I used to have a sports car. It was a red convertible. And I enjoyed it immensely.
It had a turbo.
It also had a phone that I added to it.
I was so “mod”. Really cool. I would drive it all over Indiana, where I bought it. When we moved to Kentucky, we drove it up and down the green, green lush hills. And when we moved to Mississippi, we would drive it through the deep pine forests there.
One day, we were driving though the pine forests when we blew a gasket in the turbo-charger.
And after the initial “boom”, a thick billowing cloud of smoke followed the car. I mean it was amazing. I really don’t know what was going on, but it was a white cloud making machine.
Sigh.
Cost and arm and a leg to repair.
A long story. Anyways, we sold the car to a friend, and he paid for the repairs and took over our car payments. And that was that.
But guys, I failed.
Having a sports car with a turbo needs SPECIAL maintenance. And I was not doing it. (One layoff, followed by another, then yet another layoff. It’s tough being an American). So I failed my car.
Take care of what you have. Do not take them for granted.
Things.
Pets.
People.
And that is enough for today. Let’s move on…
Does DeepSeek, the Chinese AI start-up, have government backing, and how does it align with China’s AI regulatory framework?
DeepSeek has no government funding.
It was not even funded by the Chinese big names like Alibaba and Tencent, which are also AI luminaries.
You may even say it is a “Johnny come lately”.
The founder, Liang Wenfeng, is an unknown and has been described as mysterious.
He born into a family of teachers in an impoverished village near the southern city of Zhanjiang. He was a gifted student, mastered university-level math in middle school, and graduated with an electronic information degree from the prestigious University of Zhejiang. He co-founded High-Flyer, a successful quantity hedge fund. Liang is enthusiastic about AGI (artificial general intelligence). He spun off DeepSeek from High-Flyer to this cause.
His background and career testify to the meritocracy of China. He is an example of the potentials inherent in the Chinese talent pool from the millions of STEM graduates each year.
His achievement earned him an invitation to the round table conference with PM Li Qiang.
Trump’s Ukraine ‘Peace’ Trap EXPOSED: Putin & China CRUSH His Plan w/ Ben Norton
Chipotle Roast for Tacos and Sandwiches
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (3 pound) chuck roast, trimmed of visible fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
- 1 (4 ounce) can green chiles
- 1 (7 ounce) can salsa verde
- 1 cup sliced onion
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Place chuck roast in large slow cooker and sprinkle with the salt and pepper, chili powder and cumin.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on HIGH for 5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours.
- Shred the meat with a fork and simmer on high for additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve in enchiladas, tacos or on crusty rolls with the juice for dipping.
What’s the trickiest business you’ve ever figured out how it works?
Ms. Tatoda’s story reminds me of what the cartels (yup, drug dealers) do in Mexico…
In Mexico, gasoline distribution is no longer using trucks. So from the Refinery, Gasoline will be transported to distribution centers using pipes. Once it has reached the distribution centers, it will use trucks to be transported to the surrounding gas stations.
So what do these Mexican cartels do? They pay people at oil refineries, at ports, or at places that are the main sources/delivery points of oil, to get information on what time and on which pipeline the gasoline will be delivered.
Then what they do is they find a fairly quiet place that the pipe passes through, then they dig the ground to the pipe (which is about 1.8 meters deep), then they install a tap. Something like this.
When the gasoline flows according to schedule, they open the taps and they are ready to accommodate it through trucks like this.
Don’t forget the price of gasoline is around 70 USD – 100 USD per barrel, or around 2 USD per liter (Rp. 30,000 / liter). And 1 m3 (1 cubic meter) can hold approximately 1000 liters. One pick up (depending on the pick up), it feels like it has a trunk of 1.5 x 1.5 m or 2.25 m2 (square meters). So 1 pick up (rough calculation) can carry approximately 2000 liters of gasoline, again depending on the pick up and how they “pack” it. What do they do then? they sell it to fences / collectors? usually at half price..
Why do I know this…?
Well, the problem is one day… the installed faucet leaks…
Then what happened?
People flocked to bring their jerrycans and filled them with petrol…
They filled their jerrycans, laughed, sprayed each other with the expensive but free gasoline on their bodies,… As the night went on, more and more people came with their jerrycans… euphoria….
But when night fell.. boom. the pipeline exploded, it turned out that among the “cheerleaders” there were those who were smoking… the gasoline that was splattered everywhere produced fire that was splattered everywhere too… Then people ran like living torches, with fire burning all over their bodies..
