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12 Tribes of Israel Congregation | 12T.CO 12 Tribes of Israel Congregation's web news about reports (breakdowns), flyers, audio lessions (podcasts), video, etc... Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:40:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 12 Tribes of Israel Congregation false episodic 12 Tribes of Israel Congregation scribe@riseisrael.com podcast 12 Tribes of Israel Congregation | 12T.CO 9179bbab-8106-55c2-b9cd-02eb3fc35dc8 78258676 History begins with Us! /history-begins-with-us/ Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:46:23 +0000 /?p=2182 /history-begins-with-us/#respond /history-begins-with-us/feed/ 0 Deuteronomy 33:29 “Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” If history is a subject of little importance, why do our oppressors purposely hide it? They continually seek to control it and dictate what we learn, it has been the subject of systematic revision, whitewashing, phony science, erasure, and among many things a way to justify or reinforce racism for their cruelty. The truth is impossible to contain, therefore the importance of taking ownership of our own history could not be emphasized enough. But it must be done with the purpose of repairing and healing our nation. Isaiah 33:6 “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” Considering that our history has been assaulted, it is understandable when some of our people dislike history or turn a deaf ear. Since their teachers exalt their own history as the “beginning of civilization” while making us believe that ours is primitive without a written record. If I have not already convinced you into studying your past, learning the truth and identifying the lies we were taught. Then let me explain to you the serious problem of the memory loss that we suffer. It could be compared to a cognitive disease like dementia or Alzheimer, where you are severely impaired, with instability and confusion. If you choose not to remember the abuse done to you, then it will be impossible for you to survive with this condition. ]]> full 2182 LGBTQ + Pride = Spirit of Sodom /lgbtq-pride-spirit-of-sodom/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 23:57:29 +0000 /?p=2156 /lgbtq-pride-spirit-of-sodom/#respond /lgbtq-pride-spirit-of-sodom/feed/ 0 In the previous podcast we learned about the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah that were infamously homosexual with pride. As a result of their lifestyle they were destroyed with fire and brimstone. Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Therefore anyone participating in pride month does not realize that they are celebrating their own destruction and the down fall of spiritual Sodom (America). Revelations 18:3 “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her [America’s] fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Verse 4: “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Verse 5: “For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” Before it is too late, come out, not of the closet but from the spirit and the pride or Sodom! ]]> full 2156 LGBTQ + ? = Sodom /lgbtq-sodom/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:52:55 +0000 /?p=2152 /lgbtq-sodom/#respond /lgbtq-sodom/feed/ 0 Currently, pride month is being celebrated around the world. If we look into the origins of it, a search on the internet would lead us to the Stonewall riots that took place in New York City in the early mornings of June 28, 1969. Proverbs 28:7 “Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.” Naturally now we should understand why the month of June was chosen; in June 1999 the former president Bill Clinton declared the anniversary of the riots as gay and lesbian pride month. Another event that is commemorated in this month was the first gay pride parade on June 28, 1970 in New York City. The only known photograph taken during the first night of the riots. However, within our search all over the internet the true origins of this pride did not come up. Recently we have uploaded the “Chronicles of Sodom” that explains the ancient people whose lifestyle would be simply put as homosexuality. We should not be ignorant of the Sodomites whom God used for an example to future generations, the world should know about Sodom. Since we all know that homosexuality is not something new, why the knowledge of this people that is readily available in the scriptures is not included in the promulgation of the celebration? Hopefully this podcast lesson will help us answer that question, and teach us the hidden mystery of Sodom. ]]> full 2152 Renew our Days as of Old 9: The Wake Up Call /renew-our-days-as-of-old-9-the-wake-up-call/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:24:36 +0000 /?p=2126 /renew-our-days-as-of-old-9-the-wake-up-call/#respond /renew-our-days-as-of-old-9-the-wake-up-call/feed/ 0 Romans 13:11 “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” The calling to this truth is truly a blessing that many do not receive. But it does come with challenges that are unexpected by newcomers. Once you know the times to celebrate and are no longer asleep to the deception, family and friends might become a source of suffering. Those that are closer to salvation, understand that this walk doesn’t allow us to look back. 2nd Corinthians 5:14 “For the love of Christ constraineth [compel] us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:” Verse 15: “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” Thus we could not continue in the path to destruction but must walk now in newness of life. Our love of Christ must be unwavering, we could never put anyone before him. Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Verse 38: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” Verse 39: “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” We are required to give up that sinful lifestyle that we used to have, that we may receive eternal life. Don’t let any to diminish the worth of your soul for their carnal pleasures. The temporary affliction could never be compared to the glory you will receive. Although it might be a rude awakening, at least you finally understand the true meaning of love. Hopefully this lesson will encourage and teach you how to address some of the familiar issues or questions that might come. ]]> full 2126 Renew our Days as of Old 5: Don’t be a Fool /renew-our-days-as-of-old-5-dont-be-a-fool/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:24:00 +0000 /?p=1581 /renew-our-days-as-of-old-5-dont-be-a-fool/#respond /renew-our-days-as-of-old-5-dont-be-a-fool/feed/ 0 On April 1st the custom of pulling pranks will be observed by many. But do you know the origin of this day or if it is only about pranks? This custom began in ancient Rome, as commoners will disguise themselves as nobility for devious hoaxes. Proverbs 26:19 “So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport [playing or joking] ?” This ancient saying is common today, at some point in your life you might have heard, I’m just joking. As we all know jokes and pranks could really go sour, that could haunt you for the rest of your life. There have been many pranks that have accidentally killed people, and some that caused sexual assault. ]]> full 1581 Renew our Days as of Old 6: Bait and Switch /renew-our-days-as-of-old-6-bait-and-switch/ Sun, 31 Mar 2024 20:26:00 +0000 /?p=1589 /renew-our-days-as-of-old-6-bait-and-switch/#respond /renew-our-days-as-of-old-6-bait-and-switch/feed/ 0 When it comes to holidays the bait has always been that it is about Christ. However most of the worldly holidays are not mentioned in the Bible, especially by name. Except for one, which is Easter and only in the King James Version of the Bible. This one time occurrence shows the masterful switch the Roman Catholic Church orchestrated against the holy days of God. The Passover a feast of liberation that was kept by Christ and the disciples was replaced by the Romans with an ancient Babylonian holiday that venerated the goddess Ishtar. The now forgotten history is that Christianity was outlawed in Rome, as they attempted later to reinvent themselves as accepting of Christ, it was a disguise to merge their pagan beliefs to the undying faith of Christ. 