Back at the prison, Sunday evening rolls on in. It’s after chow, and people are getting ready for the next week of work on the “chain gang” at “Hoe squad”. When the CO (Corrections Officer) comes in and distributes the necessities of life.

• One roll of white toilet paper.
• One mini-sized toothbrush.
• One disposable razor.

Once the items were distributed, he left the barracks, and we all settled in for the night. Most gathered into small groups. One of my favorites was with Fred, where we would drink a strong cup of coffee and chat a spell.

Next time you settle in on Sunday, imagine that there are guys in far away distant places, also settling down for the night.

With…

• One roll of white toilet paper.
• One mini-sized toothbrush.
• One disposable razor.

Life can be boiled down to the necessities, when necessary.

Take care.

Today…

Is the US a true democracy?

Putting the spotlight on the question of U.S. democracy invites a deeper exploration of the term ‘democracy’. On the surface, with its representative institutions and electoral processes, the U.S. appears to embody the democratic model. Indeed, in this representative democracy, citizens elect officials who then voice their concerns and ideas. But when we probe beneath the veneer and grasp the true essence of democracy—a system “of the people, by the people, for the people”—a more convoluted depiction arises.

The United States’ democracy, far from being this utopian model of free expression and people’s governance, often assumes the role of an illusion, tailor-made to cater to a select elite. Much akin to a gleaming stage where politicians ensue in a cyclic showcase, the democratic system in the U.S. veils a multitude of persisting, grave issues that stand unaddressed, regardless of the grandeur of the performance. This discord between rhetoric and reality in U.S. politics brings to light the deeply rooted systemic issues afflicting this façade of a democracy. American democracy is marred with significant faults.

By 2022, the country was locked in a relentless cycle of warped democracy, political ineptitude, and societal discord, with key challenges like money politics, identity politics, societal fragmentation, and wealth disparity intensifying. The ailments plaguing American democracy seep into all facets of politics and society, in turn, revealing deficiencies in governance and the system. Ironically, despite dealing with this multitude of problems, the U.S. assumes the posture of a mentor, preaching about democracy to other countries. Driven by American interests, the U.S. persistently constructs and propagates a deceptive narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism,” and stratifies the world into “democratic and non-democratic factions.” Therein, utilizing democracy as a tool to further its own hegemonic ambitions.

Consider the staggering expenditure during the 2022 midterm elections as a recent testament to America’s money politics. According to the data shared by “OpenSecrets,” the two parties expended over $16.7 billion, surpassing the previous record by a generous margin. This sum outpaces the annual GDP of over 70 countries worldwide. In states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Ohio, campaign spending for the federal senatorial elections average over $100 million. Interestingly, more than 90% of Congressional candidates clinched their elections by outspending their adversaries. Adding fuel to the fire is the rampant escalation of political polarization. Both the Democratic and Republican parties deal with rising radical factions within their ranks. The traditional spirit of bipartisanship, grounded in policy compromise, is elusive.

Chinese school children exercising at their desks.

China. I love China.

Why do so many Chinese believe in their government?

The reason is because China’s government has taken exceptional care of its citizens:

• It lifted 800 million people out of poverty.
• It dramatically improved their quality of life.
• It protected them from the pandemic.
• It kept them safe from foreign adversaries like the United States.
• It made them proud of China’s achievements (economic, technological, military, societal). Tiangong space station. Fujian supercarrier. J-20 stealth fighter. 2008 and 2022 Olympic Games.

Why do so many Americans not believe in their government?

The reason is because the US government is corrupt and has neglected its citizens. The country suffers from:

• homelessness
• gun violence and mass shootings
• systemic racism (“I can’t breathe”)
• poor health care
• poor education
• crumbling infrastructure
• opioid addiction
• mass incarceration
• declining life expectancy
• growing poverty
• etc.

The US government failed to protect them from the pandemic. Over a million Americans died from Covid.

