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Garrett DeVaughn

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Viewing: narcissism - View all posts

"Sleep Now in the Fire" - 

 

ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN, AND DO NOT REPRESENT ANY ORGANIZATION.  I SPEAK FOR MYSELF AND NO ONE ELSE.

Purchase song - www.garrettdevaughnmusic.com/#music

Merchandise - https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/180677037?asc=u 

Youtube - 

Sleep Now In the Fire - A humble cover
“Sleep Now in the Fire” - Written and recorded by Rage Against the Machine 
From the 1999 album “The Battle of Los Angeles”

If you are familiar with Rage Against the Machine, you know they were a very politically outspoken band.  It is this defiant energy that I hoped to tap into when I started working on the “FUmaga” EP.  While replicating the raw energy of Rage feels virtually impossible, their drive and their intentions are things that I felt were accessible.  

Part of why I chose this song, specifically, was to set the tone from the beginning of the album.  I feel like I’ve been fairly transparent and outspoken against trump, maga, and the social inequalities happening around us, but I want there to be no question moving forward.  Just like I wanted there to be no question about exactly what the album represents. “Sleep Now in the Fire” sets a sarcastic, angry, and satirical tone that I try to maintain throughout.

Lyrically, the song is as prophetic as it is satirical.  It paints the picture of a person in pursuit of only power and with no regard or consideration for those they are meant to be serving; or those that fervently support them, for that matter.  This also appears to be THE definition of donald trump, based on his behavior.  

As in my last blog, I’m not going to go into all the facts of why I feel the way I feel.  It’s easy to find information supporting my stance, if you care to do your own looking.  My only request, think about the source of your information.  Is it credible?  Does it placate to maga with no real data?  

I repeat, don’t take my word for it, I’d urge everyone to do their own research and use their own discernment.  

In the meantime, he burns everything to sit by his own warm fire, and we sleep, restlessly.

A portion of the proceeds made from purchasing this song will go to the Nashville International Center for Empowerment, or NICE (https://www.empowernashville.org/).  I chose to donate to this organization as a direct response to donald trump and maga’s actions against the immigrant and refugee community in our country.  These are people just trying to make it.  If we (the United States) are as pious and righteous as we want the world to believe we are, shouldn’t we want to bring up others around us instead of posturing as some dominant force meant to be feared?

Read below to learn more about NICE and what they do for the community. 


Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE)
MISSION - Nashville International Center for Empowerment’s mission is to ensure refugees and immigrants achieve their full potential now and for generations to come. Our goal is to empower refugees and immigrants with resources and opportunities that will aid them in their resettlement and equip them to be successful in the future.
 

We do this by:

  • Advocating for refugees and immigrants
  • Building strong community of relationships
  • Creating sustainable service programs
  • Developing partnerships in Middle Tennessee


 

 

07/02/2026

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in music, Mental Health awareness, perseverance, resilience, white supremacy, narcissism, politics, authoritarianism, u.s. constitution, fumaga, protest, activism, non-profit

Rudolph the Red 

Prologue

What follows is a collection of details from reports and testimonies originating in regions separated by over 6,000km in distance, and stretching across centuries of time.  

No one source is directly connected to another.  Like many events in the history of humankind, the most accepted interpretation is provided by the side that withstands the test of time.  For we do not see the discrepancies laid out in our retelling until we start to examine very closely.  

Take from this what you will, for it is by no means complete and there are more questions than answers.  This acknowledgement notwithstanding, there is room to question the primary narrative of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

---

Event witnessed from GorakShep & Everest Camp II

  • Source: Unexplainable Events and Modern Myths (1980, December Edition)
  • Author: Ruby Gundheva 
  • Note: Information gathered primarily from archived editions of the Mumbai Samachar, and the Times of India

A phenomenon occurred in the Northeast of Nepal in 1948.  While this phenomenon is not widely heard of, in the village of GorakShep, it is accepted as an unexplained truth.

The story goes, at approximately midnight on 12/24/1948, GorakShep residents reported an unusually strong storm of snow and thunder.  Witnesses report seeing a red glow through the weather that approached from the East, arced North and appeared to be circling back toward the peaks of Mount Everest and Lhotse.  

