Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 236

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On Politics
In the US, the Surgeon General would be the point person in the fight against Ebola. As Republicans are (predictably) attacking President Obama on Ebola, let us not forget that President Obama nominated Dr. Vikey Murthy for the post in November 2013, whose nomination is being blocked by Republicans. Once again I say that Senators should act on any and all presidential nominees regardless of the president’s political affiliation.

In the fight against ISIS, Turkey is remaining on the sidelines as much as possible, which causes me to wonder if its leadership is doing with hopes of eradicating the Kurds. I don’t know, but just a thought to ponder.

I like this statement in a recent Cincinnati Enquirer article regarding climate change and politicians … When you get politicians in the room to talk about climate change, science doesn’t seem to enter into the equation. What does? Money, geography, party politics, and a region’s history.

Recent quotes for talk-show host Bill Maher and some of his guests about Islam has received much media attention. On the topic, I enjoyed this column from Fareed Zakaria (Washington Post).

I always appreciate the Stealers Wheel song clip Michael Smerconish uses on his XM radio show: Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, stuck in the middle with you … and now I see this one from Nancy’s book review: Don’t go to the right, don’t go left, go deeper. Thanks, Nancy!

To lead you into The Onion, I appreciate these two recent gems they provide on our upcoming elections.

  • Voters excited to use midterm elections to put country back on different wrong track
  • Congress waiting until after the midterms to address nationwide plague of hornets

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
TV show under fire for depicting murder
Man thinks people care enough about him to be let down by his failures
Facebook offers to freeze female employees’ newborn children
Entire conversation with parents spent changing subject
Lifelong dream no match for first brush with adversity
Susan G Komen Foundation launches deep-space probe to bring breast cancer awareness to rest of galaxy

Interesting Reads
A white-only town in South Africa
Constitutional balance
Evolution and faith: one’s journey
Columnist David Brooks on campaign spending
Top geologic sights in the UK (great pics, too)
Infographic: Extinction by Numbers
Microsoft Office is not needed

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On Potpourri
Another story of a young lady from the Cincinnati area with cancer is getting national attention. She’s a college freshman with a wish to play in one college basketball game. Here’s the video from a local channel (one in which the reporter has a difficult time) and this written report from Sporting News that has a video for a different local station.

This week I made my first appearance to the weekly dance gathering for those with disabilities. It was a great 45 minutes, plus the dancer teacher was pleasantly surprised to see me. Later, I sent her the link to my post about the event, and she loved it.https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/on-an-extra-special-event/

CNN has a series (CNN Roots) about the family roots of some of their studio personalities. I’ve enjoyed the three I’ve seen so far, but this one about Michaela Pereira is outstanding, so I encourage you can watch it here. By the way, CNN will have a primetime special regarding this series on October 21st at 9:00 pm (Eastern US). Here’s the CNN page on the series with all the videos.

This week we got a new neighbor, and they used a POD storage system, which I’ve seen – but I’ve never witnessed one either loaded or unloaded to/from a truck. I must say, Very interesting! … so here are two videos for those who want to know more … from the moving company (1+ min) … and … by a user (4+ min).

Another act of Life: The Musical is in the official record, so thanks to all participants … and, as always, I love listening to all the songs. What’s your thought on this idea: Should I compile all the songs for the entire musical?

This weekend is going to be a busy one for us, so there won’t be a Saturday Morning Cartoon this week.

Your weekend celebrations

  • (Fri) Wear Something Gaudy Day, Pasta Day, Alternative Fuel Day, Black Poetry Day, Eradicate Poverty Day, Mulligan Day, Mammography Day
  • (Sat) Bridge Day, Chocolate Cupcake Day, Menopause Day, No Beard Day, Sweetest Day, Boost Your Brain Day
  • (Sun) Toy Camera Day, Evaluate Your Life Day, Get Smart about Credit Day, Seafood Bisque Day

Thought I’d send you into the weekend this week with a 2-fer. First, Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel (because I mentioned it in the post), plus one that you may not know .. but I like the beat and its a great dance song … so here’s Ms. Jody with At the Bop. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.


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Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 234

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On Politics
Congress failure to have a vote before leaving for the campaign trail regarding ISIS/ISIL is another example that members of Congress act with the party and personal interest first. After all, the majority of the House of Representatives skirt their responsibility while wanting to sue the President regarding use of executive powers. Vote them all out!

Did anyone see the Charlie Wilson’s War (the movie with Tom Hanks)? Discussions about arming and assisting the Syrian rebels reminds me of that movie.

A friend of mine told me that he heard a political commentator say that the reason nothing can get done in Washington is because there are too many people who are socially liberal but fiscally conservative clogging the streets. That’s a load of crap because there are very few in Congress who think that way. In other words, we are not a scapegoat!

