Weather can be funny sometimes.
When I was a boy going to work, the unique geography and the time had me walking against the wind on the way to work, and then on the way home, the wind direction would reverse, and yet again, I would be walking against the wind. It was like a scene from the Simpsons.
Then I went to Syracuse University. Certainly, the same conditions applied. Going to class, I had to walk uphill with the winds blowing down hill, making every step harder. And then again, going home, sure it was downhill… on ice. Now that was a real challenge. I’ll tell you what.
Then during the 1990’s, when I lived in Indiana, we had this weird weather inversion. Sure, there were many such events. Like an ICE STORM that lasted one night, but put the entire community of Kokomo under frozen glass for a month. But, you know, I well remember how every single weekend, from March to October it rained. Not one sunny day on the weekends. It got so bad that the television announcers were making running jokes about it, and employees started to take personal days off during the week. And yeah. You guessed it, HR had to write a memo discouraging people from that practice.
Weather.
I’ve lived though tornadoes. And ice storms. and North-Easters, and heat spells of drought. And everything in between. But even then… I have to tell youse guys; with each and every unique experience (which may or may not bring hardship) came a period of good memories. From warm fires at the fireplace, to fresh morning air in the Spring.
You cannot appreciate the good, until you experience the bad.
Today…
Kevin Samuels: She’s 40, Overweight & Wants a Man for “Adult Time” | Reality Hits FAST
What is the implication of Saudi Arabia refusing to renew the petrodollar agreement?
Look
This was going to happen anyway
This isn’t 1974 anymore
Today we have so many resilient emerging economies – China at the top , then even India with its 300+ Million potential customers , Brazil and even a handful of African countries
What has Saudi actually done?
Saudi has simply said they won’t price Oil exclusively in US Dollars anymore
They didn’t say they won’t accept US Dollars anymore. Just that they won’t price Oil in USD anymore.
This means Saudi will price their Oil in Riyals and each Country can pay for Oil the equivalent in their home currency based on the exchange rate between the Riyal and the home currency.
Later on if things proceed, Saudi may price their Oil in a new basket of Currencies based on the BRICS exchange system
Until a few days ago, Saudi priced it’s oil in Dollars and every nation paid based on the Dollar rate to it’s foreign currency
For instance – until 2023, Saudi sold Oil to China priced in Dollars per Barrel for which China paid in RMB based on the RMB to USD rate
Saudi imported Chinese Goods priced in RMB and paid in RMB based again on the RMB to USD rate
The Riyal was never used
Thus the Riyal to RMB rate doesn’t exist even if there is a massive volume of trade between Saudi and China
The Riyal to Rupee rate doesn’t exist even though there is a lot of trade between India and China
The Biggest drawback was that Saudi was forced to keep all it’s Assets in US Banks under US control where US could seize the money based on any random whim and lie and cheat the Saudis and steal their money
Now Saudi can keep RMB, Rubles, Reals, Rupee and other currencies and trade with each Country in their own currencies using Oil as a price mechanism
Its a new world and a new system of money
The World doesn’t trust the US anymore. That’s the greatest advantage
~Traveling~
Written in response to: “Write an open-ended story in which your character’s fate is uncertain.“
Jim Parker
~Traveling~
Debbie put her darling SUV, Miss Interceptor, on cruise control and held up her right hand. “We are exactly half way there …right… Now!”
Shewuma took her right foot off of the dashboard and turned in the passenger seat to pose a question. “Why do you always get to drive? Sometimes somebody else might want to.”
“A year, 1 month and 2 days ago, you didn’t even know how to drive,” Debbie answered flatly.
“Well I do now. So I ask again, why do you always get to drive?”
“Because it’s my truck.”
“Then next time we go on a trip, we’ll take my Trans Am and I’ll drive.”
“Good luck with that.” Said Jim from the bucket seat behind her. “I’ve been with her since we were kids and I’ve only driven once.”
“She let you drive. I’m surprised. What was the occasion?” David E. asked from the bucket seat next to him.
“When we went to the Desert to find the Crystal Skulls and kill Lucy Lange. I drove while she and Malachi did their hocus pocus.”
“Jim.” Shewuma looked around the seat at him. “Stay on point.” She narrowed her focus on Debbie. “I’m serious. I think we should vote or draw straws or something. It’s not fair that you just decide who drives. I normally put up with this Comista of Earth crap, but this is different…Well?”
“Life’s a bitch and then you die.” Debbie said with a hint of a smile.
Wu turned backwards in the seat on her knees looking between Jimmy and David E. for support.
Jimmy was no help saying, “I’m like Bennet, I ain’t in it. She’s supposed to be Mankind’s new destiny? Let her drive.” David E. just shrugged.
“Destiny my ass,” mumbled Shewuma as she sat back down and planted her foot back up on the dashboard.
Debbie glanced over at the short dress riding up, exposing Wu’s panties and commented, “As much as I enjoy the view, decorum Wu.”
“If you get to drive, then I get to flash.”
Jimmy leaned up looking over the seat. “Hey Wu. Put in the Veronica Swift CD.”
