The Red, White & Brew Craft Beer and Wine Festival is back for a 7th year, featuring traditional and seasonal offerings from local breweries and wineries, a car show, food vendors, live music, and an auction to benefit Easterseals NH’s Veterans Count. The event will take place on Saturday, September 30, at Funspot in Laconia, touted as the world’s largest arcade.
Now, before you turn the page thinking that this is a rehash of the Black Bean Brownie recipe just hold on a minute! This Black Bean Chocolate White Chip Cookie came to me on a whim. And, while past experience did offer some forehand
knowledge and assurance to the use of Black Beans in a baked treat, to not write about another recipe for a baked good using Black Beans is like saying, “Oh, I can’t write about another cookie that uses flour!”
So this story starts at the check out of a local grocery store. It is one of
a popular chain of stores accessible to most everyone within the tactile distribution of this fine publication but will go unmentioned lest I be accused of endorsing one store over another. But, if I said to you it was, “where Hannah crosses the river,” you could probably figure out what
chain I am referring to.
In reality, I shop at a variety of stores with no specific loyalties to any one place in particular. Most often it is a matter of convenience with regard to my other errands on the To Do list but also with an eye toward making my bud -
The festival will offer two ticket options—VIP ticketholders receive early access at noon on event day for $40 each, while general admission tickets are $25, granting access from 1 to 4 p.m. There is also a $10 ticket rate for designated drivers and a $25 ticket rate for admission to the car show only. More than 50 types of specialty cars are expected to be on display during the afternoon.
Hundreds of attendees will gather to enjoy beer and wine samples from area
To The Editor: During WWII when Germany was bombing England, C.S. Lewis narrated over the radio a series of letters called “The Screwtape Letters.” After the war this series of allegories were combined in a book by the same name. The devil, Screwtape was writing to his nephew, Wormwood with daily instructions on how to manipulate the human mind with demonic activity. In the last chapter of the book Lewis tells of a scene in hell where Screwtape addressed an audience of graduating demons. During this speech Lewis projects a hidden truth describing the nature of Public School today. How does he connect education with Democracy?
tive. As equality in education grows, permeating every fabric of society with saturation by force, it lifts up mediocrity and discourages superiority by holding it down. This process is inevitable in a society where majority rules.
child’s curriculum is filled with CRT and the hyper-sexualization agendas.
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Lewis’s words are screaming from the past to warn the future of our Republic, the dangers of how majority rule, “democracy” creates the “abolition of education.”My understanding of the premise he based his thesis on: “I’m as good as you are.,” it is a natural thought process which in a democracy is exploited to gain popular support with promises of equality. When the majority rules under the false promise of equality, would-be dictators force equality on the people. Therefore, God-given freewill is sacrificed on the altar of, “I’m as good as you are equality,” as the new norm. Lewis drew a vivid word picture with his far seeing allegoric perspec-
His wisdom paints a dark picture where the Deep State does not want great men in democracies. Our Republic has been hijacked by what is taught in the schoolroom. Since WWII we have greatness in technology, but that is a product of one generation standing on the shoulders of previous generations. But how many great leaders have we produced? This is exactly how Marxist influence divides at the individual level. There is no room for the brilliant student to accelerate his education because that makes the rest feel inferior. This philosophy directly impacts the great middle class foundation of our free nation. Look around, the decline in education to produce doctors, scientist and mathematicians has created a market for foreign students to follow their high achieving careers on our shores.
Free Public Education is the tenth step of the Communist Manifesto. Lewis knew this result of free education in a Democracy in the 1940’s. Today’s parents instinctively know true education doesn’t exist apart from God. Gone are the days of focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Instead a
This newspaper was first published in 1883 by Mathew H. Calvert as Calvert’s Weirs Times and Tourists’ Gazette and continued until Mr. Calvert’s death in 1902. The new Weirs Times was reestablished in 1992 and strives to maintain the patriotic spirit of its predecessor as well as his devotion to the interests of Lake Winnipesaukee. Our newspaper’s masthead and the map of Lake Winnipesaukee in the center spread are elements in today’s paper which are taken from Calvert’s historic publication.
