Robert, thank you for continually opening our eyes to what marvels surround us. Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation held its annual Phoenix Award dinner. They praised Joe Biden for being someone who keeps his promises, especially to people of color. My eyes got teary because yes, he has done that. When Joe came out to speak, he went right to the throat of Trump, without hesitation. He then introduced Kamala who got several rounds of applause. Her voice sounded like she needed some throat lozenges and I wished I had been there to give her some. She has been the Everready bunny, going non-stop to several cities a day. I know people are looking out for her. She needs a few days off to reenergize. Just me babbling…
She deserves a little recharge time for sure. Unfortunately, Tim kinda spoiled that with, " We can rest when we're dead!"
I haven't been keeping track - does she have a cadre of powerful surrogates who can share the load once in a while?
Keep in mind that not only is she running an amazing campaign, but she's still doing her job. Compare that with her opponent who hasn't stopped running for president since 2015, and never did his job unless it somehow benefitted him.
She sure is "still doing her job." I expect her or Biden to come out with a solution to the hostage crisis any day now. They are executive miracle-workers, those two. (Of course, Vance is also still doing his job too, as Ohio senator, pouring fresh gasoline every day over the completely-unnecessary and completely-fabricated conflagration that is destroying his Ohio city of Springfield and threatening its schoolchildren and immigrants with bloody harm and potential death. As the Republican mayor of Springfield said, "It is your lies, sir, that are harming our city. Do you regret them? Do you?" (paraphrasing))
You are not 'babbling' at all Marlene. "Vocal Hygiene" is a very real subject. We Speech-Language Pathologists" spend time in studying best practices regarding the subject. The human larynx is a small, and very intricate mechanism which most people don't think much about, except perhaps, when they have a sore throat. Our vocal cords are a very small, matched pair of muscles far less than an inch in length. When air from our lungs pass over them when we are speaking, they vibrate, much like a guitar string. Excessive amounts of use, and wham, things can go very wrong. WE saw it in President Biden's inability to withstand trump's full blast at their 'debate'. For varied reasons, some people are more inclined to the condition than others. Vocal rest is the most common antidote. More steps to it than I can list here. Vice-President Kamala Harris speaks the courage of her convictions. Passion, it is plain to see. Like you, I am happy about her chances to turn down this fire of fascism, racism, and weirdism. I'd be happy to work with her as she speaks truth to the endless stream of crazy talk/stupid talk, and dangerously weird talk.
So interesting Jim, thanks for explaining all that. Less than an inch in length?? It's a wonder they work as well as they do! She definitely needs to rest them.
This is great knowledge, Jim. Now can you explain the speech struggle that Robert Kennedy Jr. has that also a daughter and a nephew have? The gravely speaking?
We do NOT want her to get sick. Remember what happened to Hilary? Meanwhile the wanna dictator does one or two events to a couple of thousand people, and gets a pass.
It's so nice to hear about Biden getting praised for all he's done, and because I know the transition was so difficult for him, I'm gratified he's being there for Kamala. And, my eyes might have gotten teary had I been there. Thank you Marlene!
Hello Robert. Your example of keeping some life balance in this intense time is much appreciated. Happy grandkids too! Your newsletter about why Springfield matters was so helpful and such a powerful piece that I shared it with my church committee , Immigrant and Refugee Support Team. We’re in touch with the closest UU church which is in Yellow Springs to see how we can help from afar.(Oregon). Finally, my sincerest gratitude for your newsletter. It has uplifted me so often through the years. You are a true gift to us all.
I'm a UU, also, and our congregation isn't happy about this. I wonder if there is anything we can do from afar. We are communicating with everyone we know that is a false, hateful piece of misinformation Trump and Vance are spewing.
The story of Penzey’s Spices that Kamala visited during debate prep and the hatred spewed by Trump&Fox at that good American business stands as a stark reminder and warning what a second Trump administration would bring:
“D. Trump and Fox want to drive us out of business. $50 Gift Cards for $35 help stop them.
“TLDR Upfront: Donald Trump and the right wing media are trying to drive us out of business because last weekend we welcomed Kamala Harris into our Pittsburgh store where she hugged one of our customers. Please send us your money : )
“Donald Trump called Penzeys “Terrible Over-Priced Product” this week. Fox News called Penzeys “the meanest spice shop in America.” Much of the rest of the right wing media repeated those words or worse. All this because we welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris into our Pittsburgh store this past Saturday.
“They really do want to boycott Penzeys out of existence. They want to make an example of us and leave every other retail store out there too frightened to welcome in Kamala like we did. They want us to be the next Bud Light trophy on their wall to show off the costs of going against their will.
“And as much as you know we won’t back down, if you don’t make the effort to support us right now this will be crippling. Yes, email subscribers (Thank You Email Subscribers!) have known who we are for years. But among our store customers we have hundreds of thousands who are not on our list. Among those there are no doubt tens of thousands, maybe more, under the Fox/Trump influence.
“You know the hypnotic power Trump and Fox have over their followers. When they say do something their crowd does it. We’ve already had thousands of customers quit. We know because they really can’t help themselves from announcing their departures.