73 fatalities.. and the whole world knows about this…
‘China counters with tariffs on US products. It will also investigate Google’ — AP News
During the Biden administration, China cut off exports of high-purity germanium, gallium, and antimony,
all important elements for the semiconductor industry and other technologies like fiber optics. Now China has eliminated other elements critical for technology. Here’s a quote from the article:
China announced export controls on several elements critical to the production of modern high-tech products. The measure took effect upon announcement on Tuesday. They include tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum and indium, many of which are designated as critical minerals by the U.S. Geological Survey, meaning they are essential to U.S. economic or national security that have supply chains vulnerable to disruption. [2]
Footnotes
40yr Old Woman RE-ENTERS DATING MARKET & Can’t Believe HOW BAD IT IS
Verdant Touch
Submitted into Contest #213 in response to: Write about someone with a Midas touch: everything they touch turns to [fill in the blank].… view prompt
J.B. Redel
Gasps from behind startled her, and she quickly turned to see a small group of women standing a few yards away. Forcing a pleasant smile, Elara bowed and moved quickly along the road and quickly donned the thick cotton gloves she never went without.
Since Elara was six years old, she has had the ability to turn anything she touched into plant life. The people in her small town of Woodshire considered her ability to be a gift from the gods. Elara, however, saw her gift as a curse rather than a blessing.
While her abilities received praise and she was treated well enough, everyone kept their distance. Though her ability brought forth the beauty of nature, an innate fear was instilled in the townsfolk that a single touch would cause them to become one of her transformations. Too terrified to test this theory, Elara spent the next twenty years of her life never knowing the touch of another living being, human or animal.
Having no effect on plant-made items, such as clothing, she kept her hands covered in thick cotton gloves. Even this did nothing to convince the locals that it was safe to interact with her.
Thoughts heavy, Elara made her way back to the church, where she resided. Just as she reached the hall to her room, she found one of the nuns standing before her door. The young woman bowed quickly upon seeing her.
“The bishop would like a word with you before you retire for the evening.” Elara donned her normal pleasant smile, which had become more of a mask than any true emotion.
“Thank you, Annette, I will head to his chambers now.”
The young woman bowed quickly again before turning and fleeing down the hall. Sighing, Elara headed back the way she had come, taking a branching hallway that led to the bishop’s chambers. Ensuring her gloves were in place, she knocked and waited for permission before entering. The ancient man was bent over his large desk, one of the few pieces of furniture in his chambers.
“Ah, Elara, thank you for coming so quickly.” Normally, he would invite his visitors to sit. She had never received such an invitation and did not expect one now.
“You received a missive from Daralon, the capitol city.” Along with the disbelief that anyone would write to her, she also found herself bothered that rather than deliver a missive that had apparently been for her, the man had taken it upon himself to read it first.
“It is a summons. King Alden has requested an audience. An escort should be here shortly to retrieve you.”
Elara was struck silent, unsure how to respond or even what to think. Though revered as some gift from the heavens, she had been ultimately ignored for the majority of her life. To think that her existence was even known to the King was difficult to fathom, much less that he requested an audience with her.
“To be fairly honest, I cannot begin to even imagine why the King would summon you, but we cannot ignore his summons.” Elara tried not to be offended at the old man’s words. “You will spend from tomorrow until the retinue arrives preparing for court. You are to report to Katarina first thing in the morning. You may go.”
After a respectful bow, Elara returned to her own chambers. Deep into the night, she still lay awake, questions racing through her mind.
Elara spent every following day from dawn until dusk learning the rules of court. How to speak, or rather how to not speak unless spoken to. She was even taught how to properly eat if invited to dine. Elara would have never thought there were so many rules to something as simple as eating!
With hardly any fanfare, the company of twenty armored men on horseback and a single covered carriage arrived early one morning. Her release to the soldiers and journey out of the town was just as uneventful as the escort’s arrival had.
The only information she had gathered about her escort was that the man leading them was a Captain named Kael. Though she had heard him introduce himself through the gap in his large helm, he had not removed the armor and she had no idea what he looked like. Nor did she know what any of her escorts looked like, as they had all been similarly garbed in thick, shining armor.
When they finally stopped for the first night on the road, Elara was unsure what to do with herself. Part of her wanted to hide in her carriage, even if that meant she would forgo any dinner. The decision was made for her when the small door opened, and she spied the captain just beyond.
“We have set up your accommodations, My Lady.”
Elara nodded and the captain stepped back, giving her room to emerge from the cramped carriage. They had stopped at a large clearing alongside the road and several campfires had already been constructed. Just next to the carriage was a single pitched tent, obviously put up for her.
Elara was uncomfortable with the treatment. It felt awkward that she was the only one sleeping in a tent, while the rest were exposed to the elements. She also noticed that the soldiers were still fully donned in their armor, including their helmets.
“Do your men sleep in their armor?”
Shocked, the captain looked back at her.
“It is a sign of respect, My Lady. They will stay covered while in your presence.”
“Please, do not let my presence make you or your men uncomfortable. Surely you allow your soldiers to rest after a hard day’s ride?”
She didn’t mean to sound accusatory, realizing only after the fact that she might have done just that. Elara noticed that the solders around them had stopped and were all looking at their captain. With a loud snort of laughter, which startled her, the captain removed his helm, revealing clean-cut sandy brown hair. With a lopsided smile that Elara found strangely endearing, he bowed his head to her before turning to his troops.