2nd Timothy 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” To learn more about the real history behind Easter, check out the flyer: ]]> full 1589 I Want To Be HEARD 2: The Head /i-want-to-be-heard-2-the-head/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 21:24:34 +0000 /?p=2084 /i-want-to-be-heard-2-the-head/#respond /i-want-to-be-heard-2-the-head/feed/ 0 Oftentimes when someone newly has come into the truth they might be praying incorrectly. This is because coming from the world and the churches they have been trained to pray a certain idolatrous way. A manner in which almost every religion in this world worships. Therefore when presenting themselves, they are not accepted of God because it is not done with reverence towards him. Psalms 89:7 “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” This is why the Most High has given us specific instructions of how we must pray properly. As prophecy dictated, we must follow the leader that he appointed as our head. Hosea 1:11 “Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel [Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans] be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” Jewish man praying incorrectly, since they do not believe in the Messiah nor understand the law, therefore they wear head coverings. Jewish woman praying incorrectly, she does not have her head covered. At times Jewish women do cover their heads during prayer, ironically it might be a wig instead of clothing. A few other things to notice, the menorah is not the lawful seven branch candlestick, also the custom of Sabbath blessings over the candles is not scriptural. It is no different from the pagan tradition of lighting candles to pray to idols. None of the holy men of the scriptures needed a prayer shawl to seek God! This tradition doesn’t come from the scriptures, it is actually an attempt to corrupt the law that commands all Israel to wear fringes and border of blue on their clothes. See, Numbers 15:38-41. The famous skull cap called the yarmulke and sometimes known as the kippah, which most of the time is an identifying marker of a Jewish person is not a requirement to wear at all, especially during prayer. The word yarmulke shows that its origins is not from Israel but Poland. As the true people of God we do not need to feel validated by copying the impostors. As we return to the most High we must make sure that we do not imitate those Jewish traditions that do not exist in the scriptures. Titus 1:14 “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.” There is no such thing as a prayer shawl for men to wear, nor are we required to wear a yarmulka (skull cap) to serve the most High God. Shalam (Peace)! P.S. This class has been uploaded to our Radio where you could also listen to our spiritual and uplifting music!]]> full 2084 Prepare Thy Soul For Temptation 2 /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-2/ Fri, 09 Feb 2024 17:54:45 +0000 /?p=2076 /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-2/#respond /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-2/feed/ 0 Back in the days when recording on cassette tape, you would have an abrupt interruption because the tape would end. Then you had to flip it to the other side, and this is how you get a part 2. Similarly we spoke about the improvements and features of the 12T.CO Radio Page and now we will continue to next part the new Downloads Page. Before it was a long ugly list of titles that was updated monthly. Besides how beautiful the page looks now, the most notable thing is the current month, that contains four of the most recent podcasts. The cool cover image is clickable causing the lesson to immediately download to your device. In addition, below the images there is a brief description of the podcast and of course a “GET NOW!” download button. If you keep scrolling down you will see the current year. In this part of the page all the 12 months of the year will be listed and it gives you the option to download all the lessons for that current month in one click. Current Month and Year view. The monthly menu view. Maybe you noticed the cover image for “Prepare thy Soul…” contains the title “Golden Tape”. Be on the look out for this type of class since it will be all the old school classes, especially those recorded on cassette tapes. Now concerning this class, in the beginning there is a little surprise for you! Most High willing this lesson will teach all of us how to be like our king Christ who endured temptation like any other man. Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Shalam (Peace)! ]]> full 2076 Prepare Thy Soul For Temptation 1 /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-1/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:05:40 +0000 /?p=2056 /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-1/#respond /prepare-thy-soul-for-temptation-1/feed/ 0 Now that our 20th Anniversary has newly been reached, we have uploaded our first class ever recorded on cassette tapes. Well, let’s first mention that it has been already a few months since the 12T.CO Radio page was updated. I know what you’re thinking, there is no STN post about it? That is due to the fact that other portions of the site have been renovated. For example, we have developed a brand new download page and if you took a look at our landing page you could see a lot of the projects that have been completed. Today we are finally getting the chance to explain the changes in the Radio and advertise this class to you. There are two parts to this class that cover how to fight temptation. Hopefully this lesson will edify your spirit and help those tempted. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” The menu options on the top right hand corner. The first change you will notice on the Radio page is the dynamic background. Afterwards that the download button that was above the player has been removed. But don’t worry, an option for downloads is inside the new menu. Click on “GET” to open up the downloads page. If you click on “WHAT”, “WE”, and “DO”; a hidden message will show on the page. To close it, click on the menu button when it is orange. Below the player, we are keeping you informed of when the Radio page has been updated. Most High willing we intend to update it weekly. Finally the player itself was improved but we will leave those nerdy details out. Remember all podcast classes are first uploaded to the radio, there you could listen to them without having to worry about downloading or opening any app. Music will be added soon! Shalam (Peace)! ]]> full 2056 Wicked Sayings: Ignorance is Bliss /wicked-sayings-ignorance-is-bliss/ Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:16:30 +0000 /?p=2044 /wicked-sayings-ignorance-is-bliss/#respond /wicked-sayings-ignorance-is-bliss/feed/ 0 James 3:8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” One of the most harmful sayings that is widely believed is that ignorance is bliss. As a matter of fact, the cause of our calamity and oppression is due to our ignorance, especially in regards to our history. Since we lack knowledge of our past, mistakes are repeated. By not knowing who we are, we do not understand how we ended up in these horrible conditions, and the solutions. 