China is Not What We Expected At All

City School Pizza

Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

French-Style Pizza Crust

• 2 packages dry or cake yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 9 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt

Topping

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon instant minced onion
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 teaspoon oregano
• Salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried sweet basil
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 pound ground or chopped luncheon meat
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

French-Style Pizza Crust

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in water.
2. Add flour and salt. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk.
4. Cut into 2portions. Let rest 15 minutes.
5. Pat or roll to an even thickness in 2 (15 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch) jellyroll pans. Set aside.

Topping

1. Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt to taste, basil, garlic powder and luncheon meat. Sauté until mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes.
3. Spread sauce on prepared French-Style Pizza Crust in pans. Sprinkle each crust with cheese.
4. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese layer is bubbly and browned.

Be careful at your highest moment

The smashed wall

Our girls were messing around yesterday. One of them happened to put their body through the drywall. My nine year old came downstairs crying and frantic saying she had to show me something. I walked upstairs to the damaged wall. The remorse was already displayed all over her body.

She didn’t need me to make her feel guilty.

She didn’t need me to shame her.

She didn’t need me to make an already crappy situation worse.

“I’m sorry!!!”

I know you are.

“Daddy is going to be so mad!!! I’m not ready to tell him yet.”

That is OK. When you are ready, you will tell him.

She knew. She knew that he was the one most impacted by this. He would be the one taking time from his day to fix this.

I walked downstairs and told my husband.

The kids put a hole in the wall. A big one. M is really upset about it. She’s working up the courage to come and tell you about it.

We have two choices here.

1. Scream and yell and make her feel more awful than she already does.

2. Accept that little girl for each bit of awesome that she is… even in her mistakes. To realize that it was SO hard for her to come down and tell you how she made a mistake.

Our response will 100% determine how she comes to us with mistakes in the future.

How do you respond?

Today, my daughter walks around with a little more trust. She walks around feeling loved and connected. She walks around knowing that she can tell her parents anything and that she is safe.

This was the best gift I could ever receive this Christmas.

And yes. She still feels sorry. She offered to not receive any Christmas presents this year, all her savings, and her time to help fix it. She didn’t need screaming parents to make her feel this. She did it all on her own.

China teaching elementary school children how to use mortars

 

For a male, what are the 10 things we must know before getting married?

1. Its annoying to live with a girl or boy or another person. You can’t change each other. So pick someone whose flaws you can live with.
2. Your mother will not like her. Her mother will not like you. Accept that and move on. Don’t put them all in a room and expect magic.
3. Sex is good but you probably won’t have sex every day. Humans are moody and hormonal. So don’t marry for sex.
4. Your personal life will affect your mood and your career. It helps if you find some one who understands and supports your career pursuits.
5. Money is important. It’s easier if you are both financially independent and have figured out the basics before getting hitched. Poverty sucks.
6. Don’t ever call her fat. Never go into the details of your past relationships and compare. Don’t ever compare her with anyone else. There’s no coming back from that. Women are wierd that way.
7. Vacation makes everyone look great. Know how the person is when everything goes wrong. It’s difficult to buy honesty, loyalty and kindness. You get that only from your true friends. Marry an ally you can depend on.
8. Friends and hobbies are essential. Even if you are married, it’s good to have a small life of your own as an individual. Some distance, Some ‘Me time’ is good for maintaining any relationship.
9. Conversations matter. It’s fun and nice if you both can communicate without being assholes to each other.
10. People change as they age: physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s easier to grow old with someone you really really like.

12 Reasons Why I NEVER Want to Live in the USA Again!

Kayleigh McEnany spoke of the “inexcusable horror” of the transition Obama left for Trump in 2017. Can anyone tell me what was either inexcusable or horrid of the Obama-Trump transition?

I recommend Michael Lewis’s excellent book “The Fifth Risk” which describes in detail how bad the transition was.

The problem is, it was all Trump’s fault.

