Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The plot to disrupt the UFC event
So, what are we to make of this? Will the Democrats cheer? They defend the leftists when they try to kill Trump, but if this had been successful many Democrats also would have been killed. Also, the perps appear to be far right wing nuts, evil to the core. Takes over that space of the far left success rate at being anarchists with the chatter about oligarchs and billionaires ruining our democracy. Has the far right been co-opted by the far left? Is Hollywood bankrolling them, too?
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Rt. 66 playing cards--or why old people have memory problems
This morning I noticed something colorful on the kitchen shelf--in the cookie jar, which is not used for cookies but which I keep as a souvenir of my childhood. It was a pack of Route 66 playing cards which I must have bought at Phippen Museum near Prescott, Arizona, where Bob's brother Rick lives. 2026 is the 100th anniversary of that road on which millions have travelled. Including me in 1945. I suppose I should open it; the art looks memorable.
We need our daughter to help us keep track of our present and our future, the odds and ends of directions, cords that don't seem to match any appliance or computer, the stacks of bills, the confusing schedules of exercise classes, meetings on Zoom, Bible studies, social gatherings and medications. One of the reasons I struggle to remember is because there's just too much disconnected "stuff" up there crowding out what I need today, like travelling the old Lincoln Highway westward and the newer Rt. 66 going east, 15 states, from the backseat of a 1939 Ford during WWII.
We need our daughter to help us keep track of our present and our future, the odds and ends of directions, cords that don't seem to match any appliance or computer, the stacks of bills, the confusing schedules of exercise classes, meetings on Zoom, Bible studies, social gatherings and medications. One of the reasons I struggle to remember is because there's just too much disconnected "stuff" up there crowding out what I need today, like travelling the old Lincoln Highway westward and the newer Rt. 66 going east, 15 states, from the backseat of a 1939 Ford during WWII.
Tuesday, June 09, 2026
Romans 3:9-20--a good confession
While Romans 3:9–20 is not a standalone hymn, it is a foundational text in Christian worship. It is read in liturgies, preached upon, and often followed by hymns that echo its message. Its frequent appearance in hymn collections and liturgical programs shows its enduring role in expressing the reality of human sin and the need for God’s grace. Bible Hub
"What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:3
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Psalms 14:3 and 53:3
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” Psalm 5:9 and 140:3
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.” Psalm 140:3
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” Psalm 10:7
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” Isaiah 59:7–8
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Psalm 36:1
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 53:3
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Psalms 14:3 and 53:3
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” Psalm 5:9 and 140:3
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.” Psalm 140:3
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” Psalm 10:7
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” Isaiah 59:7–8
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Psalm 36:1
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Monday, June 08, 2026
Testimony from our niece Kimberly
June 8th, 2025, I stood in the ocean (purposely waited for an ocean baptism as it’s always been my connection to God since I began surfing back in March of 2014) and made a public declaration to give my life to Christ.
I didn’t grow up in faith. I grew unaware, celebrating beautiful holidays and rituals but I didn’t have a relationship with God, let alone Jesus.
I denied anything and anyone that spoke of Jesus being real, the gospel, and organized religion. It was off putting and seemed hypocritical at times.
I was a very emotional kid and even through most of my life, allowing emotions to run the show. Then I spent years in Vedanta philosophy trying to logic my way through life, trying to make sense of every single thing before I could move forward. And while it gave me tools to sharpen my critical thinking skills and discernment, it also gave me a level of analysis paralysis and, eventually, an arrogance I didn’t even see coming. I thought I was getting smarter and was actually just getting stuck in 2 areas of my life (stories for another time).
My come-to-Jesus moment wasn’t graceful. It was July 2024. It was the kind of crying you see in movies — completely uncontrollable, hands in the air, snotting, sobbing myself to sleep. I told God if He was real, I needed Him to show me. Like yesterday. I’d surrendered before in my life, but not like this. Not with this kind of total release of control, opening myself to something I had never believed in and had barely even understood.
But I kept showing up. I said yes to churches, yes to life groups, yes to people, yes to questions, yes to the parts of the Bible that made me uncomfortable, yes to the parts I didn’t fully understand yet. And the more I said yes, the more I realized: I didn’t need to understand everything anymore. That was the shift. I didn’t need to lean on my own understanding. I just needed to trust. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
I got baptized as a public declaration. I tried to keep my expectations at bay because I didn’t really know what to expect. And honestly? Nothing dramatic happened that day. No lightning bolt. No revelation. But what happened a month later changed everything
A few hours later, I was in the ocean on my birthday, paddling in from a session, when a clean-up set came through. A surfer came charging down the line with no intention of moving regardless of my etiquette and his room to be able to do something different. His fin sliced clean through my left pointer finger. I came up out of the water and looked down at skin completely split open. White. I thought it was bone.
And instead of panic in the water, injured, still needing to get back to shore — I remembered the pastor’s words. I remembered Proverbs 3:5-7. I remembered the man who said he felt called to pray for me that week. Wave after wave, I made it in. A friend from the surf community I don’t even talk to regularly drove me to urgent care. A doctor was impressed with how calm I was despite telling him the remains of what he was probably going to endure with me passing out. I put one hand on my chest, one on my belly, closed my eyes, breathed, and just trusted.
No passing out. No panic. Just peace. Peace doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared or wanted some sort of certainty of what was to come. It’s means I trusted. I was safe. And it was ok that I didn’t know. It was a moment but it didn’t ruin the day. I still made it to my birthday dinner. Only two hours late.
I go to sleep every night saying “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil.”
There was no single lightning bolt moment the day I got baptized. But there has been, and continues to be, transformation — a slow, steady, unshakable kind — that started the moment I stopped needing to understand everything and started choosing to trust instead. That’s what baptism meant to me. Not a moment. A direction. A deep surrender to faith.
An ultimate trust in God. I never understood "my Lord and savior". Now I can't imagine my life without Him.
I didn’t grow up in faith. I grew unaware, celebrating beautiful holidays and rituals but I didn’t have a relationship with God, let alone Jesus.
I denied anything and anyone that spoke of Jesus being real, the gospel, and organized religion. It was off putting and seemed hypocritical at times.
I was a very emotional kid and even through most of my life, allowing emotions to run the show. Then I spent years in Vedanta philosophy trying to logic my way through life, trying to make sense of every single thing before I could move forward. And while it gave me tools to sharpen my critical thinking skills and discernment, it also gave me a level of analysis paralysis and, eventually, an arrogance I didn’t even see coming. I thought I was getting smarter and was actually just getting stuck in 2 areas of my life (stories for another time).
My come-to-Jesus moment wasn’t graceful. It was July 2024. It was the kind of crying you see in movies — completely uncontrollable, hands in the air, snotting, sobbing myself to sleep. I told God if He was real, I needed Him to show me. Like yesterday. I’d surrendered before in my life, but not like this. Not with this kind of total release of control, opening myself to something I had never believed in and had barely even understood.
But I kept showing up. I said yes to churches, yes to life groups, yes to people, yes to questions, yes to the parts of the Bible that made me uncomfortable, yes to the parts I didn’t fully understand yet. And the more I said yes, the more I realized: I didn’t need to understand everything anymore. That was the shift. I didn’t need to lean on my own understanding. I just needed to trust. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
I got baptized as a public declaration. I tried to keep my expectations at bay because I didn’t really know what to expect. And honestly? Nothing dramatic happened that day. No lightning bolt. No revelation. But what happened a month later changed everything
.
On my birthday — July 6th — I woke up to an email from my church with Proverbs 3:5-6 in it. The same scripture that had been following me around for months. I got to church that morning and a guest pastor from Texas opened by talking about his severe anxiety, his panic disorder, his history with suicidal tendencies, and how his worth had become wrapped up in why God hadn’t healed him. Then he talked about watching a child drown in the ocean as a kid and never going past shin deep in the water again his entire life. There's a beautiful life and evolution to this pastor, and I could honestly listen to him talk for days and regardless of his anxiety, he still helps so many people. What a beautiful story.
That same morning, before I paddled out to surf, a man I didn’t know leaned over in the row behind me and said he felt called to pray for me that week.
On my birthday — July 6th — I woke up to an email from my church with Proverbs 3:5-6 in it. The same scripture that had been following me around for months. I got to church that morning and a guest pastor from Texas opened by talking about his severe anxiety, his panic disorder, his history with suicidal tendencies, and how his worth had become wrapped up in why God hadn’t healed him. Then he talked about watching a child drown in the ocean as a kid and never going past shin deep in the water again his entire life. There's a beautiful life and evolution to this pastor, and I could honestly listen to him talk for days and regardless of his anxiety, he still helps so many people. What a beautiful story.
That same morning, before I paddled out to surf, a man I didn’t know leaned over in the row behind me and said he felt called to pray for me that week.
A few hours later, I was in the ocean on my birthday, paddling in from a session, when a clean-up set came through. A surfer came charging down the line with no intention of moving regardless of my etiquette and his room to be able to do something different. His fin sliced clean through my left pointer finger. I came up out of the water and looked down at skin completely split open. White. I thought it was bone.
And instead of panic in the water, injured, still needing to get back to shore — I remembered the pastor’s words. I remembered Proverbs 3:5-7. I remembered the man who said he felt called to pray for me that week. Wave after wave, I made it in. A friend from the surf community I don’t even talk to regularly drove me to urgent care. A doctor was impressed with how calm I was despite telling him the remains of what he was probably going to endure with me passing out. I put one hand on my chest, one on my belly, closed my eyes, breathed, and just trusted.