1st Corinthians 12:1 “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Verse 2: “Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led [into slavery].” Your oppressors have you believing that you are Gentiles, so that you will not receive the spiritual gifts. They even advertise yearly deadly poisonous lies, by hijacking Black History. Every year the children of Israel (so called Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans) are told to follow dumb things like religions (Black churches, Islam, Churchianity, etc..), idols (false gods), nationalities (Black, Afro American, Negro, etc.); that were given to you when you were led into captivity. Revelations 13:10 “He that leadeth into captivity ….” In general what is promoted among our people is the glorification of ignorance. We must be careful that we do not lead ourselves into the path of ignorance. Proverbs 19:2 “Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” Listen to today’s topic which explains how it is not good to be without knowledge. ]]> full 2044 The 3 Kings Myth /the-3-kings-myth/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:10:08 +0000 /?p=2002 /the-3-kings-myth/#respond /the-3-kings-myth/feed/ 0 2nd Timothy 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” This prophecy spoken by the Apostle Paul has been fulfilled. Although this warning has been given to us many generations ago, our people follow fables that are destructive. Celebrations like Christmas and Three Kings Day have mythical characters that children are taught to believe in, causing them to turn unto false gods for gifts. These mythical characters are rooted on the pagan (false) gods of the Romans, then blended by the Roman Catholic Church. Besides breaking the first commandment, Exodus 20:3 “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”, these days promote white supremacy. By removing your own history and accomplishments, it is replaced by ideals that promulgates mental slavery of inferiority. The Christmas tradition of Santa Claus’ helpers originally presented as one or more enslaved demons forced to assist their captor is a perfect example. These chained and fire scorched demons were redeveloped as black skinned humans in the likeness of Moors who work as servants for Saint Nicholas. In Spain, hundreds of teenagers wear blackface for Three Kings Day parade. The tradition has evolved to include Black slaves who the Spanish believe accompanied the kings. The Black slaves hand out gifts and candy to children in Alcoy and are viewed locally as similar to Santa’s elves. According to the councilor for heritage and tourism, the tradition is that the Black slaves “use red ladders to climb up onto balconies and deliver presents to children.” This is portrayed by the racist custom of blackface with Zwarte (black) Peter, a moor. The irony is that whites are portrayed as holy and good while black is looked upon as evil, is what is instilled. Zwarte Peter alludes to the disciple of Christ as being black and the Israelites, who once ruled Europe as the moors personifying evil. The tradition of blackface in Spain is white supremacy, to erase the history of the Black Moors (Israelites) that once ruled. But their white Germanic or Norse paganism represented by Santa Claus is good. During the three kings day celebration blackface is also common, since one of the wise men is depicted as a dark skinned Arabian. While they mock our heritage right in front of our faces, we refuse to acknowledge who we are, and teach our children instead their destructive ways. Hopefully, the lesson presented to you will move you to apply the wisdom of the scriptures. 1st Timothy 4:7 “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” Shalam (Peace)! ]]> full 2002 Education: When to Begin Teaching YOUR Children /education-when-to-begin-teaching-your-children/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:53:58 +0000 /?p=1977 /education-when-to-begin-teaching-your-children/#respond /education-when-to-begin-teaching-your-children/feed/ 0 Shalam (Peace) brothers and sisters: Parents all over the United States are preparing for their children to return back to school. In a post related to education, it was discussed how resources are bleak in the public school system. An example of how financial resources are simply not enough, was shown recently in the “I Promise” school backed by Lebron James. What this brother is trying to achieve is truly commendable! He is offering at risk children all these free things: tuition, uniforms, bicycle with helmet, transportation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, food pantry, GED, and job placement services for parents. Any student that graduates and completes the criteria are guaranteed tuition to the University of Akron. However, according to recent news reports the school has failed to produce a single eighth grader who could pass the state math test in the past three years. This was not expected of this Akron Public School, as a board member stated “I just think about all the resources that we’re providing … I’m just disappointed that I don’t think, it doesn’t appear like we’re seeing the kind of change that we would expect to see.” The Lebron James foundation has given up to 1.4 million each year for additional tutors and teachers in younger grades to lower class sizes. We must keep in mind that these children were already a year or two behind. Also that this is a public school, therefore it is plagued with the fundamental problems of the public educational system, that could not be fixed even with substantial amounts of resources. All across the country children are trapped in a system that could not be corrected. Proverbs 4:1 “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” Ultimately the success of any child depends on the parents. Those that choose to home-school their children have greater success because they begin without the constraints of a system that is meant to destroy their children. Looking at the legacy of this country who has criminalized, imprisoned, and executed Israelite (Black, Hispanic, and Native American) children; it shouldn’t shock anyone that the commendable efforts of Lebron James could not fix generational issues. If an abundance of resources is not able to do the job, what will? Therefore in this lesson we discuss what our forefathers did in ancient times. Which is a proven method, that even today we see the results in many child prodigies. Don’t forget to check out the link below for homeschooling resources. ]]> full 1977 The Vision of Obadiah /the-vision-of-obadiah/ Thu, 07 Apr 2022 01:49:43 +0000 /?p=1901 /the-vision-of-obadiah/#respond /the-vision-of-obadiah/feed/ 0 The book of Obadiah consist of twenty one powerful verses, thus making it the shortest book in the so called Old Testament. The visions contained in this book are condensed prophecies that were once a rumor to our forefathers. It revealed the hidden conspiracy of their enemies; the violence to come and their downfall. This generation could read some of those prophecies as our history, yet there are some to be fulfilled, which is the reckoning of justice. Our people do not see an end to their oppression and there is no hope for them. Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish: ….” However in this book the most High pin points a time frame of when he will establish his kingdom on earth. Amazingly, that time would be when Edom set his “nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.”