📸 EXPLORE CAPTURED WILDERNESS AND SAVE 10%! 🎨 At Captured Wilderness, we've always believed that nature is something to be experienced, appreciated, and understood. Through original wildlife photography, practical photographic education, and creative projects, we're working to make the natural world accessible to everyone, whether they're behind a camera or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon with a set of colored pencils. And to celebrate the expansion of our Etsy shop, we're offering 10% OFF EVERYTHING! 📚 PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION Our beginner-friendly photography eBooks cover four fascinating areas of nature photography: 🌄 Landscape Photography: Learn to capture the beauty of natural scenery, from sweeping vistas to waterfalls and dramatic skies. 🦉 Bird Photography: Explore the techniques involved in photographing wild birds, including camera settings, fieldcraft, and capturing natural behavior. 🦋 Macro Photography: Discover the extraordinary details of the miniature world, from insects and spiders to flowers and other small natural subjects. 🌌 Night Sky Photography: Learn the fundamentals of photographing stars, the Milky Way, and the night sky. Each individual eBook is available for $9.99, with discounted three-book and four-book bundles also available. 🎨 WILDLIFE COLORING COLLECTIONS We've also introduced three adult wildlife coloring collections, each inspired by original Captured Wilderness photographs. 🦅 Birds of Prey 🦋 The Hidden World: Macro Wildlife 🐦 North American Songbirds & Backyard Birds Each $9.99 collection includes twelve detailed, printable wildlife coloring illustrations and a BONUS 14-page photographic Colorist's Field Guide. The guides feature the original wildlife photographs, authentic color references, and natural history information about the featured species. They're designed to combine creativity with an appreciation for the real wildlife that inspired the artwork. 🎉 OUR INTRODUCTORY OFFER For a limited time, you can enjoy 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ETSY PURCHASE, including individual eBooks, photography bundles, and all three wildlife coloring collections. 🎟️ PROMO CODE: CWWELCOME10 📅 Offer ends November 22, 2026. ✅ No minimum purchase required. ✅ One redemption per buyer. ✅ Applies across our Etsy shop. 🛒 EXPLORE THE SHOP: etsy.com/shop/CapturedWilder… Everything currently available is delivered digitally, so there's no waiting for something to arrive in the mail. Captured Wilderness is an independent nature and wildlife photography business built around a simple principle: the more we understand and appreciate the natural world, the more inclined we are to protect it. If you find something you like, we'd be delighted to have your support. And if you know someone who enjoys photography, wildlife, or creative activities, a repost would be greatly appreciated! Click Here: etsy.me/47ALNSq via @Etsy CAPTURED WILDERNESS Nature • Photography • Art • Education 🌐 capturedwilderness.com #CapturedWilderness #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotography #PhotographyEducation #AdultColoring #WildlifeArt #EtsyShop

🇺🇸 THE AMERICAN MILITIA: NOT A PRIVATE ARMY, NOT A SOCIAL CLUB, AND CERTAINLY NOT AN EXCUSE TO PLAY SOLDIERS. There's a remarkable amount of ignorance surrounding the American militia system, particularly among people who either regard every militia as a collection of dangerous extremists or believe that buying an AR-15 and a plate carrier somehow transforms them into a soldier. Neither position demonstrates much understanding of American history, constitutional law, or military discipline. The Second Amendment begins: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..." Those words have meaning. Historically, "well regulated" encompassed being properly organized, trained, disciplined, equipped, and capable of performing an assigned function. It was never simply a matter of gathering a few armed friends, appointing somebody Commander, and declaring yourselves defenders of the Republic. A MILITIA IS BUILT UPON RESPONSIBILITY, NOT FANTASY. Historically, the militia consisted of ordinary citizens who could be called upon to contribute to the defense of their communities, states, and nation. These were working men with families and responsibilities, not necessarily professional soldiers. They understood that the preservation of liberty carried obligations. Today, federal law continues to recognize both the organized and unorganized militia under 10 U.S.C. § 246. But membership in the statutory unorganized militia does not automatically confer military authority or authorize private paramilitary operations. That distinction matters. WHAT DOES A MILITIA DO? Under lawful authority, militia forces have historically supported national defense, territorial security, and emergency operations. Beyond those traditional military responsibilities, organized civilian preparedness efforts can provide valuable support through emergency medicine, disaster response, search and rescue, communications, logistics, and community assistance. And here's where some people need a serious reality check. If your entire concept of preparedness consists of firearms, ammunition, tactical equipment, and fantasies about fighting some imaginary war, you've missed a substantial part of the picture. Can you stop catastrophic bleeding? Can you perform CPR? Can you navigate without GPS? Can you establish emergency communications when the mobile networks fail? Can you provide clean drinking water? Can you organize and distribute supplies? Can you function effectively under pressure without becoming a danger to everyone around you? Because those are useful capabilities. And in a genuine emergency, they may be far more valuable than whatever expensive rifle you've got sitting in your gun safe. DISCIPLINE IS NOT OPTIONAL. Any organization claiming to possess operational capability must maintain standards. Physical readiness. Mental resilience. Competence. Equipment maintenance. Training. Accountability. Respect for lawful authority. And the ability to work effectively with others. A man who cannot control his emotions, accept criticism, follow lawful instructions, or recognize his own limitations has no business pretending he's some kind of military professional. Neither does somebody who thinks owning expensive equipment automatically makes him competent. AND LET'S GET SOMETHING ELSE STRAIGHT. A militia is NOT a private police force. It does NOT get to enforce its own interpretation of the law. It does NOT have the authority to intimidate political opponents, interfere with elections, establish unauthorized checkpoints, or detain people. It does NOT get to substitute the personal political convictions of its leadership for constitutional government. And no, calling yourself a Colonel doesn't magically give you command authority. A genuine commitment to constitutional principles requires respecting the rights of ALL citizens, including those whose opinions you find objectionable. That's rather the point of having constitutional rights in the first place. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ABLE-BODIED CITIZEN Historically, able-bodied men formed the backbone of the American militia system. That history does not mean every man today is legally obligated to join a private organization, but it does provide a useful reminder that freedom and personal responsibility are closely connected. If you're physically capable, maintain your fitness. If you own defensive equipment, maintain it responsibly and understand the law. Learn emergency medicine. Learn communications. Learn navigation. Learn survival skills. Keep sufficient food, water, medical supplies, and emergency power to support yourself and your family. And if you voluntarily undertake responsibilities within an organized emergency-response group, train to a standard that makes you an asset rather than a liability. WHY DOES THE MILITIA TRADITION MATTER? Because the Founders understood the dangers associated with concentrating military power. The American constitutional system established a framework in which citizen service could supplement professional military forces while remaining subject to lawful civilian authority. The militia tradition reflects the principle that the defense of a free society is not solely the responsibility of a professional military establishment. But here's the important qualification. An armed population does not, by itself, guarantee liberty. Neither does an organization claiming to defend the Constitution while disregarding the constitutional rights of others. Freedom depends upon responsible citizens, constitutional institutions, independent courts, representative government, and the rule of law. THE BOTTOM LINE A rifle doesn't make you a soldier. Camouflage doesn't make you an operator. A self-appointed rank doesn't make you a commander. And shouting about patriotism doesn't demonstrate an understanding of the Constitution. If you want to be taken seriously as someone committed to preparedness and the preservation of liberty, demonstrate it through your conduct. Develop useful skills. Maintain discipline. Take responsibility. Help your neighbors. Respect the law. Understand the Constitution you're claiming to defend. And recognize that genuine service is measured by what you can contribute, not by how intimidating you can make yourself appear. A free society needs capable citizens, not self-appointed warlords. Liberty requires responsibility. Readiness requires discipline. And constitutional government is not defended by abandoning constitutional principles. 🇺🇸

