QUOTE: Who said “better to be uninformed than misinformed.”

Sunday, June 22, 2025

https://quoteinvestigator.com/2016/12/03/misinformed/

“One must select wisely a source of news; otherwise it would be better to be uninformed than misinformed.” — Ezra Taft Benson 

# – # – # – # – # 

*** begin quote ***

Mark Twain? Denzel Washington? Thomas Jefferson? Thomas Fuller? Orville Hubbard? Ezra Taft Benson? Apocryphal?

Question for Quote Investigator: A cynical attitude toward the media is widespread today, but this is not a new development. Supposedly, Mark Twain made the following remark:

    If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.

Are these really the words of the famous humorist?

*** end quote ***

I love the investigation of quotes done on this website.  They do a real service to prevent misattribution.

Kudos!

# – # – # – # – # 

—30—


INTERESTING: Prairie dogs are the Paul Reveres of the Great Plains

Saturday, June 21, 2025

https://apnews.com/article/prairie-dogs-birds-eavesdropping-warning-0430300793f1f0e267e07e9942fad2e9?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nautilus-newsletter

Science
A grassland bird eavesdrops on prairie dog calls to keep itself safe from predators
By CHRISTINA LARSON
Updated 10:04 AM EDT, June 12, 2025

*** begin quote ***

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prairie dogs are the Paul Reveres of the Great Plains: They bark to alert neighbors to the presence of predators, with separate calls for dangers coming by land or by air.

“Prairie dogs are on the menu for just about every predator you can think of”— golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, foxes, badgers, even large snakes — said Andy Boyce, a research ecologist in Montana at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Those predators will also snack on grassland nesting birds like the long-billed curlew.

*** end quote ***

Isn’t “nature” amazing?

Who have thought that birds could evolve to listen and differentiate between “danger – ground” and “danger – air”?

I find this almost unbelievable.  I know from all the war movies that listening and smelling was ssential skills in most kinds of warfare and hunting. 

From my time in survival school, I know that animals had no worry about me “sneaking” up and eating them.  I wouldn’t have survived on what I could have caught.  Laugh!

In our modern world of “bread and circuses” is there equivalent skills in keep us safe.  Like “situational awareness” to avoid crime.  “Marksmanship” to end threats quickly.  “Listening” and “reading” to avoid frauds and misinformation.  “Distrust all experts, politicians, and bureaucrats” who seek to deceive us for their own reasons.

Maybe we can be like “the Paul Reveres of the Great Plains” and warn family, friends, acquaintances, others of our species, and other species to the dangers we see?

—30—


RANT: Red Sox fans fume over Rafael Devers trade — Any taxes due?

Friday, June 20, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/06/16/sports/red-sox-fans-fume-over-rafael-devers-trade-with-100m-conspiracy-theory/

Red Sox fans fume over Rafael Devers trade with $100M conspiracy theory

By Ryan Giancola 

Published June 16, 2025, 9:37 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

The owner of the Red Sox, John Henry, also owns the Premier League-winning soccer team Liverpool.

Simmons hinted on X that the possible motive behind the trade was to help finance the newest transfer to Liverpool, Florian Wirtz. Liverpool reportedly paid his former club $100 million for the midfielder.

Devers is in the third season of a 10-year, $313 million contract and had been at odds with the team this spring training, after he was moved from third base to DH for the newly signed Alex Bregman.

*** end quote ***

Good for the Yankees? 

It’s all about $.  Who cares what the rubes think?  They will just keep spending their money on these circuses.

My question is “Is that taxable”?   Short term capital gains, long term capital gains, sales tax?

—30—


MONEY: Walmart and Amazon are going to “mint” Stablecoins

Thursday, June 19, 2025

https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/walmart-amazon-stablecoin-07de2fdd?st=Uj2rA8&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink&utm_source=tldrnewsletter

Walmart and Amazon Are Exploring Issuing Their Own Stablecoins

  • Corporate coins could take payments activity away from banks and the traditional financial system

By Gina Heeb, AnnaMaria Andriotis, Josh Dawsey
Updated June 13, 2025 4:51 pm ET

# – # – # – # – # 

FROM TLDR 2025-06-16

*** begin quote ***

Walmart and Amazon Are Exploring Issuing Their Own Stablecoins

Several multinational giants, including Walmart and Amazon, are discussing potential efforts to issue stablecoins. Whether these initiatives will go ahead depends on a bill still yet to clear the Senate and House called the Genius Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins. Stablecoins could allow merchants to bypass traditional payment rails, which cost them billions of dollars in fees each year. A regulatory framework for stablecoins would enable an alternative payment type for merchants that could significantly lower their expenses and create competition against Visa and Mastercard. 

*** end quote ***

# – # – # – # – # 

To me this is BIG (<synonym for the act of procreation in real time>) deal.