No passing out. No panic. Just peace. Peace doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared or wanted some sort of certainty of what was to come. It’s means I trusted. I was safe. And it was ok that I didn’t know. It was a moment but it didn’t ruin the day. I still made it to my birthday dinner. Only two hours late.
I go to sleep every night saying “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and shun evil.”
There was no single lightning bolt moment the day I got baptized. But there has been, and continues to be, transformation — a slow, steady, unshakable kind — that started the moment I stopped needing to understand everything and started choosing to trust instead. That’s what baptism meant to me. Not a moment. A direction. A deep surrender to faith.
An ultimate trust in God. I never understood "my Lord and savior". Now I can't imagine my life without Him.
Enjoying the tree tops at Blacklick Woods
Last week's trip by Estates residents to Columbus metro park Blacklick Woods was cancelled due to bad storms, but our hardy group had a gorgeous day of 80 degrees and beautiful sunshine June 3 to see the Canopy Walk through the tall trees rising 40 feet. It had an elevator and was ADA accessible. Don't miss this spectacular sight/site in Reynoldsburg, OH.
Sunday, June 07, 2026
Ablation is not oblation
Sharing time. It's Sunday, June 7, and this item is related to that. I often hear OBLATION and ABLATION mixed up/confused. An OBLATION is a religious term--an act of praise or worship. An ABLATION is a surgical term--like a heart ablation when something is removed or corrected through surgery. You may not need to know this so scroll on, but I just needed to share.
AI data centers in central Ohio
I heard yet another story on Spectrum this morning (local news) about the central Ohio small towns concerned about AI data centers. Hearings, with passion on both (or more) sides. I have a simple answer. The data centers should cover the costs of the water and electricity not only their increase, but cover all the costs for everyone in the city boundaries/limits. Seems fair. If they are going to change the town/environment, then pay for it. If AI is that big a deal and all the venture capitalists are diving in, why not share?
Tuesday, June 02, 2026
Pope Leo on AI
Last night I looked through ENCYCLICAL LETTER MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. Full Text of ‘Magnifica Humanitas’: Read Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical| National Catholic Register I do recommend it whether or not you are Catholic and whether or not you like this Pope. AI is mushrooming/exploding and will affect us no matter what the Pope, President or Prime Minister thinks or does. It's coming at us faster than anyone anticipated. And there are moral and spiritual implications. No other Christian institution has the power and authority to speak to the secular world. And in Christian parlance, "world" is the entity that constantly is opposing God's will, so who better to issue an Encyclical on the topic?
At first glance there are too many squishy words like discernment, process and transparency for my taste, and not to be too picky, but when was slavery abolished? There are probably over 50 million slaves in the world now, millions more than in the 18th century, so it seems a bit parochial to claim it was abolished. And I did stop long enough to read three paragraphs which proposed to explain "dignity" and was lulled to sleep. (51-53) The several paragraphs on the role of education made me wonder if Pope Leo knows in the U.S. education system basic biology is still a battle between our political parties.
By paragraph 184 he gets to the "therefore," one of St. Paul's favorite words.
At first glance there are too many squishy words like discernment, process and transparency for my taste, and not to be too picky, but when was slavery abolished? There are probably over 50 million slaves in the world now, millions more than in the 18th century, so it seems a bit parochial to claim it was abolished. And I did stop long enough to read three paragraphs which proposed to explain "dignity" and was lulled to sleep. (51-53) The several paragraphs on the role of education made me wonder if Pope Leo knows in the U.S. education system basic biology is still a battle between our political parties.
By paragraph 184 he gets to the "therefore," one of St. Paul's favorite words.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
United States refining capacity
Why have no U.S. refineries been built in 50 years? Certainly, it's not Trump's fault. The short answer is extremists attached to the Democrat Party. At least, that's how I interpreted the co-pilot answer.
Co-pilot (AI) "The combination of STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, high capital costs, uncertain future demand, and federal policies FAVORING REDUCED PETROLEUM USE has effectively halted the construction of new major oil refineries in the U.S. for nearly five decades. Existing refineries continue to be upgraded to meet demand, but new greenfield projects remain economically and politically challenging."
Between 2000- 2022, "the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into 37 settlements covering 112 refineries across 32 states with companies that control more than 95% of total U.S. refining capacity, according to a database of EPA enforcement actions. ' https://www.insights-global.com/the-us-hasnt-built-a-major-oil-refinery-in-nearly-50-years-heres-why/?
So, the next time a Democrat complains about the price of gasoline, remind her of all those clean air regs and the green new deal.
Co-pilot (AI) "The combination of STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, high capital costs, uncertain future demand, and federal policies FAVORING REDUCED PETROLEUM USE has effectively halted the construction of new major oil refineries in the U.S. for nearly five decades. Existing refineries continue to be upgraded to meet demand, but new greenfield projects remain economically and politically challenging."
Between 2000- 2022, "the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into 37 settlements covering 112 refineries across 32 states with companies that control more than 95% of total U.S. refining capacity, according to a database of EPA enforcement actions. ' https://www.insights-global.com/the-us-hasnt-built-a-major-oil-refinery-in-nearly-50-years-heres-why/?
So, the next time a Democrat complains about the price of gasoline, remind her of all those clean air regs and the green new deal.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Psalm 122--Jerusalem and the U.S. during 1937
I enjoy reading "Meditations in the Book of Psalms" by Erling C. Olsen. He had a Sunday afternoon radio broadcast in the 1930s, later transcribed and published in 1939 which then went through several editions. Mine is c1967, 4th printing, 1985. He was not a preacher--just a businessman who studied the Bible and had the gift of talking plainly to people suffering during the Great Depression.
Here's what he said to his radio audience in Feb. 1937 about the current problems in Jerusalem as he commented on Psalm 122 [Pray for the peace of Jerusalem]. Keep in mind, there was no Israel nation at that time, and he was not a dispensationalist.
Here's what he said to his radio audience in Feb. 1937 about the current problems in Jerusalem as he commented on Psalm 122 [Pray for the peace of Jerusalem]. Keep in mind, there was no Israel nation at that time, and he was not a dispensationalist.
"If you wish to know how important that city [Jerusalem] is [to the world] consider that even in this present time one has but to read the current magazines and newspapers to discover that it is a city of trouble and disturbance, yet a place to which the eyes of the world are turned for salvation--I mean national salvation . . . " (p. 879)He then digresses from Jerusalem and turns to the USA, his primary audience.
". . . For nearly ten years, here and there, men have raised their voices, calling attention to the dangers due to the inroads of the philosophy of communism in this country. Some of us have given them only a passive interest--we thought the situation was not serious, thought it never could be serious--it might develop in other countries, but NOT HERE. I am not so sure about that now! I repeat, conditions existing in our own land today are definite causes for deep concern (I think he is referring to FDR's policies, particularly the New Deal pt. 2, and the communists in his administration) and my earnest conviction is that there is only one possibility of our escaping serious trouble and that is by a return to the faith of our fathers, and to an earnest proclamation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unless this country returns to God, I frankly fear for it." (p. 883)
Do you need to move closer to Columbus--or are you already here?
Roughly 138-147 million people live within 500 miles of Columbus. A 500‑mile radius from Columbus, Ohio covers a vast area — roughly 1.2 million square miles.
Major Cities Within 500 Miles
Some notable cities and towns within this radius include Miles of Me:
Toronto, Canada – ~319 miles
Chicago, IL – ~279 miles
Detroit, MI – ~164 miles
Indianapolis, IN – ~168 miles
Hamilton, Canada – ~281 miles
Mississauga, Canada – ~307 miles
Baltimore, MD – ~341 miles
Charlotte, NC – ~347 miles
Milwaukee, WI – ~336 miles
Washington, DC – ~324 miles
Nashville, TN – ~330 miles
Virginia Beach, VA – ~429 miles
Cleveland, OH – ~127 miles
Toledo, OH – ~120 miles
Cincinnati, OH – ~100 miles
Airports Within 500 Miles
Key airports within this range include Miles of Me:
Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport – ~443 miles
Chicago O’Hare International Airport – ~295 miles
Toronto Pearson International Airport – ~313 miles
Charlotte Douglas International Airport – ~346 miles
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport – ~156 miles
Washington Dulles International Airport – ~302 miles
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – ~340 miles
Chicago Midway International Airport – ~282 miles
Nashville International Airport – ~329 miles
32 miles: Newark, OH
44 miles: Marion, OH
27 miles: Lancaster, OH
11 miles: Dublin, OH
12 miles: Westerville, OH
10 miles: Reynoldsburg, OH
7 miles: Gahanna, OH
4 miles: Upper Arlington, OH
24 miles: Delaware, OH
8 miles: Grove City, OH
10 miles: Hilliard, OH
43 miles: Chillicothe, OH
6 miles: Whitehall, OH
40 miles: Mount Vernon, OH
27 miles: Marysville, OH
These are straight line distances in a radius around Columbus, Ohio. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
The War Letters--Memorial Day
It's Memorial Day week-end and many of us here at the Estates (and here on FB) remember when it was Decoration Day because it first memorialized the war dead of our Civil War. Now we remember all our war dead, and also while at the cemeteries, we put floral arrangements and remember all.
