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April 19, 2023
Jif Extra Crunchy, and the IGA
Jif Extra Crunchy KJs IGA    

So I went to KJ's IGA about a block from the homestead. I bought a number of products including a large jar of Jif Extra Crunchy peanut butter.

My issue surrounds the opening of the peanut butter and noticing a rather 'musty' old smell and odd unpleasant taste.

This became progressively worse through yesterday when I ate a cracker with some of the peanut butter on it and the peanuts were down right rancid tasting.

I'd like to say that I've had no other issues with commodities bought from KJ's IGA but alas this is simply one of many. Most of these issues surround the material condition of the merchandise after opening and freshness.

So I placed the jar in the microwave and nuked it for a minute and a half. Then I poured the liquid contents into a trash bag and put the jar into the dishwasher that it might be suitable for the city recycle bin ...

You see, the city is somewhat fussy regarding what they say is "recyclable" to say the least.

I personally feel it IS the responsibility of the vendor to ensure fresh commodities but this is not something I've come to expect at KJ's given our past encounters. That being said, business between us has seen better days and I dare say has been reduced from about a hundred plus a week to 30 or so a month — if that much.

The moral of the story is "when in doubt throw it out" and I was well beyond any doubt which means that I dealt with the situation very ineffectually. If it wasn't the peanut butter it likely would have been something else purchased from there.
 

Tags: food, health
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April 18, 2023
Linemen Appreciaton Day 2023
lineman

    
Today is Linemen Appreciation Day.

It is an April 18th observance taking note of those who maintain the power lines which serve the population.

We have a relatively new company in charge of the lines in South Carolina called "Dominion". They replaced the old SCE&G criminal organization which was out to fund a never to operate expansion of a nuclear plant called the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station near Jenkinsville.

I was forced to visit this monstrosity in the mid 1970s while on active reserve duty in the Navy. They closed it down after a never ending stream of cost overruns and rate increase requests to cover their losses.

It is distressing to think that the state government cannot do anything except bring another set of crooks in to manage power on the South Carolina grid. The South Carolina Public Services Commission is a bunch of irrelevant dullards who don't know how to benefit from past mistakes. It is inkeeping with the vast majority of elected officials in the state. Perhaps if their parents hadn't been brother and sister things may have gone much better for the taxpayer.

I personally toy with the thought of installing my own generator and pulling in tankers of diesel fuel to keep it running. I suppose I'm one lottery win away from that reality.

The people consistently come to my property and invade it installing poles and lines where I don't want them. So to HELL with Dominion and the linemen — whom I really do not appreciate with their shoddy work which is pretty much all they've shown me in the past 30 years.

Tags: technology
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April 17, 2023
National Kickball Day 2023
    red kickball
My playing kickball heyday was in the fifth grade at George R Fishburne Elementary on Murray Drive in Hanahan SC.

I'd like to say that I was a wunderkind at the foot and ball variation on baseball, but as you probably know I was very far removed from all of that.

When I wasn't busy failing at physical prowess I made unfortunate decisions during play that pissed off all my team mates to the point that I gave up on the activity in despair.

Today is National Kickball Day.

Since 2015 it goes down on April 17 each year and is a time to get out there and kick that ball.

It began as a game called "kick baseball" and uses a pitcher, a home plate, and three bases in the same configuration.

So if you're so inclined get on out there and score those points by kicking that ball then running those bases and hopefully you won't be remembered as the miserable failure that I was at the activity.

Happy National Kickball Day anyway.

Tags: things, people
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April 16, 2023
Google is biased
google is biased    
I don't depend on Google for information or any sort of management anymore.

There was a time when I was one of the "google it" lemmings out to cut corners and not even bother with checking those things I utilize out fully. Then I came to the realization that the scum which is alphabet et al are simply there to steer you in the direction of their choosing regardless of any objectivity you may seek — and this pretty much rendered everything they do as meaningless from a functionality standpoint in my life.

No longer do I depend on any search engine to provide my needs in this day of woke influence underhandedness at every turn. Nothing will evoke my ire with a person quicker than to hear them say a sentence with "google" in it. It simply reeks of a stupidity I decline to allow in my presence.

I even left my last job because the answer of some of the staff was "just google it" to any and all contingencies utterly lacking skill and objectivity. I now look up my own stuff and act upon things when and how I feel it is appropriate.

I will never again trust google, youtube, or any other alphabet property to provide me with anything.

They simply are too biased and promote unfair acts and policies stemming from prejudice which they masquerade before the internet as service.

Google is Evil

Tags: technology
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April 15, 2023
World Art Day 2023
    Shannon Bream
I have always held an interest in art and artful pursuits.

This penchant for creating more than was previously has resulted in some faux pas as well as some items I have celebrated to the nth degree.

Today is World Art Day.

It is observed on April 15 annually and takes note of the various definitions of what individuals consider to be art.

The tastes and styles run the gamut of our various experiential inventories.

The day was declared on April 15 at the General Assembly of the International Association of Art.