I never understood why Walmart was allowed to establish its own bank.  The politicians and bureaucrats are always whining about the “poor unbanked”.  But Walmart could solve that problem quickly, cheaply, and easily.  So could Amazon.

Stablecoins by either of them could serve the same purpose as a bank without the regulatory hassle.

Let’s wait and see.  Competition in the “traditional financial system” for JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Visa, and Mastercard could certainly be good for the consumers.

—30—


HEALTH: What happened to the Presidential Fitness Challenge?

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2025/06/13/Guinness-World-Records-red-light-green-light-Anaheim-California/1291749834068/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4b9c55d78644b3a882a4d

Odd News
June 13, 2025 / 1:12 PM
World’s largest game of red light, green light played in California
By Ben Hooper

*** begin quote ***

June 13 (UPI) — A fitness education group in California broke a Guinness World Record by gathering 1,423 people to play the playground game red light, green light.

CF Fitness Inc., an education-oriented group aimed at promoting physical fitness at schools, gathered students from the Anaheim Elementary School District and their families to play the record-breaking game at Yorbe Park in Anaheim. 

*** end quote ***

As you know as a little L libertarian, I really don’t like Gooferment involvement in anything.

BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), here’s a cheap and easy way to get children, and maybe some adults, moving.

I remember the Presidential Fitness Challenge; do you?

Every Gooferment politician, from mayor to governor, can spark up their own “challenge”.  Make it fun and somewhat competitive.  Get some ribbons and medal to give out at the end of school year.  

Like being an Eagle Scout, that I am not one or had the opportunity to be one, I believe that children can be encouraged to accomplish great things.

Instead of a nation of “thumbs” ((i.e., video game addicts mindlessly spending hours in front of a screen), we could create physical and mental challenges that would prepare then for a healthy and happy life.

—30—


FINANCIAL: Great chart of the boom bust cycle

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

 

FROM Bitcoin.com Weekly Update

# – # – # – # – # 

You don’t have to wade through a ton of Austrian Economic texts although it’s very worthwhile.  This chart should serve to know why we need “honest money” and should #endtheFed!

By “honest money”, I mean gold and silver in the physical money.  Paper should be redeemable in a commodity.

By “#endtheFed”, I mean that “We, The Sheeple” have to recognize what the Fed is.  The Federal Reserve Bank is a misnomer. It ain’t “federal”. It reserves nothing. And, it ain’t a “bank”. It is a private cartel of the elite banks run for their benefit and that of the entrenched politicians.

—30—


INTERESTING: Sea Gulls are smart thieves

Monday, June 16, 2025

https://www.wsj.com/articles/scientists-cant-get-enough-of-watching-gulls-steal-your-food-58866ce7?st=QyXVUd&mod=1440&user_id=66c4b9c55d78644b3a882a4d

Scientists Can’t Get Enough of Watching Seagulls Steal Your Food

  • Birds’ ability to seamlessly swap marine food for a Big Mac—and outwit humans to get it—is a source of fascination

By Natasha Dangoor
June 5, 2025 11:00 pm ET

*** begin quote ***

St. Ives in Cornwall, which Rock dubs the “world capital of food snatching,” took a more human-targeted approach. The Business Improvement District launched a campaign to pack takeouts in paper printed with humorous and informative messages about gulls. This “Daily Gull” newspaper-style wrapping featured “Tips from the experts to help you protect your pasty” and quizzes on gull species.

One tip: Stare at the gulls. 

Researchers at the University of Exeter did an experiment which showed that gulls took 21 seconds longer to approach a bag of fries when a human was watching them, compared with when the human looked away.

“It’s like shoplifting,” said Boogert. “You wouldn’t look at a shopkeeper whilst stealing from them!” 

*** end quote ***

Capturing dictation

As a long time, SHORE resident, I am very familiar with just how intelligent seagulls are. The kids love to feed them french fries and bread. One time as a joke one of them threw a mushroom with the bread. Despite several gulls, eating the bread, the mushroom was left like an orphan. Finally, some squirrel came along and ate it.

Tourists on the Seaside Heights boardwalk are often mobbed by seagulls stealing their food. Nothing is safe even a baby bottle. Well some people regard them as pests, they are fun to watch.

If the scientists are right, and I think they are, birds are descended from flying dinosaurs. One doesn’t survive a grazilian years without being adaptable and smart.

—30—


HEALTHCARE: US Maternal Mortality Surged More Than 27% Over 5 Years

Sunday, June 15, 2025

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/06/10/us-maternal-mortality-surged.aspx?ui=f9839516412491bb1e06c9e47058c6fb81b9b9b6acedf03e65e93dfdb263c1b9&sd=20210317&cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1ReadMore&cid=20250610&foDate=false&mid=DM1759206&rid=313130735

US Maternal Mortality Surged More Than 27% Over 5 Years, NIH Study Reveals
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
June 10, 2025

*** begin quote ***

What Does the Latest Data Reveal About Postpartum Deaths?