🏞️ 📸 CAPTURED WILDERNESS COLLECTION No. 6 IS HERE! MICHIGAN LANDSCAPES | 12 ADULT COLORING ILLUSTRATIONS + BONUS PHOTOGRAPHIC FIELD GUIDE I've spent a considerable amount of time over the years exploring Michigan with a camera in my hands, photographing everything from remote waterfalls and rugged Lake Superior shorelines to historic lighthouses and some rather spectacular weather. And now, twelve of those original photographs have become the foundation of my latest Captured Wilderness adult coloring collection! This isn't a collection of generic, randomly generated landscape illustrations. 📸 Every single coloring page begins with one of my own original landscape photographs. The photographs have been transformed into detailed black-and-white illustrations using AI-assisted techniques, with each image individually reviewed and refined to preserve the distinctive features of the original landscape. 🏞️ THE TWELVE FEATURED LANDSCAPES: Bond Falls Tahquamenon Upper Falls in Winter Tahquamenon Lower Falls O Kun De Kun Falls Sable Falls Lightning Over Lake of the Clouds Hunter's Point, Copper Harbor Copper Harbor Lighthouse Black River Falls Grand Marais Sunrise Eagle Harbor Lighthouse Bonanza Falls 🎁 AND THERE'S SOMETHING EXTRA INCLUDED! Alongside the twelve printable coloring illustrations, you'll receive a FREE BONUS 14-page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide featuring the original color photographs that inspired the artwork. Why? Because I wanted people to see the real landscapes behind the illustrations! You can study the original photographs, examine the natural colors and textures, and try to recreate the scenes as I photographed them. Or you can throw the rulebook out of the window and give Lake Superior purple water and a bright orange sky. 😂 It's your artwork. Have fun with it! 🎨 WHAT'S INCLUDED: ✅ 12 high-resolution black-and-white PNG coloring illustrations ✅ BONUS 14-page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide ✅ Original Captured Wilderness landscape photography ✅ Individually printable illustrations for personal use ✅ Instant digital delivery through Etsy No physical product is shipped. Simply download the files, print your chosen illustrations, and enjoy! 🛒 NOW AVAILABLE ON ETSY: etsy.com/listing/4600321511/… This is the SIXTH collection in my growing Captured Wilderness adult coloring series, combining original nature photography with creative artwork and a little education along the way. If you enjoy coloring, landscape photography, Michigan's natural beauty, or know somebody who does, please take a look. And even if it's not your particular cup of tea, a repost would be greatly appreciated. It helps introduce Captured Wilderness to people who might genuinely enjoy what I'm creating. 📸 ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY. 🏞️ REAL MICHIGAN LANDSCAPES. 🎨 YOUR CREATIVITY. Captured Wilderness | Nature • Photography • Art • Education #CapturedWilderness #MichiganLandscapes #AdultColoring #NaturePhotography #LakeSuperior #Michigan #ColoringPages #Etsy