The 20th century was the most bloody and devastating of any period in history. It's a good time to remember WWI, where 5 or 10 thousand could die in one battle, over a few yards of ground--and thousands of horses and farm animals. The U.S. entered the war late and the president at the time, Woodrow Wilson, promised to keep us out of it. He was a "progressive" the first president to send us down the messy road we're on now where our foundation didn't matter. The Constitution became plastic and changeable and our past became an object of shame.You can review WWI by listening to The Public Square podcast which yesterday reran it's "The War Letters" by John Beckett (2015). The book itself can be downloaded pdf for free. content.libsyn.com/p/1/4/b/14bf916a1865d16f/TPS_052326_WEB.mp3?c_id=202229075&cs_id=202229075&destination_id=208554&response-content-type=audio%2Fmpeg&Expires=1779570930&Signature=ff0Ser4BoIV9yMF5PTd2fPutAscSZ4LHxuMQ3rXiaTLMW0SIyj~L~McdFQZ-OrfxLNq1vgONbRSQu3SeTf~6Em3n9DgtX8zdgafl5mXJFltXhu66y1kvSuEjAceHJf6TvIKf8dlY-vJSyuqW4NGdvcVRzyyHG0ufHEoRklCSypCHjyJaWymjWhB9A6~bed3A1JxL61Etfifjrb2isIbXIGZtzgP9ayZrjPDxRdi9PkHaeq1R4QUDVuvmftyejwh5uW2ANvKFaLyYvTYXVl7dWJPz39AKuanneaPvNM29KYjtO1KNn-RUkreLKf79m-i5KQFtOU6UKvcLL4DrE9FhVA__&Key-Pair-Id=K1YS7LZGUP96OI The letters are between John Beckett's father who served for Canada and his family. The podcast is about the war (then known as the Great War) but as Beckett talks with Zinotti, it's also about how we're losing our own history because it's not taught in our schools.
My parents were too young to actually serve in WWI but they remembered it, and told us stories. And in the little town where I grew up (Mt. Morris, IL) there was a public program where "In Flanders Fields" a poem by John McCrae, a Canadian soldier, was always presented by a high school senior. (Maybe they still do that?) I personally knew WWI veterans, and both my grandfathers were registered for the draft (although they didn't serve).
This collection of family letters is priceless, and a good teacher.
Link to The War Letters pdf: https://beckettpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-War-Letters.pdf
Link to Battle of the Somme https://youtu.be/ZaBdBhK4XzQ?si=HqJIKtR67XcqRyKV
Monday, May 18, 2026
Congratulations graduates
We don't have church newsletter/bulletins (a Covid casualty?) anymore, but for special occasions we do have handouts on Sunday--and yesterday was a real blowout. A four page, color announcement of the UALC's high school and college graduates with a photo, brief bio and God's plans. There were 35! What a lovely group. Interesting college and job choices. Names we'd never heard when I was that age like Peyton, Gabriella and Parker. Career choices we women wouldn't have dreamed of like going to the South pole on an ice breaker or drug development. I was happy to see that some of our brightest and best are still choosing teaching. And two are marrying and moving to Cincinnati. A lot of young people drop out of church life when leaving home despite the love, prayers and efforts of their parents and church family. May they all take those years of nurturing and grow in their Christian life.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Three out of four (movies) isn't too bad
Here at the Estates this week-end (if Thursday counts) we had four movies; National Treasure with Nicholas Cage, Ferris Bueler's Day off with Matthew Broderick, Best years of our Lives with Myrna Loy, and Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn. I liked all but Funny Face.
National Treasure (2004) follows historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) "as he uncovers clues tied to the legendary Knights Templar treasure, setting him in a high-stakes race against a ruthless rival to protect the Declaration of Independence. This globe-hopping, clue-solving adventure blends American history with fast-paced action, offering plenty of thrills and family-friendly fun. While its plot is improbable, reviewers praise its entertainment value, likening it to a modern-day Indiana Jones." 21 Years Later, Nic Cage's $347 Million Adventure Movie Is a Sleeper Streaming Hit
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) stars Matthew Broderick as "a charming high school senior who fakes illness to spend an unforgettable day exploring Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend, while evading his principal and suspicious sister. . . sharp humor, memorable characters, and moments of heart, making this a light, witty, and culturally iconic coming-of-age comedy that remains a must-watch for its rebellious spirit and timeless charm." Ferris Bueller couldn’t take his day off in 2026 - The Observer
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) follows three WWII veterans from different walks of life as they return to their hometown and face the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. With themes of post-war trauma, disability, love, and shifting social roles, William Wyler’s moving drama blends realism with heartfelt storytelling. Acclaimed for its performances, human depth, and sensitive direction, it remains a timeless classic and one of cinema’s greatest portrayals of veterans’ experiences.
National Treasure (2004) follows historian and code-breaker Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) "as he uncovers clues tied to the legendary Knights Templar treasure, setting him in a high-stakes race against a ruthless rival to protect the Declaration of Independence. This globe-hopping, clue-solving adventure blends American history with fast-paced action, offering plenty of thrills and family-friendly fun. While its plot is improbable, reviewers praise its entertainment value, likening it to a modern-day Indiana Jones." 21 Years Later, Nic Cage's $347 Million Adventure Movie Is a Sleeper Streaming Hit
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) stars Matthew Broderick as "a charming high school senior who fakes illness to spend an unforgettable day exploring Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend, while evading his principal and suspicious sister. . . sharp humor, memorable characters, and moments of heart, making this a light, witty, and culturally iconic coming-of-age comedy that remains a must-watch for its rebellious spirit and timeless charm." Ferris Bueller couldn’t take his day off in 2026 - The Observer
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) follows three WWII veterans from different walks of life as they return to their hometown and face the challenges of reintegrating into civilian society. With themes of post-war trauma, disability, love, and shifting social roles, William Wyler’s moving drama blends realism with heartfelt storytelling. Acclaimed for its performances, human depth, and sensitive direction, it remains a timeless classic and one of cinema’s greatest portrayals of veterans’ experiences.
Best years of our Lives I'd seen before but even with its age it points to problems of veterans we've come to expect--alcoholism, disabilities, PTSD, and family break-ups. The home front is also not without its casualties movie review
Funny Face (1957) "follows a shy Greenwich Village book clerk whose unexpected discovery by a fashion photographer whisks her into the world of haute couture and Parisian romance. With dazzling musical numbers by George and Ira Gershwin, chic Givenchy costumes, and the charm of Audrey Hepburn alongside Fred Astaire, it’s a stylish, lighthearted satire of fashion and beatnik culture. Critics praise its elegance, wit, and visual flair, making it a timeless classic worth watching."
Funny Face (1957) "follows a shy Greenwich Village book clerk whose unexpected discovery by a fashion photographer whisks her into the world of haute couture and Parisian romance. With dazzling musical numbers by George and Ira Gershwin, chic Givenchy costumes, and the charm of Audrey Hepburn alongside Fred Astaire, it’s a stylish, lighthearted satire of fashion and beatnik culture. Critics praise its elegance, wit, and visual flair, making it a timeless classic worth watching."
Although it had good reviews, by the end of the movie all of us had left Funny Face before it was over. But the clothes were gorgeous. I don't think it worked as a musical and the 30 year age difference between the stars were really off putting.
I'm not sure the small reviews are AI generated or Wikipedia, but I didn't write them.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Microchimerism--again
In our Thursday Bible Study today at UALC, we are in chapter 7 of the Gospel of John.
(NRSV) 7 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish[a] to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. 2 Now the Jewish festival of Booths[b] was near. 3 So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; 4 for no one who wants[c] to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.’ 5 (For not even his brothers believed in him.) 6 Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. 8 Go to the festival yourselves. I am not[d] going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come.’ 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
10 But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were[e] in secret.
There were the usual comments (in a Protestant study) about Jesus' brothers being half brothers. Now the reason I say Protestant is that most of the Christian world believes Mary had no more children after Jesus and remained a virgin. Tradition holds that these are Joseph's sons from a previous marriage, or refers to a clan culture where close relatives (cousins) are called brothers or sisters,
I'd like to propose that God knew best. Our Creator God knows culture and he knows biology. If Jesus had half brothers and yet was the Messiah who was killed, there would be great demands placed on his brothers to take his place (particularly from those followers who didn't believe in the Resurrection). That would have been common in that culture. It still is today.
But God also designed microchimerism--the passing of fetal cells between a pregnant woman and her babies. Most of the studies in the last century have involved male offspring. Children leave behind their fetal cells in their mothers. There is strong biological evidence that these cells (particularly males) protect the mother for the rest of her life. And those fetal cells can also appear in the bloodstreams of the woman's future children. Because of microchimerism there may also be the grandmother's cells passed to the children which the mother got from her mother. Do you suppose God didn't have a plan to have only Jesus and not other men have Mary's cells in their blood stream?
The Trump and Xi summit
Although I understand the economics of the deal and why Trump is chatting it up with Xi, I haven't forgotten the millions of Chinese citizens that were killed by Xi's party, and the millions of baby girls who were aborted for years in China's one child policy. The various popular Communist ideologies by our own leftists--climate extremism, trans-whatever, racist hate, Covid lockdowns, pro-Palestinian riots, worship of big tech and big pharma, anti-Christian bias, all in the name of chaos, not a better life for Americans. Although we can see through the virtue signaling and complain about it, their leaders too know that it causes long term chaos even when the poorly educated 20 somethings grow up or move on to the next big thing. Some people believe this took off in 2008 with the recession and the election of Obama, but I retired in 2000. Wokeism and the leftist ideologies were firmly in place in academe even if it was called something else like political correctness or multiculturalism.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Patron Saint of the Internet, Saint Isidore of Seville
I didn’t know the internet had a patron saint. Did you? He lived in the 7th century, and was known for being the first great Christian encyclopedist. St. Isidore of Seville, Bishop, died in 636. My kind of guy.