It was first celebrated in 2012 in honor of Leonardo da Vinci.

Art takes different forms and categories. Art may be architecture, music, cinema, painting, sculpting, dance, literature, or sketching as I personally prefer.

Art can express emotion and represent views of the world which are not our own.

My personal choice in art is the portrayal of what I view as beauty such as the exquisite female form as illustrated here. To each their own.

Happy World Art Day and may your art express who you are to all others.

Tags: things
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April 14, 2023
Happy Birthday to Me 2023
birthday cake    


Today is my 68th anniversary upon the Earth.

It is that anniversary of daddy's little tax deduction who arrived April 14, 1955.

So much has transpired that it's hard to grasp the reality of it all with the losses and gains of existence layed bare to the senses.

I'm not one to go for celebratory theatrics and prefer those quiet moments at home reflecting on that which has been and that which is to come.

So on this day I say that here I remain prepared for whatever else comes my way.

Happy birthday to me.




Tags: things
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April 13, 2023
International Plant Appreciation Day 2023
    young cannabis indicus plant
I used to be concerned with horticulture. I sought to grow plants from my mid 20s through about 40. It was late in that time when I felt the pressures of pre-employment drug testing hit the scene and changed my focus. They were overly controlling and therefore I decided to give up the practice recreational drugs.

This time in my life was over 33 years ago.

Today is International Plant Appreciation Day.

Each April 13 — the day before my birthday — horticulturists seek to express their appreciation green plants. Were I still a horticulturist, I might attempt to grow house plants, garden plants, ornamentals in my yard and so forth.

However, since I gave up altered consciousness I am pretty much left to admire the skills of others as I wistfully remember that which was but will never be again. There are times when social conventions will get the better of you. Pre-employment drug testing took me there.

I simply could not allow recreational drug use to adversely affect my career. It was the totality of my focus during that timeframe. I lived to work ... and it has paid off in my retirement.

Happy International Plant Appreciation Day.

Tags: things
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April 12, 2023
International Day of Pink 2023

I'd like to qualify this mess by stating I have had and do have a number of homosexual friends whose company I enjoy and for which I hold no ill will. This is because they have a comportment and decorum consistent with mine and I don't like some flaming fool playing flamboyant gay personality around me.

So. Be all of this as it may I am just wanting to guarantee that if you act appropriately there is no need to involve me in your personal life. I don't give a rip about your personal life nor how you comport yourself behind closed doors. I will be polite and socially aware around you should we ever interact. Social life not withstanding:

pink triangle shot up    


Day of Pink started in 2007 because fags feel the need to celebrate their deviance and furthermore this inclination for taking it out of the closet where it belongs.

2SLGBTQIA+ individuals like the fugly debauched fag scoundrel bitch whitehouse press secretary should make note that too many of us are opposed to the blatant flaunting by their sickos and will pretty much address them in that manner of our choosing regardless of what they want in the way of quality, diversity, and acceptance and quite contrary to the stupid left who just wants their vote regardless of how immoral their behavior may become.

It's simply not possible for normal human beings to accept overt miscreant perverison in our midst.

I'm not for bullying of any sort, even of reprobate sexual deviants like 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals so keep your panty waist lecher attitudes to yourself, maintain a respectable distance, and we can cohabitate.

Get in my face just once and suffer the consequences, poofs. You are NOT welcome in my presence with your derelict lifestyles and deviate sexual proclivities.
 

Tags: people, things
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April 11, 2023
National Submarine Day 2023
USS Holland hull
I was in the Navy, but I was a 'tin can sailor' meaning stationed on destroyers. I never qualified for submarine duty, primarily as a function of that fear of total submergence for extended periods in deep water. Consequently I did not know the privilege of wearing submariner dolphins.

Today is National Submarine Day. It is observed in celebration of the purchase of the first modern commissioned submarine, the USS Holland (SS-1).

The US government purchased the Holland VI for $150K on April 11, 1900. It was designed by Irish American inventor John Phillip Holland and was commissioned on October 12, 1900. Commanded by Lieutenant H H Caldwell, it was deemed the first modern submarine and was impressive with it's components and armaments. It had a hydrodynamically advanced shape, dual propulsion systems, separate main and auxiliary ballast systems, a fixed longitudinal center of gravity, and a modern weapon system.

The Holland VI was decommissioned on November 21, 1910 after leaving it's mark permanently upon the US Navy. Actually, the USS Alligator was the first submarine but sank on April 2, 1863 as the results of heavy weather.

It is noteworthy to the Navy as well as submariners in the know. That world of the submarine sailor was cramped, poorly ventilated, and made for a difficult lifestyle but it was important from a standpoint of sea power.

I thought some of my duties were rather tedious in the Navy, but certainly no more so than those of the typical submarine sailor. Cramped quarters make for the need of extra social awareness.

Senator Thomas J. Dodd introduced a bill in the US Senate in 1969 that would make April 11 National Submarine Day.
USS Holland Schematic

Tags: weapons
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April 10, 2023
International Safety Pin Day 2023
    Safety Pins
I'd like to be able to say I never have used a safety pin ...

