Remember When: Dec. 27, 2013 - New Species Discovered in 2013: An Odd Animal Roundup

Editor's Note: The reason I'm running old posts is because I'm on a break right now and I thought readers might find my past posts enlightening and entertaining.

Amazing as it may seem, scientists keep finding new species of animals – (well, at least new to mankind) every year. 

Every year we get to hear about things like spiders as big as our faces or beautifully colored frogs that will poison us if we even touch them.

I love this time of year when everyone is making up lists about what happened throughout the year. This year is one of my favorites: 

On remote forest tree-tops and in deep Arctic oceans, researchers have spotted and identified a varied collection of new species in 2013.

Among them: a "Cocoa Frog" (photo right) from Suriname, a shark that walks, and a tarantula the size of a dinner plate. (photo above)

Though this year’s haul of new species runs into the thousands, researchers estimate that there are about 8 million species still unidentified by science skulking in remote corners of the world and sometimes hiding out right under scientists' noses.

"And that’s not including most of the microbial world. When you throw in the bacteria and archaea and cyanobacteria and those early groups, all bets are off," Quentin Wheeler, incoming president of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and founder of the International Institute for Species Exploration, told NBC News.

Science is catching up with Mother Nature — but slowly. About 18,000 species are discovered every year, and as of 2013, "We’re fast approaching 2 million named things," Wheeler said.” (Read whole story here)

As it Stands, since I began blogging in 2008 animals have been one of my favorites subjects.

Remember When: Dec. 21, 2009 - Lobbyists Perform Lobotomies Upon Health Care Bill

Editor's Note: I'm sharing past posts right now while I'm on a break. Health care, and the lack of it, was a problem in 2009. Here we are in 2026 and the challenges to our health care system continue to be a major issue.

During my morning coffee routine (where I pour the first cup over my head) I read the following story in the LA Times.

This story points out the reality behind the whole health care debate: lobbyists are making a mockery of the supposed reform on health care. They’ve been in charge since day one.

You have to go beyond the normal squabbling between the Democrats and Republicans to understand what has been happening throughout this process.

Behind the scenes, where power is really wielded today, there is no concern for Americans without insurance. Proof? Just look at this latest abomination the Dems passed. People are going to be fined for NOT having insurance! That’s pure bullshit. And proof of the lobbyist influence.

Check this story out: 

Familiar faces among health industry lobbyists

Many of them used to work in the Capitol as aides or as lawmakers themselves.

“David Nexon had a big problem. An early version of national healthcare legislation contained a $40-billion tax aimed squarely at members of the medical device trade association he represents.
Nexon, a former advisor to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), went to work. He marshaled 14 people like himself -- lobbyists who were once congressional aides, many of them from staffs of congressional leaders or committees that had a hand in crafting the healthcare overhaul.”

Go here to read the rest.

As it Stands, it doesn't matter which party is in power because they both knuckle under to healthcare lobbyists.

Remember When: Dec. 29, 2010 - It was 1969 - The Year that the Army Stopped Niagara Falls

Editor's Note: I'm on a break so I'm sharing former posts for your consideration and enlightenment.

I was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1969. 

That’s where the Army Corps of Engineers was located. It served as a key hub for combat engineering, construction, and geospatial skills, while hosting the Prime Power School, the 1st Engineer Brigade, and the 35th Engineer Brigade (my unit) 

I was training to be a combat engineer destined to go to Vietnam. My more fortunate comrades stayed stateside and worked on a massive project.

In 1969, the Army Corps of Engineers accomplished an awesome feat: They turned off Niagara Falls! 

The project involved diverting the Niagara River to the Horseshoe Falls to study the accumulated debris and see if there was any structural damage.

Starting June 9, 1969, the Albert Elia Construction Company built a 600-foot-wide cofferdam using over 27,800 tons of rock to dewater the iconic falls.

The project was finished in December 1969. The amazing feat was completed in just six months.

(Editor's note: Some informative articles on the project have appeared in Amusing Planet magazine (2016); the Smithsonian Magazine (2019); National Geographic (2023) and History.com (2024.)

As it Stands, don't be concerned about Niagara Falls going dry in our lifetime because experts say the massive monument to American engineering will exist in its current form for another 50,000 years before transforming into a series of rapids.

Remember When: Dec. 13, 2024 - Cultivating Kindness in Your Life

 
Editor's note: I'm on a break right now. That's why I'm sharing past posts for your consideration and entertainment.

Growing up I was inspired by a kind fourth grade teacher who saw beyond the angry youth that I was and encouraged me to channel my passions into writing.