“Well, you heard her. No reason to be so formal.”
A chorus of cheers were released as the soldiers began pulling their own armor off. Elara felt the tension in her shoulders slowly ebb away as the captain turned back to her again.
“I apologize. My intent was not to make you uncomfortable, but rather give you a sense of security.”
“I would much prefer you and your soldiers be comfortable around me.”
He nodded and gestured toward the tent. “You are welcome to retire if you’d like. I will have one of my men bring you dinner shortly.”
Elara looked toward the tent, then back at the campfires, which seemed much more inviting. Kael noticed her hesitation.
“You are welcome to join us.”
Surprised, Elara shook her head and slipped on her mask of a pleasant smile. “That is quite alright. I do not wish to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence.”
“Why would your presence make anyone uncomfortable?”
“Well, because…” Her words trailed off, unsure how to respond to his question. She thought it would have been obvious. Unsure what to say, she instead gestured to her gloved hands. The confusion lifted from the captains’ features, his lopsided smile returning.
“Seeing that we are in the middle of the forest, I don’t see any issue with you creating a few more trees or bushes.”
Elara again didn’t know how to respond.
“You… you aren’t afraid I might turn one of your men?”
He brought an armored hand to his chin and seemed to contemplate this for a moment. “Have you done that before? Turned someone into vegetation?”
“Well, no. Not exactly.”
“Then why should I be worried? As I understand it, we should all be safe as long as you have those gloves on. Is that right?”
Elara glanced at her gloves, then back at the man before her. “Essentially, yes.”
“Well, then please feel free to join us. These are my best soldiers, and I hope that you will find them to be pleasant company.”
He left her then to join his troops. Unsure what to do, Elara turned to study the gathering. Now with most of their armor removed, she realized then that there were not just men, but men and women. With one last glance at her tent, she stepped towards the fires and the solders surrounding them.
The remaining week of travel went by quickly for Elara. Each evening, she sat with a different group of soldiers. Though she was asked many questions about her abilities, not a single person showed any apprehension towards her, instead welcoming her openly. Captain Kael joined her around the fires as well.
On the fifth day, they finally emerged from the woods and onto a large, open plain. Peering from her window, she saw that stumps littered the ground on either side of the road where trees had been severed. Never before had she seen deforestation on such a large scale. When the escort stopped for the evening, there was a visible shift in the demeanor of the soldiers. Though still good-natured, they were quiet and reserved.
The remaining days of travel showed much of the same scenery. Finally, on the eighth day of travel, the walls and spires of the capitol city could be seen on the horizon.
Upon hearing that they would reach the gates just before nightfall, Elara’s nerves and fears came roaring back. As the open gates neared and crowds could be seen gathering, she pulled the curtains closed. Murmurs of the crowd filled her small carriage, and Elara had to stop herself from shrinking down in her seat, as though eyes could see her through the drawn curtains.
The stop of the carriage brought Elara from her thoughts. Kael opened the door and stepped back so that she could climb out. It was weird to see him fully donned in his armor. She briefly wished they were still out on the road, and he instead was opening her door with his helm removed and lopsided smile on display.
The keep before her was so large, Elara had to lean back to see its distant spires. All around her was stone. The road was paved, every building within sight made of the same material. Despite her awe, Elara found it to be disturbingly unnatural.
She was led through two massive doors and a series of stone corridors until finally into a throne room. The only piece of furniture in the massive domed chamber was an ornately upholstered chair upon a tall dais. Seated atop the magnificent chair was King Alden himself, glaring down at her.
An awkward silence dragged on, and Elara resisted the urge to clear her throat. Was she supposed to speak first? Captain Kael now stood to the left of the dais, and she glanced to him for help. He bowed his head at her ever so slightly.
Sudden horror filled Elara. Scrambling, she curtsied before the King. Her face burned as she held her curtsy.
“Rise.”
The single word echoed deeply through the massive room. Legs trembling, she stood and raised her gaze to the King.
“Elara Farrington from Woodshire. Do you know why I have summoned you here?”
“No, Your Majesty.” Her voice broke on the title, and she winced.
“You possess the touch of nature. Is this true?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Show me.”
Sheer panic rose within Elara. “Right now?”
The Kings glare intensified. “Yes, now. Is that a problem?”
“I…” She swallowed and glanced around the empty chamber. “I need something man-made to use as a resource, Your Majesty. I cannot create something from nothing.”
Without prompting, Kael removed his helm and stepped away from the dais, handing her the piece of armor. He smiled encouragingly at her before stepping back to his place.
Hands shaking, she accepted the helm. She had never been able to control her ability as far as deciding what would grow or how large the growth would be. Taking a deep breath, she removed one of her gloves and rested her palm on the metal.
Brown and green burst forth from the steel, shooting toward the ceiling. Gasping, Elara dropped the helm. Creaking and rustling filled the chamber. Within seconds, the sounds quieted, and the room descended into silence once again. Before her stood a massive oak, its branches reaching far above to the ceiling. The only damage Elara could see were from the massive roots, which had cracked the tile of the floor to bury deep in the ground.