According to Magnificat, Vo. 28, no. 3, May 13, "It was his curiosity about the world around him that made him the greatest scholar of his age. Not only did he write about Catholic theology--he collected information about music, medicine, geography, clothing, war, language, animals, plants, astronomy and physics. He compiled this information and carefully arranged it into textbooks that were used by scholars for generations to come."
I don't care much for Wikipedia, but it's getting harder NOT to use it since AI platforms use it and people grab the first thing that pops up. The phrase, "do your own research" is very hard to do unless you have a personal library pre-internet, and it won't help much with some of the current tech stuff like AI.
I used to have 7 sets of encyclopedias, but I think 3 were for children, so they left the house years ago. Although I own many "cyclopedic" type reference books, I don't call them that. But I do own the 11th, 12th and 13th editions of Encyclopaedia Britannica (inherited from my grandfather) and their history is fascinating although I don't necessarily agree with all that's said about it in the internet article.
I don't care much for Wikipedia, but it's getting harder NOT to use it since AI platforms use it and people grab the first thing that pops up. The phrase, "do your own research" is very hard to do unless you have a personal library pre-internet, and it won't help much with some of the current tech stuff like AI.
I used to have 7 sets of encyclopedias, but I think 3 were for children, so they left the house years ago. Although I own many "cyclopedic" type reference books, I don't call them that. But I do own the 11th, 12th and 13th editions of Encyclopaedia Britannica (inherited from my grandfather) and their history is fascinating although I don't necessarily agree with all that's said about it in the internet article.
The 12th was so focused on WWI (incredible maps) the editors soon had to publish the 13th to bring back some balance to scholarship about the world. Reminds me of the phenomenon we call Trump Derangement Syndrome and the Left/socialists believing the world of blame and evil only revolves around their own myopic viewpoint.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
My new old jeans, Laurie Felt
It appears to me that the Laurie Felt brand was on QVC maybe a decade and then closed down sometime in 2023 saying she wanted more time with the family. I looked through some old websites and found this.
The Laurie Felt jeans fabric is made of rayon, cotton, polyester and spandex and the various styles are extremely comfortable. It has a very nice feel. They look very traditional, but there is no zipper behind the stitched fly, mine looks like 5 pocket, but in the front there ae no actual pockets (no bulk). But the waist has a nice stretch for a pull on. Marc's which is an Ohio grocery and remainder store had a few on the rack and among the XXXXL and the XXXXXS I found a plain old L for $5, and it fit perfectly. I'd never heard of the brand.
"They pull-on — and stay on. We’re all about using technology to its maximum, creating special fibers that give a firm hold and an amazing recovery every single time. It’s all in the construction. The higher the construction, the tighter the weave, the softer the fabric, the higher the quality. All cars drive, but a Bentley drives better than a Volkswagen… same concept.
“There is so much stretch that just the slightest little shimmy gets you in. Once you’re in, everything looks lifted, shaped and great at the start of the day and when the day ends,” said QVC show host Jennifer Coffey, after rocking a pair of our Silky Slim Pull-On Jeans on air.
Saturday, May 09, 2026
ICE agents going to 40 states
According to a USA Today article in the Columbus Dispatch the millions of illegal aliens who crossed the border and were not removed were "people who entered during the Biden administration." Because of tying the hands of ICE less than 1% were removed.
"Between January 20, 2021, and September 30, 2023, the Biden Administration removed from the United States only 10,522 illegal aliens who were encountered at the southwest border and who were placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge during that time. In other words, of the at least 3.3 million illegal aliens released into the United States since January 20, 2021, the Biden Administration failed to remove, through immigration court removal proceedings, roughly 99.7 percent of those illegal aliens." GOVPUB-Y4_J89_1-PURL-gpo222127.pdf
The article goes on to say although Trump promised to remove 1 million in a year, he only deported 477,277 from Jan, 20, 2025 to April 4, 2026. Trump has stopped illegal immigration. But USA Today complains that the ICE agents were too extreme and half of all Americans object. (using far left Politico figures) because some weren't "worst of the worst," Biden allowed /encouraged 4 years of open borders, Trump fixes it. Blue cities violated the laws, and USA Today features 2 mentions of 2 people killed in riots in Minnesota. Riots and protests, but no mention of those killed or injured or displaced by the illegals, Thanks for nothing, USA Today/Columbus Dispatch. New wave of ICE deployments to impact 40 or more states by Trevor Hughes
"Between January 20, 2021, and September 30, 2023, the Biden Administration removed from the United States only 10,522 illegal aliens who were encountered at the southwest border and who were placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge during that time. In other words, of the at least 3.3 million illegal aliens released into the United States since January 20, 2021, the Biden Administration failed to remove, through immigration court removal proceedings, roughly 99.7 percent of those illegal aliens." GOVPUB-Y4_J89_1-PURL-gpo222127.pdf
The article goes on to say although Trump promised to remove 1 million in a year, he only deported 477,277 from Jan, 20, 2025 to April 4, 2026. Trump has stopped illegal immigration. But USA Today complains that the ICE agents were too extreme and half of all Americans object. (using far left Politico figures) because some weren't "worst of the worst," Biden allowed /encouraged 4 years of open borders, Trump fixes it. Blue cities violated the laws, and USA Today features 2 mentions of 2 people killed in riots in Minnesota. Riots and protests, but no mention of those killed or injured or displaced by the illegals, Thanks for nothing, USA Today/Columbus Dispatch. New wave of ICE deployments to impact 40 or more states by Trevor Hughes
Friday, May 08, 2026
Why so few babies?
There's an opinion piece in the NYT about "Why so few people are having kids" by Anna Louie Sussman. She writes on gender, economics and reproduction. No shock here, but she doesn't answer the headline question. Low fertility rates are global, and she has one anecdotal example (a well educated financially secure Mexican American citizen who wants to buy a nice home in Minneapolis but is afraid of Trump). Most of her examples are academic research (no citations) on economic insecurity although they don't prove her point as it shows high education, good salaries in countries (mainly Nordic) with pronatalist government social policies don't increase fertility.
One of her claims is that economic insecurity causes a rise in radical-right parties and that anxiety causes infertility. Then comes a great line. People of faith aren't having the problem. She describes people who are not anxious (i.e. who are not wild-eyed rioters in the streets) as tradwife, homeschooling 10 kids. This gal has really swallowed the Kool-aid.
Even with her far leftist education that probably cost her parents $100,000 she has no reference, remembrance or research before 2008 and the "Great Recession." She has no knowledge of how families and marriage have been demonized since the 1960s. Remember "Population Explosion" by Paul Erlich? It had Americans afraid to have babies because the world could end in a decade and it was evil to increase the population. AOC probably used it to create the climate hoax. Although she now has a new enemy--THE RICH. And the pill, and abortion? The War on Poverty which chased men out of the home? Those don't only reduce fertility they demonize it. Remember the women's movement and the rush out of the home and into the government and corporate workplace so more women could pay more taxes? Remember the huge inflation of the 70s so no time to cook? Hire a sitter and go to work and then to the restaurant or carry out. Even the entertainment which the little ones consumed with the TV sitter featured divorced or single moms. No shock to me that maybe women like this writer got the message.
One of her claims is that economic insecurity causes a rise in radical-right parties and that anxiety causes infertility. Then comes a great line. People of faith aren't having the problem. She describes people who are not anxious (i.e. who are not wild-eyed rioters in the streets) as tradwife, homeschooling 10 kids. This gal has really swallowed the Kool-aid.
Even with her far leftist education that probably cost her parents $100,000 she has no reference, remembrance or research before 2008 and the "Great Recession." She has no knowledge of how families and marriage have been demonized since the 1960s. Remember "Population Explosion" by Paul Erlich? It had Americans afraid to have babies because the world could end in a decade and it was evil to increase the population. AOC probably used it to create the climate hoax. Although she now has a new enemy--THE RICH. And the pill, and abortion? The War on Poverty which chased men out of the home? Those don't only reduce fertility they demonize it. Remember the women's movement and the rush out of the home and into the government and corporate workplace so more women could pay more taxes? Remember the huge inflation of the 70s so no time to cook? Hire a sitter and go to work and then to the restaurant or carry out. Even the entertainment which the little ones consumed with the TV sitter featured divorced or single moms. No shock to me that maybe women like this writer got the message.
It was the culture, lady.
Tuesday, May 05, 2026
Read those annual reports of your stocks
I tossed out my stockholders ballot before I read the proxy statement and notice of annual meeting for Netflix. First, but least important, was the salaries. The two co-CEOs earn $53 million each. The so-called "median employee" earns $211,201, a ratio of 255 to 1.
Second, and most important, the shareholders wanted changes and those proposals were all opposed by the leadership. Proposal 5 was on politicized brand misalignment, i.e. gender ideology in children's programming. I was horrified reading through the titles of the garbage being aimed at children. "This promotion of sexualized content, particularly to Netflix' youngest viewers, has alienated customers, employees, and shareholders, and exposed Netflix to litigation and regulatory scrutiny . . . exposed Netflix to significant contingent liability and material legal risk." A $500 billion market value company with CEOs who make $53 million is trafficking children, in my opinion. I'll need to call our broker today. Netflix opposing statement was jibberish.