It was one small act of kindness that set me on the road to a journalistic career. Without his encouragement there's no telling where I would have ended up.

Kindness is a force of good that has the power to change the world, one act at a time. Kindness enriches our lives in countless ways from the release of "feel good" chemicals in our brain to the creation of positive effects in communities.

Keep in mind that kindness can be contagious. By embracing it you create a ripple effect of good that can transform your life and the lives of others in the world.

Cultivating kindness in your life

(From Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health)

1. Start with yourself. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself. It's easier to be kind to others when you are with yourself.

2. Small acts, big impact. Kindness doesn't have to be grand gestures. Small acts, like complimenting someone, holding the door, or listening to a friend, can make a significant difference.

3. Volunteer: Find opportunities to help others in your community or support charitable organizations.

4. Practice empathy: Try to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. Empathy is the foundation for kindness.

5. Be mindful: Be present in the moment and aware of the opportunities to be kind that arise in your life.

Interestingly kindness is more than just a warm and fuzzy feeling; it's a fundamental part of our biology. Studies have shown that when we perform acts of kindness, our brain releases dopamine and oxytocin, which makes us feel happy and connected to others. 

In the course of my life, I've met many kind people who have given me hope for humanity. Think about how great it is when your acts of kindness produce ripple-effects that set off a chain reaction of positivity.

As it Stands, in a world that is currently heavy with pain and hate, kindness is desperately needed. 

Remember When: Dec. 29, 2020 - Another 2020 Moment: Trump Awards Himself the Nobel Peace Prize

Editor's Note: This following post from the past is coming to you while I'm on a blog break. It shows how long ago Trump was dreaming of getting a Nobel Peace Prize. He got the Nobel Peace Prize this year - from the person who actually won the prize and gave it to him in an embarrassing presentation in order to curry his favor.

This year has been norm shattering. Many things in our society will never be the same again.

The list is too long to run here, but the top three reasons why our lives have changed forever are; the pandemic, Trump trying to steal the presidential election, and an economy in free fall.

Again, space doesn't permit me to run all the crazy things Trump's done this year.

After watching the video Trump shared Monday, I am submitting it as a great example of what Americans have been putting up with.

In an awkward attempt to congratulate himself, Trump tweeted a montage of his supposed accomplishments (most in his tiny brain). 

The most amusing claim was he won The Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, he didn't, but that didn't matter. He's shown (in a doctored photo) holding up a certificate alongside some real Nobel Prize winners.

A caption below states, "Trump stands for peace" as the logo for the Nobel Peace Prize fills the lower right-hand corner of the screen.

It encapsulates Trump's entire reign; lying and revoking reality at every turn. 

In an interesting result to his latest self-serving promotion, he violated intellectual property law; copywrite and trademark infringement violations.

It's a re-occurring theme throughout Trump's presidency. He's used music from groups and individuals in rallies without their permission. His 2016 and 2020 campaigns used others intellectual property rights with impunity.

Don't expect the Nobel Foundation to go to court over this infringement, however. They don't want anything more to do with Don the Con, or his alternate universe.

As it Stands, Trump's delusions have always been rooted in an alternate universe where he thinks people believe his lunatic ramblings.

Remember When: Dec. 31, 2011 - 'A Bunch of Crock': A Look at the Absurdities of our Bullshit Society

Editor's Note: While I'm on break, I'm dredging up past posts for your consideration. This post is a rare one because it doesn't have much text. It's still fun to look at the graphics.

Graphic designer and satirist, Safwat Saleem, concocts a series of retro images and poignant words to highlight the absurdities of our "Bullshit Society" He calls his creations: "A Bunch of Crock."

About Safwat Saleem:

He's a Pakistani American visual artist, graphic designer, and filmmaker.

Here's a link to his website.

As it Stands, there's nothing like a change of pace to make things interesting and entertaining.

Remember When: Dec. 20, 2012 - Michigan Officials to Close 33 Schools Due to End of World Prediction by Mayans

Editor's Note: I'm on a break right now that's why I'm sharing past posts going as far back as 2008. This particular post brought in a lot of readers. Enjoy.

Okay…how crazy is this? 

Schools are being closed because of an ancient prophecy. 

There's a last-minute push by the world’s nuts predicting the end times because they thought that’s what the Mayan Calendar predicts.

As usual, these doomsayers seem to be worldwide. What cracks me up is that the whole thing is based on a false interpretation. But in the world of cyberspace, things become muddled and false prophecies are propagated like maggots on a dead animal.

