Saturday Open Thread - 12/21/24: Odds and Ends

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 7:00am

Good morning, good people! I am doing a countdown: in 30 days, Biden will be gone! Well, physically gone from office, that is. His brain has long since departed. Out with the old, in with the new, we got screwed in old ways, we'll get screwed in new ways!

We can handle it, friends! Keep an attitude!

My Christmas gift was sort of a fluke. My secretary looked on the State Comptroller's website to see if she had any unclaimed money. For fun, she checked my name out, discovered I had $500 based upon an insurance claim from 2019, Progressive Ins. Well, I didn't have insurance with them in 2019. I called Progressive, they tracked it down from an unclaimed deductible, Liberty Mutual. Ok, so the state Comptroller knows my current insurer is Progressive, and Progressive knew I once had Liberty Mutual Ins. , as well as my history of claims. (2 claims in 60 years.) Well, I should get the check soon, but will not shake that many eyes are on me and every damn thing I do. Creepy shit. I never have to feel all by myself again, right? TPTB are always with me.

A friend came by asking for work. He did a great job clearing out vines from my office fence. It took him just over 2 hours, and I gave him $35. He had nothing to eat, no transportation to go to the store. He walks where he has to go. His leg was broken in a fall from a horse at age 6, and his single Mom couldn't afford a dr. to help him. He has limped badly most of his 65 years of life. When he came to ask for work, he needed $5 to buy eggs, and he only had $2. I rounded up some boxed dinners, canned veggies, some breakfast cereal, and packages of cornbread mix, gave him that along with a $5 bill, which is what I had on hand at the office and in my pocket. After he came to work a day later, finished the job, I asked Dear One to give him a ride home, and stop by the grocery store. My friend limped around the store, picked up 2 small packages of potato chips. Dear One found a steak on sale, bought his food for him, gave him the steak. He asked to go to the Dollar General to shop there, and bought food. He showed Dear One a large package of wieners for $7.00, which cost $14 at the grocery store.

My friend is Paul. He has worked all his life. The locals that used to hire him have work offers that he is too old and handicapped to do now. He cannot read or write, has no idea how to get any government assistance, has never paid in to Soc. Security. I will get him an appointment with a county official who might get him enrolled in something. He needs Medicaid and a knee replacement, just to start. And a phone.

Oh, you probably guessed Paul is black. Wish I could arrange for Mr. Musk, a/k/a, The DOGE, to meet my friend. Mr. Musk has never had contact with the Paul's of the country. He might think Paul is an alien from space.

Well, it's your turn to tell us all what hap'nin' in your neck of the woods, and since this is an open thread, any topic of your interest could become our interest, too!

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Submitted by on the cusp on Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:46pm

Maybe today we are told what the drones are doing, who sent them, and why. And the information will be true and accurate.
Let 'er rip!

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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

Submitted by enhydra lutris on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 10:19am
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@on the cusp

alcohol talking, but , really, are you feeling ok? Wink

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 --

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 10:35am

@enhydra lutris You funny turd, you! Lol!
Sometimes I revert to the 4 yr old me, when I asked too many questions for my parents, and was sent outside to go ride a horse. I would be a different thinker today if I had a horse.
A memory from 1978: I was at this concert, roared with the crowd at this tune:

Be well, and behave, 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

Submitted by QMS on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 7:45am
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.
In honor of this being the first day of winter
we were blessed with an inch of snow
glad to have raked the leaves before this

thanks for your fun OT!
you are not alone Wink

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question everything

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 11:21am

@QMS Good morning, Cap'n!
Not being used to snow, I had to ask Dear One about raking ahead of snow instead of just mulching. Ok. I get it now.
Meanwhile, I am happy to see longer days, giving me more time after work to enjoy the birds, bees, various critters. Pretty sure a red fox was fussing at something or other at the barn by the house. It was close enough that when I stood up from my patio chair to take a look, it went silent.
Enjoy the view of your lovely snow, dear 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

Submitted by Lookout on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 9:40am
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Appropriate for winter, I guess. Trade day was cold and fairly thin. I found out one of our buddies has landed in the nursing home. For years he took notes on all the songs, tunes, and musicians that came to our weekly session. Guess I'll try to get by and see him sometime when I'm in town.

