seems that points of bureaucratic confusion are taking place. You can find various website articles if you care to take the time to look. I did for about a minute or so. It is the mask-wearing insanity winding down, folks.

For the last eon, as it seems, when I exited a business that was requiring face masks, I always said loudly, “Mask on; mask off; I am still a free man in a once free and great nation!” Either no one was nearby to hear me, a few may have heard me, or folks clapped and commented in a positive manner. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was with me a few times.

Conclusion

I searched online for “mask on; mask off; I am still a free man in a once free and great nation, photographs.” The following was one of several irrelevant photographs from that search:

I hope that most folks in this once free and great nation have crossed the road into freedom. As the media types seem to indicate lately, that is not happening. Apparently, the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA) is on a fast march to “democratic socialism.” Socialists are using the tools of “systemic racism,” etc., to advance their propagandized agenda.

It seems for now, however, that the chickens may have won the “mask mafia war.” We will see. I'm 10-10 on the side to eat supper now!

4-18-2021, Sunday: House Mountain Hike #178 (#42 Bionic), for Hal Trent (published 4-25-2021)

Introduction

Looking out my home office window, at 2 PM on the dot, as I start writing, I see that the weather is still partly sunny. The rain yesterday is still mud, in the known areas, on “my mountain.”

On 4/18/2021, last Sunday afternoon, I hiked House Mountain #178 (#42 “bionic”)! The writing is better seven days late than never. I hope that you enjoy the hike and a few life notes. Do you have with you a canteen, full of water?

The Hike Details

I started at 1:40 PM, going up the west trail, as usual. (I touch a post, just west of the parking area, to mark my start time. My ol' truck and I were lucky. We had found a good parking spot, in the upper parking lot.) The weather was not too warm and mostly sunny, with wind from the southwest. (The wind was bringing in the rain that came the next day.)

I met a couple, not far into my hike, at a spot that I know well. They were resting at a rocky area (one of many), on their way down. They appeared to be in their 50s. The man had two fully “bionic” legs, from the knees down. He and I exchanged a few pleasant words. The doctor didn't cut off my right foot. (I've wished, several times, that he had done so. I think that it would have been better, if I had had a complete foot replacement.) That good man and I inspired each other! He inspired me more than I inspired him. I remember many details of that relatively brief conversation.

I touched my rock at the west bluff and marked my time -- 34 minutes from base to bluff. (Will my right foot ever allow me to return to the usual 24 to 28 minutes? I wonder.)

The previous photograph is the only one that I took. It looks southeast, from the west bluff. The trees are budding out nicely. The leaves are back and coming out. Wild flowers are in the area. These are signs of spring.

In the article “4/20/2021, Tuesday, Tribute to Hal Trent,” I concluded, “By the way, I hiked House Mountain #178, 4/18/2021, Sunday, for Hal. I'll have another article on that hike in a few days.”

Hal, my friend, I wonder. Could you see me hiking that day? I hope so. Spring signs on that hike indicate new life. Need I write more? I think that my readers know what I am saying!

A couple of young men were on the bluff. One stated that he was born in 2006. I told him that was the year that I started this website. (It's also the year that my new, ol' truck was built.) My first article was on Monday, March 6, 2006 – “How to Pronounce 'Appalachian.'" Those two fine young men gave me hope for the future. They have proper and timeless values.

Early in my hike up, I had passed a woman, who had indicated that she was taking her time. She's in her 30s. She arrived at the bluff, as I had started to hike back down (the same west trail). We talked a bit. She doesn't allow her health troubles to prevent her from hiking a ridge! She was glad to know of other nearby hiking areas. She plans to hike them. I encapsulated my “bionic” story to her. We inspired each other. I may have inspired her a bit more than she did me. (I have never had asthma trouble.)

Going down the same trail, I caught up with two men, who had been ahead of me. (I had caught up to them, while they were resting.) I led the rest of the way down. Near one of the six main switchbacks, two small rocks decided to allow my left shoe to roll over them. (I had missed noticing them, while conversing with the men behind me. That was my fault.) I decided to land on my left hip and left forearm. That was the second time that I've taken a fall, hiking “my mountain.” (The first time was “pre-bionic,” when my left foot stepped on a snow-covered rock, at an east trail switchback, while I was going down. I didn't know ice was under the snow!) My second fall led to a “bionic” conversation.

One of the men, in his 30s, had temporary “bionics” in, as I recall, his left foot. Years ago, he sustained a foot injury. He had “bionics” (surgically implanted metal) installed. They were removed, after he no longer needed them. (My “bionics” go with me to the grave. My everlasting body will not have them.) We talked “bionics,” as we continued hiking down. I understand the bouts of depression that he had. He opened up. I opened up. At the parking area, I showed him my snow photograph, with my name on it. It's on the information board, along with other photographs. He knows about this website. We parted, by looking each other in the eye and shaking hands. I hope that I see this young man again.

Conclusion

At 3:40 PM, I touched the same post that I had, at 1:40 PM. I did not hike for the full two hours. I enjoyed the view for awhile on the west bluff. I had conversed with the fine folks, whom I have mentioned. Two hours in the woods improved my right foot and knee, disposition, and spirit. A day in the woods adds a day to your life! I do not hike to converse with folks. I hike to hike! House Mountain has been very well known for many years. It was not as well known, when I started hiking “my mountain.” Meeting and conversing with folks is a side benefit that I enjoy.