The featured study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed pregnancy-related deaths in the United States from 2018 to 2022 using national birth and death certificate data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unlike many previous studies, it also examined “late maternal deaths,” which are deaths from pregnancy-related causes that occur more than 42 days and up to one year after delivery.3

• Maternal deaths increased sharply in just five years — {Extraneous Deleted}.

• Where a woman lives made a major difference — {Extraneous Deleted}

• Disparities by race and ethnicity were equally striking — {Extraneous Deleted}

• One-third of all pregnancy-related deaths occurred after six weeks — {Extraneous Deleted}

• Postpartum care often ends too early — {Extraneous Deleted}

The researchers emphasized that identifying and addressing the causes of late maternal death is essential to lowering pregnancy-related mortality in the U.S. “We cannot take our eyes off of maternal health right now,” said Dr. Rose Molina, an OB-GYN at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study. “If anything, we need to not just maintain focus, but actually increase investment in maternal health.”4

*** end quote ***

Seems like the Medical Establishment has taken their collective eyes “off the ball”!

Moms need a longer recovery period?

I like the advice to track your own symptoms or data.  Sounds like a good job for Dad’s or Grandparents to be the “Patient Advocate” in this case for the new mom and the offspring.

Individual responsibility is a little L libertarian “value”.  Don’t depend on the doctors, physician assistants, nurses, or their staffs to be the only ones watching out for you and yours.

When I read the sad stories of bad things happening resulting from postpartum depression and wonder where was all of mom’s “help”?

Sigh!

—30—


FUN: A person like you should have been died with some time ago

Saturday, June 14, 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14755069/death-clock-brandon-franson-alzheimers.html?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4b9c55d78644b3a882a4d

I invented the ‘Death Clock’… and was horrified when it confirmed my worst fears about my own health
By LUKE ANDREWS SENIOR HEALTH REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 16:17 EDT, 7 June 2025 | Updated: 16:22 EDT, 7 June 2025

*** begin quote ***

Brent Franson wasn’t afraid of dying. He was afraid of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.

He remembers seeing sufferers on TV growing up, with their listless expressions and inability to walk. It left him certain he did not want to develop the devastating condition. 

His worst fear was revealed when he used the Death Clock – an artificial intelligence that predicts – down to the minute – when and how a person will die. 

*** end quote ***

https://www.thecalculator.co/lifestyle/Death-Calculator-216.html

*** begin quote ***

This death calculator is designed as a death clock based on the average life expectancy for each country and gender specific. Read more on this topic below the form.

Based on the average life expectancy for your country and on your general conditions and life standard specified, a person like you should have been died with some time ago. Congratulations for your performance to live a number of years above the average life expectancy. Enjoy your live!

Disclaimer:Please note that the Death Calculator is a funny tool and that it does NOT pretend to be accurate. The creator of this tool is in no way liable of any actions which might be taken by users, as this calculator was made for entertainment purposes ONLY.

*** end quote ***

“Enjoy your live!”

Did you mean life?

# – # – # – # – # 

I think these things are funny,  In this story, the fellow was able to change his life style and purportedly get a lot more time to spend with his family,  (Until he steps off a curb and gets hit by the metaphorical bus.  Let’s see AI predict that!)

So since I’ve already outlasted the prediction, on to 132. (When I can have finally stolen back my social security “contribution” on a dollar for dollar basis.  Ignoring that I “contributed” good strong dollars and received poor weak dollars that are but a shadow of their former purchasing power.)

Beans, Band Aids, Bullets, Bullion, and ₿bitcoin!

(I like Goldbacks for their low denomination and low cost to acquire. YMMV!)

—30—

 


HEROIC: Ramir Parker risks his life to save his family

Friday, June 13, 2025

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/the-tri-cities/nothing-short-of-heroic-12-year-old-boy-saves-family-from-house-fire-in-petersburg/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4b9c55d78644b3a882a4d

The Tri-Cities
‘Nothing short of heroic’: 12-year-old boy saves family from house fire in Petersburg
by: Kendal McAuley 
Posted: Jun 3, 2025 / 12:27 PM EDT 
Updated: Jun 3, 2025 / 12:27 PM EDT 

*** begin quote ***

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — A 12-year-old boy rescued his grandmother and infant siblings from their burning home on Tuesday, according to Petersburg Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

On June 3, a fire broke out at a home on the 2000 block of Burks Street, leaving the home severely damaged. Although this was a moment of devastation, a social post from Petersburg Fire said, “a powerful story of courage rose from the smoke, one that deserves to be told.”

Twelve-year-old Ramir Parker reportedly saved his two baby brothers and grandmother from the burning home.