An interesting interactive: US Presidents and their approval ratings

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Man always taking good mood out on friends
Grasshopper dismembered by future Supreme Court Justice
Man having great time will soon have to apologize to everyone
Tense party enters third hour of unplayed acoustic guitar leaning against the wall
Man worried antidepressants will leave trace of original personality
Study finds mass extinction could free up billions of dollars in conservation funding by 2024

The Onion’s list of highlight from George Clooney’s wedding

Interesting Reads
Science is not democratic
Brookings’ on why government fails 
Mutual funds’ five-star curse
Bacteria may be telling you what to eat
Teaching is not a business
Insurance companies tracking your driving

On Potpourri
This past week was simply one of those limiting my time visiting blogs. 😦

I heard this story that sounds right from The Onion (but isn’t) … It seems a reality show will determine the crew for a privately funded trip to Mars.

Blog party right here this weekend, so sure hope you stop by. Celebration starts at 12:15 am (Eastern US), so Europe, the party will be ready for your morning, and lunch time in the Lands Down Under.

No Saturday Morning Cartoon post is weekend because of the party of pre-empting normal scheduling.

Your weekend celebrations

  • (Fri) Smile Day, Denim Day, Diversity Day, Borderline Personality Disorder Day, Caramel Custard Day, Techies Day, Butterflies & Hummingbirds Day
  • (Sat) Cephalopod Day, Balloons Around-the-World Day, Blessing of the Pets Day, Frugal Fun Day, Improve Your Office Day, Taco Day, Ship-in-a-Bottle Day, Cinnamon Roll Day, Golf Lovers Day, Vodka Day, Toot-Your-Own-Horn Day, Animal Day, Ten-Four Day, Card-Making Day
  • (Sun) Bathtub Party Day, Change a Light Day, Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day, Blessing of the Fishing Fleet Day, No Prostitution Day, Apple Betty Day, Smile Day, Do Something Nice Day, Depression Screening Day

To send you into the weekend, here’s a mild song to enjoy – it’s the Doobie Brothers with Black Water. Hope to see you at this weekend’s party, plus have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 232

On Politics
The nation is watching the Senate race in Kentucky. Although I’m in Ohio, I get a ringside view because Cincinnati TV stations air campaign ads for the northern Kentucky viewers. One thing for sure, each side is pointing out the outside money of the opposition.

As some Republicans are quick to say I told you so regarding the predictable chaos in Iraq after the primary withdrawal of the US military, I ask, Would ISIS be a factor if Saddam Hussein was still in power?

If the Arabs aren’t willing to fight ISIS on the ground, I say, Get out of there!

Congress continues its mantra of preferring second guessing and criticizing over taking responsibility and decision making.

I know Congressional Republicans have been a continual roadblock for President Obama, however, I wonder how often the White House (and possibly Congressional Democrats) have been equally obstinate.

On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Absentminded nation catches itself turning to its leaders again
More cities using text-based alerts to warn Americans if they are in range of NFL players
Majority of Americans back Obama’s ISIS plan, but doubt it will work
Study: Liberals, Conservatives smell different
Report: Laura’s divorce threatens razor-thin Democratic majority in family
Reclusive deity hasn’t written a new book in 2,000 years

Interesting Reads
For Democrats fearing loss of controlling the Senate
California’s 100-year drought
A pro sports team helps a last wish
Unhappy medical doctors
Guten-free: Fact vs. Fad
The Crackpot Test & Index

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On Potpourri
I find it interesting that the state of Kentucky is getting some push-back about public funding of Ark Encounters, a theme park run by Answers in Genesis (AIG), the head organization of the Creation Museum. I said this was a no-no over a year ago, and stand by that today. After all, AIG prospective employees must “have read and can support the AIG Statement of Faith.”

Another season of Dancing with the Stars (DTWS) is under way. Several immediately seem to be a cut above the rest, but time will tell who develops. OK, DTWS fans, which of the pros do you think is my favorite?

My golf league goes longer than most, thus able to enjoy playing in late-summer weather. Two weeks to go and my team is in the hunt.

Because I used this week to ease back into blogging, no Saturday Morning Cartoons this weekend.

Thanks for another great collection of tunes for Life: The Musical. As always, I get the pleasure to listening to all the songs – although the omission of this one surprised me … and I dedicate this song to my friend at Lame Adventures who would never embrace this song.

Your weekend celebrations

  • (Weekend) Clean Up the World Weekend, Hummingbird Celebration Weekend, Octoberfest Zinzinnati
  • (Fri) Talk Like a Pirate Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day, Trademen Day, Citizenship Day, Brothers Day, Butterscotch Pudding Day, Slimey the Worm Day
  • (Sat) Big Whooper Liar Day, Eat an Apple Day, Coastal Cleanup Day, Puppy Mill Awareness Day, Red Panda Day, Gymnastics Day, Idaho Spud Potato Day, National Rum Punch Day, Farm Safety Day
  • (Sun) International Day of Peace, Worldwide Day of Play, Alzheimer’s Day, Miniature Golf Day, Pause the World Day, Gratitude Day, Pecan Cookie Day

To send you into the weekend, here’s one more work song – the 1982 hit Workin’ for a Liven by Huey Lewis and the News. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.