After I was discharged from the Navy; quit being a naval Aviator and joined the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) under the black program MAJestic, I was off on my own. Great… in the middle of a the start of a new economic recession.
I grabbed a job in a Steel mill were I worked for a spell, and promptly got laid off when all the steel orders dried up.
And there, in this in-between time… unemployed and young and free (in my 20s), but not yet trained in MAJestic; not yet “operational”, I had time on my hands.
And a nice fine weekly unemployment check.
So… being in the prime years… I moved to Florida.
I went to Fort Pierce, Florida.
Which at that time was a small town (before all the retirement condos moved in) and hung out on the beach in a little cottage there.
it was lovely.
Everyday was spent walking the beach for hours.
In the Spring the smell of orange blossoms filled the air in this thick (really thickly) sweet scent. And the skies were glorious blue, and the beaches were empty…
…except for a girl or two visiting Florida for a week. Wanting some excitement and fun…
…And I would make so many new friends. Lots of girls.
It was, let me tell you, quite the experience for a young man such as myself.
Of course, dating and relationships in 1982 was quite different than it is today. Shit! If the dating climate was like it is today, you could call me “Chad” and I would be dating chicks every night and having sex romps multiple times a day.
But no. It was the early 1980s. Not as frequent as you might think.
But frequent enough.
Let me tell you.
At that time, I was thin, buff. I was tan from daily beach walks and had long blonde hair. I was a “chick magnet” let me tell you.
And because of that, I made so many fine friends.
*sigh*
And after they had their way with me, they left the next day never to ever hear from them again.
I was Mr. Disposable.
They came. Used me for fun. Came again, and then left.
Often in the early morning hours.
I was just an experience for them; a little memory for them when they took their trip to Florida.
I met a lot of girls.
Some I just would talk with.
But many, I would have fun with.
Good, but bitter-sweet memories.
And so I would wonder what I was doing wrong, as I walked the beach.
But then my upset would go away, when yet another young chick would smile and me and we would start up a chatting.
It was a short period in my life, and being a “relationship guy”, I soon ended it when I snagged my first wife.
And that is my story about being a beach bum named Chad.
Today…
What happened at a job that made you say “I quit” right on the spot?
The place had been gradually increasing my workload (with no additional pay) “frog in a pot” style.
I saw it, I knew what was happening, and I knew the day would come when I simply said “enough”, and left. That day came.
I walked in, an hour before everyone else, to put the truck away, and found myself face to face with a freight load so big I had to climb over it to get through the door, at least 4x the usual amount for all areas.
Strike one.
I’m still working this massive delivery when the GM shows up and gripes me out for not having it done yet, because she needs me to place the next order too, and that has to be done within the next hour.
Strike two.
Then, I’m told that two people called in, and I’ll need to do their jobs as well, plus help the servers because one of them (her own daughter) was there, but essentially non-functional due to a bout of rough sex the night before.
Strike three.
I didn’t say a word.
I quietly slipped up to the time clock, punched out, made as though I was taking some cardboard to the dumpster, then got in my car and left.
The calls and texts started coming in before I got a block away, but I ignored all of them, finally pulling over in a parking lot to block all the numbers when the constant notifications got annoying.
Easiest Fudge Brownies
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 (9 ounce) package fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
- 3/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate morsels, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, divided
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray small bar pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In classic batter bowl, prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Stir in 1/4 cup each of the chocolate morsels and chopped nuts into batter. Pour batter into bar pan; spread evenly.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until set in center ( do not over-bake). Remove to cooling rack.
- Immediately sprinkle remaining chocolate morsels over hot brownies. Let stand 5 minutes or until chocolate is softened; spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining nuts.
- Cool at least 20 minutes before cutting.
- Cut brownies using utility knife that has been dipped in hot water and serve.
Attribution
Pampered Chef
Trump Threatens US Expansion into Canada, Greenland w/ Joe Lauria
Title: Sir Whiskerton and the Case of the Cunning Catnip
Ah, dear reader, you’ve returned once again! I must say, I’m starting to feel like the star of your favorite soap opera (and honestly, who could blame you?). Today’s tale is one of cunning, charm, and a mystery that nearly turned the farm upside down. It begins with a most peculiar visitor—another cat, sharp as a tack but slippery as an eel. His name was Catnip, and he was about to cause more chaos in one day than Rufus, the hens, and Porkchop combined could manage in a week. Intrigued? Of course you are. Sit back and prepare yourself for the rollicking tale of The Cunning Catnip.