Locally owned for 30 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories of the people
Concerned parent should keep September 28th open from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The local Chapter of The John Birch Society will host a program featuring Shawn McBreairty covering these UNESCO/Department of Education curriculumns, Shawn has appeared on Tucker Carlson, Faulkner Focus and the Ingrahm Angle among many other programs. He also Hosts the Maine Source of truth podcast. The event will be held at the Marion Gerrish Community Center at 39 W. Broadway in Derry, NH . All attendees must registerer RSVP at https://form.jotform. com/232328201086044. Or, Please call 207-391-0970 for further information.
Russ Payne Merrimack, NH.and places that make New Hampshire the best place in the world to live. No, none of the daily grind news will be found in these pages, just the good stuff.
Published year round on Thursdays, we distribute 24,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 60,000 people reading this newspaper.
To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 603-366-8463.
My guidebook writer pal Carey Kish has another book out; Beer Hiking New England hit the bookstores this summer. His guide joins the global best selling Beer Hiking series published by Helvetiq. I know that the publisher picked the best person to write this book. Kish is the editor of the AMC’s Maine Mountain Guide and there is a good reason his Appalachian Trail name is Beerman. Back in the fall of 2020 I joined Carey while he was doing his research for this guidebook. I hiked with him in New Hampshire and Vermont. After the hikes I tagged along to check out the nearby breweries. I liked this kind of research and I like hiking with Carey. Beer Hiking New England is a guidebook that hikers and beer fans will find handy for discovering great hikes and great craft brews.
The guidebook features 50 New England hikes and brews spread all over the six New England States. The guide provides detailed descriptions of easy, moderate and strenuous rated hiking routes to some of the prettiest scenery that each state has to offer. After the hike description he serves up a recommended brew at a nearby craft brewery. There are many color photos and it is loaded with interesting
Beer Hiking New England by Carey Kish guides its readers to 50 excellent hikes and their nearby tastiest brews all over the six New England States. Fans of hiking and beer will surely be pleased with this fun and informative book. The book is available at Mountain Wanderer in Lincoln, Amazon or ask for it at your favorite bookshop.
background information about the hikes and brews. Choose the hike or the beer first? I was flipping through the guidebook and I saw the can of Pretentious Hopper, Rek’-Lis Brewing Company’s wonderful New England IPA.
Zealand Road begins about two miles south of Twin Mountain on Rte 302. The trailhead parking is just shy of a mile in, just past the Sugarloaf campground and right before the bridge over the Zealand River.
The day started out foggy and cloudy but the clouds were lifting. These ledgy peaks have the best views and they are fine peaks to see the fall foliage of the Zealand Valley and beyond.
Kish rates this hike moderate and I agree. The T-Shaped route, round trip is 3.5 miles with a 1,000 feet of elevation gain. This hike has it all. It begins with an easy walking section along the long abandoned rail
That evening I planned to go to Rek’-lis to join the Cohos Trail 25th anniversary celebration. In the guidebook this beer was paired with a hike up North & Middle Sugarloaf.
I grabbed my boots and backpack and drove to the trail.
On Saturday ad Sunday, September 30th - Oct 1st , The Mount Washington Valley Fall Craft Fair will take place at Schouler Park, 1 Norcross Circle, North Conway.Hours are Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 10 am to 4 pm . Celebrate Fall at this amazing arts & crafts fair in North Conway with over 100 fabulous exhibitors. Some of the arts & crafts will include beautiful pottery, handsome handpainted glassware, laser-engraved charcuterie boards, cedar wood furniture, beautiful soy candles, amazing wildlife photography, African animal photography, stained glass art, handpoured soaps, wrought iron creations, beautiful resin art, delicious fudge/
kettle corn, gourmet foods & pastries, wooden crafts, pressed floral art, essential oils, cutting boards, awesome quilts, unique macrame furniture, various styles of jewelry, maple products, string art, & lots more.
Friendly, Leashed Dogs Welcome. Held Rain or Shine Under Canopies. Music with North River Both Days. Always Free Admission. For More Info Call Joyce 603.387.1510 . joycescraftshows.com
The New Hampshire Veterans Home (NHVH) will hold its 6th annual craft fair on Saturday, September 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Home’s pavilion, accessible from Colby Road in Tilton. The Fair features free admission in their outdoor venue.
Vendor space registration fees and raffle sales benefit the NHVH Resident Benefit Fund. This fund provides the continuation of quality programs for our state’s veterans through trips, entertainment, programs and other activities.
