The Classical Saturday Coffee Break & Prayer Revival

Good morning boys and girls and everything in between. According to the calendar it is April 5. One would not know that looking at the lakes here in the frozen tundra.

Before we enter the Prayer Revival, just a few house keeping matters to go over. (Rulz for those of you in Slinger)

1. This is an open thread unless you are that person, then it is not. But for the remainder of you it is an open thread and feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate.
2. Be kind, be nice. Most trolls are mentally ill. And no jumping on the furniture.
3. Running with sharp objects is not permitted. You are not even allowed to think about it.
4. Have a nice weekend.

AoSHQ Weekly Prayer List

Please submit any prayer requests to me, “Annie’s Stew” at apaslo atsign hotmail dot com. Prayer requests are generally removed after four weeks unless we receive an update.

Prayer Requests:

1/18 – Jrgunn77 requested prayers for health, which was fine a few months ago, but recently has been his with extremely high BP spikes, anxiety attacks, constant headaches, and hernia troubles. Jrgunn is on meds for the BP and anxiety, scheduled for a colonoscopy, and has referrals for a cardiologist and neurologist. These out of the blue anxieties are the worst. Jrgunn also asked for prayers for a friend from church, Rodney, who has recently suffered lung failure and is on oxygen, to come home from the hospital, and Pastor Ben and his brother, for comfort after the passing of their little sister from drug addiction.
3/8 Update – Pneumonia has cleared, and the neurologist is treating him for Parkinsonian tremor. The CT scan showed 3 hernias. The BP, head pressure, and physical strength is better and he was able to work a couple of hours. Rodney is awake, but has intestinal bleeding. They are still waiting for test results, and if they are bad, he will be knocked off the transplant list. He’s still on 100% oxygen.
3/8 Update – Lester Fahrner posted that BP spikes and anxiety needs lab and urine tests for carcinoid tumor and pheochromocytoma.
3/15 Update – Rodney was placed on the official transplant list on 3/12. On 3/15, he received donor lungs during a 14 hour surgery. Now prayers are for his recovery and for God’s provision for the avalanche of medical bills.

1/31 – Bif Bewalski gave an update on Smash. The blood work confirmed that she does not have pancreatitis. They gave her fluids, 3 types of digestive system meds via IV, and then ignored her for 8 hours. Anyway, she is home and feeling better.
3/22 Update – They are going to run an upper GI series of tests to confirm whether a previous surgery has allowed fluid to settle onto the upper stomach, causing all the issues. Then Smash got the flu, which turned into pneumonia. On the mend now.

2/15 – Ben Had asked for continued prayers for Jim Sunk New Dawn. He hasn’t been on the ONT for a while now.
2/22 Update – Doof heard from Jim SND and posted an update. Jim SND says he is doing OK and is in good spirits, all things considered. He’s just struggling to keep up with things here on the blog due to physical limitations. Doof plans to keep checking on him. Jim SND definitely appreciates our prayers and support.
3/7 Update – Jim Sunk New Dawn sent an update to Weird Dave. Jim SND sends his greetings and thanks for the prayers. He can’t reply to everyone; his 80 wpm is now about 8. He can barely type, and chewing is even tough. He says he is a walking skeleton. He is getting full benefits from the VA, so that helps with ADA mods to the house, healthcare, etc.
4/1 Update – Jim was hospitalized for a few days, and has been transferred to Houston. He is still having trouble with breathing, talking, and eating. They are planning to put in a feeding tube on 4/2. Jim is still reading, even though he cannot comment. He and Iris greatly appreciate the prayers. Prayers for a successfully and uneventful surgery, a quick recovery, and for Iris, for help, peace, and laughter in these trying times.

2/18 – Teresa in Fort Worth asked for prayers for her husband’s niece, Amanda, who has just been put on the waiting list for another new heart. After 4 years with her first donor heart, her body is starting to reject it. She is only 40 years old, and has had heart issues her entire adult life. Please pray that Amanda’s body would stay well long enough for her to have another transplant. And also prayers for the family of this as-yet-unknown donor. Amanda knows full well what her receiving a new heart “means” to the donor family.
3/4 Update – Amanda still needs prayers. St. Luke’s cannot give her a second heart, so they have turned to Methodist in Houston, hoping that they will be able to handle her complex case.

3/1 – antisocial justice beatnik would appreciate some prayers for Mom, who is continuing to suffer terribly from a botched medical procedure back in mid-Dec. Mom was rushed from her rehab facility to ER on 2/28, then back to the hospital that botched her care in Dec. Antisocial justice beatnik and Dad are doing their best to support her and each other, but Dad has his own existing medical issues to worry about, and AJB’s FMLA is running out.
3/8 Update – Mom is stable but continues to suffer with a horrific bed wound and blood clots in her legs. She will be bedridden for the foreseeable future. Dad is still having medical issues but is still mobile. AJB and Dad still take shifts to visit Mom. AJB also figures s/he will be looking for another job soon, so has found a resume and will start applying.
3/15 Update – It was a rough week. For the first part of the week, Mom spent every waking moment groaning in agony from osteomyelitis due to her bed sores. The pain has been better controlled the last few days.

3/1 - thefritz requests prayers for his friend Jeff, his wife, and two children. Jeff’s pancreatic cancer has spread to his liver. They have stopped chemo and moved him to home hospice.
3/17 Update – Jeff succumbed to pancreatic cancer on 3/16. Please pray for his wife and two grown children.

3/6 – Bulg asked for prayers. He is planning to send a conciliatory letter to his only sister, who has been estranged for 20 years. There had been a family breakup over the parents’ estate. The sister has begun communicating with Bulg’s brothers, so he is going to try and reestablish contact. Prayers that his attempt will be successful are appreciated.

3/6 – Toad-O asked for prayers for a son-in-law, his mother, and the rest of the family. The mother is in the hospital with severe lung damage and her survival is uncertain. The mother’s mother just died of a similar illness. Also, her husband is also in the hospital with a ruptured colon. All of these things hit in the same week, and the impact has been devastating. A miracle is desperately needed.
3/8 Update – The mother passed away on 3/8, on her 61st birthday. As you can imagine, the family is devastated. Prayers for comfort in this time of sorrow are requested.

3/8 – Misanthropic Humanitarian offered a prayer. “Dear Father, Thank you for sparing Donald J. Trump’s life in Butler, PA. Thank you for a President who loves his country and is trying to do everything he can to improve our citizens lives. We often come to you with our troubles and not to you as often as we should when we should be thankful. We pray through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

3/8 - Tonypete asked for prayers for K and Mr. X. K started dating Mr. X, and he is a very nice gentleman, but he mentions his late wife in every other sentence. It’s starting to wear on K.

3/8 – Ben Had asked for continued prayers for AZ deplorable as he works to get his strength back.
3/22 Update – AZ deplorable moron reports that he is on the mend after the stroke. His left side is still not up to snuff, but he is working on it. Thank you all for your prayers.

3/8 – Retired Buckeye Cop asked for prayers for his younger brother, J. He has been a police officer at a local Catholic university for 26 years. Due to internal politics, the police chief has informed J that his position (Captain) is being phased out as of 6/30 and he needs to seek employment elsewhere. May J find a new job soon.

3/8 – Piper asked for prayers for a close friend who has breast cancer. It’s already at stage 3 when it was discovered. She has chemo, surgery, and radiation coming up. She is a mom, with a son age 12. Her husband is being a trooper, but it’s hard.

3/8 – Cosda posted good news. Two years ago, we prayed for a sister who had colon cancer and was undergoing surgery and chemo. That was successful. On 3/7, her checkup showed that she was still cancer free. Thank you for the prayers and thank God for the healing.

3/13 – Teresa in Fort Worth’s health continues to improve with her cancer treatments. Her CA19-9 results continue to go down, which is great news.

3/15 – Grammie Winger updated that Rev is still weak, but he is eating and his spirits are good.

3/15 – Fenelon Spoke requested prayers for the daughter of their beloved, retired, organist. The daughter is a dear woman on her second bout of cancer and is having treatments. Thanks so much!

3/15 – Smell the glove sent thanks for the prayers. The aunt is doing well with her treatment for colon cancer.

3/15 – MkY asked for continued prayers for his wife, Judy, who was diagnosed with stage IV renal cancer 2 months ago. She is getting immunotherapy, along with another drug that is supposed to enhance immunotherapy. She is very weak, and they don’t know if the various issues she is having is due to the cancer(s) or the drugs. Probably both. In early April, she is due for another CT scan with contrast (which hurts). If the tumors have not shrunk, they will probably start alternative therapies.

3/20 – L asked for continued prayers for her daughter, Shannon. She is the Franciscan sister, who was traveling to Cleveland for surgery. The operation was a success! It involved replacement of two valves, and repair to aortic aneurysm. The surgery was 3/11, and she was released 3/18. She is staying with her aunt, a retired nurse, this week, and will go to her sister’s house for continued recovery next week. L and her husband have not seen her in person, since they came down with a bad flu, but have visited via a video call, and can see improvement. L sends her thanks for the prayers. Shannon appreciated it, L appreciated it, and it helped keep them all calmer.

3/22 – Eromero could use prayers. He was in ICU with double pneumonia, but is improving and out of ICU now. He is on a pegtube the rest of his life.
3/29 Update – Eromero sent his thanks for the prayers. He is in p/t, o/t, and eating real food, though mashed unrecognizable. He expects to be in for another 7-10 days. He also asks for the Lot’d blessing on all here who need physical or spiritual healing.

3/22 – vmom deport deport deport asked for prayers for her husband, because layoffs are expected at his company soon.
3/29 Update – Hubby is still working – the company laid off a bunch of employees but not him. He is hoping to hang on at least another year.

3/22 – screaming in digital got her mom moved into assisted living on Tuesday. There have been some rough spots, and no doubt will be more, but she is doing better than they dared hope. Many thanks for your prayers.

3/22 – J.J. Sefton posted that his latest MRI indicated no new tumor growth and the surgical wound is healing nicely. He took his final chemo pull last night, so fingers crossed, he thinks he is in the percentage of glioblastoma patients that ultimately outpace recurrence by greater than the expected timeframe. MRIs now every two months for the rest of his life. God bless you all for your prayers and kindness.

3/24 – FenelonSpoke requested prayers for a young friend, “C”, who was just in the hospital, probably for depression. Fen doesn’t have all the details yet. “C” has the intense job of being an addictions counselor and is a very bright, caring RC woman. She needs healing and the rough places made smooth. Thanks very much.
3/29 Update – Thanks so much for the prayers. “C” is out of the hospital and doing much better.

3/24 – Mister Ghost posted “Hospitals can kill you. Prayers are much better. I am stuck in a hospital in the Boston area for the 8th straight day and am starting to look like a concentration camp survivor. This is brutal and if there’s anyone who could say a prayer for me, I would be eternally grateful. Prayers carry a great deal of power. I’m not as sure about modern medicine….”

3/24 – Update on Jewell45. Her daughter posted an update, with approval to share: "Okay. Need to do a life update for mama. She hasn’t been doing so hot the last couple weeks. Like I said last month, the cancer has been spreading. She’s been declining quite a bit since then. Her energy level is very low and she’s struggling with breathing after the smallest tasks or even if shes talks too much. The decision has been made to transition to hospice care. I want to be clear here about a couple things. Number one, she is NOT in her final days although her oncologist estimates with how the cancer has progressed that she is probably down to several months, 6-9 maybe more. Number 2. She is up for visitors but not much. Please contact myself, dad or her first. She won’t last much longer than 15-20 minutes if you do stop by, so keep your expectations low. Other than that, continued prayers and good vibes are always appreciated. Much love to you all. If you have questions, feel free to contact me privately. This is obviously a difficult time as you can imagine but I’ll do my best."