She stepped around the massive base to see King Alden on his feet, staring at the oak in awe and astonishment. A smile climbed across the King’s features, which Elara found more disturbing than his glare. As he descended the dais, Elara moved to stand beside Kael. She tensed, awaiting his verdict.
“Elara Farrington. I have summoned you here because you are the only one who can save my kingdom.”
Elara blinked in confusion. She glanced at Kael at her side, but his awestruck gaze was still focused on the oak.
“Save the kingdom, Your Majesty?”
“Yes.” The King finally pulled his attention from the massive tree and faced her fully, his hands clasped behind his back.
“I am sure you noticed on your travels, but there are no trees or growth of any kind for miles surrounding Daralon. Farmlands are infertile. Trees no longer regrow. Herds and game have ventured so far, our hunters come back empty handed. Even livestock hardly survive. I fear for the future of my people. However, you and you alone can save this kingdom and its people with your gift.”
“I am not sure that I can, Your Majesty.” At her admission, every set of eyes in the room snapped to her.
“You would refuse your king?”
“No, Your Majesty! It is just that… I have no control over this gift. I may be able to summon forth nature at a simple touch, but I have no decision in what grows, or how much. I am afraid that I might cause more harm than good.”
“Will you not even try? My people are starving. Hundreds of innocent people will either die or be forced to leave their homes if I do not find a solution. I have tried all that I can, and you are my last hope. Do not do this because your king demands it, do it because people will suffer if you don’t.”
Stunned, Elara could not find her voice. So instead, she nodded.
The following mid-day, Elara found herself surrounded by miles of empty landscape in every direction. Accompanying her was a small contingent of ten solders who had brought along a wagon filled with old armor and other discarded items for her to use.
Shakily accepting a dented chest piece from one of the soldiers, she stepped a few paces away from the others. Placing the piece of armor on the ground, she hesitated before removing her gloves. With one last deep breath, she placed both hands on the metal.
Greenery burst forth, this time out instead of up. Green grass flew out over the landscape as rushing water might when released from a dam. Trees sprouted from the trunks of their ancestors. Bushes and wildflowers sprang from the ground. Cheers came from behind her. Elated, Elara released a cheer of her own.
That evening, a great celebration was held. Elara was welcomed by the city folk with open arms and praises. Several hours and a few drinks later, Elara found herself sitting on the ledge of a large fountain in one of the many town squares. With finally some time to herself, she removed her gloves. Since she was a child, she had hated her hands. Her gift was destructive and instilled fear in those around her. For the first time in her life, she felt proud of her ability. Proud of herself.
“Didn’t have too much to drink, did you?”
Elara startled. Caught off balance, she slipped and fell back towards the water. Just before she would have hit the surface, a hand reached out and grabbed her own, pulling her forward. She came face to face with Kael, who was finally not in a suit of armor.
Elara stared in horror as he still held her ungloved hand. Tears sprang to her eyes and she screwed them shut. She couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes, to see what had become of Kael. He had been the first to treat her as a normal person, not as some “blessed” being to be feared. And now that same ability she had finally learned to accept had killed him.
“Are you alright?”
At the sound of his voice, her eyes sprung open. Kael stood before her, his hand still holding hers.
“Your alive…”
Kael’s features bunched up in confusion. He looked down at himself, then back at her. “Yes, it would certainly seem so. Should I… not be?”
She swallowed. “You’re touching me.”
Kael glanced at their joined hands. After a moment, confusion gave to surprise, then elation.
“I am.”
No greenery burst forth, no trees sprouted, not even a flower emerged from his skin. All her life, she feared the touch of another, unsure what would happen should her ability be triggered. As it turned out, nothing would have happened at all.
“Thank you.” She whispered.
“What are you thanking me for? You’re the one who saved this kingdom.”
“No.” Elara sighed deeply. “This kingdom saved me.”
What will the rest of the world do, the day after the US drops 15,000 paratroopers into Panama? Internationally, how will that next 24 hours play out, as far as the UN, the EU, NATO, Russia, China, Mexico & Central America, etc.?
Panama will do nothing. We don´t even have armed forces; no one is going to fight in any jungle. Panamanians are peaceful people.
The Canal is a different story. It is very hard to defend 80 km of lakes, locks, and jungle. You only need to blow one ship inside one of the locks and the Canal will stop for months; anybody can do this with a cheap drone. If you damage one of the dams and loose the part of the stored water, the Canal can be down for years. Understand that the best way to protect the Panama Canal is to maintain neutrality. We don´t want ANY enemies in Panama. Panama have been able to keep the Canal running for 25 years and have doubled the shipping capacity after the US left in 1999. The old canal that was built by the USA was an engineering wonder in 1914 but not in 2025. You are all welcome to come down to Panama and see the new canal working. Don´t worry, we don´t have any Chinese running any part of the Canal; no signs in Chinese…there are all in Spanish and English. I have been living in Panama of the last 60 years and worked as an engineer in the Panama Canal Authority.
