The Classical Saturday Coffee Break & Prayer Revival (Happy Independence Day!)

Good morning boys and girls and everything in between. Before we enter the Prayer Revival just a few housekeeping matters to go over (Rulz for those of you in Bunker Hill)

1) This is an open thread. Feel free to lurk, opine and/or bloviate away.
2) Some people need to be reminded, be nice. Be kind.
3) Running with sharp objects takes away from the concentration required to detonate the fireworks.
4) Have a wonderful Independence Day celebration. Happy Birthday America!!!!

*****

Not only is July 4 of the this year the nation's 250th anniversary, it is also the bicentennial of the birth of Stephen C. Foster (1826 - 1864).
Here is his "Camptown Races" HT - Isophorone Blog

*****

AoSHQ Weekly Prayer List
Please submit any prayer requests to me, “Annie’s Stew” at apaslo at-sign hotmail dot com. Prayer requests are generally removed after four weeks unless we receive an update.
Prayer Requests:
4/3 – Teresa in Fort Worth posted an update. Her chemo seems to be holding things steady for now. Unfortunately, as she is receiving a steroid, she has gained about 25 pounds. Her blood sugar has also jumped up about 40 points (which only happens when she is on steroids).
6/1 Update – Teresa had a CT scan and has seen the surgeon. Everything looks good/stable. There are no new tumors and the ones that are there have pretty much stayed the same or shrunk. No metastises seen. Additional good news is that she can stay on the current medication, and just alternate it with other meds. She continues to respond extremely well to the protocols. She sends her gratitude for each and every prayer.
6/19 – Teresa in Fort Worth sent an update. Her cancer marker numbers continue to go down; hopefully that means everything is working! In other news, she has started working on another stocking, this time for her grandson, who will be implanted soon via IVF. Prayers for a successful procedure and pregnancy would be greatly appreciated!
5/16 – Tonypete asked for prayers for Jane who is dying of breast cancer, and for Cheri who is in jail (again) for drug related crimes.
6/13 Update – Jane and her husband have sold their home and have moved back to Green Bay, to be with family when she dies.
5/20 – D gave an update on his wife Susan and her continued battle with cancer. Her cancer markers are still headed in the right direction. She is on a new antibiotic, and it is causing some side effects, but it is keeping her out of another surgery, so that is a win. Thanks again to everyone for their prayers. May 1 marked one year since they found out about the cancer, and Susan is doing so well.
6/24 Update – Everything is going well. The chemo seems to be working, but it’s very hard. The prayers help, so please keep praying for them.
5/23 – I used to have a Different Nic could use some prayers as he waits for the results of a biopsy of a mass on his prostate.
6/2 Update – I used to have a Different Nic sent in an update. He has been diagnosed with risk group 2 prostate cancer. It appears to be localized to the prostate but this will be verified via another scan. He has doctor appointments lined up for the next month or so before he starts treatment.
6/23 Update – The latest update is that he has stage 2, “unfavorable intermediate”, which he notes is an awful name, but what it means is, it is in the middle, but bad enough that they want to treat it. It’s more aggressive than previously thought. He is at the point where he has to decide on treatment options, which means choosing which set of pretty unfortunate side effects he prefers.
5/26 – Doof posted a request for prayers for his mom. She is back in the hospital. She is very weak from one or more infections, and is sleeping a lot. She isn’t really talking when she is alert for a few minutes.
6/14 Update – Doof’s mother passed away.
5/29 – Bulg requested prayers for his sister, her husband, their four children, and the rest of the family as his sister is dying. She is in palliative care in the hospital, with a lot of blood clots, and is not expected to last long.
6/14 Update – Bulg’s sister passed away on 6/14. They all could use prayers of comfort.
6/9 – “A” requested prayers for a long-time friend now suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, who just fell and broke his hip. He came out of the anesthetic really confused. His wife and family also need prayers of support and strength to help him.
6/13 – Dash my lace wings asked for prayers for a friend named Lisa, who was diagnosed with liver duct cancer. She has been in the hospital for a couple of weeks and is afraid she will never leave.
6/20 Update – Lisa has been allowed to go home for hospice care. Cancer has metastasized throughout her body; this looks like the end for her.
6/27 Update – Lisa passed on 6/22, at home, in the presence of family. Thank you for your prayers.
6/13 – Tonypete requested prayers for an acquaintance (B), who has destroyed every relationship she has ever been a part of and spreads hate and torment to everyone around her.
6/18 – buzzion asked for prayers for a friend named Christina, who has struggled with drug addiction and is in jail again. Buzzion prays that this really is rock bottom and a true wake-up call for her – even if it requires her to stay in jail.
6/29 Update – Christina’s family bonded her out of jail and she has checked into a rehab facility. Please pray that she gets the help she needs.
6/20 – bluebell gave an update on grammie Winger. Grammie had some major surgery related to her cancer in March and is pretty much housebound. She said she isn’t keeping up on news since her diagnosis; she doesn’t have the energy. She said she thinks of her grey-box friends often with fondness. Please keep praying for her. Your prayers are a source of great comfort to her.
6/27 Update – grammie winger requested bluebell to let the Horde know that she is hospitalized again, with sepsis, and cannot eat or walk. She is very tired and cannot speak for long. She is being fed by tube. They don’t know how long she will be hospitalized or where she will go after (rehab, hospice, etc.). Bluebell has a mailing address for grammie, so please contact bluebell to send a card or note to grammie winger. Please pray for her, that her suffering will be eased, and pray for her family, who are suffering along with her.
6/20 – Polliwog the ‘Ette said that prayers for Inspector would be much appreciated. Inspector is still in the hospital. They are working on getting his strength up so it’s safe for him to go home. He is more alert and focused than when he was admitted, and he has been able to eat multiple full meals, which is an improvement and will help him continue to improve.
6/21 – B posted a request for prayers. He said that, due to his own shortcomings, and a moment of madness 6 years ago, B has been estranged from his two sons (age 41 and 36). He has tried to reach out and apologize to them over the past 6 years, to no avail. B asked the Horde to pray for their hearts to open, to allow him to properly apologize, and try to be the father he should have been. The boys are losing their mother to early-onset Alzheimers, and B needs them to know that he’s a better person today than he was then, and he can be counted on.
6/27 – Tom Servo posted prayers of thanks to God that his 38 year-old daughter, who was released from a psych hospital this week after a particularly bad breakdown. She has 2 children, which she does not have custody of, but she still sees, and they are wonderful. She has received more professional care, and it appears to have helped quite a bit. She has new medication and a new commitment to living in a way that will keep her from making a return trip to the hospital.
6/27 – George V sent his thanks to the Horde for their prayers. We had prayed for his wife in May, when she had a heart valve replacement, and there were indications of problems in her lymph nodes. She received the biopsy results, and both came back negative for cancer! Thank God for his goodness!
6/27 – “A” sent thanks for the prayers for a family friend, who is at home recovering with the family and doing much better. “A” has an additional request for long-time friends (J and S) who are in the midst of intense family problems and requesting healing, peace, repentance, and restoration in the family.

7/3- Isophrone Blog requests prayers for his parents, they are both elderly and in failing health.
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.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at 08:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Happy Independence Day! Here's to 250 more!

I could have been first but my mental bandwidth was going elsewhere.

Posted by: fd at July 04, 2026 08:03 AM (MWfyi)

2 Good morning Mis Hum and Horde
Happy Independence day

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:03 AM (Ia/+0)

3 So be kind to your web footed friends,
for a duck may be some body's mother...

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 08:03 AM (XuXeR)

4 We're having a potato gun skeet shoot this afternoon.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:04 AM (U/wKW)

5 Heh. I even nooded first. Hello to you, Mis Hum!

Posted by: fd at July 04, 2026 08:04 AM (MWfyi)

6 Prayers up for the horde, and especially for Tom Servos daughter, who carries a weight.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:05 AM (U/wKW)

7 Happy Independence Day to all.

Posted by: Tonypete at July 04, 2026 08:05 AM (NXz0i)

8

Thank you to all who served and are serving now.

We wouldn't have our great country without you fighting for us.

Posted by: four seasons at July 04, 2026 08:05 AM (/QHx4)

9 GOD BLESS AMERICA!

May Divine Providence continue to bless and protect this nation and all who love her.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 04, 2026 08:06 AM (ZBho7)

10 May the Lord comfort and aid those among us struggling today

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 04, 2026 08:07 AM (ZBho7)

11 Huck, prize if someone even hits one?

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:07 AM (Ia/+0)

12 So be kind to your web footed friends,
for a duck may be some body's mother...
Posted by: man

It's too early to be stomping around the house singing that at the top of my lungs, isn't it?

Damn.

Posted by: Tonypete at July 04, 2026 08:08 AM (NXz0i)

13 Willowed:
Reading Pres Trump's speech at Mt Rushmore last night...does he write his own speeches? It is magnificent.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 04, 2026 08:08 AM (ZBho7)

14 Happy Independence Day.
Turn your AC up (or down, whatever)
Shoot your guns!
Post anti-migrant memes!

Because, seriously, fuck Britain.

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 04, 2026 08:09 AM (f0sNM)

15 It's too early to be stomping around the house singing that at the top of my lungs, isn't it?"

Nope. It's a classic.

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 08:09 AM (XuXeR)

16 Yonder Horde

Happy Independence Day 🦅 🎆

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 08:09 AM (jehhT)

17 I recall a UK tourism ad from around 1976 -

"Come visit. All is forgiven!"

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 08:10 AM (wVcYX)

18 "We're having a potato gun skeet shoot this afternoon.
Posted by: Huck Follywood"

I'm going to let people try to shoot down limbs infested with web worm nests in the pecan trees, using a pellet gun. The limbs they nest on are the twigs out at the end and a well placed shot will break it clean off.

Posted by: fd at July 04, 2026 08:10 AM (MWfyi)

19 Good morning!

Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:11 AM (u82oZ)

20 The lovely Yuja Wang plays Chopin pretty well, if you are interested

https://tinyurl.com/3ebdc5wu

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:11 AM (mPnrf)

21 Morning again, caffeinators!

Willowed: I believe there'd be a market for aerobicized sandwich making videos. Monetizable, even,
Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026

"The Girls of the Twenty-Minute Monte Cristo Workout"?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (wzUl9)

22 On Monday I go in for what I hope is the final surgery related to the events of last September. I humbly ask for prayers for the nurses who will have to put up with me.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (u73oe)

23 You people. You have me happy crying with your sweet sweet cards and letters. Ever since I found this crazy place back in 2008, I have treasured each and every one of you reprobates. I can't express the love i have for you as I sit here in the cancer hospital. You're so silly special. Thanks for everything. Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.

Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)

24 Huck, prize if someone even hits one?
Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:07 AM (Ia/+0)
===============
Instead of sipping, everyone chugs.

Yes, we are still dumb, after all these years.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:13 AM (iTZ6k)

25 Happy Birthday to America.

And to many more years of American Exceptionalism!

We unlocked individual creativity, and showed the path to success to other nations. Who mostly went with the old Stone Age ways of elites and peons.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:13 AM (u82oZ)

26 [[[[grammie!]]]]

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:13 AM (iTZ6k)

27
"Well I Declare!" - a limerick

As we celebrate In-de-pen-dence
And hope for two-fifty more hence
I hope we recall
What started it all:
"When n the course of human events..."

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:14 AM (I0N4X)

28 Top picture:

You know about the cup sizes?

Posted by: Frank Costanza at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (I0N4X)

29 You people. You have me happy crying with your sweet sweet cards and letters. Ever since I found this crazy place back in 2008, I have treasured each and every one of you reprobates. I can't express the love i have for you as I sit here in the cancer hospital. You're so silly special. Thanks for everything. Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.
Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)

Woo! Right back atcha!

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (wVcYX)

30 {{{ Grammie winger }}}

Kisses your hand. You are a very special lady.