Chris Christie tried to warn Trump that under federal law, he had to start vetting presidential appointees before the election and convinced Trump that (1) it was a good idea to comply with federal law and (2) if he didn’t do it it would look like he was conceding the election. However, after Christie did some excellent work, Trump found out the process had cost $2 million of “his money” and disbanded it.

For example, at the Department of Energy in 2008, staff welcomed 30 of Obama’s transition team the day after the election and gave them full briefing books. They also prepared briefing books for Romney’s team in 2012, but never used them.

On November 7, 2016, the DoE was shocked that Trump had won but was still ready to greet Trump’s team with full briefing books. However, no-one showed up. No-one showed up the next day either. Or the day after that. The following week, DoE staff got in touch with Trump’s team to ask when someone would be coming. They weren’t told.

Eventually, Rick Perry showed up, alone, in early December. It was clear he thought the DoE was involved with oil, gas and coal. He had proposed disbanding it. That day, Perry found out the DoE mostly regulates nuclear energy and nuclear materials, including tracking bomb-making material. Perry was visibly shocked by the news and never questioned the function of the DoE again.

Trump met Obama soon after the election and mentioned he was looking forward to working with Obama’s White House staff. For some reason, no-one in Trump’s campaign had bothered to explain to him that all the White House staff was leaving with Obama and he had to find about 2,000 people to replace them. It was left to Obama to break the news. Trump was visibly shocked.

In total, the president gets to choose 6,000 posts in the government, from the cabinet on down. Trump only ever bothered to appoint 4,000 people and left several key posts, like the ambassador to South Korea, vacant.

Chinese kindergarten children’s impressive basketball skills go viral globally

Wow.

What was the hardest thing that you’ve had to do?

Originally Answered: What was the hardest thing that you’ve had to do?

Some vintage pulp art and other stuff

How Do I Tell My Daughter’s Boyfriend That She’s Cheating On Him?

At the time it was difficult to find a copy and I got a friend at a large music label to get me a digital copy.

He was someone I respected enormously and he would never have provided a copy of any of his company’s catalog if it weren’t for such a special occasion. (This was before ubiquitous online music stores)

I was touched that he would let me have the music, especially because he, too, appreciated this song deeply, revered the band that played it and understood what a meaningful song it was and how it would express my mother’s love and joy of life. I felt I had done the right thing and was anticipating the memorial service as much as feeling the burden of saying goodbye.

On the day of the memorial, everything happened in a blur. I didn’t have time to discuss in great detail what was on the CD and there was no time planned for speeches or to introduce the music.

When the Klezmer and choir began to sing Kadish a great awe fell over the loved ones that were assembled to honor my Mom. I looked up towards the cathedral ceiling of the hall we were in and felt truly elevated. The music ended and we all shared a sigh, both of awe and sadness.

Then there was a short pause and the Beatles’ “Obladi-Oblada” came blaring, joyful, clanking and clanging in all its fun fair beauty from the speakers. This was the song my mom had said she would like everyone to hear when we were celebrating her memory. “Life goes on” – In honoring my mom’s wish I had not realized how much of a jarring contrast the song would create for the solemn occasion and how out of place if would sound, especially after the choir had finished “Kadish”.

Everyone was shocked and more than one head turned towards me, thinking that this was another of my juvenile jokes and acts of rebellion that I was still being remembered for.

At the reception afterwards a close friend of my mom’s approached me to ask me if I was “happy with having achieved what I wanted.” I asked her what she meant and she said “You wanted to shock us!” – I was mortified and tried to explain, good as I could, that I had tried to respect my mom’s wishes and had not realized how out of place the song would sound in such a sad and serious setting, especially without a proper introduction.

Which brings me to today. Where I sit down to write of this special, sad, beautiful, painful moment. One of the moments in my life where I truly wish I could have gone back and done it differently.

And as I write this, what do I discover?