“No coupons or codes are needed for our through-Sunday 9.15.24 offers of $50 Gift Cards for $35, a free $4.95 Hug Coin to anyone coming into our stores or placing an order online, a free $24.95 Care gift box with the purchase of 3 Gift Cards/$105 spending, and an additional free $59.95 Choose Love gift box free with 10 Gift Cards/$350 spending.
“And for no reason, this weekend also randomly seemed a good time for half off all our Orange spices and seasonings.
To get half off Orange Spices and Seasonings in one of our stores, just be ready to show this post on your phone. Online at penzeys.com, simply enter FUN in the apply code box at checkout. It’s so easy.
“And as much as we will have fun with all this, the stakes, as they say, are frighteningly high. We all have an old friend or relative who has fallen under the influence of what the right wing world has become. You know they will do as they are told.
“It really does help when you positively react to our posts, but this time that alone isn’t enough. If you haven’t already, please sign up for our email list. It’s a big help: https://www.penzeys.com/sign-up-for-email/
“And if at all possible, this time we need you to buy something.
“Buying and sharing a bunch of $50 gift cards for $35 is the best. But even giving away a few half-priced Seasoned Salts or Bold Taco Seasonings gives us the chance to pick up a new customer to make up for those they are driving away.
“At this very moment Penzeys is at the very center of the crossroads our nation finds itself at. And usually the problems we face don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world, but this time it’s different.
“Either they win and our voice becomes quiet and the world becomes ever more of a place where the woke go broke. Or this time the overwhelming outpouring of support takes us from 50 stores to 200 and all the goodness at the heart of cooking, in Kamala’s hug, and in each and every one of us breaks through.
“We are so close to ending the racism, and sexism, and homophobia, and transphobia, and all the other ways “others” get hurt in this country. We just need your help.
I receive emails from Penzey's. To try and destroy a spice business is just mean and vile just like the orange menace. I purchased 4 gift cards to give to friends and spread the word about a wonderful spice company.
I am going to make a purchase! I want to help them, and I have purchased from them before. I have been slow getting through my email promo tab the last few days! Thanks for the information.
Thank you, Bill and Penzeys, for welcoming Kamala Harris to your store. I appreciate your courage and willingness to stand against hatred in our country. I recently placed an order for your gift cards. Now I have to decide who to give them to. Hang tight! We have your back.
I placed an order (for things I really didn’t need since I so rarely cook anymore) as soon as I saw the videos of Kamala interacting with people in the store. It was heartwarming. I’m gratified that the order doesn’t seem to be getting filled, which I can only assume means they’ve been overwhelmed. I sincerely hope so. I’m so tired of the ugly rhetoric and attempts to divide our country. Long live Kamal Harris, Tim Walz and Penzeys Spices!
I ordered spices for Christmas gifts. Penzey's has a whole section of what looks like lovely spice combinations for those who limit salt in diet. I was born in Pittsburgh, but have lived in the west most of my life, so I don't know PA or Penzey's - but a worthwhile endeavor. to support. I particularly like the spice named "JUSTICE" i ordered 3 of those.
I just ordered 5 gift cards to support Penzey's. Please consider reposting the email from Penzey's in tomorrow's comments, when perhaps more people will see it.
tRump trashing a small business to try to destroy it at the same time he is promoting his son's new crypto business - this is disgusting. The special offer on gift cards won't be in effect tomorrow (unless Penzey's can extend it) but even signing up for their email list or buying something will help support them.
Wow. Just a spice store, but tffg can't stand that they got some love from loving people. I will see if I can buy a gift card. I'm not exactly flush these days, but it's such a good cause!
I just found this article, so I'll post it to FB. Every little bit, right?
I find that shopping on Penzey's website is easy, and we know upfront that it is a tolerant, liberal-leaning company that sells great spices and merchandise. Each and every person who has "announced" their withdrawal from the company is just balderdash. They knew every time they walked in or shopped online. Give me a break!
Robert. Your photos of the cosmos helps to put the immediate, very important crisis in perspective. We have to keep both in mind, as you so aptly remind us. Thank you so much for your dedication and hard work.
I saw a comment recently that made me think of the danger that JD Vance presents. His fumbling has made him a joke, but if Trump somehow wins, given his clear mental deterioration there is a very good chance that the openly-racist and religious extremist Vance would become the real chief executive, either in the machinations of a chaotic fight within the White House, or through the 25th Amendment. Just another reason to work hard to see that that can’t happen.
I have been saying this exact thing from the time Trump selected Vance as his running mate. In fact, whenever I speak to potential voters, this prediction is among one of my key points. We should not underestimate how much people dislike and fear Vance. If nothing else convinces an undecided voter, disgust with him can change the selection made in the voting booth or on the absentee ballot. Let's all keep up the discussions about how dangerous and villainous Trump and Vance are, one-on-one with voters at any opportunity.
I also want to share with everyone an experience I had this weekend in Tennessee. I was visiting family, and my niece and I went shopping. As we were turning into a parking lot, the driver of pickup truck with a large sign that read "Don't tread on me," yelled loudly at us as he passed "F**k Harris." In all the months (first as a Biden/Harris supporter), that is the first time I have personally encountered any Trump supporter, and I admit it was a little dispiriting. However, not even 10 minutes later, we were stopped in a store aisle by a lady who had spotted our Harris buttons. We had a most delightful, long discussion with her about all the reasons we were Harris supporters. Our spirits were fully restored for the remainder of the day!
