Don't Worry About it - America's Always Had Enemies

From Day One America has had to fight enemies abroad and at home.

You'd think we're used to it by now in 2022. But to hear the pundits put it democracy is on the ropes and our future only holds bad things in store.

Worse yet, they say we're just a hair trigger away from a nuclear war with Russia, China, or North Korea. Take your pick.

Hold on!

Worrying about what could happen doesn't help anyone. It's one thing to be informed, and it's another to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

I'm going to break it to you gently, you are not going to solve the climate crisis or the war in Ukraine. You are a tiny cog existing on this planet for some supreme being's amusement.

Our democracy has always had challenges from within. There's nothing, we can do about it. We are a continuous people still dealing with the great experiment that says immigrants from around the world add to our culture and greatness.

As I'm sure you're aware worrying doesn't solve anything. But being human sometimes we can't help ourselves. That doesn't mean we should embrace uncertainty like a deer in the headlights of a truck.

I recommend studying American (and world) history to center your thinking. It helps to know that nothing is new under the sun. Wars and famine. Disease and droughts. This country has survived it all.

On worrying

"A day of worrying is more exhausting than a week of work." - John Lubbock

"I never worry about the problem. I worry about the solution." - Shaquille O'Neal

"Worry is the stomach's worst poison." - Alfred Nobel

As it stands, like the immortal Alfred E. Neuman says, "What Me Worry?"

I Wonder How Long People Are Going to Continue to Underestimate Joe Biden?

He might as well be Charlie Brown for all the respect President Joe Biden gets from all quarters.

As the midterms wind down Biden's party discovered he was a much stronger president than they thought. He's been unfairly underestimated and criticized despite having a formidable first two years.

Let's face it. Biden's a great guy and very empathetic, but he's no John F. Kennedy. His rallies are milder that the theatrical performances the GOP has been putting on for the MAGA crowd.

Biden is the kind of guy you might bump into at your local grocery store. There's nothing remarkable in his appearance and he's soft-spoken. His blue eyes are warm with a sense of humor lurking behind them.

I believe that despite the House going back to the Republicans (at least that's what's projected as of this writing with a three-seat majority) it doesn't mean no legislation will get passed in the next two years.

If anyone can put together a coalition of lawmakers from both sides, it's Biden. With the Senate staying Democrat, he's got a strong ally providing him with bargaining options. 

All of that said, I don't think it's a good idea for Biden to run for re-election in 2024. There's the age thing for starters. It's obvious this term is taking a toll on him. His own party, when recently polled, thinks he should not run again (a 70% majority).

What I hope to see is the Democrats come up with some strong young candidates for president by mid-2023. As pundits will point out after these midterms, those young voters (with their expanding numbers) were pivotal in the Democrats successes and keeping the Senate blue.

When the time comes, I want to see Biden back the popular candidate with his bully pulpit for the good of the whole party.

I'm sure Republicans are counting on harassing Biden and his family for the next two years, trying to prevent him from getting any legislation passed. Sadly, that's their whole warped Revenge Tour agenda.

But I think Republicans are underestimating the old war horse. And who says the Republicans are going to stay united over every issue for the next two years? 

This particular group with its wacked out minority Freedom Caucus is going to see a lot of backbiting. It won't be pretty.

As it stands, I think as long as people continue to underestimate Biden, they do so at their own expense.

Coming to a Theatre Near You Soon: MAGA World Godzilla vs King Ghidorah Fight for Control of GOP

In this corner we have Trump aka Godzilla versus DeSantis aka King Ghidorah in the other corner.

The Republican party is in chaos right now after the Democrats kicked their asses in the recent election. The last thing they want to see is their two bigly leaders Trump and DeSantis waging war.

The gigantic grudge between the two hard-right heavies has already begun. Trump is jealous of DeSantis's popularity with the party, especially after his historic win in Florida. Worse yet, he won't kiss the ring and endorse Trump for re-election. The name calling has begun.

Movie opens.

Scene One - Godzilla lumbers into Florida and confronts King Ghidorah who is holding a victory rally at The Villages.

Total panic! Seniors jumping out of their wheelchairs and running like they were teenagers in every direction as the two monster's clash.

The titanic struggle destroys homes and squashes Republican supporters like ants. Finally, Godzilla gets a nosebleed and backs off the battle and lumbers off to Mar-a-Lago with his tail between his legs.