Second, and most important, the shareholders wanted changes and those proposals were all opposed by the leadership. Proposal 5 was on politicized brand misalignment, i.e. gender ideology in children's programming. I was horrified reading through the titles of the garbage being aimed at children. "This promotion of sexualized content, particularly to Netflix' youngest viewers, has alienated customers, employees, and shareholders, and exposed Netflix to litigation and regulatory scrutiny . . . exposed Netflix to significant contingent liability and material legal risk." A $500 billion market value company with CEOs who make $53 million is trafficking children, in my opinion. I'll need to call our broker today. Netflix opposing statement was jibberish.
Monday, May 04, 2026
Mary Jane Zipse, member of MMHS 1957
I received word today that a classmate of mine from high school, Mary Jane Floto Zipse has passed away. Mary Jane Zipse Obituary May 1, 2026 - Finch Funeral & Crematory
Sunday, May 03, 2026
Honoring the church volunteers
Our church, UALC, is having a “combined” service today—the 9 o'clock (traditional) and 11 (modern) are meeting at 10 a.m. and then having a lunch— to honor volunteers, which is really just about everyone. We no longer do anything specifically, but we ran the arts ministry for years, taught Bible school, led a small group for years, and back when we had a church board system, I recall that Bob was on that (one pastor discontinued that system but I think it has been reinstated). In the early 80s before I returned to work I used to run the church library—which was fun because I had a budget and at that time there was a Lutheran Book store downtown. I would take the bus, walk a few blocks, browse and buy books and walk with a heavy bag back to the bus stop which dropped me off about 2 blocks from home. A bag of books with the new book smell—what a treat. Today with those tiny motor bikes people use (to save the planet) and drop off at their destination that wouldn’t be possible. Some things were better in the good old days. Also our friend Edie Cole who lives in Florida is in town. She is part of our current small group--widowed a few years ago, and now joins us by Zoom. She'll also be with us in church and we plan to all sit together at the volunteer lunch.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
80 for Brady, watching football can be fun
Inspired by a true story, this film shown at The Estates (a rom com?) tonight tells of four lifelong friends in their 80s (played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) who travel to Houston to watch Tom Brady and his New England Patriots play in Super Bowl LI in 2017. Seventeen years before the 4 had gathered to help Lily get through her cancer treatment and had a tradition of watching him together. They win tickets (they think) and have hilarious adventures on the trip and at the game.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Obama's quagmire?
Obama ran on the Iraq war issue--specifically getting out. He said it was a distraction from more important issues. Yet all 8 years of his terms we were at war with him in charge. So now Democrats call this 2 month war a quagmire? Hegseth fires back at 'quagmire' label, tells Garamendi 'shame on you' in House hearing. And if Obama hadn't given Iraq the money to create this mess, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Looking for low sodium cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is high in sodium but is a good source of calcium. I can't find a low sodium cottage cheese brand. If I inquire on the internet, I receive results for low fat. Sodium content is similar for some brands, but checking labels is worth it. But I checked Ricotta cheese and it is much lower in sodium, but also different texture. Found this: "Ricotta cheese contains 76.9% less sodium compared to cottage cheese. Both food items are equal in their potassium and phosphorus contents." Ricotta cheese has more iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, and cottage cheese has more copper. Supposedly they taste different, but I think that's because Ricotta has much less salt. Cottage cheese has more liquid (water?) so I think measurements in grams are tricky. Ricotta has more fat, so more calories, but cottage cheese has more sugar and sodium. If you look at the graphs in this article, it looks to me as though Ricotta wins the nutrition race and is safer for those watching salt, which affects a lot of older people. Like me. I've never seen it in anything except dessert or pasta recipes, but tried some on a bowl of fruit today. I was explaining all this to Bob (about 7 a.m.) and he said, what does it taste like? And I said, like library paste. First time I've used this site on nutrition, but it's very thorough.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Saying good-bye to Luan
Next Saturday we'll be saying our final good-byes (for now) to Luan Zangmeister who died on April 16, 2026. We were fellow members of UALC for about 5 decades. I recall poking my head in the room where she and helpers assembled the UALC newsletter, many chats in the halls, Sunday school classes after first service and our Thursday senior Bible studies. We watched her children and grandchildren grow up. Her son Jim was the "lucky" camp counselor when our daughter broke her arm at horse camp, and he was Phil's guitar teacher. I remember her kindness when she sent us cards and notes when our son Phil had cancer.
A memorial service will be held at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Rd., at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. The Reverend Paul Ulring will officiate.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Take your child to work day, April 23, 2026
Take your child to work day. They are interviewing kids on Fox & Friends about this event. One little girl said she had no idea what her dad's job is, but she's going to work with him. Said she's looking forward to spending more time with him. Hmm. Sounds like he needs some time with the kids at home, too.
I can't remember not knowing what my father's job was. In fact, he wasn't happy when I was in 3rd grade and it was a class project. I drew a picture of him standing in front of his big red truck with a 5 o'clock shadow. He was already out working by the time I left for school, so I must have drawn what I saw in the evening. Also, occasionally my brother and I rode along with him. I thought it was a special treat, but maybe my mom was just busy?
I can't remember not knowing what my father's job was. In fact, he wasn't happy when I was in 3rd grade and it was a class project. I drew a picture of him standing in front of his big red truck with a 5 o'clock shadow. He was already out working by the time I left for school, so I must have drawn what I saw in the evening. Also, occasionally my brother and I rode along with him. I thought it was a special treat, but maybe my mom was just busy?
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Spring art show at The Estates
Here at the Estates on Friday evening Bob had a small (and brief--3 hours) one artist show. Most paintings were from our apartment, but three came from the storage shelves at our daughter's home. Two were new this year. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres were served. What you see on the walls hangs in the lobby, not the show. It was very popular with our neighbors and people are still talking about it and which was their favorite. Lots of variety. Pheasants in the snow. Santa Marie Fishing boat. Aarni washing potatoes in the lake. Bicycles in Lakeside. Phil Bruce. Young Haitian woman. Abby reading. Andy docked on Lake Erie. Verde River, Arizona. Indian woman with veil. Jack sailing Webb 3. Southern Ohio barn. Ireland Plateau. Pavilion in Snow at Lakeside. Stockbridge, Scotland, Leith River.
Monday, April 20, 2026
Celebrating 250 years with the USPS
A special postage stamp appeared in July 2025, but I hadn't shopped for stamps for a while and hadn't seen it. Today I bought a sheet celebrating USPS, "250 years of Delivering" issue. I admit, I was baffled by the message (of the art). I could see a town/neighborhood, seasons of the year, clothing that did not identify as female, vehicles/vans, birds, dogs, cats, black employees, no automobiles, people gardening and having summer activities on rooftops of buildings, babies and children, and a few businesses that could be a bookstore or a restaurant. One thing was clear; in this make believe town square there was a statue of a pony express rider. I looked at a couple of websites for an explanation and this video sort of explains it. https://youtu.be/0rfif1Lv7c0?si=pnPSzqgyZVMOgCxr It is following one current black female employee through time in the U,S. She's the only person in the art that is clearly a woman. Or even whose ethnicity is clear. It's why you see no changes in our life and culture except the models of the mail vans. Not even the clothing changes--not even ADA rules for handicap access (the ramps have no railings).
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Qoheleth in today's words of Justices of SCOTUS
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 (Qoheleth) Listen up, Democrats.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has given a stirring speech about the dangers and weaknesses of "progressivism" (aka Marxism) pointing to Woodrow Wilson and speaks directly to the likes and emotional appeals of Justice Ketanji Brown who relies on current cultural trends, and lower courts to draw policy and legal opinions. She and other progressives are opposed to the ideas of the Declaration of Independence. That is not the purpose of SCOTUS. She's an embarrassment.
"Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on Wednesday delivered a televised broadside against progressivism, a political philosophy he described as an existential threat to America and the principles that founded it 250 years ago.“Progressivism seeks to replace the basic premises of the Declaration of Independence and hence our form of government,” Thomas said in a speech at the University of Texas Austin Law School pegged to the nation’s upcoming milestone birthday.
A spirit of “cynicism, rejection, hostility and animus” toward America -- by Americans -- has taken hold, Thomas said in remarks carried live on CSPAN." ABC News
Ecclesiastes thus stands as a potent portion of biblical Wisdom Literature, shining throughout history and into the present day. The identity of Qoheleth reminds readers that even the greatest king with unmatched riches, fame, and intellect must ultimately conclude that life’s genuine purpose is found in acknowledging and fearing the Lord, who created all things and to whom everyone must give account." Bible Hub
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
He Found It
When I got to the dining room at The Estates for breakfast today, the early risers were all a flutter. Chairs pulled out, people searching. One man had lost a hearing aid. Someone turned on her phone flashlight, others were patting his clothing, another was looking through the sugar packets. He had to leave to catch the taxi (he still works), so after he was gone, I suggested we pray about it. I asked Ginny to lead us in prayer--she's the daughter of a missionary, a Baptist and goes to Bible study here. So, she started. And she barely got "Dear Lord" out, when someone stuck her head in the door and said He Found It. It was inside his belt buckle.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Edna St. Vincent Millay -- a favorite
My friend Joan has recently lost her husband and has reposted this poem--always a favorite of mine since college.
Time Does Not Bring Relief.Time does not bring relief; you all have lied
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year’s leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year’s bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.
There are a hundred places where I fear
To go,—so with his memory they brim.
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, “There is no memory of him here!”
And so stand stricken, so remembering him.
Who told me time would ease me of my pain!
