DISCOURAGING: Requiescat In Pacem Rob Reiner and wife Michele

Monday, December 15, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/12/15/us-news/rob-reiners-son-nick-in-custody-after-horrifying-murder-of-princess-bride-director-and-wife/

US News breaking
Rob Reiner’s son Nick charged with murder, held on $4M bail in slaughter of ‘Princess Bride’ director and wife Michele
By Joe Marino and Patrick Reilly
Published Dec. 15, 2025
Updated Dec. 15, 2025, 10:26 a.m. ET

# – # – # – # – #

I’m saddened by this tragedy.  While I was never a fan of Rob Reiner’s politics, I would never wish this or any “bad luck” on him.  

Like Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the Bondi Beach anti-Semitism, the Brown University killings, it’s all just to horrific to hear.  Maybe during these Holy-Day observances, we should all take time to reflect how “hate” needs to be stomped down.  

I remember in the movie “Ghandhi” there was a quote about when the religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims erupted into nation-wide violence. Gandhi declares a hunger strike, saying he “will not eat until the fighting stops”. (Note to self: Watch again and capture that powerful line.)  

Maybe we all have to adopt a similar attitude: “ … … until the killing stops!”]

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DISCOURAGING: We are now a welfare nation.

Friday, November 14, 2025

https://survivalblog.com/2025/11/05/survivalblog-readers-editors-snippets-237/

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets
James Wesley Rawles November 5, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Reader H.L. wrote:

“So now we learn that one in eight Americans are receiving SNAP benefits. Another nail in our coffin. Those who are working support many others who are not and most could work at something. We are also an aging nation, as many families choose to not have children, or just one or two. So they are supporting with their taxes more and more people who could but do not work. We are in deep trouble and both the Republicans and the Democrats, and way too many Americans have little to no understanding that only capitalism can fix things. We have actually never had pure Capitalism and we are now a welfare nation. Sooner or later, those who work and save will wake up, but will not be able to do anything about it. The only way seems to be we have another revolution like we did back in the late 1700s to divorce ourselves from England.

No nation can last long with an albatross like that around its neck. Saying goodbye to the America that once had such promise.”

*** end quote ***

I was also ASTONISHED when the 1 in 8 stat came out. 

For whatever reason, this is unsustainable.  

In bygone days, I knew men who were denied benefits because they were “able bodied”. Now it seems like everyone is “disabled” for reasons OTHER than a missing arm or leg, blind, or some physically flaw.

Not sure how this “epidemic” gets rolled back, but maybe it’s a simple as just just saying: “Sorry we’re broke. (All too true!) And you will have to find help elsewhere.”

Maybe it’s cruel but so it REAL LIFE.  In Nature, a disabled animal is just lunch for another.  

Maybe this is the “Darwin Award”?

Or the Gooferment policy that will lead to the revitalization of the various charitable organizations like the Elks, Moose, VFW, AL, and the ethnic clubs like Irish, Germans, Italians had when I was young.

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DISCOURAGING: When the Church is silent, evil advances

Saturday, November 8, 2025

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/10/when_the_church_whispers_why_silence_is_no_longer_an_option.html

October 26, 2025
When The Church Whispers: Why Silence Is No Longer An Option
By Christian Vezilj

*** begin quote ***

The Cost of Cowardice

When the Church is silent, evil advances. When pastors refuse to speak, laws are passed that mock God’s design. When parishioners are not guided, they vote blindly or not at all. And when Christians abandon the ballot box, they abandon the battlefield.

This is not just a political failure, it is a spiritual one. For a man who does not stand up and fight for truth is not merely passive. He is disobedient. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James 4:17).

God did not call His people to comfort. He called them to courage. He did not promise ease; He promised presence. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). That promise was not just for Joshua—it is for every believer who dares to speak truth in a hostile world.

*** end quote ***

I firmly believe that just as a bee hive can only have one queen, so Gooferment — the gang that claims its God-give right to inflict violence on everyone within a given geographical area and sometimes outside of that area — see the Church, any church, as a rival for the loyalty of the individuals within their domain.

Further, I think that when the Roman Catholic Church allowed pedophiles to inflict harm on little children, the Gooferment was perfectly happy to let it happen and then use it to blackmail it into silence.  Gooferment Skrules were allowed to kill parochial education.  Politicians were not condemned and excommunicated for their positions on abortion and euthanasia.  And, the non-profit status was used as an additional club for their silence.

Only Black Churches and Pastors resisted that club by ignoring it.  Unfortunately, they misgudedly supported politicians that inflicted the welfare state and drugs on their neighborhoods.

Until “We, The Sheeple” wake up and take back their liberty from Gooferment, we have no savior in any other entity.

Argh!

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DISCOURAGING: Gooferment crowds out private charity

Monday, November 3, 2025

https://www.malone.news/p/homeseading-home-again-home-again?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=583200&post_id=177369074&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=3snn7d&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Homesteading: Home Again, Home Again
The wonders of dairy
Dr. Robert W. Malone
Oct 28, 2025

*** begin quote ***

At one time, this country had a strong volunteer base to help those who needed help; the government has since replaced many of those efforts. Of course, we hope that as the government shrinks, our volunteer efforts must grow. We must grow a strong, giving populace and a strong economy – to help those who need help. Not because we must provide help when truly needed, but because we can and want to. Because we want to build our local communities up, as well as the people who live in them. We must rebuild our culture of giving… That is truly the American way.