The other issue you need to consider is that the Canal receives water from a huge water shed that encompasses half of the country´s territory. Without water, the Canal cannot function. So, you will need to take over the whole country, not only the area around the Canal. Don forget to send more paratroopers and a lot of mosquito repellent. Don´t worry about bullets, you won´t need many.
What is the process for catching someone as a “bounty hunter”? Has anyone ever been caught by a bounty hunter before and what happened afterwards?
My son was caught by three men, identifying themselves as bounty hunters, legal to operate in Oklahoma, which they were, and they had come to take my son into custody for missing court and bail jumping.
My son identified himself and let them read everything that they were supposed to, not the Miranda Rights, but a description of his right to not incriminate himself as they could be called to testify.
When they finished, he told them they had the wrong person. Nope, they said, you’re him answer already contacted several neighbors and they identified you as being 6′5, 270 lbs, Bubba.
He asked to show them his ID, instead the other guy tased my son who was shirtless, working in the front yard, he went to his knees and the first guy moved in to cuff him, all very professional.
At that point, my son stood up, grabbed the handcuff guy by the wrist, twisted and then fell to the ground getting him in an armbar that also, as he was taught, broke the wrist of the cuffer.
The Taser guy hit the trigger again to shock him a second time, my son yanked the barbs out, took a step and kicked taser-boy in the gut, then took the Taser and threw it across the yard and punched taser-boy as he tried to stand up, putting him down for a 10 minutes.
3rd Bounty Hunter was smart, locked himself in their van and called 911, who showed up in just a few minutes.
After speaking with the bounty hunters and my son, the bounty hunters were arrested for assault and battery, my son was free and when the bounty hunters took him to court, claiming assault and battery and that they did nothing wrong in their questioning, my son’s attorney had the court shown the body cam footage from the bounty hunters and the Ring Doorbell footage from my son’s house.
The judge awarded punitive damages to my son from the two who tried to take him down, dismissed charges against the 3rd as he never came into the yard or produced a weapon, and also awarded punitive and real damages to my son from the company that employed the bounty hunters.
The judge admonished the owner and the two because their cameras did indeed show them asking various neighbors if there was a “Big Guy, about 6 1/2 feet tall that goes by ‘Bubba’,” they all answered “yes” and pointed to my son’s house.
In his administration, the judge pointed out that they never asked for a first and last name, only a nickname, “And who in the hell in Oklahoma is over 6 1/2 feet weight almost 300 pounds and NOT nicknamed ‘Bubba’?”
Son got his house paid off with his court awarded damages.
Sir Whiskerton and the Case of the Great Worm Migration
Ah, dear reader, prepare yourself for another wriggly, squiggly adventure in the life of Sir Whiskerton, the farm’s most brilliant (and modest) detective. Today’s tale involves a phenomenon so bizarre, so earth-shaking, that it leaves the entire farm in a tizzy: the Great Worm Migration. What follows is a story filled with laughs, wriggles, and a moral that will leave you grinning like a chicken who just discovered a buffet of worms. So grab your sense of humor and let’s dig into The Case of the Great Worm Migration.
The Wriggly Invasion
It all began on a damp, drizzly morning when Sir Whiskerton was enjoying his usual sunbeam on the barn roof—or at least, trying to. The rain had turned the farm into a muddy mess, and the air was thick with the scent of wet earth.
“Ugh,” Sir Whiskerton muttered, flicking his tail. “Rain. The bane of my existence.”
But as he gazed out over the farm, he noticed something strange. The ground was… moving. Not just in the usual way when worms come out after a rain, but in a massive, undulating wave.
“What in whiskers’ name is that?” Sir Whiskerton said, his fur standing on end.
Rufus the dog trotted over, his nose twitching. “Worms,” he said, his tail wagging. “Lots and lots of worms.”
“Lots and lots of worms!” Ditto the kitten echoed, his eyes wide.
“Yes, I can see that,” Sir Whiskerton said, narrowing his eyes. “But why are they all moving in the same direction?”
The Farm Reacts
The Great Worm Migration had begun. Thousands—no, millions—of worms were wriggling across the farm, heading toward some unknown destination. The animals were equal parts fascinated and horrified.
“Oh, Sir Whiskerton!” Doris the hen squawked. “The worms are taking over! It’s… it’s terrifying!”
“Terrifying! But also so… wriggly!” Harriet clucked.
“Wriggly! Oh, I can’t bear it!” Lillian screeched, fainting dramatically into a pile of hay.
Even the geese, usually unflappable, were in a tizzy.
“This is an outrage!” Gertrude the goose honked. “The worms are invading our honking zone! How are we supposed to honk in peace with all this… squirming?”
“Squirming! But also so… worm-tastic!” one of the other geese added.
“Worm-tastic! Oh, I can’t bear it!” another honked, collapsing into a dramatic heap.