Scene Two - The Republican National Party is in a panic. Members are divided between who they should support. Godzilla was their monster for six years but King Ghidorah, who by the way has three-heads, might be their future.

Movie stops here with a message, "Stay tuned for next installment."

Lights come on.

So, what do you think? Who's going to win?

You're right. It's way too early to tell. The fun has just begun. I love all monster movies. Do you love monster movies that are drenched in toxic politics? 

As it stands, I think we're all in for a treat! Get your popcorn ready and take a seat.

Are You Ready for National Happy Hour Day?

Be ready to lift your glasses of booze on November 12th to toast National Happy Hour Day. What a great idea you say!

Some Background.

You may be surprised to know that the holiday has quite the history dating back to 1900s when there were "Happy Hour" social clubs in some major cities.

The Happy Hour, as we know it today, got started in the early 1900s during the Mexican American war. 

Bored reporters covering the war were desperate for copy. That was obvious when you read an article in the "Washington Times" on May 1, 1914, that had this lead,

"The Happy Hour aboard ship makes U.S. Tars (short for "tar heels" a slang for sailors from North Carolina) contented. After a busy day, happy hours boosted moral with boxing matches, dancing, and drinking."

After WW II came to an end Happy Hours were the thing. The relaxing practice had spread throughout the U.S. Navy. 

It wasn't long before Happy Hours were a staple at bars across the country.

I'm sorry to report that I couldn't discover who actually gets credit for this alcoholic celebration. I'm guessing one of those Tar Heels was the creator of this salubrious holiday.

As it stands, at the end of the day lets meet at a bar, say around 6:00 p.m. virtually? Name the bar. I'll be there. Cheers! Sante! Skal! Salute! L'chaim! Chok dee!

Veterans with PTSD Being Treated with Magic Mushrooms: Do They Really Help?

Veterans in Oregon who have PTSD can now participate in a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial that uses MDMA and psilocybin as treatments.

The two hallucinogenic drugs are also being used to treat addiction and other serious mental health issues.

Before going any further I'm going to turn the clock back to the 1970s when both of those drugs were readily available in California where I lived at the time.

I know it sounds cliche, but it seemed like everyone was using them and other great psychedelics like LSD. I certainly had my share of magic mushrooms, LSD, peyote, and other mind-addling drugs. None of them cured my yet to be diagnosed PTSD.

Back to the present.

I'm a Vietnam veteran (1970). When I got out of the Army I went in search of sanity and serenity. I took psychedelic drugs hoping for deliverance every day at 3:00, but it never came to me.

The VA's newfound interest in hallucinogenic therapies seems funny to me. When I was going through an in-house counseling program for PTSD at Ft. Miley in San Francisco I had to go through a drug rehab segment because I smoked marijuana. Drugs were a Bozo no-no back in 1992.

How things change.

There are now at least five studies to gain more insight into the now promising drugs, according to a report in The New York Times. 

Research has shown therapeutic benefits, particularly for serious mental health conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Psychiatry in 2020.

I suspect this new willingness to allow research has led to a push to study psychedelics as medicine for the nation's military veterans, whose challenges with mental illness has led to a suicide rate among vets that's higher than that of civilians.

I'm not endorsing the new treatments. But the hippie in me is like "Cool man!" I'm sharing this new approach with the hope it does help the men and women out there who need it.

As it stands, that marijuana they didn't want me to smoke back at Ft. Miley is now a permanent part of my PTSD treatment program. 

Are You Looking Forward to the Holidays?

     That time of year is nearly upon us.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon and all the religious holidays in December, it's time to consider your game plan for these festive events.

Or not. Take me for instance. I have no plans, nor do I intend on making any. You may call me a Grinch (or something worse) but I could care less. I quit holidays years ago after my kids and grandchildren grew up.

Holidays can be hell. The fact is more people get depressed around the country during the holidays than any other time of the year. So much for good cheer.

For years I felt like a hostage to toy, and digital device manufactures getting richer during the holidays, but there was no choice. The kids all expected presents. I couldn't disappoint them no matter what I thought about holidays being a rip-off.

I'm still convinced holiday gift-giving is a practice promoted by big corporations from Day One. I don't like the feeling of having to do anything (who does?) because of some cultural traditions promoted by greedy bastards laughing all the way to the bank.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Indeed.

To be clear, I like giving gifts to loved ones and friends randomly. It's fun, especially if you surprise someone. 

