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Post by pegasus on Nov 5, 2013 8:41:14 GMT -7
Gunpowder Day Good afternoon my friends Another nice autumn day and slightly warmer. At least there's no "frost on the pumpkins" (if there are any left after Halloween). UPDATE: The Nazi art trove of more than 1,400 paintings contains previously unknown paintings that includes one by Henri Matisse. It is one of the largest and most significant discoveries of masterpieces and could be worth more than $1 billion. “When you're standing in front of these works, which for a long time were believed to have disappeared or to have been destroyed, it is an incredible feeling of joy,” Meike Hoffman, art historian at Berlin’s Free University, told a news conference in Augsburg, Germany. “They have an incredible artistic value. Many of the works were not at all known until now," she added. More than 20% of the art of Europe was looted by the Nazis under Hitler, and as many as 100,000 works are still thought to be missing, according to the US National Archives.
I'm sorry but it seems to be a slow day for interesting/oddball news. At least I'm finding it difficult to find anything that catches my interest enough to want to comment on it. <<sigh>> Thought for Today: "There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy." --Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) English author
Change of pace bearded iris
I hope you have a tasty Tuesday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 7, 2013 8:38:46 GMT -7
National Gin Day Good morning my friends Gloomy, rainy and cold - that's today. A good day to curl up in bed with a good book, which I just might do. I'm sorry but I'm having a difficult day. My legs are really giving me a problem and so I'm on my way back to bed to elevate them. Thought for Today: "I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." --Albert Camus (1913-1960) 1957 Nobel Prize-winning French novelist, essayist and playwright
Changing seasons bearded iris
Have a thoroughly great Thursday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 10, 2013 9:43:40 GMT -7
Forget-Me-Not Day Good afternoon my friends It's another overcast and chilly autumn day. It's fine for staying cozy and warm watching endless football games on TV, which is my plan for the day. Those poor people in the Philippines!! The scenes of destruction by Typhoon Haiyan are horrendous!! I thought the destruction by Hurricane Sandy was horrific but this is twice as bad. So far they are estimating that 10,000 or more people have been killed in the province of Leyte. As with Sandy, most of the destruction was caused by surging sea water. "From a helicopter, you can see the extent of devastation. From the shore and moving a kilometer inland, there are no structures standing. It was like a tsunami," Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas told Reuters. According to authorities, it flattened hundreds of homes and triggered mudslides, flash flooding and a storm surge with waves of up to 30 feet. The weather system has been downgraded overnight from a "super typhoon" to a typhoon, and was making its way toward Vietnam, where it may become no more than a tropical storm.
Thought for Today: "It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere." --Agnes Repplier (1858-1950) American essayist and writer
Chanted dwarf bearded iris
I hope you all are having a superb Sunday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 12, 2013 8:30:46 GMT -7
National Young Reader's Day Good morning my friends Well, we had some of the white stuff last night and it's sticking because it's overcast and the temp is only in the 20sF. <<sigh>> Today is a special sequential date: 11/12/13. There's only one more to go in this millennium - next year on 12/13/14. There are expected to be over 30,000 weddings worldwide today - who could forget this wedding date in years to come? The talk about the 2016 presidential race is starting and we've got two years to go!! According to an NBC News poll if New Jersey Gov. Christie runs for president, he would face the dual challenges of uniting a fractured Republican Party and besting a formidable Hillary Clinton in a general election. Really?? This is a news story?? I could have told you this. It covers any GOP candidate. And who's to say that Hilary Clinton will be the Democratic candidate any how. Joe Biden isn't going to try for the nomination? Or how about the present Secretary of State trying again? Hmmmm. I can't stand the thought of two years of presidential election politics. It drove me crazy in 2012-14 and it looks like it's beginning again. Arrrrrggggghhhhhh!!!!