Is there anything more ridiculous than the "Don't tread on me" crazy Gadsen flag? Because what could be a better symbol than a rattlesnake? I know that it has some history, blah blah blah. This is one case where the symbol matches the substance, an ugly worldview.
I wore my Harris/Walz shirt to an art spectacular fair yesterday. I had so many people smile, give me a thumbs up, and actually approach me to share good sentiments. Yes, I'm in a hugely blue state, but I was very glad I wore it. Help bolster some hope.
I fear this will happen and my little bit of paranoia tells me that forcing Trump to quit, get ill or other will place Vance as our president which may be much scarier than Trump. Vance has huge money and conservative organizations behind him.
I should have explained further. On Saturdays, Jay posts funny stuff gathered from social media throughout the prior week. Then he closes with what he refers to as a dad joke. He a new Dad, as well.
A woman in Springfield Ohio came forward and admitted she posted the comment about Haitians eating dogs and cats based on a misinterpretation of what happened to a lost cat that was erroneous. The damaged caused to the city of Springfield Ohio is unmeasurable and more importantly after this admission by the original poster both Vance and Trump continued the lie. An editorial in the NYT read “ Trump crossed a truly an unacceptable line”. There should be a constant drum beat about these comments which unfortunately are protected by our freedom of speech laws. If there was ever a comment that defines the total unacceptable and unstable character of a person running for the highest office in the land this is it. Imagine if all the pet owners joined woman who are protecting reproductive rights all registered and voted the Harris would win in a landslide.
Trump and Vance are doing their best to make this happen. One by one, they are alienating, huge groups of people who will visit the ballot box on November 5.
One of the best replies I have heard to Trump's and Vance's lies was from a female resident of Springfield. She said that everyone outside Springfield should know that nearly all residents of their town own guns. Therefore, if anyone had tried to take their pets, that person would immediately be shot. She continued by saying that the fact that this has not happened was proof that the story was false. That is certainly one way to prove a story false.
More truth poured on the conflagration Trump has created, Stephen, thank you. But my question: is no one asking WHY bombers are threatening to bomb Springfield schools? I don't read everything obviously, but has anyone seen or heard a news piece about why bombers are threatening to bomb the schools there? I know it's because Trump and Vance are stirring up base instincts and racial fears and hatreds in order to oust. Sen. Brown. But I really want and need to see something about "Because Trump is spreading unfounded lies about immigrants eating cats and dogs, his devout followers are threatening violence in the form of planting bombs in schools, in a futile belief this will somehow harm immigrants." Or is that not the story? Why ARE people threatening to bomb Springfield schools?
I like to ponder the concept that this is a picture is from a time only 1400 years ago. And that about the year 600 stars were being born en masse and that continues today!
I’m worried that Democrats are once again playing into Trump’s big lie agenda. All the post-debate talk is about pets, etc. Instead we should be pointing out that Trump could not answer a single question at the debate. He cannot say whether he supports Ukraine or what he would with respect to ending the war between Israel and Hamas. After almost 10 years Trump has no health care plan and Trump would not admit to supporting a national abortion ban. Despite answering every question with comments about illegal immigration, he can’t tell us how he would deport 11 million people. SO after the debate, the mainstream press should be hounding Trump for his plans and specifics like they did Kamala Harris. Trump denies his relationship to Project 2025 and the press gives him a pass on that — but it’s the only specifics we have to go on. Don’t let Trump distract us from the real threat his administration poses to the country. It’s not to our pets— it’s to our people.
I hear what you are saying, Robyn, but what is discussed about Trump does not have to be an either/or situation, we can talk about more than one thing at a time. Trump's assertion that immigrants are eating pets - and Harris' great visceral reaction to it- may well translate into some significant loss of votes. Many Americans are not particularly interested in the issues you list above (though of course they SHOULD be, and it is sad that they are not), but many Americans do not like extremism. Trump gave them Exhibit A. It shows how far he goes to dehumanize immigrants, and I'm hoping that alarms people.
You express concern about Democrats getting distracted, but you are mostly talking about the media, which cannot be controlled by Democrats. I don't think that the pet-eating craziness is the only thing being discussed about Trump. At least I hope not.
Goodmorning! First of all, does Subtrack have a telephone number because signing in ( for my privacy safety they claim) is very difficult and I am most definitely a subscriber! Now on to some good news...
Bill Maher, who has a great track record for calling the shots on Trump's toxicity and future, commented on his Friday night show that he thinks Trump's hold is finally fading fast, and likened it to Joe McCarthy's demise. If so God bless Amercia for coming to its senses. Having said this, my main concern is ballots being harmed and rigged by Trump's henchmen. The ballot delay forced by Kennedy's wanting new ballots with his name taken off caused a huge mail in delay as does raising the bar on ID's in order to vote. Both examples of total manipulation to benefit Trump.
Tell me some good news about ballot safety. Then I can be totally hopeful.
I think it’s so interesting that RFK Jr. would throw his hat in with trump. Seeing how the name-on-name-off-the-ballot is upending many states printing of their ballots at the eleventh hour makes me wonder about the quid pro quo arrangement that was struck behind the scenes. Because you KNOW there had to be one. trump is dependably transactional. Follow the money.