The same Giora Feidman, who’s music was the gift that allowed me to say goodbye to my mom in tears before that peace was broken by the joyful, out of place sounds of Obla-Di, Obla-Da, that very same wonderful man also recorded an album, playing the Beatles in his inimitable mournful clarinet style.

Feidman recorded his version of Obla-Di,Obla-da last year and as I write this and listen to his beautiful rendition, I find the joy of life my mom wanted to share on that day, dedicated to her memory, sweetened by the melancholy bliss of his beautiful clarinet.

If we could’ve played that version then it would’ve been right and it would’ve told the story she wanted to have told about who she was and what inspired her.

And, who knows. Maybe, if I hadn’t had that experience then, finding this gem today wouldn’t have meant as much and wouldn’t have allowed me, many years later, to celebrate the memory of what an extraordinary person she was in yet another special and meaningful way.

So, yes, sometimes, honoring the departed’s request for Music can lead to the most inappropriate moment.

And I’m still proud I followed her wish, because she would’ve loved this story with a happy ending and one where I can cry and laugh and share, once more, with you, dear reader, the joy and burden of life.

Years back my partner and I used to regularly do work in a small Mississippi Coastal town which has a 90%+ black population – we’re a couple of old white freaks ( “hippies” to those who don’t know better ) .

There was a restaurant on the main road called “Buddy’s House of Food” with a lighted sign of a young boy with a pig under his arm – an absolutely sure sign of killer food. I told John that this was where we eating.

When we entered, it was fairly full of people and everyone just sort of froze and looked at us: this little older lady, who literally looked like a Mammy Doll come to life, came over and said : “Can I help y’all?” in a genuinely quizzical tone.

I said: “ Yes, M’am: we’d like to eat if we could.”

You could tell it surprised her: she really didn’t know why two white dudes were in her restaurant.

She sat us down, and in 30 seconds it was like you had just shown up at your Grandmaw’s for Thanksgiving – she was bringing out all manner of pure Southern comfort food that was so bad for you but absolute balm for your soul – you could feel your arteries clogging as you ate while your taste buds yelled “thank you”.

Turned into a 2 hour lunch with hugs and extra slices of pecan pie when we left.

From then on every time we were in that town, we ate at “Buddy’s”; and every time it was the same welcome.

Shorpy

Army Withdraws from the Pacific and Indian Ocean | Army Plans to Lay Up its Prepositioning Fleet

What’s the most ridiculous adult tantrum you’ve witnessed that you couldn’t believe?

I took a friend and her barely adult son out for a day water skiing. Everything was going great, and then on the way back to the dock, we ran out of gas. Fortunately I had a little 3.5 hp trolling motor, that would move us along at a walking speed, or maybe a slow trot. No where near the excitement of the 235 HP outboard, but certainly better than paddling. I fired it up and was quite pleased that I had a backup, with its own gas.

The son started complaining, asking, where’s the fun in that? He couldn’t seem to get it through his head, that we were no longer in fun mode, now we were in getting to the dock the easiest way possible. He demanded that I fire up the big outboard, as I was ruining his day. Telling him that I couldn’t fire it up, did no good. He started screaming, just like a 2 year old. Saying “Fire it up, fire it up, fire it up”

As we approached the dock he picked up a lot of stuff, like he was going to carry it back to the truck. Then when we were 3 feet from the dock, he threw it over board, jumped onto the dock, and just calmly walked away. Dhe asked him to pick it up, and he just kept walking.

His mother didn’t punish him. Though, how do you punish an adult. He didn’t have a job, and lived at home with his mother.

When we had collected everything, and walked to the parking lot, he was sitting on the hood of his mothers truck.

I got in my car, to head for my cabin, but I waited to see that he would react rationally. She unlocked the truck and he got in, and they followed me out onto the road. After a kilometer or so, she pulled out and passed me like I was standing still.

I worked with her, and we never discussed this ever again . I never socialized with her after that. This hadn’t been any kind of a romantic thing, I took male friend’s boating all the time. I have never been able to explain any of what happened, but I didn’t want the drama in my life

What are some things you should avoid at any cost?

