The house where I spent the majority of my time growing up in elementary school and High School was in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. It was a small town. Perhaps 6000 people total. And it was a great place to raise a family in the 1960’s.
It was safe, surrounded by woods, trees and farms. It had tons of places to hike and explore, with hills, springs and adventures all around the place.
Hot Summer days, walking down the railroad tracks though hills and rail-lines were a staple of my childhood. And just like the movie “Stand by me” it was an important part of childhood.
A childhood that is now lost.
Enjoy today’s post.
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole – “What A Wonderful World” Video
Why is China seemingly so capable at doing almost anything it puts its mind to? What is the secret?
One Word – ONE PARTY MERITOCRACY
Power only for those who are deemed WORTHY of it
Each one doing what he is best suited for based on SHEER ABILITY
Talent identified and promoted regardless of any other criteria
The New Side to Autocracy that the whole world missed due to the Mismanagement of the USSR
The Principles of Chinese One Party Meritocracy includes:—
- A Prosperous Populace is a Productive Populace
- A Well Fed Populace is a satisfied Populace
- Wealth that helps People grow and evolve, helps the economy grow and helps technology grow
You notice something?
No Mention of Freedom Or Equality or Gender and Race related politics
No Mention of Religion or Culture or Tradition
No Mention about Social Justice
It’s just Prosperity, Prosperity and Prosperity that is the primary goal.
Once Prosperity comes, everything else automatically comes naturally through evolution
Take USA?
It’s always Freedom, Equality and Diversity
That is a huge blow to meritocracy and ability
So Government couldn’t impose a good lockdown because people cried for Freedom to choose masks and 1.5 Million Americans died.
Researchers with amazing potential are finding that less talented researchers are landing good gigs because of Race and Gender
Thus there is Brain Drain for the first time since 1950
Take India?
It’s always Appeasement, Social Justice and Filthy Cesspit Politics
That is also a huge blow to Meritocracy
Again the Government couldn’t do anything during Covid II because an effective lockdown couldn’t be imposed due to Opposition Politics
Research is stifled due Casteism and Reservations
You see?
Every Decision in the Democracies is based on Politics, Elections, Appeasement, Power, Race etc etc
Nothing is based on PEOPLE and their WELFARE Or the COUNTRY and it’s PROGRESS
FWC Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
- 1 (3 pound) chuck or pork roast
- 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 package Goldwater’s The Senator’s Chili Mix *
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh onion
- 3/4 tablespoon fresh cilantro
- 1/3 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered Mexican oregano
- 12 medium flour tortillas
- 1 pound grated longhorn cheese
- 1 pound grated Monterey jack cheese
- Garlic salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil (for deep frying)
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa, to taste
* Yes, this chili mix will most likely always be available.
Instructions
- Wrap meat in foil and bake at 250 degrees F to 300 degrees F for 2 hours, adding a little water if needed.
- Cool until fat solidifies; skim. Shred meat and retain 3/4 cup of the meat juices.
- Combine meat and juices in large fry pan and add chiles, tomatoes, Goldwater’s Chili Mix and remaining spices. Cook slowly until moisture is gone, about 30 minutes.
- To assemble chimis, place 2 tablespoons longhorn cheese on each tortilla. Top with 2 to 3 tablespoons meat mixture. Add 2 tablespoons Monterey jack cheese. Season with garlic salt and pepper. Fold all sides in and secure with wooden picks to make a square.
- Deep fry in 1 inch hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce, topped with sour cream, guacamole and salsa.
This is a recipe from the 1972 Faculty Women’s Club of the University of Arizona.