But these efforts won’t develop overnight. It will take resources, organization, and time to build such a culture again. So we have a problem in the United States today; there are people who need our help now.

*** end quote ***

I see many “social clubs” languishing and eventually dying out.  The Italian American club in North Brunswick recently sold out.  My American Legion post has all aging members and very little “new blood”.  Same for the local VFW.  Last gasps?

As the Gooferment devalues our money stealing our wealth and increases the welfare roles, it shoves the local Churches and Civic organizations into oblivion. So, in short, welfare is nothing more than redistribution of wealth, or theft. Those in legitimate need could have their needs better met by private companies or charities without government involvement, and without forcing others to pay for it.

I’ve read many stories of American in the past where charity was very local and very selective.  It also rebuilt the civic society by stressing individual responsibility and a “helping hand” bu t not a “handout”.

I remember the Black Churches on the 50’s and 60’s where families worshiped together and stood proud in their communities.  They may have been poor in material wealth but were “rich” in their community.

The Gooferment destroyed all of that.

The “plantation of slaves” was rebuilt by Gooferment handouts.

So sad.

Not sure if it can ever be reversed.

I remember Samuel Jackson as Zeus in the movie “Die Hard”.

 

Zeus: *So who’s gonna help you*?
Dexter: We’re gonna help ourselves.
Zeus: And who do we not want to help us?
Dexter, Raymond: White people.
Zeus: That’s right. Now get on outta here. Go to school.

 

Sounds like the absolute truth!

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DISCOURAGING: Is it any wonder that the “Catholic” brand is in disarray?

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-georgetown-university-president-i-reject-the-churchs-teachings-on-homosexuality/?utm_source=featured-news&utm_campaign=usa

New Georgetown University president Eduardo Peñalver: ‘I reject the Church’s teachings on homosexuality’

  • ‘Every Catholic educator should vigorously oppose what this man embraced,’ Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society told LifeSite. ‘Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep, but Georgetown is leading lambs to the slaughter.’

By Matt Lamb — Mon Oct 20, 2025 – 3:00 pm EDT

*** begin quote ***

WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews) — The incoming president of Georgetown University has said he repudiates the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality. He also appeared to criticize the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.

The nominally Catholic, Jesuit university in Washington, D.C., recently announced its selection of Eduardo Peñalver as its new president, to start next year. Peñalver is currently the president of Seattle University, another Jesuit university.

“President Peñalver is an exceptional leader steeped in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition who brings a wealth of experience in higher education, a global mindset, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and a bold vision for Georgetown’s future,” the chair of the board stated. “We look forward to him joining our Georgetown community.”

Peñalver has previously said he thinks the Catholic Church erred in its teachings on homosexuality.

*** end quote ***

Is it any wonder that the “Catholic” brand is in disarray?

Just read their new “litany”: “wealth of experience in higher education, a global mindset, a commitment to social justice and academic excellence, and a bold vision for Georgetown’s future”.  It’s not a commitment to anything but secular values.

While he is free to think whatever he wants, as a leader of a “Catholic” institution of higher learning, he is not free to replace the age old centuries of learned wisdom. Among these are the natural laws of nature.  Killing babies in the womb is a contra-survival and thus morally wrong.  Homosexuality is contra-survival and again thus morally wrong.  Euthanasia is contra-survival and again morally wrong.

Seems pretty obvious that by “leading” the flock astray, he corrupts what being “Catholic” means.

Like people say about the Democratic Party, “I didn’t leave it; it left me.”  So too, for many, the “Catholic Church”, or whatever it purports to be now, has left me.

Dona Nobis Pacem

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DISCOURAGING: A a fast way to a Darwin Award

Friday, October 3, 2025

https://www.malone.news/p/tylenol-leucovorin-and-child-neurodevelopment?publication_id=583200&post_id=174541752&isFreemail=true&r=3snn7d&triedRedirect=true

Tylenol, Leucovorin, and Child Neurodevelopment
Just the proven biochemical, pharmacologic, and clinical facts, Ma’am.
Robert W Malone MD, MS
Sep 25, 2025

*** begin quote ***

Everyone is suddenly an expert, and every statement about public health must be politically weaponized. Suppose you had any doubt that Trump Derangement Syndrome is a real thing. In that case, all you need to do is watch the Instagram reels of left-wing pregnant women downing large doses of Tylenol, which is a high-speed route to the emergency room promptly followed by a potential rather unpleasant death from liver failure. Quod erat demonstrandum (QED).

*** end quote ***

“Well, I’m not a <insert profession that requires a lot of study>, I have never played one on TV, and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but here are some simple thoughts.”

In this case, a doctor, pharmacist, or maybe a drug creator.

I’m amazed at the behavior of some pregnant women.  Most Moms-To-Be that I’ve know even just in passing are fastidious to the point of mania about what they do, eat, or drink.  I know one who went on what she called “a no chemicals lifestyle” that eliminated “everything”.  While that is a little extreme, taking any drug to prove a political point or make an example of yourself seems like a fast way to a Darwin Award.  

I don’t understand.  There are many people with real world medical conditions that need help.  For anyone to go out of their way to create a completely avoidable “medical problem” is beyond stupid.  For all its faults, the medical community does NOT need your stupidity making work for them and taking up valuable bed space.

Argh!

