What to talk about this Thanksgiving

What to talk about this Thanksgiving


theoptimisticconservative




I agree wholeheartedly with LibbySternberg, KevinWhiteman, Jim Geraghty, and others that it is creepy and fascist of leftist policy advocates to put out guides
on how to discuss the specifics of programmatic and regulatory
proposals with your nearest and dearest over the holiday weekend.*I
assume most of you out there dont actually need instructions on what
to talk about over Thanksgiving. But what fun would it be to write a post on this topic and not offer some suggestions? So here goes.
1. What youre thankful for.
Du-uh. Ill start things off with saying that Im thankful for Gods
provision in my life and the lives of my loved ones. Ive decided to
spend the holiday being thankful and not asking the Lord for one blessed
thing more than the relatively sustainable, hanging-in-there mess that
trundles around with me. Theres a lot more to say here. Fill in your
own blanks.2. The blessing of not shopping on Thanksgiving.
Or, if you prefer, the opportunities presented by Black Friday deals
and special hours at your favorite department stores. Enjoy disagreeing
and laughing about it. Point out that some states actually prohibit
stores from being open on holidays. Reminisce, if youre old enough
to, about the much broader “blue laws” many states used to have. Decry
the consumer culture. Hug the young people who think youre an old
fuddy-duddy. Shake your head over the foolishness of literally camping
out in front of Wal-Mart for days before Thanksgiving, in order to get
through the door first when Black Friday launches on Thursday evening.3. The popes new apostolic letter, “Evangelii Gaudium” (Gospel of Joy).
Yep, just dive right in there. (And no, Im not Catholic, nor did I
sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night.) What did the pope mean
about “a culture of prosperity” being a bad thing? What is
a culture of prosperity, as opposed to some other form of culture? (A
culture of poverty and limitations?) If the pope talks about whats in
our hearts – whether were caring about people or the stock market, the
forgotten lives of the lost or our next electronics purchase – what does
that mean about what governments should do?4. The meaning of liberty.
Youre going to end up talking about it anyway. Obamacare, gun rights,
reproductive rights, the IRS, the government shutdown, Republicans,
Democrats, the popes letter, Aunt Stella who cant stand it when
everyone talks so much politics – its going to come up. So talk. If
theres one topic that cant be left alone this Thanksgiving, its what
liberty means. The rubber has made contact with the road, people.
There isnt one single human transaction we can have, in anno Domini
2013, to which this discussion is not relevant.The
big political problem in our lives right now is that we Americans dont
have a common understanding of what liberty means: what it is we should
try to protect; what our government should respect as a prior right of
the people. We cant gloss over that problem anymore, even for a day.
That doesnt mean we need to have big fights about it in the next 120
hours, with our sisters or fathers or in-laws, but it does mean we have
to recognize that thats whats going on. We dont all see liberty as
meaning the same thing. That difference is the one that will decide our
nations future. By extension, it will decide the worlds future, for
at least a generation. Its everyones issue.I recommend starting your thought process with this editorial by Myron Magnet, from todays Wall Street Journal.
Its short. It focuses on the first Pilgrims, and on what I perceive
to be the core of liberty: liberty of religious and moral conscience.
If we do not have that, there will be no other liberties. We will be
beholden to man-made institutions for, literally, everything in our
lives, from our livelihoods to what we dare to hope for the future.And
dont worry about settling issues or coming to conclusions. We spend
most of our days on earth with no idea of the power of simply saying
things. People remember. They may disagree vehemently, at a moment in
time, but theyll remember what they heard. The day will come when
theyre ready to let it sink it. Be the person who said what they
remember. Dont let it be an ideologue or a conspiracy theorist who
said the last memorable thing. Get the ideas out there.Keep
in mind, Thanksgiving for us is an American holiday as much as a “holy
day” of thanksgiving to God. If we Americans dont talk about the
meaning of liberty, who will? Just remember to hug Aunt Stella.5. The commercialization of Christmas.
Or other rotten, lousy things that are being done to Christmas. Come
on, you know you want to. Ive got a nice little list of complaints
ready to expound on. I mean, seriously, the people two blocks over who
put out their lights and their menagerie of inflatable snowmen and
reindeer the day after Halloween (known in Christendom as All Saints Day)? What was that about? Not even Wal-Mart got the Christmas displays out that fast.6. Hanukkah coming early this year.
Who knew, right? Its usually in December, and gets paired in the
community consciousness, for no other good reason, with Christmas.
Well, we think of lighting candles for both of those holidays too.
Anyway, it starts this evening (the 27th) and runs through 5 December.
Remember to add Hanukkah wishes to your holiday greetings. Challenge
the kids to look up why Hanukkah falls on different days, and falls so
early this year (if they havent already had to look it up for school).
7. Football.
Not necessarily a safe topic in some households, but an ever-fertile
one in most. Either everybody loves football, or at least some
curmudgeons are famous for hating it. Either way, its good for a
yakk-fest, especially with the new “targeting” rules this year. To keep
things lively, be sure to bring up Rush Limbaughs theory on the
chickification of football (for the uninitiated, that means “the turning
of football into a girl-friendly sissypants spectacle, with pink
doodads and institutional safety terrors”). There are lots of annual
rivalry games this weekend in college football. There are some good pro
match-ups on tap. High school conferences have their state
championship games still to be played. Embrace the inner pigskin and
just make sure theres plenty of pie to go with.And to all at TOC Nation: A happy and blessed Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. God bless us, every one.*OK,
technically, Libby didnt mention that its fascist, and only implied
that its creepy, while Kevin alluded obliquely to the Stalinist nature
of the name “Organizing for Action.” But I promise, Jim Geraghty
invoked the “liberal fascism” allusion.J.E. Dyers articles have appeared at Hot Air, Commentarys “contentions,” Patheos, The Daily Caller, The Jewish Press, and The Weekly Standard online. She also writes for the new blog Liberty Unyielding.