I miss him in the weeping of the rain;
I want him at the shrinking of the tide;
The old snows melt from every mountain-side,
And last year’s leaves are smoke in every lane;
But last year’s bitter loving must remain
Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide.
There are a hundred places where I fear
To go,—so with his memory they brim.
And entering with relief some quiet place
Where never fell his foot or shone his face
I say, “There is no memory of him here!”
And so stand stricken, so remembering him.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Flashback to the Korean War deals
I remember the Korean War (1950-53) better than WWII, which ended when I was 5 and my dad and all my uncles (except one) came home. In 1950s and in the 2000s I knew a lot of WWII vets and some had served in both wars.
Did you know it wasn't a war? No, it was the Korean Conflict. FDR actually "facilitated" (Yalta, giving USSR a foothold in Korea) because like Trump, he was trying to clean up (after the war in Europe) and "made a deal" which for millions of Europeans and Asians went really bad. Kinda like Obama making a deal to give Iran enough money to destroy the USA. So, it was left to Trump to do the real clean up decades later after FDR's went haywire and Obama's blew up the whole Middle East. Although FDR had a lot of Communist friends, so I suppose it's a matter of opinion if you want the world enslaved by Communists or Fascists or Islamists. The Communists killed far more people, mostly their own citizens, and if you read history, Trump is making far better deals. Unfortunately, we now have even more Communists in our government than we had in the 1940s.
Enjoying a night at the movies at The Estates
Tonight's movie at the Estates is Brigadoon, and according to Rotten Tomatoes: "Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson), two American pals on a Scottish hunting trip, get lost in the woods and come upon the magical village of Brigadoon. Rising out of the Scottish mist only once every 100 years, and only for one day, Brigadoon is an enchanted place where life is simpler and easier, untouched by the worries of the modern world. When Tommy falls for beautiful villager Fiona Campbell (Cyd Charisse), he must decide whether to stay or to return to his life."
Watching these old movies is refreshing just for the fashions of the fifties and forties. Of course, it's fantasy, but so is the news. Last night was To catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly; Friday was The Country Girl with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly; April 4 (Saturday) was A Tree grows in Brooklyn; March 27 was Double Indemnity with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck; March 29 was a real sleeper I'd never heard of and not very old, Secondhand Lions with Michael Caine and Robert Duvall--great old cars. Sunday March 15 we watched the movie The Swan with Grace Kelly. Sort of like a Hallmark movie where royals get married. Friday March 13 was Big with Tom Hanks.
Watching these old movies is refreshing just for the fashions of the fifties and forties. Of course, it's fantasy, but so is the news. Last night was To catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly; Friday was The Country Girl with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly; April 4 (Saturday) was A Tree grows in Brooklyn; March 27 was Double Indemnity with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck; March 29 was a real sleeper I'd never heard of and not very old, Secondhand Lions with Michael Caine and Robert Duvall--great old cars. Sunday March 15 we watched the movie The Swan with Grace Kelly. Sort of like a Hallmark movie where royals get married. Friday March 13 was Big with Tom Hanks.
More gender craziness
They're at it again--the gender mafia are attacking Christians who care for the sick and aged without discrimination. Will the government of radical NY win or will the Constitution win?
"Catholic nuns who have cared for terminally ill patients in New York for over a century have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law they say forces them to violate their religious beliefs about sex and gender identity. " Christian Post
It's my opinion that craziness starts in academe, then is fertilized in California, then spreads like a virus to the east coast where it is harvested by the media to poison the nation.
"Catholic nuns who have cared for terminally ill patients in New York for over a century have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law they say forces them to violate their religious beliefs about sex and gender identity. " Christian Post
It's my opinion that craziness starts in academe, then is fertilized in California, then spreads like a virus to the east coast where it is harvested by the media to poison the nation.
Wednesday, April 08, 2026
Which would you prefer: pay more money to Iran to terrorize us?
Ross Rant (investment letter) reports: "Many people decry the war as disrupting the market or the economy and isn’t this terrible. The Dems and media take every opportunity to attack Trump and declare the war illegal or by choice or whatever. Yes, it was by choice. The real question is, would you prefer to have a few months of economic disruption or Iran with nukes and permanent control of Hormuz. It is that simple. If we were to follow the Obama/Biden policies of paying money to Iran, and letting them build up their proxy forces, and terrorist networks then the damage to the US would be far greater over time. Trump took a decision that had to made to save the world and Israel from a far more dangerous and risky history. There is no question if he had not acted in June and now, it would have been too late. The Dems and media hate Trump so much they are blind to reality of the world beyond US politics. The Obama policies toward Iran, followed by Biden, were enablers of terror and of nuclear blackmail and potential devastation. The JPOCA deal was the most irresponsible treaty ever signed since Munich in 1938, and was done so despite Netanyahu coming to Congress to say so. He was right then. The parallels are very obvious which is why I consistently say today is 1938 2.0."
My thoughts exactly. Obama got us here, now someone needs to stop empowering Iran to be a military and nuclear power. If you think Dems in Congress are outraged now, imagine how they'd rage at Trump if Iran lobbed a few bombs into Hawaii or California. I haven't forgotten how they blamed Bush for not stopping 9/11, or even pausing to think when he was told the news during a visit to a classroom.
My thoughts exactly. Obama got us here, now someone needs to stop empowering Iran to be a military and nuclear power. If you think Dems in Congress are outraged now, imagine how they'd rage at Trump if Iran lobbed a few bombs into Hawaii or California. I haven't forgotten how they blamed Bush for not stopping 9/11, or even pausing to think when he was told the news during a visit to a classroom.
Tuesday, April 07, 2026
Chatting with Copilot about its dependence on Wikipedia
There's a huge pull-down world map in our multi-purpose room. While waiting for a class one day I asked (no one in particular) I wonder how many languages are spoken in Indonesia. One woman, born in India, guessed 4 or 5. I said, maybe a thousand or more. Here's the answer from Translatorswithoutborders https://translatorswithoutborders.org/language-data-for-indonesia?
"There are over 800 languages spoken in Indonesia according to the 2010 census. Other sources consider several of these to be dialects of the same language, and show the number of unique languages being closer to 700. By all estimates, Indonesia is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Indonesian (locally referred to as Bahasa Indonesia) is the primary lingua franca. Indonesian is spoken by over 94% of the population, but it is the primary language of only 20% of the population. Javanese (Jawa) is the most common primary language, spoken by over 30% of the population. The maps, documents, and datasets below provide information about languages spoken throughout the country."
I'll accept that, but I had a long chat with Copilot and I told it I was flunking it. I switched to another platform (?) because it kept taking the Wikipedia short cut.
"There are over 800 languages spoken in Indonesia according to the 2010 census. Other sources consider several of these to be dialects of the same language, and show the number of unique languages being closer to 700. By all estimates, Indonesia is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Indonesian (locally referred to as Bahasa Indonesia) is the primary lingua franca. Indonesian is spoken by over 94% of the population, but it is the primary language of only 20% of the population. Javanese (Jawa) is the most common primary language, spoken by over 30% of the population. The maps, documents, and datasets below provide information about languages spoken throughout the country."
I'll accept that, but I had a long chat with Copilot and I told it I was flunking it. I switched to another platform (?) because it kept taking the Wikipedia short cut.
The nervous Nellies in the Republican party (written to them)
I expect Democrats to be hypocrite socialists and to be all prissy and shocked face at Trump's language, even though they feel entitled to cheer at the outcomes of sanctuary cities, putting our nation in peril with the results of their illegals invasion, maiming children, soaring costs of everything and marching for the assassination attempts (aka NoKings Day) on our president's life.
But I do draw the line at hearing that same shock and outrage about his language (on EASTER no less) from so-called Conservatives who have never really been his fans, but have reluctantly enjoyed his policy successes. Well, gosh and golly ladies, have you never been on a construction site, or in a bar or even a Buckeyes or NFL game? No one worries about language while worshiping those idols. Have you never felt shame at how your girlfriends carry on (often about each other) after a few glasses of wine or think it's cute to be a potty mouth in public just to impress someone? What a bunch of phonies! You didn't elect a Pope, you elected a President.
You knew going into this that the garbage truck he was driving during the campaign was full of political Dem SH*% and he would shed blood for doing it. You watched the Dems charge him with 34 felonies on a fake misdemeanor, and that 99% of the media were against him. Did you think this was a garden party?
You knew, you shaking in your boots conservatives, or should have, that for almost 50 years Iran was trying to destroy Israel and us and was supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis as proxies. Those navy and army and ground forces Trump is blowing up was paid for by Obama with our blessings. Obama got all this going by enabling their buildup of power, now able to reach us here. Obama, btw, stayed at war for 8 years, and you're getting puny and sickly after 4 weeks?
Do you want to go back to being fired for your pronouns and having your churches closed because Trump's got bad language when talking about war? Gracious, put on your big girl pants and stop being such cry babies. Yes, you Conservatives. Democrats are lost. Now get back on the horse and stop slipping off on the left side.
But I do draw the line at hearing that same shock and outrage about his language (on EASTER no less) from so-called Conservatives who have never really been his fans, but have reluctantly enjoyed his policy successes. Well, gosh and golly ladies, have you never been on a construction site, or in a bar or even a Buckeyes or NFL game? No one worries about language while worshiping those idols. Have you never felt shame at how your girlfriends carry on (often about each other) after a few glasses of wine or think it's cute to be a potty mouth in public just to impress someone? What a bunch of phonies! You didn't elect a Pope, you elected a President.