Lynyrd Skynyrd ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ (Live In Atlantic City)
An apology
Not by me. -MM
After a few years of nothing but getting nagged at, a divorce I was exceptionally pleased to hear the beech ask for, then a load of stress trying to sort out the damage she's done to the kids, I am finally back in the world of not being a ratty sod with a short fuse and sharp tongue. I moved back to Jakarta, took a job that pays a totally nutty sackload of cash every month, and still do a little consultancy work for a couple of people in unusual jobs. The kids are in a stupidly expensive school I can afford with ease, and are actually something like reasonable again. None are seeing a shrink a this point, and that's more than I can say when the sandy beech was in charge of their development. The latest wife is lovely. As for marriage, I'm averaging just one every 30 years so I'll probably be a bit on the dead side before I get another chance. However, I try never to dismiss possibilities. Hopefully I haven't upset anyone too much. -Fred
Beef Chimichangas
Ingredients
- 1 (3 pound) roast
- 2 firm tomatoes, chopped
- 3 to 4 scallions, chopped
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Comino (cumin)
Instructions
- Cook the beef in a crock pot for 6 to 8 hours with the seasonings.
- Cool and shred beef.
- Cook tomatoes and scallions and add to beef.
- Place meat mixture on flour tortillas and roll up. Drop into hot oil until golden brown. Drain.
- Top with green chiles, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and shredded cheese.
- Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce.
Peter Frampton – Baby, I Love Your Way – 7/2/1977 – Oakland Coliseum Stadium (Official)
The year was 1977.
Have you ever been on a date that was going so badly you walked out and left?
Yup.
She looked nothing like her photos. The conversation was terrible. She told me where to sit at the table as to not block her view of the door. When I ordered, she said, “Do you ever think about how many calories you are eating when you order?”
I went to the restroom. Took my watch off and placed it around my ankle. When I came back I told her my probation officer had just called and wanted to know why I was 15 miles from home. I pulled up the pants leg and showed her the watch strap. She said, “You better go!”
She was totally understanding and did not protest.
I was Ghosted
afterwards. lol
I hope I left her with a good story!
Deluxe Machaca Chimichangas
(Chimichangas de Machaca Especial)
Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas, 12-inch diameter
- 1 recipe Machaca
- 2 cups mild Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup green chile, peeled, seeded, and minced
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced
- 1 recipe Basic New Mexico Chile Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- Shredded lettuce and chopped tomato
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F. Soften the tortillas. Place approximately 1/4 of the Machaca on each tortilla; then top each with 1/4 cup cheese (reserve the remaining cup of cheese for the final topping), 1/4 cup green chile, 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno, and roll it up.
- Meanwhile, bring the chile sauce to a simmer.
- Fry the burritos one at a time until they are a crispy golden brown.
- Quickly drain the chimichangas and place them on individual serving plates. Cover the chimichangas with the chile sauce, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and then top each chimichanga with 1/4 cup of sour cream.
- Garnish the plates with the lettuce and tomato and serve immediately.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Freebird – 7/2/1977 – Oakland Coliseum Stadium (Official)
The year was 1977.
This is the story about how my mother once and for all stopped setting me up with random guys.
I once went on a blind date set up by my mom. I was not really interested but my mom kept forcing me to meet the guy so I relented. I texted him to make plans and we decided to meet at a restaurant. That place was famous for their pizza so I ordered one and he immediately made a joke about my weight. I’m 5’5” and weighed around 138 lbs then, which is not skinny but definitely not overweight. I don’t think it’s funny when people make mean comments about someone looks and try to pass off as a joke. It is not a joke. You’re just an asshole. That was strike one but I let it slide. It was raining outside and I had already ordered my pizza so I decided to stay.
He started talking about himself and it went on and on. He told me about how much money he made, how his boss and colleagues are in awe of him, how he made more money than any of his friends, how he’s tired of all the women chasing him for his money. He told me about the expensive car he’s planning to buy, the 4 bedroom apartment he already has. He was not at all interested in getting to know me. It was all about him. At one point I wondered if I get up and leave now, will he even notice.