The Investigation Begins
Determined to get to the bottom of the wormy mystery, Sir Whiskerton decided to investigate. He enlisted the help of Rufus, Porkchop the pig, and even Ferdinand the duck, who insisted on singing a dramatic ballad about the worms.
“Oh, worms of the earth, so brave and true,
Why do you march? What drives you?
Is it love? Is it fate? Or just the rain?
We may never know, but it’s driving me insane!”
“Ferdinand,” Sir Whiskerton said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Please stop.”
“Stop!” Ditto echoed, grinning.
The Worm Whisperer
As Sir Whiskerton and his team followed the worms, they encountered Barry the beaver, who was busy building a dam to redirect the worm flow.
“Barry,” Sir Whiskerton said, narrowing his eyes. “What are you doing?”
“I’m helping the worms,” Barry said, puffing out his chest. “They’re on a journey, and I’m making sure they don’t get stuck.”
“A journey?” Sir Whiskerton said, raising an eyebrow. “Where are they going?”
“To the Great Worm Gathering,” Barry said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “It happens every year after a big rain. All the worms come together to… well, I’m not sure what they do. But it’s important.”
“Important! But also so… worm-spicious!” Harriet clucked.
“Worm-spicious! Oh, I can’t bear it!” Lillian screeched, fainting again for good measure.
The Great Worm Gathering
Sir Whiskerton decided to follow the worms to their destination. After a long, wriggly journey, they arrived at a large, open field where the worms had gathered in a massive, squirming circle.
“What in whiskers’ name is this?” Sir Whiskerton said, his tail flicking.
“It’s the Great Worm Gathering,” Barry said, his eyes shining. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Beautiful! But also so… worm-azing!” Doris squawked.
“Worm-azing! Oh, I can’t bear it!” Lillian screeched, fainting one last time.
A Happy Ending
Realizing the worms weren’t a threat, Sir Whiskerton decided to let them be. He returned to the farm, where the animals were still in a tizzy.
“Alright, everyone,” Sir Whiskerton said, addressing the crowd. “The worms are just having a gathering. They’ll be gone by tomorrow.”
“Gone?!” Doris squawked. “But what about our worms? Our delicious, wriggly worms?”
“They’ll be back,” Sir Whiskerton said, smirking. “And until then, you’ll just have to make do with… whatever it is you eat when there aren’t worms.”
The animals groaned, but they knew Sir Whiskerton was right. The Great Worm Migration was just a natural phenomenon, and there was no point in getting worked up about it.
The Moral of the Story
The moral of the story, dear reader, is this: Sometimes, things happen that we don’t understand, and that’s okay. It’s important to stay calm, investigate, and remember that not every mystery needs to be solved—especially when it involves worms.
As for Sir Whiskerton? He returned to his sunbeam, content in the knowledge that he had once again saved the day—and spared the farm from further worm-related chaos.
Until next time, my friends.
The End.
What Really Happens After You Die?
Shorpy
Wife Pregnant by Another Man DEMANDS Husband ACCEPT Paternity Fraud — Instantly REGRETS It
Why do rich people marry rich people and vice versa?
On one of the social media, I once read the complaints of netizens who called rich people poor conglomerates.
This term is given to rich people who do not want to help the economy.
To his horror, he said that the concept of infaq, alms and zakat was still lacking.
For him, the state is obliged to take more than 85% of the wealth from the rich and give it to the poor.
The goal is to ensure there is no economic inequality.
It’s even scarier because he cherry-picks religious arguments carelessly, it’s really sad.
The netizen’s mindset reminded me of Mr. Yanto’s story.
He has given permission for this story to be shared, so that friends can learn from it.
Long story short, Mr. Yanto is a successful businessman.
He has many businesses spread across Jabodetabek to Malang.
Those who help manage Mr. Yanto’s business are his two children.
Let’s call them Mas Salman and Mas Herman.
When these two children were single, everything was still safe.
In fact, the business is growing rapidly.
But one by one, Mr. Yanto’s business octopus fell apart when his two children decided to get married.
A. Mr. Salman
Mas Salman does not marry a woman who is the same as him.
Especially sekufu in terms of education, economics and family background.
After getting married, his wife’s extended family asked Mas Salman to improve the family’s economic status.
One by one, his wife’s older brother, younger sister and cousin became employees in his parents’ business.
The problem is that all the employees brought by his wife’s family are problematic.
Careless work, bad attitude, dishonest, likes cheating and acts as he pleases.
If reminded, it will definitely be linked to family status.
Don’t be fierce to your family.
Don’t go into detail with your family, just understand that they are your own family.
Three years passed, all the businesses managed by Mas Salman went bankrupt.
The main factor was poor management due to his wife’s family always interfering.
Mr. Herman
Similar to his brother, Mas Herman did not marry a woman who was the same as his brother.
But his condition was worse because he was asked to do pseudo mutual cooperation.
Because he was the richest, Mas Herman was asked to help his wife’s family’s economy by sending money every month.
