Open Thread - 12-23-22 - What was your best day?
Was it your day you got word the draft ended? Your child was born? Your cancer was in remission?
How about, the book you finished reading that changed your life forever? Or, that song you heard on the radio that got you hooked on the blues?
Mine was around my 30th birthday when my Dr. told me I had achieved 100% liver function, and had no further need for treatment.
I had a "best day" in court about 25 years ago. The 17 yr old was before the bench, petitioning for the court to change his name.
The judge was really hesitant to grant the name change without more sworn testimony. So, I questioned the young client. "As a high school senior, what is your gpa in high school?" "4.0." "Since you are also enrolled in college, tell the judge what your gpa is there." "4.0." "Could you tell the judge what you have planned in 3 weeks?" "Yes. Right after graduations, I will be flown by Price Water House to interview for a job in NYC as an accountant." "So, why do you care about a name change right now?"
"Why would I carry a name of a man who has such a criminal record that it embarrasses me to be associated with it?"
At that point, the judge shouted, "No more, counselor! I've heard enough!", then he signed my order, came off the bench, shook the 17 yr old's hand, and the people in the court room spontaneously stood up and started clapping. As we walked out of the courtroom, it became the slow clap. Then, a rush so people in the courtroom to come out and shake the young man's hand.
Oh...he did get that job.
So, best day in your life, or at your work, or best day in your garden, or at the zoo...
Mention it, or drop in whatever you wish. We are all interested in each other, because this is a community, and a wonderful one at that.
We all need a break from the war, pandemic, and inflation.
Think back to that one time your life bloomed with the flowers in your mind.
Say what you want to say! Rage at the powers! Just not at each other.
Let's hold hands.
Solidarity!
So, what's on your mind and at your finger tips? Inquiring minds want to know!
Comments
Good morning, y'all!
It is a bit warmer here today. Sunnier.
Maybe that is a sign!
I look forward to your comments.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Good glorious and cheerful morning otc.
I decided I that I will, even at the risk of contaminating your OT, toss out my initial gut reaction and 2 cents worth. Not to impose my attitude on everybody during the holidays, but ...
I don't know if it was particularly the 50s and 60s or what, but as I grew up I was bombarded by various media, adults and peers with what I came to perceive as an "American", ie. USian fetish - superlatives. What is your favorite color, fruit, breakfast cereal, car, song, poem, etc.? At each age or growth stage the focus shifted, but always with the favorites. Also who makes the worst chips, burgers, cars. etc? Something was wrong with me almost from day one. Long before there was a Ram Das, without knowing it, I was really at some level the "be here now" guy. I never had a favorite color (ignoring the blatant omission of color for what or of what). If pressed I'd just pick one "at random", no doubt based on environmental or situational cues, or go all contrarian "black" or, later, "chartreuse", mayhaps "1932 Hupmobile" (was there ever one made?).
At any rate, to this day I think part of it was the whole advertising and marketing universe and a forshadowing of "American" exceptionalism. In any event, I was having none of it. I have no "overall" best or worst day, experience and the like. Honestly, I really don't. I cast my memory back and many alternatives or possibilities come up, but, nah.
be well and have a good one This makes password security questions a real pita, btw.
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
You aren't alone...
Although I never could have worded my inability to come up with a 'best' day as well as you did. Bravo! That said, I'm gonna try for a best day(s) comment below
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Can't say any one experience is above the other peaks
but I will say, that you mentioning this as a community is up there.
I see some of the other joints in this league, say NC, MoA, TAE, where
it seems to be an intellectualism contest. Someone is always (self
considered) brighter or more enlightened than the next one. Perhaps
that is a good thing, to sharpen awareness of issues? But I do like the
supportive atmosphere here better. We admit what is unknowable.
Thanks for hosting and enjoy your Galveston holiday!
Q, we are pretty damn cohesive here.
When the Smartest Person in The Room drops by, they are certainly challenged to back it up, but in a fair and fairly polite manner. You won't find that anywhere else.
We are scrapping the planned birding excursion due to the high winds. We will have some good days ahead, can do some adventuring over the weekend.
Hoping you and wifey are both well.
Nice to see ya, friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Good Morning...
A cold one here 8F this morning, but the house is toasty...I've been baking.
I can't narrow your question down to one day...several come to mind. Buying our place and building our house is one of my proudest achievements. I remember the day when we paid it off, and that was a mighty good feeling. Debts are the chains of slavery, and it was liberating to be unbound so to speak.
Lately I feel like everyday is my best day. Aging but still healthy, living a beautiful place and nice little community, thankful for our inexpensive location with TVA power and natural gas bubbling up in the nearby gulf, glad to be more aware of the world and the US role in it (thanks in part to this community), so treasuring most everyday.
