Opinions in the Shorts: Vol. 387

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After an outstanding kickoff to the new musical event, the aFa Weekend Concert Series continues this weekend. This time, individual Beatles in their careers outside of the Fab Four. Think of them as ex-Beatles. The Producer recommends staying away from songs they continued to sing (such as Yesterday, which Paul McCartney still performs). Concert starts Saturday at 1:00 AM (Eastern US).

At the concert opener, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the songs. Truly a concert – so I encourage others to do the same – and coming back on Sunday is even better because there are more songs.

The Oreos post provide two wonder discoveries: 1) For those who separate then eat the icing first, and 2) deep-fried Oreos.

Because I have a lot on my plate next week, I won’t post after the concert – but will return for next week’s OITS.

Even though professional football players put themselves in negative light when their actions involve the police, I’ve always believed that these talented knuckleheads are the minority. Here’s a wonderful story about an NFL quarterback.

The Omnimax theater at the Cincinnati Museum Center recently reopened after the museum’s extensive renovation. We’ve enjoyed many wonderful films there through the years, and we anxious to see the effect of digital projection onto a large, domed, wrap-around screen. Volcanos: Fires of Creation treated us. Thumbs up! For a theater near you, click here – and here’s the trailer.

Although elected officials, this story caught my eye while serving as a bridge into the politics section. This past November, Harris County Texas voters elected 19 African-American women to judge positions. Here’s the video story from CBS.

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No. I didn’t watch President Trump’s primetime address. After all, the man has a well-documented history of lying, exaggerating, misinforming, misusing facts, and blaming while accepting no responsibility – all for the purpose of intentionally misleading the public for his benefits. Reports indicate that the address was more of the same.

Sadly, what if a true national emergency existed – would be suddenly become believable? For me, no!

No – I won’t be watching the State of the Union later this month.

Instead of a “no wall” message, Democrats are missing a ripe opportunity to promote other aspects of improving border security. Simply saying “there is a better way” (Speaker Pelosi) is not enough. Get into the specifics of what to do and sell it to the people.

Shame, shame, shame on Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). The newly elected representative made an ass of herself with her inflaming words about impeaching President Trump. Although many of us know the man is pathetic, her words do nothing more but inflame the situation and incite his supporters. During a time when the majority of Americans want and need civility and problem solvers, she says that – and then doubles down? Well done, Rep Tlaib. It didn’t take long to make it to my partisan-hack list.

Another shame to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) who didn’t publicly condemn Rep. Tlaib. Congratulations ladies for acting in a manner that supports re-electing President Trump.

Newly elected Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) wants to raise the marginal income tax rate on top earners to 70%. Although tax rate would not affect me, I shake my head at the new representative. A suggestion to her and the other newly elected – carry the big stick of quiet as you learn the system.

To me, I see parallels between the actions of some of the newly elected House Democrats and the Tea Party wave. With that in mind, Speaker Pelosi has a difficult managing task – just like John Boehner had.

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Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)

Key in but won’t turn
Man finally able to forgive self after terrible mistake he made 2 seconds ago
Report: Students who take Latin have better chance of summoning demon later in life
High school history textbook concludes with little blurb about last 40 years
Man stuck in dead-end body
Everyone at Consumer Electronics Show forced to share single surge protector
System for telling clean clothes in suitcase apart from dirty clothes falls apart on second day of trip

My Combo: Consumer Electronics Show concludes key in surge protector made clothes clean in 2 seconds

Interesting Reads

Artificial Intelligence and the future
Moderate policy in the age of political extremes
82nd Airborne at Normandy
New World, Old World, and chocolate
The concrete blocks that once protected Britain
The Sopranos Effect
(Infographic) History of life
(Images) National Geographic Photo Contest – People’s Choice Winners

To send you into the weekend, here’s another one by Herman’s Hermits. After all, their appearance last week created interesting reactions.. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

On Oreos

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Oreos – a long-lasting brand from Nabisco (National Biscuit Company). From its March 1912 patient/trademark registration to announcing its appearance to American consumers, Oreos have treated multiple generations.

