Thanks once again for your valuable insights, but I am really writing to express my regret that your family is suffering from a cold, and that it has finally nabbed you!! Wishing you all a quick recovery. We depend on your wisdom for our sanity, so please don't put pen to paper for this publication until you are feeling energetic & healthy!
As usual, your Concluding Thoughts contained some of the most important and thought-provoking info. Either that, or I just have a short attention span.
First of all, take care of yourself and your wife. We need you both healthy; the news will continue to be news, and perhaps the rest of this community can help dissect and digest it.
Second of all, your closing comments about most Americans and in particular Tennesseeans seeking "peace, security, and well-being of its citizens" highlights a key difference between most Democrats and Republicans. In my opinion, Democrats care more about others (i.e., "the greater good") while Republicans care more about themselves. The Republicans' selfish and misguided dedication to their "right to keep and bear arms" is anathema to our nation's "peace, security, and well-being of its citizens."
A sprinkling of spices—cinnamon or ginger works great!
Tablespoon of honey
Juice of half a lemon
Boiling water (enough to top off your mug)
"Some say it was named in the 1700s for the well in Edinburgh, Scotland where many pubs drew their water—Tod’s Well. Others say it was named in the 1800s for an Irish doctor, Bently Todd, who was known to prescribe hot brandy spiced with cinnamon for his cold and flu patients. It might’ve worked, too. One thing virtually all doctors will agree on is that hot beverages help a sore throat and stuffy nose."
We have a beekeeper cousin who has kept us supplied with her honey/lemon/ginger "elixir". We put two or three tbs into a mug of hot water (with or without the firewater--I prefer w/o) and quaff it down. Our reasonably healthy lifestyle, lack of stress (we're both retired--no grandchildren) relative isolation (here in the sparsely populated rural western part of the state and a weekly dose of elixir have kept us rhino-virus-free (knock wood!) so far!
I think the luckiest person of all is my partner who has been mowing around his cousin's hives...in the past 10+ years of her beekeeping activities, he has been stung only once. Her bees are locally famous for being (relatively) gentle and non-aggressive.
Just in case you haven't tried it, Robert, when you first feel the slightest hint of a sore throat, try using a Cold-Eze Lozenge. It may be too late now. I'm not sure if it helps once the sore throat has taken hold.
But I have been impressed with how a Cold-Eze lozenge has held a sore throat at bay. When it creeps back later in the day and maybe the next day as well, I just take another and within a day or two, the soreness goes away for good. By the way, the cherry flavor is delicious!
P.S. I can attest to the fact that honey, whiskey and lemon in Earl Grey tea is great. Even if it doesn't make the cold go away, for a few hours you just don't care. : )
I grew up with a piece of cinnamon stick and a few cloves in hot lemon water, w/o whiskey until I was of age. I've also found that large doses of echinacea several times a day expedites getting over the cold.
The "Democrat" "Centrists" of No Labels and the Problem Creator's Caucus are secretly negotiating with Republicans to come up with a "debt relief" program Republicans can "agree" to over the debt ceiling vote. Since the Republicans they are "negotiating" with aren't the ones with power in the House GOP,, this goes nowhere other than to sell out the Democratic position. Also, worthless hillbilly Joe Manchin is now complaining he was "taken in" on all the Democratic economy votes he blocked till they did what he wanted. More and more it appears he would be willing to be No Labels' presidential candidate in 2024. His final act of narcissistic egomaniac-fueled treason.
I am writing as a multi million dollar report was released on the mass shootings in Nova Scotia, Canada last week. The report found that police and society have not been responsible, have left vulnerable parties responsible for an epidemic of gender based violence.
"On Thursday, commissioner Michael MacDonald said it's time men start acknowledging the realities of gender-based violence and do their part.
"Women have been carrying, through community-based organizations, the burden of protecting women almost exclusively for far too long," he said. "Men who are leaders in society have to call it out for what it is — it's an epidemic.
"The commissioners note the April 2020 shootings happened after a number of systemic failures around enforcement and intervention, primarily by police, in the years before the mass shootings. The gunman had a history of violent behaviour against his patients, neighbours and his common-law spouse.
"For far too long, we have misperceived mass violence as our greatest threat without considering its relationship to other more pervasive forms of violence," states the report. "We do so at the expense of public safety and community well-being."
A friend and his family caught that horrid cold. They're very resilient and have had to take lots of time to rest, more than they expected. Please take care of yourselves. We'll understand if your writing slows down or pauses for a bit.
Such an abundance for us yet again. Please don't get that cold. I am just getting over one that has lasted for 4 weeks. Or, I have had two different ones.
