Introducing a new header. This is a collection of faint, newly formed (1-to-2 million years old) stars in Westerlund 2 (a small area within the Milky Way). To see past headers, visit Past Headers page (tab) or click here.
To my Canadian readers, a belated Happy Canada Day (which was July 1st).
To my American readers, Happy Independence Day! To the rest of the world, Happy July 4th (the day between July 3rd and July 5th).
Ohio is a strange fireworks state. We can buy a certain grade of fireworks from a licensed in-state dealer, but it is illegal to use them.
In my opinion, Number of Followers is the most insignificant stat in blogging – yet, I noticed crossing the latest milestone – 7,800.
Thanks for those participating in the Elton John concert. The next blog concert features Crosby, Still, Nash, and Young. Because of how these musicians mixed and match, all songs must feature 2, 3, or 4 of them – but not as soloists. Tentative date is Saturday July 13th – and The Producer is eager for this one.
For those who didn’t know and don’t remember, I hate hot, muggy weather – but to celebrate the arrival of the summer heat in the northern hemisphere, I will use a summer songs at the end of the post.
I struggled in the first mini-season in my golf league – so I’m hoping for better in mini-season 2.
Wimbledon – one of the greatest tennis tournaments in the world has started. In the midst of the Women’s World Cup (soccer) and the pay discrepancies between the men’s and women’s teams in the US, Wimbledon has an unusual approach for the prize money – equal pay for unequal work.
For those you saw Rocketman, here’s an interesting interview with Elton John and Taron Egerton (the actor portraying Sir Elton in the movie). FYI: It’s 14 minutes.
A friend of ours marched in Cincinnati’s Pride Day Parade. The number of Christian churches who marched supporting the day pleasantly surprised her.
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Back in May I established Biden’s Dilemma – which (so far) seems to be playing out – but it’s early.
Not to anyone’s surprise, I did not watch either of the recent Democratic debates. Where as last week I provided fact checks to Night 1, here are fact checks to Night 2: FactCheck, PolitFact, PBS, NBC, CBS
Do you remember the outrage involving the Elian Gonzalez situation in 2000? Compare that to the lack of outrage of what is happening today along the US-Mexico border.
To the Trumpians, President Trump is winning the trade battle with China. What Trumpians either don’t know or don’t care about is;
- President Trump has not used the avenues of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Instead of involving traditional trading partners, President Trump has chosen to deal alone
- President Trump has emboldened China in their dealings with other countries, so China has reduced tariffs with other countries while increasing US tariffs. Then again, he is the master of the deal. If you don’t believe so, just ask him.
To lead you into this week’s satirical headlines, The Onion provides tips for the perfect picnic.
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Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Baby’s crows first word ‘Caw’
Historians reveal aqueducts were only a small portion of Ancient Rome’s intricate waterpark system
Barista only person in coffee shop with job
Porn star has face only a stepmother could love
If Earth continues to warm at current rate, Moon will be mostly underwater by 2400
Experts say earliest sign of mental health issues usually crossing eyes while dribbling fingers on lips, saying “Cuckoo, Cuckoo”
Interesting Reads
The most connected countries
The need for intestinal worms
Exiling a Greek philosopher
Data regarding thoughts about fake news
State of the news media
Coordinating Fake News and Fake Science
How fireworks came to America
(Graphic) Compare countries GDP ( a good visual)
(Photos) Seeking relief from the heatwave
To send you into the weekend, here’s a summer song that Dale will love. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Cincy,
That IS an odd way of doing fireworks, I must say. Maybe you can just put them under glass . . .
Awesome new header!
Biden isn’t going to make it very far, but I’m going to be very interested as to who does. I’m equal parts fascinated and frightened by what is going to unfold over the next sixteen months.
YAY summer songs!
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Marc,
Ohio’s fireworks law may be goofy the our current president. … Then again, I say may be.
Sadly, Biden’s Dilemma is playing out. Then again, there’s a long way to go.
Regarding the new header – a big oops – that’s the old one – but the new one is up now.
PS: Bummer news about the Dolphins player.
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Yes, let’s not get carazy now, LOL.
Sixteen months . . which is an eternity and a snap of the fingers. Both.
Buahahahaha! Okay, so I was finding something new in it. I thought I saw God playing marbles. Okay . . I’ll check out the new header.
That was horrible news. Hopefully the Dolphins, and the league, do right by the young man as he will have to begin life after football at such a young age.
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I can see the Dolphins stepping up for the young man – sadly, I’m not sure about the league.
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I think you’re right about that.
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The number of followers is useless because of all the ghost followers. OTH, they do matter at least for Storyteller because I use my numbers when I apply for press credentials. I even managed to do that for Jazzfest, who requires a letter of assignment.
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Ray,
I didn’t think about the credentials aspect of followers. Thanks for clarifying. 🙂
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Unless you are using your blog to do something, you are very right, numbers add up to nothing… said one of those four you want to concert about…
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Happy -belated- Independence Day, Frank! Love the new header! Oh and….
Crows face mental health issues mostly underwater while ancient barista continues to warm current stepmother saying “Caw, Cuckoo, Cuckoo”
😉
Happy Friday, my friend! 🙂
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Marina,
LOL … Great combo that caused my first laugh of the day!
Big oops on my part – that’s the old header – but the new one is up now. 🙂
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Ah….yes, I see it now!!!!! Wow!!!!!! 🙂
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Happy Independence Day to you Frank. So far Biden is a disappointment, I get the feeling his heart is not in it and I was kind of counting on him, as you say, it is early. I will be back to join in the CSN&Y, probably one if not my very favorite groups, hopefully before they are all snapped up. Have a lovely weekend!