Hope y'all have a wonderful holiday trip! With the frigid weather we're sticking close to home this year. Not getting above freezing till mid-day Monday.
Thanks for the OT!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
What are you baking?
I had a 10 year note on my office property, paid it off in 7 years. It was a contract between me and the owner, did not get secured by a bank note. Boy, did I celebrate!
It took 10 years to pay off my student loan for law school. Now, that was a celebration!
The home was different. My first husband inherited it, and I inherited it when he died. Thing is, he was disabled. My fear was foreclosure and his displacement. Very few residences were equipped with handicap facilities back then. So, we built the house, paid for it as we went along. Friends put in the windows, painted it, I laid the wood floors. Clients donated the sinks and tubs. Dad did quite a bit of labor on it. By the time we spent the first night in it, it was paid for. Both hard times and good times back then.
Your wonderful location is in many ways similar to mine. I have fairly affordable utilities. Friends all over the place. Natural beauty. In a national forest, near a lake, close to the Gulf of Mexico, 5 hours away from The Hill Country.
Good health should never be underrated! We are lucky, or we have taken good care of ourselves, or a bit of both.
Enjoy your food, and everything else the holidays offer, friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Best Days
The days when my children were born healthy, especially the second one. I had developed blood clots in my legs and had to give myself shots of Heprin 2x a day. My first pregnancy was totally uneventful.
My best day this year was when I survived having blood clots in the lungs last June. Was it from the dreaded C word. Probably. Did not get the jab because of all the blood clot talk. Being able to breathe is something everyone takes for granted. Could immediately tell the difference.
My central heat and air went out. I put in a new one. The day after I passed out 3x. Thought I was just dehydrated, which I was. Sometimes I wonder if the air hadn't gone out how much longer would I have walked around with blood clots.
I hope that you and TLOYL have a great vacation and a Merry Christmas. You deserve it. Thanks also for providing legal help to those who need it. Times are tough everywhere.
Good morning, Enchantress!
Man, what a personal history of winning against some crappy odds!
I was unable to have children, but have been present to see two babies moments after birth. Miracles, indeed! Just waiting for them to start crying. Nothing like that.
Those blood clots were...a real bitch, huh? The magic drug worked, obviously.
A client called last week, one that I haven't seen in years. He is middle aged. Said he had lost both legs due to blood clots. I only asked if he was diabetic, didn't ask about COVID or jabs. He sounded as feisty as ever. Unfortunately, he was needing help for a case in a county I avoid, so I gave him a referral.
I remember finding a free legal service to help the late, great, OPOL. I did the research, gave him the magic words and phrases to get his case organized for them. I will always miss him.
TLOML and I are behaving in an adult way, for the most part.
So glad to hear you are better, Enchantress. And so glad you shared your great story of win/win with us!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Omigod, pal!
* I typed this before I had a full mug of coffee. It is a reply to el.
How do you answer "Name your favorite pet", or "Name your favorite childhood friend"? Write down your answers since you will forget them quickly! Lol!
I never thought of bests and favorites an affirmation of my country's idiotic claim of exceptionalism.
For me, "bests" were my personal score card, unique to me, a constant challenge to top the last personal best.
I can't remember thinking the USA was exceptional since my teens. Viet Nam did that.
Next time you have to give your favorite color, list "fuchsia".
Take good care, el!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I'll try to remember fuchsia, though I don't usually
think of it as a color, but as a plant. We have several. I named one "Claude".
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Our esperanzas are Mario Lanzas.
Lantanas are Santanas. Plumbagos are lumbagoes. Sometimes Lombardis. Depends on if they are blooming.
Well, I though the color starting with "fu" would make it easier to remember!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Hmmm, that just might make it stick, thanks. ;-)
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Well you know me…
I’m sure I have a best day memory, but I’ve forgotten it. Maybe like you it was when I came close to death, but survived it. I’m sure that day I got my first puppy, little Dusty dawg the beagle was one or when she had her puppies…
Here’s some good news.
Will any of it come to us suffering souls who had to put up with the calls get any of it? How come it took so long to find them? What about the 7 calls I’m getting now from a social security lawyer? Hmmm? Especially that A-hole who calls me every morning at 8:10!
What about the text messages I get offering to buy my house? I told one lady that sure I’ll sell it and then be homeless because I couldn’t afford to buy another one because of the price increase. The fool took me seriously and asked when we could meet. Now I just tell them to fck off and what gives them the right to continually ask me about it?
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Snoopy,
I often forget exactly why I went into the kitchen.
That is good news the spammers got caught and will pay. Maybe the other aggravating, life-disrupting robocalls will be stopped, one way or the other.
There is just no way this is slipping by the federal watchdogs and paid listeners at the NSA.
People have been reduced to useful consumers, serving no other purpose. Interruptions in our lives is their right to cause, because of the Almighty Dollar.