*** end quote ***

Now I never use the label “heroic” often,  But it applies when someone risks their life to save others.  Whether successful or not, it’s the courage and bravery shown in the attempt.  

At twelve years old, he’s old enough to recognize the risks.  Although I’m not sure that anyone really thinks of the risks; more reaction.  But remember that most people freeze or run away.  Heroes run towards it.

Bravery is the ability to confront fear or danger without hesitation, while courage involves taking action despite feeling fear, often with a conscious choice and awareness of the risks involved.

This young man is a brave and courageous hero imho.

—30—


RECOMMENDED: Netflix Siege of Jadotville or why politicians leave soldiers out to die

Thursday, June 12, 2025

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3922798/

Siege of Jadotville

1961 Irish UN troops defend against attack by Belgian and Kanganese soldiers

The siege of Jadotville was a major battle during the Congo Crisis, that began on 13 September 1961, lasting for five days, where a small contingent of the Irish Army’s 35th Battalion serving under the United Nations Operation in the Congo, designated “A” Company, were besieged at the UN base near the mining town of Jadotville by Katangese forces loyal to the secessionist State of Katanga. The siege took place during the seven-day escalation of hostilities between ONUC and Katangese forces during Operation Morthor. Wikipedia

# – # – # – # – # 

Amazing that the Irish took no casualties.  

IF THE MOVIE IS TRUE … … and that’s a big if … … the (French mercenaries) were poor strategists.  They must have studied the tactics of the Napoleanic period, the British during the American Revolution, the Union / Southern Armies, during the War of Northern Aggression, or WWI.  Lining troops up and having them advance and attack against modern weapons and machine guns is suicidal.  I’m surprised that they only suffered 1300 KIAs.

The lesson for soldiers is that the politicians and bureaucrats will always betray you and leave you to die.

So sad.

—30—


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!

—30—


ConspiracyTheories: Was Biden cloned or used doubles?

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14769003/Trump-shares-theory-Joe-Biden-DIED-2020-replaced-clone.html

Trump shares theory that Joe Biden DIED in 2020 and was replaced by a clone
By JAMES GORDON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 01:42 EDT, 1 June 2025 | Updated: 11:21 EDT, 1 June 2025

*** begin quote ***

President Donald Trump shared a bizarre theory on social media Saturday night that suggested Joe Biden died in 2020 and has since been replaced by a ‘clone.’

The Truth Social post, which has since gone viral, stated bluntly that the former president of the United States had somehow been dead for years while still in office.  

‘There is no #JoeBiden – executed in 2020. #Biden clones doubles & robotic engineered soulless mindless entities are what you see,’ wrote the user named llijh. ‘#Democrats dont know the difference.’

*** end quote ***

Hard to believe but anything is possible.

Checking the Conspiracy Theorist “thermometer”  — I’d rate it as: 

Currently  “7. Unlikely” and  “Political” pending further real evidence.

I guess that future Presidents will have to sign bills into law and pardons in person in front of Congress!

—30—


MONEY: ZELLE’s use case doesn’t fit me at all

Monday, June 9, 2025

https://www.zellepay.com/

What’s Zelle®?

Zelle® is a great way to send money to friends and family, even if they bank somewhere different than you do1. That means it’s super easy to get paid back, or split the costs of things like dinner. With Zelle®, the money goes directly into your bank account. And when money goes into your bank account directly, you can live delightfully. Zelle® is already in lots of banking apps, so look for it in yours today.

# – # – # – # – # 

So, it all works great  —  sort of — if you have one bank, one cell phone, and one email account.

What happens when you have Bank#1, Bank#2, Bank#3, and one cell phone?

Chaos!

I’ve had to enroll in Zelle three times.  Bank#1 and email#1, Bank#2 and email#2, and Bank#3 and email#3. Good luck keeping that all straight.

Argh!

—30—


INTERESTING: NOTEBOOK LLM review of RFL blog. for May 2025 — pretty accurate from my POV

Monday, June 9, 2025

NotebookLM Logo

Sources

Chat

Studio

😤

Reinke Faces Life: May 2025 Entries

1 source

 

The sources consist of blog posts from “Reinke Faces Life,” a blog where the author shares content they find interesting, amusing, or enraging. The topics covered are varied, including the shutdown of the Pocket app, thoughts on the elimination of the penny and its connection to inflation, a review of a World War II movie, a discussion on corrosion-resistant steel for infrastructure, and advice on security for Bitcoin holders. Other posts address potential issues with government agencies, the ethics of selling scanned public domain books, a survival story, a software bug, the controversy surrounding President Biden’s physician, and concerns about Google’s search algorithms. The author also reflects on Memorial Day, offers a resource for free e-books, and criticizes government involvement in energy and air travel.

 

What is the overarching sentiment towards government and authority across these sources?

