Before I embark on my summer blog break, below is an abbreviated edition of Opinions in the Shorts.
The Doobie Brothers concert surprised a few people. With a blog break on the current docket, I do not know who the next concert will feature or when it will occur – but I have some ideas to consider during the blog break.
Unfortunately, on celebration day falls during the blog break. August 28th marks the 11th anniversary of this place – my little corner of the world.
My golf game resembles a yo-yo – but I still enjoy playing.
With August being the final month of summer, that also means September marks the return of handbell choir rehearsals, volunteer ushering at the Playhouse, fall festivals, football season, and more.
Has anyone watched “The Great Hack” on Netflix (about Cambridge Analytica)? If so, what did you think?
Last weekend gave us two mass shootings – including one in Dayton, Ohio (a bit less than an hour drive for me). Interesting how events like that affect you differently when they are closer to home. Events in El Paso and Dayton give Congress more opportunities to do nothing.
The Republican “mental issue” claim as a key cause of gun violence has resurfaced – so I ask an important question to Congressional Republicans: What legislation have you passed in the past five years addressing the mental health problem? I asked my representative. In his response letter, he didn’t answer the question – so the answer is none!
A state representative near me and close to Dayton blamed mass shootings on the following: fatherless families, transgender and homosexual marriages, drag queen advocates, recreational marijuana, violent video games, failed school policies, hatred for our veterans by professional athletes disrespecting our flag and country, Democrats in Congress, disrespect for law enforcement, anti-Trump voters, and last – but not least – the icing on the cake – you guessed it – Obama. Yes – the one who made this statement is an office holder elected by the majority of voters in her district.; which to me is sadder than the one making the statement.
The leader of the Ohio Republican Party asked Candice Keller to resign for the above statement, but (as of this morning) she’s standing by her statement and refusing to resign. “Establishment moderates have never been fans of mine because I ran against their endorsement and won. As the only conservative in this race, I will be taking my (state) Senate campaign to the voters to decide.”
A thought to remember about politics. The party’s goal is to win, therefore finding candidates with the best chance of winning and representing the party. Therefore, the candidate is in an office to represent the best interests of the party. After all, how much time does the office holder (and their organization) spend fundraising for the party and their re-election? The answer is simple – a lot. Therefore, the office holder’s interest in solving issues and representing the non-party flock in their district is (at best) superficial.
As I’ve stated numerous times on these pages, blog breaks are good. How long will this one be? To be honest – I don’t know – but I hope to return in the first 10 days of September – time will tell. Until then, I hope you visit the many good, talented, friendly people I list as A-Team Premium Visitors on the sidebar, plus others on the BlogRoll tab.
By the time I return, summer will be on its last leg – so here’s a classic from years ago to lead me into my blog break. Check out this chops! Keep smiling!
The severe mental issues that exist are the Republicans that think the best solution is turning the United States into the Wild Wild West with their everyone should carry a firearm mentaily.
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Drew,
To paraphrase Art Linkletter, hen it comes to guns, Republicans say the darndest things. On the other hand, some (a few) are starting to change their thinking.
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Enjoy your break, Frank! Another (former) blogger friend has a Dayton connection–somehow it does affect you differently. I had seen that representative’s horrible and nonsensical remarks. I hope at the very least she is censured.
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Merril,
Thank you Merril. Regarding State Rep. Keller, I shake my head – and I don’t have confidence in state house leadership to do anything. Thanks for letting me know that her comments got out of the local bubble.
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Enjoy your break.
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CK,
Thank you … Remember – blog breaks are good.
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Enjoy your break Frank. Hope you have a wonderful time.
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Colline,
Thank you. No matter one does, I believe getting away from a regular routine is a good thing … therefore, blog breaks are good.
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I agree. They are needed sometimes
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BTW – as a dancer, you may enjoy this https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/on-the-answer/
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I enjoyed reading th post Frank. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks for reading.
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Enjoy your break, but summer is almost over. Oh wait. You don’t live in the land of summer starting in May. I’m not sure why blog breaks are good, but I am sure getting away from social media is great.
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Ray,
Your summer goes what … May through Oct? … and I know that my high humidity isn’t close to yours! Regarding blogging breaks. I did a post in 2015 where I established that mantra. The comments were so good, I had multiple posts that followed the original. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/on-the-blogging-blues/
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Enjoy your time off. I wish you relaxing and rejuvenating times with no ads from the nutbar known as Rep. Keller. Thankfully only 46 days to autumn. I can hardly contain my glee at that thought.
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Monika,
“Nutbar” definitely fits for Rep. Keller – who is a disgrace to the area. Meanwhile, the golden tones of the aspen in your area will appear soon!