“We are once again delighted with the response we received from artisans throughout the State,” shared Patty Copeland, Supervisor of Volunteer Activities. “Over 85 vendors will be on our grounds offering hand-crafted items for fall and the holidays, in addition to timeless treasures and unique gifts. We look forward to featuring these talented craftspeople who provide something for everyone.”
This year’s fair will once again provide availability to the Home’s popular raffle of a wide variety gift certificates and merchandise. Raffle participants enter to win individual items of their choice, with over 130 themed raffle baskets, gift cards, games, power tools, children’s toys, fall and winter holiday items from which to choose. A 50/50 raffle will also be held.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home is home to 134 men and women veterans who have served their country and fellow New Hampshire citizens. NHVH is the State’s only long-term care facility dedicated exclusively to veterans. For more information, call (603) 527-4400 or visit www. nh.gov/veterans, www.facebook.com/nhveteranshome.
MOULTONBOROUGH - Get ready to be transported into the world of classic automobiles and motorcycles at the much-anticipated annual Castle Car Show. Join Castle in the Clouds on September 30th for a mesmerizing display of antique vehicles, creating a unique blend of automotive history and breathtaking scenery.
Pre-registration is encouraged for vehicles; however, day-of registration is available until noon for an additional fee. Vehicle registration includes admission to the Castle Car Show for the driver and one passenger, one voucher for free Castle admission, and one voucher for $5.00 off Castle admission. Show cars should plan to arrive between 8:00am and 10:00am, rain or shine. Judges will award one prize in each of the following categories: Tom Plant era (circa 1914), featured category (British cars), and judges choice.
The Castle Car Show is open for spectators from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Tickets are $5.00, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets online in advance. Current Castle Members receive free spectator admission to the 2023 Car Show and do not have to sign up.
“This annual event serves as a testament to the enduring allure of classic automobiles, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Castle in the Clouds estate,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds. “As we bring together a remarkable collection of antique cars and motorcycles, we celebrate the craftsmanship, innovation, and nostalgia that define the automotive world.”
All proceeds from this event will support the Castle Preservation Society’s mission to preserve, interpret and share the buildings and landscape of the Castle in the Clouds as a cultural and educational resource for the benefit of the public. For more information about the Castle Car Show, please visit castleintheclouds.org/event/car-show-2023.
The Meredith Historical Society is excited to invite the public to its upcoming program on Tuesday, October 3rd.
“NH Through the Lens of Music: Historical Tidbits”. This original program will be presented by local musicians Janet and Phil Sanguedolce who perform in an acoustic guitar/vocal duo called The Sweetbloods.
Karen Thorndike, Historical Society President shared, “We are so grateful to have Janet and Phil performing for us. They are connected to our community in many ways and their musical talents are well known throughout the Lakes Region”. “Join us for a special evening of light entertainment with a historical flair!”, Thorndike concluded.
This program will be held at the Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive. Doors open at 6:30 PM for light refreshments. The program begins at 7:00 PM. All programs of the Society are free, and all are welcome!
For more information about the Meredith Historical Society visit us on Facebook or our web site at www.meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org.
Is it just me, or do others think like this?
wiper at this exact point as to be directly in my line of vision? And how does it seem to happen every single time?
“Doesn’t the same thing happen in the winter after a snowstorm?”
by Brendan Smith
On a rainy and windy day, there always seems to be that one pine needle that falls from a pine tree somewhere and positions itself precisely on the spot on my driver’s side wiper blade so as to form a blurry streak on each blade pass that is directly in my line of vision.
By the time I realize that such a distraction is taking place I am already well on my way to my destination. I could pull over somewhere and remove it, but usually I just continue, hoping against hope that possibly it will blow off on its own or that by adding to the already wet window with some wiper fluid, I might dislodge it. Seems to never work.
My choice is usually to drive on and take care of the situation once I am at my destination. Still, nine times out of ten I don’t, deciding that I will take care of it once I come back to the car.
Of course, by the time I am done with work or shopping or whatever, I get back in the car, my mind now clear of thoughts of the intrusive pine needle and once again am on my way when another rain shower develops. I turn on the windshield wiper, only to be confronted again with that blurry streak in my line of vision.
Even in my late 60s, after decades of pine needle on windshield experiences, I still am taken by surprise.
While I am driving in this situation, I can’t help but consider how this affects me personally. How does it happen that the pine needle landed so perfectly on my windshield
I thought, what if my torso was a different size and my line of vision was just a little bit higher or lower based on my particular body size. Would the pine needle still fall as such as to affect my line of vision? Does this happen to others, or just me? Do others also deal with pine needles falling on the exact spot on their windshield wipers to affect their line of vision?