3/24 – Ellipse (“…” asked to enlist the prayers of the amazing horde, for a good friend’s wife, who is in need of a rather sudden biopsy.
3/27 Update – They are waiting on results from a mass that was somehow missed last month on a mammogram. They are understandably very scared and won’t know until 3/31. She has other symptoms too. The kids are older but not grown.

3/27 – Cosda asked the Horde to keep his wife in their prayers. She recently had a mole removed from her thigh and the biopsy report came back this morning as melanoma cancer. They will be seeing an oncologist the week of 3/31.

3/27 – Sponge sent an update. “Thank you, all of you, for your thoughts and prayers for the First Lady during this ridiculously difficult journey the last several months. Your kind words and heartfelt prayers really made a difference for her and we're eternally grateful for it. God is great and we've crossed over what should be the final big hurdle in this battle. She's over the moon excited and is feeling incredibly blessed today. God Bless you all and thank you so very much.”

3/29 – FenelonSpoke asked for prayers for “C”, the father of a friend. “C” has to have a benign tumor removed, which is pressing on his spine and making walking difficult.

3/29 – neverenoughcaffeine had requests: 1. Baby Isaac is now at Seattle Children’s Hospital with additional issues. He’s 2 months old and has spent lots of time in hospitals. 2. Bonnie, who was just diagnosed with a cancerous nodule in her lung. Thankfully it hasn’t spread and immunotherapy will start when she receives the drug specifically tailored to her need. 3. Charlie, who suffered a nasty fall that broke his back and cracked his skull. Two brain bleeds have incapacitated him. He has a long road to recovery.

3/29 – FenelonSpoke requested prayers for “J”, the grown son of a friend who is back living with his parents. He is having some mental health issues and other unspecified problems. He needs healing and rough places made smooth. Thanks.

3/29 – Our Country is Screwed asked to be kept in our prayers as he starts his chemo regimen this week.

4/1 – Sock Monkey’s family experienced a tragedy, and needs prayers. His brother-in-law and friend, chose to take his own life, in a moment of despair. Please pray for Sock Monkey’s sister-in-law, their 5 children, and their beautiful granddaughter, as they grieve.

For submission guidelines and other relevant info, please contact Annie's Stew, who is managing the prayer list. You can contact her at apaslo at-sign hotmail dot com. If you see a prayer request posted in a thread comment, feel free to copy and paste it and e-mail it to Annie's Stew. She tries to keep up with the requests in the threads, but she's not here all of the time, so she may not see it unless you e-mail it to her. Please note: Prayer requests are generally removed after four weeks or so unless we receive an update.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Prayers up for those who have asked us for them;
Prayers up for those who need them but haven't asked us for them;
Prayers up for those that need them but don't know it yet; and
Prayers up for those that pray alone in silence whose petitions are known only to God!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2025 08:26 AM (hOUT3)

2 Lord hear our prayers!

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 08:28 AM (J1mV/)

3 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:28 AM (ZOv7s)

4 Yo

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2025 08:29 AM (Q4IgG)

5 #1, #2, #3 above -
From your writing to God's ear.
Amen.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at April 05, 2025 08:30 AM (2AW7/)

6 Mornin', Horde.

What OCiS said.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 08:32 AM (Wnv9h)

7 Had my allotment of coffee today

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:32 AM (ypFCm)

8 Good morning morons and thanks to annie and mh and you morons for your prayers

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (RIvkX)

9 But for the remainder of you it is an open thread and feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate.

May I blather or pontificate?

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (AN2gy)

10 (Rulz for those of you in Slinger)


Little Winger is currently residing in Slinger. I don't know if he'll follow the rules or not.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (SfhV1)

11 May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy

Saturday morning is for pontificating.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 08:34 AM (J1mV/)

12 9 But for the remainder of you it is an open thread and feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate.

May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (AN2gy)

Can I perorate? I'm in the mood to perorate.

Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2025 08:35 AM (ApCvC)

13 Morning, caffeinators!

Thursday in Franklin, LA, we visited a coffee shop on Main St. in the Historic District. Nice place . . . and they had a slogan mounted: C.O.F.F.E.E., or "Christ Offers Full Freedom to Each and Everyone." I'd never seen that before.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:36 AM (omVj0)

14 Present, with coffee

Posted by: Don Black at April 05, 2025 08:36 AM (AOsQT)

15 *May I blather or pontificate?*

Not if you're drinking decaf.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:36 AM (dg+HA)

16 Sock Monkey’s family experienced a tragedy, and needs prayers. His brother-in-law and friend, chose to take his own life, in a moment of despair. Please pray for Sock Monkey’s sister-in-law, their 5 children, and their beautiful granddaughter, as they grieve.


Oh no. How tragic. Will pray.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (SfhV1)

17 But for the remainder of you it is an open thread and feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate.
*
May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025

***
Blustering, bragging, and filibustering encouraged.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (omVj0)

18 GOD BE PRAISED! Planned Parenthood has been forced to close three clinics in Michigan, meaning that there are no no abortionists in the Upper Peninsula.

Like many of you, I watched the people of the Great Lakes State approve a vile, extreme pro-death amendment to the state Constitution (aided in large measure by the feckless arrogance of Right to Life of Michigan), but God has the last word.

There are other ways to achieving His will besides the ballot box. This is why the British merchants of death are so fearful of public prayer and advocacy. It works.

What's interesting is that the closures are blamed on Trump cutting federal funding. Well, WHERE ARE THE SOROS BUCKS??? Where are the private donations??

These people are so greedy. Their one sins destroys the other. Thanks be to God and rejoice!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (ZOv7s)

19 BRCC AK47 pew pew pew

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (gbOdA)

20 A kot of good news on the list today
b"h for good health!

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (RIvkX)

21 But for the remainder of you it is an open thread and feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate.

May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (AN2gy)

Can I perorate? I'm in the mood to perorate.
Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2025 08:35 AM (ApCvC)

Something tells me many will reiterate.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (g8Ew8)

22 > I'm in the mood to perorate.

Without a net?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:38 AM (dg+HA)

23 Checking in here on the coffee thread despite the onerous rulz. Feral by nature, I'll try to act civilized while I'm here.

Posted by: Wild Man of Borneo at April 05, 2025 08:39 AM (G5+As)

24 Filibustering?

Depends.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:39 AM (dg+HA)

25 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

- Romans 12:15

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:40 AM (SfhV1)

26 Sock Monkey may his memory be a blessing.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:40 AM (RIvkX)

27 ehennigantx my daughter could use a little extra prayers.
GI issues over pain and nerve damage drugs.
Kicked out of PhD program by lying liars that said the email they sent that said she could sit out a semester as the class she needed was not being taught said they did not write that email.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (gbOdA)

28 With Steve gone, the Week in Pictures is mostly anti-Trump this week. Knew that was coming.

Posted by: Ian S. at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (xrQwm)

29 I'm sipping my coffee with chicory from a small cup I found at a thrift store in Franklin. It's not a microwaveable cup, so I can't reheat the coffee, I can only pour more.

Somehow I fail to see the problem here.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (omVj0)

30 >>> Not if you're drinking decaf.

I was imbibing 2nd steeped green tea with magnesium, some sort of citrus powder and and iodine drops mixed in.

I'd best stick to narration.

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (AN2gy)

31 Lord hear our prayers!
Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 08:28 AM (J1mV/)

Sock Monkey, heartfelt prayers up from here. May that family be supported and blessed by your continuing presence in their lives!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar - THIS Year in Corsicana - again at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (hOUT3)

32 prayers for Sock Monkey families

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (gbOdA)

33 May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (AN2gy)

Can I perorate? I'm in the mood to perorate.
Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2025 08:35 AM (ApCvC)

Something tells me many will reiterate.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (g8Ew
====

I'll perseverate on it.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:42 AM (RIvkX)

34 I bought a contigo cup
It has changed my life
hot coffee for about 15 minutes.
It is stainless so cannot micro

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:42 AM (gbOdA)

35 Sometimes, being ignored at the hospital for 8 hours is the best medicine.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 05, 2025 08:43 AM (ZmEVT)

36 Why is there a watermelon there?

Posted by: Dr. Varno at April 05, 2025 08:43 AM (zNefD)

37 Good morning, one and all. I may be traveling to Herndon today. A nice lady is getting rid of her car seat hammock and seat extenders and I can use both. The trouble comes from driving to Herndon because the Beltway was designed by Civil Engineers that hate people.

Posted by: NR Pax at April 05, 2025 08:43 AM (lXCUP)

38 The piece of furniture in the pic up top could use a good slathering of Scott's Liquid Gold.

Posted by: Ashley HomeStore at April 05, 2025 08:44 AM (G5+As)

39 my daughter could use a little extra prayers.
GI issues over pain and nerve damage drugs.
Kicked out of PhD program by lying liars that said the email they sent that said she could sit out a semester as the class she needed was not being taught said they did not write that email.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (gbOdA)


Oh dear. Will pray.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:44 AM (SfhV1)

40 Kicked out of PhD program by lying liars that said the email they sent that said she could sit out a semester as the class she needed was not being taught said they did not write that email.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (gbOdA)
---
Huh. That's crazy. See if there are lawyers who have experience suing the university and consult with one of them. Nasty legal threats sometimes work.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:44 AM (ZOv7s)

41 As I mentioned earlier, Miss Linda is dragging me to a parade today. Yes, parades happen at other times than the Annual Insanity, aka Mawdi Graw. This one is the Irish-Italian-Islenos Parade in St. Bernard Parish, aka "Da Parish." Not an area I've driven in for many years, so I'm having to consult Gorgle Maps.

It starts at noon, which is insane in this climate. I'll put on some sunscreen and wear my U.N.C.L.E. baseball cap. A straw hat would shade my face and neck better -- but there is likely to be wind. I don't want to spend an hour literally hanging on to my hat.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:44 AM (omVj0)

42 With Steve gone, the Week in Pictures is mostly anti-Trump this week. Knew that was coming.
Posted by: Ian S. at April 05, 2025 08:41 AM (xrQwm)

====

And no Star Trek memes either!

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at April 05, 2025 08:45 AM (RIvkX)

43 Nasty legal threats sometimes work.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:44 AM (ZOv7s)

In theory, two can play the lawfare game, but usually the rules are not very flexible for real people with real personal problems!

Shakespeare got it right...

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar - THIS Year in Corsicana - again at April 05, 2025 08:47 AM (hOUT3)

44 Isn't it interesting how abortion is this super-sacred thing to the left, and yet they're too cheap to kick up a collection to keep the mills fully staffed?

This was always the weak point - no matter how much they scare young women into voting for it, at the end of the day, more and more people see abortion as a horrific crime and want nothing to do with it. It would be a wonderful thing if we eventually wiped those laws off the books because they had become moot.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:48 AM (ZOv7s)

45 In theory, two can play the lawfare game, but usually the rules are not very flexible for real people with real personal problems!