With an apology to my new ol' truck, I didn't take a photograph of him. A man was waiting on me to leave, so that he could take the same parking spot. Someone had parked, incorrectly, close enough behind me. I know how to back, turn, back, turn, and repeat. My truck and I did that enough to be free. I had thought about writing a pithy note and placing it under a windshield wiper blade on the car that was parked incorrectly. I refrained. At least, my rear bumper didn't leave a crease in the driver's side door!

I have twenty-two more hikes, until I get to House Mountain hike #200. I'm getting there – step-by-step, day-by-day. I'm getting closer to joining my friend, Hal Trent, step-by-step, day-by-day. Y'all think about that, ya hear?

At 5:30 PM, I saw readership: all time 93,859; today (so far) 422; yesterday 455; this month 8,734 (so far); and last month 4,757. I can't see reader identities. I can't know who subscribes to receive email notifications, when I publish an article. Thanks, y'all, for stopping by, with a cup of coffee, and reading for a while. I hope that my words are beneficial. They are for me, as I write them. (I haven't been writing since 2 PM. I took breaks and did other stuff, which included calling two of my three younger brothers.)

TUESDAY, 4/20/2021: TRIBUTE TO HAL TRENT

Introduction

I never knew that his first name was Joseph. I always knew him as Hal.

Tribute

Hal Trent is still my friend. He attended Rogersville City School in grade school. I went to the county school. He and I became friends in high school, both attending Rogersville High School (which is now Rogersville Middle School). In high school, we had a few classes together. He and I became friends. I remember much from those years. Hal was a good friend. He was born on 3/18/1960. I was born on 7/17/1960.

After high school graduation in 1978, we went our separate ways. I graduated from college. Before graduation, I asked Mrs. Appalachian Irishman to marry me, and she accepted. Once married, we moved to Missouri (1986–1992). Later, we moved to Moscow, Russia (1994–1999). Hal stayed in our hometown, Rogersville, Tennessee. That was good for him.

At some point, as I recall, Hal and I reconnected in the late 1990s. He had a business in the old Raley-Vaughn Motor Company building, which had been turned into a mall that included various shops. (The main branch of First Community Bank is now at the location.) I think that Hal and I reconnected, when I stopped by his shop during a four-to-six-week furlough from Russia.

After my wife and I moved back from Russia, I met Hal a few times. We saw each other at our high school reunion on Saturday, 10/13/2012, as I recall. Afterward, we saw each other a few times. Hal's wife, Kathy, and he sold produce at fall festivals in Bean Station and Rogersville. That's when we usually met.

Hal, aside from aging as we all do, was still the same person that he was in high school. He had wisdom, wit, and a great sense of humor. He was a man of God.

Hal left this world to go home on Saturday, 4/17/2021. He was 61. Christian-Sells Funeral Home has Hal's obituary. The visitation and funeral start in a few minutes, later today. The one-way drive is about 1.25 hours. I had thought about attending. I wish that I could have. Yesterday, I wrote the following on Hal's tribute wall:

Marion W. Ferrell: My heartfelt prayers to Hal's family and friends. Hal and I graduated from high school in the same class. In the 1990s, I saw him again. I saw him a few times, when Kathy and he were selling great Winesap apples in Bean Station or Rogersville during the annual fall festivals. I will write an article on my website, https://www.appalachianirishman.com, in a day or so. Hal, my friend, I hiked House Mt. #178 yesterday for you. You are Home. We, here, will join you at Home! Won't it be great at that heavenly high school reunion? It will be!

Conclusion

I wish that time and distance had allowed Hal and me to see each other more often. I think the same for other friends, whom I haven't seen in a while.

On one of these great days, time and distance will be swallowed up into everlasting togetherness. Will it not be wonderful then? Hal has togetherness with so many, whom he has joined at Home. May we all go Home soon, dear Lord! Fly those wings, Hal!

By the way, for Hal, I hiked House Mountain for the 178th time on Sunday afternoon, 4/18/2021. I'll have another article on that hike in a few days.

LATE TRIBUTE TO PAPAW FERRELL IN “LIFE, SUCH AS IT IS,” CONTEXT (published 4/19/2021)

Introduction

I have had this article in mind and in draft form to some degree since last Tuesday. The Ferrell clan can run on “Ferrell time” (i.e., slow) at times. My Ferrell slowness is showing only because of recent circumstances.

Papaw Ferrell

Marion Ferrell, who had no middle name, was my paternal grandfather. He was born on Tuesday, 4/13/1880, as accurate records verify, not on 4/13/1879. He left this world on Saturday, 11/21/1970. I was ten years old when he passed on. Asleep in bed, I remember my father awakening me by leaning over and whispering, “Your Papaw Ferrell has passed away.”

Last Tuesday, 4/13/2021, I remembered Papaw Ferrell's birthday while working from home. Did any other member of Papaw Ferrell's branch of the Fearghail clan remember? I wonder. I am sure that some did. As an aside, we Ferrells can trace our lineage back to the Fearghail clan from County Longford in Ireland.