. The International Space Station pictured from the SpaceX Crew. The International Space Station shows the fulfillment of this prophecy, but the first time it was fulfilled was in 1969 with the moon landing. Since then some of our people have been waking up and seeking justice. Proverbs 29:18 “…. but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” The masses of our people are lost, thus their efforts for equality and justice has failed because it is not by God. Today some question whether the moon landing actually happened. Those that have faith in the word of most High could clearly see that we live in the time frame that Obadiah prophesied of. If we keep the law of the Heavenly Father and believe in his vision we will not perish but be happy. To listen to the audio without downloading click on the record icon to go to our radio station. ]]> full 1901 Renew our Days as of Old 8: Changing Times /renew-our-days-as-of-old-8-changing-times/ Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:07 +0000 /?p=1892 /renew-our-days-as-of-old-8-changing-times/#respond /renew-our-days-as-of-old-8-changing-times/feed/ 0 The Hebrew new year is approaching, it will be tonight, March 31st at evening. Everyday prophecies are being fulfilled that ultimately lead to our salvation and for this reason we must uphold the standards of the most High. We find it necessary to always remind you to be faithful and to keep the holy days of God that speak of our salvation. Rather than to observe days that have no purpose but to destroy you. 2nd Peters 1:10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” Verse 11: “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Verse 12: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” If you desire to listen to all other podcasts in one place without downloading visit our radio station. Also check out also the Beginning of our Months flyer. ]]> full 1892 Bethink Themselves /bethink-themselves/ Sun, 13 Mar 2022 23:58:53 +0000 /?p=606 /bethink-themselves/#respond /bethink-themselves/feed/ 0 Tomorrow night (3/14/2022) is an example of why we should continually seek our history, beyond the month of February. Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” Since tomorrow will be a Sabbath in the which we celebrate the victory of our forefathers against an invading Greek army. See, Nicanor’s Destruction. Following this celebration, the next day we observe a feast for two days in the which we study the history of our forefathers during the Persian Empire. At that time our people were in danger of being destroyed. Letters were sent out to all the provinces through out the empire (from India to Ethiopia) that all Jews should be exterminated; all the men, women, and children. However this was avoided by the mercy of the most High which was according to his prophecies. See, Purim. If our people were to bethink themselves they would know the achievements of their forefathers in its entirety. This knowledge they would be able to apply today and understand their future. Check out also the Bethink Themselves flyer. ]]> full 606 The wicked shall be turned into hell: Psalms chapter 9 /the-wicked-shall-be-turned-into-hell-psalms-chapter-9/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 15:03:09 +0000 /?p=1864 /the-wicked-shall-be-turned-into-hell-psalms-chapter-9/#respond /the-wicked-shall-be-turned-into-hell-psalms-chapter-9/feed/ 0 What an appropriate time to read this Psalm! Everywhere you are hearing of the war between Ukraine and Russia. For some it might be a

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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:07:48 +0000Twelve Two Two FondueA dip into the melting pot of life.noreply@blogger.com (Bill)Blogger1006125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-3434670372359002851Thu, 22 Jan 2026 01:34:00 +00002026-01-21T19:34:19.607-06:00Back Again<p> Hello 2026.</p><p>How did we get here in the future?  It seems like the Upside Down, popularized by the hit show on Netflix, "Stranger Things."  But, here we are.</p><p>We have been here before and we'll be here again.</p><p>Did anybody mention the Roman Empire?</p>2026/01/back-again.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-8478286241274243577Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:43:00 +00002024-01-15T19:43:08.209-06:00What Happened?<p> A friend of mine was going through a tough time after losing his dog to a sudden but fatal illness.</p><p><br /></p><p>I remembered that I wrote a piece many years ago about an incident I experienced at an animal shelter, looked it up and sent him the link.</p><p><br /></p><p>In true Rip Van Winkle style, where has the time gone?  I remembered blogging almost daily, hundreds of words.  Stories, lies, observations, recipes and all sorts of things part of the Melting Pot of Life, as my blog subtitle proclaims.  </p><p><br /></p><p>Was it Facebook that sucked all the creativity out of the Blogging World?  Possibly.  I spent a lot of time on Facebook, possibly posting as many words, but less effectively.  Blowing dust instead of throwing a rock.</p><p><br /></p><p>I miss blogging and perhaps it's time to get the old blog back on its feet.  Less fluff, more substance.</p><p><br /></p><p>I also think the World needs this.  To wake up.  Get back to business and realize that "likes" and "LOL's" are no substitute for real human contact.  Mind to mind.</p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, after all this time, I'm writing this for myself.  Can I put my fingers on the keyboard where my mouth is?  That is the question!</p>2024/01/what-happened.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-6069394354258328575Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:48:00 +00002021-06-20T19:48:16.304-05:00On Manual<p> <span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">On Manual</span></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“What do you think about kids?” my wife asked.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“They’re OK,” I replied.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That was the only time we talked about kids to my recollection.  Maybe all those other conversations have been obliterated by cosmic rays or something, but that’s the one I remember.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We were walking to our home in London from the pub.  Our spirits were high having downed a couple of pints of London Pride, a highly spirited ale.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Married only a few months we had not really discussed kids.  We were both students working to finish our degrees, looking for that first job.   The prospect of settling down and having a bunch of kids was far, far out on the horizon.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yes, far, far away.  Way, way out there.  An infinite, cosmic expanse of time.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Four years, to be exact.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Walking into the delivery room at 6 o’clock in the morning was a far cry from that gentle evening’s stroll home not so many years ago.  Circumstances had changed considerably.  Totally out of character, my wife urged me to run red lights.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Hospital,” she gasped, “now.  Don’t stop.  Don’t stop!”  It was the gasping and instructions that got us in to this situation in the first place, but instinct told me now was not the time to address fine historical points.  Just drive.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The delivery room operated in two completely different space-time continuums:  a speedy, fast get-things-done-now time for us, and a slow-motion, laid back, whatever time for the medical staff.  While I flitted from bed to door to monitoring equipment to bed to door, the doctors and nurses moved in sloth-like slowness, very deliberately and with no concern.