Across the provided sources, the overarching sentiment towards government and authority is highly negative, critical, and deeply distrustful. The author frequently expresses frustration and anger regarding the actions and perceived failures of government entities and individuals involved in politics and bureaucracy.

Several sources explicitly criticize governmental bodies and their impact:

The US Treasury and Federal Reserve are blamed for inflation and the devaluation of the dollar, with the Federal Reserve described as a “private cartel of the elite banks run for their benefit and that of the entrenched politicians”

. The author views the decision to stop circulating one-cent coins as a sign that “We, The Sheeple” will be forced to recognize the inflation caused by the Federal Reserve printing “so many ‘dollars'”. The author advocates for ending the Federal Reserve entirely, citing reasons such as its inability to accomplish objectives, acting against the public interest, generating unfair tax, encouraging war, destabilizing the economy, and being an instrument of totalitarianism. The author contrasts the current fiat money system with a gold standard, which they believe led to lower prices and predictable life, arguing that fiat dollars enable the “Gooferment” in endless spending, “forever wars,” and welfare

.

Politicians and bureaucrats are generally portrayed as untrustworthy and lacking incentive to solve problems

. In the context of infrastructure, the author suggests that bridges are failing because the “Gooferment” is involved in their construction and that an entrepreneur would build bridges that last longer because politicians and bureaucrats “have no incentive to solve the problems of the world”

.

The author questions the role of government in areas like air travel security and air traffic control, suggesting the TSA and FAA should be ended and these functions turned over to airlines, arguing that government involvement adds unnecessary overhead that could be better managed privately

. The author sees government programs, like the temporary ones Jeff Thomas discusses, as becoming permanent and overbearing

.

In the context of Bitcoin, the author expresses concern about “Gooferment involvement,” specifically mentioning the IRS wanting to report capital gains and coercing crypto exchanges to cooperate via KYC rules

. They highlight the ability to transfer assets without “Gooferment involvement” as a valuable use case for Bitcoin

.

The author is highly critical of perceived government cover-ups and lack of accountability, such as questioning President Biden’s physician and staff, and suggesting they should face repercussions for statements about his competence

. This situation is labeled a “national disgrace”. The author calls for reforms like term limits, age limits, and citizenship requirements for politicians and bureaucrats

.

The New Jersey “Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee Gooferment” is criticized for a significant increase in electric rates and the lack of competition in energy

. The author states the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) “ain’t looking out for the consumer”

.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is described as “unscientific” and accused of unnecessarily culling birds

. The author questions the motivations of bureaucrats in such agencies, imagining them justifying their paychecks without adding value, and states a strong dislike for politicians and bureaucrats

.

The 1986 SHIELD ACT is heavily criticized for shielding vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits, which the author believes leads to a lack of safety testing and contributes to health issues

. The author calls for its repeal

.

The author frequently uses the derogatory term “Gooferment”

 and the exclamation “Argh!” to convey frustration related to government actions or perceived failures. The sentiment is further reinforced by headings like “GOVEROTRAGEOUS” and topics listed in the sidebar such as “Political,” “Ranting,” “TYLER DURDEN,” “tyranny,” and “VICTIM DISARMAMENT”. The focus on “Conspiracy Theories” and the mention of perceived “crimes committed by the Political Class” also contribute to this negative view

.

The sources suggest a preference for private sector solutions over government involvement, as seen in the discussion of infrastructure

, airline security/air traffic control, and energy competition. There is also an emphasis on self-reliance and skepticism of authority, exemplified by the advice to “TRUST NO ONE, EVER” in the context of Bitcoin security and government involvement, the suggestion to save in gold and silver, and the inclusion of a quote about an armed society

.

In summary, the sources consistently portray government and authority as inefficient, untrustworthy, detrimental to individual liberty and economic well-being, and often acting against the public interest for the benefit of insiders

.

1 source

NotebookLM can be inaccurate; please double check its responses.

—30—


GLOBAL: Maybe some arrows painted on the roads?

Sunday, June 8, 2025

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4kqq8dw00o?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark

Rise in crashes caused by tourists driving on wrong side of road
9 hours ago
<<No author cited>>
<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2025-05-31>>

*** begin quote ***

The UK is one of few countries in Europe where vehicles drive on the left

The number of crashes caused by visitors to Scotland driving on the wrong side of the road has increased by 46% in a year.

Figures released by Transport Scotland showed there were 35 collisions caused by “inexperience of driving on the left” in 2023, up from 24 the previous year.

Campaigners have described the rise as “disappointing” and called for additional signage and prompts to be put in place as a reminder for tourists, particularly in rural areas.

Road Safety Scotland said there was no clear reason for the increased frequency of crashes.

*** end quote ***

I’d suggest some arrows painted on the roads.  

Some countries have optical illusions or wavy lane lines to slow drivers.

You’d think that paint would be a cheap solution.  