Yes, we who damn near, but didn't, die, against some pretty bad odds, have days often filled with joy others might not appreciate.
You be good, chica, and give my client a hug!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I wasn’t complaining, but making light of the memory problem
and joking. I used to be bothered by it until I found out why I was having problems. It only took 22 years for someone to tell me why I was. Might have been nice for someone to tell me about it just after the event. Oh well…
I gave your client a nice juicy bone to make up for not walking today. It’s 20, cloudy and breezy and I froze my face yesterday when it was sunny. Besides it’s her fault because she pilfered my scarf and it’s buried in the snow. I’m calling it even.
Yup we Americans are just here so the parasites can rob our money in the rentier economy they created. I’ve gotten 5 calls this morning from the scammers that are from some social security lawyers. Christy won’t talk to me though so I don’t understand the point.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
I omitted the LOL!
I am not lying. I do forget why I went to a room. Only sure thing is the bathroom. I will blame TLOML for distracting me with some of the damnedest questions, comments, or crazy music.
My client indicated to me that the buried scarf was merely a joke, and hopes there are no hard feelings.
Heather finally stopped calling about the ticket I won for a Princess cruise! I guess enough fus did it.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Something about dawgs...
Buried scarf? Good for her, not so good for you, I think.
Jaska, even at this old age stage, LOVES the cold. She goes out, plops down, and sits there just breathing in the air and once in a while burying her nose in the snow. Which she then eats. When she was younger, she'd run and run though it, kicking it up and catching it as it fell down. She'd dig like crazy in the snow too. I dunno, Dawgs...
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I have , inadvertently
discovered a way to screen all my calls. Since I used to live across the river in Oregon I've always had a 503 area code and kept the same number after I moved to Vancouver, Wa. which has a 360 area code. Many if not most robocalls or telemarketers have a 503 badge when they call and I automatically kick them out and tag them as spam. I never get 360 robos, but of course every other area code across the country.
And I recognize all family or business numbers that come up as they are in my digital phone book.
Works pretty good.
Have a great holiday, Snoop.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I don’t answer anyone unless they are in my contacts
Utah recently changed its area codes from 801 and added 395, but my phone tells me from what area they are calling from. Usually the cities outside of Ogden, but I get some from Ogden too. And I know no one outside the state. New Jersey? Nah. Anyone who wants to talk to me can leave a message.
I block their numbers, but they just use another one. It’s never ending and of course the phone company can crack down on it like they just did with the car warranty ones. But for some reason they won’t which makes me wonder if congress gets a kickback somehow? Thanks for the idea.
Hope you and your family are over this new crud that’s going around. Lots of people are sick with some new bugs. We were going to go somewhere, but it’s just too cold everywhere right now. I’ll save the money for another camping trip next year.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
I have , inadvertently
punched the save button twice, like Mimi. My profound apologies for subjecting you all to a double dose of my inane commentary regarding robo calls and their dispensation.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
when my test to be pregnant turned out positive
and then listening to all the reactions from so-called family was the worst. But it taught me a lot.
And it will be the worst Christmas I ever lived through this time around.
All the more reason to wish you all a very loving family Christmas.
https://www.euronews.com/live
I have no ides why all my comments come in as a double edition
JtC can you fix that and still enjoy a good Christmas time?
https://www.euronews.com/live
You might be hitting the save button twice
This should cheer you up
Boy he wouldn’t live long in a war zone.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Both vids
were unbelievable!
Thanks!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
wow, that is the best cool bubble I ever saw. :-) /nt
https://www.euronews.com/live
Don't let the opinions of your family
take away the happiness you experienced upon learning you would be a Mom.
I always say, I choose my friends, and I am stuck with my family. I mostly avoid them. I do not give a damn what they think, or what they believe. I have no respect for them, and am happy to be away from them. Just ignore them, when possible, and focus on your many accomplishments.
I know you are so cold, and that your country seems hell bent and determined to silence their people.
Make every day a pleasant holiday, mimi.
Thanks for stopping by.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
It is all history and I seldom think about it. It happened
. 50 years ago and I consider as banal.
I hope you can stay dry and warm, Merry christmas to you and TLOYL.
https://www.euronews.com/live
Best day.
That is a hard one. I find that I have too many to choose from to pick a single one, but there is a reason for that.
I have always collected what I call "golden moments". Those are circumstances, actions taken, or decisions made, after which everything in life is indelibly changed (ideally, for the better). I find that I almost never recognize them as they are happening: they only reveal themselves to have been golden after the fact. But they stand out and shine in retrospect, and the real takeaway once one has happened is to analyze the decision tree that led to the point where they *could* happen.