“We don’t have a Veronica Swift CD,” said Debbie.
Jim countered, “Yes we do. I got it last month.”
“How? I would know.”
“Surprise Debs. I actually went to a store and bought it in person with money. What do you have against her singing? Did you know she has perfect pitch and plays the trumpet?”
“Yes I do know. Her singing is fine. I don’t care for her outfits and flaunting on stage.”
“Wait a minute. Look at how Elvira dresses and acts on stage and you love her. Reconcile that. I think your being a little too Comista of Earth here, with some I’m all that thrown in.”
Wu added, “See? That’s what I’ve been saying.” Jimmy, Wu and David E. all waited for the avalanche of redress that was sure to follow.
Debbie pondered for a few seconds and surprised them with, “I see your point. Play it Wu. I’ll give her another shot.”
Jimmy was a bit shocked. “I won an argument with you?”
Wu said, “She let you win. She’s being nice because she feels guilty about not letting me drive.”
“Not Hardly.” Debbie answered. “I think your cranky because your horny. Jimmy and I will take care of that when we get to the Reservation.”
Wu purred, “You have my attention. Tell me more.”
“Whoa, whoa!” exclaimed David E. “I’m too old and too straight to be hearing about you three and your kinky sex life.”
Jimmy chimed in. “It’s not kinky. Were married.”
“And three people married is whole other legal issue.”
“You said hole,” Debbie pointed out.
Jimmy and Wu laughed while, hoping to move on, David E. made a suggestion. “Let’s play the game and I have the first one.”
Jimmy and Debbie were in. Wu reluctantly said, “Okay, I guess. But this driving thing isn’t over by a long shot, Debbie.”
“Here’s my question. If you could have lunch with anyone from history, who would it be? Debbie, would you like to go first since you’re the driver?”
“Ha, ha. Funny David E.” said Wu. “But I already know she’ll say Jesus Christ.”
To Jimmy’s surprise as well, Debbie responded, “Actually no. Enoch had dinner with Jesus many times. His memories I carry are just like being there with Jesus myself.”
“What was he like?” asked Jimmy.
“Probably not what you would expect from reading the Bible. He was quite charming and funny.”
Anxious to say her pick, Wu pressed, “Well who then Dibs?”
“Grimsanchis,” Debbie said to no reactions. “You know, the Erran that invented the code to organically program the Quartz Crystal Computers.”
Wu snorted “You’ve become such a nerd Dibs.”
“An extremely hot nerd,” added Jimmy.
“Touché.” Agreed Wu. “So my guy is Genghis Khan.”
“He was kind of a bad guy wasn’t he? He killed millions of people.” David E. argued.
“I don’t think bad is the word?” said Wu. “He was ruthless in warfare, especially if you crossed him, and he was a gifted military innovator. No surprise those traits racked up an unprecedented body count. But to those loyal to him, he was quite generous.”
Debbie added, “He created trade routes between Europe and Asia and established a codified legal system throughout his empire for which he never gets any credit.”
“He also took care of the families of his men that fell in battle.” Said Jimmy.
“See?” Said Wu.
“I’ll have to do some reading on him,” said David E. “My pick is Ben Franklin. Scientist, inventor, writer, politician, businessman. He drafted the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and is the only Founding Father to sign all three documents that freed America from Britain.”
Debbie stated further, “Most people don’t know that Ben Franklin became an outspoken abolitionist later in life and freed his own slaves. He needed Keto though. In pictures he looks like a heart attack waiting to happen. Who’s your pick Jimsy, like I don’t know.”
“Vanessa Williams.”
“And I was right.” Said Debbie.
Shewuma groaned, “Come on Jim.”
David E. intervened. “Hey girls, Vanessa Williams is quite an accomplished business woman, singer, actor, first Black Miss America.”
“He was a kid when she won and then turned up naked in a magazine. He’s been obsessed with her ever since.” Debbie replied.
“I’m not obsessed with her. Why do you always say that?”
“How many posters do you own?”
“Two.”
“What are they?”
“I have a poster of all the major guitar chords and their variations.”
“Come on. What’s the other one?”
Defiantly he said, “Vanessa Williams.”
Wu laughed. “Yes, you are most certainly obsessed. Pick someone else Jim.” He seemed annoyed. “For me and Debbie. Okay?”
“Then I pick Joan of Arc.”
“His other obsession.” Said Debbie.
“At least I picked someone we’ve heard of and not some obscure alien flunky.”
“What the hell did you call him?”
“Alright, alright,” Interrupted Wu. “Let’s change the game. Your favorite joke. David E. you go.”
David E. thought for a moment. “You guys won’t like it. It’s a Catholic thing.” They all insisted he tell it. “Okay. A Catholic Priest was giving a group tour of the Vatican’s lower vaults. The people were astounded as he pointed out row after row of priceless relics, artifacts, and treasures. One man presented a question: So much was just being stored away, why doesn’t the Church sell a tiny portion and use the proceeds to help the needy? In disbelief the Priest answered dismissively, Fuck you!”
Jimmy and Wu were floored. Wu shook her head while Jimmy said, “Damn David E.”