Shakespeare got it right...
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar - THIS Year in Corsicana - again at April 05, 2025 08:47 AM (hOUT3)
---
Sometimes it works out. If it is a choice between bad publicity and honoring their word, this may push them into the right choice.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:49 AM (ZOv7s)

46 Hordemates,
Yesterday I had eye surgery. I've had an issue with floaters in my right eye for more than a year and have been to see the retina specialist a number of times for laser treatments. Sounds scary, but it's not.
A week ago my right eye filled with floaters to the point I couldn't see out of it. Just lights, shapes and colors.
Yesterday I went to a hospital for surgery where the floaters (vitreous fluid) was drained and the retina repaired.
As I sit here typing I am wearing an eye patch which doesn't look as badass as it sounds. My follow up visit is in a few hours.
I would not be so arrogant as to not ask for prayers, but I would like to say I have felt God's peace through everything that happened this week. He has provided abundantly!
I've been working on memorizing Hebrews 13:20 which begins, interestingly enough with "Now the God of peace..."

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:50 AM (dg+HA)

47 GOD BE PRAISED! Planned Parenthood has been forced to close three clinics in Michigan, meaning that there are no abortionists in the Upper Peninsula.


You spelled Northern Wisconsin wrong. In any event - Yay!

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:50 AM (SfhV1)

48 May I blather or pontificate?
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 08:33 AM (AN2gy)

Can I perorate? I'm in the mood to perorate.
Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2025 08:35 AM (ApCvC)

Something tells me many will reiterate.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 08:37 AM (g8Ew
====

I'll perseverate on it.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:42 AM

I would percolate first. This is, after all, the coffee thread.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 08:51 AM (Wnv9h)

49 Prayers offered. Wife wants to know if more stupid stuff includes pouring more coffee.

Posted by: epador at April 05, 2025 08:51 AM (TRnzq)

50 My follow up visit is in a few hours.
I would not be so arrogant as to not ask for prayers, but I would like to say I have felt God's peace through everything that happened this week. He has provided abundantly!
I've been working on memorizing Hebrews 13:20 which begins, interestingly enough with "Now the God of peace..."

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:50 AM (dg+HA)


May your follow-up bring nothing but good news.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 08:51 AM (SfhV1)

51 Special prayer for morons observing the solemn Lenten season in silence

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:52 AM (RIvkX)

52 WiP was a bit heavy on Trump
What is the Penguin meme about?
Really have no idea what brought that up

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:52 AM (ypFCm)

53 WiP was a bit heavy on Trump
What is the Penguin meme about?
Really have no idea what brought that up
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:52 AM (ypFCm)
---
The tariff thing is identifying traitors within the MAGA ranks. Them heap made that the grift is ending and the working class might get back up on its feet again.

These people loathe will all their being the notion of non-credentialed people making good incomes with tools. It cuts to the core of their status anxiety.

Penguin stuff is because Trump included an island with just penguins on it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 08:55 AM (ZOv7s)

54 Quarter Twenty a prayer for complete and speedy healing.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 08:55 AM (RIvkX)

55 WiP was a bit heavy on Trump
What is the Penguin meme about?
Really have no idea what brought that up
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:52 AM (ypFCm)

====
We are Everywhere.

Posted by: Big Penguin at April 05, 2025 08:56 AM (RIvkX)

56 "Penguin stuff is because Trump included an island with just penguins on it."

Ok, thanks.
Now explain the AOS obsession with otters.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:57 AM (dg+HA)

57 Yesterday, as I waited for my car's maintenance work to be done, one of my mechanic's customers came in. She had a 15-year-old Jaguar, and it was leaking a little coolant. I asked her which model of Jaguar she had, and she looked blankly at me and said, "It's fifteen years old." On top of that, she was astonished at the idea that -- since my mechanic could not get to her car that day -- she could put plain water in the coolant tank for a few days. "I t'ought it hadda be that coolant!"

He explained, more patiently than I would have, that pure water actually cools better than coolant. Coolant keeps the system from corroding, and of course doesn't freeze at the same point as water -- not an important detail around here right now. She listened to all this, and repeated, "I can put water in it?"

When she left, I looked at Kevin, my mechanic, and said, "Man, you need smarter customers."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:58 AM (omVj0)

58 Thanks Lloyd, the tariff stuff kind of bores me so haven't paid attention to it

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:58 AM (ypFCm)

59 This week is the anniversary of my ex-son-in-law's death. At the time, I was somewhat uncharitable towards him, but I did not see much reason to candy-coat what was going on.

With time, additional information from his parents, it is clear that he and my daughter were just a very bad match. They reinforced each other's weaknesses and undermined their strengths. They didn't have a relationship so much as a co-dependency. Couldn't live together, couldn't stay apart.

The most productive time they had was when they spent six months apart, and when they got back together, it was crisis after crisis. I explained to the parents that I did not attend the funeral because I was the villain in the story. I was the one who enforced the PPOs, called the police, attended the sentencing hearings and advocated for the strongest punishments. I felt that might have made things a bit awkward. We remain on good terms and the children are doing very well, which is a tremendous blessing.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:00 AM (ZOv7s)

60 We've lobbied the White House, dropped our own reciprocal tariffs, and have been assured we will receive Most Favored Aquatic Bird Status early next week.

Posted by: Penguin Defense Fund 501c3 at April 05, 2025 09:01 AM (G5+As)

61 Ok, thanks.
Now explain the AOS obsession with otters.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:57 AM (dg+HA)

Too complicated. But keep checking your six.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:02 AM (g8Ew8)

62 Good Saturday morning, horde.

Sock Monkey. I have no words. God be with your family now.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 09:03 AM (h7ZuX)

63 Thanks Lloyd, the tariff stuff kind of bores me so haven't paid attention to it
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 08:58 AM (ypFCm)
---
It's pretty dull stuff, but it is interesting to see how many people on the MAGA train were just going along for the ride.

I do find it somewhat sad that even reasonably sane people continue to defer to "experts" who have been wrong basically forever. Smoot-Hawley did not cause the Great Depression. FDR did that all by himself.

it will all blow over in a couple of days as the next gotcha is revealed. Maybe The Atlantic has more anonymous sources that say Trump insulted veterans. That one always works.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:04 AM (ZOv7s)

64 When she left, I looked at Kevin, my mechanic, and said, "Man, you need smarter customers."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:58 AM (omVj0)

Most people have no idea how a "car" works. They get in it, drive like maniacs and have no idea how the things run or what makes it go or what makes it stop. Ignorance abounds and most have no desire to learn. But they think they look good in their leased Hyundai. Crap!

Posted by: Moriarty at April 05, 2025 09:04 AM (R/m4+)

65 We've lobbied the White House, dropped our own reciprocal tariffs, and have been assured we will receive Most Favored Aquatic Bird Status early next week.
Posted by: Penguin Defense Fund 501c3 at April 05, 2025 09:01 AM (G5+As)
---
Honestly, the highlight for me was Vietnam throwing in the towel. I guess we need to move that war into the win column after all.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:05 AM (ZOv7s)

66 Seriously, I want Trump to demand basing rights as part of the deal.

Cope and seethe, China!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:05 AM (ZOv7s)

67 Good morning! Here's Hayoung Choi, the best cellist you never heard of:
youtube.com/watch?v=oWHJuQOm_t0

Posted by: gp at April 05, 2025 09:06 AM (SPruE)

68 *Ignorance abounds and most have no desire to learn.*

Kinda like computers and microwave ovens.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 09:06 AM (dg+HA)

69 When she left, I looked at Kevin, my mechanic, and said, "Man, you need smarter customers."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 08:58 AM (omVj0)
---
To be fair, today's cars are remarkably reliable. When I was a new driver, there was a lot of at-home maintenance, and one kept spare coolant, oil and rags in the trunk. I regularly checked the oil because my hand-me-down Ford "used" it.

Nowadays, there's hardly any issues.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:09 AM (ZOv7s)

70 FFS, Trump didn't target penguins with tariffs. He targeted two types of fish that are imported to the U.S. from the waters off the island.

Everything is fake and gay.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2025 09:09 AM (Y1sOo)

71 When she left, I looked at Kevin, my mechanic, and said, "Man, you need smarter customers."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025
*
Most people have no idea how a "car" works. They get in it, drive like maniacs and have no idea how the things run or what makes it go or what makes it stop. Ignorance abounds and most have no desire to learn. But they think they look good in their leased Hyundai. Crap!
Posted by: Moriarty at April 05, 2025

***
They've had cars since their teens and don't appreciate what they've got. I rode city buses from age twelve until I was twenty-three (including one bus strike), cadged rides from increasingly reluctant friends, and swore that when I had a car I would take care of it no matter what. I always have.

The bus strike happened when I was going to the commuter university on the lakefront, a good seven miles from where I lived at home. When I asked my father to give me a lift out there three days a week, you'd have thought I asked him to slit his wrists. And this was the guy who always kept saying, "You gotta get that degree."

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 09:10 AM (omVj0)

72 It's not like every tariff worked nor failed.
Supposedly the one long ago on motorcycles to save Harley Davidson did work.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 09:10 AM (ypFCm)

73
To be fair, today's cars are remarkably reliable. When I was a new driver, there was a lot of at-home maintenance, and one kept spare coolant, oil and rags in the trunk. I regularly checked the oil because my hand-me-down Ford "used" it.

Nowadays, there's hardly any issues.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025

***
True. But you ought to know *something* about your car, esp. if it's fifteen and a marque known for mechanical problems and the need for careful maintenance.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 09:11 AM (omVj0)

74 I would like to ask what May next rather a silly prayer- that our rummage sale is successful. Also. I am just so thankful for the husband
of our treasurer. ( Well, I'm so thankful for her as well
He is not a church member but often helps out with things that need to be done at the church. He is also a retired machinist. We also got old machinist tools from someone who is related to someone in the church. Bob, the retired machinist can talk to the guys stopping by looking at and buying the tools and is such a blessing that he knows this stuff.

Maybe that would be a good prayer- that machinist jobs come back to the U.S. I think that a lot of them have been automated or sent abroad.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2025 09:11 AM (LoHD5)

75 Prayers for all the Horde in need. Thinking especially of Sock Monkey and BIL's family. Love and hugs to Jim, Jewells, JT (with a hiya thrown in for good measure)

I'm not here much these days but the Horde is never far from my heart and mind.

Posted by: screaming in digital at April 05, 2025 09:11 AM (Szews)

76 Honestly, the highlight for me was Vietnam throwing in the towel. I guess we need to move that war into the win column after all.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:05 AM (ZOv7s)

Their economy is mostly capitalistic. But it's still a communist country and if the people get too uppity with their money-making, the government will come down on them like a large bag of anvils.

China and Hong Kong come to mind.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:12 AM (g8Ew8)

77 Supposedly the one long ago on motorcycles to save Harley Davidson did work.

Posted by: Skip

======

It saved Harley, and created the '749cc's of ultra-revving terror machine' class from the Japanese manufacturers

Posted by: 2009Refugee at April 05, 2025 09:13 AM (8AONa)

78 74- meant "what May be rather a silly prayer..."

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2025 09:13 AM (LoHD5)

79 Honestly, the highlight for me was Vietnam throwing in the towel.


Did Trump lift the tariffs on them? Is he doing that already or waiting? I know Canada said they'd drop their tariffs.

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 09:14 AM (SfhV1)

80 They've had cars since their teens and don't appreciate what they've got.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at April 05, 2025 09:10 AM (omVj0)
---
Not around here. Most kids avoid driving as long as they can. Easier to have the helicopter parents ferry them around.