A Mysterious Arrival
It was a warm afternoon, and for once, all was quiet on the farm. Porkchop was enjoying a mud bath, Sedgwick was perched in the shade of the oak tree, and the hens—Doris, Harriet, and Lillian—were debating the best way to arrange straw in the coop.
“Straw should always go in a circle,” Doris declared.
“A circle? No, no, a triangle is much cozier,” Harriet clucked.
“Triangles? What about squares? Oh, I love squares!” Lillian added.
“Squares are dreadful!” Doris gasped.
“Oh, dreadful!” Harriet echoed.
“And yet, so charming!” Lillian chirped.
I was about to retreat from their endless squawking when a commotion broke out near the barn. Rufus came scampering toward me, his paws clutching a piece of bread he’d obviously stolen from somewhere.
“Whiskerton!” Rufus exclaimed. “There’s a new cat on the farm! And get this—he’s not from around here.”
“A new cat?” I said, my ears perking up. “Where?”
“Near the silo,” Rufus said, stuffing the bread into his mouth. “And he’s got the strangest accent. You’d better check it out.”
Curious, I padded toward the silo. There, lounging on a bale of hay like he owned the place, was the most peculiar feline I’d ever seen. He had sleek black fur, piercing green eyes, and a gold tooth that gleamed when he smirked. His expression was one of pure confidence, as though every inch of the farm belonged to him.
“Well, well,” he purred, his voice smooth and melodious. “If it isn’t the local top cat. You must be Sir Whiskerton. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “And you are?”
“Catnip,” he said with a sly grin. “From the farm down the road. Perhaps you’ve heard of me. I’m somewhat of a big deal.”
“Can’t say that I have,” I replied, my tail flicking. “What brings you here, Catnip?”
“Ah, such a curious cat,” he said, stretching lazily. “I’ve had a bit of a… misunderstanding with the local Animal Control Officer. Thought I’d lay low here for a bit. You don’t mind, do you?”
Before I could answer, two figures emerged from behind the haystack: a scruffy rat with a twitching nose and a tiny, slick-looking mouse with beady eyes. The rat gave me a wary glance, while the mouse offered a sly grin.
“These are my associates,” Catnip said with a wave of his paw. “Bonbo and Grumbles. They’re the best in the business.”
“The business of what?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“Oh, you know,” Catnip said with a wink. “This and that. A little of this. A little of that. We’re just here to… observe.”
The Farm Gets Cased
Despite my reservations, I decided to let Catnip stay—for the time being, at least. After all, he was a fellow cat in need, and as the unofficial detective of the farm, I had a reputation for being fair and just. But it wasn’t long before strange things began to happen.
Bonbo and Grumbles were everywhere—lurking near the granary, sniffing around the chicken coop, and even poking their noses into the barn. They seemed to be taking notes, though on what, I couldn’t say.
“Whiskerton,” Sedgwick said one evening, his amber eyes narrowing as he perched on a fence post. “Our guests are behaving suspiciously.”
“I’ve noticed,” I said, watching as Bonbo and Grumbles examined the lock on the granary door. “But I can’t accuse them of anything without proof.”
“Proof?” Porkchop said, waddling over. “How about the fact that they keep sniffing around the feed? I caught that rat trying to roll an apple out of the barn this morning!”
“And what about the chickens?” Sedgwick added. “They’ve been squawking nonstop about someone stealing straw.”
“Oh, straw thieves!” Doris wailed.
“Thieves! It’s dreadful!” Harriet clucked.
“So dreadful! What if they take all the squares?” Lillian cried.
“Enough,” I said, my patience wearing thin. “I’ll handle this.”
The Confrontation
I decided to confront Catnip directly. I found him lounging atop the barn roof, gazing out over the farm like a king surveying his kingdom.
“Enjoying the view?” I asked, leaping up to join him.
“Ah, Whiskerton,” Catnip said with a grin. “Such a lovely farm you’ve got here. So… plentiful. So ripe for the taking.”
“What exactly are you planning, Catnip?” I demanded. “Your associates have been snooping around all day.”
“Snooping?” Catnip said innocently. “Oh, they’re just… curious. But if I were you, I’d keep an eye on that granary. You wouldn’t want anything to… disappear.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Catnip.”
“Dangerous?” he said with a chuckle. “Oh, Whiskerton, don’t be so catty. It’s just business.”
The Plan Unravels
That night, with the help of Bingo’s sharp nose and Sedgwick’s keen eyes, we caught Bonbo and Grumbles in the act. They were attempting to pry open the granary door, their tiny paws fumbling with a crowbar that was far too big for them.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I said, stepping out of the shadows.