Starting on 11/21/2013, I have been collecting PDF records of Ferrell genealogy. I also have the 6/26/2019 update, which is a 375-page record. A distant cousin has been doing the research. His findings seem to be as accurate as they can be and are greatly appreciated. What follows below is a brief genealogical record. The numbers indicate generations. For example, “2” was the child of “1.” The PDF records, which I have, greatly expand the genealogical lines.

1: John Ferrell, my great-great-great-grandfather, 1780—date of death uncertain

2: John Ferrell, Jr., my great-great-grandfather, 1802—date of death uncertain

3: James Robert Ferrell, my great-grandfather, 1856–1920

4: Marion Ferrell, my grandfather, 4/13/1880–11/21/1970

5: Earl Ferrell, my father, 9/17/1927–1/25/2008

6: Marion William Ferrell, me, 7/17/1960—whenever the Lord calls me home

The above article and photograph are from The Rogersville Review, 4/17/1958, Thursday (weekly) edition. The publication date was four days after Papaw Ferrell turned 78. The information in the article is exactly correct.

In the 1908 photograph, Papaw Marion Ferrell was standing between the derrick, which are the vertical poles. Years before he passed, my father had an original photograph enlarged, enhanced, and duplicated. One of those photographs hangs prominently on a wall in our living room.

In 1908, Papaw, age 28 at the time, had been drilling water wells for seven years, having started his business in 1901. The 1908 photograph was taken in the Snowflake community in Caney Valley, Hawkins County, Tennessee. The location was near the southern base of Clinch Mountain. Papaw's 1905 model Koger well machine was driven by mule or horsepower. In 1908, Papaw Ferrell had drilled the well for Mr. Dinsmore, the thickly bearded man standing farthest to the right in the back. In 1958, my father, Earl Ferrell, was using a Cyclone cable drill at the time.

The next two images are from my father's business card. I still have several of them put up in a safe place. The first image is from the back of the business card. It is the same as the above photograph.

The next image is the front of my father's business card.

Granny (Molly Gertrude Archer Ferrell) and Papaw Ferrell were my paternal grandparents. I remember them very well. In my mind, I still see the old homeplace where my father and his brothers and sisters were raised. Eventually, they had electricity connected for lights. A hand pump near the sink brought well water to the kitchen. They did not have indoor toilets. The two-seater outhouse was sufficient. A big tub near the wood-burning kitchen stove was for baths. As a child, I took a few baths in that tub.

The Ferrell family remembers several historical facts of family heritage. I wish to encourage my first cousins to write books or journals for publication to record these memories. Granny and Papaw raised six sons and two daughters. Farming, gardening, hunting, and trapping fed the family. There were many changes over the years.

Their life back then was harder, but it was simpler. A man knew where another man stood. Truth was truth, and facts were facts. Straightforward words could hit home when needed. There was a lot of love. The “L” word (love) was demonstrated by actions, not by simply saying it. The “L” word was unspoken. Love, however, was shown by caring acts.

Papaw Ferrell was not bothered by phone calls, texts, emails, website articles, heat and air unit problems, plumbing trouble, washer/dryer problems, vehicle trouble, and such. Granny and he never owned a vehicle. Papaw walked or hitched a ride to town as needed. Papaw and his sons cut firewood, fed livestock, killed hogs in season, farmed, and did other chores. Dad told me that his back trouble started when Papaw wanted to get in the last load of hay. Dad was worn out, but he helped anyway. He felt his back pop. His back troubled him for the rest of his life. Dad continued to drill wells, lifting heavy drill rods and well-casing, and do other types of hard physical labor. He endured.

I wonder if any of my cousins will comment on this article. I hope they do. Come on, cousins, man or woman up! It is the Ferrell way! We need to write a book, which will put in print all of our verbal stories.

Conclusion

I have said for many years that I was born too late. I wish that I had been born in 1760 or at least 1860. (I could have been my own grandpaw!) I was born when I was born, however, to godly parents. That was fine. A person cannot choose when or to whom he is born. I am not complaining. I am thankful for my heritage.

Heritage has deep roots. The Fearghail clan, along the John Ferrell line, has deep roots. Well, most of us do. Family strength based on moral absolutes from God builds good communities. Good communities build good states. Good states build a good nation.

As I conclude, do you see what the socialists have been doing for decades? Destroy the family with social programs that pretend to help the family. That destroys communities and states. It is what is destroying our once-great nation, even as I write. “Come on, man!” This once-great nation needs a spiritual awakening that starts in the home.

Yesterday, at 5:59 PM, I heard the microwave oven beep. Supper was ready. I was hungry and decided to eat without publishing this article. By the way, wait for a sad but everlastingly joyous forthcoming article. It is only in my mind right now.

Monday, 4/19/2021, postscript: Today, I finally published this article, such as it was. I have at least two more articles in mind, but not on paper yet. One will be a tribute to a high school classmate who left this world too early at the age of 61. I will see him again. He is having more joy than can be imagined now. At supper time, I'm signing off for now.

4/12/2021, MONDAY: IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD – VERIFIED

 

 

Introduction

“A picture says a thousand words.” Read on, for my additional words. Aren't you as tired of it all as I am?