Even my kids are slow starters. I've had to push each of them into it and I don't think any of them got licenses younger than 19. I had a nephew who was in his mid-20s before he learned to drive.

That's why they know nothing about cars - they're not interested in them.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:14 AM (ZOv7s)

81 47 GOD BE PRAISED! Planned Parenthood has been forced to close three clinics in Michigan, meaning that there are no abortionists in the Upper Peninsula.

No gas either, as the Mackinaw bridge was closed for 30 hours due to the ice storm last week.

If Gretchen had gotten the pipeline closed a few years ago like she was screaming for they'red be no natural gas for home heating either.

Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (j4U/Z)

82 The prayers are appreciated horde. It's been a rough week but there is some peace knowing that he was a believer. My wife has a large family that is very close. One of the many blessings in my life. Myself and another BIL live relatively close to my SIL. We're working on a plan that adds to both our chore lists.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (J1mV/)

83 OT but I think Luigi What's His Name ( the guy who murdered the insurance company executive) is a perfect candidate for the death penalty. He's an entitled rich boy lefty who thinks he's entitled to be judge and jury for someone he doesn't like.
Prove he's just another murderer.
Back to lurking.

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (kTd/k)

84 Did Trump lift the tariffs on them? Is he doing that already or waiting? I know Canada said they'd drop their tariffs.
Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 09:14 AM (SfhV1)
---
Trump posted that Vietnam had agreed to reduce them to zero and that he looked forward to meeting when them to ink the deal.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (ZOv7s)

85 This week was something of a struggle for us. Monday we had to put our "momma cat" down. Intestinal issues that surgery could not repair.

On top of that it's been raining since Sunday and we're surrounded by flood waters. No risk at the house, but we're not going anywhere anytime soon.

Neighbors that are affected probably need prayers more than we do....

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (Q4IgG)

86 Trump posted that Vietnam had agreed to reduce them to zero and that he looked forward to meeting when them to ink the deal.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (ZOv7s)


Thanks

Posted by: grammie winger - cheesehead at April 05, 2025 09:16 AM (SfhV1)

87 FortNine did an interesting video about Harley that discusses the tariff and its effects. The Japanese bike makers had to find ways to draw customers to smaller bikes, while Harley fell into complacency by focusing on big cruisers and never expanding its market.

Posted by: PabloD at April 05, 2025 09:17 AM (/0qJC)

88 He's an entitled rich boy lefty who thinks he's entitled to be judge and jury for someone he doesn't like.
Prove he's just another murderer.
Back to lurking.
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (kTd/k)
---
They will try to make it about health care, but a good prosecutor will point out that the government regulates it extensively, and shooting people is not an appropriate solution.

Shooting an unarmed man in the back is disgusting. It tells a lot about liberal ethics that they think this is in any way praiseworthy.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:18 AM (ZOv7s)

89 Not around here. Most kids avoid driving as long as they can. Easier to have the helicopter parents ferry them around.

Even my kids are slow starters. I've had to push each of them into it and I don't think any of them got licenses younger than 19. I had a nephew who was in his mid-20s before he learned to drive.

That's why they know nothing about cars - they're not interested in them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:14 AM (ZOv7s)

I don't understand this. Driving a car is freedom and independence. Couldn't wait until I turned 16.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:18 AM (g8Ew8)

90 If Gretchen had gotten the pipeline closed a few years ago like she was screaming for they'red be no natural gas for home heating either.
Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (j4U/Z)
---
She'd be fine with that. Just blame it on climate change or something.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:20 AM (ZOv7s)

91 "He needs healing and rough places made smooth."

I like this phrase. I can't help envisioning a curling team, with divine helpers furiously sweeping away the debris in the path of our stones.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 09:21 AM (h7ZuX)

92 I don't understand this. Driving a car is freedom and independence. Couldn't wait until I turned 16.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons
---
Same here, and my parents wanted me to learn to drive so they didn't always have to schlep me everywhere.

Posted by: screaming in digital at April 05, 2025 09:22 AM (Szews)

93 When I asked my father to give me a lift out there three days a week, you'd have thought I asked him to slit his wrists.

Hahaha! Now that is funny...I can see you building up to ask him and you knew he was gonna go off on a rant anyways. Crap!

Posted by: Moriarty at April 05, 2025 09:22 AM (R/m4+)

94 I don't understand this. Driving a car is freedom and independence. Couldn't wait until I turned 16.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:18 AM (g8Ew
---
You weren't locked down and told everyone was going to die for two years. It broke a lot of kids.

Even before that, they were fed a steady diet of fear over climate change, bogus college rape statistics and of course regular lock-down drills to remind them that their classmates are all psychotics just waiting to kill them.

Everything is scary. No one wants to grow up. It's amazing how many houses in my neighborhood have multiple cars in the driveway because the kids never move out.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:22 AM (ZOv7s)

95
Saw an old friend who writes about the office furniture industry last night; he hadn't been to China since Covid but just came back and was shocked that the the three cities he visited were deserted.

Heard a lot of whispers about death tolls over the past 4 years that he said had to be impossible but the people over there say are true.

Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:23 AM (j4U/Z)

96 Out of curiosity, does anyone have any information on Tonypete? His daughter had an emergency C-section. I believe the baby was at 31 weeks, so premature.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 09:23 AM (J1mV/)

97 85 This week was something of a struggle for us. Monday we had to put our "momma cat" down. Intestinal issues that surgery could not repair.

On top of that it's been raining since Sunday and we're surrounded by flood waters. No risk at the house, but we're not going anywhere anytime soon.

Neighbors that are affected probably need prayers more than we do....
Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (Q4IgG)

I'm so sorry about your cat.

And I was wondering how you were doing after your posts several nights back. I'm glad you're avoiding the flooding. I hope your neighbours recover soon.

Posted by: Stateless...85% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 05, 2025 09:24 AM (jvJvP)

98 Our kiddo turned 16 a few months ago and still hasn't gotten her license. She's been driving to get her hours in so she can skip the DMV test, but overall she seems unenthusiastic about it. The crazy part is that several family members pooled their money to buy her a car, and it's the nicest one in the driveway! If I had that car as a 16 year old I would've slept in it.

Posted by: PabloD at April 05, 2025 09:25 AM (/0qJC)

99 If Gretchen had gotten the pipeline closed a few years ago like she was screaming for they'red be no natural gas for home heating either.
Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (j4U/Z)
---
She'd be fine with that. Just blame it on climate change or something.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

======

She'd point out that if the sub-humans had more quickly yielded to her superior intellect, they'd have enough solar and wind energy to eek out a meager life, but alas they chose poorly.

Posted by: 2009Refugee at April 05, 2025 09:27 AM (8AONa)

100 Heard a lot of whispers about death tolls over the past 4 years that he said had to be impossible but the people over there say are true.
Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:23 AM (j4U/Z)
---
I've said this before, but when the pandemic was first spreading, there were all sorts of rumors of horrific body counts, incinerators running non-stop and this was credible because all the China-owned politicians insisted it was lies. Later on, when they realized they could impose martial law, they changed their tune, but that was pure opportunism.

Anyway, I think it is altogether possible that a Biblical-level plague was on its way and then - as many of us recall - we prayed as we had never prayed before. I began stumbling through the Rosary, and we had all sort of devotions. Aerial Eucharistic processions were a thing, and a lot of the relics came out.

So maybe God heard us, accepted our repentance, and lifted His hand.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:28 AM (ZOv7s)

101 Morning Horde.
Just had an update on Cousin Charlie. He's speaking, not easily but speaking at all is a big improvement. They hope to medivac him to his home in OH some time next week. Many months of rehab ahead. You're prayers helped. Thank you all.
Nothing new on Baby Isaac. Mom and dad are in Seattle with him and we haven't had any updates.
Please keep the prayers coming for Charlie, Isaac and Bonnie. Thanks again.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:29 AM (2NHgQ)

102 Good morning Mis Hum and all,
Prayers sent for those asking and needing. Sipping the first cup of coffee. A slice of kringle for breakfast. And the lilacs are blooming in the backyard. Nice way to start the weekend.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2025 09:32 AM (yTvNw)

103 Good morning all
I have cataract surgery on Thursday. Both eyes at once. I had been feeling pretty sanguine about it as I trust the surgeon who will be doing it as he explained everything in detail. I woke yesterday in a panic wondering what it was going to be like not being able to see even if only for a short time. Texted my boys to let them know I needed a plan for the 48 hours. They quickly assured me they would handle the situation in shifts. I felt better but I am hoping you all would keep me in your thoughts as I won't be able to see any of them for a couple of days.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2025 09:32 AM (t/2Uw)

104 FFS, Trump didn't target penguins with tariffs. He targeted two types of fish that are imported to the U.S. from the waters off the island.

Sez you.

Sez Wikipedia: An analysis of U.S. import data and shipping records indicated some shipments were incorrectly labeled as coming from the remote islands instead of their correct countries of origin. According to export data from the World Bank, the US imported US$1.4m (A$2.23m) of products from Heard Island and McDonald Islands in 2022, nearly all of which was "machinery and electrical" imports.[36]


Looks like they preventing shenanigans.

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:33 AM (AN2gy)

105 The crazy part is that several family members pooled their money to buy her a car, and it's the nicest one in the driveway! If I had that car as a 16 year old I would've slept in it.
Posted by: PabloD at April 05, 2025 09:25 AM (/0qJC)
---
My youngest stands to inherit a nice car from my stepmother, who can no longer drive. She is almost 20, and has only intermittent enthusiasm. I would have done backflips, and was thrilled when my father "sold" me his 1986 Mercury Topaz with 120,000 miles on it. It broke every three months, but it was mine.

I dubbed it "The Fearless" and put "No Fear" where the grill used to be. It died well, totaling a Lansing Township Police cruiser on a rainy morning.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:33 AM (ZOv7s)

106 Hello, Horde! 😊💕

I am writing to you today from the historic Tremont House Hotel in Galveston. This weekend we are with my bestie from high school and her husband. Tonight we will be attending a concert given by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - they have always been a bucket list item of mine!

Speaking of bucket list items, I decided that over the next few months I am going to have as many experiences as I can. Since we won't know if I will be having surgery, we are keeping things "domestic" for now.

We're going to be doing it up "First Class", because I probably won't have a chance to do it again. So for this weekend, we, along with my bestie and her hubby, are staying in the nicest adjoining suites in the hotel - our treat. Last night, we must have looked like the rube-iest of country mice when we walked into our rooms - I could get used to this kind of living!

We will be here through Monday, and then our coach will turn into a pumpkin. Until then, though, we are going to live like the other half lives. Gotta admit, I could get used to this! 😊💕

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Plucky Comic Relief, AoS Ladies Brigade - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at April 05, 2025 09:36 AM (cu1qw)

107 Defied the 3 month ban on coffee consumption this am and had hot milk with a bit of coffee. Nectar of the gods. Cannot wait for 4/15 when I can have a real cup of steaming hot coffee with half and half. Will ease back into coffee drinking and hope that at least a couple times a week I can have a second cup. Probably have to forgo the other problem food and drink on those days, no alcohol or chocolate.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:36 AM (2NHgQ)

108 I inherited my grandma's car when I was living in Newark. It had a bad transmission so at stop lights or stop signs, it took a second or three for the transmission to take hold and make the wheels turn after I pressed the accelerator. It would start with a jerk. Needless to say the car earned unwelcome attention blocking traffic in the ghetto.

