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If it was good enough to open Hot August Night, it’s good enough for here – Crunchy Granola Suite
Another huge weekend concert last week, so many thanks to everyone. Neil Diamond takes the stage this Saturday at 1: 00 AM (Eastern US).
Last week’s concert made my morning crazy. I awakened to many interactions (that made me smile) – and they kept coming and coming. Given comments and likes, I received over 150 emails before 8 AM. Fortunately for me, I’m process oriented, so I systematically got it to a manageable point.
For those wondering, there is not a pecking order for the concert series. All will be stars, so do not expect to see Rocco Flamefart and the Ultimate Deathtrip Chinese Icebox Jug Band. However, some concerts may feature multiple artists.
This just hit me – 10 more editions of this feature will be the 400th.
This week’s podcasts
This American Life (thanks Merril) – One about immigration and the other about walls
A Thousand Things to Talk About (Thanks Jim) – daily short segments on a variety of topics
Seven Minute Opinions – These are right up my alley
For temporary relief from lousy weather, we went to the theater for The Upside. With about (we think) 30 minutes remaining in the movie, a fire alarm caused everyone to evacuate the theater. Oh well … we will figure a way to see the ending.
One can easily think this next bit of information is from The Onion; but it’s not. KFC is introducing (in test markets) a new sandwich – a chicken sandwich with a Cheetos sauce and a layer of Cheetos. Here’s the article. Interesting, but not for me.
Just finished reading The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs (Madeleine Albright, 2006). Now that’s a complex topic – so I’ll post about it later. For now, I can say Thumbs Up to those who would be interested.
I smiled this week when I heard the reactions to former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz possible independent presidential. The reactions to warned against such a move when help, if not ensure, President Trump’s re-election.
The government has reopened for 3 weeks. This process is an embarrassment and a joke. I don’t think President Trump will repeat the mistake; however, because the man thinks he’s king and he lack of understanding of how government works, his big ego and thick skull will declare a national emergency, which will lead to a legal battle and more embarrassment.
As a result of a proposition vote in California and the immigration crisis it faced in the mid-1990s, I stumbled across this interesting quote.
“There is simply no time to lose. Too many people are still able to illegally cross our borders and too few states, most notably California, carry the burden of having to support, educate, and often incarcerate, the hundreds of thousands who enter this country illegally each year. Ladies and gentlemen, let me say to you what I, honest to God, believe is the truth. If we cannot affect sound, just, and moderate controls, the people of America will rise to stop all immigration. I am as sure as that as I am that I’m standing here now.” (Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, sometime mid-1990s)
Guest roster assembled for surprise birthday reveals minimal understanding of girlfriend’s social circle
Marine biologists train highly intelligent octopus to profitably manage mid-size aluminum goods supplier
Self-conscious puppet has no idea what to do with hands
A team of archaeologists discovered pile of bones labeled ‘The Last Of The Bones’
Man losing respect for incompetent boss who won’t fire him
The CDC issues a nationwide recall on all Salmonella
Older cafeteria monitor not a teacher or parent or anything
(My combo: Salmonella surprises self-conscious archaeologists with guest octopus)
To send you into the weekend, this happened 50 years ago earlier this week. The Beatles last performance. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Two new candidates for 2016 race for US President are officially in the race: Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). Although neither is unexpected, it will be interesting to see if Mrs. Clinton implodes and if Mr. Rubio becomes the second choice of most Republicans.
Here’s an interesting closing by Aaron David Miller (Woodrow Wilson International Institute for Scholars) in this Op-Ed at CNN about Hillary Clinton.
Clinton’s biggest challenge on the campaign trail and in office should she win is whether she can develop a foreign policy vision and an effective approach to the world that strikes a better balance between the risk-readiness of George W. Bush and the risk-aversion of Barack Obama. And given the cruel and unforgiving nature of the world America now inhabits, this will be no easy task.
Last Friday morning I added the news about the passing of Lauren Hill. I was surprised how the positive message and stories continued. Here’s one of the early tributes.
After Lauren Hill played her first game, I wrote about some of the other positive aspects of that game, which included the role of Hiram College and its players. The mere fact that their team made the 4-hour trip to Cincinnati for the memorial service says a lot about how they were impacted.
This week included anniversaries of the Lincoln assassination and the Titanic disaster. I included an article about each in the Interesting Reads.
Act 2 of Meals: The Musical featuring fruit was a big hit. Choices were numerous as my prep list included apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, casabas, cherries, elderberries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwis, lemons, limes, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines, and watermelon .. then toss in grapevines. Well done!
No Saturday Morning Cartoons this weekend, but Saturday will bring a new Explore post.
Here’s an interesting trivia question to ponder. Hopefully, I will remember to give the answer on Monday. Category is US Geography. Person X is standing in State Y. No matter if Person X travels directly north, south, east, or west, the next state encountered will always be State Z. Where (what state) is Person X standing, and is the next state?