Honestly, I don't care about holidays at this point in my life. I acknowledge them up to a point, so I don't look like a complete asshole, but I could do without them very easily.

Are you looking forward to the holidays?

I suspect most people do. That's okay. I'm not interested in converting people to be a grumpy old man like me! As a matter of fact, I hope your holiday season is wonderful.

As it stands, Like Popeye use to say, "I yam who I yam!"

Waiting to Exhale: Election Chaos is Almost Over. But Then the Real Battle Begins

Like millions of other Americans, I'm exhausted with the midterms steady flow of lies and misinformation that has been polluting nearly every media source in the country.

Well, some relief is on the way.

Election day. No more polls. No more guessing and worrying about the results. No more talking heads predicting results. We should know the results tomorrow (in some cases it could be longer).

Republicans will whine and refuse to acknowledge the contests where they lose, and they'll gloat where they win. That's just the way it is. There are no adults running for office on the GOP side. Just Trump cult members.

I'd like to believe that tensions in the country will subside when the last vote is counted, but I know better. 

There will be numerous frivolous challenges spewing from the election deniers who already said they won't accept the results unless they win. So what? Let them.

Go ahead and exhale anyway. You're going to need all of your intestinal fortitude for the next two years.

That's because we're going to face the most contentious presidential election in history, making the 2020 election look like a cakewalk!

There's little doubt that Trump is going to declare his intention to run for re-election. The country is going to be engulfed in more violence if Trump is indicted for all, or any, of the criminal cases lined up against him.

Trump's minions will get even more extreme as they watch their beloved leader facing convictions and possible jail time. 

With 2020 as a blueprint for insurrection Republicans will have election deniers in various parts of our electoral system willing and ready to cheat the vote in 2024.

It's the potential for increased violence that troubles me. The midterms showed us that motivated Trump cult members are getting more violent, like attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband while searching for her in their own home.

I'm not in the business of predicting the future but certain things are more likely based upon research and common knowledge. I really hope my concerns for this country subside enough for me to enjoy life more.

The water glass is either half full, or empty. It depends on how you look at the world around you. 

As it stands, recognizing challenges doesn't mean we have to be in a constant state of worry. Forewarned is forearmed.

'Tis the Season for Indictments

When the contentious midterms are over the real political firestorm will begin.

By all accounts Trump and many of his top minions are going to be indicted for their crimes this fall. By the time winter sets in the battle for democracy will be in full swing.

The Department of Justice has been patiently waiting to make any major moves in their dual cases against Trump before the midterms. That restriction will be gone with the wind and the shit will be ready to hit the fan.

Fulton County, Georgia AG Fani Willis and her investigation team having been putting all of the Trump ducks in a row and are ready to rock and roll! Political pundits believe that this case will be Trump's first criminal indictment but not his last.

A cautious Merrick Garland hasn't given any indication on when he intends to charge Trump and co-conspirators for their multiple crimes. The word around Washington is that criminal indictments might not come until early next year.

Then again, Garland may surprise everyone and give the country a Christmas present by indicting him before the end of December.

As the country uneasily moves from fall to winter it'll be the perfect season for indictments. Two years of investigations are coming to a close as accountability threatens Trump and his fascist acolytes.

The wheels of justice have been moving painfully slow because the courts have been flooded with frivolous appeal's designed to slow the whole process down.

As it stands, there's a time - or season - for everything. And we're entering that season with hope for justice and the preservation of our democracy.

How To Create Your Own Country

Are you disgusted by the hate and lies circulating in America today?

Would you like to get away from it all?

Take heart my friend. I've got an alternate choice for you; create your own country! But how you wonder?

Let me explain. There's a precedent for this wild alternative - some imaginative Frenchman (@gaspardooo) recently came up with it.

He created a fictional country and called it Listenbourg on his Twitter feed. It's gone viral since.

Now Listenbourg has a rich history, a national flag and an anthem. 

Some people are already saying it's a real country.

 One Twitter user shared a made-up flag and historical moments and images of former leaders of the nation. 

The fictional country's popularity is growing daily with some users wanting to join in the fun and creating Twitter accounts for not just Listenbourg but also a fictional airline, Listen Air Lines, the country's Minister of Commerce, and a women's football team.

After going viral, the craze spread to TikTok where the hashtag "#Listenbourg" has more than 75 million views and countless videos dedicated to the made-up land.