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DISCOURAGING: Comcast Customer Email Accounts to Yahoo Mail

Monday, August 11, 2025

https://cordcuttersnews.com/comcast-is-shutting-down-its-email-service-moving-customer-email-accounts-to-yahoo-mail/

Comcast is Shutting Down Its Email Service & Moving Customer Email Accounts to Yahoo Mail
By Luke Bouma on August 2, 2025

*** begin quote ***

In a significant change, Comcast has announced plans to transition all Comcast.net email accounts from its current Xfinity Email platform to the Yahoo Mail platform. The announcement, detailed in an email sent to customers on August 2, 2025, outlines a phased migration set to occur over the next several months, promising improved functionality and advanced features for its users.

According to the email from Comcast, the shift to Yahoo Mail will provide customers with a “premium email solution” designed to streamline communication and organization. Yahoo Mail’s AI-driven inbox management, robust security features, integrated calendar, and highly rated mobile app were highlighted as key benefits of the transition. Importantly, Comcast assured customers that their existing Comcast.net email addresses, along with all messages, folders, and contacts, will remain intact during the move.

*** end quote ***

FYI Yahoo is primarily owned by Apollo Global Management, which holds a 90% stake, while Verizon retains a 10% ownership. The company operates as a standalone entity under the name Yahoo! Inc. Apollo Global Management is a private equity firm that bought AOL and Yahoo from Verizon. 

Way back when I was first reinkefj@att.net and later when I became reinkefj@comcast.net (Are you detecting a pattern here?). I advise family, frends, and basically anyone who would listen that this “free” email was a lock-in so you could never change ISPs. A quick scan of the Reinke Faces Life blog will show you my griping back in 2010.

May I suggest that you have your own domain? The common wisdom, or is that common whizdumb, is to own your own name as a domain name. I own “reinke.cc”. (I like saying “sea sea me at reinke.cc”! me@reinke.cc will actually work!) 

It gives one quite a bit of control. And, it’s very cheap. I know three solutions: wordpressdotcom with gmail, email only with 1and1, and domain+email+webspace also at 1and1. 

My point is not that you should use 1and1. http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=9113251 I could care less which one you use. It’s that getting on to your own domain with email is cheap and easy. 

And, it’s not aol, hotmail, yahoo, or gmail. It IS your own “personal brand”. And, the “bad guys” can’t fool you!

P.S.: 1and1 is now IONOS.

Let’s look over the Google Graveyard for all the vendors who have passed away with our data.

  • Google Graveyard: Google groups, Google Short Links;
  • Yahoo took down: Yahoo! Briefcase on March 30, 2009 and Yahoo! Groups before that;
  • AT&T ASHcan contains: AT&T Locker, AT&T Photos, and AT&T.net email;
  • Amazon “Sunseted”: Dash and other buttons, and the Amazon product wand;
  • Mozilla did the old Pocket-punt;
  • Microsoft wants you to forget HealthVault and Docs.com file-sharing;
  • CARDSCAN was acquired by Rubber Maid and went down shortly after that;
  • And FINALLY Plaxo, the cardscan replacement, that also disappeared. 

Never mind all the hardware devices that were given the heave ho after being bought by suckers like me.

Soooooo, under the heading of “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!”, I’d urge you to take firm control of your choices.  If your data goes in, then ask how does it come out?”  If the answer is not obvious, then tread carefully the data you save may be your own.

Argh!

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DISCOURAGING: “Civil society” isn’t getting any more “civilized”!

Friday, August 8, 2025

https://www.lifenews.com/2025/07/21/canada-plans-to-euthanize-15-million-people-in-the-next-20-years/

Canada Plans to Euthanize 15 Million People in the Next 20 Years
International | Bobby Schindler | Jul 21, 2025 | 9:44AM | Ottawa, Canada 

*** begin quote ***

In a recent video, Kelsi Sheren, a Canadian combat veteran, host of The Kelsi Sheren Perspective, and an outspoken opponent of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) policies, shared how Canada’s government-controlled healthcare system plans to euthanize an estimated 15 million Canadians between 2027 and 2047, a staggering figure justified under the pretext of cost savings.

*** and ***

What often goes unnoticed, however, is that existing U.S. healthcare policies are already enabling the quiet killing of vulnerable Americans – not through legalized suicide, but through hospital protocols and policies that deny care, withdraw treatment, or subtly hasten death.

*** end quote ***

As gun-owning pro-life pro-choice little L libertarian, I am not surprised that a “culture of death” has overwhelmed the morality of “We, The Sheeple”.  Abortion has desensitized us to mass murder.  The worst serial killer, school shooter, or crazy killer nurse can not come near the body count of today’s politicians and bureaucrats. Recently, Secretary RFK jr has comet against organ donations from living donors that will kill the “donor”.  To me, that’s just murder.

Unless “We, The Sheeple” react strongly and punish the “enablers” of these horrific killings, it’s only going to get worse.  Already, people are revoking the organ donor choice on their driver’s license (another insult to liberty).  And is anyone surprised?

The Catholic Church has completely lost its “moral authority” by pedophilia, financial mismanagement, liberal “theology”, “climate change”, illegal immigration, and a vast number of “political issues”.  

Shame is, “We, The Sheeple” could use a beacon of “moral authority” today!

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DISCOURAGING: Whistle pet trackers to IoT graveyard

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/acquisition-sends-thousands-of-whistle-pet-trackers-to-iot-graveyard/

Acquisition sends thousands of Whistle pet trackers to IoT graveyard

  • Whistle pet monitors will stop working on August 31.