From the Oreo Biscuit to the Oreo Sandwich to the Oreo Creme Sandwich to just Oreos, this cookie is an iconic American brand with global appeal. Think back to the days when Oreos were just Oreos – simply two embossed chocolate-flavored wafers with a sweet vanilla cream filling in between. Did you bite into them whole or did you separate the wafers to then scrape the creme with your teeth?

 

Yes – those were the days – the days when Oreos were just Oreos. To Nabisco’s credit (now part of the Kraft empire), Oreo is now more than a classic cookie – it is a very successful brand. A brand that has transformed the iconic treat into a buyer’s dilemma.

Do you want some Oreos? Do you want regular size, king size, Thins, Bites, or Thin Bites? Do you made a small package, family size, or just a sleeve? Oh wait – they also come in Go-Packs, lunchbox size, convenience pack, and party size! You should consider 2 packs, 4 packs, multiple packs boxed as 4, 12, or 18 counts . Don’t forget a case of boxes!

Do wafer do you want: Chocolate, Golden, Heads or Tails (one of each)? Reminder – there is also a triple layered! (That’s three layers with two layers of creme.)

If you want Chocolate wafers, what stuffing flavor do you want? Your choices are vanilla, strawberry cheesecake, pistachio, cherry cola, birthday cake, double delight, mint creme, cool mint, red velvet, Mississippi mud pie, chocolate egg, cookie dough, brownie butter, chocolate chip cookie, peppermint bark, strawberry creme, peanut butter creme, banana split, Reese’s peanut butter, butter creme, Dunkin Donut mocha, chocolate peanut butter pie, rocky road trip, hot & spicy cinnamon creme, fireworks with popping candy, spring, winter, and Halloween

Don’t forget the fudge dipped and white fudge covered – which is different from the white chocolate fudge.

If you want Golden wafers, what stuffing flavor do you want? Your choices are salted caramel, cinnamon bun, waffles & syrup, blueberry pie, fruity crisp, candy corn, lemon creme, pumpkin spice, chocolate creme, rainbow sherbet, jelly donut, strawberry shortcake, kettle corn, and popping candy.

How do you want the creme: double-stuffed, mega-stuffed, or just the standard?

Oh, you want Reduced Fat Oreos? That can be done – but the choices are limited.

For me on this day, I didn’t buy any Oreo’s because they didn’t have what I wanted – a snack pack of Mini Bytes Heads or Tails Thins with double-stuffed salted caramel filling that are dipped in fudge. What’s a person with a craving to do in the age of Oreos not being just Oreos any more?

On Satire Bits: Vol. 55

After the cool weekend, the first part of the week has been wonderful weather. It appears one more day is possible before the rain clouds move back into the area – which also means get some yard work done!

The classic video of Lucy and the chocolates on the conveyor belt was a big hit. After others commented on the upcoming chocolate and wine event, I decided to declare this week as Chocolate and Wine Week. If you noticed, yesterday was a wine post.

For your midweek dose of satire, I searched The Onion’s archives for past headlines involving chocolate … and a bonus video. Any favorites?

20 idiots evacuated from Times Square M&M’s store

Half of sleeve of Oreos lost in house fire

More Vegetables evolving chocolate-sauce-filled centers as evolutionary imperative

Local resident like a chocoholic, but for booze

Ozzy Osbourne bites head off five-pound chocolate rabbit

Report: Double-stuffed Oreos could raise tolerance to stuff

Blood thirty, undead ghoul advocates chocolate-cereal consumption

Hershey ordered to pay obese Americans $135 billion

U.N. orders Wonka to submit to chocolate factory inspections

Chocolate pudding futures up $2 per barrel

Praise the Lord … and pass the chocolate

……

Chocolate and Wine Week continues tomorrow. Meanwhile, here’s a special video for chocolate lovers.