1. Don’t fight when you’re weak, leave when you’re strong.
2. Avoid crying in front of someone who doesn’t care about you.
3. Don’t waste time on your ex or stalking them on social media.
4. Never hurt yourself, the world will bring enough hurt.
5. Don’t take things personally, even if you know it’s personal.
6. Avoid listening to sad songs as they can drain your energy.
7. Don’t miss out on important engagements and events.
8. Be kind to your family, they’ll be there for you in tough times.
9. Cut out friends who break the “Bro Code.”
10. Be cautious of trusting a crying woman and a smiling man.
11. Don’t mess with negative people, they reflect who you are.
12. Don’t beg twice, know your worth.

15 feet tall

How do people handle being separated, but still living in the same house?

My wife and I have lived together for nearly 20 years. We separated in 1998 and lived apart for nearly two years. My wife left me because she wanted to ‘find herself’ and see what life could be on her own. I helped her move into an apartment.

We both agreed we would always love each other but we are no longer IN love with each other.

My wife asked to come back two years later because of her economic problems. She insisted on her own room and her own identity.She’s lived in her own room for 18 years and usually stays with her girlfriend. We haven’t hugged, kissed or shaken hands in nearly twenty years.

We stay together so she can have insurance from the VA and soon will collect widows benefits. She will also receive Social Security benefits.

We’re friends but nothing more.

She’s 66 and in poor health. I’ve know her since she was 17 years old. I have my life and girlfriend but I refuse to let my ‘wife’ be homeless and hungry.

We have found a one bedroom for her to move in after I’m gone.I want her to move in now and continue her life.

She sees more and more people coming in to my house to help me as my body fails me. She freely admits she can’t help me and I love living alone even when she’s in her room. We rarely speak and I visit my lady friend at her house, My girlfriend knows about her and respects my decision not to divorce her.

Our marriage may have ended years ago but my caring for her hasn’t.

You shouldn’t wish ill for your ex. You should care for the person if the person needs care.

My integrity remains intact. Everyone should want the same.

Cajun Chicken and Dumplings

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 large chicken
• 2 quarts salted water
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 pimento, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 quart milk
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Dumplings

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Dumplings

1. In medium bowl, place flour, salt, garlic salt and ground white and black peppers.
2. Add cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano and baking powder.
3. Stir in egg, butter and olive oil.
4. Gradually stir in milk. Knead dough until soft and smooth; divide into 5 small balls. Roll each ball on floured board until paper thin; cut into strips 1 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches long. Lay strips on wax paper for about 15 minutes before adding to broth.

Chicken

1. In large saucepan, place chicken and water over medium heat. Simmer about 45 minutes or until fork tender.
2. Remove chicken, reserving broth. Chop chicken in large pieces, discarding skin and bones; set aside.
3. In medium fry pan, place butter over low heat.
4. Add mushrooms, celery, bell pepper, pimento and onion; sauté about 2 minutes.
5. To broth in saucepan, add milk, hard-cooked eggs, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, cayenne and white and black peppers.
6. Stir in sautéed vegetables; heat to boil, reduce heat to simmer and add alternating layers of chicken and dumplings, pushing each layer down into broth. Simmer about 15 minutes or until dumplings are tender.
7. Serve chicken, dumplings and broth in individual bowls.

Why Fast Food Has Gotten So Expensive

What is the best case of “You just picked a fight with the wrong person” that you’ve witnessed?

I once had a friend who had a serious case of “Little Man Syndrome.” He was short, and kind of a loudmouth, but really a good dude once you got to know him. One night we were out at our favorite bar, and I saw him chatting up a girl.

For perspective, my friend was about 5′6/145, so he was really small. As he’s talking to this girl, a guy walks up to them and says “Hey bro, that’s my girl.” Normally, that’s enough to end a conversation, usually followed with a “My bad” or something of that nature. Not this night. My friend promptly responded with “Smurf you, she’s talking to me now, so smurf off.”

