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Joanie Bender (Grosfeld)

I am appalled that the White House staffer said "McCain is dying anyway," when discussing that McCain would oppose Haskell's nomination. I like what Meghan McCain said upon hearing of this. We are all dying but its how we live that counts. I remember when Trump said, "I don't like people who were captured," referring to John McCain, or something to that effect. Where is there decency anymore. I feel so sad for John McCain. I don't agree with him on many things but I respect his sacrifices and love for our country. Love, Joanie

Joanie Bender (Grosfeld)

I also thank John McCain for being one of the few Republicans who have spoken out against the dangers of Trump to our standing in the world with our allies and for raising the alarms about the dangers of the Trump Administration to the rule of law, etc. I think when Trump compared us to the Putin regime in an interview saying "you think we don't have killers," it especially upset McCain. Love, Joanie

Stephen Hatchett

Ah, yes.  Canoes and kayaks.  I'm gonna join Ned and take the water rat's advice myself -- when I get done with all the durn mowing of this year's incredible bumper crop of grass (to try to keep down the fire danger).  Our three donkeys are getting way too fat and aren't making a dent in the grass this year.

Like you Joanie, I don't agree with John McCain on some things, but I definitely salute him.   

Nora Skinker (Morton)

Nasty rhetoric in politics is used to further an agenda. McCain is a Right wing moderate & has been the focus of many a jab from both sides through the years, but, because he is very ill, everyone is walking on eggshells. The atmosphere is emotionally charged now more than ever. In this case, the Dems want to expound on these nasty comments to further their stance against the Haskal confirmation. Furthering their stance by recycling arguments for & against certain tactics used against 9-11 operatives, stirs public emotions, too. Both sides are focused on the mid-terms, adding volitility. Also, winning public outrage against the GOP further slows Trump’s drive to fill administrative positions. It’s called obstructionism, Joanie. Manchin (a Left wing moderate), is always taking bullets. But, thank goodness, he is not ill, so nobody cares about those bullets. As a long-time watcher of John McCain (& Megan, too), I can assure you that politics ain’t a game for sissies & they know exactly how deep to take political rhetoric. AND, they can sling it with the best of them! Incidentally, look for McCain’s new memoir coming out: “The Restless Wave.”

Sorry, Jack. I just assumed you knew that there was an upcoming summit with North Korea. Japan is our ally. Their threat was aimed at the prospect of the level of Japan’s cooperation being influenced by whether or not NoKo offers up Japanese abductees, as they did for the U.S. I think it’s strategically interesting & positive, don’t you? 

Jerry, please share your observations  about the volcano. I keep reading more about possibilities for a major explosion, the likes of which occurred  in 1924. I hope that’s just more fake news. 

Joanie Bender (Grosfeld)

Nori, ,my comments were not political calculations and I think there are many reacting on both sides of the aisle that just thought the comments by the White House staffer and earlier from Trump about McCain are disgraceful. (I don't like people who were captured).  Biden who lost a son to glioblastoma is truly upset that McCain is treated this way by the White House staffer saying he is dying anyway. Even if you think this is the tough political climate politicians are in, there is no justification for not speaking out when something is wrong and heartless.  I think McCain who actually was tortured has something important to say when he says not to vote for Haskell. She has not said that what happened was immoral. She destroyed evidence. Its good she said this will never happen again but I still can understand the case to be made not to have her as the head of the CIA. Love, Joanie

Nora Skinker (Morton)

Joanie, I certainly agree with all who malign that sort of rhetoric & never alluded to being against anyone letting their views about it to be heard! My point is that if it weren’t for politics nothing from either side would have been said in the first place. Knowing some of the reasons behind words like that isn’t condoning it. It is understanding it. 

Jack Mallory

All the hand waving, smoke blowing and obfuscation won't justify offensive and untrue statements. McCain will die with dignity and honor. Sadler, McInerney, and those who excuse such statements might take a lesson about life from McCain's death.  

North Korea receives not a nickel in aid from Japan; North Korea cannot lose what it does not get—a ”total loss” of nothing is a loss of nothing.

Perhaps the US should seize the moral high ground, set an example by releasing those Guantanamo detainees seized overseas and held for years without trial?

Glen Hirose

   Sweet !                                           Awesome !