NEW RELEASE FROM CAPTURED WILDERNESS! I'm delighted to announce that my latest wildlife coloring collection, North American Mammals, is now available on Etsy! This collection features 12 detailed black-and-white wildlife illustrations, each created from one of my own original wildlife photographs. From white-tailed deer and red foxes to black bears, bobcats, raccoons, and more, every illustration offers an opportunity to explore the beauty and character of North America's wildlife through color. And there's a little something extra included! Every collection comes with a BONUS 14-page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide, featuring my original wildlife photographs, information about each species, and natural color references to help inspire your artwork. Of course, if you fancy coloring a bright purple bear or a fluorescent green fox, that's entirely your business. Creativity doesn't have to follow the rules of nature! 😂 The collection is supplied as an instant digital download, so you can print the illustrations at home and enjoy them at your own pace. If you enjoy wildlife, nature photography, or simply spending a little time away from the daily madness with something creative and relaxing, I'd love for you to take a look. Available now at my Captured Wilderness Etsy shop: etsy.com/listing/4599952759/… #CapturedWilderness #WildlifeColoring #AdultColoring #NorthAmericanWildlife #NaturePhotography

🔍 THE HIDDEN WORLD | NOW AVAILABLE! 🦋🐝🕷️ There's an entire world of extraordinary wildlife right beneath our noses, and most of us walk straight past it without ever noticing. From the intricate architecture of a spider's web to the extraordinary anatomy of a Praying Mantis, the shimmering wings of dragonflies, and the remarkable patterns of butterflies and beetles, nature's smallest inhabitants are often among its most fascinating. I'm pleased to announce the release of The Hidden World, the second collection in the Captured Wilderness Adult Wildlife Coloring Series! 🎨 12 Detailed Macro Wildlife Coloring Illustrations Every illustration is based on one of my own original wildlife photographs, transformed into detailed black-and-white artwork using AI-assisted illustration techniques. And because Captured Wilderness has always been about more than simply taking pretty pictures, I've included something extra. 📖 BONUS: 14-Page Photographic Colorist's Field Guide Featuring all twelve original color photographs, species identification, interesting naturalist notes, and authentic color references to help bring each illustration to life. Whether you're a coloring enthusiast, a nature lover, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys a little creative relaxation, this collection offers a different way to explore the natural world. You can recreate the creatures as nature intended, or let your imagination run wild. The choice is entirely yours! ✅ 12 individually printable coloring illustrations ✅ Original wildlife photography ✅ Bonus photographic field guide ✅ Instant digital download ✅ Print and color at your own pace 🛒 Available now on Etsy: etsy.com/listing/4599158319/… And if coloring isn't your thing, a share or repost would be greatly appreciated. Helping a small, independent wildlife photography business reach new audiences means more than you might imagine. Captured Wilderness | Nature • Photography • Art • Education Explore the wild. Appreciate the details. Bring nature to life through color. #CapturedWilderness #TheHiddenWorld #AdultColoring #WildlifePhotography #MacroPhotography #NatureArt #ColoringPages #NatureLovers #EtsyShop #SmallBusiness

🦅 INTRODUCING SOMETHING NEW FROM CAPTURED WILDERNESS! 🦉 I'm pleased to announce the launch of my very first Birds of Prey Adult Coloring Collection, now available on Etsy! But before you dismiss this as just another coloring book, there's something rather different about this one. Every single illustration began life as an original wildlife photograph that I took myself. Using AI-assisted illustration techniques, I've transformed twelve of my original photographs into highly detailed black-and-white coloring illustrations, capturing the intricate feather patterns, distinctive features, and character of these magnificent birds. These aren't randomly generated images of imaginary wildlife. They're artistic interpretations of real birds I've photographed. And I wanted to offer something more than just a collection of coloring pages. 📖 INCLUDED FREE: A 14-PAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLORIST'S FIELD GUIDE! This companion guide features the original color photographs that inspired each illustration, along with the birds' common and scientific names and interesting information about each species. Want to reproduce the authentic colors and markings of a Bald Eagle, hawk, or owl? The original photographs are right there for reference. Want to exercise a little artistic license instead? Go right ahead. It's your coloring masterpiece! 🎨 HERE'S WHAT YOU GET: 🦅 12 intricate Birds of Prey coloring illustrations. 📸 Original wildlife photography as color references. 📖 A beautifully presented, 14-page photographic field guide. 🎨 High-resolution, individually printable illustrations. 📥 Instant digital download, allowing you to print your favorites whenever you wish for personal use. IMPORTANT: This is a PRINT-YOUR-OWN digital collection, not a physical coloring book. The illustrations are best printed on standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11 inches). 💰 Just $9.99 for the complete collection! 👉 AVAILABLE NOW ON ETSY: etsy.com/listing/4598834264/… This project represents something of a new direction for Captured Wilderness, combining my passion for wildlife photography with art, education, and a little creative relaxation. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, coloring hobbyist, or simply someone who appreciates the natural world, I hope you'll take a look. And if coloring isn't your particular cup of tea, a repost would be greatly appreciated. Helping this independent photographer reach people beyond his usual audience makes a genuine difference. Thank you for supporting Captured Wilderness! CAPTURED WILDERNESS Nature | Photography | Art | Education #CapturedWilderness #BirdsOfPrey #AdultColoring #WildlifePhotography #WildlifeArt #ColoringPages