And a tip of the hat to the stalwart Rev.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (u82oZ)

31
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (O0L8i)

32 Grammie Winger!!!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (QykSZ)

33 a Muldoon classic for the day!

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (iTZ6k)

34 Article at American Thinker on 1976 to today how America and ( not so ) Great Britain have come along.
England would be the 51st state in economic ranking today

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (Ia/+0)

35 Hey Salty!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (QykSZ)

36
God bless you, Grammie.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 08:16 AM (O0L8i)

37 May the Peace of The Lord be with you all.

A special prayer for a good man , Mayhar Tousi, who is trying to relocate to America. Facing escalating repression in the UK, Mayhar has a Visa to move to the US but that is being held up by our bureaucracy.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:16 AM (afJtY)

38 Good Saturday morning, horde!

Prayers for all. Special prayer this morning for all who suffer from mental illness, which is rampant in this country. And for the friends and family members who do their best to keep peace.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:16 AM (h7ZuX)

39 You people. You have me happy crying with your sweet sweet cards and letters. Ever since I found this crazy place back in 2008, I have treasured each and every one of you reprobates. I can't express the love i have for you as I sit here in the cancer hospital. You're so silly special. Thanks for everything. Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.
Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026

***
Grammie, I'm glad to see you posting! It was you who started me thinking seriously about relocating in, oh, 2019, when you told me, "Come on to Wisconsin! We're nice!"

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:17 AM (wzUl9)

40 Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)

Nice to hear from you! We are all thinking of you, grammie.

Posted by: dantesed at July 04, 2026 08:17 AM (Oy/m2)

41 Blessed are the peacemakers AND the cheesemakers.

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 08:17 AM (wVcYX)

42 Ben Had!!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 08:19 AM (QykSZ)

43 I humbly ask for prayers for the nurses who will have to put up with me.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (u73oe)

You got it, Duke. Best wishes and prayers for successful and harmonious outcome!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:19 AM (h7ZuX)

44 {{{SMH at God's mercy}}}

I am still happy you moved, and to such a nice place.
Grandchildren are true wealth.

One of the widows has invited me to her family Fourth of July celebration. First time meeting them. One of her ex-husbands will be there. I expect ... a grilling.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:19 AM (u82oZ)

45 Have a happy and blessed July 4.

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at July 04, 2026 08:20 AM (QUIEe)

46 - Oh dearest (to me) of the horde, grammie...

I didn't know we got here so close to the same time. Thought you'd been around for awhile.
You are in my prayers so very often. That our Lord is comforting you. Allowing little to no pain.

As to your future, I have no worries. I'd just ask that, as you're walking those streets of gold, you'll give me a wave if you see me sweeping the sidewalk.

God Bless Dear Lady.

Posted by: TeeJ at July 04, 2026 08:20 AM (dAv7M)

47 Birdbath status?

Posted by: Just Wondering at July 04, 2026 08:20 AM (2Ez/1)

48 SMH, thank you for being part of my life.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:21 AM (afJtY)

49 {{{{{Grammie}}}}}

Posted by: Vendette at July 04, 2026 08:21 AM (PrsTH)

50 grammie!! So lovely to see you!

I do not have your address yet - I need to make sure I sent the email to the right place - but I am sending big hugs to you and praying for you!

Posted by: screaming in digital at July 04, 2026 08:22 AM (hPLSE)

51 Grammie, what a wonderful gift to hear from you today.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:23 AM (afJtY)

52 Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.
Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)

Grammie! Lovely to see you have a little energy today. We love you!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:23 AM (h7ZuX)

53 Good morning and happy Independence Day. Got a few chores done before the temps reach surface of the sun highs later. Plan to read the Declaration as part of the celebration. Now to sit back, sip coffee, and enjoy a bowl of good burley pipe tobacco.

It's a blessing to be an American.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 08:23 AM (yTvNw)

54 Grammie so good to hear from you.
Hope you are feeling better

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (Ia/+0)

55 I'm grateful and blessed by all y'all.

Yes, even you over there.

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (wVcYX)

56 - BALL ONE!!! CUBS WIN!!!

Posted by: TeeJ at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (dAv7M)

57 Now our 4th is complete...Grammie is back!

Posted by: Boswell at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (j10i6)

58 Good morning and happy Independence Day. Got a few chores done before the temps reach surface of the sun highs later. Plan to read the Declaration as part of the celebration. Now to sit back, sip coffee, and enjoy a bowl of good burley pipe tobacco.

It's a blessing to be an American.
Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026

***
Which burley blend, JTB? I'm puffing on some Peterson Standard Mixture, an English -- which is unusual for me at this time of year.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (wzUl9)

59 Thanks to all for your prayers.

Posted by: Isophorone at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (bpEno)

60 Good morning again dear horde with thanks to annie, mh and you morons for praying

{grammie}

Please add Mrs. F. to your prayers for a complete and immediate recovery. She was conscious enough to phone late last night and it was a great relief to know she was awake even for a short period. She continues with IV fluids and atb. Further steps and hopefully improvement await the results of lab tests. I'll take Boy F. to see her this morning and then send him off with the kids for the cousin's bbq down in Los Altos.

The caring concern shown by so many morons has been a great relief. Thank you.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:25 AM (RIvkX)

61 grammie,

May the Lord keep you in His embrace, and know that we love you so much, and miss you, and will keep your family in our prayers.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 08:26 AM (QykSZ)

62 San Franpsycho

Prayers continue to ascend. Thank you for this hopeful update.

May she be released into your arms soon.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:26 AM (u82oZ)

63 Happy birthday, America!

May God thy gold refine!

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at July 04, 2026 08:27 AM (qrpsN)

64 Madmani: Our nation’s 250th anniversary is a time of celebration and fireworks, picnics and tall ships and family.

So of course Mayor Zohran Mamdani turned it into a lecture blasting America.

Mamdani retold the history of the United States Friday morning as an unending parade of horrors, an unwelcoming autocracy ruled by the wealthy and powerful.

Trump: “As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack,” Trump said in his remarks in South Dakota.

“A generation after we fought and won the Cold War against the menace of communism, there is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success,” the president continued.

“These are not mere political disagreements, like differences over taxes or regulations. Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty. It is the greatest threat to our country,” Trump declared.
===================
Thanks to the NY Post for these reports

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:28 AM (WKesY)

65 23 ... GRAMMIE!!!

So happy you could post today. You, Rev and your family are in our prayers every day.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 08:28 AM (yTvNw)

66 San Franpsycho,

So glad that your wife is doing better!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 08:28 AM (QykSZ)

67 Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)
=====

*Forrest Gump wave*

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:30 AM (RIvkX)

68 Thanks to all for your prayers.

Posted by: Isophorone at July 04, 2026 08:24 AM (bpEno)

A whole bunch of us have been or are going through the same thing, so we're not just going to pray for them, but for you too.

Posted by: Vendette at July 04, 2026 08:30 AM (1ieqq)

69 Grammie!!!

Posted by: nurse ratched. at July 04, 2026 08:31 AM (DFdns)

70 Have a wonderful and grateful Independence Day, everyone.

May you all have the same numbers of fingers Monday you have today. Party On!

Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 04, 2026 08:32 AM (u82oZ)

71 nurse asked for prayers for Some Rat last evening. Please add him to your list.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:33 AM (afJtY)

72 > Have a wonderful and grateful Independence Day, everyone.

May you all have the same numbers of fingers Monday you have today. Party On!
----------
Keep an eye on the kids too. Last year there were a couple "incidents" around here with fireworks that lead to injuries.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 08:35 AM (jehhT)

73 nurse asked for prayers for Some Rat last evening. Please add him to your list.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:33 AM (afJtY)
=====

What happened to Some Rat?

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:37 AM (RIvkX)

74 Hard to keep track. I recall the Boss told you morons to cut the crap.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:38 AM (RIvkX)

75 May God thy gold refine!"

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea!

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 08:38 AM (XuXeR)

76 You know about the cup sizes?

Posted by: Frank Costanza at July 04, 2026 08:40 AM (2Ez/1)

77 And a happy and prosperous (as in, no fireworks accidents!) Fourth to all of you!

I have never been into fireworks. They seem dangerously without safeguards, unlike a gun, where the metal contains the blast. Instead there's *cardboard* around the powder? No, I don't think Homie gonna play dat.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:40 AM (wzUl9)

78 What happened to Some Rat?
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:37 AM (RIvkX)

She didn't say--she requested prayers for "mind, body, and soul." I pray that whatever difficulties he's having, the Lord carries him through.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:40 AM (h7ZuX)

79 Reading Pres Trump's speech at Mt Rushmore last night...does he write his own speeches? It is magnificent.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at July 04, 2026 08:08 AM (ZBho7)

As you might expect, Althouse treated the speech with snark and dismissal.

Mamdami's blasphemy? Not a word of disapproval from that wine box drunk.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 08:40 AM (qRla/)

80 Grammie! Happy Independence Day!

You, dear lady, who pray for so many others, may you find strength and happiness on this and every day.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 08:41 AM (qRla/)

81 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, forever. Amen.

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 08:43 AM (ZOv7s)

82 I'm back and cleaned up after my thirty-minute walk down to the trail, around it, and back.

Someone here pointed out that I could walk in the A/C at the local mall. It opens at ten. Two or three days a week, I could have a light breakfast and maybe some fruit around eight, drive over for ten, put in a couple of miles (ca. forty minutes), and head back for lunch. Two of the other days I could force myself out for a mile's walk/run in the heat in my neighborhood. (The mall cops probably won't want me trotting in the mall.)

5x a week without risking heat exhaustion. Sounds good to me.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (wzUl9)

83 Grammie winger
May God bless you and keep you.

2008? Wow! You beat me here by about a year. A lot of water under a lot of bridges in that time. Lots of ups and downs for all of us!

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (I0N4X)

84 Thank you dmlw. That sounds pretty serious.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (RIvkX)

85 As I see it, this Fourth of July should be as much a celebration of our history as a declaration of war against Leftism, Islam, political corruption and financial profligacy.

Posted by: Ordinary American at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (fZiTB)

86
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

Posted by: rhennigantx at July 04, 2026 08:45 AM (/+uur)

87 A.H. Lloyd, how is your wife?

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:45 AM (afJtY)

88 I had mentioned that I was planning to attend a Glorious Fourth celebration in the next town over today, but I have decided not to. Since I live in Maskachusetts, I'm expecting the event would be poisoned with a bunch of TDS loonies. Additionally, I only wanted to go because it's taking place at a colonial graveyard that is only open once a year and I wanted to get inside the little chapel on the grounds, but I'm certain they won't open the place up. I'll have to find another way in.

So I'll just drive to the dairy for some fresh milk, come home and at some point watch 1776.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 08:46 AM (qRla/)

89 Prayers for all

Posted by: Halfhand at July 04, 2026 08:46 AM (HUfR7)

90 I've been here reading since about 2010, and posting since 2011. Grammie has always been here . . . and I hope, always will!

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:47 AM (wzUl9)

91 5x a week without risking heat exhaustion. Sounds good to me.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (wzUl9)
=====

We have a mall that opens at 10 even though most of the stores open at 11, for people to walk around. The bakery and coffee places are open. It's a like an alternate reality for an hour.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 08:47 AM (RIvkX)

92 You people. You have me happy crying with your sweet sweet cards and letters. Ever since I found this crazy place back in 2008, I have treasured each and every one of you reprobates. I can't express the love i have for you as I sit here in the cancer hospital. You're so silly special. Thanks for everything. Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.
Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)
---
God bless you!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 08:47 AM (ZOv7s)

93 I love the Jimi Hendrix guitar instrumental of the Star Spangled Banner from the Woodstock album. However, I could do without the screeching sounds after the moments representing “the rockets’ red glare”, and “bombs bursting in air”.
If the Hendrix estate authorized an edited version of the recording for public use,it would make a pretty nice preamble to a sport event, if a proficient singer was not available.