“I told you. You have to be Catholic to appreciate it.” Then Debbie burst out laughing and he added, “Or have Alien DNA apparently. Here’s another one. In school, the Nun asks her class what they want to be when they grow up. Little Mary replies, A prostitute. A what? Demands the Nun, making the sign of the Cross. A prostitute, repeats Mary. Thank god. I thought you said Protestant.”
Jimmy said, “I didn’t know you were Catholic. We’ll talk about that later. Wu, you go before we get struck by lightning.”
“I’m doing two Knock-knock jokes. Knock-knock?” (“Who’s there?” asked David E.) “WAH” (“Wahoo?”) “YIPPIE! I made that up myself.” To mixed reactions she told the next one. “I need to set this up first. It always makes me laugh out loud. In a movie, Tom Hanks is playing this real serious, sour-puss kind of guy. His partners are ragging on him because he never laughs or tells jokes. He says, you want to hear a joke? I got one for you. Knock-knock. (“Who’s there”) “Go fuck yourself.” Wu laughed so hard she barely got the words out.
Everyone else was more amused by her laughing than the joke itself. Jimmy said, “Time for a real joke. A Trucker in a semi sees someone in distress and pulls off the road. The man is naked and hog tied on his knees all bent over. What happened to you, asked the trucker? A car ran me off the road. Two men dragged me back in the woods, took my money and clothes, beat me and left me like this. I’ve spent the last 2 hours crawling out here using my knees and forehead.” The trucker pulled down his zipper and said, “Buddy, this just ain’t your day.”
They couldn’t help laughing. Debbie and Wu looked at each other and said in unison, “Not rude, not crude, just nasty.”
“Debbie, you’re up.” Said Jim.
“I have two. A photon walks into a hotel. The desk clerk says, do you need help with your luggage? The photon says, No thanks, I’m traveling light.” They all chuckled as she went into the next one. “A neutron walks into a bar and asks, How much for a beer? The bartender says, For you, no charge.”
Jimmy and David E. laughed, but Shewuma said, “Don’t you have a joke that’s not nerdy?”
“Sure Wu. A Buddhist walks up to a hot dog vendor and says, Make me one with everything.”
Wu laughed, but David E. looked stumped. “I don’t get it.”
“Think about it David E.,” said Debbie.
Jimmy said, “What’s your favorite song Debs?”
Debbie responded, “I’m torn between, Led Zeppelin, Ramble On and The Immigrant Song ?”
“I’m not surprised, you and your Classic Rock. But you have to pick one.”
“No I don’t.”
“No she doesn’t,” echoed Wu.
“Alright then. The Comista of Earth has spoken. How about yours David E.? I’m guessing a little Frank.” Asked Jimmy.
Without hesitation David E. picked, “The Waters of March by Eliane Elias.”
“Ahh. Eliane Elias. I should have known.”
Debbie went to Wu. “What yours Sweety?”
“I have a tie. Two By Ella Fitzgerald. Love for Sale and Miss Otis Regrets.”
“Another double. Jim your next. And I think I know what it is,” Said Debbie.
“Allman Brothers, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.”
Wu piped up, “That doesn’t have any lyrics. How can your favorite song not have lyrics?”
“Are you kidding. Your two songs are about a hooker and a woman who murders her husband.”
David E. began to laugh out loud. “What the hell is so funny about my song picks, David E.?”
“No, I just got Debbie’s joke about the Buddhist.”
Leaning over the front seat, Wu went into full tickle mode on Jimmy’s ribs. Trying to fend her off, he turned to face David E. and could barely get out the words, “Explain it to me David E.”
The road had opened up so Debbie down shifted and punched it, throwing Wu over and into Jimmy’s lap. Jimmy and Shewuma’s tickle fest was interrupted by the intensity of Debbie’s voice. “Guys. I think we have trouble. All 4 peered through the windshield at the northern sky as a dot heading toward them grew larger.
“It’s just a chopper Debs.” Said Jimmy.
Shewuma went for her bow and quiver. “What’s up Dibs? Trouble?”
Debbie pulled the van over. “They’re hailing me on an emergency government frequency. I’m checking their computer. No missiles are armed.”
Wu opened the side door and jumped out nocking an arrow. Jimmy followed her saying, “There are two in the front. I don’t see anyone manning the 50 cal.” Then put one in the chamber of his .45.
Debbie came around the front of the truck. “Guys. They’re from the USSF. Here to see David E.” The three stood protectively in front of David E. as the passing traffic slowed down to ogle the odd scene of a chopper landing in a whirlwind next to the freeway.
Two Black-Ops soldiers approached them warily, hands on their holstered weapons. “Were here to see the Command Sergeant Major.” He held out a piece of folded paper. David E. went for it but Jimmy’s hand to his chest stopped him.
“I’ll take that,” said Debbie. She read the hand written note and handed it to David E. Telepathically she said to all three. “This seems on the up-and-up. It’s a message from Wisty. But stay frosty. I don’t trust them or her.”
Wu responded silently, “You getting any bad vibes?”