I often wonder who the millions of ¨backstreet Americans¨ are and how they can possibly believe what they believe. It is as though those who are ¨us¨ are about to launch into a new era and they want to return to the horse and cart where women have no rights and can be beaten and raped by husbands, show down at the OK corral, Capone's Chicago without realizing that they are the losers in this life video. They will be trampled into the ground by those they are the slaves of. Machine gun fodder. Starvation wages. No safety nets. Children working in the mines and factories. Sociopathic leaders loonier than MTG.
I watched the Country Music Awards and if you listen to the themes of the songs you get the sense that there are plenty of people out there who feel they have been betrayed, taken advantage of and stomped on and that MAGA is the only thing that understands their pain and has there back. The reality is they don’t but they want to believe.
They have plenty to complain about. Industry and the Oligarchs have abandoned them. But they blame the liberals who are actually on their side. And, of course, George Soros is really the cause of all their woes.
I guess you can't fix gullibility and bigotry fed by haters.
I keep checking for results though I imagine the polls haven't closed. I'm also looking for an interim story on the turnout that I haven't yet come upon. Hope you've had a very busy day! And more, hoping your good feeling might carry us all into the night and to the days and years to come! Though no matter, yes, 'thank you for doing your part!'
The mark of "civilization" in the "Wild" West was the town council's first vote was an ordinance requiring people coming into town to give their pistols to the Town Marshal while there. If they didn't, the Marshal was authorized to shoot them for their refusal. This is what guys like Bat Masterson were doing "cleaning up" Dodge City. Usually they hired a Union veteran, since the troublemakes were generally ex-Confederates.
‘Sunday Morning’ Jane Pauley walks and sits with Senator John Fetterman. And Gisele, Fetterman’s wife, is part of the tender conversation.
Seems to me, the presence of grace is felt, seen and heard in this exchange.
And Robert, please take care of yourself. We can surely await the sound of your voice. Far more importantly, your family, and the rest of us want and need you well.
The Fetterman interview was excellent (once you got past MTG) as were several of the other stories covered. I enjoyed the interview with Neil Diamond and this one, recipes from a recipe book saved by the non-Jewish cook when her Jewish employers & family were taken by the Nazis. It was found in the archives of the Holocaust Center. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/remembrance-recreating-a-jewish-familys-recipes/
I've meant to respond before now, Judith. I will check out the Neil Diamond interview. As for the other piece, just as you describe it, seems a perfect meditation for the holy days upon us. I already have it up on my tablet screen, ready to place my attention there. Thank you.
Sorry you've caught The Cold, Robert. May you have a swift recovery!
Thank you for taking on No Labels today, a dangerous stalking-horse for the 2024 election indeed. I'm linking to Popular Information, which talks about No Labels backers.
I love your use of the word reactionary! Way back...in 1968 when I started teaching Civics...the definition of reactionary was "far right, willing to use violence to get their way". SCOTUS may not be personally violent, but they certainly are encouraging a violent society!
For the life of me, I cannot understand the perversity of the Republican Party and its elected leaders! When a mass shooting occurs, they react by making it easier for people to get weapons. When abortion bans are passed, they make the time in which a woman can get an abortion shorter. When Medicaid money is available for their neediest constituents, they refuse to accept it even if it means adding a greater drain to their budgets.
But for me, the worst of these is the loosening of gun laws and De Santis is the most craven politician I have ever seen! He's trying to out-Trump - Trump the master.
Yes, of course we can vote these politicians out of office, but how will we ever get all of those
AR 15s off the streets? And how many innocent people - including school children - will be killed before then?
I hope the Tennessee revolt is duplicated across the country and finally causes some re-thinking by Republican legislators. In the meanwhile, may they never have to suffer the loss of a child or family member due to the super available weapons they refuse to ban!
Thanks once again for your valuable insights, but I am really writing to express my regret that your family is suffering from a cold, and that it has finally nabbed you!! Wishing you all a quick recovery. We depend on your wisdom for our sanity, so please don't put pen to paper for this publication until you are feeling energetic & healthy!
As usual, your Concluding Thoughts contained some of the most important and thought-provoking info. Either that, or I just have a short attention span.
First of all, take care of yourself and your wife. We need you both healthy; the news will continue to be news, and perhaps the rest of this community can help dissect and digest it.
Second of all, your closing comments about most Americans and in particular Tennesseeans seeking "peace, security, and well-being of its citizens" highlights a key difference between most Democrats and Republicans. In my opinion, Democrats care more about others (i.e., "the greater good") while Republicans care more about themselves. The Republicans' selfish and misguided dedication to their "right to keep and bear arms" is anathema to our nation's "peace, security, and well-being of its citizens."
The classic hot toddy is a drink made with:
1-2 ounces whiskey or brandy
A sprinkling of spices—cinnamon or ginger works great!