Certainly around cities and maybe on tourist routes to scenic viewpoints.

Just a thought.  Not that drivers in the Pepuls Republik of Nu Jerzee are any example to follow.

—30—


ENGINEERING: What other hidden disasters don’t we know about?

Saturday, June 7, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/05/28/us-news/nyc-citicorp-tower-skyscraper-was-almost-toppled-by-winds/

This famous NYC skyscraper was almost toppled by winds — and the people who worked inside it had no idea of the danger they were in

By Steve Cuozzo 

Published May 28, 2025, 4:44 p.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

The Citicorp Tower has been a Manhattan skyline icon for nearly a half-century with a glimmering silhouette and unique, prism-topped roof. 

The 54-story skyscraper was dedicated on Oct 12, 1977, by Gov. Hugh Carey and Mayor Abe Beame. Less than a year later, chief engineer William LeMessurier found it had a 1 in 16 chance of toppling over in hurricane winds. 

*** end quote ***

Fascinating read.  And what about all the occupants would would have been killed if the wind blew in the “wrong direction”?  Notice that the elites in the know never told “We, The Sheeple” that they were in mortal danger.

Argh!

Special place in hell fo those in the know.

What other hidden disasters don’t we know about?  Can we trust anyone, any institution, or anything?

—30—


VETERANS: 81 Years Ago Today

Friday, June 6, 2025

https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/06/d-day-81-years-ago-today-the-greatest-generation-pulled-off-a-miracle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=d-day-81-years-ago-today-the-greatest-generation-pulled-off-a-miracle

D-Day: 81 Years Ago Today the Greatest Generation Pulled Off a Miracle

Posted by Mary Chastain  —  Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00am 

*** begin quote ***

The Greatest Generation accomplished one of the most unbelievable military victories in history.

The odds were stacked against them, facing certain death. The Allies had 160,000 troops, 5,000 ships, and 13,000 aircraft.

*** end quote ***

upload_2025-6-6_0-19-23.

How soon we forget.  While “We, The Sheeple” fritter away the advantages they secured for us.  

Homeless vets, a VA hospital system that tries to kill its patients, and perfidious politicians that use “patriotism” to embroil us in the endless creation on new vets are all examples of what’s wrong.

GBA 

—30—


HEALTH: Fried foods are really “greasy”

Friday, June 6, 2025

Personal Observation:

Got some take out last night and it came with French Fries.  My better half today gave me all the fries to break up for the birds.  In the process of doing that, my hands were covered with “grease” and some of it leaked out on the bottom of the dish.  

Yuck!  

I’ve come to the conclusion somewhat very very belatedly, that all that “grease” can’t be good for our health.  Some of it actually congealed at room temperature into globs.  Clearly that can’t be good for veins and arteries.

Now I love McDonald’s French Fries when they are hot as well as KFC.

(Was the name change from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC because they took the “chicken” out?)

But no more, too much grease in  anything “fried”?

YMMV FWIW

—30—


GOOGLE: Google photo’s people identification … …

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Google photo’s people identification … …

… … does it, can it, transfer to someone else’s “google photos”? Sort of like how contacts with a gmail account will pick up their contact card image if they have one.  

In my case, I identified all the people I can in my google photos. I’d like to send her a picture of a group shot from a wedding WITH my identification and have her fill in what she knows.

Doesn’t seem like a far fetched request.

I’ve been unable to find any answers.  Would appreciate any meaningful comments.

— 30 —


ENCOURAGING: A local champion and educator for proper childhood nutrition overcomes challenges

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Nurse Swaps Medicine for Mangos After Epiphany: Patients Were Malnourished While Fruit Rots All Around

Nurse Swaps Medicine for Mangos After Epiphany: Patients Were Malnourished While Fruit Rots All Around

By Andy Corbley – May 23, 2025 

*** begin quote ***

In Uganda, a nurse was excited to start practicing medicine, but realized only afterwards that his patients didn’t so much need pharmaceuticals as proper nutrition.

14 years ago in northern Uganda’s Yumbe district, Francis Asiku was riding home from that nursing job having witnessed a four-year-old suffering from acute malnutrition. It was a disturbing experience he admits, but while passing by some mango trees in the village of Midigo, he saw birds feasting on mangos that were rotting on the ground.

A question stopped his pedals and his mind: why were the birds eating that nutritious fruit? Why was it left to rot? The epiphany which followed gave rise to the Mango Project, a local-led initiative to preserve mangoes from the two harvests per years, and get them into the mouths of the least-fortunate children.

*** and ***

“Should we wait for the government to come to our rescue, and yet the situation keeps getting worse?” he remembers asking his earliest colleagues on the Mango Project.

*** and ***

Asiku has become a local champion and educator for proper childhood nutrition, armed with an orchard of 310 hybrid mango trees bred to resist fruit flies and erratic weather. He knows that mangos alone can’t resolve the problem: for example they contain virtually no protein or iron, vitamin B2, B1, choline, or zinc.

