We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
It is such a common problem. My 3-year old battery has died twice in the past month. I think it is from inadequate use, but my Triple-A guy told me car batteries are only good for 3-7 years anyway.
He advised taking it for a 100-mile drive, but that's not my plan today.
Interestingly, he was from Morocco so we talked about Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains. We've been to Marrakesh and have hiked in those mountains. Terrible. I've been to those remote mountain villages, with the Berbers. Wild camels, blue-eyed French-speaking Berbers.
18:15 "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.
18:16 But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
18:17 If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18:18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
18:19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."
Some friends caught a couple of small (50-60 lb) Yellowfins about 20 miles east of Montauk last weekend. What fun. They happily ate chunks of the Yellowfin sashimi while cleaning them. That's the way to do it.
About Yellowfin Tuna . Tuna are one of a small number of warm-blooded fish.
Interesting, possibly controversial topic. I do not trust Dr. Google, but one of my two hernias became visible after deadlifts. Maybe it's been brewing for years.
I also know that I often err in holding my breath with heavy weights. Wrong technique, I know. I try to do it all correctly but sometimes forget, or just strain to my max to get it done like any ordinary foolish person.
Surgeon is going to fix them sooner. He says it's a myth about weights and hernias. He's a smart, experienced, and pleasant guy. Whatever. I'll do whatever he says.
My car radio got stuck on NPR for the past couple of weeks. It's been an education. Who pays for NPR? Mostly foundations, it seems. Some virtuous corporations...
Anyway, try listening to it sometime. One observation is that, whatever topic they take up, the queries are about 1) race, 2) climate change, and 3) Trans. For a recent example, they put some endocrinologist on to talk about female hormones. The interviewer only wanted to talk about racial differences, and how climate change effected female hormones. Interestingly, the researcher said they collected no racial data.
The people at NPR are like a vinyl record stuck in a groove.
Mrs. BD and I recently took on an in-person CPR course with those rubber dummies. It was a good refresher.
Those EMS people taught the 30 pumps, then mouth-to-mouth, and repeat. They made a good point which is that, if somebody doesn't need it, they will resist. When somebody goes down it's not easy to know for sure. As they said, forget about looking for a pulse because you'll only feel your own.
12:9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
12:10 Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
12:11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
12:16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
12:18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
12:20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."
12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Large Study 
A Woodchuck has moved into our place. I think he has a burrow beneath the garden shed. It makes me happy to see one around. 
Some friends caught a couple of small (50-60 lb) Yellowfins about 20 miles east of Montauk last weekend. What fun. They happily ate chunks of the Yellowfin sashimi while cleaning them. That's the way to do it.