The gentleman in question was literally a giant. At least 6′4, and probably weighed 230 or so. As my friend spoke to him, I knew that it wasn’t going to end well, but the Giant simply repeated, “Really, bro, she’s my fiance, and we don’t want any trouble.” He was calm, and didn’t seem affected by the way my friend spoke to him.

My friend decided that he didn’t care and kindly told the Giant where he could go, and how he could get there. He then followed it up with “And if you have anything else to say, I’ll kick your smurfin smurf.”

The Giant politely told my friend to meet him outside.

A lot of stories on this thread end up with the small guy taking down the big guy, but not this one. The Giant hit my friend 1 time with a right hook, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d swear my friend was hit with a baseball bat. The Giant then looked at those of us he knew were with his punching bag, and dared any of us to complain about what just happened. I have a rule about getting into fights with/for my friends, and because this friend actually started and somewhat deserved what happened, I had no beef with the Giant, nor did the rest of my friends.

The Giant then went back into the bar, finished his drink, and left with his fiance.

What is your view on China’s recent aerial confrontation with an Australian military helicopter in the Yellow Sea?

It was actually an act of aggression from Australia.

First off:

It wasn’t international waters, the Yellow Sea isn’t international waters. It was either South Korea’s EEZ or China’s EEZ there is no peanut hole like Russia had.

Second

The UN Security council was responsible for enforcement of UN sanctions against North Korea. This panel was dissolved in April 2024. This means their excuse of enforcing sanctions is a lie. Australia is not part of the UNSC and thus had no mandate to be there.

Third

It was a cul de sac, that is there was no destination to get to, so it can’t be innocent passage.

Fourth

The Australian mission breaks UNCLOS as it was trying to deny Chinese the right to defend themselves.

All the above is meaningless puffery anyway as westoids never actually obey the rules THEY agree to but expect every one else to follow. They’re like that…

So what do I think of it?

There’s a weak leader in this picture. Guess which one it is?

You see in 2021 we had the Hainan island incident.

The USN aircraft was forced to land on Hainan and we made them dismantle their plane and didn’t allow it to be flown away.

Before 2021 there was this

Korean Air Lines Flight 007

It is now 2024, 40 years since Korean Air 007, and 20 years since Hainan island incident. Yet the leaders of China have become weaker.

I mean we literally have all this tech like beidou satellite navigation system, GPS spoofing and fancy warships and such like… and yet we can’t repeat something like Hainan with a ‘stray drone’ somehow getting into the rotors of the Australian spy helicopter?

Bah weak leaders…

Here’s one Chinese leader telling off another one that he’s a pussy.

And I don’t even like Zemin, a bit too neo liberal for me.

When was the exact moment you lost interest in your significant other?

When I was pregnant I hated my husband. I decided the first time that I would divorce him as soon as the baby was born. I hated the way he breathed and chewed. I did not say a word about it to anyone. I knew somewhere in my mind that I was crazy. When my baby was born I loved my husband again. The second time around same thing but this time I knew it was hormones. The third time I knew what it was and just ignored it.

Then Mike got stressed out at work. He took his stress out on the kids. I said I love him not that he was perfect. I went away with the kids for a few days to decide what to do. The kids all voted him out of the family with no input from me. It was hard but Mike and I started over after going to a MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER. We started over from scratch. He courted me again. We realized we were worth saving. We put in the time and effort to win each other all over again. 15 years after our wedding we vowed again to love each other. Not in a fancy ceremony , just between the two of us.

From then till the day Mike died I never fell out of love with him. I know he never fell out of love with me. The last time I saw Mike he drew me a heart on the window frost.

Do not feel sorry me. I have had a wonderful life. I am alive and well. I continue my life . God may provide me with more people to love. Nothing is impossible.

China Just Did The Unthinkable, Major US Port Shutdown After Collision Collapses Bridge