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Are you trained?”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I stopped in my tracks and turned to the nurse who asked the question.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Trained?  No, I’m not a doctor, that is, not a medical doctor I’m a chemist but I don’t do much chemistry and I work with computers and,” I babbled, but the nurse cut me short.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Have you and your wife taken childbirth classes?” she asked.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I looked into her eyes which showed the patience of a thousand births and said, “Yes, but we haven’t finished the course.”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She smiled and said, “You’ll finish the course this morning.  You have work to do.  Here’s a damp cloth and some ice chips.”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Wow, it was just like the film.  I began to apply what I had learned and shortly became a world class expert in Brow Wiping and Ice Chip Delivering.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was surprised by how fast it all ended.  Suddenly, the doctor appeared, there was a flurry of activity and through the ruckus I heard someone say “Nice catch!” and “It’s a little girl.”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was a father.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I had a daughter and I knew her name because we had only decided on names the night before.  I heard the nurses calling out the numbers and statistics, and I knew what they meant because I had studied for months.  I was prepared for the name and the numbers but I was not prepared for the nurse and the baby.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Here’s your daughter.”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“What?  Oh, uh, maybe you should give her to my wife.  She’s the baby person.  Over there.  I’ll hold her later, heh, heh, OK?”</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The nurse fixed me with a gaze that would have defeated Alexander.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Sit down now so you can hold your daughter.  I’ll show you how,” she said gently, unblinking.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I sat in the chair and the nurse handed me my daughter instructing me to hold her body here and support her head there.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was as rigid as a statue.  Looking back, I think it was the first time in my entire life I had held a live baby.  Not the doll or sack of flour like we used in the class, but a real baby; a real person.  I tried to smile and look nonchalant but I was relieved when the nurse told me my time was up and we had to go.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Over the next few days I got a chance to hold my daughter a few times and we fell into a routine in the hospital.  Feeding, cleaning, visiting and back to the nursery.  Life was grand.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When it came time for us to go home there was great fanfare in the ward.  We were given a ceremonious wheelchair ride to the front door, presented a cart of balloons, flowers and supplies, packed into our car and sent on our way.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our house was quiet.  I unpacked all the stuff and Helen took our daughter to her room for a feeding and a nap.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That’s when it hit me like a brick wrapped in a diaper, like a face-full of strained prunes, like a cry at 2 AM.  What do I do now?</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I couldn’t believe that the hospital let us take a baby home and we don’t even have a manual.  How could they be so irresponsible?  All the classes we took taught us how to get us to this point, but what do we do now?</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Not only had I never changed a real diaper on a real baby but where was I going to find a baseball glove for hands that small?  I had more questions than answers.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Little did I know, that would never change.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is something to be said for the phrase “day by day.”  Just take it one day at a time, they say.  Each day was a new adventure and we were amazed how excited we were at little changes.  Sitting up was a big deal.  Crawling gave us personal entertainment.  Walking was a milestone and speaking drew us into rapt attention.</p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In time the manual wrote itself.  What they never told you is that your child will write the manual, adding a few words every day.  </p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a father my job was to support the author, edit the work when I could and hope that the book would be a best seller.</p>2021/06/on-manual.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-3667444285698477737Thu, 14 Nov 2019 02:36:00 +00002019-11-13T20:36:06.746-06:00My Kitchen<br /> I love my kitchen.<div> <br /></div> <div> I'm the family cook and a good or great kitchen is essential to my well-being.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I love my kitchen.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My kitchen has two entrances and a central island.  It has bright lighting and lots of storage space.  The central island sports a gas cooktop and the double oven is self-cleaning upper and lower.  The Bosch dishwasher is totally silent.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My kitchen is perfect.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So what, you might ask?</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well, my attitude to cooking is affected by my environment.  When it's good, I'm good.  I've done my best cooking here:  Julia Child, Robert Carrier, Gordon Ramsay - you name it, I've cooked 'em.  Right here.  In a great environment.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Twenty years ago we were looking to move to a bigger house.  After many many visits our realtor took me here and as soon as I walked into the kitchen I knew this was the place.  Although the house was way out of our price range, the total perfectness of the kitchen was too much to simply ignore.  We improvised some creative financing and, twenty years later, here we are.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Such magnificent feasts and parties we have produced!  It's been a great experience and I feel joy every time I walk into my perfect kitchen.</div> 2019/11/my-kitchen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-952062732107154442Tue, 12 Nov 2019 01:08:00 +00002019-11-11T19:08:00.756-06:00The War<div style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;"> Dad was an Army Captain in the 864th Engineering Battalion, Ft. Lewis, Washington, and served in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. Dad did not talk about the war and the only story we had was that he fell on a basketball court and skinned his nose requiring medical treatment. Ha, ha, what a lark it must have been!</div> <div style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Not so. I found out years later after he died what he and the 200 men in his command endured. The Army engineers supported the infrastructure on captured isl<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">ands and bases held by the Marines. They built and repaired airstrips, by hand, built and maintained roads, hospitals and landing points. They did this while under constant enemy fire, bombings, attacks and in an environment where disease could incapacitate half the company.