(Fri) Blah! Blah! Blah! Day, Day of Silence, Malbec Day, Nothing Like a Dame Day, Bat Appreciation Day, Ellis Island Family History Day, Ford Mustang Day, Haiku Poetry Day, Cheeseball Day, Sherlock Hemlock Day, Daffy Duck Day, Petunia Pig Day
(Sat) Jugglers Day, Animal Crackers Day, Adult Autism Day, Columnists Day, Golf Day, Pet Owners Independence Day, Amateur Radio Day, Husband Appreciation Day, Original Yankee Stadium Day, Auctioneers Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, Paul Revere Day, Laundromat Day, Record Store Day
(Sun) Hanging Out Day, Amaretto Day, Bicycle Day, Garlic Day, Humorous Day, Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day
To send you into the weekend, here are two big hits by big starts eligible for Act 2. Well … at least until I add them. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Here’s some background music for this post from a long-time, regular visitor here. I know no better way to thank Marina for her kindness while wishing her the best in latest studio project. Go ahead, click to get the music playing while you read.
I’ve learned that blogging breaks are good. For me (this time) I hope to visit/comment at other blogs – so I’ll be around …. plus I want to write, reorganize these pages, select a new header, and prepare the next musical … but, time will tell what I achieve.
As I head into my winter blog break, here is a collection of odds and ends.
Many thanks for the birthday wishes. For whatever reason, greeting from around the world and across my country warm my heart. Tuesday was a good day! The Arctic cold blast kept me inside most of the day, but we got out in the evening as friends for dinner and a touring Broadway production. Anything Goes (music and lyrics by Cole Porter) debuted in 1934 and has been revived multiple times. Older musicals surround a corny story with outstanding song and dance, so we it was an enjoyable evening … and sitting sixth row center was delightful! For those who enjoy musicals, here’s a montage with the production company we saw.
Hooray for me for being selected to volunteer at the Cincinnati Wine Festival – which also means I get an event for free! I’ve attended many times, and look forward to volunteering at this fundraiser
With Fifty Shades of Grey (the movie) receiving a lot of attention, I offer some advice. If one thinks they will get offended, don’t go! … and just because you don’t want to go, it doesn’t mean someone else can’t or shouldn’t.
Yesterday’s post was the last in the series featuring my comments I wrote about certain aspects of education. Although each stands on its own, they can be woven together into a coherent theme.
I’ll return as John Phillips Sousa to order to ring in a good March – after all, you are accustomed to me ushering the new month with a post about the month. After that, I may ease myself back into the swing with less-frequent posts, but time will tell.
20Feb – Women in Blue Jeans Day, Cherry Pie Day, Clean out Your Bookcases Day, Love Your Pet Day, Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day, Day for Social Justice, Post Office Day
21Feb – Mother Language Day, Locomotive Day, Card Reading Day, Sticky Bun Day
22Feb – Margarita Day, Woolworth’s Day, Thinking Day, Cook a Sweet Potato Day, Golf in America Day, Pebbles Flintstone Day
23Feb – Curling is Cool Day, Tennis Day, Diesel Engine Day, Tootsie Roll Day, Iwo Jima Flag Raising Day, Dog Biscuit Day, Rationalization Day, Museum Advocacy Day, Banana Bread Day
24Feb – Cupcake Day, SIngle Tasking Day, Bartender Day, Spay Day, Tortilla Chip Day, Trading Card Day, Nylon Toothbrush Day
25Feb – Inconvenience Yourself Day, Quiet Day, Let’s All Eat Right Day, Chocolate Peanuts Day, Clam Chowder Day
26Feb – Chili Day, Person Chef Day, For Pete’s Sake Day, Levi Strauss Day, Chili Day, Tell a Fairy Tale Day, Thermos Bottle Day, Bacon Day, Pistachio Day, Cartoon Movie Day
27Feb – Polar Bear Day, No Brainer Day, Day of Action Day, Read Me Day, Strawberry Day, Kahlua Day, Snow-Shoes Day
28Feb – Sword-Swallowers Day, Public Sleeping Day, Floral Design Day, Tooth Fairy Day, Pockets Invented Day, DNA Day, Rare Disease Day, Car Keys & Pocket Change Day, Chocolate Souffle Day
Last week of February: Entrepreneurship Week, Engineers Week, Future Farmers Week, Bird Health Awareness week, Invasive Species Awareness Week, Eating Disorders Week, Texas Cowboy Poetry Week
To send you into my blogging break, here are two songs celebrating a February 20th joy. Have a safe rest of the month, and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. Plus remember, blogging breaks are good … see you soon.
I appreciated this recent WSJ column by William Galston (a Senior Fellow @ Brookings) who laid it on Congressional Democrats without praising Republicans.
Some wonder why I’ve remained quiet regarding the Ferguson, Missouri events. The reason is simple – I see so many wrongs by many parties.
The comments on yesterday’s post about cursive writing were interesting. The topic is a worthy discussion, but I don’t think many people caught my sense of humor.