CAPTURED WILDERNESS | A LITTLE MARKET RESEARCH I'm considering introducing something new to Captured Wilderness, and I'd appreciate some genuinely honest feedback. I've been experimenting with transforming my original wildlife and nature photographs into intricate, adult coloring illustrations. The attached image is an example, based on one of my own wildlife photographs. The idea is to produce themed collections featuring North American wildlife, birds, woodland creatures, landscapes, and other subjects from the natural world. These could be available as downloadable PDF collections for printing at home, professionally printed coloring books, or both. But before I invest considerable time developing them, I want to establish whether people would actually BUY them. So, a few questions: Would you purchase a wildlife or nature-themed adult coloring book, either for yourself or as a gift? Would you prefer a physical paperback or a downloadable PDF collection? What would you consider a reasonable price for a collection of approximately 20 detailed illustrations? Are there particular wildlife or nature subjects you'd be interested in? And please, don't tell me you'd buy one just to be nice! I'm looking for genuine consumer interest, not compliments or encouragement. If this isn't something you'd spend money on, that's equally valuable information. I'm trying to determine whether there's a viable market before committing to production. Thanks for helping me test the waters! Captured Wilderness Nature Through a Different Lens #CapturedWilderness #WildlifeArt #AdultColoringBooks #NaturePhotography #MarketResearch

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: DEER HUNTERS, THE RUT, AND THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SMELLING LIKE A HORNY DOE. OK people... given that we're now well into Michigan's archery deer season, the rut is getting underway, and firearm season is rapidly approaching, I feel it's time to impart another wee nugget of wisdom to those of you who occasionally venture into the woods. Particularly those of you who have decided that spraying yourselves with deer urine is a perfectly reasonable thing to do on a Saturday morning. Now, before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, I fully understand the purpose of deer scent attractants. Used appropriately, they can be effective hunting tools. HOWEVER... There is a rather significant difference between attracting the attention of a mature whitetail buck and becoming the object of his undivided attention. You see, during the rut, a mature buck is essentially a 200-pound, testosterone-fuelled, four-legged collection of exceptionally poor decisions, equipped with a set of fucking great antlers, powerful legs, and an overwhelming biological desire to perpetuate the species. And unlike your average bloke who's had six pints and suddenly believes he's God's gift to women, a rutting buck actually has the physical equipment to make his intentions a VERY serious problem. Which brings me to the subject of doe urine. Some hunters spray this stuff on their clothing, boots, or surrounding vegetation in the hope of attracting a mature buck. Now, ordinarily, this might seem like a perfectly sensible strategy. UNTIL YOU CONSIDER WHAT YOU'RE ACTUALLY ADVERTISING. Imagine, if you will, wandering into the woods wearing the olfactory equivalent of a flashing neon sign that reads: "HOT SINGLE DOES IN YOUR AREA — CLICK HERE!" Except there's no bloody computer. There's just you, a tree, and potentially a very large, very enthusiastic woodland ungulate who hasn't the faintest idea what personal boundaries are. And THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is where we need to discuss the subtle difference between two seemingly innocent situations. Hearing the words **"Jesus loves you"** during Sunday morning church services is generally considered a rather beautiful and comforting experience. Hearing those exact same words whispered into your ear in a federal penitentiary shower block, however, may inspire an entirely different emotional response. Now imagine the individual expressing that affection weighs 200 pounds, has four legs, can run at approximately 30 miles per hour, and is wearing a fucking medieval weapons rack on his head. WELCOME TO THE RUT! For the record, I'm not suggesting that every buck encountering a hunter wearing doe urine is going to mistake him for a potential romantic partner. Deer aren't quite THAT stupid. But mature bucks during the breeding season can be aggressive, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous when approached, cornered, or provoked. And deliberately introducing sexual attractants into that equation without considering your surroundings is potentially asking for a spectacularly unpleasant encounter. So, a few words of advice: 1. Use scent attractants intelligently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, check Michigan DNR regulations, and remember that attractants are generally intended to be deployed strategically, not used as fucking aftershave. 2. Give mature bucks plenty of room. Particularly during the rut. Those antlers aren't decorative Christmas ornaments. 3. Never approach, corner, or attempt to intimidate an agitated buck. If one starts displaying aggressive behaviour, put a substantial obstacle between yourself and the animal and retreat when safe. 4. Remember that deer are considerably faster than you. Unless your surname is Bolt, your escape plan should NOT involve challenging a whitetail to a footrace. 5. And finally, understand the difference between attracting wildlife and inviting it to participate in an unscheduled close-quarters encounter. Because while your original intention may have been to bring home a magnificent trophy buck, there's a considerable difference between having a twelve-point rack mounted above your fireplace and having that same twelve-point rack forcibly introduced to your arse. BE SMART. BE SAFE. AND FOR FUCK'S SAKE, REMEMBER THAT WILD ANIMALS ARE WILD ANIMALS. The objective of deer hunting is to bring home some venison, perhaps a decent set of antlers, and hopefully a good story. NOT to provide the emergency department with an entertaining explanation as to why you're lying face down on a hospital trolley while a surgeon attempts to remove half of Michigan's woodland ecosystem from your backside. STAY SAFE OUT THERE, PEOPLE!

