On Politics
When listening to the party-spin about the recently released Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, it’s easy to get the impression that there were two reports … not one.
Lyle Denniston, a respected writer about the US Supreme Court, provides this interesting piece about executive orders.
Lee Hamilton, the respected former Congressman from southeastern Indiana, wrote this interesting op-ed regarding Congress and budgets.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Super Bowl packs up, leaves town in 40-wagon train
Man on vacation suddenly realizes no one feeding his hostages
New chip snack evades digestive system, burrows straight to heart
Area woman said “Sorry” 118 times yesterday
Nation terrified after millions lose consciousness for 8 hours last night
Interesting Reads
Columnist David Brooks on what machines cannot do
Shapes and names
How to talk about evolution with family
The first battle of Isonzo in WW I
Darwin’s Pigeons slideshow
Physics of freezing rain
Interesting graph of US labor force demographics
On Potpourri
Bad News: Punxsutawney Phil prognosticates 6 more weeks of winter.
Good News: Buckeye Chuck says spring is around the corner.
TBD News: Who is right? So far, and with the 7-day forecast, it’s Phil.
A tip of the cap to Jay Leno, who after 4,600 shows and almost 44,000 jokes, leaves the Tonight Show. Interesting, his number one joke target (by far) is Bill Clinton.
Last week I wrote the following: The anticipated debate between science advocate Bill Nye and Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham is approaching, and no doubt will deliver a narrow view, thus providing a false choice. Several days later, the Cincinnati Enquirer supported my point with the following headline on its Sunday front page: Bible! Science! Who Will Win? : It’s creationism vs. evolution as Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham debates Bill Nye, TV’s Science Guy.
I did not watch the debate, but I trust this review from the team at BioLogos.
Given any unforeseen circumstances, the opening act of Life: The Musical will be next Thursday Wednesday at 9:30 pm (Eastern US). I will announce the theme on Monday.
It’s a handbell Sunday for us. The director moved me to the biggest bells for this tune, which are quite heavy. Because I didn’t find a good video of this song, enjoy this quality recording.
Thanks to everyone who visits here knowing my time for reciprocating is currently very limited.
Here are your weekend celebrations
- (Fri) Wear Red Day, Bubblegum Day, Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day, Ballet Day, Girl Scout Cookie Day, Cordova Ice Worm Day, Pinocchio Day, Send a Card to a Friend Day
- (Sat) Laugh and Get Rich Day, Opera Day, Fly a Kite Day
- (Sun) Man Day, Autism Day, Read in the Bathtub Day, Stop Bullying Day, Toothache Day, Hershey Chocolate Day
Here’s another throwback from the 80s to lead us into the weekend. It’s not about the weather, but the title is fitting for many of us in the central and eastern US. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
“Man on vacation suddenly realizes no one feeding his hostages”—I shouldn’t laugh at that, but I did. Now I feel bad…
LikeLike
Carrie,
You’re OK … after all, my thoughts were similar, starting with “Should I use this one?” … but then the humor side won!
LikeLike
I guess as long as we recognize the inappropriateness of our laughter, we’re doing okay. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh no … you are feeling guilty! Did the thought keep you awake last night?
LikeLike
Hardly…
LikeLike
Whew!
LikeLike
LaughNd get rich day sounds much better than Toothache day. Why would anybody celebrate that?
LikeLike
Elyse,
Maybe Toothache Day is an ADA plot!
LikeLike
Probably. Like Mother’s, Father’s, Grandparents’ and Valentine’s days are all part of the floral industry plot.
LikeLike
Elyse,
… and Sweetest Day! Nonetheless, it’s possible that there is a Super PAC behind Toothache Day.
LikeLike
It’s a conspiracy. That’s my theory, anyway.
LikeLike
Be careful with the word theory (I sensitive to that one) … but I know you been hunch.
LikeLike
LOL on Darwin’s Pigeons slideshow.
Shapes – Hope there isn’t a test after this. I doubt I’d remember them.
Sat – I better get me a lottery ticket!
Hope all is going well with your happenings. 🙂
LikeLike
RoSy,
Breeders can do interesting things with pigeons! I’m with you on those shapes, and I’m buying lottery tickets for Friday and Saturday! Meanwhile, all this moving stuff is cutting into my blogging time! 😦
LikeLike
Oddly, I was just discussing J Giles with someone.
There were some amusing tweets during the debate, tagged #HamOnNye
LikeLike
Guapo,
Glad we were able to synchronize our J Geils thoughts. Thanks for the #HamOnNye. Besides the good comments, the name itself made me laugh!
LikeLike
Laugh and Get Rich Day. If only.
LikeLike
Lame,
And if so, you could become new owner at The Grind!
LikeLike
You always make me smile.
LikeLike
Rebecca,
Many thanks … just wish had had more time to visit others as yourself … Preparing to move is cutting into too much of my blogging time. 😦
LikeLike
I totally understand. I think there are times all of us bloggers do more writing than reading and vice versa. I have no expectations. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
The kidnapper reads in the bath – I can feel it.
LikeLike
GFB,
I have noted your point that it’s in the bath, not on the toilet.
