OMG! The United States is going to hell in a hand basket!

Thanks to cornfedcontessa.com.

cornfedcontessa's avatarcornfedcontessa

Week 15: Experts in authoritarianism advise to keep a list of things subtly changing around you, so you’ll remember.

published February 25, 2017

This week had two themes. The first wasTrump’s lack of empathy — the cruelty and heartlessness towards Americans not white, straight, Christian and male. Trump and his regime continued to target the defenseless, including transgender individuals, Native Americans and people of color. The second theme was Russia: ties between the Trump regime and Russia are continuing to pour out — meanwhile, the regime is actively seeking to suppress information.

  1. Despite Trump saying he would not enter any new overseas deals once he took office, Donald Jr. and Eric announced the opening of a Trump-branded golf course in Dubia. US taxpayers continue to pay the cost for the security detail that covers Trump’s sons on such trips.
  2. At Trump’s campaign rally in Florida, he referenced a Swedish terrorist attack that never…

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Traveling to Trumpland

Good heavens! Here’s another reason not to visit the US.

alotfromlydia's avatarA lot from Lydia

Henry Rousso, French Jewish Holocaust era Historian was detained by US immigration officials in Houston’s George Busch International Airport this past Wednesday for more than 10 hours.
Rousso, one of France’s preeminent scholars and public intellectuals, was en route from Paris to lecture at an academic symposium at at Texas A&M University’s Hagler Institute for Advanced Study.

The Egyptian-born French citizen, who authored “The Vichy Syndrome”, was deemed an illegal alien, and awaited deportation to France when the university received notice and intervened.

The incident was blamed on an inexperienced customs officer, but other than the fact that someone successfully intervened on Rousso’s behalf, his experience is not unique. It is not unusual for a foreign passport holder to be detained by customs for hours, and it only takes one overzealous U.S. Customs officer to result in a visitor’s removal from the country.

Perhaps the confusion stems from the vagaries…

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Snapshot #116

Another photo taken at Tallahassee Nursery features this serene little guy. I call this one, “One With Nature.”

Ear Worm

Since I saw La La Land this damn song has been stuck in my head. In an attempt to get rid of “City of Stars,” I’m giving it to you. And you. And you, too.

https://youtu.be/cZAw8qxn0ZE

Snapshot #115

Aren’t these little owls cute? I found them hanging out at Tallahassee Nursery. I call this one, “Owl You Need is Love.”

Death and Facials

One of the nicest things I do for myself is to schedule regular facials. I’m fortunate to live near an Aveda Institute where students in the noble art of esthetics practice their burgeoning skills on willing participants for a fraction of the cost of the same service at a regular salon. 

My esthetician today was poised and competent. From the initial handshake I could tell I was in for a great experience with Madeline, and I wasn’t disappointed. But this post isn’t about her; it’s about me, as always.

Not long after I’d gotten settled on the table and Madeline began her routine my mind started wandering. Not to a happy place on a beach, or to a ski resort in the alps, but to my future deathbed. Yes, I’m weird that way.

I thought about how many times I’ve gotten a special, one time only event totally wrong. Like the year my sorority in Kansas chose me as their sweetheart. I believe my exact words were, “You’re sh***ing me!”

Or the one time a good looking teenage boy picked up my teenaged self and flirtatiously threw me into a swimming pool. Again, I believe my exact words were, “You’re shi***ing me!” 

So I began rehearsing my deathbed speech. Oddly enough, it started with, “You’re sh***ing me!”

Naw. Just kidding. In my fantasy I told everyone gathered around me how much I loved them, and recounted one beautiful memory from my time with each individual. It was moving. I hope I can remember all this when the time comes. But if all else fails there’s always the old standby. 

Free Press; Screw Trump, Round 2

In the wake of tRump banning several mainstream journalists from today’s White House briefing I’m just gonna leave these right here:


Snapshot #114

This 1955 Nomad was lovingly built by Studly’s friend, Pete. I call it “There’s  Nomad like Pete’s.” 

The Summer Child

Some matters press against the lining of my weary soul. Injustices and inequities abound.

See how the children grow, sweetly innocent, casting about for our undivided attention?

All that the summer child gains, proud accomplishments, another child holds greater

Grace within the sacred sphere. You ignored the offerings of the summer born, 

Shrugged aside her efforts. Pierced my heart with your words. Sharp and condescending.

Snapshot #113

This azalea was lurking in my own front yard. Let’s call it, “Pretty (Close) in Pink.”