Posted by: Fenderbender at July 04, 2026 08:47 AM (1FEc1)

94 Good morning Horde, thx MisHum.
Prayers for the Horde and their loved ones in need.
Grammie, great post. Good luck and God bless

Posted by: Smell the Glove at July 04, 2026 08:48 AM (itsE0)

95 Huck- so how does that work? Do you launch a spud from the cannon and try to hit it with a shotgun? Or do you launch a clay pigeon and try to blast it with the spud gun?

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (I0N4X)

96 We have a mall that opens at 10 even though most of the stores open at 11, for people to walk around. The bakery and coffee places are open. It's a like an alternate reality for an hour.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026

***
I'm not sure any coffee places are open that early in my nearby mall. Still, that sounds terrific.

Maybe I'll give it a try on Monday. Miss Linda may want to go -- but she walks a good deal slower than I do.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (wzUl9)

97 While cleaning out my mom's apartment, going through the baking stuff, I found a box of 100 little flag toothpicks she must have bought for the 1976 bicentennial with some still remaining. 49 cents. That was when the tall ships came in to NY harbor and we watched the celebrations from Atlantic Highlands, NJ.

Posted by: A Nomad Of The Time Streams at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (niKHs)

98 Good morning Horde! Prayers in fellowship for everyone in the Horde and Horde adjacent. Prayers for this Great Nation, that it's people remember who we are and that we may rise again like the Phoenix.

Posted by: Smellslikevictory at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (jPdyB)

99 Well, I Declare

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:14 AM (I0N4X)

I dub you the Official Semiquincentennial Limericist of these here proceedings...

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 04, 2026 08:51 AM (nbLIj)

100 That was when the tall ships came in to NY harbor and we watched the celebrations from Atlantic Highlands, NJ."

Was across the harbor on Governor's Island...

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 08:51 AM (XuXeR)

101 A.H. Lloyd, how is your wife?
Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 08:45 AM (afJtY)
---
We're waiting for all the lab results to come back. She's healing from the biopsies, which is good.

Prayers for my aunt, who was in a shattering collision Monday. She was hit by a semi moving at full speed through the intersection and had to be choppered down to Grand Rapids for emergency surgery. Lots of blood loss, but she is now out of the ICU and physical therapy is beginning.

This happened during the family reunion, which I traditionally crash with the grandkids and whomever else in my family wants to meet comically distantly related cousins. ("Wait, so, you're my first cousin three times removed or a fourth cousin?") It happened just before I rolled in and understandably cast a pall over the whole event.

And then last night we lost power and my generator acted up. It came back at 2:30 a.m. I think I'm just going to sit still today.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 08:52 AM (ZOv7s)

102 Godspeed Grammie!

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 08:53 AM (2Ez/1)

103
I launched a spud into the air
It dang near reached the stratosphare
I stepped to the stage
with my trusty 12 gauge
Now we're making tater salad...wayyyy over there!

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:54 AM (I0N4X)

104 It might be fun to see Semiquincentennial in a limerick.

Posted by: Limerick Lover at July 04, 2026 08:54 AM (2Ez/1)

105 Prayers for my aunt, who was in a shattering collision Monday.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 08:52 AM (ZOv7s)

How horrible! Sounds like a miracle that she survived! Prayers up.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:55 AM (h7ZuX)

106 It might be fun to see Semiquincentennial in a limerick.
Posted by: Limerick Lover
---
I just want to hear FJB pronounce it.

Posted by: screaming in digital at July 04, 2026 08:56 AM (hPLSE)

107 https://www.frontpagemag.com/
the-patriotism-gap/

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:56 AM (Ia/+0)

108 2008? Wow! You beat me here by about a year. A lot of water under a lot of bridges in that time. Lots of ups and downs for all of us!
Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:44 AM (I0N4X)
---
I go way back, and was here for the 2004 election. Of course I didn't read comments at first, just glance through posts.

At some point I read comments, but just lurked. Fascinating stuff. I finally commented during Trump I, which makes me a old newb or a shy Grognard.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 08:57 AM (ZOv7s)

109 While cleaning out my mom's apartment, going through the baking stuff, I found a box of 100 little flag toothpicks she must have bought for the 1976 bicentennial with some still remaining. 49 cents. That was when the tall ships came in to NY harbor and we watched the celebrations from Atlantic Highlands, NJ.
Posted by: A Nomad Of The Time Streams at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (niKHs)

Great place to see them, too! The tall ships were a definite highlight of the Bicentennial!

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 04, 2026 08:57 AM (nbLIj)

110 I dub you the Official Semiquincentennial Limericist of these here proceedings...
Posted by: Joe Kidd

**********

D'awww!
*blushes*
*kicks dirt*

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:58 AM (I0N4X)

111 Good morning and happy 4th! This seems as good a place as any to post this very brief video explaining the difference between liberals and conservatives regarding fireworks. Enjoy!

https://tinyurl.com/2jc27vtj

Posted by: 496 at July 04, 2026 08:59 AM (DWmGl)

112 “ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Galatians 5:1

Posted by: Marcus T at July 04, 2026 08:59 AM (LLQU7)

113 58 ... "Which burley blend, JTB? I'm puffing on some Peterson Standard Mixture, an English -- which is unusual for me at this time of year."

Wolfus,
It's the Sutliff J4 burley. Mostly burley with some Kentucky and a light vanilla topping. Fairly mild, slightly sweet and it goes great with my perked black coffee. It's now discontinued but I was able to get the last couple of pounds before it disappeared. Think of Carter Hall or Granger kicked up several notches in quality. I save it for an occasional treat.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 08:59 AM (yTvNw)

114 All right, folks, time for me to head on out.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (qRla/)

115 How horrible! Sounds like a miracle that she survived! Prayers up.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 08:55 AM (h7ZuX)
---
Thank you. What is normally an oasis of peace Up North was completely disrupted as notifications went out, some folks drove down to be with her, others arranged shifts and we shifted food preparation around. And here I am, the bump on a log, though my grandkids were much appreciated and had a blast (as they always do).

That evening I called my father with the latest news and he in turn called his brother, who then phoned in and so I guess that's my job - a bridge to the increasingly separate branches of the family.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (ZOv7s)

116 Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (qRla/)

You too!

Posted by: Vendette at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (1ieqq)

117 > I love the Jimi Hendrix guitar instrumental of the Star Spangled Banner from the Woodstock album.
---------
There was a NASCAR race a week or two ago that featured a guitar instrumental of that. The guy playing it was probably in his 60's and it was awesome. Just the right about of reverb and fuzz.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 09:01 AM (jehhT)

118 I've got to head outside for some yard work before the heat becomes unbearable.

Thankful to live in the best country ever, and for the tiny little piece of it that God has graciously given me for awhile. May God continue to bless America, and the Horde. Sending hugs and love to all y'all.

Posted by: screaming in digital at July 04, 2026 09:02 AM (hPLSE)

119 Powerline week in pictures is up
Some good ones in the weekly funnies

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 09:06 AM (Ia/+0)

120 Greetings, good morning and Happy 250th to everyone!

My wife is at her first show of the day. Her band is going to be performing at a retirement community. She's trying to negotiate the band being able to leave instead of being forced to sit for the rest of the performance.

I managed to get a few things accomplished as well and now I dedicate the day to staying within my air conditioned home and drugging the dogs before the fireworks begin.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 09:07 AM (/k3in)

121 Looks like Men's Metric Kickball doesn't end until July 19th, so some amount of visiting Europeans who normally dwell in a Buc-ee's desert will get to witness the celebrations tonight.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 09:07 AM (2Ez/1)

122 I guess that's my job - a bridge to the increasingly separate branches of the family.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (ZOv7s)

That is important.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:08 AM (h7ZuX)

123 It might be fun to see Semiquincentennial in a limerick.
Posted by: Limerick Lover

********

It'll Get You In The End - a limerick

There once was an over-eager millennial
Celebrating the Semiquincentennial
In a grand epic fail
he slid down the stair rail
And landed smack dab on his finial!

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 09:09 AM (I0N4X)

124 drugging the dogs before the fireworks begin.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 09:07 AM (/k3in)

Thanks for the reminder!

*sets Trazadone on counter so I remember later. Might as well get the claw clippers and grinder out, too. Two birds, one stone, and all that.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:10 AM (h7ZuX)

125 Happy 4th to the Horde! I showed up sometime after 2008 and mostly lurk at this fine Military Blog.

Posted by: Texican ette at July 04, 2026 09:11 AM (SNf74)

126 Wolfus,
It's the Sutliff J4 burley. Mostly burley with some Kentucky and a light vanilla topping. Fairly mild, slightly sweet and it goes great with my perked black coffee. It's now discontinued but I was able to get the last couple of pounds before it disappeared. Think of Carter Hall or Granger kicked up several notches in quality. I save it for an occasional treat.
Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026

***
Sounds great. I have a 2021 7 or 8 oz. tin of Granger in the closet, and should open it now that Sir Walter Raleigh is still giving off that faint vinegar aroma in the pouch.

I finished the Standard Mixture -- there was only about ten minutes' worth left in the bowl after yesterday afternoon. Got some Match Early Morning Pipe going in the same pot-bowl pipe.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 09:11 AM (wzUl9)

127 I guess that's my job - a bridge to the increasingly separate branches of the family.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:00 AM (ZOv7s)

That is important.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:08 AM (h7ZuX)
====
My kids do a good job at this, they are close with a large number of fairly distant cousins.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:12 AM (RIvkX)

128 Spotted a new listing on Realtor that checks most of my boxes. I've written to my agent to see if we can do a video walk-through soon.

The pickings have been slim lately. I was beginning to wonder if I'd see anything else I liked this year.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 09:14 AM (wzUl9)

129 Definitely a good day to check the Prayer Thread

Ben Had
Vendette
SMH
AND
Grammie

Blessings on the lot of ye...

and all the other assorted miscreants here as well!!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ Next Up TX MoMe ~ at July 04, 2026 09:15 AM (hOUT3)

130 Commissar Hrothgar, blessing upon you .

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 09:17 AM (afJtY)

131 Blessings to you and prayers, Grammie. So good to see you here this morning! Go Cubs go (in Harry Carey’s voice)….

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 04, 2026 09:19 AM (ugElV)

132 I guess I should wish my California cousins a Happy Independence Day from the free state of Texas.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 09:19 AM (afJtY)

133 Hrothgar!!!

So good to see you!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (QykSZ)

134 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (RIvkX)

135
A blessed Fourth of July to all!

A happy family gathering last night and another scheduled today, wish I saw a lot of these cousins more than once a year.

Posted by: Auspex at July 04, 2026 09:21 AM (Y8DZL)

136 Muldoon comes through in all of his star-spangled Independence Day patriotic red, white, and blue limerick-heard-round-the-world glory!

Bravo!

Posted by: Limerick Lover at July 04, 2026 09:22 AM (2Ez/1)

137 All the morons I met at the NoVAMoMe were gentlemen and philosophers, and the Ette's are angels. Prayers are getting longer, thanks for all the updates. Love you all!!

Posted by: Buck Ofama, K4WTJ at July 04, 2026 09:22 AM (z6ONu)

138 Vintage cooking stuff is just as fun as grampa’s garage tools. I’ve a Ball canning jar from the 1930s, mom’s maple rolling pin, assorted cooking implements that I enjoy using too. Griswold cast iron, a pair of boning knives from Rath packing co., etc.

Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026 09:22 AM (tXwiM)

139 Prayers up for all the Horde's intentions. Those asked and unasked.

Posted by: olddog in mo at July 04, 2026 09:22 AM (dmoni)

140 Be kind to your friends in the swamp
When the weather is very very damp

Posted by: IrishEi ?! at July 04, 2026 09:23 AM (3ImbR)

141 olddog, blessing upon you and your family. Happy pontooning.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 09:24 AM (afJtY)

142 Little is working until 6 today, so we'll do a quick dinner then watch the neighborhood fireworks while downing pina coladas. Will spend most of the day prepping for an overnight camping trip on Monday.