Jack Mallory

"My" heron is back on the Contoocook, behind the house. God's in his heaven, all's right with the world.

Scanning for lunch:

Mom never told him/her not to grab at the food:

But, it works:

Heron's can swallow with their mouths open--try it yourself!

Glen Hirose

   To all the mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, and Jack to your wonderful Heron if applicable.

Nora Skinker (Morton)

😂

Joanie Bender (Grosfeld)

Thank you Glen for those wonderful wishes for today. Love, Joanie

Glen Hirose

Am I suffering dilutions, or are the Caps playing great Hockey? Wait a minute; I’m delusional the Nats swept the Diamondbacks 4 straight,

and Webb Simpson won the Players…

Nora Skinker (Morton)

No delusions, Glen! It sure looks real to me! Again, I liken it to my euphoria when I beat someone out for a stage role. Adreneline flows & there’s no stopping me! Once our guys took the Pens, it’s full steam ahead for them. Gotta say, the Lightening seems surprisingly light on def. SIX goals? Are you kidding me? Btw, am hoping that what I hear about Vegas isn’t true. A brand spankin’ new team should NOT win a Cup! (From my post to God’s ears!) 🙏

For now, pass the popcorn & enjoy the ride! 

Jack Mallory

My spam filter caught this:

CHRISTOPHER WRAY
DIRECTOR FBI
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.WASHINGTON D.C FEDERAL BUREAU OF
INVESTIGATION SEEKING TO WIRETAP

The Federal bureau of investigation (FBI) Washington,D.C in conjunction with
some other relevant Investigations Agencies have recently been informed
through our Global intelligence monitoring network that your over-due
contract payment which was fully endorsed in your favor accordingly by the
Central bank of Malaysia(Bank Negara Malaysia) has not been claimed.

It might interest you to know that we have taken out time in screening
through this project as stipulated on our protocol of operation and have
finally confirmed that your contract payment is 100% genuine and hitch free
from all facet and of which you have the lawful right to claim your fund
without any further delay.
We further advise that you go ahead in dealing with the Central Bank office
accordingly as we will be monitoring all their services with you as well as
your correspondence at all level.

We were also made to understand that a lady with name Mrs.
Joan C.Bailey from OHIO has already contacted them and also presented to
them all the necessary documentation evidencing your claim purported to have
been signed personally by you prior to the release of your contract fund
valued at about $25million us dollars only but the Central Bank office did
the wise thing by insisting on hearing from you personally before they go
ahead on wiring your fund to the Bank information which was forwarded to
them by the above named Lady so that the main reason why they contacted us
so as to assist them in making the investigation.

Contact immediately the office of the Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara
Malaysia) via email with the below information accordingly:

NAME: Muhammad Ibrahim
OFFICE ADDRESS: Bank Negara Malaysia,
Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur,
Wilayah Persekutuan,Kuala Lumpur,
Selangor,Malaysia
Email: muhgvbnm@gmail.com

Meanwhile, we will advise that you contact the office of the Governor of the
Central Bank immediately with the above email address and request that they
attend to your payment file as directed, so as to enable you receive your
contract fund accordingly.

To this effect, you are required to reconfirm and authenticate your given
particulars below for certainty and onward processing and release of you
funds as we may not be held liable for any wrong payment.

FULL NAMES:_________________________________ 
CITY: ________________________________ 
ZIP: ______________
COUNTRY_______________________________ 
SEX:_____________ 
AGE:_________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER:_____________________ 
FAX: __________________________ 

Ensure you follow all their procedure as may be required by them as that
will further help hasten up the whole procedure as regard to the transfer of
your fund to you as designated.
Also have in mind that the Central Bank of Malaysia equally have their own
protocol of operation as stipulated on their banking terms, so delay could
be very dangerous.

Thank you very much for your anticipated co-operation in advance as we
earnestly await your urgent response to this matter.

Best Regards,

Christopher Wray[FBI Director]
Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D.C.

**************

I especially like the Joan Bailey bit.

It's frightening to think that anyone could be so gullible as to fall for this. I have to remind myself that only a minority of voters cast their votes for Trump. Somebody needs to remind Trump. 

Glen Hirose

   Jack!

   I can swallow with my mouth open.  I must be genetically linked in the distant past to Heron. 

    ( I love fish too...)