I asked a few folks I know who have different bodies then me and they told me that, yes, it sometimes happens to them as well.
Then I started to wonder if this was all planned. Why do these pine needles always seem to secure themselves on this particular section of my windshield, and others, so often? Is this a conspiracy of some sort? Is this all planned in advance by some stealth government agency that has control of pine needles everywhere through some nefarious secret operation to create these blurry lines on our windshields from some purpose that only they know of?
As these thoughts cross my mind, I find myself trying to catch a quick look at other cars around me. Are they all dealing with this same pine needle phenomenon? But my mind quickly comes back to the road. Perhaps the distraction of looking at other cars trying to determine if they have pine needles on the windshields affecting the drivers line of vision is exactly what the conspirators have in mind for whatever reason.
Once my mind gets going on something like this I can’t stop.
“Is this just an issue with pine needles?” I contemplate as I keep my eyes on the road through my blurry windshield.
I think back to how often after a snowfall I have diligently cleaned off my car and then, much to my chagrin, realize after I am on the road that that one, miniscule little piece of ice I seemed to have missed is now hanging on my windshield wiper in the same spot (hmm) as the pine needles and has now caused an even more distracting blur on my windshield on (you guessed it) my line of vision.
Can this be just coincidence?
Then I think about that one leaf in autumn that sometimes falls on a rainy day when I am driving and attaches itself to my windshield in that exact position.
I can’t help but wonder, is there something behind this more than we know?
But eventually I reached my destination, and these thoughts of conspiracies fade away and soon I forgot about them all together as some realities of life took over.
Then later, I get back in my car, forgetting once again to take care of that pesky pine needle that caused all the commotion, and my thoughts once again turn.
Except this time I’m thinking maybe there is some deep philosophical message to take away from all this. Maybe the pine needle on the windshield is there to suggest something more about my life that I’m missing.
Or maybe it’s just nothing more than a pine needle.
The possibilities are endless if you really take the time to think about it.
Brendan is the author of “The Flatlander Chronicles,” “Best Of A F.O.O.L. In New Hampshire” and “I Only Did It For The Socks and Other Tales of Aging” available at BrendanTSmith.com.
If there is one overriding theme of the Biden years, it is the systematic degradation of American freedom, pushing the lives and freedom of private citizens aside as government expands and takes over.
This is done under the rubric of the left that “government knows best.”
Day by day, we are becoming what the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia described as “a country I do not recognize.”
In a new paper published by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, Casey Mulligan, professor of economics at the University of Chicago and former chief economist of the president’s Council of Economic Advisers, estimates the current and future costs of new regulations imposed so far by the Biden administration as close to $10,000 per household.
Per Mulligan, although the largest single area of new regulatory costs come from fuel economy and emission standards, they still only account for one-third of the total costs. The rest come from “health, labor, telecommunications and consumer finance regulations.”
In a paper published last year by Mulligan with Stephen Moore, they estimated that Biden administration policies, driven by climate change dogma, to shut down the oil and gas industry have resulted in 2 to 3 million barrels per day less of oil production and 20 to 25 billion cubic feet of less natural gas production had these policies not been in place.
Mulligan and Moore estimate the cost of this foregone energy production to the U.S. economy is on the order of $100 billion per year.
Now we have the latest move by the Biden administration to remove millions of acres of land in Alaska from oil and gas drilling and development.
This includes blocking nearly half of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, the largest expanse of public land in the country, and canceling seven leases issued during the Trump administration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
These moves may leave President Joe Biden’s climate change dogmatists happy, but less so Americans who care what they pay for energy.
Alaska’s Sen. Dan Sullivan and Wyoming’s Rep. Harriet Hageman have introduced the Energy Poverty Prevention and Accountability Act that requires
This week, The Times of London and Channel 4 issued a scathing expose about actor and comedian-turned-podcaster Russell Brand. Brand began his career as a comedian and MTV host; in 2004, he joined “Big Brother’s Big Mouth” on Channel 4, and then transitioned into acting and voice-overs. In 2013, he went political; by 2020, he had launched a successful podcast, taking heterodox positions on matters ranging from COVID-19 to the Ukraine war.