“Corona Myopia Psychosis” Sidetrack – With Apology

A friend, who sends e-mail information, to several, including me, e-mailed us, on 4/10/2021. (I wish that he would create his website instead.) “Good job, Jim!” His e-mail articles need to be on his website – if he would do so.

He referenced a link to World Net Daily. The article appears to be a factual statement of the damage that mask wearing does to the environment and to humans, who wear them too long. You can check out the details here – if it doesn't bore you. Another informative link is here also.

I don't wear a mask, as a regular routine. I do so only for a few moments, as needed. For those who wear masks as they do their underwear, on a daily basis, I suggest that they read the article.

The socialists are out there, here and, again, here, for examples. They continue to use the new cold virus as one tool, in their arsenal. They have won.

Another Shooting

Austin-East Magnet High School has made international news, again, sadly. It is not because of educational and moral excellence. It is due to the magnet of countless numbers of shootings in that area, of Knoxville, Tennessee. Today, 4/12/2021, Monday, another shooting happened. The news is global. Here is a link from the United Kingdom.

This is another sad example of the rampant, uncountable, examples of the fact. The USSA, mostly, has lost its moral compass, has forgotten God, and, consequently, has been abandoned by God.

When I travel, I have one pistol and ammunition with me at all times. It stays in my truck, usually. At times, it is in my right front pants pocket. At home, three weapons and plenty of ammunition are ready. I know how to stop a threat.

The USSA is, in majority, apparently, accepting the threat of Satan, who is laughing, as he leads this once great nation into the Hadean Realm. The USSA, in majority, apparently, has accepted the Devil's lie.

The USSA Majority, Apparently, Has Abandoned Morality and God

I'm in one of those pensive moods today, in my writing. I do not apologize. The USSA, in majority, apparently, has abandoned morality and God. Do you remember, maybe forty or so years ago, or more, when this was a predominately moral nation? I do.

Logic and reasoning do not matter anymore. One cannot reason with an irrational person. “If it feels good, do it” has been the trend for years. The chickens are coming home to roost.

As a side note, I engaged in a brief exchange yesterday, with a younger adult that I know. Her husband and she started their mission work in Russia, under our guidance. I hope that I educated her into God's amazing grace, yesterday. My mother was and still is the greatest example of a Christian, whom I have ever known. My “Light at the End of the Tunnel” book will be published, in time. It will include, as a side note, the details of yesterday.

My godly mother, thankfully, is at Home, with the Lord. She doesn't have to see what I see now.

Conclusion

As supper approaches to be ready, I will conclude this brief article, by saying: the USSA, by person, has two choices. Either turn right and go straight or keep turning left (slight pun intended, to my socialist readers) and going to the Devil.

Many of my readers, even if we are in the USSA minority now, are going straight. I wonder if my socialist readers will stop turning left. Let's eat supper!

Sunday, 4/11/2021: Life, Such As It Is, Update

Introduction

Well, at 5:29 PM on a windy and sunny late Sunday afternoon, how are y'all? The rain yesterday for most of the day was fun. The result for me was no weekend hike.

Life, Such As It Is, Update

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was off work and on spring break last week. She endured. She cleaned out the front porch flower bed. Furthermore, she accomplished other tasks at her father's house, but not too many around here. She did the best that she could.

I am still drudging along, working from home on Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursday and Friday. I am surviving. Last Monday was our usual every-four-week chiropractic appointment. I wonder if I am enduring another setback, in a countless number of setbacks, to go forward. This one involves my left shoulder. I will know in a few weeks. I endure.

Thursday, 4/8/2021, was Holocaust Remembrance Day. Did you remember? I did. The series “Band of Brothers” was televised last evening, which was fitting. I will not go into the historical details of the Holocaust now. A person can research all the facts. The Holocaust happened, despite the claims of the false propaganda.

Friday, 4/9/2021, was the birthday of my younger brother, who is closest to me in age. (I am the oldest of the four sons of Earl and Betty Ferrell.) I called him after work. We talked for a while. His family and he were getting along well enough. I know other details, which I will not mention here.

Saturday, 4/10/2021, would have been the birthday of my mother-in-law, Phyllis Ann House Gordon (4/10/1941–4/30/2017). Almost four years have passed since she went to her heavenly home. Maw Gordon, as I called her, was a good mother-in-law. My wife and her Gordon family endured the day well enough. It gets a little easier as time passes. I wonder what my mother-in-law, my mother (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell), and so many others are doing now. I know that they are having more heavenly joy than we are here on this temporal speck of dust. Hey, Lord, when will you call “everyone out of the pool”? We, most of those I know, are ready to go home and join so many others who are there! We will wait since you aren't coming back today—unless you do in a few more hours.

Yesterday, ironically, we received a postal letter regarding the speed bump plan for our subdivision. About eight months ago in the warm weather, a neighbor instigated an effort by Knox County to install two speed bumps in our little subdivision. (They call them speed humps, which is a euphemistic expression.) Months went by. I assumed that the petition phase had stopped the insanity. Apparently, it did not.

Today, I took some time to finish a letter, which I started yesterday, to Knox County. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman bought the extra envelopes and stamps that I needed. We have 22 neighbors in this quiet and peaceful subdivision. Tomorrow, I will have flagged up for delivery from our mailbox 23 postal letters. One goes to Knox County. The other 22 go to our neighbors. I could, of course, hand-deliver the letters to our neighbors, but the post office could use the money.