The First Christmas Night Book Review AND Giveaway

The First Christmas Night Book Review AND Giveaway


The First Christmas
Nightis a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in
Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in
Bethlehem and winds though Christs birth, the angels appearance to the
shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men.The simple, yet elegant, verses will
appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of
Laura Jacques.

I was really excited about reviewing this book because Ilove anything Christmas, especially things I can do with my children and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. This 32 page, hardcover, beautifully written and illustrated book is intended for children ages 4 - 8. The pages are filled with eye catching pictures and my children intently listen to the rhyming of thewords on each page.This is unlike any other Christmas storywe've read. I love at the end of the book they included theBiblical First Christmas fromLuke 2:1, 4-16, 20 and
Matthew 2:1-2, 9b-11.This book is very enjoyable to read! A family favorite for sure!Twas the very first Christmas
when all through the town
not a creature was
stirring—there was not a sound.
The moon shining bright in the
heavens so high
gave the look of midday to the
Bethlehem sky.
The animals were nestled in
warm, cozy places
with looks of contentment on
each of their faces.This is a must have to add to your family traditions this holiday season and for years to come. About the author - Keith
Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has
served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to
writing and studio producing, Keithservedon the faculty at the Blair School of
Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville,
Tennessee, with his wife and two children.
About the Illustrator- At a very early age, Christine
Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After
receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of
illustrating children's books began to take shape, including illustrating the
best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal's Children's Books. Christine's
recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl
historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile. She spends her days painting
in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven,
Connecticut.
You can find The First Christmas Night at ideals books for $16.99.I'm also giving away one copy of this beautiful book! Enter below for your chance to add this book to your library just in time for the holidays!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Qnext This file sharing revolution will not be televised

Qnext This file sharing revolution will not be televised












































































































































The evolution of file
sharingWe all have files that we want to share with our friends –
photos, videos, movies and documents.
Back in the early days of computing, if you had something to share, you
had to physically copy the file to a floppy drive, carry it over to your
friends computer and then copy it over to his hard drive. This meant you had to physically transfer the
files. By the way, todays modern
equivalent of the floppy is the USB stick.With the advent of
email, sharing became a lot easier – all you had to do was attach the file to
an email and hit send. The problem with
email was that you could not send big files such as high resolution photos, or
videos or large PowerPoint presentations.
The solution people use today is to copy it over to a public cloud
service such as Dropbox, Google Drive or SkyDrive.
The push approachUp until now, your go-to-solution of sharing files has been
the same old industry standard push approach.
What I mean is that you pushed your content by email or you pushed
it to a USB device or you pushed it to a public cloud service.But what about when the files are really large, like sharing
a movie – or what about highly sensitive information that you are not
comfortable putting in the cloud – or what if you have lots to share – you will
run out public storage space pretty quickly and adding more can cost a pretty
penny.The problem is that whenever you push something that you
want to share – you face file size limitations, storage capacity limitations
and slow upload speeds. Plus there are security issues and cost issues.Why not pull files
from their original locationsThe next wave in file sharing flips the paradigm on its
head. Instead of pushing a file to a
USB or to the public cloud, why not keep the files and their original locations
and access or pull them out at your convenience. Those files might be on your PC, your laptop,
your tablet or smartphone. The files
might be on a smart router or a network attached storage device. Or the files might be in Dropbox, Google
Drive or SkyDrive. It shouldnt matter.When you share files from their current locations, you dont
have problems with file size limits, or storage capacity limitations, or
uploads or compression degradation.
Security is handled by an encrypted transfer directly from where they
are stored to you without going through a middleman.Qnext – the game
changerThere is a new app for file
sharing that doesnt use the traditional push approach – it is called Qnext.
It has just been introduced as a free app for Facebook. It runs within Facebook to allow you to share
photos, videos and files with your Facebook friends. Since nothing you share is uploaded to
Facebook, the files do not become Facebook property – they belong to you. Also, this app becomes a gateway to your
files no matter where they are stored – on your computer, tablet, phone, NAS
drive or smart router or Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, Box or Ubuntu account.To get Qnext for Facebook free, go to https://apps.facebook.com/qnextshare/.#FileSharing #Qnext #FacebookFileSharing #Facebook #FreeFileSharing