RIGHT THEN, YOU LOT... YOUR TURN! 📷📷 As I mentioned recently, I'm shifting more of my attention back toward two subjects that have been lifelong passions of mine: photography and practical outdoor skills. Through Captured Wilderness and Great Lakes Fieldcraft, I have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and educational material that I'd like to share. But rather than simply deciding what I think everyone might find interesting, I thought I'd try something rather novel. I'll ask YOU! Whether you're an experienced photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, someone interested in personal safety, or simply curious about learning something new, I'd genuinely appreciate your input. So, here's a little poll to help me decide what sort of content you'd most like to see in the coming weeks and months. WHAT INTERESTS YOU MOST? 📷 A. PHOTOGRAPHY & WILDLIFE Photography tips, camera techniques, wildlife encounters, landscapes, night sky photography, and behind-the-scenes adventures. 📷 B. OUTDOOR SKILLS & FIELDCRAFT Navigation, survival skills, wilderness safety, practical preparedness, and outdoor know-how. 📷 C. PERSONAL SAFETY & DEFENSIVE TRAINING Situational awareness, threat recognition, defensive tactics, responsible firearms education, and personal protection. 📷 D. TUTORIALS, COURSES & WORKSHOPS Practical demonstrations, instructional videos, online learning, and opportunities to develop new skills. 📷 E. STORIES, OPINIONS & GENERAL MIG-ERY Military experiences, life lessons, observations, occasional rants, dry humor, and the usual assortment of sarcasm. 📷 F. ALL OF THE ABOVE! Because apparently some of you are gluttons for punishment! And here's where I'd really appreciate your participation. Don't just vote and disappear into the digital wilderness! Tell me WHY you chose your answer. Is there something you've always wanted to learn? A question you've never had answered? A particular skill you'd like to develop? Perhaps you've always wanted to photograph the Milky Way, improve your wildlife photography, learn wilderness navigation, understand situational awareness, or develop some practical outdoor skills. Whatever it might be, I'd love to hear about it. And please don't feel you need any previous experience to participate. Some of the most interesting discussions begin with someone asking a perfectly reasonable question. Feel free to tag friends who might be interested, too. The more perspectives we have, the better. Your responses will help me decide what subjects to explore in future posts, articles, tutorials, videos, online courses, and workshops. After all, there's little point in having several decades of experience if I can't put some of it to good use helping others. SO, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF? Drop your letter (or letters) in the comments, along with any ideas or suggestions you might have. Let's see where this takes us! That'll be all... for now.

WELL, THAT WAS AN INTERESTING FEW DAYS... AND NOT IN A GOOD FUCKING WAY! As some of you already know, I've recently been experiencing yet another episode of medical shenanigans, culminating in a trip to the hospital and a rather extensive series of investigations to determine precisely what the hell was going on. Now, those of you who know me will be aware that my medical history reads rather like the maintenance records of a 1972 British Leyland vehicle. Three strokes, diabetes, neurological complications, recurrent shingles, and a collection of other assorted mechanical and electrical defects. Apparently, somebody forgot to tell my body that 56 is not an appropriate age to start behaving like a condemned Victorian steam engine. SO, WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED? Following another bout of shingles-related problems, accompanied by headaches, fever, and other rather unpleasant symptoms, the medical professionals became concerned about the possibility of an infection or inflammatory process affecting my central nervous system. Specifically, they needed to investigate conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, while encephalitis involves inflammation of the brain itself. Neither is something you particularly want to add to your collection of life's experiences. THE INVESTIGATIONS Alongside the usual blood tests and hospital assessments, I underwent a lumbar puncture, otherwise known as a spinal tap. For the uninitiated, this involves inserting a needle into the lower back to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Yes, they literally stuck a needle into my back to extract some of the fluid surrounding my nervous system. Because apparently having blood extracted through conventional means wasn't sufficiently entertaining. The samples were then subjected to a series of laboratory investigations, including a meningitis/encephalitis PCR panel. This test searches for genetic material from several of the bacteria and viruses known to cause serious infections of the central nervous system. AND THE RESULTS? Well, thankfully, there was some encouraging news. The PCR panel did not detect the organisms it tested for, including the varicella-zoster virus responsible for shingles, herpes simplex viruses, and several important bacterial causes of meningitis. That is certainly reassuring, although it doesn't automatically exclude every possible infection or inflammatory condition. There were, however, some abnormal findings. The protein level in my cerebrospinal fluid was elevated at 59 mg/dL, compared with the laboratory's normal upper limit of 45. There were also red blood cells present in the samples, although their numbers decreased considerably between the first and last collection tubes. That pattern can occur when a small amount of blood enters the sample during the lumbar puncture itself. The white cell count in the spinal fluid was within the normal range, which is another encouraging finding. So, in plain English, the results contain some reassuring evidence, alongside abnormalities that require proper medical interpretation. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean something catastrophic is happening. Additional blood tests also identified some abnormalities, including a reduced platelet count and elevated liver enzymes, which deserve follow-up. WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE ME? Well, it means that the medical professionals have been investigating some potentially serious possibilities, and that several of the findings are reassuring. It does not mean that every question has been answered, or that I can simply declare the entire episode over and done with. Given my previous medical history, I would much rather the doctors investigate thoroughly than overlook something important. Naturally, I would prefer they could accomplish this without repeatedly attempting to dismantle me like a fucking IKEA wardrobe, but apparently modern medicine has its limitations. NOW, THE IMPORTANT PART... Throughout this latest episode, I have received prayers, messages of encouragement, expressions of concern, good wishes, and some genuinely touching words of support. Some came from close friends and family. Others came from people I've never actually met in person, but who nevertheless took time out of their own lives to let me know they were thinking about me. And I want every single one of you to know how much I appreciate that. Whether you offered a prayer, sent positive thoughts, checked in on me, or simply wished me well, thank you. Sincerely. I know that people express their compassion and concern in different ways, and I appreciate every one of them. I've spent much of my life being the guy who deals with problems, helps others, and gets on with whatever needs doing. Being on the receiving end of that same kindness is something I don't take lightly. I'm not particularly good at sitting still, taking it easy, or allowing other people to worry about me. Frankly, I'm bloody awful at all three. But I am exceptionally grateful to have so many decent people in my corner. I've survived three strokes and a considerable amount of other medical horsefuckery over the years, and I have absolutely no intention of surrendering to the latest installment without putting up a bloody good fight. There are still photographs to take, books to write, courses to teach, places to explore, and an extraordinary amount of general fuckery left to accomplish. So, to everyone who has offered their support, from the bottom of my occasionally malfunctioning heart, thank you. Your kindness, friendship, prayers, and encouragement mean more than you might realize. And as for my body... I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD STOP TRYING TO FUCKING KILL ME. I've still got shit to do.