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Holly,
Biden is slipping out of the gate. Fortunately, deep pockets gives him time to recover. Not having his heart into it could be a factor! Meanwhile, CSNY were huge back in the day – so the concert should be a good one.
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I still have hope for Biden. CSNY, love their sound.
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Me too. 🙂
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Even though you don’t enjoy them, I wish you good experiences during these hazy, lazy summer days.
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Colline,
Fortunately I work indoors … plus I’m not a “play no matter what” type of golfer.
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I’m not a fan of hot and humid either–and we’re kind of stuck in that weather right now. There were people setting off fireworks somewhere nearby last night–and it’s illegal here. I was not happy about it. Hope you enjoyed the holiday!
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Merril,
Not only are we stuck in a hot-muggy weather pattern, there’s no end in sight. YUK! Regarding fireworks, seems authorities ignore the laws at this time of the year.
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Helminths. Huh! The article on intestinal worms by the Duke associate professor of surgery, supported by detailed scientific evidence, offers a rational explanation for many of today’s medical ills. I have myself often wondered why people are having an explosion of problems such as allergies and autoimmune problems? Why Crohn’s disease? Why peanut allergies? Why MS? Why Lupis? Why increasing Alzheimer’s? Why hasn’t evolution coped more effectively with such wide-spread conditions? I have been inclined to think that it’s because evolution hasn’t caught up to how people came to live in large populations only a couple thousand years ago, but Dr. Parker’s findings make sense. The symbiotic human microbiome is a real thing, so why not a symbiotic relationship with helminths? This isn’t fake news but it is sure to sound like it. Big Pharma, as he says, has no incentive to embrace this.
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Jim,
Glad you enjoyed the article about intestinal worms. You asked excellent questions about human health. In terms of evolution, it has a way of working slowly.
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Gosh where to begin on the Shorts? CSN&Y-woohoo! One of my most favorite groups! Sounds like Ohio is similar to Colorado, at least in Denver. Firework stands pop up every summer but you cannot legally set them off in many cities. Which limitation is naturally ignored to the detriment of veterans, victims of mass shooting, PTSD/mental health patients not to mention terrified family pets. Because it’s apparently a god given right to be a knuckle-dragging schmuck.
P.S. Congrats on the latest impressive stat! Salud with the poison of your choice, my friend. 🥃🍺🍸Well done.
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Monika,
Thanks for sharing about fireworks in Colorado. Crazy laws!
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Glad I waited to comment on the new header. Looks great. Poor Joe. Majority male old fart. No chance.
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John,
Biden needs some positive primary results – and since they are scheduled for many months, oh boy – he may be in trouble. Glad you enjoy the new header.
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Dead meat. His own party liberals killed him off.
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The Democratic Civil War at work.
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Ha ha ha. Happens during every incumbent year. Makes unseating the current president harder because of all the foot shooting.
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We crossed that insignifcant number simultaneously my friend. It truly is a poor measure of how successful a blog is.
Have a great weekend.
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Drew,
Wow … what a coincidence! Anymore, it’s just a number to watch.
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Love the new header – it’s positively sparkly!
The fireworks law is like the one where they sell firepits but you are not allowed to use them… Ummm.. nkay…
I agree. The number of followers means diddly-squat. So many are robots anyway,
Looking forward to the next concert.
This hot, muggy weather is positively life-sucking. I am ever so grateful to have been given the position of barmaid inside the club because those few days where I have to work outside on the terrace? Ugh… Plus the new Maître d’ is a bitch. The on-going rule has been, if the humidex brings the temps up to 35C (95F) and more, off come the ties and open the first two buttons of our shirts. She says it’s ugly and we must remain buttoned up. There will be mutiny, I can assure you. I told my co-workers to start feigning feeling faint. And, with the heat, there won’t be any pretending. It’s inhumane.
I watched that interview with Elton and Taron and I just might have to fold and go see Rocketman – I’ve been hesitant as Elton ain’t dead yet!!
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Dale,
I’ll respond to everything else later … But no mention of the song? … Which I picked for you!
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Oh hell! I hit send before saying great choice!!! Of course. Always Nat. Any time Nat!
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LOl … 😁
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What nutty fireworks laws! However, your new header makes up for that!
I am not a fan of heat and humidity, either. However, love the song by Nat! Here’s one for you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tCc–3xw10Hot Fun in the Summer Sun.
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young….I’m on it!
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Congrats on the followers! “Opinions in the Shorts” never fail to deliver laughs and intelligent thoughts. Nat King Cole’s version is my favorite. Our summers go beyond the calendar summer. Stay as cool as possible.
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Fascinating article about intestinal worms. Most animals in the wild carry a worm burden and live perfectly healthily. If the worm burden becomes too heavy, then the animal may become sick but that normally means something has gone wrong anyway. I have ceased treating my goats and sheep for worms with any chemicals. They have garlic and other herbs which keeps their gut in healthy balance. Maybe we can learn something from animals in their natural state!
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Sorry about the humidity – it’s probably plenty cold and dry where that header photo was taken. 😉 As for fireworks, do they still do that massive display on the Ohio River on Labor Day?
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I like the big bright stars who stand out among the 1-2 million year old youngsters in your new header.
I’m all for hot muggy weather now that all I have to do in it is play golf.
I disagree. The more followers the better.
I too have noted that Donald Trump promised throughout his 2016 presidential campaign that if elected he would aggressively use tariffs to destroy international free trade.
You knew I would hop all over the latest Pew Research Center State of the News Media.
No splats.
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Looking forward to CSN&Y with great eagerness – apparently I missed the Elton John event even though I saw Rocket Man in the theater 🙂
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Lynn,
Cheers to an CSNY fan … what did you think of the movie?
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The actor playing Elton was terrific and I liked some of the surreal scenes, especially onstage.
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Thanks for your thoughts. 🙂
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