Thought for Today: "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) 1925 Nobel Prize-winning Irish playwright, critic and essayist
Chartres miniature bearded iris
Have a terrific Tuesday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 14, 2013 10:10:10 GMT -7
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day Good afternoon my friends We had a little -NO- overnight but the sun is out and all's gone. It's a little warmer today with the temp in the middle 40s, but still winter wear weather. UPDATE: The US Navy's aircraft carrier George Washington with its two accompanying destroyers has arrived off the devastated Philippine coast and immediately began moving aid to the desperate survivors of the typhoon megastorm. More than 500,000 people have been displaced with 2,357 confirmed deaths so far. The immediate priority over the next few days is to transport and distribute high energy biscuits and other food, tarpaulins, tents, clean drinking water and basic sanitation services. The USS George Washington carries purifying machines that can make about 100,000 of gallons of drinking water a day. Its presence significantly boosts the US aid already in the region. Since US Marines arrived Sunday, they have brought about 100,000 pounds of supplies into the area. “One of the best capabilities the Strike Group brings is our 21 helicopters,” Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery said in a statement. “These helicopters represent a good deal of lift to move emergency supplies around.” Also Great Britain is deploying their carrier HMS Illustrious to help aid in disaster relief. And the carnage by guns continues. A 7-month-old baby boy died after being shot in the head and his father was also killed in an apparent ambush on their car near one of New Orleans’ main Mississippi River crossing bridges. “It was heartbreaking to clearly see what was a bullet hole in the side of baby's car seat. No family should have to endure the murder of a 7-month-old baby" New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas said. And I agree wholeheartedly and I hope that someday this nation will do something to change our fascination with guns. Thought for Today: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." --Confucius (551-479 BC) China's most famous teacher, philosopher, and political theorist
Chasing rainbows bearded iris
I hope you're having a truly lovely Thursday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 16, 2013 10:19:37 GMT -7
National Day of Play Good afternoon my friends So far it's been a pleasant autumn day with the sun shining in a blue sky and temp of 53ºF!! Balmy almost. Yeserday it was sinkholes in Florida, today it's shootings or threats of one. A 9-year-old boy was shot in the face while sleeping at 3 a.m. in the morning (a drive-by shooting with multiple shots fired) in South Florida's Liberty City. In West Palm Beach, a shooting standoff with bail bonds agents ended when the suspect surrendered peacefully. Not even a purely entertaining spectacle like the Macy's Thanksgiving parade is safe from politics. Joan Jett and her band have had to switch from the South Dakota float due to a trade group for ranchers in the state complaining about her because she advocates a vegetarian diet and supports PETA (People for the Ethic Treatment of Animals). Mind you, there was no signs on the float of her personal beliefs and most people had no idea of them either. She was on the float for pure entertainment purposes. Macy's said they would find some other entertainment figure for the float.
Thought for Today: "Most of us are just about as happy as we make up our minds to be." --William Adams (1564-1620) English merchant, adventurer and explorer, (the first Englishman to visit Japan)
Chateau d'Auvers sur oise bearded iris
I hope you all have a wild, but not tooooooo wild, weekend
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Post by pegasus on Nov 18, 2013 10:29:06 GMT -7
Married To a Scorpio Support Day Good afternoon my friends Right now it's a lovely autumn day with the temps in the 560s. BUT last night was a different story. There is nothing like a wind storm in the middle of the night to set your nerves to jumping. And that's exactly what mine were doing last night as the wind and rain swirled around my trailer. Scary!! All I could think about was the story about the storms that had hit the Midwest. I was just reading an article on Liz Cheney (elder daughter of former Vice Pres. Dick Cheney) "feud" with her sister Mary and her wife Heather Poe over same-sex marriage. She's against it, now that she's running to become the GOP candidate for the US Senate in Wyoming. In a 2009 interview on MSNBC she voiced opposition to a constitutional amendment that would have banned same sex marriage and praised the State Department for offering benefits to same sex partners. Now there's a case of ambition for you - putting political needs above the family. Pathetic.