Right about now I bet your thinking, "My own world sounds like a good idea."

Think about the possibilities. In your own world corrupt bastards like Trump can be held accountable and put in prison for life. Truth would overcome all the lies and misinformation. 

You could have detox centers for Trump cult members because they all finally saw the light and abandoned the former Grifter-In-Chief.

Everyone would be equal in all things. Peace would rule in your new world. Can you say Amen?

As it stands, sounds a little like heaven, doesn't it? It may be the closest many of us ever get to that mythical sphere where religions promise a perfect afterlife.

Caregivers are Unsung Heroes in Our Society

I just discovered that Americans are living longer than ever before.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the average life expectancy globally now stands at 75 years for women and 70 for men.

Here in America the average age for men is 76.1, and 81.1 for women. This rise in life expectancy is poising a new challenge. Taking care of our aging population.

An eye-opening recent study shows that more than half of Americans aged 50 and up are helping an older adult manage tasks ranging from household chores to care for medical conditions.

The researchers' findings showed what a critical role everyday people are playing in the lives of older family members, friends, and neighbors. 

To be clear, not everyone considers themselves a caregiver, according to Courtney Polenick, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Michigan Medicine who worked with the research team.

That could include people who help a relative, friend or neighbor with tasks like household repairs, yard work, shopping or finances. 

Still those tasks are important because they help older adults remain independent and living in the community, Polenick emphasized.

It's distinct from helping with care for medical conditions, going to the doctor appointments, or assisting with personal care, like dressing and bathing.

The survey pointed out that in close to half the cases, people were helping a parent.

Researchers noted that people caring for an older adult with dementia often had an especially hard time. They routinely had to deal with helping with five or more tasks daily. Many of those caregivers reported that responsibilities were harder than expected.

There is no Hall of Caregiver fame to aspire too. These unsung heroes reported positive experiences for the study, like feeling a sense of purpose and growing closer to family or friends. They're not interested in getting some form of recognition for what they do. It's done with love.

Full disclosure: My wife (66 years-old) and I (72 years-old) are taking care of my 94-year-old father who has dementia. 

As it stands, my wife and I never planned on being caregivers. Most people don't. Like other people we do our best to provide a quality of life for someone we love.

Latest Scientific Classifications for Politicians and Animals Announced

I love science.

Do you love science?

Let's talk science.

Scientists like to classify things and share them with us unscientific types. In turn we feel good knowing there's an order to the universe. Well, most of us do. The flat-earthers will never go away.

I think my favorite classification category is Politicians and Animals. Understanding the close relationships between the two goes a long way in explaining our polarized politics.

Like any list, or classification, there's always new input to add to its validity. Scientists have been zealous about keeping track of new developments this year and just announced the following changes.

Update on Vertebrates (back bones) and Invertebrates (no back bones) of Politicians and Animals:

New Additions Under Vertebrates

Cassidy Hutchinson

Liz Cheney

Adam Kinzinger 

New Additions Under Invertebrates

GOP Leadership is now listed between worms and crustacea.

Some special additions under Mollusca:

Mitch McConnell 

Dr. Oz

Hershel Walker

Some special additions under Crustacea:

Lindsey Graham

Ron DeSantis

Rick Scott

One special addition under Worms:

Donald Trump

Isn't it nice to know there's scientific categories that help us with our daily lives - like who to vote for?

As it stands, now if only scientists could come up with a cure for Trumpism! 

Our First Amendment: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

The Good News 

The First Amendment guarantees our right to free speech and right to assemble in peaceful protests, among other things. Not a lot of countries can say that.

One of the least known First Amendment freedoms is nevertheless crucial to our democratic republic's form of government. It's the right to petition the government at any level to right a wrong or correct a problem.

Among the new ideas to the world the First Amendment stated that government must not impose a state religion on the public, or place undue restrictions on religious practice, but must recognize the right of people to believe and worship, or not, as their conscience dictates.

The First Amendment also established the freedom of the press allowing "debate on public issues to be uninhibited, robust, and wide open." 

For more information on your First Amendment rights go here.

The Bad News

We still haven't decided what limitations the First Amendment should have when it comes to the press (all forms of public and private media platforms). The goal posts keep moving.

Once it was a crime to shout out "Fire!" in a crowded movie theatre (when there was none). Try convicting someone today of that crime. Our court system has been so corrupted by the Trump presidency years that true justice (right up to the Supreme Court) is a hit and miss prospect right now.