Scharon Harding – Jul 29, 2025 1:38 PM |

*** begin quote ***

Whistle pet trackers are headed to the Internet of Things (IoT) graveyard. After releasing its first product in 2013, the Seattle-based Whistle has just been acquired by a competitor that has decided to brick all of Whistle’s smart GPS and activity monitors.

Tractive, an Austrian company that has also been selling Internet-connected GPS trackers for pets since 2013, on Monday announced its acquisition of Whistle from Mars Petcare, as spotted by The Verge. Mars Petcare is the pet food subsidiary of Mars Inc (which also makes candies like M&M’s), and it acquired Whistle in 2016 for $117 million.

*** end quote ***

Where is the “consumer protection”?  I won’t be buying M&M’s anytime soon.  This is a complete betrayal of loyal customers.  

Wonder if we will see any litigation as a result? 

Anyone wonder what the Gooferment at any level is stepping up to enforce Customer’s interests?

If not, why are they there?

Argh!

Google Graveyard, AT&T Ashcan, Amazon depreciation, … … or <synonym for the act of procreation> you! … … shrinkflation.

As they say on Wall Street, there is always a “counter party risk”.  Or in layman’s terms: “Life time guarantee  —  but whose lifetime?”

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DISCOURAGING: My favorite topics — only vet vote, end the income tax, end direct election of Senators, and make more memebers of the House

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Remember Heinlein’s Starship Troopers’ universe? One does not merely have the right to be a citizen and vote by virtue of what Heinlein called the mere accident of birth; rather, one has to earn this right through Federal Service that tested one’s ability and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the polity. Bet not a lot of vets would vote for all the undeclared wars the USA has been in since WW2?

And, my many posts about repealing the 16th (income tax) and 17th (direct election of Senators) Amendments. 

Go back to funding the Federal Gooferment with tariffs and excise taxes.  If the Federal Gooferment needs more money then let it ASK the State Gooferment to impose a sales tax and forward the money to the Federal Gooferment!

Return the power to select Senators to the State Legislatures as the Dead Old White Guys designed it.  As a State’s check on Federal power.  Restore it and get the money out of elections and politics.  Too many carpet baggers buying their Senate seats.

And, how about creating more Representatives in the House? What was the representation ratio in the House when the Union was formed? One per some number of citizens in the thousands.  With technology today, it can be a virtual meeting.  With a population of 350,000,000, we can set the number of Representatives at 3500 (one per hundred thousand). Guess these folks never heard of Zoom calls.  We don’t need politicians and bureaucrats in DC where they can conspire easily about how to oppress us. Argh!

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DISCOURAGING: Air Traffic Control is a national disgrace — privatize it now

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/1-2-trillion-later-and-air-traffic-control-is-still-using-floppy-disks-152992/?inf_contact_key=377b13c49cad6e587c923ea16fe66eae0f4081204f40fabd44f4788ebf57ced1

$1.2 Trillion Later, and Air Traffic Control is Still Using Floppy Disks
    by James Hickman
    on June 18, 2025

*** begin quote ***

In 1988, a Professor of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico named Joseph Tainter published a book called The Collapse of Complex Societies.

Now, “collapse” is a strong word that conjures images of apocalyptic scenarios… Mad Max or Hunger Games drama. But that’s not what Tainter intended.

He uses the term ‘collapse’ in its academic, anthropological meaning, i.e. a breakdown of strength and order in society. In fact Tainter’s entire career has been devoted to investigating how large, sophisticated civilizations throughout history ultimately “collapsed”.

I first read Tainter’s book more than 15 years ago. And, even though it is a work of anthropology, it is, in my opinion, one of the best books on economic history ever produced.

From the Roman Empire to the Mayan people, Tainter explores how civilizations are born, grow, peak, and decay… and how, more often than not, the decay phase is a direct result of failed government or leadership.

*** and ***

Floppy disks were removable storage technology that were prevalent in home computers in the 1980s… sort of like a USB memory stick, only MUCH slower and with a fraction of the storage capacity.

A typical 3.5” floppy disk could only hold 1.44 megabytes of data, i.e. not even enough to store even a single photo from your mobile phone’s camera.

Yet this is the technology that America’s air traffic controllers still have to use… because the Transportation Department thought it was a better idea to spend billions of dollars on a handful of electric vehicle charging stations.

*** end quote ***

ATC (Air Traffic Control) is a national disgrace.  Time to privatize this essential function.

Real simple.  The airlines use it every day.  They should run it.  Bet the infrastructure would be state of the art.  Matching the plane’s controls. 

Transition to the private function would be easy  — you fly in the USA airspace then you get to buy in.  

Same with th airports!  You use, you pay, and you get a share of the decision making.  The more you pay the bigger your vote.

I bet the airplane manufacturers and the drone makers would want to buy in too.  Anything to escape the politicians and bureaucrats meddling in technical decisions!

Since the current system is on the verge of “collapse”, why not try something “radical”? The free market solution!

#privatizetheFAA #endtheFAA

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DISCOURAGING: Google URL Shortener links will no longer be available

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

https://developers.googleblog.com/en/google-url-shortener-links-will-no-longer-be-available/

Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy . . . literally, “not my circus, not my monkey;” figuratively, “not my problem.” — Polish saying

 I guess monkeys are “problems” in Poland, and circuses are where “problems” come from. If it’s not your monkey, and it’s not even from your circus, then it’s not your problem. — https://goo.gl/X7VEKG

# – # – # – # – # 

Google URL Shortener links will no longer be available

JULY 18, 2024

*** begin quote ***

In 2018, we announced the deprecation and transition of Google URL Shortener because of the changes we’ve seen in how people find content on the internet, and the number of new popular URL shortening services that emerged in that time. This meant that we no longer accepted new URLs to shorten but that we would continue serving existing URLs.