</span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;"> Here are some excerpts from a daily diary written by one of the "grunts" under Dad's command. It was no cake walk and Dad never told us a thing:</div> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Nov. 24, 1943 Lae (New Guinea)<br />The men are becoming uneasy. 7 Zeroes attacked one of our Liberators but were driven off. We saw the bombay doors open up and the men ready to bail out. Then the bombays closed and it made a beautiful forced landing. They didn't bail out because one of the pilots was shot in the head. Another raid at 9:15, but our Ack Ack drove them off. Boy, those J's got nerve.</div> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Nov. 28, 1943<br />Back to working on hospital buildings ... concrete floors ... those sacks of cement weigh 94 lbs each. We work very hard on a 6 hour on, and 6 hour off schedule.</div> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Dec. 3, 1943<br />The 808 and 864th made history today. we completed the 28 mile road from Lae to Nabzad with a loss of only 3 men., Most of our outfit is stationed here at Lae. Some of our heavy equipment operators are at Mandana and a few located at Finnschaven. Red alert tonight ... no casualties.</div> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Dec. 17, 1943<br />Our advanced bulldozer and grader operators are back from Rumu Valley. They were really shot up. Five of the men from One Company and 3 from B Company aren't coming back. The big D-12 Cat was grenaded. What a mess! Things were pretty sad tonight. Hellped Peterdson splice a wire to repair his guitar. A Liberty ship with some troops just came in. We will be travelling soon with just our field packs.</div> <div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"> Jan 16, 1944<br />Built another bridge and a light proof hut for developing photos. The mud out here is really bad. When some one dies or gets killed, they roll them into a matress cover and toss them into a deep hole. At 1:30 AM 2 personnel bombs were dropped, ripping holes into the air strip and killing 4 CB's and wounding 18. Goddamn, our radar had screwed and they caught us with our lights on and our pants down ... much damage was done.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="; width="232" /></a></div> </div> 2019/11/the-war.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-6712817494480285835Mon, 11 Nov 2019 01:08:00 +00002019-11-11T19:08:58.243-06:00Wake-Up Call<br /> Every morning I get a wake-up call by this guy, Q the Cat.<div> <br /></div> <div> Q is our rescue cat, "res CUE" being the origin of his name.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I give Mr. Q a lot of deference because of the hard life and near death experience he had as a kitten.  Mr. Q is special and I treat him specially.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Q has always been a hungry cat and he get's hungry some time between midnight and 6 AM.  He will let me know that he's ready for chow by a nip to the elbow or a gentle paw to my head.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> If anything, Q is very polite.  He paws me or nips me gently letting me know he's up for some Tuna.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Of course, I respond.  It's become a nightly ritual for a YEAR!  I get up, have a drink of water, stumble around to find the cat food, feed Q and go back to bed.  He never bugs me after that.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I don't begrudge Q's nocturnal habits.  After all, Q had a hard life and nearly died at the hands of uncaring, despicable people.  It is my honor to give the little guy some Kat Fud in the dead of night.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="; width="240" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> 2019/11/wake-up-call.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-5658950011556022897Sun, 10 Nov 2019 01:39:00 +00002019-11-10T19:39:55.386-06:00Powers of 19<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1869 - Grandfather 1-year old, living on a farm in Missouri</span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1879 - Grandfather still living on the farm.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1889 - Grandfather working as an accountant in Oklahoma.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1899 - Grandfather married with two children in Oklahoma.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1909 - Grandfather widower, children being raised by his late wife’s family</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1919 - Father born to Grandfather’s second wife.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1929 - Father being raised by late mother’s family in Missouri.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1939 - Father at University of Montana</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1949 - Father surviving WW2 married Mother.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1959 - Billy’s second grade teacher reconsiders career choice.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1969 - Bill rushed by Joe Reihl and Greg Wagner to join Kappa Sigma at NAU.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1979 - Received PhD and married Dr. Helen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1989 - Building first house, three kids, survived 4 company layoffs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">1999 - Transferred to Houston, survived 8 company layoffs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2009 - Retired having survived 17 layoffs, held a book signing at Barnes and Noble.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2019 - Here we are. Kids with their own careers. Bill awards 7th scholarship to Women in Chemistry at NAU.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2029 - Damn kids still on my lawn.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2039 - Jim White inducted into the Saxophone Hall of Fame</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">2049 - Rocket scientist S. Farrell invents anti-gravity belt because “Dad always wanted one.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">4069 - Brain transferred Doc Bill probe enters orbit of Alpha Omicron Pi-5 for planetary observation.</span></span>2019/11/powers-of-19.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-1777085024829920896Sat, 09 Nov 2019 01:14:00 +00002019-11-10T19:15:08.465-06:00Bathroom Remodel<br /> Do we have to do this?  Sort of yes, sort of no.<div> <br /></div> <div> Yes, that we would like to have a new "look" to the Master Bathroom and Closets, update the fixtures, install LED's and new plumbing.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> No, for the mess.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well, you can't have one without the other.  </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So much has changed since our house was built.  New shower and bathroom fixtures, lighting, flooring and stuff like heated towel rails.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Alas, by staying at fancy hotels in recent years we have been exposed to the possible which led us to the impossible decision of having a major room in our house re-done.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Our builder, an amazing and very modern person, was able to take pictures of our current very large master bathroom and superimpose his model of the transformation.  Truly astounding!  The tile, the lighting, the cabinets and the plumbing fixtures all laid out in color and 3-D. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I say let the jackhammering begin!  More later.</div> 2019/11/bathroom-remodel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-4611111770923758389Fri, 08 Nov 2019 00:50:00 +00002019-11-11T18:51:28.249-06:00Nitrogen TiresReally.  Nitrogen tires is a thing?<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Apparently so.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> My new Acura sports "nitrogen filled" tires.  Seems that 79% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen plus some trace elements and water vapor isn't good enough.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Well, la-de-DAH!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The story is that nitrogen filled tires leak less (who knew) and are less prone to temperature change.  The first part may be true but the second is definitely not!  When the temperature in Texas dropped from a normal 90-degrees F to 50, my tires went from 35 psi to 29 psi, triggering the "low pressure" sensor thus causing the car to scream, "Low Pressure!  Low Pressure!"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Nothing I could do about it.  I don't have a nitrogen compressor in my garage.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So, I had to take my car with low pressure tires to the Acura dealership to have them dealt with.  Srsly, I have never, ever, ever, ever, ever taken my car to a dealership to have the tires filled up.  Yet, here I am in the FUTURE doing exactly that.  Oh, the humanity!</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The service manager was quite jolly about it.  "We get this all the time in winter.  No big deal.  Just bring your car in and we'll top up those tires no charge.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Sure enough, 10 minutes later I was on my way riding on 35 psi of nitrogen and not a care in the world.  Yeah, now I pity the little people who have to exist on common air.  How awful their lives must be.<br /> <br /></div> 2019/11/nitrogen-tires.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-3260725486120526658Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:57:00 +00002019-11-06T18:57:23.338-06:00Q Loves Paper!<br /> Q the Cat thinks that rolls of paper are a great thing to play with.  Can't say I disagree!<div> <br /></div> <div> Q is the only cat we have lived with who plays with paper rolls:  toilet paper (of course!) and paper towels.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I say they are fair game and if it brings a little joy into his life, all the better.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="; width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="; width="240" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> 2019/11/q-loves-paper.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-3725309774508420916Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:50:00 +00002019-11-05T18:50:50.369-06:00Guy Fawkes Day<br /> Here we are again.  November 5th.  Guy Fawkes Day.  The Gunpowder Plot and all that rot.<div> <br /></div> <div> Guido Fawkes plot to blow up Parliament in London on November 5th, 1605 was foiled in the act and he was caught literally with a match in his hands.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> He and his co-conspirators were convicted, tortured and executed in the most gruesome fashion imaginable.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Eventually, the celebration of Guy Fawkes Day became a national event in England with lots of charitable fundraising, parties and fireworks.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Yea, boo, Guy Fawkes.  Bad idea, good holiday.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="; width="320" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> 2019/11/guy-fawkes-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-1811345938206096036Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:10:00 +00002019-11-05T18:23:33.549-06:00Butter Chicken Curry<br /> Nothing smells like "dinner time" better than Butter Chicken Curry.<div> <br /></div> <div> It's a mild chicken curry although you can spice it up if you want.  I prefer it to be tangy, not volcanic.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The basic blueprint is:</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Chicken - I use chicken tenders</div> <div> Onion</div> <div> Butter</div> <div> Tomato sauce</div> <div> Spices - garam masala, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper</div> <div> Cream</div> <div> Cilantro and lime juice to serve</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> That's it.  Pretty simple.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté in about 2 tbsp of butter.  Remove and set aside.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Chop the onion coarsely and sauté in about 2 tbsp of butter.  When softened and slightly browned add the spices and about 9 oz of crushed tomatoes, or 9 oz of tomato sauce or puree.  Splash of water if it looks too thick.  Let this simmer for 10 minutes or so then buzz up with a hand blender.  Add 1.5 cup cream and simmer.  </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Before serving add another 2 tbsp butter, a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a handful of chopped cilantro.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Cilantro tip:  I add cilantro to the plates served, not the pot because it will wilt down and discolor.  We always have enough for a second night, and a shot of fresh cilantro the next day is much better than the old, wilted stuff.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="; width="213" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> 2019/11/butter-chicken-curry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-5275121649784643024Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:12:00 +00002019-11-03T18:12:49.953-06:00Fall Back<br /> I love Fall Back.  For one reason.  I have a solid excuse for being a lazy bum and sleeping in.<div> <br /></div> <div> "Get up you lazy bum!  It's daylight in the swamp!"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> "Playing the Fall Back card!"</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> "Oh, OK.  Sleep tight."</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> See how that works.  I can only play the Fall Back card once a year but I play it with a passion.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I cope with Fall Back very well.  Living in the Jetson's time most of our clocks adjust themselves.  The only holdouts are the Oven and the Microwave.  As if I really care that either of them have a clock.  That said, they are easy to fix.  The kitchen clock will need changing, or maybe I can simply procrastinate until March when it will be back in synch.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Fall Back does not affect the cats or dog who, sadly, have resisted all attempts to teach them how to tell time.  They go by the Sun and their stomachs.  It's light, I'm hungry.  </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The only thing about Fall Back that freaks me out is Darkness at Six.  Here it is 6 PM, about the time I should start cooking dinner for a 7:30-8:00 serving and I've got things on.  OMG, we'll be eating at 7 at this rate!  Messes up the entire evening.  On the bright side I'll be complaining about Spring Forward in no time at all.  No time at all.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="986" height="179" src="; width="320" /></a></div> <div> <br /></div> 2019/11/fall-back.