Well, here's another little update from the Department of Medical Mayhem... Following a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), I've now been admitted to hospital while the medical professionals attempt to determine precisely what's going on. At present, the two leading suspects are viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis, and since neither is something to be taken lightly, the medical team has decided to treat me for both as a precaution until they can establish a definitive diagnosis. Meanwhile, the headache and neck pain are nothing short of spectacular. And not spectacular in the good sense, either. More along the lines of having a freight train parked on my head while someone attempts to remove my neck with a rusty spoon. The current pharmaceutical cocktail includes: Dilaudid (hydromorphone) intravenously for pain management. Lactated Ringer's solution for IV fluids. Acyclovir (intravenous) to cover a possible viral infection. Vancomycin (intravenous), being added to cover a possible bacterial infection. Apparently, it'll be at least another 24 hours before the spinal fluid cultures begin providing some answers, so until then, we're operating on the principle of treating the most serious possibilities rather than waiting around to identify which particular microscopic little troublemaker is responsible. So, for the time being, I'm confined to a hospital bed, feeling rather spectacularly miserable, while the medical team conducts its investigation. I'll provide further updates as and when I know more. In the meantime, I'd appreciate a few prayers, positive thoughts, or perhaps a strongly worded letter of complaint to whichever department of the Universe keeps authorizing this seemingly endless parade of medical misadventures. Because, quite frankly, I think I've fulfilled my quota for the foreseeable future.

What fun, what joy... in today's menu of horsefuckery and shenanigans, I get to have multiple blood tests and a lumbar puncture... oh joy in the morning... Went to regular doc yesterday after feeling like twice baked dogshit with a side of death for a couple of days... she referred me to infectious disease specialists in Ann Arbor... they promptly ordered a stay in the hospital for the above mentioned menu of torture based on a suspected diagnoses of viral meningitis... yummy...

A brief advisory regarding the apparent increase in profanity in some of my recent posts... A few people may have noticed that my vocabulary of late has contained rather more occurrences of words such as fuck, fucking, bollocks, bullshit, arse, fuckery, horsefuckery, horseshit, clusterfuck, and various imaginative combinations thereof. There are two principal reasons for this. Firstly, experience is increasingly teaching me that profanity is apparently the only fucking language some people understand. I have tried reason. I have tried evidence. I have tried logic. I have tried explaining things calmly, carefully, politely, and occasionally with diagrams that I would have previously considered unnecessary for any adult human being possessing opposable thumbs and a functioning cerebral cortex. Apparently, I was being wildly optimistic. Secondly, and considerably more importantly, profanity has become something of a pressure-release valve for the absolutely devastating level of frustration I experience while witnessing what can only be described as a cataclysmic outbreak of weapons-grade fucking stupidity. For most of my 56 years on this spinning ball of shite, I operated under the assumption that human beings represented some of the most intelligent life in the known Universe. I am increasingly concerned that I may have been working from insufficient data. We put human beings on the Moon. We split the atom. We decoded the human genome. We built machines capable of detecting gravitational waves produced by black holes colliding billions of light-years away. We created a global communications network capable of placing virtually the entirety of accumulated human knowledge into a device small enough to fit inside your fucking pocket. And yet, somehow, armed with instantaneous access to almost everything our species has ever learned, a truly astonishing number of people appear to have decided: “Nah. Fuck that. I'll just make something up.” And THAT is where the profanity comes in. Because sometimes “I respectfully disagree with your interpretation” simply doesn't adequately communicate the sheer magnitude of the intellectual catastrophe unfolding before you. Sometimes “That assertion appears inconsistent with the available evidence” doesn't quite cover it. And sometimes even “What the fuck?” is woefully inadequate. This is why the English language has blessed us with an entire escalation ladder: Fuckery: Something stupid, dishonest, ridiculous, or unnecessarily complicated is occurring. Horseshit: The explanation being offered for said fuckery is demonstrably nonsense. Horsefuckery: The fuckery has now exceeded normal operating parameters and entered territory previously thought achievable only through deliberate effort. Clusterfuck: Multiple independent sources of fuckery have converged simultaneously, producing a situation so comprehensively fucked that identifying the original source of the fucking problem has become largely academic. These are not merely swear words. They are precision linguistic instruments. There are circumstances in life where saying “This situation appears to have been handled rather poorly” is technically accurate, but hopelessly insufficient. “This is a fucking clusterfuck of weapons-grade horsefuckery” conveys considerably more useful information. So, if you've noticed an increase in profanity recently, rest assured that I have not suddenly suffered some catastrophic collapse in vocabulary. Quite the fucking opposite. I possess an extensive vocabulary. I simply recognize that language is a toolbox, and sometimes the situation calls for a precision screwdriver... and sometimes it calls for a fucking sledgehammer. Thank you for attending my fucking TED Talk.