*** end quote ***

Once again a demonstration of the Internet axiom, “If you’re not paying of a product, then you are the PRODUCT.”  Sometimes even if you are paying, it still gets “deprecated”  —  a fancy word for “FU, we don’t need you”! For example, Pocket from Mozilla.  In this case, a service is disappearing.  

https://umatechnology.org/what-does-it-mean-when-an-app-gets-sherlocked-by-apple/

Being “Sherlocked” is a term that encapsulates the dramatic and often ruthless dynamics between smaller developers and larger tech companies like Apple. It serves as a reminder of how innovation and competition can shape the tech landscape, sometimes to the detriment of those who initially paved the way.

Not just APPLE, but GOOGLE and MICROSOFT do it as well.  Without the decency of acquiring the original developer.  Not that “guaranties” the product or service will survive. Some are acquired to kill the competition.

There is no doubt in my mind that Google intended to SHERLOCK BITLY (https://bitly.com/pages/products/url-shortener) but for whatever reason they decided not to.  I suspect that there was not margin in it for Google.  So after “pushing” it, like so many other GOOGLE “products and services” they give it the FU treatment and  “deprecate” it.

Sad for the Users who used it and good for BITLY.

And, for anyone who still “trusts” Gooferment to be a fair referee with respect to anti-trust issues, why do you think “corporations” “contribute” aka payoff politicians and bureaucrats?

Now I have to go and replace all “goo.gl” uses in my blog.  Argh!

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DISCOURAGING: Pocket shutting down

Sunday, June 1, 2025

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/future-of-pocket

Pocket is saying goodbye – What you need to know
Last updated: 1 day ago 78% of users voted this helpful

<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2025-05-23>>

*** begin quote ***

We’ve made the difficult decision to shut down Pocket on July 8, 2025. Thank you for being part of our journey over the years—we’re proud of the impact Pocket has had for our users and communities.

 

*** end quote ***

Argh!

Another free resource bites the dust.

I’ll begin exporting and seeking alternatives. (https://alternativeto.net/software/pocket)

Argh!

 

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DISCOURAGING: The US defaulted on these bonds thanks to Roosevelt

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

https://www.theburningplatform.com/2024/12/26/when-the-us-government-defaulted-on-its-bonds/

When the US Government Defaulted on its Bonds
Guest Post by Martin Armstrong

<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2024-12-26>>

*** begin quote ***

The US Treasury called in this Fourth Liberty Bond on April 15, 1934, for redemption. However, the US defaulted on this term by refusing to redeem the bond in gold. They also ignored the dollar devaluation imposed by Roosevelt, which changed the dollar’s gold value from $20.67 to $35. The entire purpose of the gold clauses prior to Roosevelt was to protect against a currency devaluation. The 21 million bondholders lost 139 million troy ounces of gold, which caused the loss in international value terms to be approximately 70% of the bond’s principal.

*** end quote ***

70% loss.

End the end of “sound (hard) money” meant that the Federal Gooferment was no longer held to any standard of “money”.  It became a tyrant.

The plague of “paper money” was now visited upon the USA.

And, things would never be the same again,

Prices now always go up and the value of savings in dollars shrinks.

Any one wonder why bitcoin, gold, and silver are going up?  Can’t print more of them.

Where does this runaway freight train of deficits, debt, and “inflation” end?

We’ll become like the Roman, Spanish, French, and English Empires!  Weimar Republic, Zimbabwe, Argentina, … … 

Argh!

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: Broken homes seems to be “acceptable”; not selfishness

Thursday, April 3, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/03/30/opinion/i-was-devastated-when-my-father-abandoned-me-yet-liberals-make-excuses-for-broken-homes/

I was devastated when my father abandoned me — yet liberals make excuses for broken homes
By Adam B. Coleman 
Published March 30, 2025, 3:54 p.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

A child growing up in a broken home automatically puts them at a disadvantage. Studies across the board show that children of two-parent families have a better chance of success in education, in business . . . in life. Yet too often, society doesn’t do enough to encourage these unions, even saying it doesn’t matter. In his new book, “The Children We Left Behind: How Western Culture Rationalizes Family Separation & Ignores The Pain Of Child Neglect,” Adam B. Coleman explains how this is a terrible mistake of selfishness. An excerpt:

Why didn’t my father love me? Why did my father abandon me? 

*** end quote ***

This really hit home.  

I can still feel the “sting” of rejection.  And, these and other questions just get suppressed.  Maybe I should have been in “therapy”?  Even though that was unheard of. 

At some point in time, one has to “grow up”, “grow a pair”, or “just accept the cards that life deals you”.  

Shut up and move on.

But especially as the “game clock” winds down, the “Shoulda, coulda, and woulda! “ thinking emerges.  How would I have been different and how would my life have evolved differently.

Unfortunately, there’s no “time” VCR to remind and rerun / retry life.

“… checked the Eternal Possibilities Machine, which generates all the possibilities for use in creating the alternative worlds. In all those probability lines …” CHURCH 10●19●62 (Vol 1) 978-0-557-08387-9 page 45

I guess every child feels this and maybe that’s why things are this way now.

One of the many many things we’ll never know.

