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Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 279

Gone since late September, OITS are back! .. .and this is the 1750th post (which is sort-of-a milestone) … and this post is loaded.

I stopped into one of those large (but temporary/seasonal) Halloween stores .. .and I was surprised to see the Banana Flasher. For those who dare and want to know, here’s the link.

Remember the post earlier in the week about the email? Ever since that post, I haven’t heard from any of the ladies. Not one!

Sky: The Musical is off to a good start as Opening Night was a success. I want to complete this musical before the December holiday season, so Act 2 is next week!

  • Theme – Sun
  • All song titles must include Sun, Suns, or Sunny in the title
  • No compound words (sunlit, sunlight, etc) and No variations as Son, Sons, or Sonny
  • Showtime – Tuesday, November 17th, 9:30 pm (Eastern US)

I like black licorice, so I pounced on the deal at Costco when I spotted a display offering a 2 lb (0.9 kg) bag for $2.50. Hey Canadians … it’s from your country.

Earlier this week marked the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. These words touched me.

The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald wasn’t the worst maritime tragedy in the history of the Great Lakes. Another early November storm in 1913 took a dozen ships and more than 250 sailors’ lives. The bodies of the Fitz’s crew were never recovered, but the ship’s bell was. And when it is tolled 29 times today, as it is every year, it will be for those men — and for the 25,000 others who have lost their lives on those waters down through the centuries. (Carl Cannon, Editor, Real Clear Politics)

Do you remember my tango routine? Well, my partner and I successfully did it without a major glitch! … and that also means it is over … Whew – a lot of work!

Dale (A Deleciable Life) made me aware of this wonderful dance video from the Montreal Swing Riot – and quite the riot it is. Whew – lots of energy and skill. The entire video is about 20 minutes, but even short stays are worth the time. Enjoy.

Speaking of dancing, the official Dance: The Musical song list is coming soon!

I’ve enjoyed Dancing With the Stars season 21 … and I’m pulling for Bindi. Best wishes to Tamara Braxton because she has withdrawn due to a serious health issue. As a dancer, she’s been very good.

Embed from Getty Images

Early this week, I saw (live on CNN) Alysin Camerota’s interview with Republican candidate Ben Carson – and his answers to her good questions were pathetic.

George (The Off Key of Life) had this outstanding post about the 2016 presidential election.

Woo hoo … I missed another one this week, so I’m 5 for 5 when it comes to avoiding the party-specific presidential debates. Here are some fact checks from the event:
Annenberg FactCheck, Associated Press, PolitiFact, Politico, Washington Post

From all indications, I tend to agree that the CNBC moderators did a poor job – but that is no excuse for poor answers. Given my rules, candidates in both parties should be thankful that I’m not running the debates. However, Jimmy Kimmel’s comedic take on the event is priceless!

To lead you into this week’s satire, The Onion offers these tips for conquering phobias.

Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Chinese buffet has french fries
Group of friends shouting “Shots” make compelling point
Robert De Niro stunned to learn of man who can “Goodfellas”
Scientists Find Strong Link Between Male Virility, Wearing Mötley Crüe Denim Jacket
Beijing Fire Department Extinguishes Massive Five-Alarm Burning Cloud Of Smog

Interesting Reads (a few more than normal)
A good almost 3-minute video report about a Brooklyn high school (from CBS News)
Columnist David Ignatius on power Ignatius on power
Columnist Kathleen Parker of demonizing in campaigns Parker on demonizing 
Melancholy as a good thing (Thanks Elyse)
The human body: on 4 facts or fiction
New hidden chambers in King Tut’s tomb?
A church and the Hawaiian leper colony
Barcelona’s La Sagrada from The Atlantic (article & pics) (Thanks Merril)
Rare Photos of early Peking

No Explore post this weekend, but don’t forget Act 2 is next week.

Here’s a two-fer to send you into the weekend – a leftover for Act 1 and a golden oldie. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.


43 thoughts on “Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 279”

  3. Isn’t Bindi Urwin going great?! Unfortunately, I have yet to find a TV channel in Australia that runs the show, so every week I watch Bindi’s performance online.

    I’ll have to try and get in early for Act 2 next week, before all of my first choices are taken, or better still, I’ll start making a list. 😉

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  4. I love the song The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Congratulations on your successful tango routine! I won’t get started on Ben Carson and the rest. I will have to come back and check out some links later, but you are welcome for the Atlantic article (just to let you know I saw it). 😉

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    • Merril,
      Not watching the debates has been very helpful .. I can also support that stance by saying I won’t be voting in either party’s primary. Meanwhile, thanks for thinking of me when you saw the La Sagrada article.