One of those, and arguably the biggest, was the decision to throw all caution to the wind, pile everything I owned in the back of a U-haul, and drive out of my tiny home town in the middle of nowhere and off to The Big City. Once there, I could then apply to the college of my choice and start a completely new life- working without a net. Without that decision, so many other things that I now treasure would never have occurred. I would never have met my wife (another golden moment: as soon as I did meet her, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her). Or finishing the writing of my first song, or the decision to leave corporate life and hang out my own shingle, or the decision to return to corporate life (for the insurance lifeline) after then economy changed, or the decision to first buy and then to sell the ranch.
You can tell that I'm an engineer to the core, I guess, all analysis and decision-making- even with these things. But it is very much like going to college: college doesn't actually teach you anything other than how to learn more effectively, directed towards whatever specific goal you've set for yourself. And studying the decisions that have withstood the test of time at the whole-life-level arguably puts me in a better position to make a better decision, the next time an existential crux (recognized or unrecognized) turns up. OTC's description of them as a "personal scorecard" is spot on, for those of us left-brained/ analytically-minded types.
Such romance, eh? Hah... Anyway, Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, everyone, and here's to a year of new Golden Moments for all. May we always recognize and celebrate them when they occur!
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Romance is great!
TLOML had me at "Hello."
I know what you mean about analyzing what you did so right, or so wrong. Improvement, the thing to strive for.
Education can be such a game changer. You are correct that a good college education teaches you how to systematically teach yourself.
Man, selling the ranch must have caused quite a large gulp. Writing a song is such an achievement.
My good health report ties in with my decision to finally start law school. Quite frankly, I saw no point in getting the enormous loan if there was doubt I wouldn't finish school, or work long enough to repay the loan. Frankly, I have been able to empathize with clients who have had bad breaks that were not their fault.
Glad you dropped in, and back atcha on the wishes for good holidays and golden moments, pal!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Can't say any one event
stands out as the most important. Certainly, settling down in a lifelong career installing Automatic Fire Sprinklers was really challenging and very rewarding.
Retiring early at 54 was probably my happiest moment. It's been 19 years now and I'm still happy and healthy.
Of course, finding a community of fellow souls is one of my better joys.
Thank you to all here for making this place what it is.
Happy Holidays.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Yup this
We sure seemed to luck out with those who chose to join our community and for the most part have seen through the many psyops we’ve been subjected to. I wonder what it is about us that allows us to do that, but I also wonder what I’m believing in that isn’t true. I’m finding a lot of the history I learned was just a big lie to push American exceptionalism.
Today I learned that Russia is scrubbing Mariputal from being Ukrainian and making it Russian and even demolishing buildings full of dead Russians and building barracks. They just happen to actually be a new hospital and they are building lots of new apartment buildings and bringing the city back to life. Sad that our mainstream media stenographers would take something nice and pretend that it’s wicked. The comments on my local rag seem to believe the lie. They also believe that America can wipe out Russia in just days.
This guy begs to differ.
The United States Could Not Win and Will Not Fight a War Against Russia
It took us a year to get equipment in place for the Iraq war and there is no chance that Russia would just sit back and watch us move equipment into theater to war with them. Nor does our military have the history of fighting wars like the one with Russia would be like. We’re used to fighting people who can’t fight back at our level and had no air force. Remember Bush 1 wiped out 10,000 of the Iraqi military in a cowardly way when they were returning from Kuwait. Russia’s troops have been getting real time training for the last 10 months. Most of our military hasn’t even seen battle.
Guess that’s a tangent, but I think it’s interesting.
Happy holidays earthlings!
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Interesting link, snoop.
MSM is just so full of shit, where to begin?
It is absolutely true we would have to pull out troops from the world over, and it just might expose our idiotic allies to some grief and deeper understanding of Empire.
Thanks for the info!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I am so envous!
What a rewarding career, and that early retirement is just fabulous!
I rejoice in your health and happiness, and all of your wonderful contributions to the site. We all have much to learn, and you are always there to help us along.
I dream of, but do not plan on, retiring in 3 years.
I can dream, can't I?
Thanks for dropping by and telling your story, pal!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thanks for this OT and also for the comments . . .
I have had many life events, but none I prefer to right now. And I can't point to anything as cool as a second chance on life, or that court case. Amazing things!
Like most on this site the best things for me are smelling the roses and seeing the silver linings. Appreciating life and living things.
Got down to 11 last night and still only 24. Animals need a bit of extra tending. The fire in the fireplace today has been nice. About to make navy bean soup.
Happy holidays to all!
Marilyn
"Make dirt, not war." eyo
We are
trying to stay warm in chilly and windy Galveston. Thing is, where we live was much colder and windier, so this is an escape.
That kid with the name change was a proud day for everyone in his family, and everyone in that courtroom. The judge pulled me aside later, asked me why I let him rage on about the kid being too immature to make this decision to give himself a whole new name. First, middle, and last. Hell, I couldn't shut him up!