Some local snapshots.
Full Beaver Moon Huge orange moon rising over the Finger Lakes before sunset on Saturday night.
Like Glass On Saturday afternoon along the Canandaigua City Pier, the water was calm, creating these reflections.
Taughannock in November Taughannock Falls, near Ithaca, as seen on a sunny mild day almost too good to be true for November in the Finger Lakes. Thought for Today: "Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is." --Albert Camus (1913-1960) 1957 Nobel Prize-winning French novelist, essayist and playwright
Chatter bearded iris
I hope everyone is having a mesmerizing Monday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 20, 2013 11:07:04 GMT -7
National Absurdity Day Good Afternoon my friends The sun is out in a lovely blue sky BUT the temp is only 33ºF. It's cold!! This is not turning out to be one of my better days and so I'm off to bed for some leg elevation and a nap. See you later. Thought for Today: "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." --Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American author, poet, Transcendentalist philosopher and abolitionist,
Cheetah cheese bearded iris
Have a wow of a Wednesday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 20, 2013 22:09:27 GMT -7
Some thoughts on A-Rods suspension hearing.
The burden on proof as to why he should be suspended for four times longer than anyone else has ever been is on baseball. They claim that they have massive amounts of evidence. But no one but the powers that be have seen that evidence. They should have presented at least some of it to show that their suspension had some basis in fact. So far they have done nothing but talk about having some. Well, what is it? A-Rod has a right to know and defend himself.
Baseball now is trying to paint him further as a villain by saying he refuses to testify under oath. To testify against what? All so far is accusation without any proof of wrongdoing. Neither side has "testified under oath" in this case.
Let's remember that in this country you are innocent until proven guilty. So, major league baseball, show us how, when and where A-Rod has been guilty of violating your drug policies..
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Post by pegasus on Nov 22, 2013 10:22:43 GMT -7
Go For a Ride Day Good afternoon my friends Another gloomy, damp autumn day. Yuck!! The 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination. I was 27 and 11 months pregnant with my first son when it happened. I confess that I was not a JFK fan but was shocked at his death. A president has been shot and killed in modern America??? Impossible!! So I sat glued to the TV watching repeated scenes of the tragedy. I was watching the Dallas police department's attempt to move Oswald and saw him get shot by Ruby in real time. Another shock. I watched the funeral procession in Washington, DC and John John's saluting his father. How sad. Was he old enough to retain any memories of his father or would they all be based on the news reels? And now Caroline is the only survivor and her children the only grandchildren of JFK. I'm still not a fan of JFK as president. I think he is being given credit for many of the things that LBJ actually did. But I feel deep sorrow for the manner of Kennedy's passing. And could we please stop all the bizarre conspiracy theories. I'm really tired of all that nonsense. Finally, the US Senate has voted to change one of its fundamental rules, the so-called 'nuclear option,' for executive branch and non-Supreme Court judicial nominations. It's about time. I don't care whether it's a Republican president or Democrat, they deserve to choose their nominees and have them approved by a simple majority. Right now the judicial branch is hurting because of the so-called nuclear option use - the minority party being able to block any nomination. Both parties have usedthis and it's time that both are prevented from imposing their will on the majority party. Good for you Sen. Reid. Thought for Today: "Perhaps I am a bear, or some hibernating animal underneath, for the instinct to be half asleep all winter is so strong in me." --Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001) American author, aviator, and the spouse of fellow aviator Charles Lindbergh
Cherry blossom song bearded iris
TGIF Have a grrrrrreat weekend
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Post by pegasus on Nov 24, 2013 9:47:27 GMT -7
Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day Good afternoon my friends It's been snowing since last night and everything is covered with pristine white snow. Unfortunately, that will change, but right now it looks lovely. BUT I am thankful that I don't have to go out in that low temp wonderland!! The West has reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear program, thank goodness. Secretary of State John Kerry and leaders from five other world powers reached a nuclear deal with Iran, that represents a historic breakthrough in the world's decade-long nuclear standoff and in the 35-year-long diplomatic freeze between Iran and the United States. Kudos to both sides for showing common sense over this issue. While the "first step" deal is currently set to last for a period of just six months, it has provided a massive sense of relief on all sides in Geneva as it is expected to make Iran less capable of building a nuclear bomb for the time being, while at the same time easing the financial pain Iran's economy has been enduring under the sanctions. Perhaps most significantly, it also makes a final comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the world suddenly more possible. Diplomacy often takes time but in the long run is better than military action. And, it effectively clips the wings of this country's war hawks!!