At present there is no way to stop "hate speech" loosely defined as lies, misinformation tainted with racism, misogynism, homophobia, and fascism. 

Congress has been particularly pathetic in its attempts to legislate and combat the overwhelming verbal sewage spreading across every media platform in the nation.

The result has contributed to the constitutional crisis we're experiencing today with a rogue former president trying to dismantle our freedoms while planning a second coup attempt in 2024.

Some media platforms make feeble attempts at monitoring the blatant lies and misinformation but most of them are more concerned about making money first before any civic responsibility.

The Ugly

Few controversies about the First Amendment are louder or more visible today than the attention to the role and credibility of the entire news media. 

With a former president who introduced the "fake news" rallying cry to angry and confused people it was supercharged into the public discourse and has polluted it since.

As a result, the line between lies and truth have been blurred by toxic politics that get more violent every day. 

White Christain Nationalists are pouring millions of dollars into efforts to infiltrate our state and federal laws with draconian religious edicts effectively disenfranchising millions of Americans despite the fact the First Amendment expressly prohibits it under the religion clause.

As it stands, we love our freedoms but the widening gap between the scope and meanings of the First Amendment has opened a chasm in this country that may never be closed.

The Day a Truth Bomb Exploded Across the Nation

No one saw it coming.

One moment America was engulfed in lies... and the next a truth bomb was dropped, transforming the country forever.

Historians carefully documented what happened in the course of the three fateful days that restored the United States of America.

Day One

The most obvious effect was on Trump and his cult followers. They could be seen gagging in the corridors of Congress and hurling on the streets. Millions of right-wing politicians and activists across the country found themselves at loss for words and weak from serial vomiting.

Historians observed that right-wingers were easy to spot with their bulging eyes and the projectile vomiting every time they tried to lie. Many were found lying on the ground, exhausted but unrepentant. From the first day it was the Tower of Babble amongst conservative crazies who were unable to speak because of their lying lips.

Day Two

Big changes. Because the right-wing tainted Supreme Court justices were liars and unable to speak, they had to step down and allow new justices who believed in the Constitution and women's rights to replace them.

The federal courts, state courts, and county courts experienced a purge of liars leading to judges that believed in the oaths they took. Justice was restored to the land.

From the White House to every government administration the effects of the truth bomb were evident as thousands of new job openings were created.

Day Three

The great political purge. No one knows for sure how many Republican politicians were struck speechless because they couldn't utter one sentence without lying. Historians estimate three-fourths of the Republican party found themselves without a job.

There were Democrats too who lost their voices because they were blatant liars. And Independents. The purge's effect was to not only restore sanity to our politics, but it also paved the way for the Golden Age in America that we are experiencing now in 2024.

As it stands, it turns out that historians were not sure who dropped the bomb? But they really didn't care.

You Know What's Really Scary this Halloween?

So here we are.

It's Halloween.

It ought to be interesting trying to tell the little monster trick-or-treaters from Trump cosplay clowns monitoring the houses that don't give out treats and marking them for a further investigation into why not?

Here's a sampling of some more scary stuff this Halloween:

-- A flock of election-deniers perched like ravens on tombstones in a graveyard are on the brink of being elected in the midterms. That ought to scare the hell out of any sane American.

-- Elon Musk now owns Twitter. Expect all hell to break out - especially today.

-- Trick-or-treating is becoming more dangerous every year and violent crimes are up this year. If you don't live in the "right neighborhood" indoor parties would be safer.

Most Popular Costumes

-- The Marjorie Taylor Greene costume is out -selling Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy combined. That's without accessories like her Jewish Space Laser and broomstick.

-- The Ron DeSantis costume "DeSatanist" in a ruby red jumpsuit with horns moved up to the second most popular Halloween costume this year thanks to the inhabitants of the infamous Villages who reportedly bought up most of the manufacturer's stock.

-- For the second year in a row the Trump costume declined in sales despite being sold at half-price in Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Rumors are some retailers are throwing in wigs and orange greasepaint to sweeten the deal.

Trending.

GOP Halloween merchandise. You really got to see the Batshit Crazy flag line appearing in all of this year's parties. Even the ones for the kids.

The vendors for the faux Golden Idol Donald Trump statues are offering several sizes this Fall. No right-wing event is complete without one. 

Trendy Trumpies are bobbing for "Let's Go Brandon" lead badges in tubs of therapeutic bleach water.

