Saturday Open Thread - 9/19/26: Odds and Ends
Good morning, good people! Hope you are all in fine fettle!
To start with the bad news, the damn love bugs are still swarming us, still messing up cars, and still the talk of the town. In fact, they are even in the Houston area, which is 60 miles away. This is Round Two, Week Nine.
To transition to good news, I can finish up my active files in a couple of weeks. We start moving out office furniture this coming Wednesday. Also, my grocery store price comparison is holding steady.
And in a bad new/good news happy ending, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is the top seller in Texas. It is made at a creamery in Brenham, and it is absolutely delicious. Best tasting Vanilla ice cream EVAH. Except it doesn't contain vanilla. It is flavored with villinen, a petroleum product, with some adverse side effects. So, Breyer and Hagen Daaz are waiting for my sampling. I only eat ice cream 3 or 4 times a year, but when I do, I don't won't to eat an oil refinery by-product. Same with medicine, btw.
But this can't touch The Real Good News: This is the results of that MRI JtC had last Thursday.
From the MRI:
Breakdown of the Findings:
This result is exceptionally positive. It shows a complete response to treatment on your post-therapy scan.
*I'll save you the technical jargon:
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.What This Means:
This scan indicates a clinical complete response (cCR). Your medical team will evaluate these imaging results alongside your recent physical exams and endoscopic viewings. Depending on your exact treatment path, a complete response on MRI often opens the door to discussions about an organ-sparing approach (a "Watch and Wait" active surveillance program) rather than immediate major surgery, or it confirms that a planned surgery will have an excellent, clear boundary.
*Bolding is me speaking.
We celebrated with a shot of Amarula!
PSA! PSA!
Here is a tip I learned from a sheriff: If you are trying to transport meth and don't want cops to find it in your car, you can stuff it inside the skin on your penis if you have not been circumcised. However, it could absorb through your skin into your bloodstream while you drive along scenic highways, and could cause overdose and death.
And has. So, keep thinking outside of the box. Or not?
Well, we will be having news of a few ongoing wars throughout the day, possibly more news about European elections, more polling news about our elections here, so this is an open thread, and I encourage all of you to share whatever news and opinion you have with your friends here.
That also includes recipes, books, music, and childhood memories.
Let 'er rip!
Comments
Happy Saturday, my friends!
If you are reading this, you are still here!
At this point, that is not the starting point, it is the solid end point!
With Jtc's test results being nothing short of perfect, I have decided to stop bitching, start appreciating. Admittedly, it might take some work, but I am up for a new line of work anyway.
Your turn, friends!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Hey, good morning
Appreciation is a good line of work to get into.
Good news on the MRI front. Have a couple good
news items this AM from our local site -
Final turbine installed at offshore wind project off Rhode Island.
Progress. Trump unsuccessfully tried to shut it down a few years back.
https://turnto10.com/news/local/final-turbine-installed-at-offshore-wind...
and
Rhode Island judge rules EPA illegally terminated $7 billion Solar for All program.
Again, Trump has a vendetta against renewables to favor his oil buddies. Solar now
accounts for more energy in the US than coal.
https://turnto10.com/news/local/judge-rules-epa-illegally-terminated-7-b...
Going out to replace the snowblower carb today. Just in case the forecasts for higher than
normal snowfall comes to pass. Has been a few years since I've been able to start the beast.
Thanks for the OT!
Zionism is a social disease
Good morning, Cap'n!
Good news on the solar panel court ruling!
2 or 3 years ago, I received a few offers to enter a 20 yr lease of my property in Colorado. We researched, found the corporations were legit, and that their goal was to build solar storage units. We reached out, said we would agree, and they never got back with us. That was right at the time Trump had won the election and had announced he would stop giving tax breaks to solar power companies. The development stopped, so our chance at a lucrative retirement went away with Magatard.
Btw, I have never seen a snow blower. Or snow plow. Or tire chains. If we get a couple of inches of snow, we just stay home for 2 days, and stare. Only the sheriff and post office are up and running, anyway. My guess is that you've got this under control, my friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
It is a process
First the gas tanks comes off, then achieve access to the carb. I don't mind the
mechanical aspects, that's why I have accumulated small, specialized hand tools
for such operations. Snowblower: think a 300 pound auger - self driving machine.