Posted by: Big Penguin at April 05, 2025 09:38 AM (RIvkX)

109 /smelly sardine sock off

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:39 AM (RIvkX)

110 Teresa, sounds fabulous and you deserve it. Enjoy your time with the upper crust people.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:39 AM (2NHgQ)

111 It is by coffee alone that I set my life in motion. It is by Java juice of caffeine that the thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains, the stains become a warning. It is by coffee alone that I set my life in motion.

Posted by: Evi L. Bloggerlady at April 05, 2025 09:39 AM (qJpeN)

112 >>>Sez you.

While the feathered inhabitants of Heard and McDonald Islands may not charge the US 10 per cent tariffs, as suggested by the President’s chart, America does in fact import a small amount of fish caught there – mainly the high-value Patagonian toothfish, as well as the Mackerel icefish.

https://tinyurl.com/5t3dtz2u

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2025 09:40 AM (Y1sOo)

113 I am writing to you today from the historic Tremont House Hotel in Galveston.
=====

Very cool.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:40 AM (RIvkX)

114 Tonight we will be attending a concert given by the Ukulele Orchestra


Hopefully Stuart will make a guest appearance.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 09:40 AM (J1mV/)

115 was thrilled when my father "sold" me his 1986 Mercury Topaz with 120,000 miles on it.

I dubbed it "The Fearless" and put "No Fear" where the grill used to be. It died well, totaling a Lansing Township Police cruiser on a rainy morning.

That's a badass story.

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:41 AM (AN2gy)

116 It is by coffee alone that I set my life in motion. It is by Java juice of caffeine that the thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains, the stains become a warning. It is by coffee alone that I set my life in motion.
=====

The beans must flow.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:41 AM (RIvkX)

117 Teresa in Fort Worth

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is wonderful fun. Saw them in Manhattan last year. Their English wit is a joy.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at April 05, 2025 09:41 AM (u82oZ)

118 Teresa, you are an inspiration. Sending you hugs and much love. The concert sounds like a unique experience. You will have to report and let us know how it was.
❤️❤️❤️

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2025 09:42 AM (t/2Uw)

119 I am hoping you all would keep me in your thoughts as I won't be able to see any of them for a couple of days.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2025 09:32 AM (t/2Uw)

You bet! It might be a rough couple of days, but clearer vision will be worth it.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 09:42 AM (h7ZuX)

120 {{{Teresa}}} Sounds like so much fun! Enjoy!

Posted by: screaming in digital at April 05, 2025 09:42 AM (Szews)

121 Looks like they preventing shenanigans.
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:33 AM

Yes...preventing shenanigans...yes...

Posted by: Big Penguin at April 05, 2025 09:43 AM (Wnv9h)

122 I've said this before, but when the pandemic was first spreading, there were all sorts of rumors of horrific body counts, incinerators running non-stop and this was credible because all the China-owned politicians insisted it was lies. Later on, when they realized they could impose martial law, they changed their tune, but that was pure opportunism.

Anyway, I think it is altogether possible that a Biblical-level plague was on its way and then - as many of us recall - we prayed as we had never prayed before. I began stumbling through the Rosary, and we had all sort of devotions. Aerial Eucharistic processions were a thing, and a lot of the relics came out.

So maybe God heard us, accepted our repentance, and lifted His hand.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:28 AM (ZOv7s)

You may think that if you wish, but I think the Chicoms and the media have been overestimating their population for many years. And you also have to remember they forced abortions on women about to give birth to girls for a long time. What we may be seeing is the dying off of the older generations with no one there to replace them.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:43 AM (g8Ew8)

123 I don't understand this. Driving a car is freedom and independence. Couldn't wait until I turned 16.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:18 AM (g8Ew

Freedom and independence. Two scary words to many of these "kids".

In 1964, I turned 17. Couldn't wait to get down to the DMV and take the written test for my permit. The permit was usually good for 30 days, but there were so many of us, many had to get an extension because the driver's test was not for two months! Getting that license meant we could now go anywhere we wanted, anytime we wanted. Freedom.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at April 05, 2025 09:43 AM (dgRL6)

124 {{{Sharon}}} Prayers that you'll be back on the range obliterating targets (with no eye patch) in no time!

Posted by: screaming in digital at April 05, 2025 09:44 AM (Szews)

125 Good for Teresa!


I bought Cacao powder from Amazon and used it to make cocoa yesterday. I hadn't had that for a while. It was great! I was so wired!

I'll probably limit it to a few times a week. I don't want to become too adjusted to it.

Posted by: Stateless...85% - mental state clawing up from 10% at April 05, 2025 09:44 AM (jvJvP)

126 Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Plucky Comic Relief, AoS Ladies Brigade - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at April 05, 2025 09:36 AM

Enjoy!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 09:44 AM (Wnv9h)

127 Howdy. I'm just popping in for a quick update.

Mom has not made much (if any) rehab progress. While her current facility is much better about pain management, her bed sore pain remains a major impediment. On the plus side, her bed sore is slowly improving and doctors have decided she no longer requires antibiotics for osteomyelitis. She'll soon be transferred to yet another facility for rehab.

As for me, the DOD will offer us the privilege of signing up for "Deferred Resignation Program 2: Electric Boogaloo." I will be taking them up on the offer this time around. This will allow me to continue ensuring my parents are okay while I figure out what I'll do regarding a new career as retirement will be off the table.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 09:45 AM (qTqwU)

128 We needed a car because when we left school to go empty someone's pantry we needed to be there and back fast.

Also to go to the beach.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:46 AM (RIvkX)

129 I'll mention this on the food thread. The local Aldi is carrying kringle, the real thing from Racine, WI. We got three, their last three in stock. One for immediate nibbling, the other two in the freezer. Serious yum!

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2025 09:47 AM (yTvNw)

130 Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2025 09:40 AM

Thanks for the details. TBH, I didn't doubt you; I was just being a wiseass.

Both angles are possible. International trade involves much system gaming.

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:47 AM (AN2gy)

131 Thread is bringing back memories of kickstarting the red 76 Corolla. Always parked on a downhill slope.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at April 05, 2025 09:47 AM (Dm8we)

132 *Forrest Gump waves at SiD*

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 09:47 AM (Wnv9h)

133 Some years ago now, 10? That read China built at least 2 big cities with everything imaginable and no one lived in them. It was just big work projects to keep people working without reason.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 09:47 AM (ypFCm)

134 As for me, the DOD will offer us the privilege of signing up for "Deferred Resignation Program 2: Electric Boogaloo." I will be taking them up on the offer this time around.
Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 09:45 AM (qTqwU)

I'm glad to hear this. Buys you some time.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 09:48 AM (h7ZuX)

135 One of Mrs. F.'s lib idiot friends has been trying to get her to attend today's "mass mobilization Hands Off San Francisco!"

Sure, Jan.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:49 AM (RIvkX)

136 I am also very frustrated that I still do not have a date for my hip,surgery. It is looking like August/September . This is putting it too close to Texas for comfort. But, what will be will be. I am okay for now but resigned to the fact that it needs to happen.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2025 09:50 AM (t/2Uw)

137 >>> Some years ago now, 10? That read China built at least 2 big cities with everything imaginable and no one lived in them. It was just big work projects to keep people working without reason.

Only 2? I thought they have dozens of them.

Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:50 AM (AN2gy)

138 Good morning Horde! Prayers for all in need, especially jewells, and Jim and Teresa and Eromero. JT, I still miss your Hiyas in the wee hours of the morning. Sock Monkey I am sorry to learn of your family loss.

Sharon, good luck on Thursday.

For all of the Horde, I wish you peace.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at April 05, 2025 09:51 AM (0nHVk)

139 O God, come to our assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Gloria Patri et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deporte at April 05, 2025 09:51 AM (OTdqV)

140 Good morning y'all. This has been rattling around in my head for a day or two. Time to inflict it on you.

High Finance: The Art of The Deal

The air in the world of policy is rarified
But the sum of globalists' fears has now been verified
They're quaking in their boots
This is worse than Hawley-Smoots
It's the first time in years they've all been tariff-ied!

Posted by: muldoon at April 05, 2025 09:51 AM (/iMjX)

141 Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 09:45 AM (qTqwU)

A prayer for her complete and speedy recovery.

It's remarkable how delicate and vital one's skin is.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:52 AM (RIvkX)

142 Muldoon, that's terrific

Posted by: skywch at April 05, 2025 09:52 AM (uqhmb)

143 Harley Davidson Z90 2-stroke 250cc made infamous in the Bad News Bears film when it was swapped-out for a Honda XR 90 because the Z90 was a rough starter. Harley AMF manufactured bikes were terrible.

Saved by tariff indeed.

Posted by: 13times at April 05, 2025 09:53 AM (oaaoK)

144 Thank you for the nifty Coffee Thread and Prayer Revival, Mis Hum and Annie!

Prayers up for all of God's children on this fine spring day.

And may God continue to bless the U.S.A. and Israel.

Posted by: Legally Sufficient at April 05, 2025 09:54 AM (rxCpr)

145 Sick monkey. I believe that Tonypete asked about a Houston? hospital, so I'm guessing grandbaby is there.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:54 AM (2NHgQ)

146 Am I the only one who wants to know the rest of the story about the Lansing police cruiser being crunched?

Posted by: Paul Harvey? at April 05, 2025 09:55 AM (88T64)

147 For those who don't understand why rule #3 is in place:

http://tiny.cc/ljhf001

Posted by: tankdemon at April 05, 2025 09:55 AM (zPjZn)

148 I have been listening to the Carlson podcast with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, about the link between cancer and the spike protein. It is enough to scare me green.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 05, 2025 09:55 AM (D7oie)

149 Sorry Sock monkey, my typing skills are going fast.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:55 AM (2NHgQ)

150 Some years ago now, 10? That read China built at least 2 big cities with everything imaginable and no one lived in them. It was just big work projects to keep people working without reason.

Only 2? I thought they have dozens of them.
Posted by: fluffy at April 05, 2025 09:50 AM (AN2gy)

Have you ever invested in a country to launder money? Many western countries did, including the USA. What do you think the turtle's wife was doing?

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:56 AM (g8Ew8)

151 *waves back at RMBS*

Posted by: screaming in digital at April 05, 2025 09:57 AM (Szews)

152 135 One of Mrs. F.'s lib idiot friends has been trying to get her to attend today's "mass mobilization Hands Off San Francisco!"

Sure, Jan.
Posted by: San Franpsycho

lol; My daughter's mother-in-law is trying to do the same thing to her.

I have her to thank for making my little girl "far-right."

Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 09:57 AM (j4U/Z)

153 "Biblical-level plague was on its way and then - as many of us recall - we prayed as we had never prayed before."

