Much good stuff there. But not exactly @jon-nyc -esque.
I wonder if someone stole his password... 
W
wtg
@wtg
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There’s some good advice in here -
Another house for sale@Bernard said in Another house for sale:
Not my style, but nice views of LA.
I usually love MCM but for whatever reason I wasn't over the moon about this one.
But you're right, the views are amazing.
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Laughter is the best medicine -
The new system@Steve-Miller said in The new system:
Good grief.
What does all of this cost?
Not sure, but here’s a start.
There’s the cost of the National Guard. $470M and change.
https://ips-dc.org/fact-sheet-the-cost-of-trumps-national-guard-deployments/
And all those Kristi Noem commercials. $220M. Which she seems to have gotten a piece of.
https://www.propublica.org/article/kristi-noem-dhs-ad-campaign-strategy-group
What else? Feel free to add whatever you think I’ve missed.
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MapmaniaPeople are coming up with some pretty cool maps these days. Thought I'd create a place to post some of the ones that look interesting.
First one up:
@RealPlayer - what gives with Staten Island?? The Italian contingent?
Feel free to post any maps you'd like to share!
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ACA subsidiesWell, he may not read books but he's reading the writing on the wall.
The White House expects to soon unveil a health policy framework that includes a two-year extension of Obamacare subsidies due to expire at the end of next month and new limits on eligibility, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss the unannounced plans.
The proposal would mark President Donald Trump’s foray into Capitol Hill negotiations over how to address health care premium spikes set to hit Affordable Care Act enrollees if Congress lets the premium subsidies expire.
A White House official declined to confirm the details of the plan, saying, “Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the administration’s healthcare positions is mere speculation.” MS NOW first reported news of Trump’s intent to announce a new health care framework as soon as Monday to address spikes in ACA insurance premiums.
As part of a deal to reopen the government earlier this month, Senate Republicans agreed to give Democrats a vote on the ACA tax credits in December. But GOP lawmakers across the Capitol have been divided over how to respond to the subsidy deadline, leaving many eager for Trump to reveal his preferences. Hard-line conservatives have been pushing to let the subsidies expire while moderate Republicans have been pressing for an extension. Some Republicans are angling for a health care overhaul to replace the credits.
Politico:
The White House plan is expected to include new income caps for enrollees to qualify for the ACA tax credits as well as minimum premium payments, according to the two people with direct knowledge of the proposal.
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Bourbon competition winnerAnother competition, a different winner.
At this fall’s prestigious New York World Spirits Competition, a wheated bourbon that’s widely available for about $30 claimed the title of Best Overall Bourbon. The blind-tasting competition drew a crowded field of bourbons that included bottles that are typically impossible to find—or exorbitantly marked up on shelves.
Among more than 100 contenders, including bourbon heavyweights like Blanton’s Gold Edition and W.L. Weller Full Proof, the reasonably priced Green River Wheated Bourbon landed the top title.
Green River Wheated is an approachable 90 proof (45 percent ABV) and a blend of four- to six-year-old barrels. The judging panel described it as “a richly textured bourbon, opening with aromas of peppery spice followed by a palate of grains, oats, and creamy butterscotch layered with hints of oak. This all leads to a smooth, long finish where grain fades into soft honey, spice, and warm barrel notes.”
The only beverage called Green River that I'm familiar with is this:
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Trump Mobile@Steve-Miller said in Trump Mobile:
Seriously doubt it will happen.
Well it's not going well so far...
The Trump Mobile phone is nowhere to be found after months of delay
Trump Mobile has posted conflicting photos of the phone and scrubbed mention of its “Made in the USA” promise.
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Anyone following the latest flap?The revenge campaign is never-ending. Probably looking for mortgage fraud.
The Department of Defense on Monday said it is launching a "thorough review" into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, citing "serious allegations of misconduct."
The announcement comes days after President Donald Trump accused Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers of "seditious behavior" for a video in which they said that U.S. service members could refuse illegal orders.
In a statement posted to X, the Department of Defense said it "received serious allegations of misconduct" against Kelly, who is a retired U.S. Navy captain.