As soon as Halloween is over, holiday displays become prominent. Americans know Black Friday and the pre-Black Friday sales marking the start of the holiday shopping season. (My apologies to the global community where the Black Friday concept is appearing.) On the other hand, I have a different official start of the season, (one that long-time readers may realize) … so it’s now official: Let the holidays begin!
Record the date: Saturday, December 13th because that’s my 2014 holiday blog party. Veterans know that I host a good party, plus I’m in the process of preparing the gift bags for attendees. The start time is to be determined, but I anticipate the overnight hours of my early morning (Eastern US).
Life: The Musical resumes next week with Act 14. I’ll announce the theme on the next Monday Morning Entertainment, but here’s a hint: think opposite of Act 13. After all, life is full of ups and downs.
The next Saturday Morning Cartoon post must wait until 2015.
Given the recent US holiday, it’s appropriate to look back at Thanksgiving through The Onion’s eyes.
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Thanksgiving offers nation rare opportunity to eat large amounts of food while watching football
Man at airport pissed that other people had same idea to go home for Thanksgiving
Millions of holiday travelers return from parent’s home all caught up on The Mentalist
Everyone is family compliments grandmother on how small and feeble she is
Woman launches into 4-minute preamble before speaking mind
Younger cousin’s growth spurt throws off competitive balance at family’s Thanksgiving touch football game
(Fri) Bathtub Party Day, Blue Jeans Day, Mitten Tree Day, Day of the Reef, Commute with Your Baby Day, Ninja Day, Walt Disney Day, Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development Day, Sachertorte Day
(Sat) Bartender Appreciation Day, Pawnbrokers Day, Microwave Oven Day, Gazpacho Day, Miners’ Day, St. Nicholas Day, Special Kids Day, Put on Your Own Shoes Day, Earmuff Day (Chester Greenwood Day), Rhubarb Vodka Day, Skywarn Recognition Day
(Sun) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Civil Aviation Day, Letter Writing Day, Cotton Candy Day
Here is a 2-fer of classics to send you into the weekend. First, Neil Diamond honoring Saturday’s Blue Jeans Day, and then Fleetwood Mac with an appropriate title. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
Cheers to Congress for going on their well-earned August recess for accomplishing very little. Throw them all out!
Cheers to the US Senate for quickly and unanimously (97-0) confirming a new secretary to lead the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department – Bob McDonald – yes, a Cincinnatian.
Thursday (at 12:30 pm) I received a robo-call from my representative inviting me to a telephone town hall meeting that started at noon.
Some Ohio Republicans in the state legislature are trying to Ohio to repeal the state’s commitment to the new Common Core educational standards. That a way … follow the lead of education leader Louisiana!
On This Week’s Headlines from The Onion
Assisted care facility hits jackpot with little styrofoam cups of sherbet
Scientists: Rich people, poor people may have common ancestor
Store job applications just asks prospective employees how much they plan to shoplift
Psychology comes to halt as weary researchers say the mind cannot possibly study itself
Executioner enters lethal injection room with bag from Home Depot
On Potpourri
Dollar Tree buys Family Dollar. These discount stores (and their competitors) have become big business over the past 10 years. Nonetheless, I thought this Wall Street Journal headline was a bit tacky: Battle for Poor Shoppers Fuels Dollar-Store Deal.
I see sizeable gaps in this scale. Locally-brewed beers in the USA has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. I recently discovered these designation standards based on annual production: Large Brewery (at least 6 million barrels) and Craft Brewery (less than 6 million barrels). However, Craft Breweries can subdivided into Regional Brewery (15,000-16,000 barrels), Micro Brewery (less than 15,000 barrels), and Nano Brewery (up to 100 barrels). FYI for beer lovers: Here’s an article for the Wall Street Journal.
Cheers to another successful installment of Life: The Musical. At the time of writing this, 25 songs are in Act 8!
Your weekend celebrations
(Weekend) Twins Days, Tree Climbing Days
(Fri) Beer Day, Tomboy Tools Day, Spider Man Day, Girlfriend’s Day, Lughnasa, Braham Pie Day, Minority Donor Awareness Day, Rounds Resounding Day, Lung Cancer Day, Scout Scarf Day, Raspberry Cream Pie Day, India Pale Ale (IPA) Day
(Sat) Mustard Day, Take a Penny/Leave a Penny Day, Hangover Day, Ice Cream Sandwich Day, Dinosaur Day
(Sun) Doll Day, Kids Day, Sister’s Day, Watermelon Day, Friendship Day, Family Day, Day of Peace Day
Due to a full plate, no Saturday Morning Cartoon post this weekend. However, I can say this is a new month … so welcome to August.
To send you into the weekend, here’s something with flavor of the new month. Hot August Night was not a song, but an album by Neil Diamond. (Debra, where you there?) However, the opening tune from that night at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles become popular – so enjoy Crunchy Granola Suite. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