It was supposed to be a biblical (or medieval) level plague - but they should have known thst whenever you farm out work to the Chinese, you're gonna get a crappy, half assed knock-off version.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2025 09:57 AM (+YI9v)

154 Have patience. My daughter outgrew it. A husband and having kids help.
Posted by: Auspex at April 04, 2025 02:03 PM (j4U/Z)

My dad, Pappymayhem, served in Vietnam. He didn't carry any animosity toward the people of that country but hated communism with a purple passion. I think he would laugh at how quickly the commies surrendered to Trump.
And that is exactly why these tariffs matter. These countries put enormous tariffs on American goods along with onerous regulations and restrictions but expect us to just let them send their crap here free of charge. They expect us to bend over and take it. Trump says nope! You want in our markets you will allow us in yours. You won't just bend over for us, you will kneel and open wide.
Europe is still smarting from the fact that we saved/kicked their asses twice. They want daddy to protect them but can't forgive him for making them admit that they're weak and stupid and need his protection. The tariffs and NATO are pissing them off because they know it means they are surrendering to daddy again. And daddy is a big orange bastard that doesn't have the right pedigree.
This has got to be burning holes in the collective stomach of EU

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at April 05, 2025 09:58 AM (4XwPj)

155 And sock monkey, prayers for you and the family.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at April 05, 2025 09:58 AM (2NHgQ)

156 Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:49 AM (RIvkX)

I guess that they couldn't call it " Hands off wasteful spending, fraud, and no show jobs"

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2025 09:58 AM (hwnBu)

157 Now explain the AOS obsession with otters.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at April 05, 2025 08:57 AM (dg+HA)

We adore Nurse Ratched

Posted by: Kindltot at April 05, 2025 10:00 AM (D7oie)

158 Since the powerline memes tend toward the anti-Trump spectrum, here's a couple of meme links to enjoy.

This one is a bit old but I don't think anyone has posted it: https://tinyurl.com/2zzspu6y+

And here's another: https://tinyurl.com/2te8sy54+

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:00 AM (ExV1e)

159 Good morning all. Prayers for all Horde intentions: those requested and those known but to God.

Also, continued prayers are humbly requested for our most recent Grandson who arrived this week. He was 3 lbs and change at birth. He and Momma are doing well and Mom was discharged from the Hospital yesterday. Baby boy will be staying in the NICU for a couple of months.

We are heading down to Dallas to help out this week some time.

Posted by: Tonypete at April 05, 2025 10:02 AM (cYBz/)

160 Sorry Sock monkey, my typing skills are going fast.
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine

On the contrary, that made me laugh. I have no typing skills. Combine that with the 2x3 inch keyboard on my phone and I am a charter member of the typing challenged club. My editor in chief squirrel spends more time on smoke breaks, than he does working.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 10:03 AM (J1mV/)

161 I have no idea how that quote got into my comment. I didn't copy/paste anything. Hmmm..... Perhaps gremlins?

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at April 05, 2025 10:03 AM (4XwPj)

162 As for me, the DOD will offer us the privilege of signing up for "Deferred Resignation Program 2: Electric Boogaloo." I will be taking them up on the offer this time around.
Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik

Are any other departments offering "Deferred Resignation Program 2: Electric Boogaloo"?
Most could use it.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 05, 2025 10:04 AM (/lPRQ)

163 OT but I think Luigi What's His Name ( the guy who murdered the insurance company executive) is a perfect candidate for the death penalty. He's an entitled rich boy lefty who thinks he's entitled to be judge and jury for someone he doesn't like.
Prove he's just another murderer.
Back to lurking.
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (kTd/k)

And be sure, the powers that be will make sure that he goes for the drop, because he is the child of the elite, with an elite education, an elite position in an elite industry, and he stepped outside of the rules that elites are supposed to adhere to. He *gasp* killed one of his own class for being a douchebag who was making huge dividends for the venture capitalists and hedge funds.

Posted by: Kindltot at April 05, 2025 10:04 AM (D7oie)

164 Had a motorcycle at 11 years old.
Driver's license at 14.
Even my new cars have extra oil, rags and a toolkit accompanying.

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at April 05, 2025 10:04 AM (9INg6)

165 Cut Jib podcast is very good this week

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2025 10:06 AM (ypFCm)

166 This one is a bit old but I don't think anyone has posted it: https://tinyurl.com/2zzspu6y+

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:00 AM (ExV1e)

The "FBI Field Report" is killing me. Hahahaha!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 10:06 AM (h7ZuX)

167 Can I perorate? I'm in the mood to perorate.
Posted by: Ordinary American at April 05, 2025 08:35 AM (ApCvC)

I may engage in pettifoggery.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at April 05, 2025 10:06 AM (ftD+B)

168 @147 reminds me of Hot Fuzz.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at April 05, 2025 10:07 AM (CHHv1)

169 Praises be, Tonypete! Congratulations to the family, and praying for quick and complete development for the little one.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 10:07 AM (h7ZuX)

170 Matthew 6: 25-34

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 05, 2025 10:07 AM (VofaG)

171 Am I the only one who wants to know the rest of the story about the Lansing police cruiser being crunched?
Posted by: Paul Harvey? at April 05, 2025 09:55 AM (88T64)
---
I was driving to work one rainy morning in April, and a semi had overturned at the junction of US 127 and I 496. This is an elevated section of highway, and the wreck took place just beyond the crest of the slope.

A Lansing Township cop had parked his car without the lights on (they lied and said they were, but they weren't) beyond the crest, and so I'm scooting along and WOW! No shoulders on the bridge, solid traffic in the other lane, nothing for it but to stand on the brake and grit my teeth.

BANG! Wrecked the cops car, which was occupied, and the cop had to be physically restrained. At this point, other vehicles were responding ant putting flares on the highway. The cop was in the process of moving his car because it was not visible. Anyway, I accepted an ambulance ride, was immobilized as a precaution, and while I was waiting for the x-ray, a cop handed me a ticket.

Hmmm, destroying a cop car with cop inside. Kinda serious. The ticket? Failure to maintain adequate stopping distance.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:11 AM (ZOv7s)

172 This has got to be burning holes in the collective stomach of EU
Posted by: Madame Mayhem

The best of 'em climbed aboard leaky ships and headed here from 200 years ago. Their doomed empires gave way to safety at home and abroad with free trade provided by the USA after WW2.

You are right about them. Snotty kids living in the basement till they're 35 and lecturing you about your faults.

Posted by: Auspex at April 05, 2025 10:12 AM (j4U/Z)

173 DataRepublican talks about tariffs and trade, this is a bit of it:

"One-way free trade functions economically in the same way open borders do. Yes, both hollow out the domestic working class: manufacturing jobs vanish just as illegal immigration erodes wages and job availability. But in return, cheap goods and services flood in, lowering consumer prices.

"These lower prices become the mechanism by which a different kind of economy is built, one optimized for high-level abstraction. Think: professional services, finance, tech, and elite-tier automated manufacturing. The bet is that the U.S. can climb the value chain while letting lower-tier production happen elsewhere.

"Tariffs imposed by other countries aren't seen as a threat. In fact, they're framed as "shooting themselves in their foot." Because, these countries are anchoring themselves to low-margin industries, while the U.S. orients toward capital-intensive, post-industrial domains.

"This is why globalists aggressively defend the current trade regime. We keep our markets open, even when others don't, because that asymmetry accelerates the shift to a high-abstraction economy."

Posted by: Kindltot at April 05, 2025 10:12 AM (D7oie)

174 Mr. Ghost, I am in Mass. would love to help if you need it. Get well soon.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at April 05, 2025 10:12 AM (0nHVk)

175 134 I'm glad to hear this. Buys you some time.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at April 05, 2025 09:48 AM (h7ZuX)

Thanks. It's what I'd refer to as, "the least worst option."

141 A prayer for her complete and speedy recovery.

It's remarkable how delicate and vital one's skin is.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 09:52 AM (RIvkX)

Thank you. This is an episode of extremely deep tissue damage, too (i.e., down to the hip bone).

162 Are any other departments offering "Deferred Resignation Program 2: Electric Boogaloo"?
Most could use it.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at April 05, 2025 10:04 AM (/lPRQ)

I don't know. The first one was was goobermint-wide via OPM/Elon. I suspect that they'll go straight to mass layoffs next.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 10:13 AM (qTqwU)

176 I will go marinate.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 05, 2025 10:14 AM (ZmEVT)

177 ASJB, may the our Lord comfort and heal your mother. May He give you and your father perseverance and the strength necessary to continue. To the rest of the horde, you folks occupy a significant chunk of my prayer list. Random nics frequently pop into my head suggesting time for a prayer during my daily wanderings. Take comfort in the knowledge that our Lord hears and desires all our prayers. First Saturday of the month means men's breakfast at church and I am the chief griddle cake flipper. Off to do chores and head to church. Continue with the pontificating.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 10:14 AM (J1mV/)

178 I keep hearing about young people in no hurry to get a drivers permit. I don't understand. Getting that license was a major rite of passage on many levels: growing up, some level of responsibility, and freedom. Bought my own car in high school, sold it to help pay for college. My junior year I inherited my grandfather's car when he couldn't drive anymore. A mid-60s AMC Rambler Ambassador. Wish I still had it. That thing just kept running and I could do the work on it. Nice, if ancient, memories.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2025 10:14 AM (yTvNw)

179 Posted by: Kindltot at April 05, 2025 10:12 AM (D7oie)


"Everything that guy just said is bullshit"

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at April 05, 2025 10:14 AM (4XwPj)

180 I was fine, but sore, and immediately had to figure out how to get some new wheels, and I also wanted to fight the ticket. Legal-adjacent friends said that the cops had basically admitted fault by assessing a $100 fine and 2 point offense, but there's always a chance the cop doesn't show up.

My father's family came through, and I shortly obtained a primer-gray '86 Skylark that had passed through the hands of my grandfather and three of my cousins. "Oh if this thing could talk..." I named it "The Prudence." I obtained the police report, and measured the distances referenced on it.

On court day, I asked to approach the judge and showed both the police report and the owner's manual, which proved that the cop had parked well short of the minimum stopping distance of my vehicle. I was not at fault.

The judge looked at me irritably, brushed away the papers and said "You totaled a cop car, and so you're getting a ticket."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:16 AM (ZOv7s)

181 "This is why globalists aggressively defend the current trade regime. We keep our markets open, even when others don't, because that asymmetry accelerates the shift to a high-abstraction economy."

Which is, of course, awesome for people in professional services, finance, tech, and elite-tier automated manufacturing. Not so much for everyone else.

No, everyone else gets to become an uber/doordash drone, or an "influencer", or an OF "model", or a welfare sponge... existing only to provide plausibility for a "vote" to keep the people who destroyed YOUR economy for their benefit.

As I said yesterday, the thing to remember about all the "experts" who say that tariffs are bad is they all have jobs which, at worst, are unaffected by the hollowing out of the country.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (ExV1e)

182 147 For those who don't understand why rule #3 is in place:

http://tiny.cc/ljhf001
Posted by: tankdemon

And for those unsure about Rule #1:
https://tinyurl.com/3zrmua2a

Posted by: Moron Analyst at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (JCZqz)

183 Big Penguin has taken over The Week In Pictures!

https://shorturl.at/ktjsV

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (L/fGl)

184 It's not just the guys who were anxious to get their drivers' licenses back in the day. I was a female but felt precisely the same about having the freedom to go when and where I wanted to.

But being a girl--and a nerdy one at that--I didn't use the license to drive fast and get into trouble. I used it to go to the downtown Austin library.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (FEVMW)

185 “ Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”

Psalm 146 1:2

Posted by: Marcus T at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (fB/cf)

186 EPILOGUE: I tend to have a rather have foot and for many years drove crappy cars. Living in a college town, this resulted in frequent stops, but because I am always polite, keep my hands visible, etc., I almost invariably got off with a warning. My wife witness this several times and was amazed at my ability in this regard.