So in response to the interest in the project from donations, Asiku managed to squirrel away enough money to afford a solar-powered drier, with which he dries okra and eggplant, adding sources of vitamin K, B1, magnesium, and calcium.

He hopes to obtain a government license to distribute his foods further afield.

*** end quote ***

Amazing what one human can accomplish from a simple observation and follow thru.

I was shocked at his realization that Gooferments really don’t help and often frustrate solutions.

If the fellow had a GOFUNDME, then I’d have chipped in.  A few dollars may translate into saved lives.

Never underestimate the power of one motivated individual.

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.” — Robert A. Heinlein

“Give me the place to stand, and I shall move the earth.” Attributed to Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287 BC – c. 212 BC) was a Greek mathematician, philosopher, scientist and engineer. 

This fellow found his lever, his place, and moved the world!

—30—


HEALTHCARE: Amazing that Brain tumour diagnosis could be made within hours

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/21/brain-tumour-diagnosis-could-be-made-within-hours-say-researchers?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nautilus-newsletter

Cancer research
Brain tumour diagnosis could be made within hours, say researchers
New testing method means treatments could start sooner, possibly before patient leaves the operating table
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
Tue 20 May 2025 19.01 EDT

*** begin quote ***

A new method for diagnosing brain tumours could cut the time patients wait for treatments by weeks to hours and raise the possibility of novel types of therapy, researchers have said.

According to the Brain Tumour Charity, about 740,000 people around the world are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, around half of which are non-cancerous. Once a brain tumour is found, a sample is taken during surgery and cells are immediately studied under a microscope by pathologists, who can often identify the type of tumour. However, genetic testing helps to make or confirm the diagnosis.

“Almost all of the samples will go for further testing anyway. But for some of them it will be absolutely crucial, because you won’t know what you’re looking at,” said Prof Matthew Loose, a co-author of the research from the University of Nottingham.

Loose noted that in the UK there could be a lag of eight weeks or longer between surgery and the full results of genetic tests, delaying the confirmation of a diagnosis and hence treatment such as chemotherapy.

*** and ***

And there are other possibilities. “If you could identify, as we think we might be able to, the specific tumour type fast enough, and drugs were available that could be administered during surgery directly to the tumour area, then you have opened up a whole new class of potential treatment options,” he said.

In addition, he said, rapid diagnoses could help ensure patients are recruited into relevant clinical trials for new treatments as quickly as possible.

Dr Matt Williams, a consultant oncologist at Imperial College healthcare NHS trust, who was not involved in the work, said while faster diagnoses were welcome and reduced the period of uncertainty for patients, the main question was how the new technology could be used to change care.

“At the moment [intra-operative treatments] don’t really exist, although several groups are working on it ,” he said. “But if [we] want to unlock these approaches, we need to be able to make those diagnoses in the operating theatre to then be able to deploy these treatments.” 

*** end quote ***

Now that’s impressive.  And, it can completely change treatment and outcomes.  At the very least, it can reassure the patients with slow tumors to be reassured and those with fast ones to be expedited. 

And, intra-operative treatments will surely soon follow.

Kudos and congrats to the team.

—30—


BIGOTRY — RELIGIOUS: A private Christian school doesn’t seem very “Christ-like”

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/05/24/us-news/georgia-high-school-senior-emily-wright-withdraws-from-north-cobb-christian-school-over-transgender-prom-date/

Georgia high school senior allegedly forced to withdraw from Christian school over transgender prom date — weeks before graduation

By Nicholas McEntyre 

Published May 24, 2025, 5:47 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

A Georgia high school senior claims she was forced to withdraw from school weeks before graduation because her prom date was transgender, going against the Christian academy’s values.

Emily Wright feared for her future as her family revealed the tumultuous month she experienced because her guest didn’t meet the standards of North Cobb Christian School, a private preparatory institute in Kennesaw, Georgia, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

Four weeks before graduation, Wright attended her school’s prom — held at an off-campus venue — where she was allowed to bring a guest who didn’t attend the school, but was threatened with expulsion after the dance.

*** and ***

The senior was questioned for details about her date that would be concerning to the Christian school.

“I was asked, ‘Is there anything we should know about the guest you brought to prom?’ And I knew exactly what they were talking about, so I said, ‘Yes, he’s transgender,’” Wright told the outlet.

The school’s principal then called Tricia Wright to confront her on her knowledge of the date’s gender identity, which the mother confirmed.

*** and ***

Tricia Wright blasted the school for their lack of acceptance to her daughter’s date, saying it went against the institution’s Christian values for the “discriminatory decision.