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Monroe gets dual District titles

Monroe gets dual District titles


Women's volleyball and soccer defeat CCRI;
Nationals are next



By Gary Axelbank
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 13- With the score 2-1 and Monroe leading CCRI with just 10 minutes left in a competitive and tense women's soccer District final, the doors of the CCRI athletic center burst open and out came a shouting, smiling, and cheering Monroe Mustangs women's volleyball team hoisting their just-won District Championship trophy aloft.They proceeded tofill the sideline in support of their compatriots on the field.
Ultimately the Mustangs' lead held and when the final gun sounded, on the field were two very happy, nationally-ranked Monroe teams of female student athletes in common celebration of realized goals:District championships and upcoming trips to national tournaments.That they were reached just minutes apart against the same school in the same location – against CCRI on their campus in Lincoln, RI - only made the celebration that much more harmonious.
"We are very proud of our athletic program," said Athletic Director Bert Shillingford."This is the kind of day you dream about:two District championships won just minutes apart and the student athletes celebrating together. We have incredible coaches and teams that seem to keep getting better and better. Right now, I have a lot of work to do because two Monroe teams are traveling to national tournaments!"

Its so cold!!

Its so cold!!


Its hard to believe but a change has moved through with rain,I was back to winter jackets today,it was cold at work but lucky I hadnt brought my big Beta Hunt Husky home for a wash,it a bit hmm homely but kept the wind off me,sooo tired,yesterday has caught up.
Let me bring the full story up. 2.15 on Monday morning I was woken by Tilly being ferocious ,I got out of bed,and carefully walked down the hall,the lights were all out,finding the front door open by about three feet and Fluffa perched there sticking his nose outside,my immediate thing was close the door and check both the Bunnies were ok,thinking the wind blew the door open cause the latch is a bit dodgy.Not thinking much of it,I went into kitchen turned on light and gave bunnies a bit of cereal as they were literally sitting on my feet. I noticed my wallet was not where I left it, hmm not quite right! Checked for Hubbys shop bag and hmm not there at usual spot,bugger,went back to bedroom woke Hubby and asked him where did he leave bag,now Hubby is not a fast processor of information when woken and considering he'd consumed two six packs of VB a couple hours before,any wonder.I went back out and sussed if anything else was gone while Hubby staggered down hall,starting to panic by now, was exclaiming NoNoNo (its was a disaster if he lost bag),I sensibly went out to work car and checked ,there was bag,,thank God,Son had forgotten to bring it inside but he had locked car.
We quickly determined by mutual agreement that wed been done over,the next hour was spent calling police,banks to cancel cards etc, this also transpired to a full working day from 2.15am to 9.30 that night. Heres where the funny comes in,while at work I had to do some extra stuff for Boss and while doing that I noticed my birdies being abnormally cranky about something like a snake or a goanna up in the tree level. I couldn't see what it was but was going to take a closer look later as Id noticed the same behavior earlier in breeding season when they lost a chicken.Anyhow at this time our lovely front desk lady who doubled as science techie was cleaning out crap from her area so she was up on the second level looking down on us. She called me quite insistently to come up to her straight away and me thinking oh shes seen a carpet snake( that would have been exciting),but no,low and behold there were our wallets thrown up on the roof of walkway.So today we got them back from police who did the usual finger print job and no luck,we are still non the wiser which little sod did it,this a small town we may find out from kids later I hope,for I want dearly to ring their blasted necks. We re waiting for new cards to arrive and its caused no end of bother, right when Im trying to grab bargains for Christmas and remember its a tight one for us this year. I have ten dollars to use for essentials and I may be able to scratch together a few gold coins,it will be fish and chips,pizza and burgers for a while lol from our shop. So here we sit waiting for life to return to normal,re access to money...and I cant put payment on Credit card either which is bothering me.
On a good point we think we ve solved son dilemma,another blokes taking up the empty spot for auto leckies ,he ll be back in employment in few days if all goes to plan.
On my own occupation hoping things will swing better for me next year if not earlier when Im comfortable,meantime Ive been doing this.This years batch of cards to special people,mostly water colors with Pebeo inks, they have a glorious subtle luminosity to them in the native theme as usual.Some finished,some nearly there.