Sigh!

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: What can one say when stupidity results in a disaster?

Friday, March 28, 2025

https://nj1015.com/racing-car-with-4-brothers-from-nj-somersaulted-before-diving-from-overpass/?lh_aid=84349&lh_cid=ihudnz1r7o&di=ff7a74372a8025944d951624d55a7076

Racing car with 4 brothers from NJ somersaulted before diving from overpass

Dan Alexander  —  Published: March 24, 2025

*** begin quote ***

  • The Mazda was racing another vehicle on Route 95, police say
  • It overturned numerous times before crashing through the guide rail
  • 2 brothers and a puppy died after the crash

PHILADELPHIA — A New Jersey man who was behind the wheel of a car that crashed off a Route 95 overpass on Friday night remains hospitalized with one of his siblings after their two brothers died in the wreck.

*** end quote ***

What can one say when stupidity results in a disaster?

I guess that’s why the universe delivers 1.04 boys to 1.00 girls in population studies.

Only the puppy was “innocent”.

Sometimes the “Darwin Award” is funny like the man hitting the sleeping crocodile because he want to see some action.  In this case, it’s just sadly needless.

I feel for their parents and friends. 

Old enough to know better; now will never grow old.

Dona Nobis Pacem

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: Animal left out in the cold by some callous individual

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

https://people.com/dog-found-abandoned-in-cold-looking-for-foster-home-11689843

Iowa Rescue Dog Dumped in a Cage and ‘Left Alone’ in 18-Degree Cold, Now in ‘Gentle Hands’

Rise, a 4-year-old dog left alone in a cage on Sunday, March 2, now has a name that “speaks to new beginnings,” per the Humane Society of Scott County

By Brenton Blanchet

Updated on March 3, 2025 04:40PM EST

*** begin quote ***

  •     A thin and scarred dog was found dumped outside the old location of an Iowa animal shelter on March 2
  •     A good Samaritan spotted the abandoned dog alone in the 18-degree cold and brought the canine to the Humane Society of Scott County
  •     The Humane Society of Scott County named the dog Rise to honor the pet’s resilience

A dog found abandoned in a cage in Iowa in 18-degree weather is ready to begin a warm and welcoming next chapter.

On Sunday, March 2, the Kings Harvest Pet Rescue No Kill Shelter in Davenport announced on Facebook that, earlier that morning, an unidentified person left a dog unattended in the cold outside of the shelter’s former location. 

*** end quote ***

Special place in Hell reserved for that person.  Only thing worse that that I can think of is: What if it was a child?

Would it have taken that much effort to bring it to the proper address that was on the sign where it was abandoned?

I find this very sad because all life is precious.

As Bob Barker always ended the Price Is Right tv show. “Remember to spay and neuter your pets.”  That advice should apply to some heartless people too.

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DISCOURAGING: The Kanye West and Bianca Censori publicity stunt sets a new low in taste and class

Monday, February 3, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/02/03/entertainment/why-kanye-west-bianca-censori-decided-to-cause-a-stir-on-grammys-2025-red-carpet/?lctg=6080ba40747925275a09dcd3

Why Kanye West and Bianca Censori decided to cause an ‘outrageous’ stir on Grammys red carpet

By Nika Shakhnazarova 

Published Feb. 3, 2025, 8:07 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

And while the ordeal may have seemed like it was an impromptu decision made by the married couple, Hollywood PR expert Quincy Dash believes that the move was carefully thought out by the “Vultures” rapper ahead of time.

“They’re in a business called showbusiness,” Dash, founder of PR firm Quincy Dash Co., exclusively told The Post. “What Kanye understands better than any other celebrity or talent is the game of public relations. His strategy is that all press is good press, and there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”

“While we are thinking, ‘Oh wow, this is crazy. What is she doing?’ she is actually going to gain as much as he is, because prior to their relationship, no one knew who she was. Fast forward to today, everyone knows her. She’s getting fame, recognition, and soon she will transition to be able to do what she wants to do,” he said, adding, “It’s a crazy strategy, but it works.”

*** end quote ***

They both should be “cancelled”.  

Laugh!

It’s shameful behavior.

Hopefully it sends their “brands” into the trash bin of history.

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DISCOURAGING: It took 65 years to identify this poor child

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14268021/inside-life-chester-breiney-murderers-revealed.html

Chester Breiney, 7, died without ever having his photo taken… the monsters who killed him are finally unmasked
By SOPHIE GABLE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 18:52 EST, 19 January 2025 | Updated: 18:52 EST, 19 January 2025

*** begin quote ***

More than 65 years ago, two Wisconsin parents dumped the dead body of their adopted son Chester Breiney on the side of the road and fled the state out of fear of punishment. 

They evaded prosecution over a technicality – despite a confession, a judge claimed prosecutors lacked evidence – but years after their death, DNA testing finally proved the sinister crime they committed in 1959. 

In 2023, professors at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh studied the skeletal remains believed to have belong to Breiney using advanced genealogy. 

*** end quote ***

While I’m glad that he was put to rest with dignity and identity, it’s a shame that it took so long.

It brings to mind rhetorical oft repeated claim that several hundred thousand children have been trafficked in the recent US border chaos.  What about all those children?

I wonder if DJT47 can sort this mess out.

Very sadly, probably not.

Dona Nobis Pacem

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: What is the penalty for one or more blatant lies?