Bonbo froze, dropping the crowbar, while Grumbles squeaked, “Uh… nothing! Just… testing the hinges!”
“Testing the hinges?” Rufus said, popping up with a grin. “Nice try, buddy.”
Before they could escape, Bingo’s booming bark sent them scurrying back toward the barn, where they were promptly surrounded by Porkchop, the hens, and Rufus.
Catnip Learns a Lesson
The next morning, Catnip found himself cornered in the barnyard, his usual swagger replaced with a sheepish grin.
“Well,” he said, his tail flicking nervously. “I suppose this is the part where you kick me out.”
“You’re right,” I said, stepping forward. “But not before you clean up the mess you’ve made.”
Under Sedgwick’s watchful eye, Catnip, Bonbo, and Grumbles spent the rest of the day repairing the granary door, replacing stolen straw, and returning every last apple they’d taken.
“Lesson learned,” Catnip said as he prepared to leave. “You’re sharper than I gave you credit for, Whiskerton.”
“And you’re slipperier than I expected,” I replied. “But if you ever come back, come back as a friend.”
“Fair enough,” Catnip said with a smirk. “Until next time.”
The Moral of the Story
Sometimes, even the cleverest plans can be unraveled with teamwork, honesty, and a little bit of patience. And as Catnip learned, it’s always better to earn trust than to steal it. After all, there’s more to gain from friendship than from schemes.
The End.
Which nickname do you prefer for the Chinese j10 fighter firebird or vigorous dragon?
Thr problem lies in the translation.
In Chinese 威龙 or 猛龙 are very short. Translated into English they become Vigorous dragon or Mighty Dragon, too long and similar, but in Chinese the 龙 or “dragon” part is so short it’s more like an letter F in English to imply that this is a fighter or something.
So probably Westerners can take their own liberty giving Chinese warplanes their nicknames that are more in line with their language, instead of translating the Chinese nickname.
The Most BRUTAL Job Rejections You’ll Ever See
Are the majority of countries in Europe more advanced than America?
In at least one area… VERY MUCH SO!
Let’s talk money… since money talks.
My German-American family of six just returned to our home in the French Alsace last week after two weeks with my family near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the USA (where I was born).
Our US experience had a few WOW moments…
Scene 1: Cash register at major department store for purchase over $100.
cashier: cash or credit?
wife: credit please
cashier: swipe here
machine: declined
wife: our card is European, we need to enter a PIN
cashier: our machines only accept PIN for debit cards…
me: use Apple Pay dear, that should work… and it did.
This scene was repeated a few times. Some machines were PIN enabled, many were not.
My American bank (for my company credit card) makes me jump though 3 layers of security just to check my balance online (password, security question, code text to phone), but a swiped stolen credit card and a forged signature will still work in 30-40% of businesses… not advanced…
Scene 2: Top-notch designed and maintained Garden State Expressway in New Jersey…
This motorway rivals any German autobahn. Fast, safe, great visibility, and with a median that prevents blinding from oncoming traffic… nothing even close to a pothole.
Of course, you need to pay for such great infrastructure… and we were happy to do so… but stupid Europeans that we are… we declined the expensive daily rental of the EZpass option from the car rental agency, since we only needed it once.
Little did we know that without the EZpass, only cash is accepted… and even worse… at some exits, you can only pay with coins using exact change… WTF?
So, there we were, begging strangers for coins at the exit… yes, yes, yes… I know now how stupid we were… but sorry… not advanced…
In Europe, we have national EZpass-similar systems as well… but for the foreigners, we just hold our phone or credit card against the toll machine and up goes the gate in seconds.
Last example:
Time for me to pay my life insurance premium on my US policy. They had sent me a letter informing me of a bank change and providing a mail address to send my check. They changed the bank the year before as well.
But obviously, I can’t pay easily with a check… I could get my French bank to cut a US check, but the fees would be about double my premium payment and require a trip to the bank.
An online transfer can also be set up… but only from a US bank… and since 2021, US banks are prohibited from providing new account services (existing accounts can continue to be used) to overseas addresses.
So as in previous years, I would need the IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code for the international transfer.
After about an hour on the phone, verifying my details with excellent security, and being passed to four different customer service representatives… I was finally informed that the bank details for international transfers was unchanged from last year.
OK… thanks for wasting my time…
Not advanced… domestic and international bank transfers in Europe always use the IBAN and SWIFT/BIC codes… German companies are even required by law to put their bank details on their letterhead.