But that would be incorrect. I have had to pin myself up every now and then in an effort to hide my unmentionables from public scrutiny and perhaps truss up a hem in pants gone unravelled or temporarily mend some curtain hanging on a window.

In my old age I find my need for safety pins wanes much like other aspects of my existence requiring support measures. I simply have met most contingencies up front rendering them unnecessary.

Today is International Safety Pin Day.

It happens on April 10 annually and is an unofficial observance of one of the most simplistic and useful device of my lifetime the safety pin.

The safety pin was invented by one Walter Hunt, who was a mechanic in the states. It is said he did this to repay a debt to a friend. He sold the patent to W. R. Grace and Company for $400, repaid his friend then stashed away the remaining fundage.

It is said that the safety pin was made as an improvement on the "dress pin" and prevented injuries to fingers and other body parts during their use. The first pins were made of a brass wire some 8 inches long.

The design has remain pretty much the same since it's invention.

So regardless if you're diapering a baby, making a seam, tacking a set of drapes or whatever the Safety Pin is there for you.

Happy International Safety Pin Day.

Tags: things
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April 9, 2023
Christ Arose from the Tomb 1,990 years ago
sketch on Christ Resurrected by Peter Paul Rubens c 1616
The Gospel according to Matthew

27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
27:56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
27:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
27:59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
27:60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
27:61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
27:63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
27:65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
28:4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you
28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Holy Bible, King James Version
Tags: scripture
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April 8, 2023
Draw A Bird Day 2023
    spotted towhee
Another Draw A Bird Day is upon us and it has become somewhat of a tradition on the blog.

DABday as I like to call it is about reproducing the form of avian species on media and is about the differences in appearance and function — as well as the colors and application of media in the process.

It is celebrated annually on April 8 but is not about drawing or artistic skills so much as having fun and sharing drawings of birds.

Expertise is not a requirement in the celebration of this day. Some of my most favorite and endearing examples are primitives drawn by young children. These are the elements of cherished memories that I wish for in my life.

I wish that I had not discarded those drawings I drew as a child for my mother then stuck to the refrigerator with a magnet set there for that purpose ...

We never know when life's regrets will arise and just what form they may take.

So in celebration of this year's Draw A Bird Day I give you the Spotted Towhee chick. I've never drawn an infant bird before and it's an attempt to forge new frontiers of personal endeavor.

And a happy Draw A Bird Day to you !

See Also:

Draw a Bird Day 2022
Draw a bird day 2019
Draw A Bird Day 2018

Tags: things
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April 7, 2023
National Beer Day 2023
go have a beer    

Today is National Beer Day in the United States.

Go out and have a beer seeing how our governance is handled by the buffoons of the democratic party and nobody seems to be able to effectively deal with them.

I'm surprised at the total ineptitude going on in the United States.

The thugs and criminals are in charge of the prison.

We have lost leadership and prestige on the world stage and kicking out the UN and the WHO would go far in recovering some of this.

Since the WHO should not exist I decline to discuss World Health Day. Someday when the foreigners leave our country and stop imposing their third world stupidity on us perhaps my attitude will change. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has demonstrated his lack of scientific grasp with his handling of the Wuhan China COVID-19 virus and associated so-called "pseudopandemic" control mechanism desired by the libtards as well as the utterly disasterous vaccine program which killed even more human beings than the contagion would have.
WHO Puppets of China

Boo WHO.

Boo Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dumb ass puppet of china.

There comes a time when the stinky stupid of the international community need to step aside.

Tags: things, health, places, politics
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April 6, 2023
Plan Your Epitaph Day 2023
epitaph gag    

This may be one most likely won't wish to pursue. Today is plan your epitaph day. It is a time to consider how you might wish to be remembered throughout eternity. You do this by planning that which you wish to be cut into your tombstone.

My dearly departed and beloved grandma Ida used to tell me she felt fortunate to have seen her headstone prior to her passing.

I remember it because it was one of those waining lucid moments we had prior to her total descent into Alzheimer's and the end of all conversation with someone I dearly loved.

Regardless of what we may wish for ourselves, eventually our time upon the earth will end. The end, like the beginning is a necessary part of the circle of life.

That monument to your existence you choose to leave behind will speak regarding you after your departure and you may wish to give the matter some thought prior while you may.

Perhaps a tombstone inscription, a brief written piece commemorating who you were and what you were all about, or even verbiage on a tomb or monument in your honor or memory.

In all attempts not to sound gruesome, happy Plan Your Epitaph Day !

I take it all very lightly and in stride. I am well aware of the inevitability and really have no particular designs on eternity ...

I will likely be cremated and scattered without a marker or columbarium — unless I decide to take the plunge later — on my piece of bottom land in the Hollow Creek community of Aiken County. Those plans of course may evolve prior to that time as well.

A human being may encounter worse ends.
 

Tags: health, people, places, satire
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