*** end quote ***

https://www.ncchristian.org/

*** begin quote ***

North Cobb Christian School feels

LIKE HOME

We hear these words continually from parents and students alike. From our founding in 1983 by a few faithful families to today’s thriving student body of over 1,250 learners from K3 through 12th grade on our expansive 55-acre private Christian school campus in Kennesaw, Georgia, NCCS has stayed true to our calling of teaching biblical truth in a uniquely nurturing environment.

*** and ***

Todd Clingman
North Cobb Christian School
4500 Eagle Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144
770.975.0252
tclingman@ncchristian.org

*** end quote ***

I’m sure there are many sides to this one.  

Luke 15:1-32 ESV 

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. …

and

Mark 10:14 ESV 

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 

Seems to me, that the School’s leadership blew a great teaching opportunity.

And, I’m going to send them a letter to this effect.

You can take any action you see fit, but I think it should be calm and respectful.

—30—


NEWJERSEY: Three juveniles were charged with felony murder

Monday, June 2, 2025

https://nj1015.com/millville-shooting-tragedy/?lh_aid=84349&lh_cid=zroonokoqd&utm_campaign=3_teens_charged_with_felony_murder&utm_medium=email&utm_source=letterhead&utm_term=nj1015&di=1b5f88f15bc67247b38fad0f2b4a4a61

NJ student killed in suspected planned attack while driving; 3 teens charged with felony murder
Dan Alexander Published: May 22, 2025

*** begin quote ***

✅ The family of Lucas DeGeorge said he was shot Saturday night while driving

✅ Three juveniles were charged with felony murder

✅ The victim was set up, investigators say

MILLVILLE — Three teens have been charged with shooting at a 17-year-old high school junior as he was driving on Saturday night.

The family of Lucas DeGeorge said he was behind the wheel on Washington Street in Millville when a shot was fired, causing him to lose control and crash around 10 p.m.

The Buena Regional High School junior was pronounced dead at Inspira Medical Center Vineland.

*** end quote ***

Sadly this is a trend in crime.  It is like “juveniles” think they are in a video game and some sort of magical reset button will bring back life.

I see it my little one’s world.  Can’t distinguish between movies and games with what happens IRL.

Argh!

I have to believe that “We, The Sheeple” need to recognize that:

  • “I told you that ‘juvenile delinquent’ is a contradiction in terms. ‘Delinquent’ means ‘failing in duty.’ But duty is an adult virtue—indeed a juvenile becomes an adult when, and only when, he acquires a knowledge of duty and embraces it as dearer than the self-love he was born with. There never was, there cannot be a ‘juvenile delinquent.’ But for every juvenile criminal there are always one or more adult delinquents—people of mature years who either do not know their duty, or who, knowing it, fail.” ― Robert A. Heinlein, Starship Troopers 
  • And, “broken windows” aka petty crime  — in criminology, the broken windows theory states that visible signs of crime, antisocial behavior and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes.[1] The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes, such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking and fare evasion, help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness.  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory

We have to insist that we distinguish between “children” and “juveniles”.  The dividing line can’t be 16, 17, or 18.  But 12/13.  With compassion for children who commit crimes and juveniles who may not get the same punishment as an adult, but severe enough to change their thinking.

Argh!

—30—


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!

 

—30—


RANT: Good bye “penny candy” as the Gooferment forces us to recognize inflation

Saturday, May 31, 2025

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/article-14739561/US-Treasury-gives-final-decisions-pennies-creates-new-problem.html

US Treasury gives final decisions on pennies…. and it creates a new problem
By ALICE WRIGHT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: 09:45 EDT, 22 May 2025 | Updated: 11:50 EDT, 22 May 2025 

*** begin quote ***

One cent coins will stop entering circulation next year. 

After more than two centuries the US government has finally decided to kill the penny.

The Treasury Department will stop minting new pennies and putting them in to circulation by early next year.

*** end quote ***

Now will “We, The Sheeple” recognize that the Federal Reserve … …

The Federal Reserve Bank is a misnomer. IT ain’t “federal”. It reserves nothing. And, it ain’t a “bank”. It is a private cartel of the elite banks run for their benefit and that of the entrenched politicians.

… … has printed so many “dollars” that the resultant inflation has devalued the “dollar” by 95% since about 1970.

That’s why there is no more “penny candy”, “nickel cigars”, “dime comic books”, or “quarter a gallon gas”.

Remember in history when the dollar was “as good as gold”.  From 1870 to 1913, we had a gold backed dollar and prices went down as the standard of living went up.

Then, arguably, the second or third worst President FDR took the dollar off the gold standard,  allowed the Federal Reserve to take over “money”, and passed the “income tax”.  This started the USA down the road to perdition.

Here’s one of the signs that it’s going to get a lot worse.

Save in gold and silver.  Avoid anything denominated in dollars.  

Beans, Band Aids, Bullets, and Bullion.

Semper Paratus

—30—