Time for football. I like to watch the NFL Red Zone and see the exciting parts of all the games, unless the NY Giants game is on the tube. Today that's the late game on Fox (vs. Dallas).
One rather unique fact about today's games is that brothers, who are the sons of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, will be on opposite sides of the ball in the Chicago Bears (Kyle) vs. St. Louis Rams (Chris). Kyle Long will start at right offensive guard for the Bears. Older brother Chris Long starts at left defensive end for the Rams. So whenever the Rams are on defense and the Bears have the ball, the Brothers Long will be close enough to shake hands. Or try to knock one another over.
Thought for Today: "Do not weep. Do not wax indignant. Understand." --Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) Dutch philosopher, exponent of Rationalism
Cherub's smile bearded iris
I hope you are having a sumptuous Sunday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 26, 2013 9:41:51 GMT -7
Shopping Reminder Day Good afternoon my friends It's another gloomy day but somewhat warmer with temps in lower 30s. The forecast is for more snow. Last year was warmer than usual and we didn't get much in the way of snow until after the new year. My how things can change in a year!! According to the news, the US Congress is on track for one of the least productive years ever with a 'to-do' list more like a 'might-do' list. A perfect portrait of one of the most dysfunctional group of politicians we have ever seen. And we've got another year of this appalling Congress to endure until next November when we can throw the bums out!! Pope Francis called for big changes in the Roman Catholic Church in an 85-page address called an "apostolic exhortation" named Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). "I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," the Pope said. He made a bold and sweeping call for change, including at the top, and a rethinking of long-held traditions (i.e. refusal of Holy Communion to those who support abortion or are divorced). In a section of Evangelii entitled "some challenges to today's world," he sharply criticized what he called an "idolatry of money" and "the inequality that spawns violence." "Today’s economic mechanisms promote inordinate consumption, yet it is evident that unbridled consumerism combined with inequality proves doubly damaging to the social fabric," the Pope wrote. I remember I had a feeling that finally the Catholic Church had a pope who would reform it and make it more relevant to today's environment. His taking of the name Francis was a foretelling of things to come.
Thought for Today: "Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments/" --Rose F. Kennedy (1890-1995) mother of John F. Kennedy & Robert Kennedy; daughter of John Francis "Sunny" Fitzgerald, mayor of Boston.,
Cheyenne sky bearded iris
I hope you are having a tasty Tuesday
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Post by pegasus on Nov 28, 2013 20:38:30 GMT -7
I'm about to burst!! My son is too good a chef and I had to have a spoonful of all the various veggie dishes (brussel sprouts, corn pudding, green bean casserole, squash & nuts casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce & deliciously moist turkey). Then we had a choice of pumpkin, apple or chocolate cream pie and ice cream. I passed on the desserts.
My family has been enlarged. One of the girls (a junior at Fredonia majoring in music and pre-med) is getting married in December. She was there with her fiancé. Then my DIL's half-brother arrived with his baby boy (his wife was at Wal-Mart to get a 30" TV for $98). And for the first time my oldest grandson joined us. It would have been perfect if my middle son (my oldest grandson's father) had been able to come with his significant other and Mia. They were the only members of my family that were missing, but had car trouble and couldn't get there.