When I left the drs' office for the last time, I drove just over an hour back home. Putting everything into perspective, I decided that I have one and only one way to leave a legacy, to be remembered after my death, to have made a difference. I was not married, and would never have children. I had to do it myself.
There are days when news is so awful, so disheartening, the pleasure of a good conversation, a good song, the discovery of a flower in bloom, becomes what we cherish.
Certainly, the contributions of site members is to be treasured.
Take care of your animals, and I know they love you in their animal fashion.
Thanks for taking a few moments out of your busy day to just let us all know you are in a good place.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
What a lovely reply
I certainly enjoy all of your posts and comments. Thank you!
We love Galveston. Been there camping many times with the kids. We were there playing in the ocean by the Flagship Hotel when hurricane Katrina was barreling into New Orleans. The waves were so high!
Marilyn
"Make dirt, not war." eyo
You're so welcome, chica!
Man, what a time to be in Galveston! Bet the waves were scary high!
We are on Seawall Blvd. in a nice condo. We have as good a view of the beach as some of the hotels and condos that charge 10 times more a night than this place. It is a tiny unit, but has the essentials.
I didn't know if I was renting from an agency or individual. Turns out it is an agency. I called to complain, politely, that the coffee maker didn't work, and the agency replaced it with a brand new one within minutes. Cool!
fwiw, I book through Expedia or their specialty subsidiaries, Vrbo and Vacasa. I tend to stay in condos, cottages, and cabins. I will book at a motel, but hunt for those that have kitchenettes, when possible. This condo was a lucky find, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay here in the future.
Hope you have a plan to go somewhere and do something fun!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Enjoy chilly Galveston!
Been there when the cold wind was blowing off the Gulf and that is some bitter cold! Have left Santa Fe and made it down to Texas where ironically at the moment it is colder here than in Santa Fe. The cold front barely hit them but is really having fun here with low’s in the teens and highs in the 30’s but the sun is shining and feels great except when the wind blows across you!
One of my best moments was through a fluke discovering I had stage 3 ovarian cancer, survived the surgery and now for the past twelve years have gotten a clean bill of health. Doing my best to practice healthy living and enjoying one day at a time.
Stay warm and enjoy the seafood I hope you are indulging in!
Life is what you make it, so make it something worthwhile.
This ain't no dress rehearsal!
Damn, woman!
Fluke Day was a great one for you, in retrospect! This is a great story!
I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 30, right after I got my good news and given the all's clear for surgery. I had ridiculous "female troubles" for decades. When they biopsied the removed organs, they were all pre-cancerous. Nick o' time. Dodged that bullet.
This Texas Winter Storm stuff is getting all to common, chica.
I am a few degrees warmer here than I would be at home, although going out, partying along the Strand can just wait. We are hunkering down inside the condo, cooking, enjoying the view, changing this from adventuring to relaxing. I am good with that!
Ah, at least we had Africa, didn't we?
Take care, Lucky Lady!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Relaxing in the condo...
Bet the Strand is crazy right now! Enjoy that condo!
Life is what you make it, so make it something worthwhile.
This ain't no dress rehearsal!
It's just too damn cold to go there.
We are hunkering down, having a big dinner, letting the youngsters who just don't give a shit go walking about in freezing temperature.
My overriding goal is to shut down the office for a few days, and get away from town. All I have to do is walk in the grocery store, and I will run into a client who will want to discuss their case. I have to go 3 rivers down to avoid it.
Maybe tomorrow will be Strand day.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Just in case anyone is still reading this OT, a PSA.
I will drop in a helpful suggestion.
Do your dead level best to avoid self-checkout lines. Defense attorneys around the country are warning people about the danger of the machine making a criminal out of you in the blink of an eye.
If your store is typical, actual prices on your product may not be on the display case or shelf. So, going with a full cart not having an idea of the price or number of items you are scanning can be your big problem if the scanner fails to pick up a single item. You will be arrested for theft. In Texas, even a misdemeanor theft conviction, under $750, can kick you off juries, enhance the penalty on your next criminal charge, can lead to being permanently banned from shopping at that store or chain. It can prevent you from getting a job, from administering an estate, or enrolling into college.
My client was a high school teacher with a clean background check. We jumped through hoops to get her record cleaned up. She was suspended until we did. The machine had failed to scan numerous items. She had close to 40 items in her cart. Her bill was several hundred dollars. She had no idea what was going on when she was arrested before she got out the door.
This can be avoided. Let the store employee deal with it.
Take care, y'all!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I only had 7 items and I did look to make sure they rang up
But I was so off yesterday that I could have missed one or 2 of them if I didn’t have the problem at the beginning. I was at Walmart the day before and I looked at the price of each one but only had 4 items. I usually have much more so I go through the regular checkouts. But I’ll be on my toes from now on. Thanks for the warning.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Safety in numbers, I think.