Prayers for a safe, enjoyable 4th. Prayers for those requested and those contemplated in Jesus's Name.

Amen

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 04, 2026 09:24 AM (nbLIj)

143 Wolfus - I like the straight pipe briars for some reason. They look a little more jaunty I think. Is there any technical reason to have a curved stem?

Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026 09:24 AM (tXwiM)

144 A Solemn and a Happy Independence Day to all.
Solemn in looking forward to keeping this great country on course, Happy that we still have that opportunity.
I think this place represents one of the bastions of hope.

Posted by: RI Red at July 04, 2026 09:25 AM (iaf7q)

145 That’s an awesome limerick as always Muldoon… sent me scurrying to the dictionary to learn what finial means…

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 04, 2026 09:25 AM (26GAh)

146 Same to you, Ben Had. Gonna be tough to enjoy today. High humidity and 100+ Heat index.

Posted by: olddog in mo at July 04, 2026 09:25 AM (dmoni)

147 Almighty GOD, we thank you for America, the nation You inspired our Founders to form. We thank You for the prosperity and comfort we have. But Lord, our sins against You would shame Babylon, Nineveh, or even Sodom and
Gomorrah. We regret our sins and beg for forgiveness so that we can live in covenant with You.
Amen

Posted by: Eromero at July 04, 2026 09:25 AM (LHPAg)

148 “overnight camping”

Camping, by definition, is overnight. Otherwise it’s a picnic!

Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026 09:26 AM (tXwiM)

149 134 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (RIvkX)

Amen to that!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:27 AM (h7ZuX)

150 Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R

Good to see you, my sister in Christ! FenSpouse and I have been praying for you.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 09:27 AM (eF17/)

151 That’s an awesome limerick as always Muldoon… sent me scurrying to the dictionary to learn what finial means…

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at July 04, 2026 09:25 AM (26GAh)

He both amuses and educates

Posted by: Vendette at July 04, 2026 09:28 AM (1ieqq)

152 143 Wolfus - I like the straight pipe briars for some reason. They look a little more jaunty I think. Is there any technical reason to have a curved stem?
Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026

***
I prefer the straights as well. In the '80s, when I first tried the pipe, you could smoke at bars and restaurants, and I thought a straight would be awkward to handle; so I bought mostly bents. Some of which I still have, and smoke. A bent is generally easier to clench in your teeth, and supposedly the moisture from combustion stays lower in the stem and doesn't reach your mouth. But if you're smoking correctly -- drier leaf, sipping at the pipe instead of puffing like a steam engine -- the moisture issue doesn't really come up.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 09:29 AM (wzUl9)

153 Wolfus - I like the straight pipe briars for some reason. They look a little more jaunty I think. Is there any technical reason to have a curved stem?
Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026

***
And nowadays I smoke almost always at home, so the awkwardness doesn't come up. I think of a straight as sending a message: "Yeah, I smoke a pipe. What's it to ya?"

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 09:30 AM (wzUl9)

154 It's interesting to see which houses in the neighborhood have taken down their "pride" flags and which defiantly fly them instead of Old Glory.

We can talk about Marxism, Communism, and various leftist logical contortions and fallacies, but to me it has never been more clear that this is all just a secular veneer for pure demonic energy.

To promote a flag representing unlimited sexual license over the one of one's nation, which represents fidelity to parents and tradition, is as blatant a symbol of spiritual warfare that I can think of. That it is a perversion of God's rainbow just makes it that much more obvious.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:31 AM (ZOv7s)

155 Wolfus and JTB, I enjoy watching Maigret using his pipe as an extension of his body.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 09:33 AM (afJtY)

156 Today marks exactly one month since we moved here.

The previous owners left their flag and flag pole.

Fortunately, the flag is in good condition.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:34 AM (QykSZ)

157 The Paolo, he is not familiar with this, how you say, curved stem.

Posted by: The Paolo at July 04, 2026 09:34 AM (2Ez/1)

158 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (RIvkX)
---
I think it will be used for ISR, to track who shows up, where they came from, and where they go.

It is preferable to "disappear" those people, continuing to create a power vacuum and rendering the regime wracked by strife and distrust. Are insiders selling out rivals? Cutting deals to save themselves?

This is why people need to chill. It's a process, not an event. The best regime change is organic, not achieved by tanks and infantry. People looked at WW II, which was a unique event in history and said "yeah, that's a template for the ages." No, it's not.

Punitive expeditions are much more common and much more effective in the long run.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (ZOv7s)

159 Interesting in the year 2026 and our 250 anniversary that DemSocs are selling the FDR new bill of rights as quote unquote Freedom.
Those false rights are now approaching 100 years old and have never ever ever worked even when tried on a small scale.
Sweden, Norway, and the other Icebacks now see that their semi-socialist ways do not work without a very homogenous (race, religion, education, etc) population.
Milton said you can have open borders or welfare.
To expound on that idea it appears you can have socialism or diversity, but not both at the same time.

Posted by: rhennigantx at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (/+uur)

160 SanFranPsycho, you are well loved and cared about here. You, Mrs F and Boy F, even that new little one you so eagerly anticipate.
Prayers continue.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (4VH0B)

161 The Paolo, he is not familiar with this, how you say, curved stem.
Posted by: The Paolo at July 04, 2026 09:34 AM (2Ez/1)
---
Bill Clinton would know about that.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (ZOv7s)

162 sent me scurrying to the dictionary to learn what finial means…
Posted by: LinusVanPelt

*************

♫ ♫ ♪ ♫

"It's the finial countdown..."

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (I0N4X)

163 Eromero, my brother!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ Next Up TX MoMe ~ at July 04, 2026 09:36 AM (hOUT3)

164 Hi Eromero!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:36 AM (QykSZ)

165 You people. You have me happy crying with your sweet sweet cards and letters. Ever since I found this crazy place back in 2008, I have treasured each and every one of you reprobates. I can't express the love i have for you as I sit here in the cancer hospital. You're so silly special. Thanks for everything. Love laughs at tumors. Kisses.
Posted by: Grammie wingers phone at July 04, 2026 08:12 AM (56y8R)

🇺🇸🎉 Grammie!!!

Posted by: runner at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (kwV69)

166 {{{{{Hrothgar}}}}}

Posted by: Vendette at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (1ieqq)

167 The previous owners left their flag and flag pole.

Fortunately, the flag is in good condition.
Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:34 AM (QykSZ)

Bonus!

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (h7ZuX)

168 Interesting in the year 2026 and our 250 anniversary that DemSocs are selling the FDR new bill of rights as quote unquote Freedom.

Posted by: rhennigantx at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (/+uur)
---
This is designed to gull ageing centrist Dems into thinking that it is still FDR's party. They have no intention of doing anything other than staging an Anarchist revolution. The template they are using is Spain, 1936. There's a book about it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (ZOv7s)

169 “overnight camping”

Camping, by definition, is overnight. Otherwise it’s a picnic!
Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026 09:26 AM (tXwiM)

True dat. I used the term to indicate a single, versus multiple, night duration. Got a site at Kissimmee Prarie Park, a certified Dark Sky park..

Posted by: Joe Kidd at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (nbLIj)

170 Fortunately, the flag is in good condition.
Posted by: SMH at God's mercy

No question about that flag flying at your house!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar (hOUT3) ~ Next Up TX MoMe ~ at July 04, 2026 09:38 AM (hOUT3)

171 My brain is like the scrap bin in a woodworker's shop. Lots of bits and pieces of pine, plywood and particle board, but occasionally I stumble upon a nice piece of cherry or mahogany...

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 09:38 AM (I0N4X)

172 Wolfus and JTB, I enjoy watching Maigret using his pipe as an extension of his body.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026

***
His creator, Georges Simenon, was quite the pipe man himself. So were Faulkner, historian Shelby Foote, and the Ellery Queen cousins. The story goes that when their first novel won the first prize a national magazine was offering in '28, they trooped over to Dunhill and bought two pipes, each with the letters "EQ" stamped into it.

I wonder whatever happened to those pipes. . . .

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 09:38 AM (wzUl9)

173 Formation of Blackhawk helicopters and later AF1 flew over our house last evening. Neat! Happy Independence Day everyone!

Posted by: Archer at July 04, 2026 09:39 AM (wvc0i)

174 There's a prairie in Florida? I did not know that.

Posted by: In my best Johnny Carson voice at July 04, 2026 09:40 AM (2Ez/1)

175 Formation of Blackhawk helicopters and later AF1 flew over our house last evening. Neat! Happy Independence Day everyone!
Posted by: Archer
___

One of the few things I miss about living near an Army base is regularly seeing Blackhawks, Apaches, and Chinooks.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (QykSZ)

176 Mornin' Horde! Last year I spent Independence Day less than independent, watching fireworks from a hospital bed. Still stuck in limbo, but I'm taking the improvement! (It took our founders eight years to seal the deal, so I guess patience should be a lesson to learn there!)

Prayers for all who need, stated or not.

Posted by: Brother Tim, still standing at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (mQbp+)

177 Updates on me: This past week's interviews went very well, they really liked me. Next week we'll see if they liked me _well enough_. One more likely interview round for one of the positions...

Also a prayer request! My grand-niece has not been growing properly. She's... 5 or 6?, the growth plates are fine but no growth in over a year. They've found an intestinal or bowel blockage with the latest tests and she will probably need surgery. I'm getting all this second-hand so don't have a lot of details.

Posted by: RandomDave at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (aJQbY)

178 A finial is a top of my flagpole, thought I had a picture but don't.
Mine is a aluminum spear point on top a mahogan round wood

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (Ia/+0)

179 *sets Trazadone on counter so I remember later*

Not bad. The stuff we use contains chamomile, passionflower, valerian root and melatonin. Good stuff so I hope it helps when the explosions start.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (/k3in)

180 152 ... I agree with Wolfus. A bend, even a slight one, is easier to clench. Since I often prefer a larger bowl, that helps. I have some nice straight pipes but my favorites are Missouri Meerschaum corn cobs. Even their larger bowls like the Mark Twain version are light and easy to clench.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 09:42 AM (yTvNw)

181 Friedman said you can have open borders, or you can have a welfare state. But you can’t have both.

I pointed this out on a message board forum once in response to something and I thought this old leftist was going to have a stroke. He tried to ‘splain how Friedman was wrong, but it was just incoherent.

We don’t lock the doors on our house because we hate other people, it’s because we love our family.

Posted by: Common Tater at July 04, 2026 09:43 AM (tXwiM)

182 Family, friends, neighbors, church, you morons, and Country. That's how I see it.

Posted by: Eromero at July 04, 2026 09:43 AM (LHPAg)

183 God, family, country.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:44 AM (QykSZ)

184 The Declaration of Independence translated into American by HL Mencken:

https://tinyurl.com/yc4pth2v

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 09:45 AM (XvL8K)

185 We are slowly getting ready to see if this anniversary ceremony is a go

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 09:46 AM (Ia/+0)

186 Most of the mountains here are a tinderbox. Hot, dry, windy with plenty of fuel in the forests makes for ab active wildfire season. Open burn ban for the entire state. Towns throughout the Rockies have cancelled July 4th fireworks displays. Smoke blankets the state, my front deck smells like a campfire even though the nearest fire of any consequence is over fifty miles away (Aspen Acres fire >50,000 acres over toward Pueblo). Nevertheless we will gather with friends and neighbors this evening for a potluck dinner and fish fry.

God Bless America! Truth and Justice will prevail!