Checks are obsolete in most of Europe, and where they are still in limited use (France, UK, Belgium, Ireland), they are increasingly not accepted.
The US has much to offer, but it’s customer-facing financial systems are stuck in the past…
After I Dumped My Ex For Cheating She DEMANDED I Pay For Her Therapy, Instead I Told Her…
What is your opinion on China’s actions towards its neighboring countries and their territories? Do you believe it is justified?
I would much prefer the Chinese way.
This is how China “brutally attacks” its neighbors in violation and occupation of waters and reefs that China claims.
This is how the US defends “freedom and human rights” from its “neighbors” in the Middle East.
All countries should fight the Chinese way.
Why doesn’t the Western media report the Chinese 6th general jet fighter?
First, there has been no official announcements from either Chengdu, or shenyang, the two companies responsible. Neither has the PLA or Beijing made any press releases.
Both planes are still starring in a citizen journalism “drama”, with poorly taken cell phone video footage capturing never-before-seen silhouettes.
Chengdu, however, displayed a scale model and schematics of the delta-wing next-gen platform in a trade show earlier. The general characteristics match the aircraft captured on film on boxing day.
Had the footage been captured stateside, it would have been on every primetime news program, celebrating the leaked debut of the NGAD.
Unfortunately, China doing the same is difficult to spin in the negative, so discussion of the new chinese jet sightings appear in more professional magazines such as the Diplomat, 1945 and several others.
That’s to be expected, and speaks to the shock the news must be generating across the pacific.
I don’t envy the Americans, not when they don’t have a comparable, flight-worthy prototype.
It doesn’t matter anyway. The news is all over Asian media and social media is awash with updates.
I Wont Survive Another Year Like 2024
Barbecue Chicken Pie
Ingredients
- 1/2 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crust (1 crust)
- 4 green onions with tops, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 (8 ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat sour cream
- 8 cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Let pie crust stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Place pie crust in Deep Dish Pie Plate, gently pressing dough into bottom and up sides; prick bottom.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown; cool completely.
- Thinly slice green onions; set aside. Thinly slice half of the cheese. Grate remaining cheese using Deluxe Cheese Grater. Set cheese aside.
- Place chicken in Large Micro-Cooker®. Add barbecue sauce; toss to coat. Microwave on HIGH 3-4 minutes or until mixture is hot, stirring after 2minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated cheese and half of the green onions.
- To assemble pie, line bottom and sides of crust with sliced cheese. Spoon chicken mixture into crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle top of pie with remaining grated cheese.
- Using Easy Accent® Decorator, pipe sour cream around edge of pie.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place on top of sour cream, cut sides up. Garnish with remaining green onions.
Attribution
Pampered Chef
Project Genesis
Submitted into Contest #207 in response to: A journalist has been granted permission to visit the premises of a lab carrying out top-secret work. They could never have anticipated what they’d find…… view prompt
Wilbur Greene
Dr. Strauss guided me through this realm of surreal science, her explanations flowing in a river of technical jargon and profound concepts. Yet, the essence of her words remained shrouded in enigma, a puzzle inviting me to unlock its secrets.
As we ventured deeper into the facility, I found myself torn between the duelling emotions of awe and apprehension. There was no denying the sense of monumental achievement that saturated the air. Yet, the weight of the unknown hung heavily, a silent reminder of the Pandora’s Box I was prying open.
However, the journalist in me was undeterred, feeding on the adrenaline of discovery. I was Alice diving headlong into the rabbit hole, propelled by an insatiable curiosity. Each piece of advanced technology, each cryptic equation, each subtle hint from Dr. Strauss, only fanned the flames of my intrigue.
The world of Project Genesis was nothing like I’d imagined. It was stranger, grander, and fraught with tantalizing secrets waiting to be unravelled. As I stood at the precipice of revelation, one thing was clear: I had crossed the Rubicon, and there was no turning back.
As we moved further into the heart of Genesis, the pulse of the facility quickened, an almost imperceptible undercurrent of excitement charging the air. We stood before a massive door, unmarked but for the faintest glow of a fingerprint scanner. With a swift motion, Dr. Strauss placed her hand on the scanner. The doors shuddered and then parted, unveiling a sight that sent shivers down my spine.
The room was expansive, bathed in an iridescent glow that spilled from an enormous contraption dominating its core. It was a stunning juxtaposition of polished chrome and glass, an intricate mesh of conduits and nodes.