As it stands, it's weird, the older I get Halloween seems to get scarier.

Memo to the World: Please be Patient with Us as We Try to Preserve Our Democracy

                        Warning

The citizens of the world are watching as American democracy slowly deteriorates. 

Allies are nervous and America's enemies are gloating.

As a citizen of the United States of America I have a message for the world today.

Despite the combative political atmosphere don't assume a majority of Americans are crazy. It's more like one-third of the country is under the spell of the Trump cult. I know. That's still a lot of people riding the crazy train.

Those minions of the former loser president have spawned an alternate media universe where crazies gather to plan... crazy things.

Listen. This is also probably happening in your country too - crazy elements making inroads into your freedoms. So don't judge us too harshly.

Sane Americans are fighting back although it looks like the MAGA maggots may win in the midterms. That's one battle. Not the war. 

If democrats manage to hold onto the Senate (which could go either way) it'll put the House in check should the election deniers take it over. If the MAGA morons take back the Senate, it's still not the end of the world. We'll still have a democrat for president.

I'd also suggest that losing both houses will motivate the hell out of the democrats in time for the 2024 presidential election.

America has managed to thrive for 246 years, and that kind of history is not easily wiped out. We're the oldest democracy in the world. We've fought wars to preserve this country and our freedoms.

You should be aware that we're still the one of the richest countries in the world with the biggest economy (even if it is currently struggling).

Fact. With a GDP of 23.0 trillion USD, the USA is by far the world's largest economy.

My point is simple. America is not going to succumb to external or internal threats. 

I know it looks bleak with a rogue former president running around trying to subvert our electoral system, but we've had enemies within before. They lost. As for Trump the odds that he's going to be indicted for numerous crimes are increasing every day.

Americans are resilient. We believe freedom has to be defended daily.

I would ask you to look at our long history and be comforted. Democracy is here to stay and will be for a long time to come.

As it stands, perhaps it's a leap of faith to be so confident in our nation, but it's better than the alternative.

Rogue Rubber Duck on the Loose and other Crazy News

Late Breaking News

Last Thursday Maine's Belfast Harbor Office confirmed that a giant inflatable duck broke free of its moorings amid high winds and escaped.

The rogue duck eluded officials in the high winds and drifted about 20 miles to the coast of Blue Hill where residents were warned to stay indoors in case the duck came ashore (I just made that up).

Officials say the origin of the massive duck is a mystery.

Moving on

Researchers report that horror's impact is really in the eye of the beholder, a little different for everyone but not all bad.

So, the next time you watch a horror movie, and it scares the shit out of you... it could be a good thing.

Someone please explain that to my wife who loathes scary movies. I'm sure she doesn't agree with the so-called experts who claim getting frightened helps you to cope with things.

Really?

Supposedly humans are equipped with deeply ingrained, unconscious mechanisms that help them respond to stress, wired in from times when danger might be outside.

The next question is why do people go to horror movies in the first place? 

Researchers call it the "paradox of horror." In essence they claim people like being scared and it's a form of stress relief. 

Personally, I think these experts are wasting time and money on a subject no one cares about.

Moving on

Drama in North Carolina as sheriff's deputies came to the rescue of a loose emu that played "Frogger with traffic" on a busy highway.

The rogue emu made its way to Chockoyotte Park in Roanoke Rapids before being wrangled by deputies and returned to its owners.

Moving on

A South Carolina restaurant shared security footage of the moment a deer ran into the business through the open front door and ended up slipping and sliding around in the dining room.

Reports say the deer never got a chance to order a meal as employees unceremoniously "escorted" it outside. I guess they were afraid he wouldn't pay for his meal.

Moving on

More restaurant mayhem in Queensland, Australia where a reptile wrangler was chasing a three-foot monitor lizard in a local cafe.

The reptile wrangler later bragged that he completed more athletic events than an Olympian to get it. "There was running, diving, and of course wrestling," the proud wrangler told reporters.

Moving on

Somewhere in Carroll County, Indiana there's a rogue kangaroo roaming around after escaping its owner's property. 

As of this writing the kangaroo is still on the loose looking for eatable fruits, leaves, and flowering plants. Locals are being warned not to try and catch the kangaroo because he'll punch their lights out!

Finally, my favorite crazy news item has to be about a robot. Not just any robot. Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley unveiled a robot they said can fold clothes faster than any previous automaton.