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They should be close to prime in 30 days or so. Hurrah! 🍂
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Enjoy!
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I read Keller’s remarks yesterday. Everything is Obama’s fault – you knew that too so I am sure you were not surprised. Enjoy your break!
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Jo,
Ouch! Keller is a black eye for the area – and the fact that the news got attention many states away makes a second black eye. Ouch! Did you know that the Oklahoma Dust Bowl of the 1930s was Obama’s fault?
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I hope you have time to settle that yo-yo golf thing. Enjoy your time off. Look forward to your return.
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John,
Thank you kind sir … but I think my golf game may always be a yo-yo.
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Yeah, yeah.
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Have a good break Frank. Yes, I watched The Hack and learned a few things – not least that your president is not the only person who is convinced no-one sees through his lies. Makes me wonder why people keep on using facebook though. I like that your golf game resembles a yo-yo. Keeps things interesting 🙂
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Pauline,
Thanks for your thoughts about The Great Hack. I’ll probably watch it sometime. Meanwhile, not sure I would use “entertaining” to describe my golf fame. Oh well … it is what it is.
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Enjoy your break. I’m still on mine! Just poppin’ in to say hey!
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Tara,
Many thanks for doing so … and always remember the mantra …. heck, embrace the mantra … Blog breaks are good.
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Enjoy the blog break. I’ve decided I need a politics break…but then I immediately feel guilty for ignoring politics given all of the injustices (never mind tragedies) happening on a seemingly daily basis.
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CHRIS!!!!!!
Hey hey hey … one of my Pioneer bloggers is in the house. Well stated about politics – simply what a mess!
Well, it’s early August and the Reds are within single digits. Big series with the Cubs upcoming. Winning 3 of 4 would be HUGE! All well with you?
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Enjoy your blog break, Frank (Breaks are good if you feel you need them.)
As for the shootings, I have no more words. No one over there in positions of actually being able to do something is listening.
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Dale,
Yep – blog breaks are good – and yes – I’m ready for one. About the shootings, US politicians are more into telling than listening … well, listening beyond those you agree with them.
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Good… If that’s what you need. 😉
Exactly re politicians.
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This has been a terribly “wearying” week, Frank. I am going to go north and spend a few days with a delightful two-year old and cleanse my mind, if I can, from all the ugliness that just doesn’t get any better. Enjoy your blog break, as I’m sure you will.
I haven’t seen “The Great Hack,” and didn’t know the title. But I’m going to check it out!
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Debra,
We live in challenging times — times that challenge one’s mind and soul. I truly wonder if our elected officials truly care outside of the party line.
If you see The Great Hack, let me know your thoughts. Enjoy your time in NoCal.
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Enjoy your break Frank!! You know you will be missed around here…
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Rachel,
Thank you …. I will enjoy the blog break because blog breaks are good. 🙂
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Last month of summer…. enjoy your break, my friend to the fullest! Although I’ll miss your posts, it’s ever so important to have these breaks and come back refreshed …I know!!!! So, have a great time!!!!!!! 🙂 Yamas! 🙂
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Marina,
Although September can be dry and warm, August is the traditional last blast of summer. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to this blog break.
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🙂 Yes, we are certainly feeling these “last blasts”! 😉 Enjoy, my friend!!!!! 🙂 🙂
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Enjoy your summer break dear Frank, Thank you, Love, nia
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Nia,
Thank you … all will be well because blog breaks are good.
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Cincy,
Good luck with the yo-yo . . .yo!
The GOP won’t do anything as per the mental health issue either. Words, useless as they are, keep them going. If they’re not pushed to act, they won’t. Sad. The common sense approach is to make it incredibly difficult to purchase a firearm. Ban assault weapons, and for those “sportsmen” who must use them, fine. But they stay locked up at a certified gun range and cannot be taken off the premises. Oh . . and these things should have been addressed more than twenty years ago! Doubly sad.
I’m not a fan of hers, because I think she loves the camera more than the issues at hand. But AOC’s plea to white nationalists was a good step, I thought. Bring some humanity to this, from the side of us guys who don’t hate on people just because. Of course she got slammed for it, because that’s how politics behaves any longer. Ugh.
As for blog breaks, I spoke with Linds about yanno . . maybe starting her writing up and sticking with it. The plan was for her to take the reins at Sorryless next fall while I step out of the daily mix and maybe provide a couple posts a month. Maybe it’s still gonna happen that way. I hope so. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
Enjoy your break!
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Marc,
Thanks for the thoughts. Of the current top tier of candidates, Biden is the only one not from the left. Eventually, the left will gather for one candidate, and I’m not sure Joe will catch on in that scenario.
Blog breaks are good. You’ve been around the block a few times and well know. Once Linds finds herself within this creature, she’ll be fine. Besides, she has you as a mentor.