Jack Mallory

Glen—our ancestors and the ancestors of herons parted ways a couple of hundred million years ago. Can you swallow a whole black crappie with your mouth open? I'm impressed!

Today I was feeling abstract:

Nora Skinker (Morton)

With or without opening one’s mouth? Not touching THAT conversation! 😀

Glen, settle a family ‘discussion’: do you bring Backstrom back or leave well enough alone? 

Glen Hirose

Blackstorm's right hand is still injured; he probably would play if they let him, but then it's up to the coaches. Guess that’s why they get paid the big BUCK$...

If it were me, and Blackstorm said: "Put me in &$%#@^$ *! Coach" I would probably hold him back to see if we're tied or better in the 2nd...Blow-out in either direction; then no use risking him.

    Nice watch there Barry.

Nora Skinker (Morton)

It seems like it’s more difficult to find out the status of an NHL injury more than any other sports’ injury. My Backstrom position has changed since I asked you that question, Glen. The change came because we lost a game since then. A home game. A game that we gave away. That we never showed up for. I don’t mind losing IF we play the game well. The Caps didn’t even wake up til the 3rd period & by then, it was way too little, way too late. My question to you now is, how can a team in THIS stage of a “life’s dream” tournament need motivation??  If we lose again, I say put the “Backster” in & I don’t give a rat’s if he’s on crutches! 😡

Nora Skinker (Morton)

Well, guess I was wrong. We played well & lost & I still feel lousy about it. The Lightening has a wicked power play, so for starters, we’ve GOT to stay out of the penalty box. Eller should be moved. Backstrom found his stride late (understandably) but that didn’t help early in. Then their goalie saved an amazing 36 out of 38 shots on goal. Trotz described Ovie well tonight by pointing out what a strong passer & planner he is—not just a shooter. Bottom line: if they recapture in Tampa the same fire they had tonight we SHOULD dominate & not just statistically but with the only statistic that matters: a win! Should be interesting, Glen.

GO, RED! 

Glen Hirose

Nori,

I can't believe the Caps will let the Lightning steal this Series while they're butts are sitting in the Penalty Box. This will be a "Blood n' Guts" knock down drag out dog fight for 7 games. Can't help but believe Blackstrom will be a key factor in our victory. God willing...

Mean while the Nats get some much needed recovery time (rain, rain, rain)

Jack Mallory

I had no idea Mueller was a Vietnam vet. This is a great look at his history, and the impact of Vietnam on his life and career. The author notes that the ex-FBI director seldom talks about his tour, but, "Before he became special counsel, Mueller freely and repeatedly told me that his habits of mind and character were most shaped by his time in Vietnam, a period that is also the least explored chapter of his biography."

He was a Marine lieutenant who went to the Army Ranger and Airborne schools; served in some of the toughest fighting of the war. We were in Vietnam at about the same time, but  otherwise my closest similarity to him is that our time there as young officers taught us both to shave every day, regardless of circumstances. I still do. 

Read this to understand why there's not much Trump could do to get Mueller to back down. And why it's unlikely that a man like this, who swore over 50 years ago to ". . . support and defend the Consttution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic . . ." and has spent most of his life doing that is participating in a "hoax," or a "witch-hunt," or "an attack on our country."

https://www.wired.com/story/robert-mueller-vietnam/

Nora Skinker (Morton)

Yes, Mueller certainly seems like a fine, upstanding, much admired American citizen. Most likely he will never back down. Lawyers generally don’t back down. One can only hope that after spending more than a year & god-knows-how-much money on this “investigation”, something will materialize so as not to disappoint you & so many others, Jack. The definition of “witch hunt” is “a campaign directed against a person or group holding unorthodox views.” If that is accurate, I would love to know in what ways Mueller’s investigation differs. And, taking nothing away from Mueller or other brave fighting men & women, Timothy McVeigh enlisted, swore a pledge to uphold the Constitution, was a model soldier, earned a Bronze Star for bravery in The Persian Gulf & became a candidate for the Special Forces. For him, it didn’t end well. He was responsible for the murders of 168 & injuries to 680 innocent Americans - a vicious terrorist attack on our country. One never knows. 

Btw, any of you Jays think Ken Starr was on a witch hunt? 

Jack Mallory

Nice job linking Mueller to McVeigh. Very classy. Again, your talents are wasted outside Donald's staff.