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 09:47 AM (I0N4X)

187 134 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (RIvkX)

----------

It may be a risk but they had to do something. He was starting to smell.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 04, 2026 09:47 AM (u/oMr)

188 Phone saying 87 degrees here, deck thermometer was in sun so not a good reading

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 09:48 AM (Ia/+0)

189 Missouri Meerschaum corn cobs.
Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 09:42 AM (yTvNw)

?! Those are three words I definitely don't understand together.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 04, 2026 09:49 AM (lFFaq)

190 Blessed are the peacemakers AND the cheesemakers.
Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 08:17 AM (wVcYX)

https://youtu.be/NFPIGNua5WM

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at July 04, 2026 09:50 AM (ExV1e)

191 Not bad. The stuff we use contains chamomile, passionflower, valerian root and melatonin. Good stuff so I hope it helps when the explosions start.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (/k3in)

What is it? I don't find the Trazadone to be super effective, and when it does start to take effect, Tank gets bewildered. Would love to use something else.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:51 AM (h7ZuX)

192 I think that Trump should incorporate into his stump speeches a call for the Dem establishment pols, by name, to stand up against the communists. We know they won't but he should demand it.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at July 04, 2026 09:51 AM (l26NL)

193 Happy Independence Day!

As for the Ayatollah's funeral, if I were in the IRGC I'd slip my cell phone into the pocket of my worst enemy who I knew would be in attendance. Location services: ON.

Posted by: PabloD at July 04, 2026 09:53 AM (byoW7)

194 Interesting in the year 2026 and our 250 anniversary that DemSocs are selling the FDR new bill of rights as quote unquote Freedom.

Posted by: rhennigantx at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (/+uur)
---
This is designed to gull ageing centrist Dems into thinking that it is still FDR's party. They have no intention of doing anything other than staging an Anarchist revolution. The template they are using is Spain, 1936. There's a book about it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:37 AM (ZOv7s)

Mad-Manny's little rant about how America sucks and we're on stolen land and we hate immigrants isn't going to help. I thought Mandami was a more astute politician than that. He just made a huge in-kind donation to the GOP.

But he and his DemSoc loons want their Communist Utopia and they want it now. Pres. Trump is going to hang them like an albatross around the neck of the Democrat party.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (ksbjf)

195 It's almost ten a.m., I think it's late enough to mow, now, without pissing off any neighbors. Better get on it.

Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (h7ZuX)

196 I hear Trump's speech at Rushmore was excellent. If only Mitch McConnell was alive to hear it.

Posted by: gKWVE at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (gKWVE)

197 Any excuse to cancel July 4th fireworks will do.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 09:55 AM (Kt19C)

198 Happy Independence Day!

Prayers said for all.

Posted by: Piper at July 04, 2026 09:55 AM (Wmg4n)

199 As for Ann Outhouse, I don't expect to find anything wholesome or useful from in there.

Posted by: gKWVE at July 04, 2026 09:55 AM (gKWVE)

200 155 ... "Wolfus and JTB, I enjoy watching Maigret using his pipe as an extension of his body."

Good morning Ben Had. (Hope Texas is cooler than Virginia right now.)

It's true. A pipe can become a part of you. Partly appearance, partly attitude, partly perception by others. In addition to the authors Wolfus mentioned, you can add Tolkien, CS Lewis, and Malcolm Guite. I really believe smoking a pipe lends itself to a creative approach and quiet appreciation of life.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 09:55 AM (yTvNw)

201 My previous dog freaked out over fireworks, my current one loves them. She will run towards the smoke and flame. Same breed, but this one is from a hunting line instead of a show line.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at July 04, 2026 09:56 AM (0U5gm)

202 The real story of the revolution:

https://tinyurl.com/2mxrv6v4

Enjoy today and remember, it's only treason if you lose.

Posted by: AnchorPoint at July 04, 2026 09:57 AM (XY7MO)

203 - God - Country - Family - Friends - Others - self

Posted by: TeeJ at July 04, 2026 09:57 AM (dAv7M)

204 The dogs, cats nor the horses pay any notice to the fireworks.

Posted by: Ben Had at July 04, 2026 09:58 AM (afJtY)

205 Happy Independence Day! For 250 years, the greatest nation in the world!

The Boston Pops 1812, July 4, 1976. I remember it well as it ran on CBS nationally. Reportedly, The Pops, lead by Arthur Fiedler, drew a record-breaking 400,000 thousand people to the Charles River Esplanade for the performance.

Something that really struck me rewatching the performance this morning was the cameras capturing a baby and another young child in the audience, now 50 years ago.

Grammie Winger! Another blessing for us on this historical day! Always in our hearts and minds; continuing prayers for you and yours. 🙏

And continuing prayers for God's blessings & comfort for all of the Horde and Horde adjacent, especially those with particular health needs.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 09:58 AM (NFX2v)

206 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.
Posted by: San Franpsycho

It may be a risk but they had to do something. He was starting to smell.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43)

Not that he probably smelled all that great in life.

Posted by: Brother Tim, still standing at July 04, 2026 09:59 AM (mQbp+)

207 Greetings, good morning and Happy 250th to everyone!

My wife is at her first show of the day. Her band is going to be performing at a retirement community. She's trying to negotiate the band being able to leave instead of being forced to sit for the rest of the performance.

I managed to get a few things accomplished as well and now I dedicate the day to staying within my air conditioned home and drugging the dogs before the fireworks begin.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 09:07 AM (/k3in)

Have them play Slayer's angel of death as their last song. Having to stick around won't be a problem. They might even be escorted out. Lol

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at July 04, 2026 09:59 AM (WQBBj)

208 You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Posted by: Zombie George M. Cohan at July 04, 2026 09:59 AM (wVcYX)

209 God - Country - Family - Friends - Others - self
___

This^

Hi TeeJ!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 10:00 AM (QykSZ)

210 What is it? I don't find the Trazadone to be super effective, and when it does start to take effect, Tank gets bewildered. Would love to use something else.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!

"Vibeful Calming Soft Chews." We get them from Chewy.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 10:01 AM (/k3in)

211 >>> 196 I hear Trump's speech at Rushmore was excellent. If only Mitch McConnell was alive to hear it.
Posted by: gKWVE at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (gKWVE)

Posted by: Mitch McConnell's staff at July 04, 2026 10:01 AM (R+iUD)

212 Colostrum works. You cam get just beef colostrum. I use a product called Composure by Vetriscience. Also, CBD oil works if you need something stronger.. and one last one, Amber Naturalz makes something called Aches and Discomforts. Tends to make them sleepy. All these are for dogs, although cats can take colostrum.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at July 04, 2026 10:01 AM (bkuEU)

213 Paolo, it's called Peyronie's disease. There's treatments for it.

Posted by: AnchorPoint at July 04, 2026 10:01 AM (XY7MO)

214 From PowerLine Funnies:

"Put a communist in a helicopter and he will fly for a few hours. Throw him out of a helicopter and he will fly for the rest of his life'. -Augusto Pinochet.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at July 04, 2026 10:03 AM (l26NL)

215 The Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cobs were very popular musicians on the early episodes of Hee Haw.

Posted by: Back in the day at July 04, 2026 10:03 AM (2Ez/1)

216 189 ... "Those are three words I definitely don't understand together."

Polliwog,
Missouri Meerschaum company, under that name, began making corn cob pipes before WW I. A play on using the most common material, corn cobs, with the luxury meerschaum pipes and their fancy carved bowls.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 10:03 AM (yTvNw)

217 One of the few things I miss about living near an Army base is regularly seeing Blackhawks, Apaches, and Chinooks.
Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 09:41 AM (QykSZ)
One of the things I miss was seeing the Blue Angels in F4s, and the memory of pickling one of them coming in low and too fast at Oceana. I as a snuffy airman on ramp watch and did know the Blue Angels were arriving.

Posted by: Eromero at July 04, 2026 10:04 AM (LHPAg)

218 I hope the ayatollah's funeral provides a target-rich environment for the IAF and USAF.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 04, 2026 09:20 AM (RIvkX)
---
I think it will be used for ISR, to track who shows up, where they came from, and where they go.

It is preferable to "disappear" those people, continuing to create a power vacuum and rendering the regime wracked by strife and distrust. Are insiders selling out rivals? Cutting deals to save themselves?

This is why people need to chill. It's a process, not an event. ...

Punitive expeditions are much more common and much more effective in the long run.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 09:35 AM (ZOv7s)

The "We've been defeated by Iran!!! reee!!!" people are just so wrong in their assessment that they astound me. Crude oil prices have dropped, UAE has left OPEC and is building a pipeline, and shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz (despite Iran's bluster).

The MOU is not a peace treaty. It's really to let the tankers escape. If you know "go time" has a date certain, would you return? No you would not.

Who's selling oil from a safe location? Oh yah, 'Murica!

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:05 AM (ksbjf)

219 Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cobs!!

Slowly I turned. Step by step . . .

Posted by: Moe Howard at July 04, 2026 10:06 AM (wVcYX)

220 ... I agree with Wolfus. A bend, even a slight one, is easier to clench. Since I often prefer a larger bowl, that helps. I have some nice straight pipes but my favorites are Missouri Meerschaum corn cobs. Even their larger bowls like the Mark Twain version are light and easy to clench.
Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026

***
I don't clench my pipes all that much, though. I'm more likely to hold the bowl in one hand even while puffing.

I have one vintage, a straight Keyser, with a bowl that is not very big but which is twice as heavy as my others. I've learned to clench a little higher up the stem when I do that while puffing that pipe.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 10:06 AM (wzUl9)

221 This warning to ancient Israel resonates with me on this day of national celebration, a "feast" day if you will..

"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." Amos 5:24

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 10:08 AM (I0N4X)

222 Mad-Manny's little rant about how America sucks and we're on stolen land and we hate immigrants isn't going to help. I thought Mandami was a more astute politician than that. He just made a huge in-kind donation to the GOP.

But he and his DemSoc loons want their Communist Utopia and they want it now. Pres. Trump is going to hang them like an albatross around the neck of the Democrat party.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (ksbjf)
---
The legacy media will leave all of that out and just include the FDR bits to reassure people like my parents that the Party hasn't changed at all, it's that the GOP is now run by Nazis (I mean, the bad Nazis, not the good ones like that nice man in Maine).

A lot of old Dems are in deep denial about the state of the Party, and soundbites like this are designed to reinforce that, and allow them to tune out the other parts as "GOP misinformation." They still think Russiagate is real, Hunter Biden's laptop was fake, and that J6 killed cops.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:08 AM (ZOv7s)

223 The real story of the revolution:

https://tinyurl.com/2mxrv6v4"

AMERICA!!!

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 10:09 AM (XuXeR)

224 ***Peeks in, sees all is well, sends good vibes, withdraws***

Posted by: TRex - low key dino at July 04, 2026 10:09 AM (IQ6Gq)

225 'Murrica, fuck yeah!!

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at July 04, 2026 10:09 AM (Kt19C)

226 Good morning Horde.

God Bless the USA .

So lovely to see grammie this morning. Prayers in abundance for all of the Horde and their loved ones, especially Some Rat and Mrs Franpyscho.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at July 04, 2026 10:09 AM (ibDUx)

227 Forgot to mention that my shirt of the day is the red one with the phrase "Unapologetically American." Had to put it on before my wife stole it.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 10:09 AM (/k3in)

228 I've learned to clench a little higher up"

Ahem.

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 10:10 AM (XuXeR)

229 "Vibeful Calming Soft Chews." We get them from Chewy.

Posted by: NR Pax at July 04, 2026 10:01 AM (/k3in)
---
I heard that Vibeful Calming Soft Chews are now touring with The Osmonds on the casino circuit.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:10 AM (ZOv7s)

230 It's true. A pipe can become a part of you. Partly appearance, partly attitude, partly perception by others. In addition to the authors Wolfus mentioned, you can add Tolkien, CS Lewis, and Malcolm Guite. I really believe smoking a pipe lends itself to a creative approach and quiet appreciation of life.
Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026

***
It does. In a fast-paced, "get it done yesterday" world, sitting with a pipe -- or even strolling outdoors with one -- is an oasis of calm.