I can't determine any costs of many products at the local Walmarts, save tee shirts or some kitchen knives on sale. They have more and more self-check stations, fewer and fewer working cashiers. I refuse to go along with the Walton Plan. I am never in that big of a hurry. It was a Walmart Store that almost destroyed my client's career.
Just be careful if you have to do that.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
My best day...
...has two best days connected together. Caveat my genuine best day was when I met my wife in a Korean restaurant outside a military base. So that's three. Of course there are others. Suitably enough the restaurant was named restaurant of Five Happiness. But the two connected best days were very happy ones indeed.
One of my young clients in the Army (stateside) was getting a general courts-martial for stealing stereos from cars on base. I think I got him a plea bargain for something more than 2 years, so he went to the DB at Fort Leavenworth. At the providence hearing, I had him plead nolo etc. But before I had him plead I made a motion to dismiss the case with prejudice because, his pretrial went over 90 days violating the speedy trial rule. There was a formal hearing. The judge disregarded my motion after I had witnesses and appellate exhibits document each of every day of 114days his liberty was restricted, or spent in the brig. The Judge said I had agreed to the delays over 90 which I had not. Motion denied. So off my client went to Leavenworth.
I was so pissed I immediately drafted and filed a habeas petition. It was a black letter law case but to my disappointment, the appellate court wouldn't hear the case, but said they would expedite the regular appellate hearing. Several months later, a few days after I arrived in Korea, me and the other newbies were invited to dine with the senior Army lawyers in South Korea in a get to know you event. One colonel was a flaming jackass trying to get me to volunteer for unaccompanied duty, prosecuting soldiers stationed near the DMZ. I respectfully declined.
The senior colonel was pleased to inform me that my habeus brief which had been adapted by a colleague I knew from my class that worked the appellate court, resulted in the appellate court dismissing all charges with prejudice. My client was released from the DB, restored in rank, had his backpay restored, and then released from the Army on an admin discharge. Ha, ha, ha, ha....
My initial habeus petition had been denied by my former rater who had screwed me on my evaluations earlier because of my earlier trial defense work. When the appellate court turned around later and dismissed the case for a speedy trial violation, the only dissenting judge was the same former senior rater. He didn't like my success in court, he didn't like my high success rate in keeping career soldiers from being dismissed from the army on various grounds, overweight, smoking dope, awol, etc.
So two years later I get a call on the road while at my yugwan in Suwon, South Korea. It's the same dissenting colonel, who detested me. He was as pleased as he could be, to inform me, that I had been passed over for major and that my career was essentially over. Oh well.
I was shipped back to a base in the states to muster out in six months. While I was waiting operation Desert Shield started and all separations from the military were "frozen," so one could be shipped off to the new war in Iraq. Sure enough, the war broke out within several weeks or so. In any case, I fought my retention on active duty, because as a general rule there wasn't any statutory authority to keep me on duty because I wasn't promoted, an obscure personnel law, in which subject I excelled at the time.
I won. So my last official duty brief was to a sizable audience of reserve officers being shipped off to Iraq. I remember I saw General Colin Powell in the hallway outside (never saw him before), don't know if he heard my brief. My colonel at the time, then told me it was the best operational legal brief, he had ever heard (from a captain). I laughed my ass off all the way back to my office, thinking I've got to be the luckiest SOB alive. The colonel who got "revenge" on me in Suwon, had effectively saved me from duty in a combat zone, and made me a free man again.
語必忠信 行必正直
Fantastic story
Glad you got out of playing in the great sandbox and for getting your client freedom.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Aw, MAN!
GREAT stuff and things!
One of my best attorney pals was JAG. He told some great stories about defending soldiers and sailors.
Soryang, you just notched up to hero in my eyes! And that rat bastard superior officer deserved to have his unprofessional attitude crammed up his you know what!
Thank goodness, or your lucky stars, you did not have to do dangerous active duty, got out of the service in one piece.
I hope everyone you helped remembers you and keeps in contact.
Thanks so very much for adding to the OT mix.
It has been fun and amazing to read all these stories.
So glad you are here!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thanks so much!
@snoopydawg I'm glad you liked this story. I'm no hero because my efforts took a toll on me after a time, and I gave up on the law on more than one occasion because of the demands it makes on attorneys. Attorneys who stay at it for a career are more likely the heroes.
語必忠信 行必正直
my dad gave me some career advice once
he said, don't go into law. it is one of the most demanding and least rewarding
occupations. since he was an attorney and an elected judge at the time, I took
his word for it. weirdly, later in life, he lamented his wish to have had a son to
take over his practice ?? Umm, a bit late for that fate dad! his quote about law
being an ill eagle always stayed with me.