However, one day, I was a little quick going southbound on US 127 near the site of the accident and got pulled over. My wife said: "Time to work your magic," but I replied "No, I'm totally fucked. It's Lansing Township."

The cop just looked at me. I nodded, handed over the license and registration. He came back with the ticket. No words were necessary.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:20 AM (ZOv7s)

187 I suspect that they'll go straight to mass layoffs next.
Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 10:13 AM (qTqwU)

I'm betting that was setup, in part, by the EO exempting certain agencies from being able to do collective bargaining.

What is it that you do for DOD - if you can say without giving away too much personal info?

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:20 AM (ExV1e)

188 Tonypete, my nephew and his wife had premie twins at 30 weeks and had to spend a couple,of months getting to term in the hospital. They are now happy healthy 5 year olds. They just had their third child. Modern medicine can work miracles.
Mazel Tov. ❤️

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2025 10:21 AM (t/2Uw)

189 Thank you Ace-Endorsed Author A. H. Lloyd for that Great story!

Posted by: Paul Harvey? at April 05, 2025 10:22 AM (88T64)

190 The judge looked at me irritably, brushed away the papers and said "You totaled a cop car, and so you're getting a ticket."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

That's in the promoting the general welfare of the people clause.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 10:23 AM (L/fGl)

191 I keep hearing about young people in no hurry to get a drivers permit.

Both my son and daughter talked about that. They both thought it was weird. Daughter got her license on the morning of her 16th birthday before she went to class.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:23 AM (ExV1e)

192 Good morning, good people, from the Adirondacks, where Spring certainly is, in leaps and bounds.

And per usual, may all effort from you result in maximal benefit with commensurate heartburn for the leftwit section.

This weekend, wife and I had the inestimable privilege to indulge in an automobile ride such as we'd never enjoyed before. We hang out with people who do auto restorations and one couple asked if we wished to participate in a shakedown cruise of a 1953 Buick Roadmaster 4dr sedan. What an astonishing ride, as if we were riding in a luxuriously appointed bank vault.

At one point Joe turned the heat on and I swear it actually felt decadent. This all took place in an assembly line Buick turned out by the thousands, not a concours resto, just back to existing factory (at the time) standards. A rolling definition of the term "quality" that has an eyewatering cost today.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at April 05, 2025 10:24 AM (hKoQL)

193 My college roommate is still one of my closest friends but he's a lefty. He called me yesterday down in the dumps over the stock market drop, certain I would be regretting my Trump vote. My response was laughing, saying every move Trump is making is exactly what I voted for, and being able to buy some stocks at a discount is icing on the cake.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at April 05, 2025 10:30 AM (kNAh6)

194 The cop just looked at me. I nodded, handed over the license and registration. He came back with the ticket. No words were necessary.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

=====

"Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him. "

Posted by: 2009Refugee at April 05, 2025 10:31 AM (hYofv)

195 Our kiddo turned 16 a few months ago and still hasn't gotten her license.

My son got his license as soon as he could. My daughter put it off until her drivers' ed certificate was close to expiring.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 05, 2025 10:34 AM (/y8xj)

196 184 I was a female....

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at April 05, 2025 10:18 AM (FEVMW)

--???

; )

Posted by: m at April 05, 2025 10:34 AM (CQE5S)

197 The decline of our Working Class has had many root causes.

Wages. Once upon a time many of our Working Class got uppity with unions. This went too far in many cases, like auto unions. And it created a dynamic that helped fuel inflation. The response from Management was to offshore. GE's "Neutron Jack" Welch led the way. Management has since piled on by getting Government to impose all sorts of policies to depress the wages of our Working Class by inviting manufacturing competition from abroad and letting cheap labor in, usually illegally. US Working Class wages are no longer the problem.

Regulation. What needed to be done was nearly all achieved decades ago. It's now a runaway train of lawyers in government circle-jerking with lawyers inside co-opted companies which now deliver "negative externalities" for the rest of us. NIMBY regulations add significantly to the all-in cost of domestic labor, or worse still make it impossible to get things done.

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:36 AM (Gqoy+)

198 This weekend, wife and I had the inestimable privilege to indulge in an automobile ride such as we'd never enjoyed before. We hang out with people who do auto restorations and one couple asked if we wished to participate in a shakedown cruise of a 1953 Buick Roadmaster 4dr sedan. What an astonishing ride, as if we were riding in a luxuriously appointed bank vault.

====
Awesome.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2025 10:36 AM (RIvkX)

199 Thank you Ace-Endorsed Author A. H. Lloyd for that Great story!
Posted by: Paul Harvey? at April 05, 2025 10:22 AM (88T64)
---
But wait! There's more! The accident took place on my mother's 50th birthday. Naturally, I completely forgot, having spent most of the day in the hospital, finding a ride, and of course working the phone for a new car.

A few days later, a letter showed up from my mother. My failure to call her constituted a mortal insult and after putting up with decades of my repeated failures, I was disowned. This gave me the sadz, and so I took a nap. I left the letter open on the table.

My housemate came home, and saw the letter, read it, checked the house but I guess he didn't seem me crumpled in bed, and so he went out to check the yard because he assumed I had shot myself. I was awakened by the racket, and got the "I am so glad you are not dead!" I thereupon called my mother, and was somewhat forgiven. I tore the letter in half, thought I threw it away, but found it more than a decade later and definitively destroyed it. By then I was a parent, so I also found myself wondering why she didn't just call? Who does this?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:36 AM (ZOv7s)

200 Some folks just don't have the wits to drive and know it.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at April 05, 2025 10:37 AM (ZmEVT)

201 Getting a real job, a drivers license, and graduating high school are all a big part of growing up. It's that time in life when you tell yourself, I'm not a kid anymore.

Posted by: Case at April 05, 2025 10:38 AM (OrSPY)

202 The cop just looked at me. I nodded, handed over the license and registration. He came back with the ticket. No words were necessary.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:20 AM

You mean you didn't spend an hour arguing that you were traveling, not driving, thus depriving us of a funny YouTube video?!

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 10:39 AM (Wnv9h)

203 Just put two hummingbird feeders out.

A map logging the arrivals. Almost into Jersey:

https://tinyurl.com/2vaj34tz

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (Dm8we)

204 "If Liberals wanted peace, there would be peace. If the Conservatives wanted war, there wouldn't
be any Liberals."
--------------
Today's Week In Pictures truth

Posted by: Huck Follywood at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (R/B3e)

205 And it created a dynamic that helped fuel inflation.

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:36 AM (Gqoy+)
---
Inflation is everywhere and always a function of money supply. Unions do not cause inflation. They were blamed for contributing to it, but the real cause was peacetime budget deficits which eventually forced the US to float the dollar.

Conservatives love to blame the unions, though, because it makes offshoring seem like righteous retribution on those lazy, sloppy autoworkers, who DESERVE to be driven into despair and suicide. If they were go-getters, they would LEARN TO CODE.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (ZOv7s)

206 187 What is it that you do for DOD - if you can say without giving away too much personal info?
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:20 AM (ExV1e)

Project engineering.

A former colleague of mine who works for another agency has been wanting to work with me on a mobile game for a very long time. I'm already seriously looking at how to go about doing that. Though I've done quite a bit of software development in my 29+ years, mobile app development is something new to me.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 10:43 AM (qTqwU)

207 You mean you didn't spend an hour arguing that you were traveling, not driving, thus depriving us of a funny YouTube video?!
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 10:39 AM (Wnv9h)
---
Youtube didn't exist back then.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:43 AM (ZOv7s)

208 Trump wins if a few countries sign onto the new program, which will then cascade. Why Vietnam is a good sign. They can't wait to eat China's lunch.

Note that the new program is based on shrinking our trade deficit, which means other countries buying more from us.

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:43 AM (Gqoy+)

209 177 ASJB, may the our Lord comfort and heal your mother. May He give you and your father perseverance and the strength necessary to continue.
Posted by: Sock Monkey * feeling a bit atavistic at April 05, 2025 10:14 AM (J1mV/)

Thank you.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 10:44 AM (qTqwU)

210 By then I was a parent, so I also found myself wondering why she didn't just call? Who does this?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:36 AM (ZOv7s)

Some mothers do go off center-bubble in their dotage and disown their sons for imagined reasons. It's puzzling.

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 05, 2025 10:44 AM (Aqu9a)

211 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (ZOv7s)

you don't think wage push contributes to inflation? Minimum wage policies must not bother you .

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 05, 2025 10:45 AM (VofaG)

212 Conservatives love to blame the unions, though, because it makes offshoring seem like righteous retribution on those lazy, sloppy autoworkers, who DESERVE to be driven into despair and suicide. If they were go-getters, they would LEARN TO CODE.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (ZOv7s)

The only thing I blame on the autoworkers is the demise of the US auto industry. They charged more and more for an ever worsening product. Had the companies been permitted to collapse the problem would have corrected itself but the government kept doing things to prevent that - stretching the rubber band further and further.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:46 AM (ExV1e)

213 "If Liberals wanted peace, there would be peace. If the Conservatives wanted war, there wouldn't
be any Liberals."
--------------
Today's Week In Pictures truth
Posted by: Huck Follywood at April 05, 2025 10:40 AM (R/B3e)
---
I guess it's time for my obligatory reference to Franco and the relevance of Long Live Death.

The Spanish generals did not want war, but were pushed into it. When you kill enough public figures and let the assassins go free, people get the message.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:46 AM (ZOv7s)

214 I got my learner's permit as soon I turned 16. I got a job working for a construction company the following summer when I got my license.

A couple of days into the job the boss tossed me the keys to 10 wheel dump truck and sent me to the quarry for a load of pea stone. Totally illegal. Boy howdy was that fun.

I can't even remember a time when I didn't want to drive anything I could get my hands on.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2025 10:46 AM (LkLld)

215 Re: Smoot-Hawley tariffs:

Harley: "Man, these low-priced Japanese imports are killing us. Our market share is down. Couldn't we ask the president to impose some tariffs?"

Davidson: "No we can't. The judge already ruled on that matter."

Harley: "What does that have to do with it?"

Davidson: "The issue is moot, Harley!"

Posted by: muldoon at April 05, 2025 10:48 AM (/iMjX)

216 A former colleague of mine who works for another agency has been wanting to work with me on a mobile game for a very long time. I'm already seriously looking at how to go about doing that. Though I've done quite a bit of software development in my 29+ years, mobile app development is something new to me.
Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 10:43 AM (qTqwU)

Step 1 in creating a successful mobile game: remove your soul and decide that you want to try and get people addicted to frustration that you'll ameliorate, slightly, briefly, for only $0.99.

After that it's just coding.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:48 AM (ExV1e)

217 you don't think wage push contributes to inflation? Minimum wage policies must not bother you .
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 05, 2025 10:45 AM (VofaG)
---
I wasn't referring to minimum wages, so I don't know why you brought that up.

But since you did, minimum wages are not inflationary, they simply reduce the labor pool. If your work isn't worth the wage, you don't get a job.

It does encourage efficiency and automation. Back in the 80s, actual people collected cans and bottles for recycling. As wage hikes took place, the number of people fell, and now it's self-serve.

That is not inflationary, though.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:49 AM (ZOv7s)

218 Lawn mower motor mini bike was my first motorized transportation when I was a 9 or 10. In Louisiana you could get your leaners permit when you were 14 and DL when you were 15. No bus to HS for this guy.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at April 05, 2025 10:50 AM (VofaG)

219 Inflation isn't solely about the money supply. Tech advances have been deflationary. Oil has highly inelastic pricing. Oil prices going up is inflationary, going down they're deflationary.