“No. Nothing.”
“I got this,” said Jim. With blurred precision he immobilized the pilot with a full nelson. The partner was pulling his pistol when Debbie put him down with a purposely gentle but effective spinning kick to the head. She took his gun and put one foot on the back of his neck telling him, “Now you be still.”
Jimmy tightened up, eliciting a groan from his captive. “I’m going to ask you a question and this beautiful young lady is an empath. If you lie, she will know. Understand?” The man nodded yes frantically. Wu touched his neck while Jimmy asked, “What’s your mission here?”
“We were to deliver this message to David E. Major and bring him back to the Cave if he were amenable.”
“The Cave?” Jim asked.
David E. explained. “It’s what we call the underground facility outside of Philly.”
“What’s the word Wu?”
“He’s not lying Jim. And he’s scared shitless.”
Debbie backed up and the soldier got up gingerly. Jimmy released his man and disarmed him as he pushed him away. They both unloaded the service revolvers and returned them. “What’s the note say David E.?”
“Wisty. She says she may lose the baby. Wants me to come right away. I need to go. What do you guys think?”
Jim said, “You got to go man.”
“Bullshit!” Interrupted Wu. “This stinks to high heaven. You can’t trust her and we don’t even know if it’s her note.”
He looked at Debbie. “David E., you have to do what you feel is right. That is her handwriting.”
“Yeah,” David E. whispered pensively. Then repeated, “Yeah, it’s hers.” What else could he do? “I’m going.” Wu reacted heavily. “I have no choice Wu.”
Debbie told him telepathically, “I’m going to stay locked on to you for a while. Anything smells fishy, just holler and we’ll come running.”
“Thanks Deb.” He kissed her cheek and gave a reassuring hug to Shewuma.
Shewuma pointed her finger at the soldiers and spoke harshly. “Anything happens to this man and I will hunt you two down. Understand?”
“Yes Ma’am,” they both answered.
From the back of the chopper, David E. watched as his three companions grew smaller and then disappeared in the distance. The copilot answered his headset. “10-4. We have The Command Sergeant Major and we’re enroute.” After a pause he said. “Repeat that?… Copy.” David E. saw the man turning in his seat and heard the words, “Sorry buddy,” before blacking out.
Project Ancient Arrow | The NSA’s Secret War Against Our Future
What went wrong with RadioShack?
I am what I am because of Radio Shack! From a very your age I have been an electronics guy. I used Radio Shack parts over and over to fix anything and everything. Resistors, Capacitors, Transistors, you name it and Radio Shack sold those parts at one time. I have probably fixed tens of thousands of items. My record 17 TVs in 24 hours.
At age 10, I was the envy of my neighborhood because of my stereo equipment. Being the dumpster diver I still am. I pulled a complete system form a dumpster in Memphis Tennessee. That at that time was worth over a $1000.00 The speakers were blown, and the Amplifier shorted. Being a Navy Brat gave me access to the Millington Naval Air Station Hobby shop, but they didn’t carry the parts that a Radio Shack did. But they did have patrons that knew things I didn’t. I was taught how to recone Those expensive speakers. I had to count those turns of coated copper wire. Glue the cone back into the steel frames, and resolder the ends of the cooper to the terminals.
I credit my father for teaching me how to read a multimeter. His Military rate no longer exist in the US. Navy, he was a Tradesman with over 25 years when he retired. I surpassed him at age 15. And he admitted it. After he discovered the FM BUG my brother and I hide in my parents bedroom.
But I know what killed Radio Shack and what cause it’s slow death. Integrated Circuits. At Radio Shack you could buy a Transistors as an example a 2N3055. Pretty basic transistor. Now imagine 1000 of those miniaturized onto a single sheet. Today’s modern technology exists because of this.
The first thing I noticed that was Radio Shacks mistake was having employees that knew nothing about electronics, but they could sell you a battery. This was around the 1980s. By 2000 it became harder and harder to buy the components and fix electronics. The rules/ laws of electronics has never changed!
Yet even now using a microscope I can change a transistor the size of flea on a washing machine circuit board. I make money daily repairing things that others don’t. It is the core of my business ,this knowledge. Now 99% of my parts are from Ebay, or Amazon. But I have my collection of circuit boards that I reuse parts from. In electronics sometimes there are known common failures in manufactured items. I exploit those with my knowledge of electronics and fix those mistakes so they don’t happen again. And I make a good living doing it. Example a 1/4 watt resistor installed where a 1/2 watt should be there. There are 2 or 3 popular refrigerator brands that have these failures. Is it planned that they fail just outside of warranty? Maybe!
How much garbage is there in the landfills because of lack of knowledge by consumers. A common failure of something as simple as a Walmart coffee maker. A 12 cent part that makes them work for another 5 years? A thermistor. Yes a heat sensitive fuse. 4 screws and even without soldering skills you cut out the old one and crimp in a new one. And yes Radio Shack at one time sold this part.
