Hooray for us. The out-of-town aunt’s house is sold and closed! Simply a monumental accomplishment considering where we started.
Last weekend’s Supermoon was awesome. Love this collection of images from USA Today.
Savannah Guthrie: “How do you reconcile your love for someone with the recognition that they have behaved badly? And I don’t know the answer to that.” … I say if you love Matt Lauer as a friend, he needs you – so be there for him.
We had a new experience last weekend: Watching a holiday parade of horse-drawn carriages.
The IOC banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics, but Russian athletes can complete without a country. In my opinion, that’s pathetic.
Last week’s Crosstown Shootout was ugly as Xavier convincingly dismantled my UC Bearcats. Oh well … a team not playing well and getting outplayed doesn’t deserve to win. Congrats XU!
The college football committee got the four playoff teams right.
Although PBS dismissed Garrison Keillor for misconduct, I plan to continue using his quote at the end of this post.
Congratulations to Jim Wheeler for being the 75,000th. He was touched by the fireplaces display I had for him. The next milestone will probably happen in early 2018 as I’m 21 posts away from post #2000.
Embed from Getty ImagesCurrent tax bills are a prime example of Republicans being so desperate to accomplish something, they are willing to sell out their philosophy.
Regarding President Trump’s recent proclamation about Jerusalem, I didn’t listen to him, his surrogates, or other partisan talking heads – but I was all hears when listening to Middle East expert Aaron David Miller. Here’s his article about the announcement.
Wall Street’s positive reaction to possible changes in tax policy has nothing to do with changes to people and everything to do with the effect on corporations.
The reason I believe Roy Moore will win the Alabama Senate race can be summarized in one word. Any thoughts?
In the era of declaring Fake News, Chris Wallace (Fox News Anchor) wrote this interesting editorial.
The 4 lines I most commonly hear by President Trump supporters for any situation: Having Hillary would be worse. Look at Hillary’s crimes. He’s better than Obama. It’s Obama’s fault. Nothing like having ready-to-use lines for any occasion.
Embed from Getty ImagesTo lead you into this week’s dose of satirical headlines, The Onion captures royal scandals over time.
Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Cartoon character translated seamlessly into noodle
Son’s friend seems like the type who always gets nosebleeds
Steven Spielberg recalls coming to blows with ET on film set
Negligent oaf sloppily packs away board game without so much as a thought to future players
GOP leaders celebrate passing point of no return
Interesting Reads
Gene therapy brings hope
About a remote Norwegian island
Myths about the brain
Jobs and automation
A symphony from broken instruments
Hedy Lamarr: Inventor
A solution for pack rats
(Photos) Royal Society photo winners
For your weekend entertainment, let’s climb into the way-back machine for some early Beatles. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
Wait a minute. I have built an entire support system for the past eight years with the simple principle, it’s Obama’s fault. It is a ready-made line I cherish and covers everything. In fact, it is a retroactive cause celeb starting with original sin. Even my ability to use the phrase is Obama’s fault so what is wrong with it? (my question is Obama’s fault as well)
LikeLiked by 1 person
John,
Not only have you time-tested the excuse, prominent Republicans and their minions are discovering the power of what you already knew. (Pssss … slow learners)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. I guess I should have filled them in earlier. Obama’s fault I didn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect explanation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup.
LikeLike
Congratulations on selling your aunt’s house, Frank. I’m sure that is a big relief (and cause for celebration).
The horse drawn carriage parade sounds wonderful.
I won’t get started on the politics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merril,
A huge relief for our aunt and the rest of us! We went to support our aunt and lead her through the closing, then get her to the bank! Afterwards, we had a nice celebration dinner in midafternoon before our 3-hour+ return trip home.
Here’s a short promo video from a past horse-drawn carriage parade for you to enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZUAmKrs8ZU
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you got to celebrate with your aunt.
That event in the promo certainly looked “wintry!” The horses were so beautiful–and obviously well cared for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The night was nippy when we attended the parade, but no snow. As you well know, like your area, December can deliver a wide-range of conditions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A parade of horse drawn carriages? What a treat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colline,
It was a fun event. Even though it has been happening for over 20 years, this was our first time. There are 2 parades: One in the day, one at night. (We attended at night.) Here’s a short clip from the past for you to enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3DbFSzi5xU
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dang, I wasn’t the 75,000th commenter. But I’m happy for Jim Wheeler. In this crazy world, we have to take all the small good things when we can. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie,
I remember waiting for one more comment … so I was thinking the window was wide open for your arrival. Then again, life can get in the way of blogging.
LikeLike
Life ALWAYS gets in the way of blogging. For me, anyway. Then again, I guess that’s why they call it life. 😄
LikeLike
No splats but I enjoyed the photos and ALL the articles.
Thanks for the video of my favorite Beatles tune sung non-mixed down just like in Liverpool before the boys gained fame and fortune.
Pathetic is too mild a term for the travesty of the IOC allowing the doped up Russian athletes to win (steal) medals in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tim,
Glad you are enjoying the music as I continue to look back at the past with the British Invasion. Meanwhile, the IOC is a story in itself … and not a good one.
LikeLike
Wow! What fun listening to “Ticket to Ride” Thanks Frank!
…… summarized in one word. hmm….. blindfolded
LikeLiked by 1 person
Resa,
Woo hoo! Ticket to Ride was a winner … thanks for coming along for the ride.
LikeLike
Congratulations on getting the house sold! Personally, I don’t think Mr. Trump thought his decision on Jerusalem through but then he never worries much about the consequences of his decisions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo,
Thanks on the congrats with the house sale. It was quite a journey – and most importantly – our aunt is happy about it. In terms of President Trump’s Jerusalem decision, to the “why” question, I answer “Because he can” … PLUS …. It’s really about his ego because past presidents have talked about it, but not done it.
LikeLike
Congratulations on selling the house, Frank! I’ll be in a similar position come spring and I will remember your success when I get frustrated. And, yes, I think the college football people got it right, too–I’d’ve spit nickels if Ohio State had been chosen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kerry,
Good luck with your situation next spring. We worked hard … fortunately we were able to take the bull by the horns. 3+ hour drive each way complicated the process, but we still got it done. Good luck! … stay focused and determined.
In terms of Ohio State you will appreciate how I took a couple of fans to the woodshed. They stated, “But they are Big 10 Champs?” … I quickly pounced on them by pointing to last year, and just kept pushing … more like relentless.
LikeLike
My cynical self was chastised and my optimism made a slight resurgence Tuesday with the Moore defeat. I thought of you, Frank. I’m a little scarce these days because I’m dealing with my own Russian hacking! “They” got to me through one of my on-line banking sites…I’ll mention it in a post when I’m back up for air. So I’m trying to play catchup with my favorite blogs. Hope all is well with you, and thank you for the link to the Middle East expert. I will definitely be reading it. I have also stopped listening to T and relying on experts to give me a more accurate picture, and I’m following some international news from the Middle East via NPR, and I welcome other reading. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Debra,
Aaron David Miller is a good one – a great resource! The situation simply is more than a sound bite!
Sorry to hear the news about the hacking your are deal with. I can’t imagine … and hope I never have to deal with it – but we never know because it can happen to anyone. Good luck … and glad to hear you’ll be sharing what you’ve learned.
LikeLiked by 1 person