Well, we will see what happens. I may win or lose. Our subdivision does not need speed bumps! Either way, I am standing against the bureaucratic insanity, which a neighbor who went overboard inspired last year.

Conclusion

This has been only a brief update. I have another article on “Corona Myopia,” etc., in my mind. Supper, however, is almost ready. The time is now 6:15 PM. Let's eat!

TO BE SHOT OR NOT TO BE SHOT? THAT IS THE QUESTION. (published 4-5-2021)

 

Introduction

With an apology to William Shakespeare (from Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet, written about 1599-1601), I decided upon the title for this article.

I'll start with a little “life, such as it is,” update. Afterward, I will answer the question.

Life, Such As It Is, Update

My truck decided that he needed a new battery on Saturday. I got him one after using the battery charger for a few minutes. I hauled off trash first, before getting the battery. I always keep the engine running while hauling off trash. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had already been out, visiting her family, before her Dollar General and IGA errands. The car gets the next battery very soon.

Today started Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's weeklong, spring break, paid vacation. She might get some work done around the house and yard. I am still working from home Monday through Wednesday and at the office on Thursday and Friday, as the insanity continues. Mainly, we had our every-four-week chiropractic adjustments today! I think my adjustment will help my left shoulder “whatevers” that has bothered me since March 29th.

I apologize for the digression. Let's get back to the subject at hand!

Fact-Checking the “Farcebook” Fact Check

Should a person be shot or not be shot? The peer pressure is on! Everyone, from birth to the day before death, needs to get the new cold virus shot! That's the trend in the socialist media.

I have a real-life friend. He is also a “Farcebook” friend. On Good Friday, my friend reposted a link to the following 3/14/2021 article. The main website is The Truth About Vaccines. The specific article is "Vaccine vs. Virus: Fatalities Skyrocket as COVID Vaccines Increase" by Ty Bollinger, The Truth About Vaccines, 3/14/2021. Initially, “Farcebook” labeled my friend's repost as not verified. I saw it that way first. Afterward, “Farcebook” dropped the not verified tag. Apparently, “Farcebook” corrected its error. They still do not like truth that gets in the way of their propaganda and agenda.

I decided to dig to fact-check “Farcebook.” I found that “Farcebook” was right to correct its initial error. My friend's repost was correct. The following is the proof that I found two days ago.

The proof is straight from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their CDC Wonder website information takes some work to get what you find. I did the work. I have the 288-page landscape PDF downloaded on my computer. The basics are:

These results are for 1,911 total events.
Query Criteria:
Date Died: Dec. 2020 to Mar. 2021
Date of Onset: Dec. 2020 to Mar. 2021
Date Report Completed: Dec. 2020 to Mar. 2021
Date Report Received: Dec. 2020 to Mar. 2021
Date Vaccinated: Dec. 2020 to Mar. 2021
State/Territory: The United States
Vaccine Products: COVID-19 VACCINE (COVID-19)
Suggested Citation:
United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Public Health Service (PHS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) / Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) 1990–3/26/2021, CDC WONDER On-line Database. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/vaers.html on Apr. 3, 2021, 3:39:10 PM.

The CDC facts are from 12/2020 through 3/26/2021. 1,911 people died after taking the new cold virus shot. The 288-page landscape PDF that I have parses out details. You can find the same information. I did not read all 288 pages. I didn't want to take the time.

The USA cumulative total, as of 3/31/2021: The CDC COVID Data Tracker verifies the following new cold virus shot data:

Total doses: 158,662,022.
People who have had one dose: 102,502,483.
People who have full (2) doses: 58,362,945.

So, 1,911 total events (i.e., deaths) divided by 102,502,483 (one dose injection) means that 0.001864345% of people, who had one dose, died due to the dose. The various types of shots are safe enough. The variance between 3/26/2021 and 3/31/2021 is only five days.

Sidenote: The repost that I cited above is based on VAERS data on 3/14/2021. It is from the same CDC website that I checked on 4/3/2021. The death total that I saw on 4/3/2021 was higher than the 3/14/2021 article, previously cited, from The Truth About Vaccines.

My fact check of the initial and then removed “Farcebook” fact check is confirmed. “Farcebook” removed their error correctly. “Farcebook” had to accept CDC VAERS data.

The Question

The question remains: to be shot or not to be shot? First, the risk is low, but the risk exists.

Another source (UPDATE: CDC Reports 1,637 Deaths Following COVID-19 Vaccinations, The Epoch Times, by Celia Farber, 3/6/2021, updated 3/10/2021) has data from the CDC that compares the new cold virus shot fatality rate to the influenza shot fatality rate. They did some number crunching that I will not do again. You can read their number crunching. It is a good article that includes quite a bit of data and percentages.

An influenza shot could and has killed in low percentages. I have taken influenza shots over the last several years. I didn't take one at my last annual physical. My doctor and friend agreed that I did not need to do so.

A new cold virus shot could and has killed in slightly higher percentages than the influenza shot. The risk is low. I know folks, who have had their new cold virus shot (or shots). Aside from feeling a little puny, everyone I know has survived.

Second, the new cold virus cannot be forced upon a person—yet. We still have freedom in this once-great country, don't we?