My son g ot out of the Iraq war by accepting a one year
'service' at the DMZ zone in Korea. It was not the best solution to get out of Iraq 'sandbox playground' I think it was in 2003 to 2004, but it helped for him (my son) to survive both, Iraq and Korea.
https://www.euronews.com/live
So glad it worked out
...that way for your son Mimi! A tour on the DMZ is no picnic, I know there was a great deal of tension there at the time, because Bush II had put the North on the so called "axis of evil." Fortunately, nothing came of it, and it's been tense but more or less quiet there, except for the occasional incident.
Hope you, and everyone has a peaceful holiday and new year!
語必忠信 行必正直
yes he were lucky. we all would need that some time :-) /nt
https://www.euronews.com/live
Great stories!
I love how you made the best of all situations that Colonel put you in, and helped others too! Rocking!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
If it’s not a
dead thread yet I got a highlight anyway
a couple of weeks back in ‘86 in Northern Italy as a young corporal
in the National Guard doing liaison as odd man out of thirteen sent
as such jumped in a Jeep with three alpini troops speaking no English and me not speaking Italian
Twelve days later after hiking All Over the hills between the Austrian border and Cortina dem Passo through goat trails we get a radio call at about 8700 ft my ride home was at base camp waiting on me
two jr. officers were assigned to ‘escort’ me to the bus and the same trail that had just taken us five hours to climb we bolted straight down scree slopes in less than an hour running all out and leaping into the air
SAILING what seemed like 50 foot plunges to land With the slope and SLLLIIde to repeat it all over again
Get to camp and gather my gear in the van and look up in the far far far distance at elevation is a tiny winding line of troops visible on the mountain side slung my pack in and took a very deep breath and gave a classic mountain ‘HOOOOOH. . . !
About 25 seconds later from the distance came an answering unified chorus ‘hoooooh. . .
yeah, it was right to go then
thanks all and echo your comments about
community here
have whatever kind of time you’re going
to have
as long as it’s Real
Ya got to be a Spirit, cain't be no Ghost. . .
Explain Bldg #7. . . still waiting. . .
If you’ve ever wondered whether you would have complied in 1930’s Germany,
Now you know. . .
sign at protest march
The percentage of Texas attorneys
who fall into booze and drug abuse are the highest of any profession. The demands are ridiculous.
Here is my challenge. My Dad, D-Day landing. The 13 days he lasted before he got shot almost in two, he slogged 3 straight days in neck deep water while carrying his rifle up over his head, upraised arms.
If he can do that, I can do this.
He would roll over in his grave if I buckled.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
T B & U...
HOOOOOH!
Thanks for dropping in, friend!
See my comment about my soldier Dad.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Anything I might
have done pales in comparison
No one was trying to kill me
but yeah it was a lot
of fun
As others have said
Enjoy your trip
Ya got to be a Spirit, cain't be no Ghost. . .
Explain Bldg #7. . . still waiting. . .
If you’ve ever wondered whether you would have complied in 1930’s Germany,
Now you know. . .
sign at protest march
It has been a fun trip!
It wasn't a surprise that it is cold. The surprise is gale winds yesterday. No weather channel forecast that until the day before we left, giving us enough time to add warm clothing to our luggage.
You had a fabulous trip there, pal. Down hill with some flourish! Lol!
And now, you are here among us, and we are so glad!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I bet your knees weren’t happy with you
Even at the young age of 13 going downhill like that must have hurt. Did you make your ride?
How are the dawgs doing? Hope they have a great Xmas.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
Nah, back then
I was in shape before I went by the end of that trip I was in Really good shape aaaahhh the fleeting fondness of youth
NC Tim did a motorcycle tour of that area a few years back ya gotta
be Good just to survive let alone Keep Up
Can’t imagine it at our age
The Pups are doing well cousin Moose is home for the holidays and Chaos galore!
Ya got to be a Spirit, cain't be no Ghost. . .
Explain Bldg #7. . . still waiting. . .
If you’ve ever wondered whether you would have complied in 1930’s Germany,
Now you know. . .
sign at protest march
Sounds like a good time
Chaos with family, friends and of course dawgs galore. You still have 3 right?
Heh I was in great shape when I came down soreass pass and then straight downhill for 4 miles and the next day I could hardly walk cuz of my knees. I didn’t complain going uphill after that.
There were problems with running a campaign of Joy while committing a genocide? Who could have guessed?
Harris is unburdened of speaking going forward.
One last thing, friends.
Wish eyo all the best.
Let's hope she is getting medical attention and that it is working.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thank you otc
I have been thinking lots lately about eyo, and hoping she is well cared for and comfortable. I hope we hear some positive news. I miss her.