MLRGRMI, I agree that this last-minute shuffling, reprinting the ballots, challenging the printed ballots, delaying mailing ballots so voters in Europe won't get them, causing confusion and opening doors to later election result challenges, is a deliberate and very cynical tactic designed and implemented by MAGA to shave points off Democrat-favoring results on Nov. 5. We need to harden our systems, increase our personal vigilance of our local elections, and shout loud about them breaking any laws, from now till (and after?) Nov. 5.
WHY can't Pres. Biden just fire him? The media is beginning to focus on the impact mail delays can have on mail in ballots. This awful situation has been a HUGE problem since Dejoy was installed. He's just another strategy for suppressing voting...added to the reduction of drop boxes in so many locations.
There’s some convoluted process involving the USPS Board of Governors. Tied his hands. I do remember reading President Biden has nominated former Congresswoman Val Demings and William Zollars to that board, which is the only entity who can fire Dejoy. Correct me if I’m mistaken, please.
Don’t take Bill Maher’s prediction as a reason to feel confident that good will triumph. Like just about everyone he laughed at the migrants eating pets, but though it is a ridiculous lie the message is clear. Trump and Vance hate migrants and will stop them. They will have mass deportations. It is racist and cruel. Most Americans (I believe) will not admit that they are so racist and of course don’t believe the lie, but In the privacy of the voting booth they might see this as a vote for or against migrants in their neighborhood and may vote to stop the migrants. The eating of pets is hyperbole but it is making an argument that there is something to fear and one side will end jt.
Therefore I am beating the drum that we skip discussing how idiotic the eating the pets blathering is and get right to describing how dystopian and dangerous for all mass deportations (and retribution) will be.
Rounding up millions of people is not simple and without violence. It can’t be done without auxiliary forces of neighbors turning on neighbors. There will be many mistakes but no one to appeal to if you were selected by mistake. Neighbors and co-workers will point each other out for deportation. There will be purges from within the ranks of MAGA (look at how MTG and Loomer are turning on each other). There are many historical references to illustrate what it will be like that aren’t hyperbole. Hitler’s concentration camps, Stalin’s Gulag, are two.
BTW, once we round up millions of people what country do we send them to? Who will do the work they did? How much will this cost in addition to the lost revenue from the taxes that they had paid?
My point is that no one should believe voting for the guy that hates migrants is going to be cost free to themselves. You will not be voting to keep migrants out of your neighborhood but for extremely dangerous chaos. And you may be caught up in it.
Robert Hubbell, It’s a happy reason not to be posting one of your great installments to our national discourse. And reminding us of that great human need/desire/joy that is “spending time together”, is fantastic. I’m joyful you are present for your family. You are a blessing to them and us.
Robert, thank you for continually opening our eyes to what marvels surround us. Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation held its annual Phoenix Award dinner. They praised Joe Biden for being someone who keeps his promises, especially to people of color. My eyes got teary because yes, he has done that. When Joe came out to speak, he went right to the throat of Trump, without hesitation. He then introduced Kamala who got several rounds of applause. Her voice sounded like she needed some throat lozenges and I wished I had been there to give her some. She has been the Everready bunny, going non-stop to several cities a day. I know people are looking out for her. She needs a few days off to reenergize. Just me babbling…
She deserves a little recharge time for sure. Unfortunately, Tim kinda spoiled that with, " We can rest when we're dead!"
I haven't been keeping track - does she have a cadre of powerful surrogates who can share the load once in a while?
Keep in mind that not only is she running an amazing campaign, but she's still doing her job. Compare that with her opponent who hasn't stopped running for president since 2015, and never did his job unless it somehow benefitted him.
She sure is "still doing her job." I expect her or Biden to come out with a solution to the hostage crisis any day now. They are executive miracle-workers, those two. (Of course, Vance is also still doing his job too, as Ohio senator, pouring fresh gasoline every day over the completely-unnecessary and completely-fabricated conflagration that is destroying his Ohio city of Springfield and threatening its schoolchildren and immigrants with bloody harm and potential death. As the Republican mayor of Springfield said, "It is your lies, sir, that are harming our city. Do you regret them? Do you?" (paraphrasing))
I'm glad the GOP mayor of Springfield is telling Vance off! He certainly deserves it!
You are not 'babbling' at all Marlene. "Vocal Hygiene" is a very real subject. We Speech-Language Pathologists" spend time in studying best practices regarding the subject. The human larynx is a small, and very intricate mechanism which most people don't think much about, except perhaps, when they have a sore throat. Our vocal cords are a very small, matched pair of muscles far less than an inch in length. When air from our lungs pass over them when we are speaking, they vibrate, much like a guitar string. Excessive amounts of use, and wham, things can go very wrong. WE saw it in President Biden's inability to withstand trump's full blast at their 'debate'. For varied reasons, some people are more inclined to the condition than others. Vocal rest is the most common antidote. More steps to it than I can list here. Vice-President Kamala Harris speaks the courage of her convictions. Passion, it is plain to see. Like you, I am happy about her chances to turn down this fire of fascism, racism, and weirdism. I'd be happy to work with her as she speaks truth to the endless stream of crazy talk/stupid talk, and dangerously weird talk.