Finally, the answer for me is that I freely choose not to be vaccinated. Thus, am I a second-class citizen?

USA New Cold Virus Passport

Yes, I am, or I will be soon. The socialists are driving the new cold virus passport agenda. If you want to be fairly free, you will need a new cold virus passport that verifies that you have had your shot (or shots). I found three articles as proof. I list them by title only with each link. Each link has several details.

Coming Soon — Vaccine Passports Will Determine Where You Can Go and What You Can Do. The article was published on 3/29/2021.

The Biden administration is developing a national coronavirus 'vaccine passport' program for Americans. The article was published on 3/29/2021.

Think Global Vaccine Passports Are Scary? Wait Until You See What’s Next. The article was published on 1/6/2021. The socialists have been working on this a while.

Conclusion

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman has had her two-round new cold virus series of shots. She felt sickly a day or two after the second shot. She has not grown that third ear—yet. She is a first-class citizen. She has her new cold virus shot card. That is her passport.

I will remain a second-class citizen. Any government agency or business that refuses my reason for being there, due to not having a cold virus passport, will feel the educated and eloquent wrath of my glib Irish tongue. Eventually, I can imagine going to dine out together. The restaurant may refuse me, since I will be a second-class citizen. My wife and I will eat there anyway, if they want to make some money. My logic and glib Irish tongue will win.

The socialists are forcing their control upon us very quickly. The new cold virus passport is another tool that they are using to control the sheep. I have a bull-headed herd immunity against their efforts. I stand. Join me? Many readers are standing. Others may need to grow a backbone. I hope they do.

Thanks, friend, for reposting an informative post. It inspired this article.

HE IS RISEN! (published 4-4-2021)

Introduction

I wonder if, by God's providence, my “bionic” left shoulder “whatevers,” which started on 3/29/2021, kept me from doing much today. I do not know. God did not tell me.

By faith, however, I have written. I hope that you will be inspired.

Faith by Sight

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:26-29, NIV)

The inspired apostle John recorded the details, centuries ago, for us. His inspired words are still alive today. The scene was after Jesus had risen from the dead and had been seen by many, except Thomas. Thomas went quickly from doubt to belief, by seeing Jesus, in his resurrected body. The evidence was overwhelming. He could doubt no longer.

Life on Mars

The motivation for the title of this segment, “Life on Mars,” is from a dear relative, who had written a deep and meaningful poetic thought by that title. The stylistically well-crafted words involve the hypothetical situation of a person -- having been frozen in state and transported to Mars – who was awaiting to be thawed, to meet her Maker. “Resurrection has come” is one line.

The poetic words conclude, “Frozen people sent to Mars; frozen planet life in jars.” We are temporal life in jars (i.e., everlasting souls in physical bodies). The soul (i.e., who we are, really) is everlasting. Eventually, we get out of our “jars,” and we “float to Mars” (i.e., we go HOME, to meet our Maker)! If we are ready, we have a pleasant and welcoming meeting. If we are not ready, the meeting will be unpleasant judgment.

Temporal Life in Everlasting Context

I have a friend and sister in Christ. Her husband is enduring a serious trial. My 3/29/2021 article mentioned, and was inspired by, his wife and him. On Good Friday, she, in complete honesty, expressed her thoughts at the time. She wondered why the trial befell her husband. She desires earthly justice for evil people. She knows that God is in control and that, in the end, it will work out. She referenced Romans 8:28.

The following are two segments, from my still incomplete and unpublished book, “Light at the End of the Tunnel.”

2. Relational Scar (written 8/29/2016): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28 NIV). “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mk. 9:24 KJV).

If God has providential will, and He does, and if He knew how the timing of Mom’s illness and death would affect me, and He did, then why did He allow it to happen? (As a sidebar, since I am where I am, due to Mom’s death, why did He not cause 18-year-old “chicklet” to delay her trip by even two seconds, to not time her failure to yield perfectly, so as to hit my ol’ truck and me?)

EVERLASTING PERSPECTIVE (started 9/9/2016; finished 12/31/2020): I know that our permanent Home in Heaven will make all the evil we endure in this life appear in proper perspective, a fleeting moment compared to everlasting bliss.

My book, once finished and published, will include many more details and theological points. My friend and her husband, who is my friend, are enduring a trial. It is hard, as I know, to place the here and now suffering into everlasting perspective. They are managing. I am managing. This weekend would have been a great opportunity for House Mountain hike #178. Whatever I did, or didn't do, or didn't do correctly, on 3/29/2021, has bothered my left shoulder area since then. I felt too “busted up” to visit family, etc., in my home town or to hike. It's a bit depressing. I'll get over it. I will do what I didn't do this weekend, eventually. I am patient.

Patience is a key. Step by step and day by day are keys. We look forward, not backward. We accept, with some “fussin' and cussin',” the trials here. We endure. We hope and know the future. The future is getting out of the “jar” and meeting our Maker!

Conclusion

Иисус воскрес! Воистину, он воскрес! (Jesus arose! In truth, he arose!) This is how the Russian believers greet each other on Resurrection Day (i.e., Easter, as we call it). They call it “Pashka.” Russian Orthodox Pashka will be on Sunday, May 2, this year. (They follow the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.)