“This is Genesis,” Dr. Strauss announced, her voice laden with an almost reverential awe. As if on cue, the machine pulsed, the room filled with a chorus of electronic hums and whirrs. The spectacle was as hypnotic as it was bewildering.
“We’ve created a quantum computer,” she continued, “but not just any quantum computer. Genesis is capable of simulating alternate realities.”
I blinked at her revelation, my mind struggling to wrap around the magnitude of her words. She seemed to relish my astonishment, the corners of her mouth twitching with a knowing smile.
“Let me explain,” she said, her tone shifting to that of a seasoned lecturer. “Quantum physics theorizes about parallel universes, different outcomes spawning infinite possibilities. Genesis allows us to dive into these possibilities. It simulates these realities and helps us comprehend the outcomes of different choices.”
As she elaborated, we strolled around the behemoth structure. It was a sublime sight, a tribute to human ingenuity. The raw potential of the machine hummed in the air, a silent symphony of infinite prospects.
“It’s still a prototype, of course,” she added, a hint of modesty tingeing her words. “But the preliminary results are…promising.”
“Promising?” I echoed, my mind spinning with the implications. “You’re practically wielding the power of God here.”
Dr. Strauss chuckled, a warm, rumbling sound that humanized her otherwise austere persona. “Not quite. We’re not changing realities, just observing them.”
Despite her words, the profound implications hung heavily in the room. We were venturing into the realm of the divine, of omniscience. It was a heady, intoxicating, and terrifying proposition.
The rest of the tour was a blur. Dr. Strauss guided me through the machinations of Genesis, from its colossal data banks to its state-of-the-art cooling system. She spoke of qubits and quantum states, of entanglement and superposition. Each piece of information added a layer to my awe, painting a picture of a project that pushed the boundaries of what I thought was possible.
Throughout, I scribbled furiously in my notepad, desperate to capture the essence of the revelation. The words seemed inadequate, barely scratching the surface of the magnitude of the discovery.
The grand tour culminated in a control room overlooking Genesis. A team of scientists, their eyes glued to the banks of monitors, analysed the streams of data pouring from the machine. Dr. Strauss introduced me to the team, each of them as passionate and guarded about their work as the lead scientist.
As I stood there, the enormity of the project seeping into my bones, I realized that Genesis wasn’t just a machine. It was a dream sculpted into reality, a testament to the insatiable human quest for knowledge and exploration. Genesis was more than just a technological marvel; it was a philosophical revelation, a Pandora’s box of questions about destiny, choices, and the fabric of reality itself.
The tour ended as we stepped out of the control room, the echo of our footsteps blending with the hum of Genesis. Dr. Strauss turned to me, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“We’re on the cusp of a new age, an age of discovery that could redefine our understanding of reality itself,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Welcome to the future.”
“I’d like to offer you an experience,” Dr. Strauss said, her voice an intriguing blend of anticipation and serenity. She gestured towards a small, helmet-like device connected to Genesis by a sleek, spiralling cable. “Would you like to take a glimpse into a different reality?”
The prospect was equal parts enticing and terrifying. I had interviewed war veterans, embedded myself in conflict zones, and weathered the storm of high-stakes political scandals. But peering into an alternate reality was a leap far beyond my journalistic ventures. I felt the edges of my comfort zone stretch taut.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded. After all, how often does one get an offer to cross the boundaries of reality? The rest of the room faded into a hush as Dr. Strauss delicately placed the device over my head. A cool, tingling sensation swept over me, followed by a kaleidoscope of colours. Then, everything went black.
When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a bustling city square. It was the same city I lived in, yet different. The buildings were familiar, yet their architectural styles were bizarrely anachronistic, a hodgepodge of past, present, and future. I felt an uncanny sense of both recognition and displacement.
The air was alive with a vibrancy I had never known. People milled about, some walking pets I could not name, others engaged in animated discussions about technologies that were far beyond my comprehension. Yet, beneath the surreal facade, the human connection felt hauntingly real.
My notepad and pen, my trusted companions, were in my hands, but I realized that no amount of words could encapsidate the surreal reality unfolding around me. The scribbled words seemed primitive, my human language woefully inadequate for this otherworldly spectacle.
As I walked the streets, each turn unveiled a new facet of this reality. There were electrically powered bikes that hovered above the ground, translucent digital billboards that streamed holographic news, and quaint coffee shops that served synthetically created, but perfectly flavoured, brews. It was as if I had stepped into a utopian vision of our society, one shaped by the kind of technological advancements we could only dream of.