First of four tonight with the Cubs. HUGE series. interesting start to the game … Cubs +1; Reds tie … Cubs score 4 in the 3rd, Reds counter with 4 in the third.
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I don’t think Joe has a chance to win the nomination the way things are looking right now.
Linds B has her own style for sure. It’s funny to see her being so tentative, because she is anything but in most aspects.
Lots of big series going on in the NL. Mets and Nats is another HUGE one.
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Reds got blown out – there goes a chance for a sweep. As for Joe, I told a Democratic friend that the chances for me voting for the Democratic nominee currently stands at 15%.
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Oh well. Three of four is gonna have to do. 😉
This is a sad state of affairs. Hopefully, Tom Kirkman throws his hat in the ring soon. He’s got my vote.
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Colbert had a good bit the other night as one of the writers wandered around NYC as a candidate … George Whyteman. A bit early in this show … after monologue. https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/video/l_jY6hvHu_rx1HwgngMZzDtFpRKAsDzn/the-late-show-8-7-19-tiffany-haddish-jared-harris-the-smashing-pumpkins-/
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I had a chain (Of Burger Kings) but I lost them in a poker game. Buahahahahaha!
I love when they take to the streets. Those segments are priceless.
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Marc,
And to think I haven’t been to Burger King in a long time!
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Me and Linds B talked about going so we could try their new plant based Whopper.
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Good idea!
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Beers after. LOL
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Even better!
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So much here to respond to, but if you’ve already started your break, you won’t want me to go on and on…and on. But… as far as that state representative, I’ve just lost my appetite for breakfast, and it’s almost 8 a.m. and I need my yogurt and fresh blueberries and granola on top. But YUCK, how can we have such asinine people in our government????? Okay, breathe in. Breathe out. I hope you have a terrific break. ELEVEN years? Wowsie. I leave next week for the ‘shore’ and will walk the beach on my own every morning at 6:30 a.m. Can Not Wait. I’ll send out a hello to you. Oh, as Ringo Starr suggested – Act Naturally (I actually did a “Frank” and put a music video on my blog today). 🙂
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Pamela,
Oh no … I didn’t want to ruin your breakfast! … and to think the lady doubled down on her comments! YIKES! …. The one thing I can think of worse than her are the people who voted for her and who continue to support her. Enjoy your time at the shore.
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Have great summer fun, Frank, at least as fun as the Mungo Jerry song is!
America is so divided. Candice Keller’s comment is uninformed & ungracious at best.
Where is the leader who will be The Great Uniter, whatever party that person is from?
I await your return, as I miss you when you take breaks!
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Resa,
Glad you enjoyed Mungo Jerry (who is quite the fashion icon!) … Good news is that I haven’t seen Candice Keller in the news in some time. A great uniter in the US? Not sure that can happen — after all, it’s usually a bad event that does that, not a person.
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What? Summer break? Summer’s already done here (not the heat) with some school districts already starting last week. (Idiotic, it seems, to get band and football players out in the sun and heat in August). Once school is in, it’s a great time for an uncrowded vacation
What? Your state rep. had nothing to tell you? It’s imperative for adults/voters/ those who care to contact/keep up with legislation those elected officials constantly – all year long – not just after events. States are still the fastest way to get things accomplished – but it does take ones who are actually concerned enough and interested in spending the time to do so all year round. They do listen. We managed some real progress in mental health care/funding here. Hopefully it will make a difference.
One size solutions do not fit all or solve all. That needs to be remembered. Different strokes for different folk and different needs. People also see things in the light of their own environment and experiences. I was pretty surprised by the “debate” between a couple of local activists. Managed to find the video of the encounter. http://www.fox26houston.com/news/fox-faceoff/fox-faceoff-gun-legislation#/
I am sick sick sick of the mud slinging and name calling by both parties(each saying the other is inciting riots and violence). Words, over the top emotion and “outrage” designed for twitter and Photo ops and FB posts to grab attention in a race for winning power. I think the general public is too.
It appears the choices offered voters may once again be pathetic.
Soooo, many of us are also taking breaks – trying for a bit of peace and quiet – hoping for commonsense and sanity to reappear.
Hope you have a fabulous time with lots of fun and come back recharged and ready to tell us lots of stories about your adventures
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Mouse,
My breaks don’t have a set time, so they happen when necessary. Blog breaks are good.
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Frank, you’ve wrong that the Republicans have done nothing about mental illness and guns! Just a couple years ago, they passed a law making it easier for mentally ill people to buy guns https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/president-trump-made-it-easier-mentally-ill-get-guns-when-n1039301
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X,
I am not wrong … we simply have different interpretations on my statement.
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