LikeLike
The GOP now characterizes all the CBO reports as either favorable to their establishment base or to their Tea Party base, but never as bi-partisan (which they are).
LikeLike
Tim,
… and just another example why I minimize listening to comments from either side. Spin spin spin!
LikeLike
I did not know all those different shapes and names, some yes, others no idea. Definitely something to share with my teenage boy, I’m curious to know, how many of the shape names he knows.
LikeLike
Catherine,
I see that article as an example of how much in the world there to know, and how little individuals actually know. Then again, it’s also useful information for Jeopardy contestants!
LikeLike
Liquid water can also be super-heated. I’ve done it many times in the microwave. It can be dangerous.
LikeLike
Jim,
Great example! .. and point that it can be dangerous!
LikeLike
Handbell Sunday, HOORAY!!!! Beautiful recording btw.
Enjoy your weekend, my friend and remember that glass of wine! 😉
LikeLike
Marina,
It’s an interesting piece to a contemporary hymn … and those big bells are tough to play. When possible, I use two hands … but it’s tough holding them at the same time then ringing quarter or eighth notes. Meanwhile, it will be a weekend involving wine!
LikeLike
cheers!!!!
LikeLike
Yamas!
LikeLike
Purely by accident, I am celebrating Wear Red Day! I always love stumbling into success.
The executive order piece was interesting, and also served as yet another reminder to NOT read the comments section of any article I like. Those who can avoid the temptation win an immediate boost in their mental health.
On the down side, it looks like I shouldn’t count on my kids getting a job in high school…… or college.
LikeLike
Twixt,
Maybe accidental, but hope you didn’t admit it (other than here). Meanwhile, I know what you mean by the comments section!
LikeLike
I think the food inventors got confused…thought they were working with the military? Evasive chip goes straight to heart?
(And that hostage headline!)
Funny stuff, Frank. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
Mouse,
You may be on to something regarding work for the military!
LikeLike
Good luck with the heavy hand bells, Frank. That can be your gym for the weekend. Lovely recording. I know this song well. I’ll definitely be wearing red on Friday. 🙂
LikeLike
AD,
Much time at the last rehearsal was on that song, and I was feeling it.Those two bells are 8 lbs 4 oz (3.7 kg) and just short of 7 lbs (3.1 kg).
LikeLike
Great work out for your arms. 🙂
LikeLike
Nation suddenly terrified after millions lose consciousness. Last woman evades system yesterday, leaves town.
LikeLike
Jim,
That’s the spirit! .. I like you second one the best! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
I’m all lined up and ready for “Laugh and Get Rich Day” tomorrow. Here’s hoping! And good luck with the big bells on Sunday, Frank. That sounds like quite a privilege to me,,,to be trusted with the role. 🙂
LikeLike
Debra,
Big bells aren’t a privilege, but one must be strong enough to pic them up! If the part was all mallets, then anyone in the choir could do it. Meanwhile, I’ll be laughing during the lottery drawing tonight.
LikeLike
Hi Frank – wanted to stop by and say hi. I hope you are staying warm. I know what a Buckeye winter (a bad one!) is like, but it has really been hitting you guys hard this year. So, I recommend you eat some buckeyes (do you know what those are? I’m sure you do – my Texas husband was introduced to them and is a big fan), and stay warm.
One of the earliest photos of me as a child in Ohio was when I walked out the back door, dressed like the kid in The Christmas Story (although I’m not aware my dad had any penchant for leg lamps), and stepped into the snow and disappeared with only my hat sticking out!! I wish I could find that photo. Maybe someday when I dig through the attic. 🙂
Talk soon, Deborah
LikeLike
Deb,
Many thanks for checking in b/c I figured you’ve been busy. For sure, an unusually cold winter for us … thus looking forward to its end! Then again, it’s a matter of perspective because I just watched a story about Siberia!
LikeLike
Have a great weekend, Frank!
LikeLike
Hood,
It was a good one … and hope yours was good!
LikeLike
Hmm– I bet Groundhog Day was a HUGE surprise to everyone this year! LOL Hope your weekend has gone well, including the hand bell performance. Sorry to be so late getting here. I know how you feel about having limited time. When we were moving last year, it was nearly hopeless. Don’t worry about me, my friend. I remember.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
LikeLike
Kathy,
This winter has been something. Good news is we will miss the storm that will deliver chaos to the south. Ringing on Sunday delivered some unexpected noise challenges, but we dealt with it. Meanwhile, hope all is well with you!
LikeLike
Six more weeks? I am huddled in a ball on the floor and weeping copious tears.
I know I shouldn’t laugh, but really not feeding hostages is funny.
LikeLike
Val,
Is Dallas getting the latest punch that has come to the south? Meanwhile, think hot and humid or go to a steam room.
LikeLike
Last week we were in the teens, the teens Frank. On my way to the gym today for a good steam.
LikeLike
That a way … heat and humidity for you!
LikeLike
You knew that man on vacation and his hostages would get us all, didn’t you Frank…..
LikeLike
Suzanne,
Absolutely … especially is he has a team of trained n—- s——-s
LikeLike