Open Thread - 3-24-23 - Under Pressure

Whether it is the shock of inflation and the rising cost of necessities of life, or the prospect of losing retirement benefits, or whether it is trying to engage with fellow citizens with the correct pronouns, or no pronouns at all, we all are under pressure like never before in our lives.

Psychopathic government leaders around the globe are pushing the nuclear clock to midnight with their shoulders.

Many of us realize we can't vote in a pressure release. And, truth be known, we haven't come up with any particular path to head us to an exit from the pressure cooker we live in now.

At least the basic coping measures are to love, respect, to share, to find joy wherever it shows itself, to NOT BLAME EACH OTHER for the state of the world.

We didn't cause this. We do not know with any certainty who did. We are the 99% who's only power is in numbers, and only then, if it is power exerted in the same direction.

For whatever reasons, I went out of my way today to hug and kiss an attorney pal. His son will be undergoing an 8 hour surgery on Monday for a brain bleed. A great Houston hospital. We both teared up, right there in the court room. 50 year old son, a logger. The son had no health problems until he had to be life flighted to Houston from 65 miles away.

My brother shared some Mandarin oranges with us that he had gotten from a food bank. My secretary had given him some dessert for tonight. My husband came to witness some wills, the clients appreciated it so much.

There is cool wind tonight. Rains for days ahead. Creeks will rise, roads may be impassable here and there.

Thing is, I know alternate routes. We all do. And we know the ways to relieve the pressure.

You pick your favorite version.

And then make a comment about anything you want, because this is an OT.

Which version relieves a bit of pressure? This one?

Or this one?

I will be in an intense trial Monday, but in the back of my mind, and with a crushing pressure on my heart, I will be in a Houston hospital with a family, waiting to see if their first born child has a chance to outlive them.

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I hope everyone can find some joy in life today. Myself, I am looking at him...

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

ggersh's picture

Hopefully this becomes the norm throughout the
collective west. We have reached the tipping point

Though we are being told it's a revival of the "Axis of Evil"
it is us who are partnered w/evil, like ISIS, Al-Queda, Neo-Nazi's
etc.etc.etc.

https://www.moonofalabama.org/2023/03/axis.html#more

This Caitlin piece is very much worth the read

https://caitlinjohnstone.substack.com/p/theyre-rebooting-axis-of-evil-on

Fingers crossed that everything goes well for you and
your clients friends otc.

A couple inches of snow due tomorrow followed by the 50's
maybe 60's next week, hurrah!!!

EDIT: adding tweet showing that the Police are now joining
with the protesters, the beginning of the end for Macron?

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I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

@ggersh Thanks for the axis-of-evil links. I will read them as time permits.
I can't get the friend and his situation out of my head. My friend was acting like the brave, hopeful father, while he was just about to collapse from the anxiety.
Have a great weekend.
The French police are just all that!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

@ggersh

be well and have a good one

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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 --

QMS's picture

@ggersh

to point out the obvious Wink

(Can I just pause a moment here to note that it's a bit odd for the other guys to be labeled the "axis" when the US is now aligned with every one of the World War II Axis powers?)

thanks for the links

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truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security

@QMS My Dad was buried with so much shrapnel fro German Nazi bullets, if anyone put a magnet over his grave, the coffin would come out of the ground.
When I see the Azov Battalion visiting the White House, I think very evil thoughts.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

ggersh's picture

@QMS

Empire managers have long forecasted the acquisition of post-Soviet Russia as an imperial lackey state which could be weaponized against the new Enemy Number One in China, but instead the exact opposite happened. Hillary Clinton told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in 2021 that as an insider within the US power structure she’d “heardfought it or years that Russia would become more willing to move toward the west, more willing to engage in a positive way with Europe, the UK, the US, because of problems on its border, because of the rise of China.” But that’s not what occurred.

“We haven’t seen that,” Clinton said. “Instead what we’ve seen is a concerted effort by Putin maybe to hug China more.”

Because of her and her ilk that fought against that since the fall of the USSR. The Straussians
have wanted to dissect Russia ever since then. Her Heinous is and evil son of a bitch and I apology
to all the bitches out there, Nuland, Rice, Powers, etc.etc.etc.

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6 users have voted.

I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

QMS's picture

Hope Macron feels it.

good luck with your friends

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truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security

@QMS Macron needs to slip slide away.
I hope Canadians pull out all the protest stops of that f*cking Trudeau, the no-good bastard.
If we knew who was in charge of the US, that would be a good first step toward organizing opposition. Not sure at all who is calling the real shots.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

Life is full of pressures like your friend's son's dilemma. What I hate are the selected pressures CHOSEN by TPTB stirring up war globally...even pushing for another invasion of Haiti, how dare they won't be cheap labor for our sweat shops!

My favorite way to deal with pressure is to take a walk around our place and let nature wash it away.

Good luck with your case on Monday, and wishing your friend's son all the best.