Brand was a sexual degenerate throughout the 2000s; the media were utterly unconcerned about such matters. In fact, the same media outlets now investigating Brand were happy to make money off of him as he engaged in overtly vile behavior he himself would now be ashamed of.
by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist
So what changed? Brand did. He began taking political positions that contradicted many of the most cherished assumptions of the media class. He spoke out on a variety of issues that were considered taboo. He abandoned his past embrace of debauchery and began promoting more honorable personal behavior.
Over the course of this time, Brand also changed his personal behavior. He was a drug abuser in the early 2000s; by 2003, he was a self-declared sex addict; today, he is married with two young children.
The Times and Channel 4 report concerns behavior during the period 20062013. Those allegations come from five women, four of them anonymous, who accuse Brand of behavior ranging from emotional abuse to sexual assault and rape. Metropolitan Police have urged any victims to come forward. Brand denies all of the allegations.
Full disclosure: I’ve interviewed Russell and been interviewed by him at length. I consider him a friend. You can never truly know another person well enough to rule out vile, despicable, criminal behavior in their past; I didn’t know Russell during his most debauched period, and I assume that if I had, we wouldn’t have gotten along. And the allegations, as Brand himself says, are incredibly serious. Presumably we will find out all the facts as time goes on.
There is a question worth asking here, aside from the obvious question about Brand’s alleged crimes: What prompted the media to begin digging into Brand? It was an open secret in Hollywood that
This prompted an investigation that, if the allegations are true, should have happened more than a decade ago. That investigation has now been utilized as a predicate to unperson Brand before he even responds to the allegations in full. He has not been arrested and charged, let alone convicted of a crime. Yet YouTube announced on Tuesday that it would cancel all monetization of Brand’s videos on the site, preventing Brand from earning an income from any content posted on YouTube. “This decision applies to all channels that may be owned or operated by Russell Brand,” the social media service explained.
Allegations can now be utilized to erase unpleasant people from social media -presumably because of what they have done in the past, but really, because of what they say now. There are reams of allegations about a bevy of YouTube creators. But those who are demonetized seem to be of one political type.
This is dangerous stuff, no matter what emerges about Brand. If he’s guilty, he will pay for his crimes. But the preemptive destruction of his career makes for a truly ugly incentive structure. And it is now just one more reason for those who do have heterodox opinions to avoid speaking up.
Did you survive the budget cuts from the last debt ceiling fight?
President Joe Biden called them “draconian,” while Republicans praised the deal’s “historic reductions in spending.”
But both parties conned us, as my new video explains.
What they call “cuts” were just a reduction in their planned spendingincrease. Instead of raising spending by 7.8%, they increased it by “only” 3.9%. Only politicians get to call an
increase a cut.
Biden praised the deal, saying, “We’re cutting spending and bringing the deficits down at the same time!”
But they didn’t.
Now they’re using tricks to spend even more.
“Call it an emergency -- done,” says Cato Institute budget specialist Romina Boccia. “Spend the money on whatever you want.”
Boccia reports how the Senate is moving to increase spending beyond the agreed-upon caps simply by calling it “emergency” spending.
“They gave $296 million to NASA for ‘emergency infrastructure.’ What’s ‘emergency infrastructure?’” I ask.
“That’s not really a thing,” she replies. “It’s just a way to plus up the NASA budget ... a huge slush fund.”
“How do they justify this?”
“They don’t even try!” Boccia complains. “Unfortunately, Congress has complete discretion over what it calls ‘emergency.’”
This trick isn’t new. Under President Barack Obama, $150 million for fisheries got added by calling it “emergency funding.”
“I don’t think that’s an emergency,” says Boccia. “It’s not sudden; it’s not urgent.”
In the current budget, even useless agencies that should be eliminated, like the Education Department, get
more money. It will now spend 300% more than it spent 10 years ago.
“By the end of this decade, spending will be about $10 trillion,” says Boccia. “Who will be willing to lend that money to the U.S. government?”
Good question.
Recently, Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S. government debt.
“The rating agencies and investors are catching on that the federal budget is highly unsustainable,” she points out.
It sure is. Politicians have voted to spend much more money than the government will ever have.
On the other hand, so far, nothing
Ukraine fights on.
by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist
The arc of history passed through the UN last week as the global Assembly debated and deliberated on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Storm clouds from far off Eastern Europe descended over the delegations meeting in New York, who while largely and resolutely condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine eighteen months ago, still have not devised an effective diplomatic strategy to stop the bloodiest European conflict since the Second World War.