Tolkien apparently liked Capstan Blue, a Virginia, and Lewis a blend called Three Nuns. You can still buy them, though they are no longer cheap, and TN has changed components, so it's not really the same blend.

Faulkner was apparently a Dunhill (now Peterson) My Match 965 fan, an English blend.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 10:10 AM (wzUl9)

231
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self control,
Thy liberty in law.

Posted by: The second verse at July 04, 2026 10:11 AM (2Ez/1)

232 "My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above."

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 10:12 AM (XuXeR)

233 But he and his DemSoc loons want their Communist Utopia and they want it now. Pres. Trump is going to hang them like an albatross around the neck of the Democrat party.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 09:54 AM (ksbjf)
---
The legacy media will leave all of that out and just include the FDR bits to reassure people like my parents that the Party hasn't changed at all, it's that the GOP is now run by Nazis (I mean, the bad Nazis, not the good ones like that nice man in Maine).

A lot of old Dems are in deep denial about the state of the Party, and soundbites like this are designed to reinforce that, and allow them to tune out the other parts as "GOP misinformation." They still think Russiagate is real, Hunter Biden's laptop was fake, and that J6 killed cops.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:08 AM (ZOv7s)

True, but we have very Lefty partisan Democrats like James Carville and Rahm Emanuel publicly saying that the DemSoc loons are American-hating retards. (Of course, Carville and Emanuel are really upset that the DemSoc loons are spilling beans about the Democrat party -- it's Communist in all but name for decades)

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:14 AM (ksbjf)

234 Mad-Manny's little rant about how America sucks and we're on stolen land and we hate immigrants isn't going to help. I thought Mandami was a more astute politician than that. He just made a huge in-kind donation to the GOP.
....

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:08 AM (ZOv7s)

I'm very stute!

Posted by: Madman Mamdani at July 04, 2026 10:14 AM (wVcYX)

235 Fair amount of people out here

Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 10:14 AM (qXs2h)

236 Rock, flag and eagle!!!

Posted by: Charlie Kelly at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (l26NL)

237 Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (XuXeR)

238 The "We've been defeated by Iran!!! reee!!!" people are just so wrong in their assessment that they astound me.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:05 AM (ksbjf)
---
It's amazing to me how many "conservatives" have outed themselves as mercenary shills (and dim ones at that) over the past year.

It has nothing to do with the policies per se, it's the complete lack of any reasoning ability to reach their conclusions.

I mean, expect Dems to be incoherent idiots, but this whole business of making up objectives we never had and then pointing to our failure to achieve these fantasies as some sort of failure is really amazing.

A bunch of it is about disqualifying Vance. By claiming Iran is a failure and then tying it to him, they figure they can knock him out of 2028.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (ZOv7s)

239 > "Vibeful Calming Soft Chews."
----------
Trademarked by Cheech and Chong.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (jehhT)

240 May the Lord hear the needs of the Horde.
And may the Horde have a blessed 4th.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (NnhvP)

241 Miss Linda and I are going to survey the nearby mall as regards walking conditions. The stores will probably be open today at eleven. If we get there about ten we can see what it's like for walking.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 10:16 AM (wzUl9)

242
O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.

Posted by: The third verse at July 04, 2026 10:16 AM (2Ez/1)

243 >>One of the things I miss was seeing the Blue Angels in F4s, and the memory of pickling one of them coming in low and too fast at Oceana. I as a snuffy airman on ramp watch and did know the Blue Angels were arriving.

Prior to the lockdowns they used to hold an air show at Quonset every year. It was pretty cool to have them roar overhead going up the bay.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:17 AM (viF8m)

244 Fair amount of people out here
Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 10:14 AM (qXs2h)
---
The celebration started of slow, but going to stores and walking around, people are really getting into the patriotic spirit. Driving Up North and back I listened to a lot of radio and it was all about celebrations, and all the commercials were patriotic themed.

The corporations are catching up bigly, and I don't think it's going to end today. I think people are getting a kick out of holding their heads up again and not having to say sorry for everything. Freedom is intoxicating, and highly contagious.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:19 AM (ZOv7s)

245 It's amazing to me how many "conservatives" have outed themselves as mercenary shills (and dim ones at that) over the past year.

It has nothing to do with the policies per se, it's the complete lack of any reasoning ability to reach their conclusions.

I mean, expect Dems to be incoherent idiots, but this whole business of making up objectives we never had and then pointing to our failure to achieve these fantasies as some sort of failure is really amazing.

A bunch of it is about disqualifying Vance. By claiming Iran is a failure and then tying it to him, they figure they can knock him out of 2028.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:15 AM (ZOv7s)

I've noticed the animus against Vice Pres. Vance, too. I've never found him to utter anything other than his honest appraisal -- I don't have to agree with him.

However, we've had a regular commenter declare that Vance is just as deceitful as Hillary Clinton -- an assessment that is so far removed from reality, it makes me question his motives.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:19 AM (ksbjf)

246 Huck- so how does that work? Do you launch a spud from the cannon and try to hit it with a shotgun? Or do you launch a clay pigeon and try to blast it with the spud gun?
Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 08:49 AM (I0N4X)
------------------------
Normally, we throw a frisbee and try to hit it with potato guns. Today, we have a crack shot with us and so we're going to experiment with firing a potato across the field (as if from a skeet house) and see if he can hit it. The boys are making the guns right now!

I'm pretty confident none of us will hit anything but potato guns are a lot of fun.

Afterwards we are turning pyro and firing off some fireworks, so big day!

Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 10:20 AM (2pEo+)

247 It's not complicated.

https://tinyurl.com/ynxnfj9y

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 10:20 AM (ndZc7)

248 Bone-in ribeyes (Choice) @ $6.47/lb at HEB.
Fresh corn 5 for $1
Half gallon ice cream $4.98
Peaches 97 cents / lb

Texas!
'Murrica!

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 10:20 AM (wVcYX)

249 Good morning Hordemates!
Happy birthday America!!!
Prayers for those in need and may God bless this great nation.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 04, 2026 10:21 AM (2WIwB)

250 Billionaire taxes to start at $50 M.
Bet it hits 5M before 2028.

Posted by: rhennigantx at July 04, 2026 10:22 AM (/+uur)

251 Bone-in ribeyes (Choice) @ $6.47/lb at HEB.

Posted by: Count de Monet
____________

I hope you cleaned them out at that price.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 10:23 AM (XvL8K)

252 Hello, Horde! 😊💕🇺🇸🗽🎉

***waves at Grammie Winger***
Prayers are always headed your way, dear lady! Great to hear from you 💐

Glad to hear Mrs Franpsycho is doing better 💕💕💕

Prayers up for Some Rat. 🎉

And of course, prayers for all who may need them 🙏🙏🙏

My cancer numbers are staying down, and everything appears to be status quo for now. I am now 21 months into a 6-12 month prognosis. I am VERY fortunate to be responding so well to current medications. God is good!

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, AoSHQ's Plucky Wee One - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at July 04, 2026 10:24 AM (SRRAx)

253 This being the Prayer Thread, I'm compelled to offer an Obscure Catholic News Update: Earlier this week, the Vatican confirmed that the SSPX's ordination of four bishops without papal approval had caused an automatic excommunication of all the clergy involved.

To be clear, the act itself broke communion; it is not a punishment.

Yesterday, instructions were released from the DDF for those wishing to repent and return to the Church. This includes both the clergy AND laity in the SSPX. An interesting feature is that SSPX priests have lost their faculties to perform valid marriages and confessions. Oof.

The process of readmission is non-trivial, especially for the clergy. The laity can simply confess and be restored to full communion.

I mention this because it dispels the notion that Pope Leo is a squish and/or that he is a Francis clone. Francis indulged the SSPX at every turn. My prayer is that Pope Leo bring this same heat against the CCP.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:24 AM (ZOv7s)

254 Teresa,

So glad that you're doing well.

God is good, indeed!

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 10:24 AM (QykSZ)

255 Confirm thy soul with self control

The Left: What's a soul?

Also The Left: What's self control?

Posted by: muldoon at July 04, 2026 10:25 AM (I0N4X)

256 I haven’t paid much attention to Mayor Mamdami’s biography. Why did anybody in the Mamdani family choose to come to the USA in the first place? Was it primarily “free stuff”, or premeditated destruction?

Posted by: Fenderbender at July 04, 2026 10:26 AM (1FEc1)

257 Happy Independence Day everyone! Happy 250th, America!

Posted by: Dr. T at July 04, 2026 10:26 AM (jGGMD)

258 Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. As is was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Today (Independence Day) is an Optional Memorial in the Liturgical Calendar. May the United States continue to receive the blessings of Divine Providence.

***

I have prayed Rosaries for the Horde's intentions, both stated and unstated.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:26 AM (ksbjf)

259 Islamic scholar in California, Uthman Farooq, has a message to Americans:

“You cannot stop Islam in America. This is NOT your country, this is OUR country. This is the land of Allah. If you want to live in a place with no Muslims, I suggest you go to hell.”

https://tinyurl.com/4msf7kzv

Bless his heathen heart...

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 10:27 AM (QykSZ)

260 !!!Happy 250th birthday, all!!!

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:27 AM (X8xt3)

261 252 ... "My cancer numbers are staying down, and everything appears to be status quo for now. I am now 21 months into a 6-12 month prognosis. I am VERY fortunate to be responding so well to current medications. God is good!"

Teresa, So glad to hear that. You are always in our prayers.

Posted by: JTB at July 04, 2026 10:27 AM (yTvNw)

262 Wishing all of the Horde an enjoyable Independence Day celebration! Sis-boom-bah!!

Posted by: Weak Geek at July 04, 2026 10:28 AM (Z/Qq6)

263 >> Islamic scholar in California, Uthman Farooq, has a message to Americans:

False bravado.
Message has gone out to demoralize up on 250th.
Ha! As if!!

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:29 AM (X8xt3)

264 I should clarify that SSPX is the Priestly Society of St. Pius X, a group that broke away after Vatican II and its leaders were excommunicated for ordaining bishops in 1988, though this schism was subsequently healed by Benedict XVI.

There has been a back and forth over the consecration all year, and as part of negotiations, the SSPX circulated a statement of beliefs that clearly stated they regarded the current form of the Mass as invalid and that none of the sacraments offered since Vatican II (other than theirs) were valid, either.

So yeah, when you announce you're more Catholic than the Church, maybe take a moment for reflection.

Other fun fact: the rite of ordaining a bishop actually includes a statement that this is done with the pope's blessing. I've not yet seen if they left this part out or lied about it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:29 AM (ZOv7s)

265 Was it primarily “free stuff”, or premeditated destruction?
___

Embrace the power of 'and'.

Islam is on the march, and the Great Satan is in the crosshairs.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 10:29 AM (QykSZ)

266 >>I haven’t paid much attention to Mayor Mamdami’s biography. Why did anybody in the Mamdani family choose to come to the USA in the first place? Was it primarily “free stuff”, or premeditated destruction?

His dada is a professor of Hatred at Columbia.
His mom is a celebrated Hollywood movie director.
They have homes in India, Uganda, and USA (maybe elsewhere?).

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:30 AM (X8xt3)

267 I hope you cleaned them out at that price.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 04, 2026 10:23 AM (XvL8K)

Just the one family pak today - 3 monster ribeyes. I can go back for more thru Tuesday!

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 04, 2026 10:31 AM (wVcYX)

268 This being the Prayer Thread, I'm compelled to offer an Obscure Catholic News Update: Earlier this week, the Vatican confirmed that the SSPX's ordination of four bishops without papal approval had caused an automatic excommunication of all the clergy involved.

To be clear, the act itself broke communion; it is not a punishment.

Yesterday, instructions were released from the DDF for those wishing to repent and return to the Church. This includes both the clergy AND laity in the SSPX. An interesting feature is that SSPX priests have lost their faculties to perform valid marriages and confessions. Oof.