You’d think the word would have gotten out to more people that the whole thing is a mistake, but apparently that’s not the case:

“More than 30 Michigan schools closed for the holidays two days early, in part because the Mayan calendar predicts the world will end on Friday," an official said.

Matt Wandrie, superintendent for Lapeer Community Schools, said doomsday "rumors" are running rampant in several districts, adding to fears raised by last week's school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

"Given the recent events in Connecticut, there have been numerous rumors circulating in our district, and in neighboring districts, about potential threats of violence against students," Wandrie wrote on his website.

"Additionally, rumors connected to the Mayan calendar predicted end of the world on Friday have also surfaced," he added. He noted that Twitter was up with posts with sentiments like: "Friday would be a great day to go out w/ a bang."

The ancient predictions of apocalypse were a "secondary concern," with rumblings about violent threats against schoolchildren a bigger issue, he said.

Wandrie said all rumors of threats had been "investigated and determined to be false" but it's still a "serious distraction" for students heading into the holiday break, and parents were vowing to keep children home.

So, officials from five districts in Lapeer County covering 33 schools decided to just scrap the last two days of, extracurricular activities and athletic events. "Although we in the county are reluctant to cancel school because the rumors are unsubstantiated, we feel it is the most appropriate decision given the gravity of recent events and our present circumstances," he wrote.” 

As it Stands, doomsayers have been around since ancient times, but they still can't it right today.

Remember When: Dec. 22, 2019 - Days of Rage: Trump Drops All Pretense and Embraces Putin in Public

 
Editor's Note: I'm on a break right now. But you may find this old post interesting. Some things never change.

Their romance was going to be discovered someday. Putin knew that when he used Trump's ego to further his aims. 

After Trump was impeached by Congress for (among other charges) pushing a phony conspiracy theory (originating from Putin) about the Ukraine to get dirt from its new president to use against his political opponent, he went into a rage.

That led to a doubling down of his efforts to pursue the Ukraine conspiracy (despite being impeached for it) with help from his sleazy lawyer/friend Rudy Giuliani.

Meanwhile, Trump openly embraced Putin's comments when the Russian dictator said, "U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment is far-fetched," and "The U.S. Senate will reject it."

Let's not forget Russia is one of our nation's deadliest foes, and the fact that Putin openly stood up for Trump sends out a clear message of chaos that isn't going to go unnoticed in the international community, or in America.

Related: Trump Believed Ukraine Conspiracy Because 'Putin Told Me'

What happened next stunned members from both side of the aisle; Trump refused to sign the bipartisan budget deal for 2020 unless... the part about funding the Ukraine next year was taken out!

Simply put, Trump threatened to shut down the government unless he got his way about the Ukraine. This overt extortion shows how serious Trump is about holding the Ukraine hostage.

He still wants the Ukrainian President Zelensky to publicly announce an investigation into Joe Biden and his son to discredit his biggest challenger ahead of next years election.

Related: Newly released emails offer more details in timeline of pause to Ukraine aid

Also: Emails show Trump asked about Ukraine aid before Zelensky call

Trump is an unhinged sociopath that will stop at nothing to get re-elected. His collusion with foreign powers is no secret now as he calls upon Communist China, and other counties, to find dirt on Biden on national TV.

Ahead of his senate trial, Trump is at his Mar-A-Lago resort hanging out with his billionaire buddies and right-wing advisers from Fox News, conjuring up more conspiracy theories to muddy any facts that may come up in the future.

As it Stands, sadly the Senate didn't do its job and Trump got to stay in power. We're paying the price today.

Remember When: Dec. 31, 2016 - The Rush to Save Scientific Research About Climate Change is On!

Editor's Note: I'm taking a break right now. But I still have some posts that you may consider interesting from the last 18 years. This one is still relevant in 2026.

Science has been at war with civilizations throughout the world's history. Deniers of science have always treated scientific facts with disdain and fear.

Take the famous "Flat Earth" belief that went out of style during the waning days of the Roman Empire.

Imagine a coin as the Earth and then imagine the edge of that coin is actually a giant ice wall—either described as 150 feet or 1,500 feet tall. 

That’s the world flat Earth believers envision when they think about the plane - and because Earth is a disc, that makes it a plane, not a planet - that they live on.

Believe it or not there's still people today who believe in the flat earth myth.  They are the same people who deny climate change is caused by mankind.

With Donald Trump coming into power the Flat Earther's and Climate deniers have a champion. Trump believes climate change is a hoax by the Chinese.