Faith is by sight. Thomas saw Jesus. He believed and knew. Faith is also seeing, by knowing, the yet physically unseen. I see Jesus by knowing faith. I will see him, as Thomas did, eventually, but not today.

I have faced two major faith trials in life, since we returned from Russia. The first involved my mother's illness (on 12/28/1999) and going Home (on 12/27/2000). The second was and is my 3/29/2016 ongoing “fun.”

Jesus said to Thomas, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” I have not seen Jesus – yet. My mother, and so many others have. I believe based on my knowledge. The evidence is overwhelming. I have doubted. I can doubt no longer. The Truth is out there. I see Jesus. Do you know the Truth? I hope so. If not, you are welcome to e-mail me. My e-mail is in my website heading.

I hope that you are having a happy Resurrection Day!

Atheists' Day, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday (published 4-2-2021)

Introduction

The time is right for a deeper article. The focus is on the everlasting, not on the temporal.

Atheists' Day

Apparently, Atheists' Day is an actual holiday for atheists. According to one website, it is on the first of April every year. According to an atheist website, however, the day is celebrated annually on March 23rd. I think that atheists are confused.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's 2008 Honda Civic acquired a ding on the right front passenger door at the top of the window frame. I noticed it late on 3/31/2021, while placing our new automobile insurance documents in her car and my truck, after she had gone to bed.

The next day (Thursday, 4/1/2021), before she left for work, I asked about the ding. She speculated that it had been there for a month or so. She had not been in or near the car, when the ding happened. She had noticed it without telling me. As usual, I've been checking our car, but I had missed seeing the ding. Well, the “Ding Leprechaun” must have done it.

Later, on 4/1/2021, when my wife was at work, and I was working from home, I heard a noise. I looked. Amazed, I saw that a 2021 white Nissan Altima had appeared in our driveway! It appeared from nothing or from thin air!

April fools! I am joking.

“The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'” (Ps. 14:1; 53:1, KJV). That sounds harsh, King David. It is not harsh. It is inspired truth. April 1st is annual Atheists' Day. Atheists are foolish enough to say that they know that there is no God. An agnostic speculates whether God exists or not. An atheist is convinced in his foolishness that God does not exist.

From nothing, nothing comes. That is a basic point of logic and common sense. If there was ever a time when nothing existed, then nothing would exist now. Something exists now; therefore, something, or someone, had to have always existed (eternally).

The temporal realm (the universe) has not always existed. The Second Law of Thermodynamics as well as observation established this fact centuries ago.

Since the universe is not eternal, then someone must be eternal. That someone is God, in three persons, the Father, the Word (who became flesh as the Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

On the lower right of this website, there is the section Apologetics - Christian Evidences. I suggest, for deeper study, that you search the websites in that section for detailed proof that verifies the following: The God of the Bible exists. The Bible is God's inspired word. And God the Word became flesh as the Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, completing God's eternal scheme of redemption.

I have read, written, and spoken (publicly and privately) on these topics many times. I have offered to engage in formal debate with a local atheist. He backed away. If you would like to contact me, for a personal conversation, you are welcome to use the Contact Form (on the right column of the website).

A new car does not appear spontaneously in the driveway. Something did not come from nothing. The wise know and believe (faith based on fact, not a blind leap) that there is a God.

Good Friday

“It is finished,” Jesus stated as he died on the cross (John 19:30). Those three words are profound. God's eternal scheme of redemption was finished. Before he created the heavens and the earth, God had always known (as he is omniscient) that his plan to save humankind would be realized.

From creation to Adam and Eve's sin to the development of the nation of Israel to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, God's eternal plan took time. “It is finished” now. The plan is in place.

Free will grants two choices: accept the Good Lord's free gift offer and live accordingly, or reject it. Our Lord opened the door. Have you walked in? Many readers have. Some may not have. If you have not, please walk through the open door.

Resurrection Sunday

“Easter” could have originated as a name for a pagan god or gods, or it could have come about from an early German word for resurrection. See “Is the Name 'Easter' of Pagan Origin?" Answers in Genesis, by Roger Patterson, 4/19/2011, for a detailed article on this topic.

The Russian word for “Sunday” translates as “Resurrection.” I choose to call “Easter” “Resurrection Sunday.” The option is not a matter of faith. It is my preference.

It is verified. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, arose! He is the eternal Word (as the triune God). He was born of a virgin. He lived as God incarnate. He was sacrificed as the perfect atonement for our sin (that entered the world when Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan's temptation). He arose! He lived again in the flesh for several days. He then ascended to heaven. He opened the door for us to join him there.

The atheist has laid an egg. He is wrong. I hope that he discovers the Way, the Truth, and the Life, before it is too late. I can help, if he asks.

Resurrection Sunday is not just an annual celebration. It is a daily celebration of life, everlasting life.

Conclusion

Temporal life (on earth) is a blink of an eye. We are everlasting beings. We were born (came into existence). We will die physically (our soul separates from our body). Our soul waits in a place of paradise or torment until Christ returns (to call everyone “out of the pool”).

The temporal will end. The living and the dead, the dead first, will receive everlasting bodies, and we will go home to our everlasting home in heaven, if we have accepted the Good Lord's free gift offer. If we have not, then we will go to everlasting punishment.