Thus as the UN deliberated, and blinked, the world moved on.
While both the General Assembly and a special Ukraine Crisis Security Council meeting featuring Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky rhetorically hammered away at “Putin’s war” there were few substantive moves to actually stop the conflict.
President Zelensky visited the UN in his trademark olive tunic to address both the General Assembly and the Security Council, warned that “Humankind no longer pins its hopes on the U.N. when it comes to the defense of the sovereign border of nations.” Reflecting the reality of the long-deadlocked Council, he went on to say that the fifteen member body “had become useless as long as Russia has the veto.”
Importantly Zelensky is promot-
ing a Peace Plan to end the conflict; yet his plan demands a return of all captured and Russian occupied territories. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov scoffed that Kyiv’s 10-point peace plan was “completely not feasible” and that the conflict would be resolved on the battlefield if Ukraine and the West stuck to it.
Speaking before the General Assembly Lavrov slammed the U.S. and West claiming, “They are trying to force the world to play according to their own self-centered rules.”
Debate on Ukraine has followed predictable but slowly shifting lines with fissures now beginning to appear eighteen months into the war.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned, “Our world is becoming unhinged. Geopolitical
tensions are rising. Global challenges are mounting. And we seem incapable of coming together to respond.”
The U.S. and European countries are staunchly following a narrative; President Duda of Poland made an impassioned plea, “When unleashing the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin wanted to restore the Russian empire, to divide the world and to make Europe systematically dependent on his raw materials. He has not succeeded!… Today, the victim is Ukraine. Tomorrow, it could be any one of us.”
U.S. President Joe Biden, though not making Ukraine the centerpiece of his address, stated, “it is Russia alone that stands in the way of peace, because Rus -
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This series of Letters
From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures.
This is a very important question. In fact, everything that I possess and you need must be appropriated by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6). It is for this reason that you must understand what faith is and express it to me and my son Jesus, if you ever hope to enjoy life in all its fullness.
Let’s start with defining faith. It is best understood by understanding its opposite.
The opposite of faith is self-effort or work. When you can acquire something on your own, you go ahead and simply get it. You put in the effort and get what you work for. Faith, on the other hand, is necessary when you can’t get something, and you need someone or something to do what you can’t do (Romans 4:4-8). You actually express faith every day in every way. When you cross a bridge you didn’t engineer, design or build you trust those who did those things to get you to the other side. When you enter a hospital to have a surgical procedure, like open heart surgery or to have a tumor removed, you simply show up and trust the Doctor to do what you can’t. When you eat food that has been purchased at a store, you trust that those who produced it followed healthy and safe procedures to ensure the
food doesn’t make you sick or kill you. Think of every aspect of your life and you will see that in each one in which you can’t do what needs to be do, you exercise faith in another.
How does this apply to your relationship with me? First of all, you must realize that we don’t have a relationship. When I created the first man and woman, I created them without sin or evil. They had never disobeyed me and as a result they were able to be in a relationship with me because I have never sinned or acted wickedly. Once they did choose to sin or disobey me, even once, they were separated from me and all the resources of heaven for life, now but also for eternity.
Can I ask you, once you have sinned even once, how can you make yourself sinless or perfect in order to be restored to me and to the life only I can give? You can’t! In fact, one sin separated you from me and since then you have only added untold numbers to that first one. Actually, by even trying to be restored to me by being religious and doing so called “good works,” you only dig the hole you are in, deeper. You are saying in effect, “I don’t need God, I can do it myself.”
Can you see the impossibility of ever being restored to me because you need to be perfect? You can’t. That is why faith is so important to me and to you. You can only be made perfect and be restored to me through trusting another to do what you can’t.