"In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings," the statement read.
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James ComeyFederal judge dismisses indictments against Letitia James and James Comey, saying Lindsey Halligan appointment was unlawful.
Prosecutors who work under Halligan argued Attorney General Pam Bondi has full authority to appoint whomever she wants to the position as long as they are qualified, and that the 120-day period serves as a sort of check-in system for those interim US Attorneys appointed.
“The implications of a contrary conclusion are extraordinary,” Currie wrote of the Halligan appointment. “It would mean the Government could send any private citizen off the street — attorney or not — into the grand jury room to secure an indictment so long as the Attorney General gives her approval after the fact. That cannot be the law. “
https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/24/politics/james-comey-letitia-james-indictments-dismissed
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How did I not know this?@Bernard said in How did I not know this?:
The map doesn't go below sea level.
I fixed my OP. I had copied/pasted their original heading, which said it represented highest/lowest. OTOH, according to the legend, the map actually just shows the highest elevation in each county (though they say country, which of course makes one wonder how accurate the map is to begin with!) If it really is highest....I can't think of any place where the highest elevation is below sea level.
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How did I not know this?Remarkable.
On a semi-related note...
Map of the Highest
and Lowestnatural elevation in every US county
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CBS/YouGov poll looks dismal for DJT -
What do you think of this house?@Steve-Miller said in What do you think of this house?:
I’ve been told that ivy will eventually kill a tree. Might take a while and it’s kind of picturesque. Maybe I’ll keep it.
I see mixed opinions on ivy. It probably does need to be kept in check which means it's one more gardening chore. I love the look but probably wouldn't plant it because of the extra work, especially since it could involve getting up into the tree to prune the stuff.
Kind of like ground cover. "Vigorous" can be a good thing or not, depending on how much work you want to put into keeping it in check.
From a distance, those trees look like they might be silver maples. My neighbors have a bunch of them in their yard, all cabled. And they've been cabled since we moved in here in 1980. One or two cables needed to be replaced a few years ago when they finally rusted through and snapped.
Silver maples aren't the best trees, but they are there and provide a lot of shade. I wouldn't take them out either.
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What do you think of this house?@Steve-Miller said in What do you think of this house?:
More yard art. Not sure what it is. Box on top is wood and there are hinges that appear to have attached a cover at one time.
My guess is a pole with hangers for bird feeders or suet, with a squirrel distraction on the top? People do hinged boxes that have peanuts in them. Like this:
Or deluxe accommodations:
The arms on the pole might also be a place to hang whole ears of corn from, like a chain with a screw eye hook on the end.
@Steve-Miller said in What do you think of this house?:
Here’s the pond. It appears to include some sort of waterfall. Have yet to find a switch for it.
I saw the pond in one of the photos of the listing. There was mention of a koi pond in the description of the property.
I love the idea of a pond but have shied away from the work, namely fall cleanout and pump removal, and then setting everything up again in the spring. And I would probably avoid stocking fish. Around here that ends up being a sushi buffet for herons, raccoons, and skunks.
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What do you think of this house?@Steve-Miller said in What do you think of this house?:
A camellia! My favorite shrub.
I'm not super familiar with camellias, but I looked them up and it appears there are cold hardy varieties. The leaves on that shrub look a bit like an azalea to me.
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What do you think of this house?Cool beans! I could see painting it if you want a pop of color, but my gut reaction is to leave it as is.
A shade garden. I am in my element.
I don't think it necessarily needs to be removed, but best to keep an eye on the ivy and keep it in check with regular pruning so it doesn't overwhelm the trees.
She probably has everything she needs, but let me know if she wants any hostas next spring. I'm doing a major remodeling project in the yard and will be in digging mode. (aside: There is no shovel emoji that I could find....)
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I think I’m losing itSome of what Rand Paul says is making sense. Not all, by any means, but some does.
https://reason.com/podcast/2025/11/20/rand-paul-congress-is-afraid-of-the-president/
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Has Marjorie Taylor Greene ... -
Best. Pears. Ever.