Speech pathologists for Kamala......
Please set it up. https://www.mobilize.us/
I like to refer to human speech as educated breath.
Except when it's not, i.e. tfg.
Thank you, Jim, for that bit of education about our larynx! Important information to pass along.
So interesting Jim, thanks for explaining all that. Less than an inch in length?? It's a wonder they work as well as they do! She definitely needs to rest them.
Thanks for that brief primer on how human speech is created!
This is great knowledge, Jim. Now can you explain the speech struggle that Robert Kennedy Jr. has that also a daughter and a nephew have? The gravely speaking?
It’s the Energizer bunny and no pet is safe from Republicans
Repeatin' "Trump hates dogs," "Vance hates cats", and"Trump stole from kids with cancer" makes MAGATs choke on their beer. https://rvat.org/
Beautifully written, Marlene!
We do NOT want her to get sick. Remember what happened to Hilary? Meanwhile the wanna dictator does one or two events to a couple of thousand people, and gets a pass.
I think she does have others out on the trail on her behalf, as well as Walz of course. I hope I'm not wrong.
So many to help - Pete B, Gretchen, Gavin, etc. All very persuasive.
Her husband, Walz's wife, and others are speaking for her in a variety of places.
I agree! She and her surrogates have to be exhausted!! And, they continue to communicate genuine smiles at every event!
It's so nice to hear about Biden getting praised for all he's done, and because I know the transition was so difficult for him, I'm gratified he's being there for Kamala. And, my eyes might have gotten teary had I been there. Thank you Marlene!
Hello Robert. Your example of keeping some life balance in this intense time is much appreciated. Happy grandkids too! Your newsletter about why Springfield matters was so helpful and such a powerful piece that I shared it with my church committee , Immigrant and Refugee Support Team. We’re in touch with the closest UU church which is in Yellow Springs to see how we can help from afar.(Oregon). Finally, my sincerest gratitude for your newsletter. It has uplifted me so often through the years. You are a true gift to us all.
I'm a UU, also, and our congregation isn't happy about this. I wonder if there is anything we can do from afar. We are communicating with everyone we know that is a false, hateful piece of misinformation Trump and Vance are spewing.
The story of Penzey’s Spices that Kamala visited during debate prep and the hatred spewed by Trump&Fox at that good American business stands as a stark reminder and warning what a second Trump administration would bring:
“D. Trump and Fox want to drive us out of business. $50 Gift Cards for $35 help stop them.
“TLDR Upfront: Donald Trump and the right wing media are trying to drive us out of business because last weekend we welcomed Kamala Harris into our Pittsburgh store where she hugged one of our customers. Please send us your money : )
“$50 Gift Cards for $35: https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/special-offer-penzeys-gift-card/c-24/p-3129/pd-s
“Donald Trump called Penzeys “Terrible Over-Priced Product” this week. Fox News called Penzeys “the meanest spice shop in America.” Much of the rest of the right wing media repeated those words or worse. All this because we welcomed Vice President Kamala Harris into our Pittsburgh store this past Saturday.
“They really do want to boycott Penzeys out of existence. They want to make an example of us and leave every other retail store out there too frightened to welcome in Kamala like we did. They want us to be the next Bud Light trophy on their wall to show off the costs of going against their will.
“And as much as you know we won’t back down, if you don’t make the effort to support us right now this will be crippling. Yes, email subscribers (Thank You Email Subscribers!) have known who we are for years. But among our store customers we have hundreds of thousands who are not on our list. Among those there are no doubt tens of thousands, maybe more, under the Fox/Trump influence.
“You know the hypnotic power Trump and Fox have over their followers. When they say do something their crowd does it. We’ve already had thousands of customers quit. We know because they really can’t help themselves from announcing their departures.
“No coupons or codes are needed for our through-Sunday 9.15.24 offers of $50 Gift Cards for $35, a free $4.95 Hug Coin to anyone coming into our stores or placing an order online, a free $24.95 Care gift box with the purchase of 3 Gift Cards/$105 spending, and an additional free $59.95 Choose Love gift box free with 10 Gift Cards/$350 spending.
“$50 Gift Cards for $35: https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/special-offer-penzeys-gift-card/c-24/p-3129/pd-s
“And for no reason, this weekend also randomly seemed a good time for half off all our Orange spices and seasonings.
To get half off Orange Spices and Seasonings in one of our stores, just be ready to show this post on your phone. Online at penzeys.com, simply enter FUN in the apply code box at checkout. It’s so easy.
“You can find a list of all our half-off Orange color Spices and Seasonings here: https://www.penzeys.com/shop/spices/?categoryId=201
“And as much as we will have fun with all this, the stakes, as they say, are frighteningly high. We all have an old friend or relative who has fallen under the influence of what the right wing world has become. You know they will do as they are told.
“It really does help when you positively react to our posts, but this time that alone isn’t enough. If you haven’t already, please sign up for our email list. It’s a big help: https://www.penzeys.com/sign-up-for-email/
“And if at all possible, this time we need you to buy something.
“Buying and sharing a bunch of $50 gift cards for $35 is the best. But even giving away a few half-priced Seasoned Salts or Bold Taco Seasonings gives us the chance to pick up a new customer to make up for those they are driving away.