Wow! This invention could save the world... but I don't think it will. Meanwhile where do you find one of these speedy little clothes folders? I've checked on Amazon. It's still too early. But it's just a matter of time.

As it stands, the giant rubber duck was last seen hooking up with buoy south of Blue Hill!

That's Twice Now: 'Where's Nancy?' is the Siren Call of the Far Right

Crazed rioters were screaming "Where's Nancy?" as they ransacked the capitol on Jan.6 looking to kill the Speaker of the House.

MAGA morons scrambled down corridors and beat on doors in their search for Nancy Pelosi during the insurrection.

The call for her murder went out years ago among the far-right loons that are now in bed with Republican lawmakers.

Current attack ads by MAGA candidates regularly assault Pelosi and call for her death or some horrible accounting - like putting her on a prison barge near Guantanamo Bay.

The violent rhetoric embraced by all the GOP candidates these midterms far surpass prior elections - even the 2020 election.

That caustic rhetoric trickles down to the real crazies who support the Big Lie and gives them a mission - kill democrats. 

In a recent unhinged rally in Pennsylvania the organizers displayed a poster with photos of democrats who they said are going to be visited by the Angel of Death. A thinly veiled threat. Pelosi was among the group of democrats on the poster.

The people who go to those hate rallies and watch hate TV like Fox and Newsmax, are often inspired to take action and do something really stupid and dangerous.

This morning the breaking news was Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul, was attacked in their home by a man who shouted, "Where's Nancy?" She was in Washington DC at the time.

Apparently, the assailant entered the Pelosi residence through the back door of the house according to authorities. 

Reports say Paul called 911 and defended himself with a hammer, but the attacker took it from him and used it on him. The police arrived and arrested the attacker, 42-year-old David DePape during the assault. 

Doctors said that Paul underwent surgery for a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands. DePape was also hospitalized although it still isn't clear what injuries he suffered while attacking Paul and fighting off the police.

The 82-year-old Pelosi is expected to fully recover from his wounds.

How could that happen?

Pelosi's security detail wasn't at the house. The only time they are is if she's in attendance. That left her husband to fend for himself during the vicious attack.

The whole story isn't out yet because authorities are still investigating the motivation for the attack. 

I don't think it's unreasonable to point to the recent toxic politics, however. DePape's Facebook page showed he was an election denier and a far-right MAGA activist.

As it stands, that's twice now where the siren calls of the crazies called out Pelosi's name while searching for her. Let's hope the third time isn't the charm.

There's No Need to Panic but We Are Living in the End Times

Throughout my life I've heard stories about what the End Times would be like. 

Mainstream and faux religions have sprung up around the concept of a final reckoning where mankind is going to experience the big payoff for generations of sins.

Well, we're living in an end time right now. Let me explain; the world has changed so much in the last fifty years that people's once normal lives have transformed into survival modes that include joining cults and defying reality in a quest for power.

The time to combat the global climate crisis is running out. Mankind has chosen to shit in the Garden of Eden, and now we have the devil to pay. 

Scientists recently announced that greenhouse gases have reached the highest levels ever and the U.N. put out a report saying the world is "Nowhere near" hitting climate targets.

Don't even get me started on what havoc droughts are causing worldwide. The mighty Mississippi River is shrinking at alarming rates. It's now so low that barges bringing supplies are no longer able to navigate great stretches of the famous river.

Related: Europe's mighty rivers are drying up in the climate-driven drought

And how about the damn COVID-19 pandemic that's been rocking the planet for years now and doesn't look like its ever going away?

To make matters worse we're currently experiencing a surge of viruses in kids. Three-quarters of pediatric hospital beds in America are now full.

Democracy is teetering on the brink of the abyss as a divided America struggles to coexist in the super-charged partisan atmosphere of the midterms...STOP!

Before you jump off a cliff let's consider a few things.

1. How many of the terrible things I listed above are actually affecting your day-to-day life? Take a moment on this one.

2. The most devasting effects of the climate crisis aren't predicting to happen for 50+ years or more. Disappearing coastlines and islands for example. There's a good chance you won't even be around by then. I know I won't unless I set a Guiness World record for old farts!

3. Consider that the whole idea of an end time is not locked into how long it'll take for all the horrible things to come into fruition. It's not like it'll happen overnight. I'm not even going to get into the religious interruptions that suggest otherwise. I'd rather use logic and observation.