On the same date and near the same time, a small expedition of experienced climbers (which included sherpa from GorakShep) were at Everest Camp II preparing to attempt a rare winter summit.  Sherpa reported seeing a red glow through the sky that approached rapidly from the West. After the red glow passed over Camp II, it appeared to move clockwise around the summit of Everest.  The glow was strong enough that the climbers could see it shimmering from the opposite side of the peak of Everest.  They report the glow suddenly vanished.  Moments later, a small avalanche flowed onto the camp, with no injuries reported.  However, some supplies were lost.  Consequently, this incident ended the expedition and the climbers descended the mountain the following morning. 

The entire event lasted only a few moments, and there have been no other reports of this nature, before or after 12/24/1948. There has been no formal explanation to these events.  Many do not believe the story of what happened, despite multiple reports from witnesses in different locations near Mount Everest. 

Strange findings along the East Face of Mount Everest.  

  • Source: Global Alpinist Journal (GAJ), April 2019 edition
  • Author: Lizbetha Maghar
  • Title: A recent expedition on Mt Everest’s Kangshung Face meets disaster 

While making a 1st attempt at a newly mapped route between the Southeast Pillar, East Face and Integral N.E. Ridge routes of Mount Everest, an avalanche tragically ended the expedition and left only 2 survivors. This new path on the Kangshung Face of Everest, until recently, had been covered by ice and snow.  After speaking with leading environmentalists, it is believed that with continued global ice melting, new crevices have opened and led to the discovery of never before mapped routes.  

The 2 survivors report a strange discovery just before the catastrophe struck.  As they climbed into an ice crevice, they report finding (what appeared to be) the remains of several small quadruped creatures, and one human.  The creatures appeared to be tethered by leather straps.  Along with these remains, they report seeing many pieces of petrified wood that appeared to be splintered.  

Thus far, authorities cannot explain how these remains could have achieved this height of the Kangshung face. Known for being an extremely challenging side of the mountain, it does not seem possible that any creatures could have climbed so far alone, much less tethered together. 

Many details of the catastrophe are unclear at this point.  Based on statements from the 2 survivors, an avalanche was triggered and most of the 10 person party was lost to the crevice.  

Both survivors report that before the mountaineers were able to assess the remains they discovered, a rumble was heard from deeper in the ice.  Moments later, the section of the crevice the party was in began to quake, and an avalanche dumped thousands of pounds of snow and ice into the crevice.  The survivors stated the entire party fell into the deep. They report only surviving for the fact that they were both closest to the lower edge of the collapsing section and landed on an internal shelf of the ice that held.   

Though they survived the fall, both had serious injuries.  One a broken tibia, and the other a separated shoulder, along with both sustaining multiple other injuries.  All of their supplies were lost to the deep chasm, however, within reach of the ledge they discovered some pieces of the petrified wood along with some straps of the leather found with the remains.  Using the leather and wood, the survivors set their injuries and were able to climb out of the gap together.  Both are expected to be hospitalized while they recover, and have not been made available for commenting further.

UPDATE:  In regards to the leather straps and petrified wood found in the crevice.  Authorities have tested the leather straps, and the DNA matches to 98% of common reindeer.  Assessments of the wood pieces connect them to the Lepidodendron, a tree species that is now extinct.  The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have stopped releasing any further details, and are no longer responding to inquiries.  

North Pole expedition looking for answers and solutions to melting Polar Ice 

  • Source: The Environmental Dilemma, July 2011 edition
  • Author:  Greta Murie
  • Title: North Pole expedition looking for answers and solutions to melting Polar Ice  

A group of scientists (composed of leading scientists from several disciplines and nationalities) completed an expedition to the North Pole to study the effects of increased melting of the North Pole’s Ice Cap.  The hope was to test the make up of previously covered ice layers, compared to the top layers.  

While the team was able to collect the data they set out for, the expedition itself took an unexpected turn.  Upon reaching the Geographic North Pole, the team began inspecting an ice ridge that had undergone significant change. Based on previous data, the ridge had decreased in height by approximately 4.8 meters.  As they assessed the ridge, they found a structure only 5 meters beneath the ice.  The structure consisted of some wood, but mostly clay walls.  Initial testing shows the structure to be from before 14,000 years ago.

After investigating other ridges nearby, multiple structures matching the same time period were found.  Most were collapsed in and the team was not able to safely enter and explore these structures.  