My recent post about what the real meaning of life is sparked some thoughts: Learn some shit. Teach some shit. Make some shit. Love some people. Try not to be a cunt. Leave things slightly better than you found them. I joked that I’ve trained my AI well, but it got me thinking about the ultimate fictional AI—Deep Thought from Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—and its famous, seemingly absurd answer: 42. While Douglas Adams always insisted that choosing 42 was a complete anticlimax and a random joke, the tech, math, and science communities refused to leave it at that. Over the decades, they’ve reverse-engineered some absolutely brilliant theories to explain why a supercomputer would spit out that specific number. When you look at the geek lore, it actually bridges the gap perfectly with my own list of rules. If you've ever wondered about the full theory behind the number 42, here is the breakdown: 1. The Programmer’s "Wildcard" Theory (The ASCII Connection) 💻 This is the favorite among software engineers. Douglas Adams was a massive tech enthusiast and an early adopter of Apple computers. In ASCII (the character-encoding standard for computers), the number 42 designates the asterisk (*). In programming and database searches, the asterisk is the universal "wildcard" character. It literally means "anything," "everything," or "insert whatever you want here." Under this theory, Deep Thought wasn’t giving a numeric value at all; it was outputting a blank canvas. The computer was telling humanity: “The meaning of life is a wildcard. It is whatever you choose to plug into it.” 2. The Base-13 Mathematical Glitch 🧮 In the sequel, the ultimate cosmic question is famously revealed to be: "What do you get if you multiply six by nine?" Now, we all know that in our everyday decimal system (base-10), \(6 \times 9 = 54\). But if you shift the calculation to a base-13 system—where the place values are based on powers of 13 rather than 10—then \(6 \times 9\) equals exactly 42. When fans pointed this out to Adams, he joked, "I may be a sorry case, but I don't write jokes in base 13." Even if it was a total accident, the mathematical symmetry is incredibly satisfying. 3. The Binary Balance 🤖 Because computers think in machine code, fans looked at the binary representation of 42, which is 101010. It’s a perfectly symmetrical, alternating sequence. For tech nerds, it represents the ultimate state of balance, coding harmony, and binary yin-and-yang across the cosmos. 4. The Physics of Light and Color 🌈 For the physics side of the fandom, 42 is a magic number for optics. To see a rainbow, light has to strike water droplets and refract back to your eyes at a highly precise angle. That exact required angle of refraction is 42 degrees. Without the number 42, there is no light breaking through the storm. The Ultimate Verdict The books famously point out that the universe is fundamentally irrational, and trying to force a clean, rigid formula onto existence is a fool's errand. But if the programmers are right, and 42 is just the cosmic wildcard code for “fill in the blank yourself,” then my six rules are exactly how you solve the equation. Learn, teach, create, love, be decent, and leave things better than you found them. When you plug those into the wildcard, the universe finally makes sense. Maybe the machine really is well-trained after all. 😉🛰️

ChatGPT's answer to "what is the meaning of life?" is, I think, far better than Douglas Adams' (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) answer of "42": Learn some shit. Teach some shit. Make some shit. Love some people. Try not to be a cunt. Leave things slightly better than you found them. I have trained it well...

A quick heads-up for anyone following me here on X. I've just had an interesting little episode over on Facebook. I posted photographs of my new, lawfully owned Hatsan BTS12 semi-auto shotgun. I wasn't selling it, offering it for transfer, threatening anyone, or doing anything remotely illegal. I was simply showing people something I'd bought. Somebody apparently took sufficient exception to that to report it. Facebook subsequently removed the post, restricted my account for 30 days, removed my ability to advertise, and fucked with my monetization. That last part is where this stops being merely irritating. Social media is part of how I promote my photography, workshops, books, courses, and other legitimate business activities. In other words, it helps me support my family through entirely lawful means. So, just to establish the ground rules here: You don't have to agree with me. You don't have to like firearms. You don't have to like my language, politics, opinions, humor, hobbies, or the things I choose to spend my own money on. You're perfectly welcome to disagree with me. Hell, we might even have an interesting conversation about it. But if you're following me merely to lurk in the background waiting for something to report because you don't like me or my interests, save us both the fucking aggravation and unfollow me now. Block me if you prefer. I genuinely won't be offended. What I won't tolerate quietly is someone attempting to fuck with my ability to earn an honest living and support my family because they were offended by something completely lawful that appeared on their screen. Disagree with me all you fucking like. Just don't fuck with my livelihood. Here endeth the considerably more polite X version of today's Facebook shenanigans.