Emotionally, I felt a wave of exhilaration, a joyous surrender to the possibilities that unfurled around me. But, beneath the wonder, there was a hint of melancholy, a sense of the profound
disconnection between my ‘real’ world and this ‘alternate’ reality.
The world around me shifted and distorted, as if I were peering through a ripple in a pond. My sojourn in this alternate reality was nearing its end. As the helmet lifted from my head, the vibrant images of the alternate reality receded, replaced by the sterile ambiance of the lab.
I sat in silence, grappling with the overwhelming cascade of emotions. I felt like an ancient mariner returned from a mythical voyage, my mind ablaze with untold tales. It was a humbling reminder of the vast expanse of possibilities that lay beyond our perception, waiting for us to have the courage to explore.
After a few minutes, I managed to find my voice. “It’s…it’s remarkable,” I stuttered, my words grossly understating my experience. “I can’t begin to imagine the implications of such technology.”
Dr. Strauss merely nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “We are still at the beginning,” she said. “But this could be the dawn of a new epoch of human understanding.”
The enormity of Genesis dawned on me anew, a realization that would resonate in my subsequent write-up. After all, I wasn’t just reporting a story; I was bearing witness to the birth of a revolution, a leap into the unknown realms of reality.
More Women Are Paying Alimony And They’re REALLY, REALLY Not Happy About It
Fun pictures
Mixed.
Chiles Rellenos Chicken
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 to 6 ounces each)
- 1 lime, cut in half crosswise
- 1 egg white
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1/2 cup finely crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips (about 1 1/2 cups chips)
- 1/2 (4 ounce) can whole green chiles, drained and cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh cilantro
- Prepared salsa (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray Small Bar Pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Place one chicken breast half in resealable plastic food storage bag; seal bag. Lightly flatten chicken to even thickness using flat side of Meat Tenderizer. repeat with remaining chicken breast half. Discard plastic bag.
- Juice lime halves into Small Batter Bowl using Citrus Press. Add egg white and garlic pressed with Garlic Press; whisk until frothy using Stainless Whisk.
- Place tortilla chips in another resealable plastic food storage bag and finely crush using flat side of meat Tenderizer. Place crushed chips in shallow dish. Dip chicken breasts into egg mixture and then into chips, coating completely. Discard any remaining crushed chips. Place chicken on pan.
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
- Arrange chile strips over chicken; sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake 2 to 3 minutes or just until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with salsa, if desired.
Attribution
Pampered Chef
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is facing various pressures from all aspects of South Korean politics and society due to a “martial law incident.”
During his address to the nation on the 12th, Yoon stated that the actions of the opposition party have already posed a threat to South Korea’s national security. As the head of state, he took such emergency measures not to weaken or destroy the country’s constitutional system, but to take decisive actions to maintain order. Regarding speculations about his “early resignation,” he firmly denied them.
Moreover, he suddenly brought up “Chinese spy” and the “Chinese threat.” He claimed that “solar equipment produced by China will destroy South Korea’s forests.” This is truly puzzling.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in response to questions from South Korean journalists: that Beijing was “deeply surprised” by the comments and found them “deeply unsettling”.
“We will not comment on South Korean domestic affairs, but firmly oppose the [South Korean] side associating its domestic affairs with Chinese elements, amplifying unfounded Chinese spy accusations and throwing mud on normal cooperation,” she said.
“This is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations. The Chinese government has always asked our citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations.”
Indeed, China does not interfere in South Korea’s internal affairs. However, when innocently affected, China will not sit idly by. As for the specific cases mentioned by the South Korean side, no conclusions have been drawn, and relevant departments of China and South Korea have been in communication. Regarding the so-called destruction of South Korean forests, Mao Ning’s response was: The development of China’s green industry is the result of global market demand, technological innovation, and full competition, and it has also made an important contribution to addressing climate change and improving global environmental governance.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s current situation is not good, in order to find an excuse for martial law, he is using poor logic to try to make a last-ditch defense for himself, looking for reasons not to step down.
The leader of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, has stated, “I never expected Yoon Suk-yeol to make such a statement on the 12th.” Moreover, he said on Monday that he was stepping down, but does not regret supporting the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
THAT’S WHO WILL MEET US IN THE NEXT WORLD! Hospice Doctors Told The Shocking Truth…
NDE discussion. Pretty interesting stuff.
I can personally validate what this nurse states. It is really… really good.
