My turn this week. It is hot in the South. It is hot almost everywhere. Perhaps we are being prepared for Hell. Perhaps we’re in Hell and just don’t know it. Aren’t you tired of “thoughts and prayers” instead of action? I am. Went to a cookout. First jam on the box? “Before I Let Go.” Don’t forget to support NPR and PBS. Check out the Presidential Term Countdown Clock. 914 days.
Kintsugi 7/20/26
Click HERE for free paranormal romances.
POTUS inserted himself into Spain’s World Cup trophy lift, and Spain photoshopped him out of their own celebration photos.
Recalled lettuce suspected of carrying cyclosporia was distributed from June 29 through July 16 in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. FDA took back the findings. Fingers were pointed at Taylor Farms (supplier) and fast-food places that use shredded lettuce (I’m looking at you, national taco places).
Vanilla is America’s favorite ice cream flavor, followed by chocolate in many variations. Right now my favorite is Tillamook Chocolate Collection Brownie Batter ice cream. For adding to desserts like cake or pie, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla or Häagen-Dazs vanilla are my go-tos. Vanilla ice cream with cherries is right up there.
U.S. Central Command announced that two U.S. service members were killed and another is missing following Iranian strikes on two military bases in Jordan on Friday. Another service member was killed during a “controlled detonation” of unexploded ordnance from an Iranian drone. (more) The attacks raised the US death toll to at least 17 service members since the war began in February, with more than 430 wounded. (still more)
The Pour Over: Get the day’s biggest news in 5 minutes, paired with biblical reminders to keep you focused on Christ HERE. This site is supposed to be politically neutral.
POTUS fired the two Democratic commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and the agency’s final commissioner, a Republican, resigned. Without commissioners, the agency can still distribute election funding to states. Still, some of its functions will be impaired.
Here are 6 daily habits women over 50 should start now for a longer, healthier life. Eating prunes and drinking coffee are the top two ( Yay, I do both).
Trump Media, owner of conservative social media platform Truth Social, reportedly offered Wall Street firms instant access to the president’s posts for a $100K monthly fee. (More)
As Paul V. Brock notes in “Hillbilly Eulogy,” to understand the problem around JD Vance’s Communion, we have to go back to Ohio. As someone who grew up twenty miles up the highway, Brock says there’s nothing romantic about Middletown. No one from Ohio would mistake this flat, industrial town on the I-75 corridor for Appalachia. But, as he describes it, “Vance needed Appalachia—he needed the hills and the hollows and literary pedigree, because a broke suburb doesn’t sell books.” (More)
Too much going on, most of it painful. Why are there so many old politicians? A few good things to smile about. Don’t forget to support NPR and PBS. Echelle, check out the easy summer recipes. 920 more days; check out the Presidential Term Countdown Clock.
Wild Cooking Woman 7/14/26
Klancy Miller has created this GoFundMe for her cookbook, The Picnic Project, scheduled to be published in May 2027. She needs about $1000 more to cover the costs of hiring a photographer, food stylist, prop stylist, and renting a studio to photograph the recipes.
The lead investor in Korea Aluminum has challenged U.S. trade penalties and made a $2 million payment to Trump’s holding company last year.
Why did black men in the 1950s always look so sharp? My dad was one, my grandfather, another. Watch the video here.
Here is a new collection of cookout music to be played in the park, backyard, or at the kitchen table. https://open.spotify.com/
I need a new passport. I don’t want to travel and find myself sent home because I have less than 6 months before it expires. So…I need a new passport. I saw these tips about taking acceptable photos. I also saw a link for renewing my passport online. Watch out for companies that promise to do it all for you, and fast, too! Here are the criteria:
- Age: You are 25 or older.
- Passport Validity: Your current passport is valid for 10 years.
- Expiration Date: It is either expiring within 1 year or expired less than 5 years ago.
- Possession: The physical passport is in your possession, undamaged, and has never been reported lost or stolen.
- No Changes: You are not changing your name, sex, date of birth, or place of birth.
- Location: You are physically located in a U.S. state or territory.
- Travel Timeline: You are not traveling internationally for at least 6 weeks
BTW, given our current international political and economic relationships, don’t forget to check for visa requirements immediately!