Tablespoon of honey
Juice of half a lemon
Boiling water (enough to top off your mug)
"Some say it was named in the 1700s for the well in Edinburgh, Scotland where many pubs drew their water—Tod’s Well. Others say it was named in the 1800s for an Irish doctor, Bently Todd, who was known to prescribe hot brandy spiced with cinnamon for his cold and flu patients. It might’ve worked, too. One thing virtually all doctors will agree on is that hot beverages help a sore throat and stuffy nose."
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/is-a-hot-toddy-actually-good-for-your-cold/
My little European mama always gave us hot lemon with honey or sugar. I still use that remedy to this day, Lynell.
We have a beekeeper cousin who has kept us supplied with her honey/lemon/ginger "elixir". We put two or three tbs into a mug of hot water (with or without the firewater--I prefer w/o) and quaff it down. Our reasonably healthy lifestyle, lack of stress (we're both retired--no grandchildren) relative isolation (here in the sparsely populated rural western part of the state and a weekly dose of elixir have kept us rhino-virus-free (knock wood!) so far!
Lucky you to have an elixir-supplying beekeeper in the family!
I think the luckiest person of all is my partner who has been mowing around his cousin's hives...in the past 10+ years of her beekeeping activities, he has been stung only once. Her bees are locally famous for being (relatively) gentle and non-aggressive.
Alrighty then. Kudos to your bee charmer partner. By any chance is he from Whistle Stop? (Fried Green Tomatoes)
Sorry, but no. On the other hand, although we are both from a tiny town here in Maine, we both love fried green tomatoes--the real ones and the movie!
Morning, Marlene. Thankful for "little European mamas" everywhere!
Just in case you haven't tried it, Robert, when you first feel the slightest hint of a sore throat, try using a Cold-Eze Lozenge. It may be too late now. I'm not sure if it helps once the sore throat has taken hold.
But I have been impressed with how a Cold-Eze lozenge has held a sore throat at bay. When it creeps back later in the day and maybe the next day as well, I just take another and within a day or two, the soreness goes away for good. By the way, the cherry flavor is delicious!
P.S. I can attest to the fact that honey, whiskey and lemon in Earl Grey tea is great. Even if it doesn't make the cold go away, for a few hours you just don't care. : )
🥴
I grew up with a piece of cinnamon stick and a few cloves in hot lemon water, w/o whiskey until I was of age. I've also found that large doses of echinacea several times a day expedites getting over the cold.
I didn't have to wait that long although we didn't get full shots. You're right about the echinacea.
This is a good one, Judith. Thanks!
The Toddy is even better made with Earl Grey or Irish Breakfast tea for depth of flavor.
Tylenol cold medicine in the day and Benadryl at night.
Well said. Thank you.
The "Democrat" "Centrists" of No Labels and the Problem Creator's Caucus are secretly negotiating with Republicans to come up with a "debt relief" program Republicans can "agree" to over the debt ceiling vote. Since the Republicans they are "negotiating" with aren't the ones with power in the House GOP,, this goes nowhere other than to sell out the Democratic position. Also, worthless hillbilly Joe Manchin is now complaining he was "taken in" on all the Democratic economy votes he blocked till they did what he wanted. More and more it appears he would be willing to be No Labels' presidential candidate in 2024. His final act of narcissistic egomaniac-fueled treason.
‘The munchkin’ is a repugnant creature!
🤬🤬🤬
I hope you and your family feel better too.
I am writing as a multi million dollar report was released on the mass shootings in Nova Scotia, Canada last week. The report found that police and society have not been responsible, have left vulnerable parties responsible for an epidemic of gender based violence.
"On Thursday, commissioner Michael MacDonald said it's time men start acknowledging the realities of gender-based violence and do their part.
"Women have been carrying, through community-based organizations, the burden of protecting women almost exclusively for far too long," he said. "Men who are leaders in society have to call it out for what it is — it's an epidemic.
"The commissioners note the April 2020 shootings happened after a number of systemic failures around enforcement and intervention, primarily by police, in the years before the mass shootings. The gunman had a history of violent behaviour against his patients, neighbours and his common-law spouse.
"For far too long, we have misperceived mass violence as our greatest threat without considering its relationship to other more pervasive forms of violence," states the report. "We do so at the expense of public safety and community well-being."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-mass-shooting-gender-based-violence-1.6796068
Thank you,. I will check it out.
Kelly, thank you for posting this. It is a bracingly honest report, and deserves wide notice.
I’ll bet the creep Wilson,who sits on the federal 5th Circuit of appeals with the other right wing loonies, has not read this report!
Thank you, Robert, for this terrific post.
A friend and his family caught that horrid cold. They're very resilient and have had to take lots of time to rest, more than they expected. Please take care of yourselves. We'll understand if your writing slows down or pauses for a bit.
Such an abundance for us yet again. Please don't get that cold. I am just getting over one that has lasted for 4 weeks. Or, I have had two different ones.