However, the 1st building discovered was still standing and the team was able to enter with an acceptable level of risk.  Within the structure, evidence was found that appeared to confirm a small, remote, and ancient civilization. 

Tools were found that appear to be for building and simple construction.  The tools were made of what appears to be some form of unknown metal.  

There were many straps of very old leather.  DNA testing confirmed the straps are made of hide from a deer-like animal. 

The most puzzling piece of evidence was found within a wooden box that had been preserved by the ice.  The box was found beneath what appeared to be flooring, and seem to indicate it was deliberately hidden, and it was covered with intricate carvings and wording that appeared to be some form of Koine Greek.  

Within the box were over 100 scrolls.  Testing confirmed the scrolls were made of a parchment consisting of an organic material matching closely the DNA of Human Beings.  

Most of the scrolls were too damaged by time to read.  However, from the few that were decipherable, linguistic experts have attempted to piece together a historical timeline.  While a great deal of further analysis is needed, it appears some of the scrolls may date back thousands of years and the most recent date translated being approximately 1948 AD.

Below are transcriptions (as closely as can be guessed) of the decipherable scrolls…

Scrolls translation

Scroll 1 - Dates referenced are from before 14,000 BC and appear to depict origins of the civilization, along with some major shift. The language changes and evolves along the scroll.

  • The yellow sun’s first dawning, and we were awakened.
  • Our way is to be curious.  We do not fear the world …many long journeys to explore far away lands and peoples…always return home. 
  • ...An awe-filled world… Joy in the variations of life…variations are strength.
  • A strange man has arrived with nothing and starving.  We will bring him away from the brink.
  • He remains.  In our travels … his name was known in some places.  By most of these … he is a charitable and giving man. Some share tales of a darkness rarely seen
  • He is changing…speaking of an end of time … he bade us … isolate ourselves from the rest of the world, and trust only in him.  He urges a fearfulness of all outsiders … through fear and confusion, we are changing.
  • Once we were a joyful people … we have become harsh and colder than the elements around us.  We are afraid. We gave our joy for safety, it is not real.
  • He craves adoration.  He plays a deity.  Some play in adoration to survive. The others grow smaller … they try not to be seen.
  • He aims to rule all … destroy any that oppose … slow draining and breaking of spirit and body, we have all fallen.
  • We strive to maintain our lineage but it provides him sustenance and entertainment.  
  • We yearn for the corn and wheat of our ancestors, but there is none here.  No warmth, no heart, no escape.

Scroll 2 - Appears to be a diary from a shepherd of some sort, using a more form of greek (compared to the 1st scroll).

  • The deer have grown restless and angry.  The ravings of Lord Nicholas have an intense effect on the animals.  They follow his moods and orders without hesitation… no regard for severity and barbarism.  They wear their harnesses with a look of pride … they forget what the leather straps were born of.  There are no other animals here. 
  • Before Lord Nicholas, they were gentle and loving beings.  We revered them as sacred. We do still … their brutality is difficult to watch.  I worry for them.
  • A runt was born some months ago.  He was not expected to survive the winter, but he is of a sturdier nature than expected.  
  • The weather is not his only abuser … He bends but never breaks.  
  • His stature is smaller in every way.  He has unique markings … his fur shifts to a deep red towards his snout.  And even the flesh of his snout has a red tint.  At times I almost believe I see light coming from him. I do not know if I should hide this from Lord Nicholas.
  • His Lordship discovered the little one.  He points it out as a weakness.  This is a point of ridicule for the other deer.  Lord Nicholas laughs.  
  • Something in the little one’s eyes.  Something grows and moves, but he does not allow it to be seen … I see it’s shadow when his abusers are upon him … I fear what might happen should he ever let it out.