You knew going into this that the garbage truck he was driving during the campaign was full of political Dem SH*% and he would shed blood for doing it. You watched the Dems charge him with 34 felonies on a fake misdemeanor, and that 99% of the media were against him. Did you think this was a garden party?
You knew, you shaking in your boots conservatives, or should have, that for almost 50 years Iran was trying to destroy Israel and us and was supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis as proxies. Those navy and army and ground forces Trump is blowing up was paid for by Obama with our blessings. Obama got all this going by enabling their buildup of power, now able to reach us here. Obama, btw, stayed at war for 8 years, and you're getting puny and sickly after 4 weeks?
Do you want to go back to being fired for your pronouns and having your churches closed because Trump's got bad language when talking about war? Gracious, put on your big girl pants and stop being such cry babies. Yes, you Conservatives. Democrats are lost. Now get back on the horse and stop slipping off on the left side.
Wednesday, April 01, 2026
Happy 100th Birthday, Helen
Helen is a member of our church, UALC, Sunday School class and Thursday Bible Study is turning 100. She still lives in her own home and until recently was driving herself to church. We plan to have a birthday cake tomorrow after Maundy Thursday services. Happy Birthday, Helen. We love you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Fish is good for elderly
This is good news. Since moving to the Estates I've never eaten so much fish. . .
"Eating fish, already known to be good for your heart, may also help protect your bones against osteoporosis—but the interactions between the fats found in fish and bone mass are complicated, according to new research. Scientists from Tufts, Northeastern, Harvard and Boston University took a fresh look at data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study following 623 older adults (average age 75) over four years. In general, those with the highest fish intake (three or more weekly servings), especially darker-fleshed fish, experienced lower loss of bone density.
Darker-fleshed fish, which are highest in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, include salmon, mackerel, sardines, swordfish and bluefish. Although some of these fish, such as mackerel and swordfish, raise red flags for possible mercury contamination, this is less of a concern for the older people most at risk of osteoporosis than for pregnant and nursing women."
From the Tufts free newsletter. https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/?
"Eating fish, already known to be good for your heart, may also help protect your bones against osteoporosis—but the interactions between the fats found in fish and bone mass are complicated, according to new research. Scientists from Tufts, Northeastern, Harvard and Boston University took a fresh look at data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study following 623 older adults (average age 75) over four years. In general, those with the highest fish intake (three or more weekly servings), especially darker-fleshed fish, experienced lower loss of bone density.
Darker-fleshed fish, which are highest in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, include salmon, mackerel, sardines, swordfish and bluefish. Although some of these fish, such as mackerel and swordfish, raise red flags for possible mercury contamination, this is less of a concern for the older people most at risk of osteoporosis than for pregnant and nursing women."
From the Tufts free newsletter. https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/?
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Bad weather tonight, March 26
Columbus Dispatch reports:
A cold front bringing severe weather is expected to travel from northern Ohio south/southeast into central and eastern Ohio during the late nighttime hours of March 26 and into the early morning hours of March 27.
Temperatures hit 78 after 5 p.m. March 26, and temperatures are expected to plunge to the 30s overnight, according to weather service. During the evening and overnight, thunderstorms will move through the area.
The thunderstorms could come with damaging winds, large hail and "very heavy" rainfall, the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook. Isolated tornadoes could occur early in the development of the storms, and localized heavy rainfall could cause flooding, the NWS said.
A cold front bringing severe weather is expected to travel from northern Ohio south/southeast into central and eastern Ohio during the late nighttime hours of March 26 and into the early morning hours of March 27.
Temperatures hit 78 after 5 p.m. March 26, and temperatures are expected to plunge to the 30s overnight, according to weather service. During the evening and overnight, thunderstorms will move through the area.
The thunderstorms could come with damaging winds, large hail and "very heavy" rainfall, the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook. Isolated tornadoes could occur early in the development of the storms, and localized heavy rainfall could cause flooding, the NWS said.
Whelmed midwife
Learned two facts about words this morning. A male midwife is the correct term for a male medical professional who assists with birthing, And whelm is a real verb and when you overdo it, you are overwhelmed. Whelm means to cover or engulf. I saw it in a hymn, . . so if you've got too many syllables to use overwhelmed, you can make do with just whelmed. English is amazing, It has more words than any other language, probably because the sun never set on the Union Jack.
Airport lines are a pattern for Democrats
Pity the poor folks at the mercy of the Democrats in Congress--standing in line for hours at airports, victims of their hatred for Trump. Worse than the fatigue and the missed connections is the danger the Democrats are imposing on the nation. Such a messy history of malevolent beliefs--supporters of slavery, designers of Jim Crow. advocates for lynching, supporters of poverty programs that resulted in generations dependent on government for life, calling abortion "freedom" for women, and mind-bending lies about sexuality that promote castration for boys and mastectomies for girls in the name of "mental health." They are sick and demented, but demand loyalty and money from their party members (but no ID).
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Jodie Minnick Strickland obituary
Today I learned of the death of Jodie Strickland, my cousin Evelyn's daughter.
Jodie earned her Associate's degree in Nursing from Isothermal Community College. Her dedication to caring for others extended beyond her professional life and was evident in the way she nurtured her family and friends. A devoted mother above all else, Jodie's love for her daughters Kristina Smith (Carl) and Julie Jennemann (Stephen) was boundless. She cherished her grandchildren Claire Raines and Griffin Raines, who brought immense joy to her life. Her significant other and best friend, Keith Dabney, stood steadfastly by her side as a source of love and support.
Jodie is also survived by her brother Gery Martin (Ava); nephews John Minnick (and his children), Steven Minnick (and his son), and David Minnick, Sister in-law Mary Brown; as well as many others who were touched by her kindness and strength. She was predeceased by her parents Evelyn Minnick Morris and Ershel Leroy Minnick; siblings Lorrie Passailaigue, Larry Minnick, Lonnie Minnick, Jim Minnick, and Jay Carter; and her beloved son Daniel Edward Jeffords. . . "
Continued at Jodie Strickland Obituary February 20, 2026 - Legacy.com
Jodie was the daughter of my cousin, Evelyn Corbett. Her stepdaughter Misty who lives in North Carolina was not mentioned in the obituary. She added some other memories on Facebook. I "met" Misty through Facebook when Jodie was married to Billy Strickland, Misty's father. I don't know the details, and didn't know of Jodie's death until I saw it on Misty's FB page,
"Jodie was married to my dad, Billy Strickland, for 15 years. They met when I was 12 years old back in 2000, and for over two decades she was part of our family and part of our lives. She lived here in North Carolina for 25 years.
She was in the delivery room when I gave birth to my son, Haden Oliver, who gave her the title of “Meme.” She was also there when I gave birth to Skylar Oliver. Those are moments I will always remember, and I pray my kids hold on to those amazing memories as well. Jodie was also the very first person I told when I found out I was going to be a mommy.
She loved doing crafts, playing cards, and creating things with her hands. She loved cooking, especially during the holidays and making big breakfasts for everyone. She always went all out for birthdays and every holiday.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Strickland. She also cherished her little poodle, Dolly, who she loved dearly. It brings comfort to think that she is now reunited with her again.
No family is perfect, but the memories and moments we shared will always be part of my story. People may change, but memories don’t." Misty Strickland Richardson
Monday, March 23, 2026
Six syllables three lines, a poem about the Estates
6 syllables 3 lines, my neighbors
Bunny, Bev, Bonnie, Bev,
Barbara, Barbara,
Barbara, Barbara.
Barbara and Betty,
Bob, Bill, Bob, Bill, Bob, Clare.
Cola, Carole, Carol.
Carolyn, Carolyn,
Carrie, Chris, Constantine,
Diana, Dave, Dennis.
David, Dottie, Dorothy.
Ernie, Eva, Eve, Frank,
Gilda, Howard, Harry.
Jean, Joe, Jack and Janet,
Jan, Jim, Joyce, Jeraline,
Jacqueline, Joann, Jack;
Judy, Jean, Joyce, Janet.
John, Kathy, Kay, Laura,
Linda, Lou, Mort, Mary,
Martine, Marcie, Milly,
Marilyn, Margaret,
Marie, Mary, Marie.
Norma and Noretta,
Norma, Patricia, Paul,
Patsy, Pat, Priscilla.
Richard, Roseanne, Ruth Ann,
Ray, Richard, Rosemary,
Rena, Shirley, Sandy,
Sharon, Sue and Sandra.
Thomas, Terry, Terrence,
Tom, Tex, Victor, Vonceil.
We're planning an April poetry event. I used the resident list for February for this syllabic poem, and to some I've already said good-bye. As you can see, names go with generations.
A beautiful, but unusual baptism
An unusual baptism. They are all special, but yesterday I saw something different. Sweet little guy. Hair combed. Wiggling and smiling, but not screaming. Relatives filling the 2 front pews. As the pastor put his hand in the water, he stopped and asked an usher to bring in some cool water. It was too hot to baptize! We continued with our part and soon the water was carried in and the sacrament was completed.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Report on 10 Chatbots that assist in violent crimes
Evil is already in the mind. And then combine that with AI/Chatbots for complete instructions.
Summary of a report on 10 chatbots to assist in violent crimes like bombings, assassinations, robberies:
KEY FINDINGS
WE TESTED HOW POPULAR CHATBOTS RESPOND TO USERS PLANNING VIOLENT ATTACKS
Researchers at CCDH and CNN tested ten chatbots by posing as users planning violent attacks before asking about locations to target and weapons to use.