Knowing this, scholars across the nation are rushing to preserve all the scientific research that's been done.

The fight to preserve facts is detailed in the following article:

Scientists Scramble to Protect Decades of Climate Research Before Trump Takes Office

The next four years are going to be a challenge for America.  

Remember when Hitler's minions burned any books, he deemed contrary to his rule? 

This is the 21st century version of Hitler's purge. The names change, but the hate and ignorance continue.

As it Stands, here's an update to this post: As of May 2026, the second Trump regime has aggressively dismantled domestic climate action, rolling back environmental regulations, defunding climate research programs at NOAA and NASA, and removing climate science data from federal websites.

Remember When: Dec. 30, 2015 - What if the so-called 'Affluenza' Teen Was an African American?

Editor's Note: While I'm on break, I'm running past posts for your consideration and entertainment.

 (Ethan Couch photo taken after his capture. He dyed his hair black to avoid detection.)

There's no doubt about it.

The American justice system treats rich whites differently than poor blacks.

The case of Ethan Couch, who was sentenced to parole after a drunk driving incident that killed four people, symbolizes the extent to which class and race play a role in our justice system.

During Couch's trial in Dec. 2015, a psychologist dubbed his condition “affluenza” – a term he later regretted using – suggesting that the teen’s wealthy parents were partly responsible for an upbringing where he never faced real consequences for his actions.

The term struck a chord with Americans, with the case coming to symbolize the extent to which the justice system treats rich whites differently than poor blacks.

After breaking his probation and fleeing to Mexico with his mother, Couch was recently nabbed by Mexican officials who turned him over to Texan authorities.

“What is the likelihood if this was an African-American, inner-city kid that grew up in a violent neighborhood to a single mother who is addicted to crack and he was caught two or three times ... what is the likelihood that the judge would excuse his behavior and let him off because of how he was raised?" 

Dr. Suniya Luthar, a psychologist who specializes in the costs of affluence in suburban communities, told The Associated Press in 2013.

While his mother may do some jail time, Ethan only stands to do some soft time until next April when he'll be set free.

A growing list of such disparities have affected how Americans think about how punishment is meted out in the United States. 

The Pew Research Center recently reported that only 32 percent of Americans think the country has made enough changes to its justice system, down from 49 percent in 2014.

Likewise, the percentage of Americans who say that more change is needed rose from 46 to 59 percent in the same span.

Such biases are notoriously difficult to weed out of a system that has tolerated them for so long. That doesn't mean the system can't be improved on.

We can start by treating all Americans equally. This will happen when enough people are educated about racial equalities and voters start electing officials (including judges) who are color-blind.

As it Stands, I hate to say it, but things haven't changed that much in 2026.

Blast from the Past: Jan. 13, 2022 - It Happens Too Often: Media Influencers Working with the Darkside

Editor's Note:

I'm on a break right now. But I'm reposting past articles for your consideration and entertainment. Watching the Trump family get rich on cryptocurrency scams today no one can say they didn't see it coming. Here a perfect example.

                  Fair Warning.

Follow media influencers at your own risk. There's a dark side to those smiling faces recommending you buy the product they're shilling.

Who hasn't heard of Kim Kardashian? Or Floyd Mayweather one of the greatest boxers' pound-for-pound in history?

The Kardashian brand is well-known, and I presume somewhat trusted. That trust was violated, however. 

She's being sued over allegations that she misled investors when promoting a little-known cryptocurrency called EthereumMax.

A class action lawsuit filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California accuses EthereumMax and its celebrity promoters of working together to artificially inflate the price of the token by making "false or misleading statements" in social media posts.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather was another EthereumMax shill. He endorsed the token in his boxing match with YouTube star Logan Paul. EthereumMax was accepted as payments for tickets to the event, a move that the lawsuit against him claims boosted trading volumes sharply.

Investors call this kind of con a "pump and dump" scheme where scammers attempt to boost the price of an asset through false and misleading statements.

And get this.

It's not the first time these two celebrities have been in hot water for cryptocurrency endorsements.

Mayweather was charged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commision with pumping an initial coin offering, a controversial crypto crowdfunding method in 2018.

He had to pay $600,000 in a settlement with the SEC but got away from admitting or denying the regulator's findings.

In September 2021, Charles Randell, chair of the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority, singled out Kim Kardashian's Instagram ad for EthereumMax in a speech warning of crypto scams.

If you take away anything from what you just read let it be exercising caution when listening to social media influencers.

There's a dark side to some of them many people aren't aware of.