The Empty Laboratory
Submitted into Contest #279 in response to: Center your story around a person who believes they’re the last human on Earth.… view prompt
Kashira Argento
He thought of old colonies, through the ages, built by convicts and outcasts. Human civilizations had a tendency to be founded on blood. Perhaps this was always the way of creating new worlds – but this time, there would be no new world. Only witnesses to the long goodbye of the old one.
Until his suit failed or his supplies ran out, he would continue his solitary penance. Document. Clean. Remember. Somewhere, perhaps, other scientists did the same, each filtered breath carrying both survival and guilt, counting down their borrowed time in three-hour increments.
The yellow light blinked for the sixteenth time. One more before red. One more before starting again. Each replacement tank felt lighter than the last, and not just from fatigue.
Always one more. Until there weren’t any more.
Then the birds would sing alone.
The Train Wreck of Modern Dating That No One Can Look Away From
Why is Trump trying to buy Greenland?
Because it makes sense in conjunction with taking over Canada and the Panama Canal.
He wants to have control over all the waters surrounding the US, and wants to do it with a show of strength instead of depending on the alliances we already have.
Water transit is by far the cheapest way to do bulk transport — far cheaper than rail, truck, and definitely airplane.
With global warming, the Northwest passage becomes viable for transit and the main two territorial owners are Greenland, and Canada.
Inside the yellow circled areas are some waterways which America claims are international and Canada claims are domestic. Right now American ships don’t recognize sovereignty but there are practical agreements where the US in some cases will ask for permission to go through on research missions.
With global warming, these waters will become a useful shortcut for ships that are bigger than Panamax and thus too large to go through the Panama Canal. Better than going through the Straights of Magellan.
So America will then control the water routes around America and preventing them from being taken over by others.
My prediction: he’ll go after Cuba next. Far too close to US soil and hostile.
Chicken Enchiladas
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can Campbell’s condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken or turkey
- 1 (4 ounce) can green chiles
- 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces or 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix soup and sour cream.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter. Add onions and chili powder. Cook until tender. Add chicken, chiles and 2 tablespoons soup mixture (NO water).
- Spread 1/2 cup soup mixture in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Along one side of each tortilla spread about 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Roll up each tortilla around filling and place seam-side down in baking dish.
- Spread remaining soup mixture over enchiladas. Sprinkle cheese over top of mixture
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until hot.
Attribution
Pampered Chef
Is it true that China has unveiled the world’s largest amphibious attack ship that can also launch fighter jets and drones?
Yes. It is real. The Type 076 has a catapult and its displacement is over 40,000 tonnes.
And it generates a lot of cope from certain individuals on the internet. This guy for example. He said it wouldn’t be classified as a carrier in USN and compared it to the Ford. Which is absurd because it isn’t classified as a carrier in PLAN too. Then the guy went on speculating about PLAN personnel quality.
He is even worse in the comments BTW. Constant atrocity claims, typical stories of Chinese economic collapse, endless jumps from topic to topic and general dishonesty…
He unironically compares the South China Sea conflict to Genghis Khan’s wars. Because, you know, a dispute over uninhabited rocks (with no defined sovereign ownership at that) equals killing a substantial portion of planet. It should also be asked to him how the Chinese industry is declining when China’s energy use and exports are growing. The county achieved a trillion USD in trade surplus in 2024.
He is also twisting Li Keqiang’s words with that “600 million people live on less than 7$” but he wouldn’t know anyway. I doubt this guy reads any primary source.
This is how he replied when I told him he is twisting words. He really has problems with staying on the topic and being honest. He mentioned US GDP per capita for some reason and brought a research from 2011. Then called me a shill 😀
You know, you really need to be very low in self-esteem to bring a topic about a newly launched ship to here.
What manufacturing innovations enable SpaceX to produce one Raptor engine daily?
The innovation appears to just be a change of objective.
Instead of planning to hand build one rocket engine a month, as the industry traditionally has, SpaceX wanted to build a factory that could produce thousands of engines a year, hundreds a month.
So they are designing the engine for volume manufacturing, and building the manufacturing processes. Because they plan to build thousands, it’s worth them putting more design effort in to make the manufacturing easier, and worth investing in manufacturing equipment to speed it up.
With Raptor 2 they got to about 1 engine a day. Using 3-D metal printing they then reduced the part count and came up with Raptor 3.
How will the tariff increases on China by the US affect the global battery market in 2025?
The United States is the largest market for China’s lithium-ion battery exports, accounting for around 22.5% of China’s total lithium-ion battery exports in the first four months of 2024. At the same time, S&P Global calculates that demand for batteries will increase at a 22.3% compound annual growth rate between 2022 and 2030.