Had a couple of helpers this AM. We collected some rocks for a new fire ring, and cut bunches of limbs in the way of mowing. as mowing season is upon us. Went well.

Finally got in some lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage in the garden this week, and then got about a half inch of rain. We're supposed to get quite a storm tonight. We'll see. We're pretty well protected by the mountain.

Thanks for the OT!

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

@Lookout budding roses, a bald eagle flying overhead, butterflies enjoying the plumbagos.
Ah, you have a green thumb, and such wonderful and healthy food in your future.
I am exploring musicians I have never really heard before. Music can truly make you forget the world, in all its' chaos and destruction.
Thanks for dropping in on the morning chat, friend.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

really, to everybody. As you noted

Will anybody stop it? Is anybody still really trying? The psychopaths, as you note, are still in control, and we need to figure out how to change that.

be well and have a good one

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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 --

@enhydra lutris this attorney 35 years. We have grown old "together". He knows my family, and I know his. His wife suffered some horrific heart problems 3 or 4 years ago, and I called every single day to get updates and cheer the family up. Now, he is going through it with his son. What a cluster....
And I will call, and call.
We fight like hell for our clients in trial, then walk out the building as friends and colleagues.
We care about each other, and that is what people are supposed to do. Best wishes for your great and good health.
As you say, be well and have a good one. And, keep us posted on your health condition. We all want you here.
As hubby would say,
"Prost!"

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

@on the cusp

(also known as deja vu) currently back on prednisone for a bit (8 wk taper)

be well and have a good one

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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 --

@enhydra lutris prednisone every other day for 20 years. I ain't dead, so it worked. From time to time, I experienced weight gain from water retention, but that leveled out over the long run.
It was cheap back then. Hope it still is.
Good luck, friend.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

Anyone hear about that? Anyone know about that?

gjohnsjt?
mimi?
lotlizard (IIRC)?

*attempts to activate appropriate XYZ-symbols*

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In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

Granma's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat for bank news

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@Granma Thanks for dropping in, chica!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

@The Liberal Moonbat Will see what I can dig up.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

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In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

enhydra lutris's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

vast numbers of persons who were forced to register as sex offenders because they were gay. Lots of others got registered because they got caught taking a whiz in an alley or in the bushes along some rural s-line highway. It just might that our standards for hanging that on somebody are too capricious to sustain it as grounds for refusing to do business with people. It will be interesting to see

be well and have a good one

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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 --

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

@enhydra lutris Which country do you speak of?

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In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

@The Liberal Moonbat on sex offender registry? I want to read it, if so.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

@on the cusp Please rephrase/clarify.

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In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

@The Liberal Moonbat before I read your link about the lawsuit against the bank that financed Epstein. The law suit implications are interesting. If banks can't do business with registered sex offenders, they will lose a lot of legitimate business. Not all registered offenders are alike. For sure, they do not all have a Lolita Express flying to the island!
Apologies for commenting before link-reading!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

article and, iirc the one that put Epstein on said list.

be well and have a good one

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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 --

@The Liberal Moonbat Interesting lawsuit. Now, banks are supposed to be first line police?
I think the sex offender registry should be very limited. I am a believer in setting a specific number of years to register, and that a limited type of case should be life time registry punishment.
A lawyer I knew almost got disbarred for peeing behind a bush in a city park. A young girl walked up on him.
I saw a picture of women's swimmer of the year, a trans who had on a women's bathing suit with his testicles hanging out. Once upon a time, that would land you in jail. Pictures like that would be considered porn.
The definition of indecent exposure, indecency with a child, and porn must be re-done. If you are a guy caught peeing in the park in front of a young girl, just tell the cop you are a trans woman. Expect the officer to apologize.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

@on the cusp

just called Michaelangelo's David porn.

be well and have a good one

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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 --

@enhydra lutris going through the Vatican.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

enhydra lutris's picture

@on the cusp

Vatican Museum, for quite a while were of the same bent defacing the penile appendages from a lot of their collection.

be well and have a good one

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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 --

@enhydra lutris loin cloths, mayhaps? (I just genuflected insincerely.)

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

QMS's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

ie: gjohnsit, mimi, lotlizard
Marie is also up on financials.

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truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security

dystopian's picture

Hope all are well!

Besides love, music and nature are probably the two things that kept me from 'climbing the tower'. Smile

Here's some music for the inclined... Besides the old, I like tryin' new stuff out on utube. Wink

Got Me Under Pressure ZZ

Baiju Bhatt & Red Sun - Nataraj (feat. MOHINI DEY, NGUYÊN LÊ, STÉPHANE EDOUARD)
That old man, I think Vietnamese, guitar player rocks! Mohini is of another planet.

Jason Allen - Margarita Meltdown - a more raw less buffed and polished (better) version of this used to be played on "Outlaw Radio" in Texas (by Hank Moon), but this has to do now... pretty good though...

Stop And Listen - The Shag 1967 - I missed this, or completely forgot about it...