“$50 Gift Cards for $35: https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/special-offer-penzeys-gift-card/c-24/p-3129/pd-s
“Half off Orange color Spices and Seasonings: https://www.penzeys.com/shop/spices/?categoryId=201
“At this very moment Penzeys is at the very center of the crossroads our nation finds itself at. And usually the problems we face don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world, but this time it’s different.
“Either they win and our voice becomes quiet and the world becomes ever more of a place where the woke go broke. Or this time the overwhelming outpouring of support takes us from 50 stores to 200 and all the goodness at the heart of cooking, in Kamala’s hug, and in each and every one of us breaks through.
“We are so close to ending the racism, and sexism, and homophobia, and transphobia, and all the other ways “others” get hurt in this country. We just need your help.
“Please open up your wallet if you can.
“Gift Cards: https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/special-offer-penzeys-gift-card/c-24/p-3129/pd-s
“Please sign up for our email list if you can't: https://www.penzeys.com/sign-up-for-email/
“Together we will get through this. Together we will be all right.
“Thanks for saving us,
“Bill
“bill@penzeys.com”
I receive emails from Penzey's. To try and destroy a spice business is just mean and vile just like the orange menace. I purchased 4 gift cards to give to friends and spread the word about a wonderful spice company.
I hope Penzey’s is overwhelmed with support. This is exactly why we must move forward and refuse to go backwards.
I am going to make a purchase! I want to help them, and I have purchased from them before. I have been slow getting through my email promo tab the last few days! Thanks for the information.
Thank you, Bill and Penzeys, for welcoming Kamala Harris to your store. I appreciate your courage and willingness to stand against hatred in our country. I recently placed an order for your gift cards. Now I have to decide who to give them to. Hang tight! We have your back.
I bought a gift card for my daughter in law for her birthday. My daughter is placing an order today too. Pennie’s is great!
I placed an order (for things I really didn’t need since I so rarely cook anymore) as soon as I saw the videos of Kamala interacting with people in the store. It was heartwarming. I’m gratified that the order doesn’t seem to be getting filled, which I can only assume means they’ve been overwhelmed. I sincerely hope so. I’m so tired of the ugly rhetoric and attempts to divide our country. Long live Kamal Harris, Tim Walz and Penzeys Spices!
I ordered spices for Christmas gifts. Penzey's has a whole section of what looks like lovely spice combinations for those who limit salt in diet. I was born in Pittsburgh, but have lived in the west most of my life, so I don't know PA or Penzey's - but a worthwhile endeavor. to support. I particularly like the spice named "JUSTICE" i ordered 3 of those.
I love Penzey’s! Well worth the price but I didn’t know Trump was cook.😂
You mean "crook?"
You mean "cooked." 😊😊
I just ordered 5 gift cards to support Penzey's. Please consider reposting the email from Penzey's in tomorrow's comments, when perhaps more people will see it.
tRump trashing a small business to try to destroy it at the same time he is promoting his son's new crypto business - this is disgusting. The special offer on gift cards won't be in effect tomorrow (unless Penzey's can extend it) but even signing up for their email list or buying something will help support them.
Wow. Just a spice store, but tffg can't stand that they got some love from loving people. I will see if I can buy a gift card. I'm not exactly flush these days, but it's such a good cause!
I just found this article, so I'll post it to FB. Every little bit, right?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/09/09/penzeys-spices-kamala-harris-visit/
Just completed my annual order.
Will place an order for sure.
I find that shopping on Penzey's website is easy, and we know upfront that it is a tolerant, liberal-leaning company that sells great spices and merchandise. Each and every person who has "announced" their withdrawal from the company is just balderdash. They knew every time they walked in or shopped online. Give me a break!
Just ordered...going to pick up the card and shop at the local store!
Robert. Your photos of the cosmos helps to put the immediate, very important crisis in perspective. We have to keep both in mind, as you so aptly remind us. Thank you so much for your dedication and hard work.
Thanks to all of you who have responded so warmly. We will get through this and prevail. When we fight, and communicate with one another, we win!
I saw a comment recently that made me think of the danger that JD Vance presents. His fumbling has made him a joke, but if Trump somehow wins, given his clear mental deterioration there is a very good chance that the openly-racist and religious extremist Vance would become the real chief executive, either in the machinations of a chaotic fight within the White House, or through the 25th Amendment. Just another reason to work hard to see that that can’t happen.
I have been saying this exact thing from the time Trump selected Vance as his running mate. In fact, whenever I speak to potential voters, this prediction is among one of my key points. We should not underestimate how much people dislike and fear Vance. If nothing else convinces an undecided voter, disgust with him can change the selection made in the voting booth or on the absentee ballot. Let's all keep up the discussions about how dangerous and villainous Trump and Vance are, one-on-one with voters at any opportunity.
I also want to share with everyone an experience I had this weekend in Tennessee. I was visiting family, and my niece and I went shopping. As we were turning into a parking lot, the driver of pickup truck with a large sign that read "Don't tread on me," yelled loudly at us as he passed "F**k Harris." In all the months (first as a Biden/Harris supporter), that is the first time I have personally encountered any Trump supporter, and I admit it was a little dispiriting. However, not even 10 minutes later, we were stopped in a store aisle by a lady who had spotted our Harris buttons. We had a most delightful, long discussion with her about all the reasons we were Harris supporters. Our spirits were fully restored for the remainder of the day!