Sunday, January 5, 2025

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2024/12/no_author/our-lying-eyes-new-photo-shows-biden-with-hunter-s-business-associates-despite-past-denials/

Our Lying Eyes: New Photo Shows Biden With Hunter ‘s Business Associates Despite Past Denials – LewRockwell
By Jonathan Turley JonathanTurley.org
December 30, 2024

*** begin quote ***

“Lies.” That response was a mantra for President Joe Biden, who denied ever meeting or knowing about his son’s foreign dealings. Despite the pronounced lack of interest by most media outlets in the alleged multimillion dollar influence-peddling scheme, the House and conservative groups have doggedly pursued the matter and found overwhelming evidence that the President has repeatedly lied about his interactions with foreign clients. Now, a new photo further contradicts the President, who recently pardoned his son for any crimes committed over a ten-year period.

*** end quote ***

We have just seen the death of Jimmy Carter, who for all his mistakes, bad policies, and “wrong decisions”, was basically an honest guy.  He always was a “good guy” even at his worst.

Now we have clear photographic evidence that “We, The Sheeple” were lied to on many occasions.  Is there a diktat that punishes such lying?

If we can’t prosecute the befuddled old “king” because he’s senile, can we ask who has been running the country in his mental absence.

Can’t we prosecute those who lied with a straight face about how “sharp” old Joe was?

At the very least, since the Left likes to cancel people, may be brand liar on the foreheads of everyone convicted of the new “crime” of lying to the American people.

Argh!

I’m at loss for words to describe my disgust at these liars.

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: America’s “sportsmanship” in action

Sunday, December 29, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/college-football/article-14233673/College-football-fans-want-Fernando-Carmona-Arkansas-Razorbacks-banned.html

College football fans want Arkansas’ Fernando Carmona banned for life after his ‘disgusting’ act

By MAX WINTERS

Published: 08:15 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 10:13 EST, 29 December 2024

*** begin quote ***

Furious college football fans want Arkansas left tackle Fernando Carmona banned for life after a shocking piece of foul play in their game on Friday. 

The Razorbacks beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 39-26 in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis but there was one controversial moment that infuriated fans.

*** end quote ***

Is this what best represents America’s “sportsmanship”?

Maybe it is the NFL-effect where bad behavior is condoned on and off the field.

I’m not sure what the proper response should be?  Maybe a suspension of Arkansas’ bowl participation for some period of time.  Maybe even a bowl forfeit  —  if such means anything.

Criminal prosecution for assault seems to be a must!

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: Illegal comits murder after sneaking back in

Thursday, December 26, 2024

https://nypost.com/2024/12/23/us-news/nyc-subway-burn-suspect-is-illegal-migrant-from-guatemala-who-sneaked-into-us-after-being-deported/?lctg=6080ba40747925275a09dcd3 

Fiend accused of burning woman to death on NYC subway is illegal migrant from Guatemala who sneaked into US after he was deported
By Jennie Taer and Joe Marino 
Published Dec. 23, 2024
Updated Dec. 23, 2024, 9:37 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

The Guatemalan migrant accused of setting a sleeping F train passenger on fire and then watching as she burned to death sneaked into the country illegally after being deported — and then stayed in the New York City shelter system, multiple sources confirm to The Post.

He first entered the US at the Arizona border in 2018, when he was nabbed and deported just days later for crossing illegally, multiple sources told The Post.

He then re-entered the US at a subsequent unknown date, sneaking past US authorities. It’s unknown how long he has been in New York.

*** end quote ***

Clearly, DJT47 will have his “deportation” chore firmly in mind.  Why do we have to tolerate such behavior?  It’s a stain on all the good people who want to come here.

Argh!

—30—

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DISCOURAGING: Everyone might have seen the 8th grade tests from the turn of the century … …

Monday, December 23, 2024

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2024/12/a_half_century_of_miseducation.html

December 17, 2024
A Half Century of Miseducation
By John M. Grondelski

*** begin quote ***

The New York Times reported December 4 that math and science test scores for U.S. fourth and eighth graders have been essentially stagnant since 1995. Nor have they have been stagnant near the top — lots of countries outrank us — but rather in the middling middle. American elementary/middle school students perform behind Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, England, Ireland, and Poland.

“’This is alarming,’” opined a Department of Education commissioner.

Yes, it is, but perhaps not just for the reasons the article identifies.

The spin of the article is that scores are down and American kids have lost significant ground as a result of the pandemic. Author Dana Goldstein says the results corroborate “a large body of research showing significant academic declines since the Covid-19 pandemic began.” “Experts are debating potential causes,” reports Goldstein, including maybe the fact that American public schools were shuttered comparatively longer than in other countries.

Let me argue that spin is far too limited and selective.

*** end quote ***

I’m not an “educator”, but I can observe some factoids that do NOT inspire confidence.

  • Everyone might have seen the 8th grade tests from the turn of the century.  Some of those questions even I couldn’t answer.  As a fat old white guy retired injineer, I should have been able to “nail” the math and geometry questions.  Not so.
  • There’s a meme on Facebook that talks about a circa WW2 car owner’s manual that decribes how to adjust the valves.  Today’s say “don’t drink the battery acid.”
  • The amount of money spent on education in 1988 per pupil was enough the send kids to the private Petty School in Princeton.  Those amount have gone up from there.
  • Teacher’s pay has stagnated.  But budgets keep rising.  Teachers’s unions in the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee dominate the state legislature.
  • All the stats say either we are birthing stupider children or “education” ain’t educating.
  • Asian children seem to be doing just fine.  Indicating that non-Asian parents are not motivating their children to excel at anything other than “feeling good about themselves”.
  • And, my perpetual gripe, “participation trophies” that denigrate accomplishment and fail to teach children to deal with setbacks early in life.