Yes, big brother is alive and well, watching what we do. I wonder if I bored TPTB yesterday with my mowing and weed eating?

The elite have no idea about those folks who struggle just to get by. So many are invisible to the masses. Sad really, especially in the "season of giving".

One thing about the first day of winter is the days will get longer over the next 6 months.

Take care and thanks for the OT!

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

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 1:07pm

@Lookout Sorry to hear about your musician friend. I hope his music notes can be preserved. Just sad, ain't it?
At least you had a Trade's Day. Our annual Christmas on the Square was partially cancelled due to heavy rains. It only lasted a few morning hours, instead of the all day long event.
I had to retrieve some documents from my local ins. agent, and she confirmed, 'They know everything we have ever done'. I know we are a heavily surveilled population, but it isn't often put in our faces. This whole recovery of funds filing was a reminder. It just felt like I am on a Most Wanted List.
We have many Paul's in the community, very few in a position to help, or particularly willing. We were appalled at what he and his "old lady" eat. From total junk to downright poisonous food. You'd be surprised at the new food market addition to Dollar General stores has exploded. You can judge the financial condition of a community by seeing how full their parking lots are.
Trump will fix it, amirite?
Have a great weekend and enjoy your beautiful manicured yard, my 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

Submitted by Cassiodorus on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 10:27am
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Dies Natalis Solis Invicti!

The Day of the Birth of the Unconquered Sun!

Hellenic Faith suggests:

The Holiday
Awake early around 5:15 AM to mindfully watch the sunrise (Which typically rises at 5:38 AM)

You may light a bonfire if you wish, which is traditional.

Provide an offering:

Incense is an excellent offering. Seven sticks/cones of incense is a good number, thanks to the number 7’s association with King Helios as an association of the sun’s seven rays.
An animal sacrifice is another good choice, as long as it is not cattle, the sacred animal of Helios.

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The ruling classes need an extra party to make the rest of us feel as if we participate in democracy. That's what the Democrats are for. They make the US more durable than the Soviet Union was.

Submitted by QMS on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 11:24am
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@Cassiodorus
.
Think I will sacrifice a squirrel
and smoke it in incense for the occasion
(already got the fire blazing)

cheers

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 11:39am

@Cassiodorus Burning incense is fun, and I have a pile of limbs and brush ready for a match.
Remarkable how all winter solstice rituals from all religions just happen to coincide with a Christian celebration. Surely what I was taught in college about Christians deliberately moving Jesus' date of birth to coincide with the various heathen to more easily absorb them into the 'hood is bull shit, amirite?
Have a wonderful weekend, mister!

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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

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 1:30pm

I received an email from dkos, urgently requesting a $5 monthly contribution to keep them on the internet! It is dire! You see, the billionaire-owned media wants them to go dark to keep their progressive message off the tubes! They need the $5 to keep up the fight!
(This is the site that kicked off Bernie supporters, iirc...)
Oh, the irony! It Berns!

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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

Submitted by enhydra lutris on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 1:32pm
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market was a bit on the sparse side. Nonetheless, we got what we need to get us through the week.Dunno what's up with the budget, but I suspect that I can survive without the Federal Government's shenanigans for a few weeks. It is those who get social security and/or medicare who will suffer, while Congress is, of course, fully insulated from any ill effects.

It appears that rather than taking the hint, ukiedom launched an attack on Kazan, deep into Russia, and seemingly targeting civilians. This does not bode well at all.