Grandparents, uncles and aunts, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters-in-law, sisters-in-law, in-laws, nephews and even cousins each asked for their share of the money sent by Him.
If the delivery is lacking, sarcasm appears.
So rich people should not be stingy with their families, because who else but their families will help you?
If the delivery is late, sarcasm appears.
Behind your rich possessions, there are our rights as poor people.
If you forget to send money, there will be more sarcasm.
So don’t be cruel, especially if there are still poor people in your extended family.
Of course, those of you who are rich have an obligation to help us.
Due to stress from social pressure from his wife’s family, Mas Herman was unable to focus on his work.
He was very burdened and felt that his life was being held down by his wife’s extended family.
As a result of not focusing on work, the business managed by Mas Herman finally fell apart.
After Mas Salman and Mas Herman’s business went bankrupt.
Instead, they were left by their wives.
Mas Salman’s ex-wife asked for a divorce but didn’t want to take the children.
Meanwhile, Mas Herman’s ex-wife asked for a divorce because she didn’t want to live in poverty anymore.
He also refused to bring children for ridiculous reasons.
He thinks that widows without children sell faster than widows with children.
Long story short, Mr. Yanto decided to bring his children and grandchildren to live in Jakarta.
So that his two children would not drown in sadness, Mr. Yanto accompanied them so that they would be busy with business again.
To increase their knowledge, Mas Salman and Mas Herman are studying for a Masters degree so that their business management can be better and also increase their network.
Many years passed, Alhamdulillah, Mas Salman and Mas Herman met their soul mates.
In this intimate marriage, their household is calm and peaceful.
Even his wife, who acts as a stepmother, is able to guide her children very well.
In this wedding, there was no drama of pseudo mutual cooperation like before.
In this wedding, there is no drama of having to include an incompetent extended family anymore.
Learning from the story of Mr. Yanto’s two children, I learned a new perspective.
It turns out that the old advice about intimate marriage is still very relevant.
Moreover, marriage in Indonesia unites two large families.
And old people used to interpret sekufu in a very broad way.
Not only from the same economic side.
But it can come from family background, education, work, parenting, vision and mission, life principles, traditions and other aspects.
There are even parents who look at who their future son-in-law hangs out with.
Because friends can color.
Coloring in both good and bad.
So if the prospective son-in-law’s friends have bad intentions, there is a big possibility that he will have the same attitude.
The simple term is to look at the seeds, roots and weight.
Mackus,the magic continues…….
Submitted into Contest #213 in response to: Write about someone with a Midas touch: everything they touch turns to [fill in the blank].… view prompt
Bernette Magbanua
The venue is dark once and I was the only one in front of the seat,,the first row.; the show is set to start. In just a while everyone will witness the magical touch of Sir Mackus for then to see and wutness the world of magic by Mackus,the Great.I make sure thar my manner behind the scenes simply because the magician puts on his pinnacle hat.
I remember,the billboard seems even much greater and enormously displayed from out of doors. The notable magician seems to be glancing through me thrn the whole audience.. I shiver and sat quietly at the corner. I experienced like a toddler excitedly happy to open her birthday presents
“Mommy i’m so glad you are here too. You just want to witness too how great Mackus was? couldn’t miss the display.” I hug and go back into the seating location, leaving mom with a startled smile. I calm down inside the darkness, and the curtains open..the show will be starting in 3…2..1…CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Ladies and Gentlemen,I just want to introduce,our great Magician,hailinhg himself from the green side of the country road,Please welcome,,the one and the only..MACKUSS.the GREAT Magician….Here he is…….
A strong and loud applase was clicing in in my ears….the appreciation of the crowd is priceless..as thre magic starts.
A bottle was on the table as a subject to be touched……Mackus approached near the table and started to touch.and to our surprise,the bottle turned in to a white dove.How it happened,,it’s really a MAGIC…hauling,shouting with awe and surprise was the only thing your emotions can feel and do…the reactions of the crowd was loud…
After that first magic,an intermission number was then called for the audience to witness ,a dance for magic..everyone was extremely happy of what they were witnessing
The magic continues…an umbrella was set on the table and it turned out to a wonderful and elegant gown…just a touch of Mackus,then it was a beautiful gown…Magic touch,,how these things are happening..Our eyes are wide open and we witness just for one touch, everything was changed.
Magically, that display stays the extraordinary Mackus first-class overall performance to nowadays.another siner was called to entertained the crowd and a short video was shown about magic.
The magic continues….a basketball was set on the chair as the third object to be touched and,,,,kaaabbbbllllaaaammmmm the basketball turned into a glass jar..A glass jar full of candies and chocolatesis it possible,reallyamzing touch by the magician,in front of our eyes..He has that maagic touch that no one can do.
Do you want more..do you need to witness more magic by his touch alone> do you? The crowd was getting wild and excited while shouting…YES we want more. More..more..more….