In summary:

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” — attributed to Einstein

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” — attributed to Einstein, Ben Franklin, and Rita Mae Brown

So what can we change?

  • Eliminating the Department of Education seems like a reasonable start.
  • Returning “education” to the local communities’ control
  • Disempowering teachers’ unions
  • Ending “public education”!

Seems “simple” to me.

—30—

 

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DISCOURAGING: “A bloke’s been murdered in the street.” — Piers Morgan

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14176379/Piers-Morgan-gleeful-reporter-Taylor-Lorenz-joy-death-UnitedHealthcare-CEO-Brian-Thompson.html

Piers Morgan goes nuclear on gleeful ex-WaPo reporter Taylor Lorenz for saying she felt ‘joy’ after death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
By EMMA RICHTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 01:41 EST, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 07:58 EST, 10 December 2024

*** begin quote ***

Piers Morgan was left in shock after gleeful former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz said she felt ‘joy’ following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

On Monday night, Lorez joined Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, as the broadcaster questioned her about her controversial social media posts following Thompson being gunned down in Manhattan on Wednesday.

*** and ***

‘Should they all be killed, these healthcare executives? Would that make you even more joyful?,’ he asked.

Lorenz laughed and then said: ‘Uh, no,’ as Morgan asked her ‘Well, why not?’

‘Why are you laughing? You seem to find the whole thing hilarious. A bloke’s been murdered in the street. I don’t find it funny at all.’

*** end quote ***

As a little L libertarian, I don’t often agree with Piers Morgan but from time to time, he is right on target.  

How can you laugh at the murder of anyone?

There are humans who are so broken that it’s hard to feel compassion (i.e., murderer, rapists, genocidal maniacs, the insane).  But we should feel sadness every time an irreplaceable life has been lost.

While some deaths are wither unavoidable or unforeseen, deliberately killing anyone is a very serious matter.  That’s why we have jury trials. 

But as a pro-life little L libertarian, I’m anti-death penalty for anyone. Gooferment can’t be trusted with the power to end someone’s life.  Maybe if a convict is too dangerous to put in prison, then maybe it’s morally justifiable.

Left liberals seem to be the only ones who thing that insurance company executives are so evil as to be joyfully murdered. 

Argh!

Piers is right on this one.  Again, he and I are on the same page.

—30—

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DISCOURAGING:Here’s a crime that I hope doesnt come to the USA

Thursday, November 7, 2024

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/27/europe/criminals-atm-robberies-europe-intl/index.html

Criminals are looting millions from ATMs in Europe. Here’s why Germany is a prime target
By Sophie Tanno, CNN
Updated 5:58 AM EDT, Sun October 27, 2024

*** begin quote ***

In Germany – Europe’s largest economy – thieves have been blowing up ATMs at a rate of more than one per day in recent years. In a country where cash is still a prevalent payment method, the thefts can prove incredibly lucrative, with criminals pocketing hundreds of thousands of euros in one attack.

Europol has been cracking down on the robberies, carrying out large cross-border operations aimed at taking down the highly-organized criminal gangs behind them.

Earlier this month, authorities from Germany, France and the Netherlands arrested three members of a criminal network who have been carrying out attacks on cash machines using explosives, Europol said in a statement. 

*** and ***

A decline in ATM machines in the Netherlands and the introduction of enhanced security measures to crack down on the crime – including the installation of glue protection systems that can render bank notes worthless – has also led Dutch criminals to look further afield, according to Reuters, citing Dutch police. 

*** end quote ***

Never underestimate the inginuity of rats — either the four legged or two legged kind.  Like that meme about “making stuff idiot proof and the Universe makes smarter idiots”.  I guess we always had “highwaymen” robbing trains and stagecoaches.  At least now with ₿itcoin, there is nothing physical to steal.

—30—

 

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DISCOURAGING: Pink and blue pigeons; as if balloons weren’t bad enough for the wildlife

Thursday, September 19, 2024

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d71p2xqkgo?utm_placement=newsletter

Blue pigeon mystifies town’s residents
4 days ago   <<  2024-09Sep-06 >>
Charlotte Andrews
BBC News

*** begin quote ***

Several sightings of a blue pigeon wandering around a town’s streets have baffled residents.

The bird has been photographed by a number of people in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Some locals insisted the bird’s unique plumage looked natural.

But wildlife experts suggested it could have been dyed for a gender-reveal party – a tradition where expectant couples learn the sex of their baby using pink or blue items.

*** and ***

Rebecca Machin, from the RSPCA’s wildlife team, warned dye could cause birds health problems, impair their ability to fly and make them more vulnerable to predators.

“Dye and paints can be toxic to birds and other animals, and they would be likely to try to clean any such substance from their coat or feathers which could result in them swallowing it,” she said.

She also said she feared social media trends could be fuelling the behaviour.

“We suspect this pigeon’s feathers have been painted – something we seem to be hearing about more and more, including – anecdotally – at events like gender reveal parties,” she said.

*** end quote ***

Oh come on people, leave the wildlife alone.  

Balloons are bad enough for power lines, birds, and fish.  Now you have to maim some poor birds.

How about you stick to exploding blue or pink powder packs?  At least, you can only hurt yourself.

Argh!

—30—

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