I often wonder who the millions of ¨backstreet Americans¨ are and how they can possibly believe what they believe. It is as though those who are ¨us¨ are about to launch into a new era and they want to return to the horse and cart where women have no rights and can be beaten and raped by husbands, show down at the OK corral, Capone's Chicago without realizing that they are the losers in this life video. They will be trampled into the ground by those they are the slaves of. Machine gun fodder. Starvation wages. No safety nets. Children working in the mines and factories. Sociopathic leaders loonier than MTG.
I watched the Country Music Awards and if you listen to the themes of the songs you get the sense that there are plenty of people out there who feel they have been betrayed, taken advantage of and stomped on and that MAGA is the only thing that understands their pain and has there back. The reality is they don’t but they want to believe.
They have plenty to complain about. Industry and the Oligarchs have abandoned them. But they blame the liberals who are actually on their side. And, of course, George Soros is really the cause of all their woes.
I guess you can't fix gullibility and bigotry fed by haters.
I live in Northern Wisconsin. I had the privilege of interviewing all the WI Supreme Court Candidates. Janet stood out to me.
I am voting today and also working the elections. I have a good feeling about this race!! 🙏Pray our state gets it right.
Thank you for doing your part to help restore the rule of law in Wisconsin!
I keep checking for results though I imagine the polls haven't closed. I'm also looking for an interim story on the turnout that I haven't yet come upon. Hope you've had a very busy day! And more, hoping your good feeling might carry us all into the night and to the days and years to come! Though no matter, yes, 'thank you for doing your part!'
The mark of "civilization" in the "Wild" West was the town council's first vote was an ordinance requiring people coming into town to give their pistols to the Town Marshal while there. If they didn't, the Marshal was authorized to shoot them for their refusal. This is what guys like Bat Masterson were doing "cleaning up" Dodge City. Usually they hired a Union veteran, since the troublemakes were generally ex-Confederates.
Good for thought! Thank you!
Just when we thought all hope was lost in a media interview, a look at, and deep listening to this may change your mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idNlI31YCUs
‘Sunday Morning’ Jane Pauley walks and sits with Senator John Fetterman. And Gisele, Fetterman’s wife, is part of the tender conversation.
Seems to me, the presence of grace is felt, seen and heard in this exchange.
And Robert, please take care of yourself. We can surely await the sound of your voice. Far more importantly, your family, and the rest of us want and need you well.
Thank you, I will check out the interview.
The Fetterman interview was excellent (once you got past MTG) as were several of the other stories covered. I enjoyed the interview with Neil Diamond and this one, recipes from a recipe book saved by the non-Jewish cook when her Jewish employers & family were taken by the Nazis. It was found in the archives of the Holocaust Center. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/remembrance-recreating-a-jewish-familys-recipes/
I've meant to respond before now, Judith. I will check out the Neil Diamond interview. As for the other piece, just as you describe it, seems a perfect meditation for the holy days upon us. I already have it up on my tablet screen, ready to place my attention there. Thank you.
Sorry you've caught The Cold, Robert. May you have a swift recovery!
Thank you for taking on No Labels today, a dangerous stalking-horse for the 2024 election indeed. I'm linking to Popular Information, which talks about No Labels backers.
https://popular.info/p/the-opaque-70-million-scheme-that?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Thank you. An excellent analysis. I will share
Thomas: insane AND evil. We are arriving at Gethsemane just on time, it seems.
I love your use of the word reactionary! Way back...in 1968 when I started teaching Civics...the definition of reactionary was "far right, willing to use violence to get their way". SCOTUS may not be personally violent, but they certainly are encouraging a violent society!
I settled on that word after receiving feedback from readers that the word conservative does not appropriately describe the Supreme Court majority.
All Trump's Republican supporters are complaining about the indictment being political but not one of them are saying the he will be proven innocent.
Peace, security and well-being sounds like "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" (United States Declaration of Independence).
For the life of me, I cannot understand the perversity of the Republican Party and its elected leaders! When a mass shooting occurs, they react by making it easier for people to get weapons. When abortion bans are passed, they make the time in which a woman can get an abortion shorter. When Medicaid money is available for their neediest constituents, they refuse to accept it even if it means adding a greater drain to their budgets.
But for me, the worst of these is the loosening of gun laws and De Santis is the most craven politician I have ever seen! He's trying to out-Trump - Trump the master.
Yes, of course we can vote these politicians out of office, but how will we ever get all of those
AR 15s off the streets? And how many innocent people - including school children - will be killed before then?
I hope the Tennessee revolt is duplicated across the country and finally causes some re-thinking by Republican legislators. In the meanwhile, may they never have to suffer the loss of a child or family member due to the super available weapons they refuse to ban!