And I'm generally pro-union. But auto unions are a special case. They got out of control in the 60s/70s. Which opened the door to imports. Now you have young line workers making one-third of the guy next to them because of seniority. I could go on ...

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:51 AM (Gqoy+)

220 I can't even remember a time when I didn't want to drive anything I could get my hands on.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2025 10:46 AM (LkLld)

Online friends sometimes freak out when I relate that my son, when he was in HS, would go driving at times. Pick a direction and go. Furthest he ever got from home was ~300 miles but we live in Texas so we didn't feel it was a big deal.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:51 AM (ExV1e)

221 The only thing I blame on the autoworkers is the demise of the US auto industry. They charged more and more for an ever worsening product. Had the companies been permitted to collapse the problem would have corrected itself but the government kept doing things to prevent that - stretching the rubber band further and further.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:46 AM (ExV1e)
---
LOL. No. Upper management was mind-bogglingly stupid, and made terrible decisions for decades. GM's bankruptcy was never a question of "if" but always of "when." Same with the rest. I have lots of family who worked in the auto industry and the stories they tell of mind-breaking incompetence, do-nothing drones.

Decades before GM went broke, my uncle - who worked there - observed that it was a benefit management company that sometimes made cars on the side.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:52 AM (ZOv7s)

222 I took driver's ed in high school. Got my learners permit during that time and at 16, my license. Took the test in my parent's Gran Torino wagon.

Dad bought a Datsun 200SX shortly after I turned 16 so I was pretty keen on driving that instead of the wagon. Even if it was an automatic, base model with little in the way of options. It was cooler than the Torino.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at April 05, 2025 10:52 AM (Q4IgG)

223 CNN turns fiscal conservative.

CNN@CNN
The cost of the US military offensive against the Houthis is nearing $1 billion even as the attacks have had limited impact

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 10:53 AM (L/fGl)

224 >>Online friends sometimes freak out when I relate that my son, when he was in HS, would go driving at times. Pick a direction and go. Furthest he ever got from home was ~300 miles but we live in Texas so we didn't feel it was a big deal.

It was such a different time. Living in Massachusetts we had the mountains a couple hours up that way and Cape Cod down there. We all had beater cars, with excellent stereos mind you, and we were always doing road trips.

We got the usual lectures from our parents and then hit the road. Freedom was everything.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2025 10:56 AM (LkLld)

225 Inflation isn't solely about the money supply. Tech advances have been deflationary. Oil has highly inelastic pricing. Oil prices going up is inflationary, going down they're deflationary.

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:51 AM (Gqoy+)
---
Commodity prices going up and down do not change the monetary supply. They can put a break on economic growth (or facilitate it), but they do not change the actual supply of dollars.

Trump is going to do something regarded as impossible. He's going to lower inflation while also lowering interest rates. This will happen because he will eliminate the deficit and start paying down the debt, pulling that money out of circulation.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:56 AM (ZOv7s)

226 The cost of the US military offensive against the Houthis is nearing $1 billion even as the attacks have had limited impact
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 10:53 AM (L/fGl)
---
Does that include the price of the jet Biden's rust-coated gay navy shot down by accident?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:57 AM (ZOv7s)

227 Youtube didn't exist back then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:43 AM

I'm sure all of us who are 29 are grateful we did our stupid crap before cell phones and the internet.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2025 10:57 AM (Wnv9h)

228 I broke with orthodox free trade doctrine long ago and became a mercantilist. America first, baby!

Pure free trade says I should be a Nietzchean monad and always buy cheap for my own benefit, fuck my American neighbor. But when my American neighbor doesn't have a job, I wind up paying in all sorts of ways.

We've implemented policies over the years that have hollowed out our industrial base with adverse consequences for huge swathes of Americans. It's like upstate versus downstate New York writ large. Inflation adjusted wages for our working class have been flat for over 50 years, while everyone else has gained. C-suite executives especially. Things you don't learn in microeconomics.

The poster child for this is GE's Jack Welch, who led the charge to outsource. Hey Jack, you want to save a dime on making a light bulb, build your own navy.

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:58 AM (Gqoy+)

229 It was such a different time. Living in Massachusetts we had the mountains a couple hours up that way and Cape Cod down there. We all had beater cars, with excellent stereos mind you, and we were always doing road trips.

We got the usual lectures from our parents and then hit the road. Freedom was everything.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 05, 2025 10:56 AM (LkLld)
---
The internet has changed things a lot. Before it, if you wanted to do something, you had to go somewhere and if you wanted to hang out with a group of people, you had to go to them.

Now there are group chats, group gaming, etc. The idea of going home with someone after school seems obsolete. We used to rotate between houses, and the moms would coordinate it. Looking back, it was a neat way to get some extra alone time for them.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 10:59 AM (ZOv7s)

230 OT but I think Luigi What's His Name ( the guy who murdered the insurance company executive) is a perfect candidate for the death penalty. He's an entitled rich boy lefty who thinks he's entitled to be judge and jury for someone he doesn't like.
Prove he's just another murderer.
Back to lurking.
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM (kTd/k)

Agreed. But make the trial and the execution as expeditious as possible. Don't be leaving him sit on Death Row until some damn-fool Democrat becomes President, and pardons him.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 05, 2025 11:01 AM (8zz6B)

231 President Trump on X: "Oops!"

https://tinyurl.com/8xx3auf3

Posted by: IrishEi at April 05, 2025 11:02 AM (3ImbR)

232 216 Step 1 in creating a successful mobile game: remove your soul and decide that you want to try and get people addicted to frustration that you'll ameliorate, slightly, briefly, for only $0.99.

After that it's just coding.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at April 05, 2025 10:48 AM (ExV1e)

My goobermint career has already blackened my soul, so I'm starting out ahead! Yay!!

Anyway, gotta run and visit my mom. Hopefully I'll catch you all next week.

Posted by: antisocial justice beatnik at April 05, 2025 11:02 AM (qTqwU)

233 The poster child for this is GE's Jack Welch, who led the charge to outsource. Hey Jack, you want to save a dime on making a light bulb, build your own navy.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 10:58 AM (Gqoy+)
---
The corporatist world combined with the military-industrial complex to prevent domestic innovation in automobiles. We had an effective monopoly until foreign competition disrupted it.

Blaming the unions is silly. They were crooked, but no more than management. They made a useful scapegoat, but when you compare the innovation in vehicles when there were more automakers with what came later as they were crushed down or gobbled up, there's a clear difference.

I think the war production arguments fueled the bailouts and giveaways. Bankruptcy is a necessary part of doing business, and the efforts to forestall it or develop end-arounds (like offshoring workers) only made things worse.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 11:04 AM (ZOv7s)

234 Okay, good people. Thanks for the morning Coffee Break thread.

My brain is now awake and it's time to return to the 1040 mines.

ONT later.

Posted by: Count de Monet at April 05, 2025 11:05 AM (Aqu9a)

235 The only thing I blame on the autoworkers is the demise of the US auto industry. They charged more and more for an ever worsening product. Had the companies been permitted to collapse the problem would have corrected itself but the government kept doing things to prevent that - stretching the rubber band further and further.
---
LOL. No. Upper management was mind-bogglingly stupid, and made terrible decisions for decades. GM's bankruptcy was never a question of "if" but always of "when." Same with the rest. I have lots of family who worked in the auto industry and the stories they tell of mind-breaking incompetence, do-nothing drones.

LOL, yeah. My uncle, an engineer, worked for the big 3. He was apoplectic much of the time; he had to make totally stupid design choices because the workers couldn't be counted on to drill a hole anywhere the intended location. He warned that the Japanese were going to eat Detroit's lunch long before it happened.

There was certainly plenty of blame to go around, including management, but the "workers" and their insane unions were the primary culprits.

Posted by: Archimedes at April 05, 2025 11:06 AM (xCA6C)

236 My revolution in thought came about when I realized that the fight about free trade is primarily about social class, “Free Trade” is fantastic for the managerial/professional/Ruling classes. That’s why all the classic Republicans favored it so. For those groups, it is all benefit, no costs. No immigrants will take their jobs, what they produce will not be outsourced, their commodity costs will always be low.
For the working classes however, the situation is flipped - mostly bad, with little gain since they are the ones who get laid off and booted out of their homes as production gets sent offshore.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2025 11:08 AM (dTleh)

237 >>>We got the usual lectures from our parents and then hit the road. Freedom was everything.

Indeed. I was still a few weeks shy of my 17th birthday when I and two buddies drove my Pinto from Michigan to Daytona Beach for Spring Break.

Good times.

Posted by: one hour sober at April 05, 2025 11:08 AM (Y1sOo)

238 Migrants Killed Half of Spain’s Female Murder Victims

-
Small price to pay for sanctimony.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 11:08 AM (L/fGl)

239 Le NOOD ala Francais

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 11:08 AM (ZOv7s)

240 You may think that if you wish, but I think the Chicoms and the media have been overestimating their population for many years. And you also have to remember they forced abortions on women about to give birth to girls for a long time. What we may be seeing is the dying off of the older generations with no one there to replace them.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at April 05, 2025 09:43 AM (g8Ew

And China is well-known for having built "ghost cities" that were never occupied. Could be they are now forcing people to move to those cities to alleviate overcrowding in the existing towns?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 05, 2025 11:09 AM (8zz6B)

241 Back in the 60s/70s the auto unions controlled a choke point on the entire US economy and exploited it.

The UAW still has a private resort with golf course for its delegates (not workers).

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 11:11 AM (Gqoy+)

242 Prayers for all.

Posted by: Mick at April 05, 2025 11:14 AM (gYvAB)

243 84- Trump posted that Vietnam had agreed to reduce them to zero and that he looked forward to meeting when them to ink the deal.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM

That's all well and good but how does that bring clothing manufacturing back to the US? If all the targeted countries just drop their tariffs to zero, I don't see how that helps job growth in the US.

Posted by: Moonbeam at April 05, 2025 11:14 AM (rbKZ6)

244 The Rise of Trump is tied to saving our Working Class.

I'm with the Hobbits!

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2025 11:15 AM (Gqoy+)

245 OT but I think Luigi What's His Name

-
There was a killer had a gun,
And Luigi was his name-o.
L-U-I-G-I
L-U-I-G-I
L-U-I-G-I
And Luigi was his name-o!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Soldier of the Persistence at April 05, 2025 11:16 AM (L/fGl)

246 Commodity prices going up and down do not change the monetary supply.

This. I would bet that 99% of people, if asked what inflation was inflating, would say "prices" because that's the effect they see. They have no idea what's actually driving those prices.

Posted by: Oddbob at April 05, 2025 11:25 AM (/y8xj)

247 243 84- Trump posted that Vietnam had agreed to reduce them to zero and that he looked forward to meeting when them to ink the deal.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2025 09:15 AM

That's all well and good but how does that bring clothing manufacturing back to the US? If all the targeted countries just drop their tariffs to zero, I don't see how that helps job growth in the US.
Posted by: Moonbeam at April 05, 2025 11:14 AM (rbKZ6)



What would seal the deal is the dismantling of as much of the regulatory bureaucracies as possible AND, major tax reductions for anyone, any business enterprise, opening a factory and employing American citizens on American soil.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 05, 2025 12:32 PM (x0n13)

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