I have previously posted several "personal" email messages from the Red Side. The cloying praise for my non-existent donations to and support for the MAGA cause is both risible and telling. We live in an utterly fraudulent political culture.

Pretending Peace

So a 28 point Ukraine peace plan has been leaked...most of which seems unrealistic to me. Perhaps it will serve as a starting point for conversation and reconciliation. Just returning to normal relations...like we had during the entire "cold war", would be an improvement. Things like having functioning embassies, direct flights, trade...would be a step in the right direction. Meanwhile in SW Asia, we have the Gaza (and West Bank) genocide continuing under the cover of a supposed ceasefire. Many continue to think a new conflict with Iran is in the offing. The aggression against Venezuela seems to be in a holding pattern. Perhaps someone has explained to Trump what an utter shitshow an invasion would be...at least I hope so. Here at home the government reopened with a whimper. The unclassified Epstein files were voted to be released, to which Pam Bondi declared "new information" has caused her to reopen the case and classify most of the documents. Nothing to see here...move along! The big news here locally is MTG has resigned. Many speculate she's planning a presidential run?

Afternoon folks!

There's a buncha great music for you this week. Starting off, we've got an album compilation of some of guitar wizard Earl Hooker's best early recordings followed by an album from Magic Sam. After that is a sort of unusual Etta James album with lots of lush string arrangements from her early years at Chess when they were trying to figure out what sort of material was going to attract the largest audience for her talents. Following that, there's an early album from Danny Gatton, showcasing a wide variety of genres and always amazing guitar chops. Speaking of guitar chops, we finish off this week with an album from jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell.

Enjoy the tunes and have a great weekend!

Good morning, good people!

We have a couple of folks on the site that are sorta, kinda, being forced into a retirement they had not exactly planned. Usefewersyllables, iirc, commented about a job being one's identity. I can relate.

I am one month into my 40th year practicing law. My driving desires were to help end the death penalty, and to be my own boss. My practice branched out into certain civil practice areas, and shaped itself according to the needs of the community, and my need to support myself. I am not that lucky child of rich parents.

Happy Friday everyone. Welcome to Friday Night Photos your once a week escape from the day to day insanity of the world we live in. Post any photos, memes, music or whatever else you find of interest that helps tune out the madness.

As temperatures drop up north the migratory birds are heading for the warmer climates in the south. Most of the usual suspects have already shown up at Santee Lakes. Every winter, along with the usual cast of characters, there's always one bird that's a rarity. This year it's a pair of Mandarin Ducks. I haven't seen them yet but they have been spotted hanging around Santee Lakes the last few weeks.

Snowy Egret