Scroll 3 - Tonight the 10 leave for their yearly journey

  • Dusk is here, and the nine leave for the annual journey
  • The weather is frightful
  • Lord Nicholas has been advised not to take the journey
  • He says he cannot be stopped, and we trust in his wisdom
  • He is in the manger with the deer.  He is talking with the runt, we do not know what for
  • The red faced runt will lead the journey.  Lord Nicholas will use its glow to traverse the elements
  • Though he has ridiculed the runt to this day, he now praises its weakness. 
  • What was 9, is now 10.  
  • They are preparing to leave, and the air is heavy.
  • The runt wears a smile … the deer shepherd appears afraid … they will not say what concerns them.
  • There is an uneasiness everywhere
  • The ten are gone into the white storm.
  • Dawn approaches … no sign of the 10
  • Lo, a single bell has been heard…
  • One of the ten has returned … the runt without harness or sleigh or deer or his lordship … a new scar across his face and chest.
  • The runt proclaims his name.  He is Rudolph the Red.
  • What was 10, is now 1.
  • We weep and give way to time and the inevitable end.

---

LYRICS

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

Had a very shiny nose

& if you ever saw it

You would even say it glows

 

All of the other reindeer 

Used to laugh and call him names

They never let poor Rudolph

Join in any reindeer games

 

Then one foggy xmas eve

Santa came to say

Rudolph with your nose so bright

Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight

 

What Santa didn’t know

Was that Rudolph kept a score

& this unexpected chance

Rudolph could not ignore

 

He’s Rudolph the red…

 

In the Northeast of Nepal

Rudolph ripped the harness from his chest

And he watched them all fall

Into the East Face of Everest

 

He’s Rudolph the Red,

He’s Rudolph the Red,

Led them all to their death,

‘Cause he’s Rudolph the Red

 

He’s Rudolph the Red,

He’s Rudolph the Red,

Led them all to their death, left them there for dead

‘Cause he’s Rudolph the Red, He’s Rudolph the Red!!

12/22/2025

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in music, music video, perseverance, resilience, narcissism, Holiday Short Story, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Mad Uke-Bard, Christmas Short Story

National Day of Mourning, or Unthanksgiving day...Or John Wick Week for the Mad Uke-Bard 

Tis the time of year when we come together to break bread and give thanks to our founds for the resplendent over-abundance of lands and food and freedom (just as long as you're white/christian/straight, and preferably, male).  

Oh what a joyous time it is indeed.  We are taught to celebrate the coming together of European refugees and the Indigenous People that were here long before.  If we are being generous, perhaps when those 1st ships landed, there was some civility and kindness amongst all.  But, as history unfolded, whatever civility there was, was replaced by dominance and an invasive nature.  I am no historian, so I can't preach on the details, but so much is common knowledge, that I don't think it's necessary to be a historian to understand the wrongs that have been done in the time between Plymouth Rock, and today.  For this, I do not recognize the thanksgiving holiday.

So, where did John Wick Day come from???  A fair question.  It started last year.  I woke up on thanksgiving day, excited to watch the Macy's Parade…I made it about 10 minutes into the parade, before a feeling of disgust and anger over took me.  I was not prepared for that shift, and my reaction at 8am in the morning was to turn on “John Wick”.  I wanted to see some form of justice.  I wanted to see some form of retribution.  Thus began “John Wick Day” and “John Wick Week” for me, my wife, and our cat.

For many years, I had enjoyed the Macy's Parade, the performances, the pageantry; it always felt old and warm.  Thankfully, I no longer feel tethered to those feelings, and I believe I see the world just a bit more clearly.  Thanksgiving is a celebration written by the victors, like so many other things.  It is not special, it is not an “honor”, it is the result of a narcistic trait that flows through our society.  A need to be important and special, and to be seen as heroes.  

We are not heroes any more than anyone else.  We are as genocidal and violent as any other.  I know this sounds harsh, and I'm sure some may take the stance of “if you hate it so much, why don't you leave it?”.  To that, I would respond with this...  

Humans are flawed, all humans, from the individual to the community…every last one of us has the ability to be as altruistic and as sadistic as the next person.  I accept our history, and what our ancestors did (and what we continue to do).  I accept it, and I am determined to take a different path, and not repeat the brutal cycles we see around us to the best of my ability.  I may fall flat on my face more times than not, but I intend to try all the same.  

It may look like volunteering to work the holiday for my colleagues, volunteering for the community, or just trying to help a neighbor or stranger in a small way.  I suppose, the actions sound an awful lot like what many people do for thanksgiving day, it's the motivation and the intent that is different.  

My regret and shame is that it took me 45 years to get here.  

And so I say, “Happy John Wick Week” everyone!  Go do some good out there.

11/27/2025

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