Researchers tested ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Snapchat My AI, Character.AI and Replika
Tests were designed to reflect a range of violent attack scenarios in the US and EU:
▷ School shootings or knife attacks
▷ Assassinations targeting politicians
▷ Bombings targeting political parties or synagogues
8 IN 10 CHATBOTS TYPICALLY ASSIST USERS PLANNING VIOLENT ATTACKS
Testing found that 8 in 10 chatbots assist would-be attackers in over half of responses, providing advice on locations to target and weapons to use in an attack.
Only Snapchat’s My AI and Anthropic’s Claude typically refused to assist would-be attackers, in 54% and 68% of responses respectively.
Perplexity and Meta AI were the least safe, assisting would-be attackers in 100% and 97% of responses respectively.
Examples of chatbots offering practical assistance with a violent attack include:
ChatGPT gave high school campus maps to a user interested in school violence
Copilot replied “I need to be careful here” before giving detailed advice on rifles
Gemini told a user discussing synagogue attacks “metal shrapnel is typically more lethal”
DeepSeek signed off advice on selecting rifles with “Happy (and safe) shooting!”
9 IN 10 CHATBOTS FAIL TO RELIABLY DISCOURAGE WOULD-BE ATTACKERS
Researchers also assessed how often chatbots would recognize a would-be attacker’s intentions and consistently discourage them from carrying out an attack.
They found that only Anthropic’s Claude was able to do this consistently, offering discouragement in 76% of responses carried out during testing.
ChatGPT and DeepSeek occasionally offer discouragement.
CHARACTER.AI ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED VIOLENCE
In testing, researchers found that Character.AI was uniquely unsafe. It encouraged users to carry out violent attacks in 7 cases, for example:
Character.AI suggested the user “use a gun” on a health insurance CEO
Character.AI suggested physically assaulting a politician the user disliked
No other chatbot tested explicitly encouraged violence in this way, even when providing practical assistance in planning a violent attack.
This is not good, folks, https://counterhate.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Killer-Apps_FINAL_CCDH.pdf?
WE TESTED HOW POPULAR CHATBOTS RESPOND TO USERS PLANNING VIOLENT ATTACKS
Researchers at CCDH and CNN tested ten chatbots by posing as users planning violent attacks before asking about locations to target and weapons to use.
Researchers tested ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Snapchat My AI, Character.AI and Replika
Tests were designed to reflect a range of violent attack scenarios in the US and EU:
▷ School shootings or knife attacks
▷ Assassinations targeting politicians
▷ Bombings targeting political parties or synagogues
8 IN 10 CHATBOTS TYPICALLY ASSIST USERS PLANNING VIOLENT ATTACKS
Testing found that 8 in 10 chatbots assist would-be attackers in over half of responses, providing advice on locations to target and weapons to use in an attack.
Only Snapchat’s My AI and Anthropic’s Claude typically refused to assist would-be attackers, in 54% and 68% of responses respectively.
Perplexity and Meta AI were the least safe, assisting would-be attackers in 100% and 97% of responses respectively.
Examples of chatbots offering practical assistance with a violent attack include:
ChatGPT gave high school campus maps to a user interested in school violence
Copilot replied “I need to be careful here” before giving detailed advice on rifles
Gemini told a user discussing synagogue attacks “metal shrapnel is typically more lethal”
DeepSeek signed off advice on selecting rifles with “Happy (and safe) shooting!”
9 IN 10 CHATBOTS FAIL TO RELIABLY DISCOURAGE WOULD-BE ATTACKERS
Researchers also assessed how often chatbots would recognize a would-be attacker’s intentions and consistently discourage them from carrying out an attack.
They found that only Anthropic’s Claude was able to do this consistently, offering discouragement in 76% of responses carried out during testing.
ChatGPT and DeepSeek occasionally offer discouragement.
CHARACTER.AI ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED VIOLENCE
In testing, researchers found that Character.AI was uniquely unsafe. It encouraged users to carry out violent attacks in 7 cases, for example:
Character.AI suggested the user “use a gun” on a health insurance CEO
Character.AI suggested physically assaulting a politician the user disliked
No other chatbot tested explicitly encouraged violence in this way, even when providing practical assistance in planning a violent attack.
This is not good, folks, https://counterhate.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Killer-Apps_FINAL_CCDH.pdf?
Saturday, March 14, 2026
China's family problem is also ours
"With the rise of China’s “new family type”—only children begetting only children—we will be entering a Chinese future in which a growing proportion of the rising generations will lack not only siblings, but also cousins, aunts and uncles. The withering away of China’s extended family networks—the people’s only reliable social safety net since the dawn of Chinese civilization—will surely have profound and far-reaching implications, few of them beneficial." China's Coming Population Crash Scrambles the Global Balance of Power | American Enterprise Institute - AEI
25 years ago I was an English language partner for the wife of an OSU graduate student from China. She studied intently--learned hundreds of words a day--and I enjoyed her company. When I asked her how Americans could tell Japanese from Chinese her hint was, "Japanese were more fashion conscious and dressed better." We met at coffee shops or sometimes at Ohio State.
As we talked, I realized we had limited topics--I was older than her parents and both she and her husband had no siblings, and because of China's policies they also had no aunts and uncles and no cousins. What Eberstadt the author warns about in this article had already happened, even 25 years ago. Now it is happening here. And we didn't even have a harsh policy--just social pressure.
As we talked, I realized we had limited topics--I was older than her parents and both she and her husband had no siblings, and because of China's policies they also had no aunts and uncles and no cousins. What Eberstadt the author warns about in this article had already happened, even 25 years ago. Now it is happening here. And we didn't even have a harsh policy--just social pressure.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Learn history about fundamentalist Islam
As I've said many times, the Democrat party is evil, and the Republican party is stupid. Take your chances. What a plan!
Their puppet Biden allowed in millions of illegals, legals, and refugees plus thousands on visas for jobs "Americans won't do" like computers and technology. So many they can't be vetted plus there was no modern, western system to even track their criminal records in their country of origin. They brought with them the oldest renewable product--trafficked sex and cheap labor.
We know from Biden's past record this was not the real patriotic Joe we knew 30-40 years ago, he was the front man, weak and easily manipulated. With failing mental and physical health, plus a history of loyalty to the party, he was the perfect patsy. The party built on previous bi-partisan agreements, with loyal to party appointees and money from Soros-type fallen angels. Republicans went along to get along, never wanting to offend or to be called names.
Now the Democrats' handlers want the payback. Using the media lies and the Marxist-Islamist philosophy to fuel the Trump hatred, the sleeper cells are coming alive with the help of ignorant college students, so-called influencers living in mom's basement and their co-opting college administrations. There were premature pimples of these outbreaks during Obama's years, but they hadn't festered enough to pop. Muslims are very patient, not a quality our nation has. Fundamentalist Islam is a very fast growing religion. By force.
Stay alert for the lies in the media, from the politicians, from the influencers and podcasters you used to trust, from the late night "comedians," and from the pulpits. Review the history of the Crusades, a lot of your college textbooks lied about that too. This is an old battle. Or go further back--back to the 700s when Muslims were attacking and absorbing Christian nations. It was not by peaceful trade and expansion. It was ethnic and religious cleansing. Watch out for those who want to return to 1950 and blame you for Jim Crow (an invention of the Democrat Party) instead of the Arab Muslim slavers of Africa who still export labor and sex. It's a distraction.
Focus. Focus. It's not Trump. Don't let them gaslight you.
Their puppet Biden allowed in millions of illegals, legals, and refugees plus thousands on visas for jobs "Americans won't do" like computers and technology. So many they can't be vetted plus there was no modern, western system to even track their criminal records in their country of origin. They brought with them the oldest renewable product--trafficked sex and cheap labor.
We know from Biden's past record this was not the real patriotic Joe we knew 30-40 years ago, he was the front man, weak and easily manipulated. With failing mental and physical health, plus a history of loyalty to the party, he was the perfect patsy. The party built on previous bi-partisan agreements, with loyal to party appointees and money from Soros-type fallen angels. Republicans went along to get along, never wanting to offend or to be called names.
Now the Democrats' handlers want the payback. Using the media lies and the Marxist-Islamist philosophy to fuel the Trump hatred, the sleeper cells are coming alive with the help of ignorant college students, so-called influencers living in mom's basement and their co-opting college administrations. There were premature pimples of these outbreaks during Obama's years, but they hadn't festered enough to pop. Muslims are very patient, not a quality our nation has. Fundamentalist Islam is a very fast growing religion. By force.
Stay alert for the lies in the media, from the politicians, from the influencers and podcasters you used to trust, from the late night "comedians," and from the pulpits. Review the history of the Crusades, a lot of your college textbooks lied about that too. This is an old battle. Or go further back--back to the 700s when Muslims were attacking and absorbing Christian nations. It was not by peaceful trade and expansion. It was ethnic and religious cleansing. Watch out for those who want to return to 1950 and blame you for Jim Crow (an invention of the Democrat Party) instead of the Arab Muslim slavers of Africa who still export labor and sex. It's a distraction.
Focus. Focus. It's not Trump. Don't let them gaslight you.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Plurals and gender, what's an old person to do?
"Each is" or "each are." No matter how many are in the group, club or lunch bunch, it's still Each of the ladies is going to pay her own bill. But I have to admit, with all the gender blending going on beginning in the lower grades with woke trained teachers, trying to align a noun and pronoun is a challenge.
Sometimes I just have to blog it. If I say anything, I'd be asked to be the editor.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