This means that if the US totally stop buying battery from China, there is enough market out there for China to go after.
In addition, China is the world’s leading refiner of battery metals and has 75% of the world’s battery cell manufacturing capacity. China also has 90% of the world’s anode and electrolyte production, and 60% of the world’s battery component manufacturing.
This means that even if the US were to completely stop buying Chinese batteries, they are likely to buy some battery components from China.
The US expects to have enough local production of batteries by 2028. So what happens in the next 3 years? They will still have to import them. Including from China. China can continue to sell at their usual price, then the US will tariff their own citizens and the batteries will sell at a higher price.
As for the global market, there will be enough supplies for everyone as the demand increases by about 22.3% per year, as calculated by S&P.
Coffee House Cookies
Yield: 1 dozen cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, divided
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks, divided
- 2 (1.5 to 2 ounce) bars favorite chocolate candy (see cook’s tips)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine flour, baking soda and salt in Small Batter Bowl; mix well.
- In Classic Batter Bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
- Stir 2/3 cup nuts and 2/3 cup chocolate chunks into dough. Cut candy bars into small pieces, about the size of chocolate chunks; set aside.
- Using large scoop, drop 6 level scoops of dough, 3 inches apart, onto Rectangle Stone. (Cookies will spread while baking.) Flatten scoops slightly with palm of hand. Lightly press half of the remaining nuts, chocolate and candy into tops of cookies.
- Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until cookies are almost set. (Centers will be soft. Do not over-bake.)
- Cool 7 minutes on Baking Stone.
- Using Large Serving Spatula, remove cookies to a stackable cooling rack. Cool completely.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
Notes
Chocolate candy bars with nougat and caramel or nuts are favorite choices for this cookie. Also delicious are chocolate-covered peppermint patties, chocolate-covered caramels and chocolate peanut butter cups. Use 2 packages (1.5 to 2 ounces each).
To soften butter, let it stand at room temperature about 45 minutes. It should be softened, yet still firm. Using butter that is too soft will cause cookies to spread.
Attribution
Pampered Chef
Have you been scammed, and who scammed you?
Where do I begin…
First one was at Killington, a major ski area in VT. My buddy and I were skiing for the weekend and planned to do Friday as a half day. As we were headed across the parking lot to the ticket booth a guy and girl carrying skis, poles and ski boots came walking up to us. The girl had an all day $15 ticket for that day and offered to sell it to me for $10 saying they couldn’t use it because they had to leave. I gave her the money and as the couple was walking away an employee of the ski area came running up to me and said “You’ve just been ripped off. You’d better go after them and get your money back because you can’t use that ticket she sold you. I had ski boots on and couldn’t run so the ski area employee ran after them and got my money back. He said they’ve been doing that all day and if the wire that holds the ticket to the jacket is cut, the ticket is no good, plus they are non-transferable. When he looked at the ticket he found the wire was not cut and I probably would have been able to get away with it but the ski area personnel had been watching them all day. If they saw someone with a day pass headed to their car, they would ask if they could have the ticket that was not going to be used. Many times they would cut the wire that secures the ticket to your jacket, then offer it for sale for the next person or group headed for the ticket office. I lucked out that day.
Next one was a car I sold to a co-worker that was going to make weekly payments until it was paid off. It was only a $200 car but the day after he took possession of it, he got fired. I had to take him to small claims court to get my money. This guy was old enough to be my father and I “trusted” him. Lesson learned
A few years ago I saw an ad on the internet for a Honda eu2200I gas powered generator for $99.00. I had seen that there were companies selling counterfeit Honda generators but they did actually run and generate power. I figured “what the heck” and ordered one! The deal was regularly $1,099.00, MFG over stock blow-out sale for $99.00 and any order over $49.00 was FREE SHIPPING!
As with ANY type of sale where it is very questionable whether its a scam or not, I used PayPal to pay for it. Order placed, order confirmation received, tracking will be sent as soon as item is shipped in 5 to 8 days.
5 days came and went, no tracking info. 8 days came and went, no tracking info. Started doing some digging and found that this was, in fact, a scam! Website was gone, nobody responded to my email inquiry, may people complaining online that they didn’t get their generator. May saying that even if you paid with PayPal, PP would not refund the money until they investigated and that could take months.
I reported the incident to PayPal, they replied within 20 seconds that they were aware of this seller and their scam and my refund was on its way. An hour later I got notification that the refund had been processed.
I now take the stance that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is and I avoid it.