After all the money bragging ended he started telling me about his childhood and that’s where things really went south. He told me how much he hated dogs and how he used to chase them around with a stick when he was a kid. I love dogs but at that point I already knew there is not going to be second date, I decided not to comment on it. He took my silence as approval and told me how he once ran over a dog on the highway. I looked at him shocked and asked if it was real and was the dog okay. He just shrugged his shoulders and replied, “Who cares about that dog, I was worried about my damn car.” I called the waiter to split the bills, paid and left without even saying a word to him. He texted later complaining about how I overreacted and how it was all my fault. I didn’t want to argue with a narcissist like him so I blocked him.
Chicken Chimichangas
Ingredients
- Soft taco size flour tortillas
- 1 (16 ounce) jar picante sauce or salsa, divided
- 7 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 to 2 1/2 teaspoons ground comino (cumin)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Toppings: guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomato
Instructions
- Combine 1 1/2 cups picante sauce or salsa and chicken, onion, cumin, oregano and salt in a Dutch oven. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 25 minutes or until most of liquid is evaporated.
- Lay each tortilla out flat. Spoon 1/3 cup of this mixture below the center of each tortilla; top with 2 tablespoons cheese. Fold in two sides of the tortilla to enclose the filling. Fold over top and bottom edges of tortillas, making rectangles. Secure with wooden picks. Place, folded side down, on greased baking sheets. Coat chimichangas with vegetable cooking spray.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for 8 minutes; turn over and bake 5 more minutes.
- Remove wooden picks; top with remaining picante sauce and desired toppings.
Redbone – Come And Get Your Love – LIVE 1974 The Midnight Special
Whoa. 1974.
https://youtu.be/Dj0drevGOgA
China has counter-sanctioned every time recently. Is Western sanctions on China coming to an end?
Back in the 1990s – It was a favorite US Tactic to Freeze a Countrys Assets as a method of bullying and sanctioning.
In 2019 – Trump asked Pompeo and his advisors to explore the possibility of Freezing Chinese Assets in USA
The Reply drained the blood from Trumps Face
It was Mr President!!! We have three times more money in China than they have here. If they retaliate we will fall harder
Under Reagan or Bush Seniors – US Sanctions were used very judicially and cautiously. The Primary victim of such sanctions were only those who were militarily a threat to the United States and its Security. The World respected and admired this power of Sanctions.
Under Clinton and Bush Jr – The Sanctions began to be Abused. Slowly any country that did not “Obey” the USA could be sanctioned. Any Country that had a relationship with a country not in US Good Books could be sanctioned. This was the beginning of the bullying. The World began to hate the Sanctions but were powerless against it.
Then the 2008 Crisis happened – and the US crumbled economically. From 2008 – 2010 – There was a Window and CHINA utilized it magnificently. Billions and Billions of Dollars moved from US to China and were invested in Renewable Energy and other long term committed projects
Today under Trump and Biden – The Sanctions are a Joke. Iran was sanctioned and denied even PPE but China delivered openly without ten minutes hesitation as did Russia. Trump and Pompeo lost massive face. India has been sanctioned multiple times but has never been frazzled and has continued its relationship with Russia.
So as on date – Western Sanctions are no longer a tool. The Chinese have too many Nuclear Options to hurt the West.
Former FBI agent EXPOSES the truth of the UFO invasion | Redacted Conversation
How did your mother break your heart?
A few years ago, when my mother had a heart attack, I visited her in the hospital. I didn’t even dress nicely or do my hair.
She looked so small and pale. She clutched my hand and told me how much she loved me, and how I mean the world to her. She didn’t critique my clothing or hair at all. She only praised me and told me how she wanted me to know she loved me so much.
Not nagging me broke my heart. I walked out of the hospital, bought myself a grilled cheese and sobbed until my throat was raw. This wasn’t my strong-willed and imposing mother. She had lost the will to control me. How ill was she?
The next day, I came and she immediately asked me how I could wear such an ugly sweater, what if a handsome single Jewish doctor came into the room?
I was overjoyed. She was going to live.
Boston – More Than a Feeling (Official HD Video)
Why do many Westerners who have studied, worked, and lived in China generally have better and more positive views on China compared to those who are still stuck in their own, i.e., Western countries?