In reality what killed Radio Shack was a combination of factors. Mindless consumerism. Lack of Knowledge, and ICs. So many things stacked against them! I tried my best in 2010 to help the owner of a local Radio Shack. I told him I could increase his business if he would hire me. Because he had a young man that could sell ice to eskimos. Along with that and my knowledge we could educate some to repair their items. But he didn’t listen. I said all he had to do was sell back lights for every brand of TV sold at the local Walmart and he would have a line of customers. He laughed. But before his death from COVID in 2021 he called me and said he was mistaken. When that Radio Shack was closed everything in it was sold, and I got my share, and make money from those parts. Down to the lowliest FUSE even today.
I will probably continue repairing things until my death. Simply because every repair I do is a challenge. Can I Make it Work Again!
Why do people say the Irish Potato Famine was more of a man-made disaster than just a crop failure?
Because it was “men” who stopped the successful Quaker soup kitchens that previously fed millions without “conditions”.
Because it was “men” who decided that if Catholics wanted to live, they had to first renounce their faith and convert. Men who devised and ran the “Take the Soup” campaign, using hunger as a tool.
Because it was “men” who decided that those trying to support their family shouldn’t be helped in any way, instead, they needed to work physically harder for meagre rations, building walls and roads to nowhere that serve no purpose, or erecting a folly for people with more money than humanity.
Because it was “men” who set up the workhouses, which were described as “the most feared and hated institution ever established in Ireland” and yet so often used in desperation.
Because it was “men” who controlled famine policy in Ireland.
Because it was a “man” who told the British public that Irish people could survive the famine by eating grass.
Because it was “men” who took the plentiful food away and shipped it to Britain.
Because it was a “man” who decided to replace the edible exported crops with cheap imported Indian corn that needed to be ground first into meal to make it edible, and the mills in Ireland were not equipped for the task.
Do you need me to give you a full breakdown of the history of the Irish famine? Or is it sufficient to say, whilst blight caused the crop failure, aside from that, it was “man-made”. It was men who created all the death and destruction. From the need to survive on potatoes, the man who transported potatoes to Ireland, even the person who transported the blight to Europe, ultimately, it was men who made a bad situation far worse in Ireland. So the Irish Famine was very much “man-made” and that should never be forgotten.
Is it true that China is subsidising its industry? How can it still be profitable? Why should consumers, who benefit, get upset?
Okay, so why’s everyone mad about China giving subsidies to its industries when places like the States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea do it too?
It’s all about why they’re doing it and how it messes with the game
—
What’s the deal with subsidies?
- US, Germany, Japan, South Korea: They once threw money at companies like Ford, Volkswagen, or shipbuilders to create jobs, boost the economy, and maybe sneak in some perks—like cushy jobs for some politician’s clueless nephew or campaign cash for lawmakers (or downright bribes)
- China: Sure, they want jobs and growth too, but they also use subsidies to sell stuff super cheap and still make a profit. It’s like a trick called price gouging. Their products—often top-notch these days—hit the market so cheap that they crush everyone else.
This cheap pricing feels unfair.
Picture you own a hair salon, paying big bucks for rent, so you charge 50 dollars a haircut.
Then, the guy next door gets his premises, rent free from his uncle who owns the mall and charges 30 dollars for the same haircut while still making money.
You’re toast!
That’s why groups like unions or trade associations set minimum prices—so everyone competes on quality, not just who can charge less
—
Europe’s beef:
Europe’s like, “China, subsidize your electric cars all you want, but don’t sell them dirt cheap to kill our market. Charge a fair price!”
They don’t care if Chinese companies rake in profits—they just want a level playing field where it’s about who makes the best car.
Chinese EVs are as good as fancy Volkswagens but priced like basic Toyotas, and in capitalism, that’s seen as cheating
China’s side:
China’s like, “We gotta do this!”
They’re the new kids in a market ruled by Europe and the States, so they use low prices to get noticed.
They also point out Japan did the same thing with cars and electronics back in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Plus, they think Europe’s just salty because Chinese EVs are awesome and got a head start
If China was selling their godawful ICE cars with copied designs at even a 80% discount, Europe wouldn’t blink.
So, China says cheap prices are how they win and keep markets
—
My ten cents:
I get why China’s doing it, and honestly, I’m kinda on their side here.
Cheap EVs mean regular people can afford cars—paying six months’ salary instead of two years’.
That’s more like socialism, putting people over big business profits or political games.
I’m cool with that, even if it shakes up the “fair” capitalist rulebook
What has Dolly Parton said about the Whitney Houston version of “I Will Always Love You” as she wrote it and recorded it first?
Dolly Parton said the following in an interview a few years ago about how she feels about Whitney Houston’s version of the song, and specifically about the first time that she heard it:
“They needed a song for ‘The Bodyguard’ and thought my song would be good for it. So they asked me about it and I sent it. And then I forgot about it.
“Then I was driving home in Nashville and I heard it on the radio. It rang a bell but it didn’t hit right away because she was kind of talking it.Then all of a sudden it went into the “I will always love you” part and I had to pull off to the side of the road to listen to it. Seriously.