We have to run down to my sister-in-law's place for part of xmas day, but beyond that we're planning on just holing up at home. 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 --

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 3:39pm

@enhydra lutris what's in the budget, unless they are speed readers. Why would anybody believe a 1,000-plus document filled with numbers, percentages, categories, conditions, etc...was read by those who voted on it? It is a circus every time the vote is due. I missed the drama, choosing to poison some ant beds.
The only source I found reporting on the attack of civilian Russians was Sputnik. Ukies kill kids, IDF kills kids, the US doesn't give a shit and our CIA infiltrated media seems focused on Trump's budget defeat and the German Christmas Market tragedy. I do not expect Russia to go quietly into that dark night. They killed 300 Ukie soldiers in Kursk overnight.
Like you, I am staying home for Xmas, but likely foolishly planned to visit Gulfport, MS, for 4 days over New Year's. Traffic on I-10 will probably be very heavy, although Gulfport is not a popular Xmas time tourist destination. It was sort of an attempt to find some place at the beach that wasn't a long drive, with small crowds, maybe some blues performances. Galveston is close, but the water is trashy, the beach is full of garbage, and restaurant prices are just ridiculous. S. Padre is better, with blue water, fairly clean beach, but there is such a heavy traffic area for migrants and ICE, customs, a police presence everywhere. I would not be comfortable taking a walk down the beach or a sidewalk alone. That many cops gives a strong signal to me.
Many years ago, I floated down the Danube from Frankfurt to Vienna, visiting a dozen Christmas markets along the way. One of my best tours anywhere, and one I would never do again.
Enjoy your Xmas with wifey and SIL, dear 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

Submitted by humphrey on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 3:08pm

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 4:35pm

@humphrey I gotta hand it to these meme creators! They are very talented!
Will Biden, in the spirit of Christmas, give every last cent in our government's coffers to Zelenskye? Wouldn't that be like a bag of coal under Trump's tree?
Whatta crazy country, 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

Submitted by dystopian on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 3:33pm
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HI all, Hi OtC,

Heartwarming to hear how you helped poor Paul. Thanks!

Happy solstice people! Where I am just below 30 deg. N, it shows today as being ONE second shorter of daylength than yesterday, and tomorrow will be one second longer than today. (Weather Underground). Something to celebrate seemingly by all peoples in all times and places. Though I suspect largely of those originating in the northern hemisphere..

Here is a Saturday song, with some great steel guitar...

I think it was that dk at dkos that actually instigated this wonderful place we have here? Wink

Thanks for the OT OtC!

happy trails all!

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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

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 5:11pm

@dystopian taken the dance floor, cleared it, and twirled around like boogieing spinning tops! I never heard him play, but grew up hearing folks say my Dad could tear up a steel guitar.
I felt bad about Paul walking to and from the office once I found out he no longer lived 1/2 mile away, but had moved into a shack almost 2 miles away. Walking 4 miles to working a couple of hours for $35, is not much better than what folks did in The Depression.
Paul and I have been friends for 40 years. He never begs. He offers labor. He is honest, so used to being close to starvation, he can't imagine much else, and blames nobody for this. I didn't know he no longer had his truck. I have some more work for him that he is physically capable of doing.
dkos...poor millionaire...He might have to sell his Tesla to fund his site. Like you say, where would we all be without him?
I saw a Northern Oriole, at least the markings were the same, except this one was tan, not orange. Maybe because he wasn't in bright sunlight? Anyway, I do not remember every seeing one, so this was a first. He got a snack at the feeder, flew to a nearby tree for a while, so I had several minutes to memorize his color patterns. Very exciting!
Have a great weekend and enjoy your Christmas. Libations are called for, 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

Submitted by QMS on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 5:20pm
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@dystopian
-
about this site as an alternative
that brought me here originally
she was from near the MI UP, think dk is right
used to post and host here, but long
time gone .. last seen switched to twitter
at almost 10 years, we've some history here
many characters come and gone
thanks for the memories ..