When I first set foot in China to work and live in Beijing, I think I still have quite a bit of uneasiness with how things are over there. I was cautious when I talk, cautious not to bring out the books that I read, which are mostly banned in the country.
As a foreigner, the place I lived was installed with all the international channels, and I only watched CNN and BBC for news. I had colleagues who had been through the TAM incident in June 1989, telling me that his old family house at the fringe of a hutong still has a bullet hole.
Still, he was too young and scared to go out, and information transmission was not that convenient back then. Much of the story he knew was from his school teachers and other kids. But he didn’t think it was as bad as what most foreigners told him.
It took me a year, at least, to realize that a lot of stories I heard outside of China didn’t really match what I saw. And there are just too many loopholes in those arguments. Contrary to the evil leadership and government that Western media tended to portray back then (and they still do till now), I had plenty of freedom that I enjoy, my colleagues and friends are happy and supportive of the government.
Of course, all would have a bit of grudge more or less, like the constant constructions, traffic jams, increasing cost of living, etc. But the speed of progress, the access to material goods, the latest technology, or even the latest information were tremendous.
I still remember back in 2001, a senior manager from my team who went to Singapore and met up with an old colleague who went there and settled in a few years ago. After her holiday in Singapore, she told me she couldn’t believe that she actually earns more than her ex-colleague in Singapore.
This realization made her gave up her plan of migrating overseas though she previously studied in a Western country and wanted to resume her old life outside of China. Fast forward about 10 years, she became the head of one of the 3 divisions in the company, which would not be possible had she migrated.
Those were the days of dial-up internet access, ICQ. And there was no algorithm to push contents that the website thinks you like to read/see just to make you stick.
You are free to make your own observations and judgments. But I also have friends from different countries who couldn’t get used to China because they were not willing to really experience China, holding on to their Western media indoctrinated belief about the country and using conspiracy theory to explain all their encounters. Most of them (if not all) dropped out after a few years and left China with a sour taste in their mouths.
So, those who have really spent years living and working in China would have appreciated that China has its own way of dealing with things, and the culture there would respect you and would not force you to agree or adapt their way. But somehow, with an appreciation of the somewhat different way of handling and approaching things, you’ll start to see the beauty of it. That will eventually make you question and rethink whether what the Western media told you about China are entirely true.
U.S. General Says The Quiet Part Out Loud About Ukraine!
People say you should get an attorney if you win the lottery, but why? Say I win the Mega Millions, and I sign the back of the ticket, photograph it, and show up at the lottery office bright and early the next day. What bad things would happen to me?
The reason you want a lawyer is to protect you.
I won a scratch ticket for $100,000 one hundred thousand. the accoutant handled the taxes.
After claiming my prize we had 2 weeks where different reporters were looking for pictures and wanting to do an interview with the store that sold the winning ticket.
churches and charities knocking on the door looking for a slice.
3 people i went to grade school with came knocking I had not seen them in 10 years.
Family calling wanting to get a share or asking for a loan they cant afford to repay. people were confused when I told them I spent it all.
I divided it up 3 ways and gave equal amounts to my 3 kids for their college funds.
If I ever hit another winning ticket I am getting a lawyer to deal with the bullcrap and I am gonna move to Alaska to a remote cabin in the middle of nowheresville with no phone or roads.
Lainey Molnar’s Empowering Art Challenges Societal Norms
Lainey Molnar, a talented artist known for her thought-provoking illustrations, is back with even more empowering artwork. With her unique style, she explores and challenges societal norms surrounding femininity, body image, and other important themes.
More: Instagram h/t: boredpanda
Redneck Chimichanga
Ingredients
- 2 ounces shaved steak (Philly meat)
- 1/2 ounce red and green bell peppers
- 1/2 ounce yellow onions
- 1 slice American cheese
- 1 tablespoon mashed potatoes
- 1 large burrito wrapper (flour tortilla)
Instructions
- Cook the shaved steak then add the peppers and onions and sweat until soft.