It was one of the most overwhelming feelings that I have ever had. To hear it done so well, so beautifully, so big… I had no idea that I could write a song that could be so important. And I didn’t; I think she just took it and made it so much more than it ever would have been. I don’t think I’ll ever have such a thrill and a joy as a songwriter. I don’t think I’ll have a bigger thrill… ever.”
I do feel that Dolly was selling herself short as many people felt her version was great and important. But she obviously is sincerely a huge fan of Whitney’s cover.
Dolly has also used much of the profits from Whitney’s version to build and maintain an office complex in a predominantly black neighborhood in Nashville. She calls it “The House that Whitney Built.”
So she has thought very highly of the version since she first heard it and it has helped improve a neighborhood in Whitney’s honor.
This is a photo of Dolly presenting Whitney with a Grammy for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” for the song in 1994.
Picture
Pretty cool cats.
Chicken, Broccoli and Mushroom Pie
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Cheese Crust
- 1 cup lightly packed shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 1 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whipping cream
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 2 cups chopped, cooked broccoli
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- 1 cup lightly packed shredded Swiss cheese (4 ounces)
Instructions
Cheese Crust
- Using pastry blender, combine cheese, flour, salt, dry mustard and melted butter. Press dough evenly into bottom and up sides of a 10 inch pie plate.
Filling
- Sprinkle chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bake in a 375 degrees F oven for 25 minutes or until done.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into cubes; set aside. (You should have about 1 1/4 cups cubed chicken.)
- Melt butter in a skillet. Over medium heat, sauté onion and mushrooms in butter for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in flour. Add cream, 1 teaspoon salt, nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 1 minute. (Mixture doesn’t thicken.)
- Add broccoli, eggs and chicken cubes; blend well.
- Stir in Romano cheese. Set aside.
- Line crust with shredded Swiss cheese.
- Pour broccoli-chicken mixture into cheese lined crust.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F; bake for 20 minutes or until set.
A Dog’s Purpose (2017) – Bailey Comes Home Scene (10/10) | Movieclips
Title: Sir Whiskerton and the Cluck of the Irish
Ah, dear reader, prepare for a tale of emerald deception, poultry pageantry, and the most legally dubious St. Patrick’s Day celebration ever to ruffle feathers on the farm. Today’s adventure stars The Valley Chicks, whose “Lucky Cluck” festival becomes a masterclass in questionable luck and unquestionable grift. So grab your shillelagh (or a reasonable stick substitute), and join us for The Cluck of the Irish—where gold is corn, taxes are fake, and the only thing green is the farmer’s envy.
Act 1: The Festival of False Fortune
The Valley Chicks—Tiffany, Brittany, and Madison—had big plans.
- Tiffany: “Like, obvi we’re basically Irish. We love rainbows, and clover is totally a vibe.”
- Brittany: “Our pot of gold is gonna be so Insta-famous!” (It was popcorn dyed with turmeric.)
- Madison: “Hashtag Cluckin’ Lucky!”
Their festival featured:
- A “Kiss the Rooster” booth (Elvis wore green sequins and charged three corn kernels per smooch).
- A “Pin the Tail on the Leprechaun” game (the “leprechaun” was Gnomeo in a hat).
- Lucifer the Chipmunk, who set up a “Lucky Licensing Office” and demanded “leprechaun taxes” from all attendees.
- Lucifer: “This immortal requires tribute! Also, have you heard about our lord and savior tax evasion?”
Act 2: The Scam of the Century
Lucifer’s “taxes” included:
- 10% of all egg profits (Doris nearly fainted).
- One “lucky” acorn per animal (Rufus ate his and demanded a refund).
- Exclusive rights to rainbows (Bessie protested: “That’s, like, nature, man!”).
Meanwhile, the “pot of gold” was stolen by Mr. Ducky, who sold it back to the chicks as “Authentic Leprechaun Corn™.”
- Mr. Ducky: “Limited-time offer! Also, it’s definitely not yours.”
Act 3: The Luck of the Farmer
Just as the festival descended into anarchy over imaginary taxes, the Farmer—utterly oblivious—wandered by holding a real four-leaf clover.
- The Farmer: “Huh. Would ya look at that.”
- Tiffany: [Gasping] “OMG, we manifested that! We’re the lucky charms!”
- Sir Whiskerton: “No, Tiffany. That’s called grass. Sometimes it mutates.”
Lucifer, sensing his scheme collapsing, declared the clover “holy” and tried to charge admission to see it.
- Lucifer: “For five kernels, you may bask in its glory!”
- Porkchop: [Eating the clover] “Tastes like… justice.”
The Moral (and the Post-Credit Shenanigans)
Moral: Luck is great… but a good lawyer is better. (Or at least a pig who eats evidence.)
Post-Credit Scene:
The Valley Chicks sue Lucifer in “Farm Court” (judged by Sir Whiskerton). The verdict? “Everyone’s guilty, especially the duck.”
Best Lines:
- “Like, obvi we’re basically Irish.” – Tiffany, heritage enthusiast
- “This immortal requires tribute!” – Lucifer, tiny tyrant
- “Tastes like… justice.” – Porkchop, clover connoisseur
Starring:
- The Valley Chicks (Festival Flops)
- Lucifer the Chipmunk (Scammer Supreme)
- The Farmer (Accidentally Lucky)
Why It’s Hilarious:
- Absurdity: A chipmunk taxing rainbows.