The process of readmission is non-trivial, especially for the clergy. The laity can simply confess and be restored to full communion.

I mention this because it dispels the notion that Pope Leo is a squish and/or that he is a Francis clone. Francis indulged the SSPX at every turn. My prayer is that Pope Leo bring this same heat against the CCP.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:24 AM (ZOv7s)

I was surprised that the SSPX essentially decided to become schismatic. It pulled the laity into a squabble between different levels of the hierarchy.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:31 AM (ksbjf)

269 >>My cancer numbers are staying down, and everything appears to be status quo for now. I am now 21 months into a 6-12 month prognosis. I am VERY fortunate to be responding so well to current medications. God is good!

Woohooo!!

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:32 AM (X8xt3)

270 >>I haven’t paid much attention to Mayor Mamdami’s biography. Why did anybody in the Mamdani family choose to come to the USA in the first place?

His father got a job a Columbia, of course, teaching African political history. He doesn't call himself a marxist either but he is one.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:33 AM (viF8m)

271 Islamic scholar in California, Uthman Farooq, has a message to Americans:

“You cannot stop Islam in America. This is NOT your country, this is OUR country. This is the land of Allah. If you want to live in a place with no Muslims, I suggest you go to hell.”

https://tinyurl.com/4msf7kzv

Bless his heathen heart...
Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026

***
* Trump moves Farooq to the top of the deportation list * (in a sane USA, anyway)

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 10:33 AM (wzUl9)

272 I haven't made a formal prayer request, but Mama Publius is in the hospital, today is Day 7. Shortness of breath was due to a blood clot. They put her on blood thinners. A small hematoma on her left lower leg became huge and they had to perform a fasciotomy (which required general anesthesia).

The blood thinners are discontinued. Clot risk is preferable, given the circumstances. But the wound care from that operation is gruesome, my friends. I think they're keeping her there until it stabilizes. Meanwhile she's got to keep her legs up. That's going to make her pretty weak.

At this time we don't know what to expect or how to prepare for her here. Hospital bed, maybe? Before this began she was moving around fine with her rollator. I was hoping that could continue.

General prayers for fortitude, please. Especially for me because I decided that today is my Independence Day from tobacco.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at July 04, 2026 10:33 AM (w6EFb)

273 Prayers for all.

Happy Independence Day!

Posted by: Mick at July 04, 2026 10:35 AM (HFx9z)

274 I had a random thought. The old saw about those who are ignorant of history being doomed to repeat it is a stupid bit of sophistry.

Not that studying history isn't enormously useful. It is.

But if you study it enough, you'll eventually notice that - for better or worse - many of its innovative moments came from actual illiterates, or people with little interest in history at all, and that many of its most unfortunate turns came from the educated classes.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 04, 2026 10:36 AM (BI5O2)

275 Prayers up, Miley.

Posted by: SMH at God's mercy at July 04, 2026 10:36 AM (QykSZ)

276 I should clarify that SSPX is the Priestly Society of St. Pius X, a group that broke away after Vatican II and its leaders were excommunicated for ordaining bishops in 1988, though this schism was subsequently healed by Benedict XVI.

There has been a back and forth over the consecration all year, and as part of negotiations, the SSPX circulated a statement of beliefs that clearly stated they regarded the current form of the Mass as invalid and that none of the sacraments offered since Vatican II (other than theirs) were valid, either.

So yeah, when you announce you're more Catholic than the Church, maybe take a moment for reflection.

...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:29 AM (ZOv7s)

I had not known that they had done that. That was pretty arrogant on the part of the SSPX. No wonder Pope Leo XIV dropped the hammer.

While I have my own dislike of some features of the Novus Ordo Mass as implemented (mainly the rejection of celebrating Ad Orientum and bad happy-clappy Hippy music), it is perfectly licit. It received the approval of St. Pope Paul VI.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:37 AM (ksbjf)

277 Today feels like a Friday to me.

Anyway, flag is up! Coffee is brewing.
Happy 250th, USA!

Posted by: Gref at July 04, 2026 10:38 AM (5rh/l)

278 Happy Independence Day, troublemakers!

Prayers up, Miley.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 04, 2026 10:38 AM (kpS4V)

279 Good morning all
So good to see so many familiar nics but difficult to see people's troubles. Sending hugs to all who need them. ❤️❤️❤️
Remember....
https://x.com/RinkusSharon/status/2073401326562648144?s=20

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 04, 2026 10:39 AM (kJmSS)

280 Article at American Thinker on 1976 to today how America and ( not so ) Great Britain have come along.
England would be the 51st state in economic ranking today
Posted by: Skip at July 04, 2026 08:15 AM (Ia/+0)

Bey they have health care and education and 12 weeks vacations and GDP per capita is meaningless since Elon is a trillionaire and every other American is poor.

Posted by: Reddit at July 04, 2026 10:39 AM (2l5vB)

281 "...and that many of its most unfortunate turns came from the educated classes."

Posted by: YD at July 04, 2026 10:36 AM
+++

Hence the phrase: "An idea so dumb, only an intellectual would believe it."

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 10:39 AM (2Ez/1)

282 But if you study it enough, you'll eventually notice that - for better or worse - many of its innovative moments came from actual illiterates, or people with little interest in history at all, and that many of its most unfortunate turns came from the educated classes.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 04, 2026 10:36 AM (BI5O2)
---
Correction: "educated" classes.

They have degrees, credentials but zero knowledge of the actual world. I can't recall if it was Orwell or Lewis that said some things are so stupid that only the educated can believe them.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:40 AM (ZOv7s)

283 @277 Like a rotten mackerel by moonlight.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at July 04, 2026 10:41 AM (G2hPk)

284 Hordemind strikes again.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 10:41 AM (2Ez/1)

285 GB was already pretty messed up by the '70s. They got a reprieve in the '80s and '90s, but the slide into the garbage bin has accelerated since.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 04, 2026 10:41 AM (BI5O2)

286 While I have my own dislike of some features of the Novus Ordo Mass as implemented (mainly the rejection of celebrating Ad Orientum and bad happy-clappy Hippy music), it is perfectly licit. It received the approval of St. Pope Paul VI.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:37 AM (ksbjf)
---
I suspect they will become like the Old Catholics, who initially rejected Vatican I and were super-Traditionalist, and now ordain women.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:41 AM (ZOv7s)

287 >>Mad-Manny's little rant about how America sucks and we're on stolen land and we hate immigrants isn't going to help. I thought Mandami was a more astute politician than that. He just made a huge in-kind donation to the GOP.
....

The visuals of that speech were choreographed -- and so farcical!

Dude, you're sitting on the wrong side of the desk, trapped between it and a fireplace.

And his lil' people props, no doubt handpicked to represent all the preferred immigrant nations: why so dour?! Gripping your prop flags like you're not sure what to do with them and looking grimly into the camera.

Whatever image he thought he was projecting was lost is that pathetic display of arrogance.

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:42 AM (X8xt3)

288 Speaking of bad happy-clappy Hippy music, the 2nd edition of the English translation of the Liturgy of the Hours is removing all of the bad music and restoring the actual hymns in the Latin original. The translation will also be more faithful to the Latin.

Effective Lent 2027, ALL priests, religious brothers and sisters will be using the new brevary.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:42 AM (ksbjf)

289 >>They have degrees, credentials but zero knowledge of the actual world. I can't recall if it was Orwell or Lewis that said some things are so stupid that only the educated can believe them.

Look at the new wave of communists taking over the Democrat Party. Virtually all of them, including Mamdani, have never had a real job. Lots of education, zero real world knowledge.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:43 AM (viF8m)

290
I love to sit down and have a beer with Catholic friends and relatives in kid with them in a Martin Luther way about doctrine.

I'm sure it would work that way with Muslims, too. I could envision them smiling and laughing like Mandami.

At least before the Fatwa is issued on my fat white ass.

Posted by: Auspex at July 04, 2026 10:44 AM (Y8DZL)

291 Hordemind strikes again.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 10:41 AM (2Ez/1)
---
Indeed.

Orwell's Homage to Catalonia does a great job of mapping out some of the lies that intellectuals bought into regarding Spain (and this clearly informed both Animal Farm and 1984), but if you read it without full understanding of what's going on (which I did back in the day), it's really confusing.

Happily, Long Live Death can help make sense of it, and you can see the logical contortions of leftist as they lauded "Spain's Embattled Democracy" that burned churches, lynched clergy and ran secret prisons and murdered dissenters.

Oh, and the International Brigades were not composed of "anti-fascist idealists" but card-carrying Communists recruited by Comintern. Those few who *were* liberals were liquided, sometimes by tribunal, but often by being shot in the back during action, which saved on paperwork.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:46 AM (ZOv7s)

292 Happy 250th Fourth of July!

"May the wings of liberty never lose a feather."

Rocky turned 50 this year and Big Trouble in Little China turned 40. Maybe will watch one of those today while I eat grilled meat, and then see fireworks later tonight.

Posted by: LizLem at July 04, 2026 10:46 AM (gWBY1)

293 This song seems especially appropriate for today's Prayer Thread: The Battle Hymn of the Republic, by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the West Point Band.

https://youtu.be/yAqNe-m0a8s

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 04, 2026 10:47 AM (qx7Zg)

294 >>They have degrees, credentials but zero knowledge of the actual world. I can't recall if it was Orwell or Lewis that said some things are so stupid that only the educated can believe them.

Look at the new wave of communists taking over the Democrat Party. Virtually all of them, including Mamdani, have never had a real job. Lots of education, zero real world knowledge.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:43 AM (viF8m)

No experience in running even a lemonade stand, but lots and lots of hubris. Collectivism is demonic -- it requires the commission of the Sins of Pride, Wrath, Envy and Greed. Any spirit of agape' is conspicuously absent, despite their protestations of caring about the downtrodden.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:47 AM (ksbjf)

295
It pulled the laity into a squabble between different levels of the hierarchy.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:31 AM (ksbjf)

______________

There are bad knock-on effects even for those who don't adhere to the SSPX.

- Even those TLM groups in full communion with Rome will now come under suspicion.

- Bishops are more likely to see anyone advocating for the TLM as a potential schismatic. Forget about an expansion of diocesan TLM offerings.

- Those faithful who are curious about the TLM are now going to get scared off.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 10:47 AM (O0L8i)

296 I'm sure it would work that way with Muslims, too. I could envision them smiling and laughing like Mandami.

At least before the Fatwa is issued on my fat white ass.

Posted by: Auspex at July 04, 2026 10:44 AM (Y8DZL)
---
I like the dichotomy of them declaring America's Constitution invalid and that they will replace it with sharia, and...

fighting deportation tooth and nail.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:48 AM (ZOv7s)

297 Wait. I thought Turkey was for Thanksgiving.

People
@people
Patti LuPone ‘Furious’ After She Learns LGBTQ+ Cruise She’s Set to Perform on Is Banned from Traveling Through Turkey
. . . .
Turkey just banned a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 gay travelers, including Broadway legend Patti LuPone, from docking in Kuşadası and Istanbul.
Officials called the passengers a threat to their "moral values."
Istanbul police then raided a gay nightclub that had operated for 18 years, because it planned to welcome the cruise's passengers.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 10:48 AM (ndZc7)

298 Happy Independence Day, MisHum and Horde!

The early gopher gets the .22, bwahaha!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 04, 2026 10:49 AM (1z8ji)

299 >>Rocky turned 50 this year and Big Trouble in Little China turned 40. Maybe will watch one of those today while I eat grilled meat, and then see fireworks later tonight.

"Just remember what ol' Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.'"

Posted by: Lizzy at July 04, 2026 10:49 AM (X8xt3)

300 It pulled the laity into a squabble between different levels of the hierarchy.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:31 AM (ksbjf)

______________

There are bad knock-on effects even for those who don't adhere to the SSPX.