As the announcer announced,suddenly Mackus was then right away at the center of the stage…..he touched the microphone and then it turned out to flowers,bouquet of flowers. He came near the podium and touched it,it became a mirror.These areall unbelievable,but it happened.How come he can change everything just for one touch.The last was he tapped the shoulder of the announcer himself but then,nothing happened.it means his magic id for inanimate objects only not for the people.The magic continues…….
He went down from the stage towards the audience to be with them but out of balnce,he stumbled and by chance touched the wire and it turned out to a snake,the crowd was afraid and ran in any directions they can make and a lot was then suffered…Weeeeeeee weeeeeee weeeeeee. Weeeeeee I just opened my eyes,and to my surprise,I was in the hospital,having a cut from my forehead and broken leg due to stampede.
It was really horrible experience.unforgettable venture and unbelievable scenarios,,,but it happened,,,the magic continues……
THE END
Why is the USA not considered to be criminal?
In the Ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case of Nicaragua v. the United States of America, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Reports 1986, p. 14, § 118, quoted the leadership of the Central Intelligence Agency on the situation of inciting revolutionary actions: In the section “Control of mass gatherings and gatherings of people” the following instructions are given: “If possible, professional criminals are hired to perform special, specific “tasks”. Others are given special tasks to create “martyrs” for the cause, which will lead to clashes between demonstrators and the authorities, riots and shootings, during which one or more people will die, who will become “martyrs” in the conflict – this situation must be used immediately against the ruling regime to create even greater conflicts.”
Question: What has changed in the United States that we cannot perceive them as criminals?
Chinese Pepper Steak
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless beef round steak
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 red or green bell peppers, cut into strips
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
Instructions
- Trim fat from steak; slice into thin strips.
- Combine steak, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW about 4 hours.
- Turn control to HIGH. Add tomato and bell peppers.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water in small bowl; stir into steak mixture.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened.
- Stir in bean sprouts. Sprinkle with onions.
- Serve with rice.
Since Trump is threatening the entire world with trade sanctions, why doesn’t the world just cut off all trade with the US immediately, and see how Americans like it? I suspect the world could manage just fine without trade with the US, actually.
Trump has nothing at all to lose!!!!
That is his biggest brahmastra here
He doesn’t have another term as President and he couldn’t give a rats ass if the Democrats sweep into power in 2028
He is 78 years old now
He will probably die or become too senile by his mid 80s which is 10 years off
So he will take every measure possible which could give him a 5% chance of creating a strong legacy or a 95% chance of making the US a Global Pariah
Not to mention, ensuring the family Trump have a huge nest egg of legitimately extorted money which they can use to further their own causes
Who else is in such a position?
Putin and Russia
Russia has cut off all dependency on the West and US and can flip the middle finger to Trump easily
Russia can deliver a major military blow to the US if the US wag their tail too much in Europe plus Russia has at least 3500–4000 Working Nuclear Weapons
Hence Trump knows Putin is in the same “Nothing to Lose” Mode
34 African Nations
They are weaned off the US and frankly couldn’t care less
Their Food, Water and Support lines are now firmly from Russia, China and the BRICS nations
Kim is another who can flip his finger to Trump because he has nothing to lose
Apart from these 36 nations, nobody else is in a position to flip off Trump
Trump doesn’t care because the impact of all these sanctions and tariffs on the US economy will be felt in a big manner after 3–4 years by which time Trump will be gone and the next guy will face the blame
Take China
A 60% Tariff on Chinese Exports to the US would reduce the GDP growth of China by as much as 15% or 0.75% a year for the next 6 years
That could cost China almost 6 Trillion RMB over the next 6 years
Any countermeasures by China could take upto 3 years to really sink in by which time Trump would be on his way out and couldn’t really care less
Take India
A 20% Tariff on Indian Service Exports and a 10% Tariff on Indian Goods could lead to the rupee weakening by 5.7% a year for the next 6 years , from 1 USD = ₹87.48 to 1 USD = ₹122 by 2031
That would mean higher import bills and inflation averaging 7.44% a year instead of 5.74% a year otherwise estimated
This alone would mean a real food inflation of more than 9.00% a year
Our defense import bill would rise by almost 26% in the next 4/5 years
BJP could be DECIMATED in future elections
So right now , Trump is in a unique position to bully the world
China doesn’t mind because they are long term planners and they want a Weak US and believe Trump will lead to a weaker and hated US which is all they want
They are prepared for short term pain of 4 years
India is terrified because Indian Economy is already in problems and if Trump decides to hit India with even a 20% Tariffs in service exports or 10% in Goods exports, it would be way worse
So Modi has no option but to bend the knee and crawl
A Stronger PM would have agreed to five years of pain and weaned India from the US and the Dollar but unfortunately we haven’t had such a Leader since 1984 or 2004
Canada and Mexico are deeply dependent on the US and they will be hurt badly
So they will be forced to bend the knee and crawl
The Good news is Trump will definitely lead to lesser trust and more anger against the US and this will definitely cause China and Russia and the Multipolar world to have their stock rise up in the next decade