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-5751709779563928950Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:48:00 +00002019-11-02T19:48:06.744-05:00Porky Stewy ThingWe invented this dish we call Porky Stewy Thing.<br /> <br /> It's lean pork, boneless chops or ribs, stewed up with bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, carrots, maybe beans and other stuff.  It's basically a pork chili that works its magic by stewing for about two hours.<br /> <br /> So, cold night, porky stewy thing it is!<br /> <br /> Like all stews it's better the next day.  One wonders why we don't plan ahead, but we never do.<br /> <br /> Aw, it will be fine!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="; width="240" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br />2019/11/porky-stewy-thing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-6190158724384220206Sat, 02 Nov 2019 00:46:00 +00002019-11-01T19:46:13.729-05:00NaBloPoMo 2019National Blog Posting Month 2019<br /> <br /> The challenge is to post something every day in November.  I've been successful a few times, a slacker in other years.<br /> <br /> Here's to 2019, the Year of Doing It Rite.<br /> <br /> First, the news.<br /> <br /> Q the Cat completed his first year as a rescued cat gaining 15 pounds in the process.  He has transformed from an adorable kitten to an adorable cat.<br /> <br /> About Mr. Q.<br /> <br /> Mr. Q as a 1.5 pound kitten of 8 weeks was thrown out of the window of a slowly moving car on the freeway.  Tossed out like a McNuggets wrapper.  Splat.  On the asphalt.  Fortunately for Mr. Q our neighbor was driving nearby, saw the incident, stopped her car (on a freeway!), and at great peril to herself scooped up the crying kitten and took it home.  However, she owned big dogs and couldn't keep a kitten even overnight, so she brought him to us.<br /> <br /> "Can you keep this kitten tonight and take him to the shelter in the morning?"<br /> <br /> We took one look at the tuxedo kitten with big eyes, trembling, and made a snap decision.<br /> <br /> No, we'll give that kitten a home.  And, we did.<br /> <br /> We call Q the Thousand Dollar Cat because that's what it cost us in vet bills to get him de-flea'd, dipped for ringworm, shots, neutering and all that stuff.  He was worth every penny.<br /> <br /> Q is short for "resCUE."  Some of our friends accuse us of being fanatical Star Trek fans and naming him after the immortal Q, but, no.  It's just Q.<br /> <br /> We knew it was the right decision when we made it.  It didn't need a lot of discussion.  Q lucked out and so did we.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="; width="240" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="; imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="; width="240" /></a></div> <br />2019/11/nablopomo-2019.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-8063261968302583507Mon, 08 Apr 2019 04:44:00 +00002019-04-07T23:44:34.740-05:002019Is it 2019 already???2019/04/2019.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-1665492446055732024Wed, 07 Nov 2018 01:49:00 +00002018-11-07T19:49:21.172-06:00Port and Brandy<br /> <span class="_36rj" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div class="_10la _10lg" style="align-items: flex-end; display: inline-block; min-width: 0px; position: relative; word-wrap: break-word;"> <span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody" style="background-color: #eff1f3; border-bottom-left-radius: 18px; border-bottom-right-radius: 18px; border-top-left-radius: 18px; border-top-right-radius: 18px; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><div class="UFICommentActorAndBodySpacing" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 8px 10px;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=688325571&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Afalse%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="; style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; text-decoration: none;" target="_self">Bill Farrell</a></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a student in London I was mostly cold during the winter. One evening around Christmas we went out caroling and raising money for charity. We sang in the key of loud while students would knock on doors asking for money or canned food. It was a com</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mon sight for bands of students to be caterwauling in the mews at night. One very cold, damp night we ended up in a pub, tired and freezing. The publican, a kind soul, sported a round of "port and brandy" to warm us up. That it did and I haven't been cold since! True story.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div> </span></div> <span class="_36rj"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></span>2018/11/port-and-brandy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-7350432502623616489Tue, 06 Nov 2018 01:15:00 +00002018-11-07T19:15:55.456-06:00Remember, RememberRemember, remember the fifth of November<br /> The gunpowder treason and plot<br /> I know of no reason why the Gunpowder treason<br /> Should ever be forgot.<br /> <br /> Back when I was a student in London, fresh off the boat from America, I had no idea who Guy Fawkes was or why the Fifth of November was such a big deal.<br /> <br /> Turns out that Halloween is all but unknown in England, being an "American thing" but Guy Fawkes day is a big deal and has been celebrated for hundreds of years.<br /> <br /> I first became aware of Guy Fawkes day around the end of October when I started seeing school kids on street corners with a dummy of some sort, begging "A penny for the guy."  I donated a few pennies but didn't know why.<br /> <br /> Well, the "guy" was Guy Fawkes, the ringleader of a plot to blow up Parliament in 1605.  The plotters were caught and the scheme was thwarted.  The plotters were "dealt with" as can only be imagined given the times, but the audacity of the effort lived on.<br /> <br /> Penny for the Guy became an annual fundraising effort for charity and an excuse to have parties and fireworks.<br /> <br /> <br />2018/11/remember-remember.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9712940.post-5012465542484516007Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:51:00 +00002018-11-04T18:51:20.132-06:00State Fair<br /> Fall was the time for State Fair.  The caravan of rides, exhibits and side shows came to town at the end of October every year.<div> <br /></div> <div> Nothing like the State Fair as a kid.  The smells, lights, music, food, sights and sounds were overwhelming.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> There were "kiddie" rides like the Carousel of Horses and "big kid" rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and Double Ferris Wheel (which I NEVER went on!).</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> The Side Show was the best.  Snake Lady, Dog Man, Giant and others.  Each ticket cost a dime, ten-cents, but admission was well worth the cost.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I still have a ring I bought after seeing Andre the Giant (who was not the real Andre the Giant of wrestling fame) but his fingers were huge as was the ring, and I carried that ring around with me for years in Elementary School as a talisman.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> Corn dogs.  A hot dog on a stick wrapped in corn meal batter and fried.  A true delicacy.  And only twenty-cents.  I could have eaten them all night.  The corn dog was not something that you could get other than at the State Fair.  I recall one visit where I jumped out of the car and ran directly to the corn dog stand.  My idea of heaven.</div> <div> <br /></div> <div> State fairs must be a kid thing.  T

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