Once running, it cuts a 30" swath in the fluffy white stuff and blows it aside thru an
adjustable chute. You've probably seen combines in the fields harvesting corn or
wheat, filling awaiting trucks to be carted to market. Same idea. Rather rebuild now
than await freezing temps.
Zionism is a social disease
I can get a picture of it
in my head now.
One of the prepping tips that keep popping up is about making sure you have tools, and that they work. Storing spare parts was a common tactic when we first started the tariff war with China. We bought spare mower blades, for example.
Yeah, repair while the weather permits. A smart way to spend the afternoon.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Now if I could stop the neighbor
from burning toxic waste, could actually enjoy this beautiful day ...
Zionism is a social disease
Believe it or not,
we have a county ordinance prohibiting such burning. RWNJ are like a stopped clock.
I suspect it was passed to protect cattle, not humans.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
gratitude is a good emotion...
Congrats on the scan news, and the eminent retirement!
Trade day was thin this AM. It has been so blasted hot it scared off some traders.
Here's an outside the box approach to clothing...
The Famous Koteka: More Than Just a Fashion Statement
The koteka is the traditional penis gourd worn by Dani men, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—a hollowed-out gourd used to cover their privates. While some may see it as a quirky or humorous relic of the past, for the Dani, the koteka is a symbol of masculinity, identity, and cultural pride.
And no, they’re not one-size-fits-all.
The length, shape, and angle of the koteka can vary greatly, and different styles can indicate status, tribal affiliation, or even personal preference. Some are short and practical, while others are long and curved at angles that make you wonder how they don’t knock things over when walking.
For formal occasions or festivals, Dani men will sometimes wear elaborate, multi-layered kotekas, often paired with body paint, feathers, and traditional jewelry. But on an average day, they keep things simple—just a koteka and a belt to keep it in place.
Thanks for the OT!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Good morning, LO!
I read that high numbers of laborers from Mexico who typically work in the farm sector or construction, such as roofing, are dying from a weird kidney failure, likely caused by heat exposure and sustained dehydration. They are in their 20s and 30s, in excellent health, and the failures come with no warnings. Everything is fine, then they are dead. So, it's not just we oldsters who cannot take this heat.
Jtc says the temps will drop down into the 80s next week. 89f will likely feel like 100f. We'll take it.
Now, about that koteka. I have questions. How much time do these guys sit around, digging through gourds to find just the right one? And how often do boys and teens have to resize and replace? Do the women have any say as to shape and color? Are used ones sold or traded? Any effort to recycle? Inquiring minds want to know!
At any rate, the perfect MRI test results shows absolutely no cancer, but the medical teams refer to it as remission. Only when one has no cancer after 5 years of intense scrutiny can the patient be declared cured. That does have some attached worries and concern. We are nervous until the results are delivered. Cancer is in the back of our minds all the time, but it is what it is.
I may go up to the office and dispose of some paper files and empty out another file cabinet. Maybe.
Well, have a fun and fruitful day in The Holler, dear friend, and your info for us is much appreciated! Lol!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Are those dudes doing the Bunny Hop...
they better be careful if they are, only the last one in the back of the row is safe.
According to wikipedia:
They better hope the guy behind him in line doesn't have short arms when they grab each other by the waist. Or, they better hope the leader doesn't crash into a wall and they all pancake into each other.
They probably should avoid playing leap frog as well.
OK, I know I'm bad, I'll go stand in the corner and think about what I just wrote.
Good morning otc, thanks for the ot and the
Great News~~
. Please congratulate JtC for us.It looks like we made it to Saturday again which is good. They discovered a new species of cat in Bolivia, which is probably at least quasi-good news. The US has relented and will allow Iranian delegates to attend the UN hoo hah, which is arguably pointless news insofar as the UN is arguably pointless.It would be nice if it weren't, but lotsa stuff would be nice if only it were true.
You might consider Tillamook Ice Cream.
So a lot of fresh veggies and fruit, a lot of it organic, will be available a mile and a half away in just about an hour, which is something mucho good, because I will be seriously stocking up for the week to come for reasons to be disclosed mañana.
So, I should go get my act together, at least for now.
So, the theme for the day seems to be -
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 --
Good morning, el!
New cats in Bolivia? Cool! I researched the country as a possible tour destination, but they have very little in the way of tourism infrastructure. Hotels, restaurants, highways, buses, featured excursions, just do not support tours.