Is there anything more ridiculous than the "Don't tread on me" crazy Gadsen flag? Because what could be a better symbol than a rattlesnake? I know that it has some history, blah blah blah. This is one case where the symbol matches the substance, an ugly worldview.
I wore my Harris/Walz shirt to an art spectacular fair yesterday. I had so many people smile, give me a thumbs up, and actually approach me to share good sentiments. Yes, I'm in a hugely blue state, but I was very glad I wore it. Help bolster some hope.
Good for you, Christi! It’s a wonderful feeling, and I highly recommend that everyone else try it, regardless the color of your state.
I have thought the same thing and nobody talks about this. He is a heartbeat away
It’s up to us to talk about it. T
Assumes facts not in evidence (i.e., he has no heart and no soul). That POS just admitted he lied about Springfield pet-eaters.
I fear this will happen and my little bit of paranoia tells me that forcing Trump to quit, get ill or other will place Vance as our president which may be much scarier than Trump. Vance has huge money and conservative organizations behind him.
This might not be cosmic, but it is lighthearted.
Where do bad rainbows go?
To prism.
It's a light sentence but it gives them time to reflect.
Channeling Jay Kuo, I see! 😉
I don't know who that is. A friend posted it without accreditation. If Jay Kuo is the author, all credit to them.
I meant no harm. I just loved hearing another Dad joke! It was great! 😉
Here’s Jay’s most recent substack offering.
https://open.substack.com/pub/statuskuo/p/hes-jumped-the-shark?r=41p0j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Nice. Thanks. No harm done.
I should have explained further. On Saturdays, Jay posts funny stuff gathered from social media throughout the prior week. Then he closes with what he refers to as a dad joke. He a new Dad, as well.
That is gold!!
Very nice, Mark. Extra credit!
ouch. Ooh. Love it.
Andy Borowitz offers Trump a cognitive test today in his substack. This one brought tears to my eyes😂😂.
My wife’s name is
a) Melanie
b) Mercedes
c) Malala
d) Malomar
e) Melanin
f) Macrame
g) Milli Vanilli
h) Mojito
i) Mimosa
j) Marsupial
k) E. Jean Carrolll
That's precious! Thank you for sharing!
Laura Loomer
no, no, I think Trump's pretty clear on the fact that she's his (adulterous) girlfriend!
Any day at the zoo with your granddaughters is a good day! Rest up until the next time!
Simply WOW!!
https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/september-14-2024?r=9qmgp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&comments=true
A woman in Springfield Ohio came forward and admitted she posted the comment about Haitians eating dogs and cats based on a misinterpretation of what happened to a lost cat that was erroneous. The damaged caused to the city of Springfield Ohio is unmeasurable and more importantly after this admission by the original poster both Vance and Trump continued the lie. An editorial in the NYT read “ Trump crossed a truly an unacceptable line”. There should be a constant drum beat about these comments which unfortunately are protected by our freedom of speech laws. If there was ever a comment that defines the total unacceptable and unstable character of a person running for the highest office in the land this is it. Imagine if all the pet owners joined woman who are protecting reproductive rights all registered and voted the Harris would win in a landslide.
Trump and Vance are doing their best to make this happen. One by one, they are alienating, huge groups of people who will visit the ballot box on November 5.
Hopefully
From your lips . . .
One of the best replies I have heard to Trump's and Vance's lies was from a female resident of Springfield. She said that everyone outside Springfield should know that nearly all residents of their town own guns. Therefore, if anyone had tried to take their pets, that person would immediately be shot. She continued by saying that the fact that this has not happened was proof that the story was false. That is certainly one way to prove a story false.
More truth poured on the conflagration Trump has created, Stephen, thank you. But my question: is no one asking WHY bombers are threatening to bomb Springfield schools? I don't read everything obviously, but has anyone seen or heard a news piece about why bombers are threatening to bomb the schools there? I know it's because Trump and Vance are stirring up base instincts and racial fears and hatreds in order to oust. Sen. Brown. But I really want and need to see something about "Because Trump is spreading unfounded lies about immigrants eating cats and dogs, his devout followers are threatening violence in the form of planting bombs in schools, in a futile belief this will somehow harm immigrants." Or is that not the story? Why ARE people threatening to bomb Springfield schools?
Hard grandpa work is good grandpa work 🩵 Glad you got a huge dose of little-girl love. Innoculated for the coming Crazies 💗
I like to ponder the concept that this is a picture is from a time only 1400 years ago. And that about the year 600 stars were being born en masse and that continues today!
I’m worried that Democrats are once again playing into Trump’s big lie agenda. All the post-debate talk is about pets, etc. Instead we should be pointing out that Trump could not answer a single question at the debate. He cannot say whether he supports Ukraine or what he would with respect to ending the war between Israel and Hamas. After almost 10 years Trump has no health care plan and Trump would not admit to supporting a national abortion ban. Despite answering every question with comments about illegal immigration, he can’t tell us how he would deport 11 million people. SO after the debate, the mainstream press should be hounding Trump for his plans and specifics like they did Kamala Harris. Trump denies his relationship to Project 2025 and the press gives him a pass on that — but it’s the only specifics we have to go on. Don’t let Trump distract us from the real threat his administration poses to the country. It’s not to our pets— it’s to our people.