      Liked by 1 person

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  6. I’m thinking that your inclusion of the video about the P-Tech school in Brooklyn is a statement that a successful high school education system isn’t rocket science. I agree, and as I see it the keys to the school’s success rest a great deal on: (1) Having school begin at 8:30 am (not 7:15 am) and end at 4:00 pm (not 2:15 pm), which allows teenagers to sleep later in the morning (which just about all studies support), and stay up later at night when (if motivated) teens do their best studying, (2) Pay teachers to run before and after school study sessions, (3) Pay teachers for six weeks of summer classes, (4) Allow teachers to concentrate on the students’ weakness during the freshman year (1/3 of the students in the school enter their freshman year reading significantly below grade level – BUT – are able to overcome that by the time they graduate).

    The rare photos of Peking were meaningful to me as a result of my week stay in Beijing in Nov., 2013.

    The David Ignatius’ article about the Pope, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama being on the world stage at the same time, has influenced me to read Joseph Nye’s book – “Soft Power.”

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  8. So glad to hear the tango routine went well. Now that that’s over, I think you should indeed set your sights on moderating a debate. The candidates wouldn’t know what hit them. In a good way! Loved the Jimmy Kimmel clip.

    And yes I clicked open the Banana Flasher link. Sigh.

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    • Carrie,
      The GOP debates need a lot of help. Did you hear some say they preferred debates with 4-5 candidates at once? … if they would have only listened to me way back when! I forewarned you about the Banana Flasher, but I appreciate your curiosity.

      Liked by 1 person

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  9. The article on Tut’s tomb and the possibility of other burial rooms adjacent to it was interesting. The Egyptian officials are sure to play out the suspense as long as possible. Hmm. I wonder if Geraldo Rivera is available?

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  13. Welcome back, my friend! And congrats on your 1750th post. There’s a lot here. . .but my favorite is the dance mashup. Really delightful.

    P.S. I will never mention Sarah Palin again because I’ve discovered a new nincompoop: Ben Carson. Let the games begin!!

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  14. That song about the Edmund Fitzgerald has always been haunting and so well done. Your choice of music this week with Creedence and The Grass Roots is diverse and fun. It also brings back some memories..:)
    I think most people are pulling for Bindi, her personality is infectious, though the judge in California who is asking for more definitive proof that her Dad has died is an ass.
    Thanks for the shout out, Frank..have a great weekend!

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  15. I always liked the song about the Edmund Fitzgerald, but never really thought about how real and sad it was. It really hit close to home last month when the cargo ship El Faro was lost in hurricane Joaquin as we were tailing that storm on our way up the coast after the Panama Canal crossing. The cruise ship was never in any danger.

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  17. First, congrats on your success. The tango is difficult to dance, beautiful to watch. Why didn’t you have someone video so you could share?

    I love the videos! I especially love the dance. I had to go watch on YouTube and then watch all of them! Wonderful, simply fun and wonderful. I have been enthralled for over an hour. Thank you for this delightful escape from the ordinary.

    The reads, also another delight. Interesting, with new learning opportunities. I must admit though my fascination with the possible findings within the Tomb of Tut and the beauty of the photos of Peking.

    Scientists Find Strong Link Between Male Virility and group of friends shouting “Shots”.

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    • Val,
      Glad you enjoyed the Montreal Swing Riot. Once I started watching, I couldn’t stop!

      Knowing the you dive into the reads, I always appreciate your feedback.

      In terms of the tango routine, there is a possibility that it may appear here … but actually still undecided. Thanks for the suggestion.

      … and that combo is Onion worthy!

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  18. Hope yuo had a good weekend, Frank. I smiled at “Chinese buffet has French fries.” It reminded me of a restaurant we saw in China called ‘Mr. Beef Seafood’. Congrats on your 1750th post. That’s really awesome going. 🙂

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    • Sylvia,
      Chinese buffet close to me also serves pizza! Weekend was good as we went out of town for our niece’s wedding … all went well & the young couple is in the warm Caribbean. Also good to see other family members we haven’t seen in a while. My MIL would have loved the day. Many thanks for the kind words.

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  20. Love the dance video–so energizing and inspirational! And the Jimmy K video of the GOP debates: priceless. My favorite part–Ben Carson, looking around as if confused. The man must be on sedatives!

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