How Many Times - The Jagged Edge - says a month old - so a new release (!?!)- I can't believe all the reverb they have dripping off the clapping...

Ethel Tripped a Mean Gloss - The Orange Alabaster Mushroom

I Ain't No Miracle Worker - The Brogues - This was another disk Hank Moon spun at his former Outlaw Radio show...

Marie Juana (Alternative Version) - Los Zipps

Have good ones all!

Especially you OtC on Monday...

I gotta fly!

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

@dystopian I am a hawg for it, pal!
The predicted thunderstorms turned out to be a sprinkling rain for an hour. and the birds have been stopping by for a bath and a seed before flying on. The weekend might turn out to be pleasant after all.
When propaganda in media distracts us from what is really going on, diverting our attention from the important issue or event, to some veritable nonsense, I just get furious! But when I decide I need to distract myself from from all the problems of the day, it is because I need the break. I need to rest. I need to shore up resolve. I refuse to slip into depression, or a feeling of helplessness.
We are in this together. One of us will come up with the magic formula to pop the lid on the pressure cooker.
I wish Tuesday would hurry up and get here!
Thanks for dropping by, Bird Guy Extraordinaire!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

janis b's picture

@on the cusp

from down under ...

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@janis b @janis b is AWESOME! WOW!
Can't thank you enough for that, chica!
Take good care, and I hope all things home in Paradise is stable and perfect!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

janis b's picture

@on the cusp

of my faves, FFD!

FFD is performing live today at a park only a hop, skip, and jump away from home. Many other of NZ’s finest musicians will perform as well. They are performing at no charge, Koha (donation) for a relief fund for those in need after the record rains and cyclone. It’s staggering how many people of this population of only 5.5 million have lost their homes or have had considerable damage to their home. If I wasn’t so allergic to being among crowds of people for 7 hours I might have considered going. It has been a warm dry day, and I’m sure the vibe is vibrant.

Thankfully, we have had three weeks of dry Autumn weather, and so far all is stable in this little piece of paradise.

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@janis b and would have not noticed it! Music does that to me!
Oh, great minds think(about music)alike!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

dystopian's picture

@janis b working through the great tunes Janis! Thanks! Extra points for the Split Enz! I can't believe how straight looking they are here... I see this was released 1980. What made us socal freaks give them a listen here in the states about 74-75 was how they looked (bonkers freaks!), and this look (suits-ties) would not have done that... so, funny. They went the opposite way of their predecessors... Wink

Thanks for the sounds!

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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
both - Albert Einstein

janis b's picture

@dystopian

I'm glad you enjoyed the tunes.

I don’t remember hearing Split Enz then, but then I was from the east coast, so maybe that explains it, or not ; ).

I actually really like the video because of the way they're dressed in the setting they are in. Along with Tim Finn's facial expressions it all looks quite bizarre which I enjoy.

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thanatokephaloides's picture

Wink

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"US govt/military = bad. Russian govt/military = bad. Any politician wanting power = bad. Anyone wielding power = bad." --Shahryar

"All power corrupts absolutely!" -- thanatokephaloides

janis b's picture

@thanatokephaloides

one more ...

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janis b's picture

@janis b

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@thanatokephaloides I had never heard it before! The lyrics were so damn prescient!
You take good care, and thanks so much for adding to the OT!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

@thanatokephaloides @thanatokephaloides I attended a concert a few weeks ago and Lyle performed this tune.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

lotlizard's picture

It’s the day of our concert performance — I sing in the chorus — of Antonin Dvorak’s Stabat Mater, in the Grote Kerk (‘big church’) in Harderwijk in the Netherlands.

Docs and therapists keep pressing the point that excessive ruminating about politics and all the other issues in the world is bad for my health.

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QMS's picture

@lotlizard

Hope you are in good voice today!

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truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security

@lotlizard I didn't know you were a singer. That is wonderful!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

lotlizard's picture

@on the cusp @on the cusp  
that are organized and led by pros, though being composed of qualified amateur singers & instrument players who cover their own costs and pay a small fee to participate.

Last weekend I sang in a different group and concert, where we performed excerpts from Dvorak’s oratorio about St. Ludmila, a princess credited with converting the Czechs from paganism to Christianity.

Thanks for asking! The performance before a full house went very well! If there’s anything better than good music of whatever genre, it’s good music you and people you know help make yourselves.

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@lotlizard choir, and was the pianist for 2 different churches.
I did prepare a man for his audition into the Houston Opera Chorus. We practiced for a month a few evenings per week. He succeeded.
I LOVE Dvorak. Well, most classical music. Not a big fan of post-modern.
My favorite is the Romantic period.
It is just wonderful you can join this musical entity. I wish I could be among the audience.

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

lotlizard's picture

@on the cusp  
https://www.pellegrina.net/

Looks like I’ll be doing the “Viennese Masters” one in the Czech Republic.

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@lotlizard I attended concert that I still dream about.
Enjoy!

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981