Btw, I can't find Tillamook ice cream anywhere in Texas. Best I could come up with was Breyer's and HD were the options. Thanks for the suggestion, and I will keep on hunting for it.
Your food stocking sounds great, no matter what the reason behind it might be, friend. We would gladly drive an hour to buy organic fresh veggies. But that is as hard as finding Tillamook ice cream.
The UN has become impotent. And our behavior toward Iranian members is disgraceful, and our conflict with Iran, a country which poses no threat to us, and never has, is a war crime writ large.
I think we are planning something hugely aggressive militarily. Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, are not eager to die for Israel. Rumors are that there is resistance to this bs in the combat ranks. Also, the number of military deaths has been withheld from us. Maybe we will learn the truth post-election.
I always appreciate your thoughts and contributions here, dear friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
That Chaka is amazing
thanks for sharing. BTW, if gettin an act together is a goal then not sure it is viable.
At least in my case. Who you gonna fool? Enjoy your veggie harvest.
Zionism is a social disease
Some ct for the hell of it
The Truth About the Trump Shootings with Ken Silva by The Corbett Report
Read on Substack
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
A new cle offering!
Notice the speakers are not lawyers, but giving a sales pitch for their products?
--------------
Live Webcast!
LegalTech for Family Law Beyond Drafting: AI, Automation, & Billable Hours
Applies to the Texas Bar College & Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law.
Tuesday, September 29th
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. CT
MCLE Credit: 1.5 hrs.
MCLE#: 174330902
Registration Fee: $95
Can't make the webcast on the scheduled date? Register now and view the recording at your convenience. All webcasts are archived after the broadcast and available to review as many times as you like! This presentation is accredited through August 31, 2027.
Family law practices lose more revenue inside their own billing workflows than to any client who refuses to pay. This presentation addresses three questions that determine how much. First, where does the money actually leak and how do you find it in your own time entries, write-offs, and retainer replenishment cycles? Second, which of the available fixes are required, permitted, or prohibited by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct governing fees, trust accounts, and client communication? Third, when part of that workflow is handed to automation or an AI tool, Texas Ethics Opinion 705 (2025) answers two questions firms are already facing: what Rule 5.03 requires you to supervise, and what happens to the invoice when the tool does in minutes what you would have billed by the hour.
Learning Objectives:
Audit your firm's billing against Rule 1.04's prohibition on illegal or unconscionable fees, and pinpoint where unbilled time, write-offs, and scope creep create fee-dispute exposure.
Close the retainer-replenishment and reconciliation gaps that drain revenue, without creating commingling or recordkeeping violations under Rule 1.14.
Apply Rule 1.03's communication duty to invoicing and collections, so payment requests stay timely without straining the client relationship.
Evaluate an AI or automation tool against Opinion 705 and the supervisory standard in Rule 5.03 before it touches client funds, time entries, or client communications.
Recognize the billing patterns specific to family law, such as flat-fee carryover, mid-matter scope changes, and retainer gaps, that generate more write-offs than other practice areas.
Bill AI-assisted work correctly under Opinion 705: why efficiency gains on an hourly matter belong to the client, and when a tool's subscription or per-use cost may be passed through with prior client agreement.
Apply a same-day audit checklist to your own billing, trust, and collections workflows.
Speakers:
Anna Naidis
Co-founder & CPO of Aparti.ai
Igor Sheremet
Co-founder & CEO of Aparti.ai
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
this regulation
hyper focus is why people choose to opt-out of this process.
Thinking minds do not care to genuflect to the 'all powerful' regs
imposed on their practice. The medical profession is undergoing
the same types of controls. "Just let AI handle it" is the story line.
Who programmed this magic knowledge base and for what purpose?
Zionism is a social disease
This just upsets me to no end, Cap'n.
Drs. make enough errors without AI in the picture.
All of this AI billing causes human job loss. It is attractive to big firms.
I never thought I would live to see the day when a non-lawyer would give me a lecture on professional ethics, on my dime, approved by the State Bar, as well.
Whereas the military can blame AI for causing them to shoot a girl's school in iran, drs. can tell folks no use to sue them, it was AI's fault, a Texas lawyer who relies on it is personally liable for mistakes and can be disbarred. We can't use it as a shield, while others can.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981