As it stands, in summary, don't waste your time worrying about today or tomorrow. Just live your life as best as you can every moment.

Better Keep an Eye Out for a 'Deep State' McDonalds Near You

Welcome curious reader!

You must be interested in hearing all about the "Deep State" threats that Republicans are valiantly fighting to save America.

Please don't be offended, but would you mind putting a tin foil hat on to blend with the crowd I'm going to introduce you too? 

I'm going to take you back five days ago to a far-right gathering in Manheim, Pennsylvania titled "Re-Awaken America" where QAnon crazies mingled with Mega MAGA morons to celebrate... being crazy.

It wasn't your typical Trump rally because the Great Divider was holding a rally somewhere in Texas at the time. Instead, the loons pulled out their favorite Golden Trump idol onto the stage for the minions to bow before.

Favorite topics included Jewish Space lasers, Demonic Satellites', sending the holy ghost into computers to destroy them before election day, and (my favorite) Deep State McDonalds!

The organizer of the freak show, Clay Clark, whipped up the crowd when he declared there was a "war on food" and a shady left-wing entity was pushing for the feeding of "insect burgers" (I wonder what effect they would have?) at McDonalds.

The crowd went wild with the new knowledge that McDonalds was part of the ever-expanding Deep State threat. It beat the hell out of the one-time pedophile ring hidden in the basement of a private pizzeria.

Expect Trump minions to be seen skulking around McDonalds restaurants peering at people's burgers from beneath their MAGA caps at a McDonalds location near you.  

Deep State theories languished in the dark corners of the internet for years before Trump took it mainstream and claimed it (the Deep State) was working to overthrow his regime.

Have you ever heard the quote, "There's nothing new under the sun?"

The fact is so-called deep state conspiracies have a long and twisted history in the annals of mankind. Nothing new here with the exception that millions of Americans now firmly believe a deep state of some shape or form exists today.

The reason why is simple. Mass media platforms and the internet are a monolithic monster that devours truth and spews misinformation every hour of the day. It's the perfect swamp for deep state conspiracies to thrive in.

Your best defense against the deep state is the truth. Do your research. Facts kick MAGA minion's asses every time. It won't be easy but as long as there's deep state believers their lies need to be exposed to the rest of the world.

As it stands, I suspect McDonald's founder Ray Kroc is turning over in his grave right now!

About October Surprises: They All Have Murky Histories

My first question for readers today is, does anything surprise you about what's going on in this country nowadays?

My second question is, do you know what an October Surprise is in relation to politics? 

If not, an October Surprise is about a news event that may influence the outcome of an upcoming November election. Sometimes they are planned and sometimes they're spontaneous. Telling the difference keeps political pundits playing a partisan guessing game up to election day.

The forerunner of the October Surprise happened in mid-October of 1840, shortly before the 1840 presidential election when federal prosecutors announced plans to charge top Whig Party officials with "most stupendous and atrocious fraud" for paying Pennsylvanians to cross state lines and vote for Whig candidates in New York during the 1938 elections.

The Origin of the Term

During the 1980 presidential election, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan feared that a last-minute deal to release American hostages held in Iran might earn incumbent Jimmy Carter enough votes to win re-election.

William Casey, the manager of the Reagan campaign, was the first person to mention the idea of an "October Surprise" to the press by publicly claiming Carter was going to use the hostages to his advantage.

The only problem with that accusation was President Carter told the press that the hostages would not be released until after the election prior to the claim by Casey.

The truth didn't matter, however. Casey's ominous warnings of an October Surprise to the press was done for strategic reasons. It was intended to prepare the voters, so that if some good October news happened, the voters would look at the event as a political ploy by the Carter campaign.

Historians point out that Reagan's campaign more than likely made a deal with Iran whereby the Iranians would hold the hostages until after Reagan was elected and inaugurated.

Congress, like it often does elected not to take any action despite damning evidence presented in news stories by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and independent journalists.

The following decades experienced more October Surprises, and they all had one thing in common - they were murky in origin. 

So back to this October.

I have to wonder what could possibly qualify as a surprise in today's political climate?

Partisan bombshells explode daily with each side seeking an advantage going into November. You could safely argue that every day this month had a surprise - which in another age - would have simply been called chaos.

As it stands, despite stretching my brain to its outer limits, I cannot conceive of what would be big enough to be considered an October Surprise in 2022!