Very few days go by
that I don't think of her. I have attempted to contact her several times.
She is wonderful, and it would do her good to know we care, and want to help.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
ditto, here, all my best wishes to her, if she can get this
note.
Peace and Love, the best signature I have read here.
So, peace and love, dear eyo.
https://www.euronews.com/live
Still hopeful
Still waiting.
Sending out Peace and Love
Thank you for the kind thoughts, you all make me feel good. Thank you for reaching out through email, otc. I love this site and I am still here with you all, reading every day.
I have been logged in for hours trying to compose and edit this post, there is so much to say but the words are jut too hard to find and I am tired. I switched to hospice service just over a week ago, and I am not feeling much pain. Today was a good day. Good night for now, and Merry Christmas to all.
Peace and Love
We love you so much!
Stay with us all the way to the end, and know we are slow clapping you out of the house, every step of the way!
You are not alone. email me if there is ANYTHING you need.
It is not time for farewell. Let's delay that as long as we can.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Thank you...
for posting, old friend. We are all here with you and for you.
Let us know if there's anything we can do.
Peace and love, received and resent.
JtC
All the love,
beyond measure, from people out here- most of whom you may never meet in person. But we, all of us, are people who put ourselves out there into the universe via the words we choose. And, quite astonishingly, we sometimes find likeminded people via the words they have chosen. Our words (and their purposes) define our community, and that is a rare and wonderful thing. We choose to use our words to create community, not to invite conflict or strife. And to celebrate, and sometimes to mourn, as needs may be. But mostly, to live.
You epitomize that ideal. Be well, and Merry Christmas. Please keep going as long as you can!
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Hi eyo
I wish I could look into your eyes and tell you how deeply you made me smile with your humour and your loving heart. Your spirited style is so uniquely you, and a gift to others.
When you want a beautiful distraction check this live webcam of Hummingbirds feeding in Equador. Since dystopian posted the link a week ago I visit everyday during daylight hours in Equador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZUHgXEGgic
https://www.flickr.com/photos/eros3714/36270125851
Thank you for you
peace and love back at you my friend!
So nice to hear from you. You've been on my mind. Best wishes!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Eyo, the best day of this holiday season
is today, because you commented.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I don't know about a best day...
There's many that were really good, and some that really sucked. (And obviously, I'm late responding, as normal!)
I think three of my best days were 'official' career oriented. One was when, after I contacted my graduate school advisor after being absent (due to a bad marriage) for about 10 years, my advisor just said, 'It happens to everyone. Welcome back!' The other was when my PhD thesis was accepted and I graduated, due to the hard work of said advisor (and myself). And the final one was when I got up the courage to email an archaeological publisher in England and say, 'gulp' (gads I was scared, ok I didn't really write 'gulp' in my email to them), 'I think you might be interested in publishing this'. It was my PhD thesis. I'd already had publishers who concentrated on Roman empire stuff in the Middle East asking about it, but, my PhD was Roman Britain oriented. My advisor supported me through all of this. The publisher wrote back almost immediately and told me I was correct, they should, and would, publish it. Sad thing is my wonderful advisor died just a bit before my book was published. I really regret that.
Hmm, maybe a fourth day, for 'official' career, was when I finally realized that the guy emailing me about writing a chapter for his book on a Roman fort in Scotland really was... real. And not someone trolling me. Damn, I'm stupid sometimes!
In farm stuff, every day baby goat kids were born successfully was a great day. Also, when Maggie started to breath again. She was a little four day old kid who was inadvertently slept on by her Mom - who had six babies!- and then almost froze to death. I found her just in time, rushed her inside, and we put her into a plastic bag, left her head out of it, of course, and then submerged her into a sink full of warm/hot water with just her head out. So the bag made it so she didn't get wet. Her temp did NOT register on a medical thermometer, she was so cold. But eventually she warmed up, and babies being babies, she recovered. She lived a pretty long life, about 10 years old when she died. She had a lot of babies.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hey, Sima!
Wonderful story about your academic achievements! Young folks now do not even try anymore. They can't afford it, unless they are trust fund great grandchildren.
Critter stories! I am just glad you found the kid, had a plastic bag, and the wherewith all to do the ems. Damn! Awesome!
k,k998jjnnjh
*the above line was TLOML typing with his nose. Vacations have a way of bring shit like that out into the open. I leave it to the site members to figure out the code. I am having a beer, look forward to your decoding.
Maybe I should have suggested "highlights of your life" instead of requesting the mental process of looking back on all of your existences. Oh well, I am an ot beginner, after all.
I am glad you dropped by, chica!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Great moments
I remember how gratified I was when my daughter in her mid thirties got her Phd.
The subject you chose seems so interesting. What a wonderful best moment. It's must be so great to get published.
語必忠信 行必正直