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Submitted by humphrey on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 3:47pm

The first few paragraphs from the article.

https://www.declassifieduk.org/when-britain-aided-al-qaeda-in-syria/

Beginning in 2011, Britain embarked on a campaign to overthrow the Bashir al-Assad regime in Syria, in cooperation with its key allies the US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

Military training and weapons were given to armed opposition forces who were often collaborating with jihadist groups, in effect supporting and empowering them.

One major beneficiary of the secret campaign was Jabhat Al-Nusra, the Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria founded by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who later rebranded his militant force as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Al-Jolani now appears to be the key power-broker in Damascus after the fall of the Assad regime. He has been presenting his ‘moderate’ credentials to the West for some years, with great effect.

Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers now says that HTS is more a “liberation movement” than a terrorist force, despite being a proscribed organisation in the UK.

Similarly, foreign secretary David Lammy recently told parliament that while Al-Qaeda has killed “hundreds of British citizens in barbaric attacks spanning decades”, HTS has offered “reassurances” and should be “judged by their actions”.

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 5:15pm

@humphrey Britain was in the lead. And that Israel was of no influence.
Strange. Up until now, I have read where Britain supported the US efforts, such efforts mostly for Israel with their assistance, as well.
Who is getting the rotation wrong? Interesting stuff, to say the least.

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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

Submitted by humphrey on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 5:59pm

@on the cusp @on the cusp

difficult to figure out what is happening.

IT is likely that things will not end well!

At least for now both Israel and US support the Kurds.

However!

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 6:22pm

@humphrey @humphrey There is no damn way Trump is willing to give up the oil and wheat fields, so Erdogan can stfu. I always think of a scenario where we enable Israel to be a true power, and they turn on us. Nobody seems hell bent on Israel getting out of the Golan Heights. Yet.
It is like watching a reality TV show.

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 5:50pm

@humphrey you are a terrorist. Change names and uniform, kill FOR Brits, you are awesome.
I get it now.

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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

Submitted by snoopydawg on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 6:55pm
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@on the cusp

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 7:34pm

@snoopydawg That Brit interviewer can twist like a cork screw, can't he? Wow.
Jawani cleans up nicely, I will give him that, but after all, he had CIA education for his 5 years in prison here. That's long enough to attain a BS degree in Bull Shit Science.
He is well groomed, in more ways than one.
I hope Sam, my fave client, is getting great Christmas gifts, including snow roll time.
We have a camper trailer here, to sale for a friend, or to buy for ourselves. We are leaning towards buying it. It is fairly old, meaning, better made than new ones. We are leaning strongly towards buying it.
We shall see if everything on it works before writing that check!
Have a great weekend and XMas, 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

Submitted by snoopydawg on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 7:59pm
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@on the cusp

Shitlibs are once again cheering this act cuz he seems to have reformed himself. Isn’t that special? Seems I remember that Bin Laden stopped killing Americans and attacking them, but we went ahead and killed him anyway.

Julani has been cleaned and dressed like Zelensky. It’s all performance, but Americans get suckered by the little things.

We have no snow. We had a nice storm last week but it’s all gone now. Sam did find a patch from where they cleared the roads at the cemetery and made sure that she rolled in it.

She stays happy with her toilet paper rolls.. keep putting them somewhere different and wait for her to find them. And she doesn’t need any new toys because she still has the ones I bought her when she was a puppy. It’s interesting to see which one is her favorite for the day.

Good luck with the trailer. I hope you get it. If so send pictures.

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Submitted by snoopydawg on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 6:54pm
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How many countries has Putin visited after he got the arrest warrant? Hmm?

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Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 7:35pm

@snoopydawg Awful man from every perspective, in my opinion.

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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

Submitted by on the cusp on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 6:56pm

video..Scott Ritter Show, interview with Prof. Al-Arian, before I have had a chance to view it. The Prof. will be discussing Syria from the viewpoint of a staunch supporter of the Palestinians. Should be interesting.

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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