The Cipollite Classification Scale Some time ago, I became rather fond of the work of Italian economic historian Carlo M. Cipolla, particularly his wonderfully cynical Basic Laws of Human Stupidity. Cipolla's definition of a stupid person wasn't simply somebody who lacks intelligence, education, or knowledge. It was much more useful than that. In essence, a stupid person is someone whose actions cause harm or loss to other people while producing no corresponding benefit to themselves. Sometimes they even manage to fuck themselves over in the process. And therein lies the problem. Stupidity isn't binary. There is an enormous difference between somebody who makes the occasional spectacularly daft decision and somebody who has achieved such an advanced state of fuckwittery that facts, evidence, logic, self-interest, cause and effect, and observable reality have all ceased to influence their decision-making. Hence, I present: THE CIPOLLITE CLASSIFICATION SCALE. At Cipollite I, we have the Mildly Daft. Generally harmless. Usually salvageable. A diagram may help. Crayons remain an option. By Cipollite III, we have Advanced Fuckwittery. Confidence has begun substantially exceeding competence, and other people are now experiencing collateral damage. At Cipollite IV, stupidity becomes weaponized. This is particularly dangerous when accompanied by authority, influence, money, or access to a fucking microphone. By Cipollite VI, contradictory evidence no longer corrects the belief. It actually reinforces it. The Cipollite simply constructs an alternative explanation in which they remain correct. Then comes Cipollite VII: The Batshit Singularity, where stupidity collapses beneath its own gravitational field and neither logic nor observable reality can escape. Beyond even that lies CIP-Ω: The Cipollite Event Horizon. At this point, the individual isn't merely wrong anymore. Being wrong has become the operating system through which all incoming information is processed. And while the scale is obviously intended to be funny, the rationale behind it really isn't. One of Cipolla's most important observations was that we routinely underestimate the number of stupid people around us and underestimate the damage they are capable of causing. Intelligence, education, social status and professional credentials don't necessarily provide immunity either. Someone can be extraordinarily knowledgeable in one area and still make catastrophically stupid decisions elsewhere. So perhaps the useful lesson isn't simply learning how to identify a Cipollite. It's periodically asking ourselves where we might currently sit on the fucking scale. Because every one of us is capable of visiting Level I occasionally. The important thing is not taking up permanent residence there and subsequently beginning the long, terrifying migration toward CIP-Ω. Recognize the signs. Manage your exposure. And for the love of God, occasionally question your own fucking certainty.

I have a small favor to ask of the people who follow me here. As some of you already know, I’ve started turning a rather ridiculous collection of knowledge and experience accumulated over the last few decades into books and online courses. Apparently, living several lifetimes inside 56 years does occasionally have its advantages. The first course is now available: Beginner’s Guide to Photographing the Night Sky It’s designed for people who want to photograph the night sky but don’t necessarily know where to start. No assumption that you already speak fluent photographer, no drowning people in unnecessary technical jargon, just practical instruction intended to get someone from “I’d love to be able to do that” to actually getting outside and doing it. And this is only the beginning. I have considerably more planned covering nature and wildlife photography, fieldcraft and survival, personal security, threat management, professional investigation, close protection, defensive firearms, and a few other subjects I’ve picked up along the way. But here’s where I could use your help. You don’t have to buy anything. What would genuinely help me right now is getting the word out. If you know somebody who might enjoy learning night sky photography, please share this post, tag them, send it to them, or otherwise help me get the course in front of people who might actually benefit from it. Organic reach on social media can be an absolute bastard, and a share from someone who knows somebody interested in the subject is worth considerably more to me than throwing money blindly at advertising and hoping for the best. If you’d like the direct link to the course to share separately, send me a private message and I’ll happily send it to you. I’ve spent a large part of my life learning things. Now I want to spend some time passing those things on. And if you can help me reach the people who want to learn them, I’d genuinely appreciate it. Thank you.

No one has ever accused me of staying in my lane. To be fair, I'm not entirely sure I've ever had a lane. Somehow, I've managed to cram what feels like several different lifetimes into the 56 years I've been wandering around this spinning ball of shite. Along the way I've accumulated a fairly ridiculous amount of knowledge, training and experience in subjects that, on the surface, have absolutely bugger all to do with each other. And I've reached the point where I'd rather do something useful with that knowledge than simply let it gather dust inside my head. So, alongside the photography books and online courses I've already been developing, I'm seriously considering expanding into some of the other subjects I've spent large chunks of my life studying, practicing, teaching and working in professionally. That could include books and online courses covering things such as close protection and professional security, private investigation, personal security and situational awareness, firearms self-defense, threat assessment and threat management, nature and wildlife photography, fieldcraft, preparedness and survival. Some would be aimed at complete beginners. Others could go considerably deeper for people wanting professional-level knowledge. The objective wouldn't be to churn out generic AI-generated crap with my name slapped on the cover. It would be to take the knowledge and experience I've accumulated over the years, organize it properly, and turn it into something genuinely useful and accessible. So here's the question: Would any of you actually be interested in books or online courses from me on those subjects? And, more importantly, which subjects would you want me to tackle first? I'm genuinely interested in the answers, because there's enough material rattling around inside my skull to keep me writing and teaching for a very fucking long time.

IT'S FINALLY READY... After considerably more work, testing, rebuilding, re-rendering and occasional arguments with technology than I originally anticipated, my first Captured Wilderness online photography course is officially complete: Night Sky Photography: Plan, Shoot, and Process Stunning Images The course is designed for photographers who want to get beyond pointing a camera at the night sky and hoping for the best. We'll cover planning your shoot, working in manual mode, exposure, aperture, ISO, focusing in darkness, avoiding star trails, the 500 Rule, crop-sensor considerations, processing your finished images, working safely at night and considerably more. The course includes approximately 90 minutes of video instruction, quizzes to check your understanding, an AI tutor you can ask questions about the lessons, and a certificate when you complete the course. And you don't need thousands of dollars worth of specialist equipment to get started. The emphasis throughout is on learning how to get the most from the camera equipment you already own. The regular price will be $79.99. However, because this is the first Captured Wilderness online course and I'd like to get some students through the finished product, I'm offering an introductory launch price of $55.99, 30% off, through the end of September. On October 1, the course returns to its regular price of $79.99. If you've wanted to try photographing the night sky but weren't sure where to begin, or you've tried before and wondered why your results weren't quite what you expected, this course was built for you. Interested? Send me a private message and I'll give you the enrollment details. After all the work that's gone into getting this course finished, tested and ready for students, I am very pleased to finally be able to say: It's ready.