- Even those TLM groups in full communion with Rome will now come under suspicion.

- Bishops are more likely to see anyone advocating for the TLM as a potential schismatic. Forget about an expansion of diocesan TLM offerings.

- Those faithful who are curious about the TLM are now going to get scared off.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 10:47 AM (O0L8i)

Yes, has occurred to me, too.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 04, 2026 10:49 AM (ksbjf)

301 >>Mad-Manny's little rant about how America sucks and we're on stolen land and we hate immigrants isn't going to help. I thought Mandami was a more astute politician than that. He just made a huge in-kind donation to the GOP.

Land acknowledgements make me want to throw-up. I can't believe Indian tribes want this. Seems to me it just rubs salt in whatever wounds Indian tribe activists are still nursing. Activists being the key word.

Either give the land to the tribe(s), pay rent to them, or shut up.

Posted by: Gref at July 04, 2026 10:51 AM (5rh/l)

302 Hey, Patti. It's now pronounced Turkey, eh?
Please make a note of it.

Posted by: Doug and Bob McKenzie at July 04, 2026 10:51 AM (2Ez/1)

303 Islamic scholar in California, Uthman Farooq, has a message to Americans:"

My message to him: 5.56.

Posted by: man at July 04, 2026 10:51 AM (cGjQu)

304 [[[[grammie!]]]]
Posted by: Huck Follywood at July 04, 2026 08:13 AM (iTZ6k)

Goes for me, too!

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 04, 2026 10:51 AM (1z8ji)

305 Happy Birthday to the GREATEST country, The United States of America.

Long may you live.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at July 04, 2026 10:51 AM (OF02a)

306 There are bad knock-on effects even for those who don't adhere to the SSPX.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 10:47 AM (O0L8i)
---
I disagree. Francis indulged the SSPX even as he worked to crush the TLM.

The SSPX is trying to claim a mantle of martyrdom over the TLM, but it is dishonest. The record is clear - their own "statement of beliefs" goes way beyond just wanting the TLM, and there is zero reason for their "emergency" other than they fancy themselves wholly independent of Rome.

I think it actually removes the TLM from the discussion.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:52 AM (ZOv7s)

307 Turkey just banned a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 gay travelers, including Broadway legend Patti LuPone, from docking in Kuşadası and Istanbul.

—

We’re confused.

Posted by: Queers for Palestine at July 04, 2026 10:52 AM (2l5vB)

308 Turkey just banned a cruise ship carrying nearly 2,000 gay travelers, including Broadway legend Patti LuPone, from docking in Kuşadası and Istanbul.
Officials called the passengers a threat to their "moral values."
Istanbul police then raided a gay nightclub that had operated for 18 years, because it planned to welcome the cruise's passengers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 10:48 AM (ndZc7)
---
So close to Pride Month?!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 10:53 AM (ZOv7s)

309 >>@people
Patti LuPone ‘Furious’ After She Learns LGBTQ+ Cruise She’s Set to Perform on Is Banned from Traveling Through Turkey

IT'S FUNNY THAT IT TAKES HER LGBTQ CRUISE PLANS BEING SPOILED TO FINALLY GET UPSET WITH ISLAM'S OPRESSION. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, BUTTERCUP?

Posted by: BEN ROETHLISBERGER at July 04, 2026 10:53 AM (X8xt3)

310 Quite a show going on in NYC.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:53 AM (viF8m)

311
From yesterday

"I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the lands of heathen savages, who slaughtered the previous inhabitants and then grubbed around uselessly before we came along to redeem it and made it productive and prosperous."

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 10:54 AM (O0L8i)

312 Farooq you, buddy.

Posted by: We're all thinking it at July 04, 2026 10:54 AM (2Ez/1)

313 Video shows "Minnesota" children talking about how Somalia is the best country in the world

-
Hey, I know you all could go there to live!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 10:55 AM (ndZc7)

314 Who names their kid "Uthman?"

Posted by: I gotta ask at July 04, 2026 10:57 AM (2Ez/1)

315 So I'll just drive to the dairy for some fresh milk, come home and at some point watch 1776.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at July 04, 2026 08:46 AM (qRla/)

So you are ceding the field to the rabble, then? Why not go, bearing a stout cane for bashing Commie skulls?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 04, 2026 10:59 AM (1z8ji)

316 I also think that Pope Leo showing that he is unafraid to slap down bishops in a very public way should alarm those prelates persecuting the TLM to the great harm of their flock, especially given Pope Leo's high-profile embrace of it, and advocacy for it.

If the SSPX had just been about the TLM and the old forms and traditions, it would have been fine. They could have found many sympathetic bishops to provide for their pastoral needs and I hope its leaders come to their senses, put aside their pride and humbly return to the Church.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 11:00 AM (ZOv7s)

317 Tokyo Lights up the Sky With Massive Fireworks and Drone Show to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

-
It's only fair. We lit up their cities 80+ years ago.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:01 AM (ndZc7)

318 I wak up early, and get to see so many faces here that I haven't for a while.

Grammie - get well. We miss your humor! Hopefully they let you watch baseball.

Prayers up for those on the prayer list, the Horde, and this wonderful nation.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at July 04, 2026 11:01 AM (qx7Zg)

319 Who names their kid "Uthman?"
Ufuk.
That's who.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at July 04, 2026 11:02 AM (G2hPk)

320
If the SSPX had just been about the TLM and the old forms and traditions, it would have been fine.

_____________

I got enough trouble getting to the end of the day without getting on the Almighty's Naughty List.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (O0L8i)

321 Nood.

Posted by: Nazdar at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (NcvvS)

322 >>They have degrees, credentials but zero knowledge of the actual world. I can't recall if it was Orwell or Lewis that said some things are so stupid that only the educated can believe them.

Look at the new wave of communists taking over the Democrat Party. Virtually all of them, including Mamdani, have never had a real job. Lots of education, zero real world knowledge.
Posted by: JackStraw at July 04, 2026 10:43 AM (viF8m)

No experience in running even a lemonade stand, but lots and lots of hubris. Collectivism is demonic -- it requires the commission of the Sins of Pride, Wrath, Envy and Greed. Any spirit of agape' is conspicuously absent, despite their protestations of caring about the downtrodden.

I jut don't get this argument. I, unlike all the "real world" types you adore, have never failed at anything. True, I've never attempted anything, but my record is perfect.

Posted by: Zorro Mamdani at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (Riz8t)

323 Tokyo Lights up the Sky With Massive Fireworks and Drone Show to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

-
It's only fair. We lit up their cities 80+ years ago.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:01 AM (ndZc7)
---
Japan's heel turn in the 1920s was a world-historic tragedy. I love that our nations have grown so close together.

Trump joking about Pearl Harbor with the Japanese PM was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (ZOv7s)

324
314 Who names their kid "Uthman?"
Posted by: I gotta ask at July 04, 2026 10:57 AM (2Ez/1)

Thomeone who couldn’t thay “Usman”.

Posted by: Tom Servo at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (H8EHh)

325 Hadrian @311:

Snort!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at July 04, 2026 11:03 AM (2WIwB)

326 >>Quite a show going on in NYC.

Oh, have Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Swift come out of seclusion to greet their adoring commoners?

Posted by: one hour sober at July 04, 2026 11:04 AM (J4Dwc)

327 Allah sounds like a thoroughly unlikeable fake god, Mohammed-if he even actually existed an -envious, nasty, violent war Lord and Islam no religion for women

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM (8Xy/A)

328 Regarding the SSPX, it is clear that Leo, as Francis before him, was never going to let there be new bishops. When the current crop die, no new ordinations of priests.

Leo is a tyrant.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM (qFwJc)

329
And the SSPX stepped over a line that they were told not to cross, the line that would guarantee under any Pope that they'd get what they got. So my sympathy for them in their present plight is now near zero.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM (O0L8i)

330 I see, jets of red, trailing smoke of blue
Rockets red glare, and tall ships too
Celebrating 250 as americans do
And I think to myself.......what a wonderful world!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqyrmQbd5S0

Posted by: Ernest T Bass at July 04, 2026 11:07 AM (jrgJz)

331 Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Don’t Know What America’s 250th Is Celebrating

-
I think it was the birth of Keith Richards.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks and His All White Jury! at July 04, 2026 11:09 AM (ndZc7)

332 A movie I thought about after I went to bed last night: “Climate the Movie”. It’s an updated version of a similar movie put out earlier. It’s a counter to movies like “An Inconvenient Truth”. You can watch it on EweTube:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?
v=zmfRG8-RHEI&ra=m

The Tube of Ewes is rejecting URL shortener links, so please use the above, taking out any spaces.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at July 04, 2026 11:09 AM (ZVgZ4)

333 - excommunicated. Out of communion.
Does that mean they're going to hell unless the repent to "the Church?" To the "Holy Father?"
I think I've seen that's one of the pope's titles. Along with father such and such for priests.

Matthew 23:9 - And call no man your Father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Posted by: TeeJ at July 04, 2026 11:12 AM (dAv7M)

334 "...and Islam no religion for women
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 11:05 AM"
+++++

Islam isn't a religion.

Posted by: In case you haven't noticed at July 04, 2026 11:15 AM (2Ez/1)

335 * Trump moves Farooq to the top of the deportation list * (in a sane USA, anyway)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 04, 2026 10:33 AM (wzUl9)

Top of the wood chipper list would be preferable.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 04, 2026 11:15 AM (1z8ji)

336 Japan's heel turn in the 1920s was a world-historic tragedy. I love that our nations have grown so close together.

Yes, the Taisho era was less militaristic and more benevolent than the succeeding Showa era. But the Japanese had already taken over Korea in 1910, during the Taisho era. Ask the Koreans about their treatment from 1910 to 1945 by the Japanese.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at July 04, 2026 11:16 AM (ZVgZ4)

337 336 Japan's heel turn in the 1920s was a world-historic tragedy. I love that our nations have grown so close together.
****
In 1945 they tried to kill my dad off the coast of Okinawa.
Now I drive a vehicle made in Japan.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at July 04, 2026 11:19 AM (2Ez/1)

338 Above, 'Not only is July 4 of the this year the nation's 250th anniversary, it is also the bicentennial of the birth of Stephen C. Foster (1826 - 1864).'

Here is his "Camptown Races" HT - Isophorone Blog

Nice. Thanks.

I definitely had some very early liberal elementary school teachers as a kid near a northern city.

They took us to the UN, the Liberty Bell. They taught us about the Holocaust; branches of US government, capitals & economies of all states, so much more.

SE PA was known as the birthplace of American abolitionism. 🤷‍♀️ Since Northern abolitionists had championed several of Stephen Foster's songs, we were taught them in elementary school. Then they were blended into daily U.S. history lessons (anti-slavery) along with Pete Seeger's songs (If I had a hammer, etc.), anthems for labor and civil rights.

It was significant in lessons that Martin Luther King Jr. had spent 4 years in Chester, PA (Delaware County), 1948 to 1951, studying at Crozer Theological Seminary. Also that Peter, Paul & Mary had performed Seeger's 'If I Had a Hammer' at the 1963 March on Washington, standing alongside Dr. King.

Later came the riots & marches.

Scary back then, too.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 04, 2026 11:27 AM (NFX2v)

339 Posted by: In case you haven't noticed at July 04, 2026 11:15 AM (2Ez/1)

They think it is.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 04, 2026 11:30 AM (D+BhG)

340 I was getting ready to report to West Point on July 7, 1976. That meant I flew out of Huntsville, AL, on the 6th to land in LaGuardia Airport in time to catch a bus to Highland Falls, NY.

The past is a different world.

Posted by: Richard Cranium at July 04, 2026 11:37 AM (7iEFu)

341 This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast, Sister.

Posted by: Allen Jenkins In A Cab at July 04, 2026 06:12 PM (oftw2)

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