And this,a bit of patchwork!! I love having a few days off,well Wednesday Friday and weekend together,Im exhausted today,the drams of Monday has caught up.







Cant wait to finish it, with a three month brea from study I hope to get Son no 2 quilt done,well I hope I can,the kit was a good one and ceratinly not the colours I thought but its a very conservative male one.If I can get it done this month or even early December he can have it as an extra Christmas Pressie!

First Look VIDEO WATCHDOG 175

First Look VIDEO WATCHDOG 175




This time, your first look is right here in my hand! Donna hasn't yet updated our website page -- you wouldn't believe how much she's been juggling of late -- but the next issue is already printed, here at Chez Watchdog and it will be shipping soon! Among the contents in this exciting new issue...

DOG BYTES (short reviews)
247~F
THE DARK MIRROR
THE FIELDS
FINAL DESTINATION 5
THE PETE WALKER
COLLECTION
ROCCO: DER MANN MIT DEN ZWEI GESICHTERN (aka SUGAR COLT)
SEA OF SAND

RAMSEY'S RAMBLES by Ramsey Campbell
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

FEATURE ARTICLE:
"We Love You, Jo Walker..." THE KOMMISSAR X LEGACY by Tim Lucas

DVD SPOTLIGHT:
KARLOFF: CRIMINAL
KIND and BORIS KARLOFF TRIPLE FEATURE
reviewed by Kim Newman

DISCS IN DEPTH (longer reviews):
AMERICAN MARY
DEAD HOOKER IN A
TRUNK
DARK SHADOWS
THE DEVIL'S SISTERS
FOREVER EVIL
HELL
HIGH
LANE
THE LADY VANISHES
LIFEFORCE
MOTHER'S DAY (original and remake)
THE
NICKEL RIDE / 99 44/100th's % DEAD
NIGHTMARES
NOTHING BUT THE
NIGHT
SCREAM THEATER DOUBLE FEATURES
ZOMBIE LAKE

BONUS FEATURE:
"Digital Alchemy:
ZOMBIE LAKE and the Ever-Evolving Art of Film Mastering" by Bret Wood

BIBLIO WATCHDOG (book reviews):
HORROR AND THE HORROR
FILM
DARK SHADOWS Comics Series

Plus Douglas E. Winter's AUDIO WATCHDOG and MORE!



Street date: September 30!

Community Arts Council to host 37th annual Poor Artists Sale Dec. 7 in Calumet

Community Arts Council to host 37th annual Poor Artists Sale Dec. 7 in Calumet



During the 2012 Poor Artists Sale at the CLK Gym in Calumet, Kristine Bradof admires some hand-made leather items by Bob Marr at his artist's booth. He will again offer his leather work for sale at this year's event on Dec. 7, 2013. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

CALUMET -- The 37th annual Poor Artists Sale will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the CLK Gymnasium in Calumet.


Artists Edith and Bill Wiard are pictured here at their booth during the December 2012 Poor Artists Sale. They will again be exhibiting and selling their work at this year's Poor Artists Event on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013.

The Poor Artists Sale is hosted by the Copper Country Community Arts Council as a benefit for the Community Arts Center in Hancock. This years sale offers the work of more than 60 artists. Shoppers will find handmade jewelry, pottery, glass, wood art, fiber art and clothing, photography, holiday wreaths, ornaments, and many other special items made by local as well as regional artists.


Fiber artist and designer Andrea Puzakulich offers her unique Distant Drum designs at the 2012 Poor Artists Sale. Watch for her colorful, original clothing at this year's sale.

A member/friends only shopping hour will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. While present members can renew membership at this time, they are not required to renew to get special preview shopping.


Michigan Tech student Sarah Piccard exhibits her hand-made glass beads during the 2012 Poor Artists Sale. This year more than 60 artists will offer their work for sale during the annual holiday event.

Shop and visit with friends in a relaxing, social atmosphere, renew your Arts Council membership (or join for the first time) and enjoy homemade treats at the hospitality table.

For more information stop by the Copper Country Community Arts Center at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock or call 906-482-2333.