- Put mashed potatoes in center of burrito wrapper then put shaved steak/pepper/onion mix on top of that. Add cheese. Fold in all four sides and secure with wooden picks.
- Deep fry until golden brown.
Gravy is the best type of dip for this.
SVB collapse, surviving Biden’s presidency
Is it possible?
If China gets too powerful, should we launch a first strike against them?
Yeah, that worked real well in Iraq.
Let’s repeat the entire 2003–2012 experience, only a country that has nukes and is our main trading partner and a critical component of the global economy and has the world’s largest standing army and is intensely nationalistic and is basically indirectly subsidizing our entire higher education system and has thirty times Iraq’s population and a hundred times its GDP.
What are the consequences of not blowing up China? They have control of their littoral? They start building up development banks that rival Bretton Woods and force them to iterate? What a goddamn nightmare.
No, the recipe for success in the US-China relationship is one rising power, stewed constantly in a thick broth of comprehensive engagement that keeps it totally submerged but not overdone, thoroughly marinated in expert and informed local-based intelligence networks, framed in a complex web of alliances with its neighbors and paired with a lovely arrangement of economic and military deterrents.
I don’t believe that America is permanently in decline, but if you wanted to make that argument you could find a shitload of evidence right now. The solution is not to make China the ultimate bugbear. It wouldn’t go anywhere militarily even if you could somehow make it work politically and economically.
Frankly, the much bigger danger than the risk of conflict with China (the Thucydides Trap) is the Kindleberger Trap
raised by Joseph Nye, which notes that the disasters of th
e thirties and WWII were not chiefly caused by the rise of Germany or its fear in Britain, but by the refusal of the United States to step in to fill Britain’s shoes as the economic hub of the world and its chief military peacekeeper—stopping Japanese expansionism, maintaining a global currency the way the British had, keeping Germany afloat and tied into the continent, organizing and maintaining alliances that would keep the balance of power.
It’s not in China’s interests or short-term abilities to do all the crap that the US does around the world right now. It would be very easy for them to collapse inward around the massive domestic economic and social issues that are at the heart of their highly productive yet still embryonic and insecure state and society, just as we collapsed into isolationism over our own issues in the twenties, while filling a very similar global economic role.
The US just isn’t big or rich or willing enough to manage the world. We could barely manage it when it was just us, western Europe, and the ex-European colonies. Now that they’re getting rich and numerous and loud and we’re very much starting to feel like 5% of the global population instead of 20% of global GDP, it’s becoming even more impossible. There has to be some kind of consensus by which multilateral organizations can provide public goods, and individual regional powers—the US, Brazil-Argentina, China, Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, South Africa, India—all make common commitments for public goods. That’s not what domestic politics are pushing for right now in America right now, but it’s what the world needs, and the failure of Brexit is making the alternative clear.
The parts of the world that are still shooting at each other in 2018 really suck.
The parts of the world that aren’t may not be paradise, but they’re a hell of a lot better than those that are.
Or were you looking for “a short, victorious war to stem the tide of revolution,” Minister Plehve?
Please ask the tsarists how that went.
What are you looking forward to in your life today?
Back in the 1960’s, it seemed like the world was a place of excitement and adventure. It seemed like anything was possible.
And so, as boys (and girls), we dreamed of great futures. We played and pretended. We had hopes. We had dreams. And for us, we had a future.
But now, today, after the government and woke agents taking over the internet, it seems like a fearful, a dreadful place. One that it would best to hide away from.
Is this intentional?
And if so, as I believe, the real story about the great changes in the United States. Keep the rabble divisive. Keep them sequestered, isolated, and stop all communication between them unless the government can control it. Like Vault 7, and like banning Tictok.
The only way to keep on track is to remember your roots. Remember.
Remember who you are, and don’t let others change your very being.
Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole
Listen.