- Character Chaos: Mr. Ducky’s grifts, Porkchop’s snack-based justice.
- Happy Ending: The farmer’s clover proves real luck needs no hashtags.
Now, go forth—and may your luck be less litigious. 🍀🐔💰
Deep Dish Hamburger Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can green beans
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the meat and add your seasonings.
- Stir in enough ketchup to suit your taste.
- Add green beans and stir in well.
- Place this mixture in a casserole dish and top with the mashed taters and then top that with the cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees F until heated through and cheese is browned.
What is the biggest modern medical scam? What is the biggest medical scam throughout history?
Hands down, the one perpetrated by this woman, and her company, Theranos:
She had a multi-billion (I’d hazard trillion, at its end-state) dollar asset.
A medical diagnostics system termed Edison that could give you a complete array of findings from a single drop of blood, not that much greater than what a diabetic would use to test their glucose levels on a day-to-day basis.
As someone working in medicine, the implications of such a tool floored me (and evidently, many others) at the time that one Elizabeth Holmes came out with this news.
Normally, the tests that Holmes’ device could do easily required large quantities of a patient’s blood, were more invasive, and according to her, less accurate than her tech.
Doctors and nurses everywhere would be saved inordinate amounts of time, and patients would have to fear the needle far less.
To put it in perspective:
Astounding, to say the least.
Investors piled on in the droves, and Holmes’ net worth soared to a total of 4.5 billion US dollars at its peak. The company itself had a total valuation of 10 billion, with annual revenues in the hundreds of millions.
Her exec consisted of an odd patchwork of previous US senators, ex-Navy Admirals, CEOs, and even James Mattis. Calling it a high-ranking spread would be an understatement.
Walgreens even set up Theranos “wellness clinics” in anticipation of the utterly revolutionary product.
Holmes was the next Steve Jobs/Bill Gates/whoever the hell has ever been successful to such an astounding degree. It is likely she would have even made them seem like antiquated relics in the world of big tech, which is just astonishing when you think about it.
To boot, she was a female trailblazer in an area of business dominated by men, so there was a fair bit of political push behind her as well.
But, of course, it was all a lie.
The tech never, ever, ever existed.
Elaborate techy looking set-ups were put in place at their swanky headquarters and labs, employees were compartmentalized in their jobs such that no one could identify the blatant lack of a product, and test results were fudged to keep investors on the hooks.
It looks somewhat technically capable at a first glance:
But she didn’t get away with it forever.
The machines began failing regulatory inspections, employees were sequentially laid off, and the litigation began to ensue.
In waaaaaaves.
As of October 2019, Holmes faces 20 years in prison, without any current legal representation. She hadn’t been paying her legal team for over a year.
If a historical Chinese person were to time travel to the present day, would he be able to understand modern Mandarin?
It depends on the period.
During the Ming Dynasty (around 600 years ago), verbal communication wasn’t a big problem. In the Song and Tang Dynasties (1000 to 1500 years ago), it varied by region—dialectal communication might have been relatively easy in some areas, but speaking in what we now call Mandarin would have been difficult.
However, as long as it’s not earlier than 2000 years ago, communication wouldn’t be a major issue, because writing could always be used instead.
The image above shows the inscription “People’s Bank of China” on modern Chinese currency.
(Any Chinese person who has attended elementary school can understand both）
The calligraphy style used for that inscription comes from the Stele of Zhang He-Ru (张黑女碑)—note that “黑女” is not read as Hei Nv, but rather He Ru.
Any earlier would be very difficult. Beyond 2,500 years ago, I think an ordinary person like me would already be out of their depth.
As for texts from 3,000 years ago, hardly anyone in China today can even understand the writing from that time.
Are you happy that the Big Beautiful Bill has passed?
This image of congressman Jimmy Gomez after the House vote on the Big Ugly Bill perfectly sums feelings of many U.S. citizens who actually know what’s in the Bill.
While MAGA Republicans are certainly happy that they managed to deliver the Bill to Trump, for his July 4 triumphant signing.
Republicans are celebrating the passage of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history to pay for the largest tax break for billionaires in American history.
Meanwhile, economists warn of the long-term consequences of increasing the U.S. debt.
And while experts talk about the impact of the bill on the U.S. economy, there are also social consequences: Project 2025 is now in full effect.
It’s official.
The U.S. is the only developed nation without universal healthcare — and now they did something no developed nation has ever done before: moved further away from universal coverage.
Once Trump signs the “Big Ugly Bill” — which he intends to do on July 4th — immigration enforcement becomes a militarized purge machine, funded at $170B.
The U.S. will be spending more to chase immigrants than most nations spend defending their entire country.
But there will be huge tax cuts for billionaires. Help the greedy and screw the needy.
Will the Dalai Lama’s succession plans clash with China?