I hear what you are saying, Robyn, but what is discussed about Trump does not have to be an either/or situation, we can talk about more than one thing at a time. Trump's assertion that immigrants are eating pets - and Harris' great visceral reaction to it- may well translate into some significant loss of votes. Many Americans are not particularly interested in the issues you list above (though of course they SHOULD be, and it is sad that they are not), but many Americans do not like extremism. Trump gave them Exhibit A. It shows how far he goes to dehumanize immigrants, and I'm hoping that alarms people.
You express concern about Democrats getting distracted, but you are mostly talking about the media, which cannot be controlled by Democrats. I don't think that the pet-eating craziness is the only thing being discussed about Trump. At least I hope not.
Goodmorning! First of all, does Subtrack have a telephone number because signing in ( for my privacy safety they claim) is very difficult and I am most definitely a subscriber! Now on to some good news...
Bill Maher, who has a great track record for calling the shots on Trump's toxicity and future, commented on his Friday night show that he thinks Trump's hold is finally fading fast, and likened it to Joe McCarthy's demise. If so God bless Amercia for coming to its senses. Having said this, my main concern is ballots being harmed and rigged by Trump's henchmen. The ballot delay forced by Kennedy's wanting new ballots with his name taken off caused a huge mail in delay as does raising the bar on ID's in order to vote. Both examples of total manipulation to benefit Trump.
Tell me some good news about ballot safety. Then I can be totally hopeful.
I think it’s so interesting that RFK Jr. would throw his hat in with trump. Seeing how the name-on-name-off-the-ballot is upending many states printing of their ballots at the eleventh hour makes me wonder about the quid pro quo arrangement that was struck behind the scenes. Because you KNOW there had to be one. trump is dependably transactional. Follow the money.
MLRGRMI, I agree that this last-minute shuffling, reprinting the ballots, challenging the printed ballots, delaying mailing ballots so voters in Europe won't get them, causing confusion and opening doors to later election result challenges, is a deliberate and very cynical tactic designed and implemented by MAGA to shave points off Democrat-favoring results on Nov. 5. We need to harden our systems, increase our personal vigilance of our local elections, and shout loud about them breaking any laws, from now till (and after?) Nov. 5.
And, why is Louis DeJoy still the head of the Post Office? I thought he would have been long gone.
WHY can't Pres. Biden just fire him? The media is beginning to focus on the impact mail delays can have on mail in ballots. This awful situation has been a HUGE problem since Dejoy was installed. He's just another strategy for suppressing voting...added to the reduction of drop boxes in so many locations.
Because Biden actually follows laws. Please see Colleen's explanation.
There’s some convoluted process involving the USPS Board of Governors. Tied his hands. I do remember reading President Biden has nominated former Congresswoman Val Demings and William Zollars to that board, which is the only entity who can fire Dejoy. Correct me if I’m mistaken, please.
https://spanberger.house.gov/posts/following-spanberger-push-president-biden-makes-final-nominations-to-fill-usps-board-of-governors
I agree Biden needs to put attention on firing Dejoy. I feel certain D.C. is a "right-to-work" federal district. -;)
He certainly should have been long gone! Our mail system is disastrous, especially here in Georgia! I hope other states are not experiencing the same.
Don’t take Bill Maher’s prediction as a reason to feel confident that good will triumph. Like just about everyone he laughed at the migrants eating pets, but though it is a ridiculous lie the message is clear. Trump and Vance hate migrants and will stop them. They will have mass deportations. It is racist and cruel. Most Americans (I believe) will not admit that they are so racist and of course don’t believe the lie, but In the privacy of the voting booth they might see this as a vote for or against migrants in their neighborhood and may vote to stop the migrants. The eating of pets is hyperbole but it is making an argument that there is something to fear and one side will end jt.
Therefore I am beating the drum that we skip discussing how idiotic the eating the pets blathering is and get right to describing how dystopian and dangerous for all mass deportations (and retribution) will be.
Rounding up millions of people is not simple and without violence. It can’t be done without auxiliary forces of neighbors turning on neighbors. There will be many mistakes but no one to appeal to if you were selected by mistake. Neighbors and co-workers will point each other out for deportation. There will be purges from within the ranks of MAGA (look at how MTG and Loomer are turning on each other). There are many historical references to illustrate what it will be like that aren’t hyperbole. Hitler’s concentration camps, Stalin’s Gulag, are two.
BTW, once we round up millions of people what country do we send them to? Who will do the work they did? How much will this cost in addition to the lost revenue from the taxes that they had paid?
My point is that no one should believe voting for the guy that hates migrants is going to be cost free to themselves. You will not be voting to keep migrants out of your neighborhood but for extremely dangerous chaos. And you may be caught up in it.
Thank you for all your wise, richly informative, and usually encouraging writings. I look forward to reading (or listening to) you every day.
Robert Hubbell, It’s a happy reason not to be posting one of your great installments to our national discourse. And reminding us of that great human need/desire/joy that is “spending time together”, is fantastic. I’m joyful you are present for your family. You are a blessing to them and us.