Everlasting life is, well, everlasting. I place the good and the bad in life into an everlasting perspective. As the apostle Paul stated, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17, KJV).

Today is Good Friday. Happy Resurrection Sunday, two days from today! He arose. He lives. He lives in me. Does he live in you?

SOCIALISM: BORDER, MONEY TREE, AND STOCK MARKET (published 4-2-2021)

Introduction

I did not intend to write this article today, on Good Friday. Postal mail yesterday and e-mail today, however, set my thoughts into motion. My fingers decided to start typing.

The USSA slide into “democrat socialistic utopia” is becoming a free fall, rather quickly. The following are three examples.

Border

We are on the newsletter e-mail list of USA (USSA) Senator Marsha Blackburn (Republican, Tennessee). We received a newsletter this morning. On 3/30/2021, she sent a letter to the Secretary of USSA Department of Homeland Security and the Acting Director of USSA Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Apparently, ICE has promised $86,900,000 Monopoly money to, Endeavors, a Texas-based nonprofit. The purpose is to “house about 1,200 illegal immigrant family members in hotel rooms.”

According to the letter, in 2018, Endeavors received $38,000,000 in contributions and grants. Almost $22,000,000, 57.8% of that, paid salaries. (That is amazing! Endeavors is a profit for salaried staff.)

The cost to house 1,200 illegal immigrant families, for six months, is about $71,000 per person. “For a family of four, that amounts to a shocking $284,000 – enough to buy a small house.” (Well, it would buy a good sized house around here.)

The “democrat socialist” goal is not to secure the border. It is to allow illegal aliens to flood into the USSA. The goal is to water down the conservative population of the USSA. They are winning.

Money Tree

Senator Blackburn, on 4/1/2021 (Atheists' Day), had questioned the first President of the USSA (Biden), on the $2,000,000,000,000 “infrastructure plan.” Her main critique was that six percent or less of the Monopoly money would be used for roads and bridges. She had other valid points of criticism also.

Earlier today, on Good Friday, Senator Blackburn, with two others, introduced the Paving the Way for Rural Communities Act of 2021, as “a tax-free alternative.” The details do not indicate the allocation or re-allocation of Monopoly money, as far as I took the time to search. The proposal indicates the removal of various government red tape items.

Senator Blackburn and others are trying to stop the printing press from making more Monopoly money. I hope they succeed.

Apparently, if the USSA President states that two trillion dollars ($2,000,000,000,000) – which the USSA does not have – will be spent, then I assume that he knows how to grow a “great new deal” of dollars on a money tree. Otherwise, the printing press will continue to print more and more Monopoly money. Eventually, the dollar will be as worthless as . . . .

As a point of further interest (pun intended), Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I received our American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 payment card today, on Good Friday. We do not need the Monopoly money, which had to have been borrowed from China, etc. I hope, when we deposit the payment card in our bank account, that we help rescue America. The country needs to be rescued.

Money does not grow on trees. It is, however, printed away into devaluation. The World-O-Meter U.S. Debt Clock and US Debt Clock both still click away! I like the second website. It looks better. The number are close enough to matching.

Stock Market

I have been wondering why the Stock Market has not been tanking into a bear market. I had speculated that the socialists are beginning to take over the Stock Market. It turns out that I was correct.

By postal mail, on Atheists' Day, yesterday, we received requests to vote by proxy, regarding an item in our IRA portfolios. (We get them about once a year.) I shred and recycle them without reading, usually. I took the time to read this one. I'm glad that I did.

From “Buffett's Berkshire opposes shareholders' climate change, diversity proposals,” on Reuters, by Jonathan Stempel, published 3/15/2021, it seems that Warren Buffett -- age 90, controlling shareholder, Chairman, and CEO, of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. -- urged shareholders to reject the proposals, made by certain shareholders, that would require annual reports, regarding the efforts of the corporation to address “global climate change” and to promote “diversity and inclusion.” (It's not global warming anymore.) Those two items have been part of the socialist agenda a long time.

I decided to dig a little deeper. I found several items that support my speculation. One, among several, is Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. From their website, “As the Earth’s temperature rises, increasingly common natural disasters are disrupting ecosystems and human health, causing unanticipated business losses, and threatening assets and infrastructure. In response, governments and private sector entities are considering a range of options for reducing global emissions, which could result in disruptive changes across economic sectors and regions in the near term.”

The above entity includes Climate Action 100+. From that website, “Launched in December 2017, Climate Action 100+ garnered immediate worldwide attention. Designed by investors for investors, the initiative aims to ensure the world’s largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters take necessary action on climate change.”

The more one digs, the more one finds. I dug more. I found more. You can do the same. The following are a few organizations that support the ones that advocate “global climate change” and “diversity and inclusion” factors in the Stock Market: Climate Works Foundation (which is supported by its financial contributors), Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Sea Change Foundation, etc.

The Socialists are becoming an ever increasing force in the Stock Market. In the long-term, that is bad for the USSA. In the short-term, our IRAs are still holding their own. We may be able to retire eventually – depending on how fast inflation starts eating into our nest eggs.

Conclusion

This is still a Good Friday, folks – despite this article and the red bud or dogwood winter that we are in now.

My next article will place this temporal triviality into everlasting perspective.