There are 3 million people in Tibet, China, and about 1 million Tibetan Buddhists, who are not influenced by the 14th Dalai Lama.
In addition, as young Tibetans become more educated, they no longer believe in any religion. Lhasa has been integrated with the international community.
Tibetan young people, like young people all over the world, like to play mobile games, drink, sing karaoke, dance hip-hop, buy trendy gadgets, and watch pornographic movies with VPN (but not drugs).
They are no different from the fashionable young people in New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Just as fewer young people in the Western World go to church, Tibetan Buddhism is losing its appeal to young Tibetans.
In 1956, there were about 80,000 to 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who followed the 14th Dalai Lama to India. Today, most of them have left, leaving only a few thousand.
It is impossible to promote Tibetan Buddhism in India with only these few thousand people. Moreover, India is a extremely Hindu nationalist country and will not allow Tibetan Buddhism to spread in India. In addition, because Tibetans look the same as Chinese, Indians have racial discrimination against people from northeastern states, including Tibetans.
The so-called Dalai Lama succession plan is nothing more than choosing a new leader for these thousands of people. People living in Tibet will not recognize the successor chosen by the 14th Dalai Lama.
However, it is impossible for a newcomer to lead tens of thousands of exiles. Most of the temples in Dharamsala are deserted, but there are signs of a Hindu revival. The followers of the 14th Dalai Lama will leave the hilltop town of Dharamsala after his death because few are willing to continue living a repressive life there.
Therefore, no matter what the 14th Dalai Lama does, it will not have any impact on China. It is just a small wave in the long river of time and cannot cause any waves at all.
How is it possible that while Russia and China are barely able to create 5th generation fighter jets, the USA is already in the beginning stages of building 7th generation fighters?
Well now, let us put it in plain words – and in new words.
The fighter jets began out simple flying machines: metal bodies with a spinning propellor coupled with a gun attached. Then the jet engines came and it was not just airplanes anymore because now there were people in missiles. The major transitions were all referred to as a new generation. Quicker, more brutal, more Greater. Such legends as F-4 Phantom and MiG-21 dominated the sky during their epoch.
Then the game turned with a stealth. It ceased going to the speed side of things and became who was able to hide. The US dumped massive heaps of finances on it and created the F-22 and F-35 planes, which were so surreptitious that they could engage the strike and nobody in the world even noticed that they appeared there.
Russia developed Su-57, however, the question is how many of them? Too pricey. China, however, managed to stage a surprise act with the J-20 getting a real 5th-gen jet flying much faster than most observers anticipated, as well.
It is now rattling on about 6th-gen. It is no longer the case of a single hero jet. Imagine convoys of warrior jets and drones all connected observing and attacking in unity. It is not speed that would save you but having a sense of being plugged into the team.
This is what is going to happen. And it is not far off.
What are some things that most people get wrong about Russia?
Many believe that Napoleon and Hitler’s invasions of Russia failed solely due to the harsh winters. While winter played a part, their downfall was more complex.(Read Full)
THIS IS HOW RUSSIANS MASSACRE PIRATES AT SEA (REAL FOOTAGE)
For the Record
Written in response to: “Write an open-ended story in which your character’s fate is uncertain.“
Jan Keifer
I finish cleaning up the living room and I straighten up the kitchen and fix dinner. I am halfway through the dinner when I hear the most awful noise outside. My guest runs to the window and gestures for me to come over and see. I walk over and pull the curtains back. I see my neighbor dragging something heavy across his backyard. He tosses it into a large hole that he had obvious dug during the day. He covers the something up and goes back in the house. My neighbor has always buried trash in his backyard so I tell my houseguest that it is nothing new and not to worry about the neighbor’s strange habits. I live in a rural section and we do not have trash pick up in our area. So you either haul it to a dumpster, burn it, or bury it. He takes my word for it and heads back to the kitchen while I continue to prepare our meal.
I wake up the next morning and get out of the house on time. I had fixed the bathroom door the night before, so that the latch would not catch and trap my new houseguest. I go to work and cannot get the neighbor’s actions off of my mind. I am distracted all day. I finally tell my boss that I have to leave. I rush to my car and head straight home.
The house looks the same as always and I don’t see my fellow looking out the window when I arrive. I open the door and he plows past me, heading to the backyard. When I find him he is in the neighbor’s yard furiously digging. To my horror, a hand appears in the dirt and my new friend looks up at me and barks. We run back into the house and I call the Police. I pat my new fellow on the head and he looks up at me and grins with his tongue hanging out of his mouth while wagging his tail.
Have you ever walked out of an interview?
I had an interviewer who thought being a dick was the key to interviewing someone.
He challenged everything I said, implying it was either insignificant, or that I was lying.
I kept my game face on for a majority of the interview, then realized, “If he’s this bad during an interview, what is he going to be like as a boss?”
Finally, while he was ranting about something, I did a time-out hand gesture.
Then I said, “I can tell this isn’t going to be the right fit for me. Let’s just call it now.”
He seemed stunned when I did this, and as I got up to leave he said, “Did I do something wrong?”
I said, “Yes,” and just kept walking out. No regrets.