I hope everyone had as nice a Thanksgiving as I did. Even Macy's parade came off without a hitch. My favorite spectacle along with the New Year's Rose Parade.
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Post by pegasus on Nov 30, 2013 10:21:20 GMT -7
National Game & Puzzle Week Good afternoon my friends When I got up this a.m. around 9 a.m. it was fair with a weak sun shining but temp was 18ºF that felt like 8ºF!! <<shiver>> Now that is cold!! And it's still autumn. UPDATE: North Korea has released a video showing detained 85-year-old US war veteran Merrill E. Newman reading an apology for "hostile acts" against the state and accused him of being "a criminal" who was involved in the killing of civilians during the 1950-53 Korean War. There was no direct word from Newman, and his alleged apology, which was dated Nov. 9, couldn't be independently confirmed. Pyongyang has been accused of previously coercing statements from detainees. The statement may be a possible indication that Newman could be released, according to one expert. If I were a Korean-American or veteran of the Korean War I would think long and hard about any plans to visit North Korea.
Here we go again. Reed Elsevier's Food and Chemical Toxicology (FCT) journal's controversial and much-criticized study suggesting genetically modified corn caused tumors in rats has been withdrawn after a year-long investigation found it did not meet scientific standards.Tthe retraction was because the study's small sample size meant no definitive conclusions could be reached. David Spiegelhalter, a professor of the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge, said it was "clear from even a superficial reading that this paper was not fit for publication." It was another journal who published a similarly flawed study that claimed vaccines were a cause leading to autism. It, too, was finally withdrawn citing similar flaws - too small a sample to be able to use to support its assertions. Local pictures of the week:
Cold start A brisk wind chill and a cold start to a bright and sunny Black Friday as the ice begins its formation on Sodus Point Pier on Lake Ontario. Photo by Chris Trine
Black Friday, Red Bird Friday morning, this bright male cardinal was enjoying the sun in a Farmingtion backyard. Photo by Mike Sargent
Lyons Buffalo After Snowfall A lone buffalo stands in a field covered with snow just outside of Lyons, in Wayne County on Black Friday morning. Photo by Jeanette Hernandez
Look Who Came For Dessert! "Just as I was about to serve our dessert after Thanksgiving dinner, I looked out the kitchen window to see 12 deer enjoying their dessert. Still plenty of apples here in Phelps to keep the deer coming back for more." Photo and comment by Mary Linehan Thought for Today: "Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius." --Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) American archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio.
Chilled wine Siberian iris
I hope you have a sunny Saturday
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Post by pegasus on Dec 2, 2013 11:56:21 GMT -7
Cyber Monday Good afternoon my friends It's overcast with snow in the forecast; however it has warmed up into the mid 30s, so it is possible that we will get rain instead. I'd rather have snow!! Right-wing radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh is claiming that Pope Francis is preaching 'pure Marxism' in the Pope's latest document, "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel). "I'm not Catholic, but I know enough to know that this would have been unthinkable for a pope to believe or say just a few years ago," Limbaugh said. In fact, Francis' predecessor, Benedict XVI could be just as strong a critic of capitalism.In 2009, Benedict issued an encyclical that said there was an urgent need for "a political, juridical and economic order" that would "manage the global economy." Even Pope John Paul II thought that unregulated capitalism could have negative consequences.. I think Limbaugh should concentrate on political figures and leave one of the few men in this world who has the moral stature to warn against today's rampant culture of greed.
Have you seen the newscasts about the violence taking place in Ukraine? I watched and thought how sad, but didn't understand why I should care beyond that. Then I read an article showing why - the future of the European continent -- and American prosperity and security. If you are interested in learning why: edition.cnn.com/2013/12/02/opinion/frum-ukraine-russia/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 Thought for Today: "We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading." --B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) American behavioral psychologist, inventor and social philosopher
China dragon bearded iris
I hope you are having a mirth-filled Monday
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