Now perhaps, you can
understand why I sent my son Jesus, who is himself, God and eternal. While he lived among you, he lived a perfect life without even one sin. But he was put to death by sinful humanity because he convicted them of their sin and in their pride, they rejected his call to repentance and obedience to God. I however, used this awful act of sin leading to his death, to be the means in which you could be made perfect again and thereby be restored to a relationship with me, your Creator God. When he died, he died not for his sin, he had none, but he died to pay for your sins. I, God, so loved the world that I gave my only begotten son to pay your penalty that separated you from me (John 3:16). In dying in your place, he did something to save you and restore you to me and life that you could not do. Since you can’t, the only way you can have it is to trust Him, Jesus, to do what you can’t. When you express faith and ask Him to save you, he applies his payment to all your sins and forgives them. As a result, for those who trust His efforts for you, exercising faith, he removes any penalty for sins held against you (Colossians 2:13-15). Then I, your God, will look at you as though you have never sinned or that you are perfect.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you were, are or will be perfect until you stand with me in heaven, but it does mean that since the penalty has been paid by another, whom you trusted through faith to apply his payment to your sins, they are removed (2 Corinthians 5:21). In this
condition I, once again, can restore you to myself and begin to pass on all the resources you will need to live now, in a dying world, and for eternity in my actual presence. I have so much more to say about faith and other areas you will need to trust me. I will share my thoughts in future letters.
In light of what you have learned about the need to exercise faith in order to have your sins forgiven, I ask you to trust my son, Jesus with a simple prayer of faith to save you from the penalty of sin. After he died, I raised him from the grave. He is alive and listening. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). There is no other way.
I love you, God
Israel: A Trip of A Lifetime. Come join Rev. Samuel Hollo, writer of Letters from God, as he guides a tour of Israel, March 18-27th of 2024. Together you will visit major sites of Biblical events throughout Israel of both the Old and New Testament. Each site visited will be viewed for their historical as well as their spiritual importance. This will be a 10-day trip that will be unforgettable and deeply inspirational. For information call (603) 875-5561
The results of a major study from the UK were announced last week, and they point to habits that were shown to decrease the risk of depression by up to 57%. As someone who writes aboutaccessible healthy living tips, I was quite familiar with each of them. In addition to reducing the incidence of depression, these habits also contribute to managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, promoting a healthy immune system, and contributing to overall wellness and longevity. The most recent study points to significant mental health improvements for regularly following at least five of the habits below.
Quality Sleep- Accounting for up to a 22% reduction in depression risk alone, consistently getting a good night’s sleep was one of the strongest findings. Some tips for improving your sleep tonight are limiting screen time before bed, creating a consistent sleep
schedule, and making sure your room is as dark as possible.
Exercise- This is not the first time research has linked exercise to better mental health outcomes, both as prevention and a durable, long term treatment. Starting today, you can incorporate more healthy movement into your life by going for a 30 minute walk, dancing in your kitchen to an upbeat playlist, or searching YouTube for online classes that match your fitness level and interest.
Nutrition- Diets rich in leafy greens, vegetables, berries, whole grains and lean protein contribute to health in a variety of ways, but getting started doesn’t have to look like perfection. Simply adding more whole foods into your diet while backing out processed ones can
start making an impact today.
Wherever you are with your relationship with alcohol and smoking, less is best. For those who can, keeping drinks at or below 1 per day for women and 2 per day for men and abstaining from smoking is ideal. If that currently sounds out of reach for reasons beyond your control, seeking additional support may be your next best step.
Limiting Sedentary Time - This one is interesting because it seems the same as exercise, but is not. Exercise alone is one part of healthy movement, and limiting sitting time while not exercising is another. What this can look like is giving yourself a daily
cap on screen time, or simply setting an alarm on your phone so you stretch and walk around the room a bit every half hour or so.
Cultivating Social Connections- Specifically through HobbiesStrong social connections have an incredible impact on physical and mental health, as well as vibrant longevity. This particular study looked at the types of connections we build while engaging in hobbies we enjoy. Is there a local club you can join for an interest you have? Engaging in interesting activities with like-minded people may sound like a luxury, but is actually a legitimate source of wellness.
Certainly, even a large reduction in risk is not going to prevent
Spinal health is all about awareness and lifestyle change, but those changes don’t always need to be drastic to make a drastic difference. Here are four easy ways to reduce the risk of neck and back pain, putting yourself on the road to a healthier, more painfree you.
1. Sleeping On Your Stomach Is a Nightmare for Your Spine. It may be comfy, and your partner may love that you aren’t snoring, but it’s definitely not a healthy choice: Your lower back is left unsupported, leading to an unpleasant wakeup call of a stiff and sore back in the morning. Over time you can actually cause a spinal shift and vertebral misalignments. Further, sleeping with your head turned, so your face isn’t in the pillow can cause misalignments in the cervical vertebrae.
The healthiest way to sleep is flat on your back with a small pillow to support the natural curvature of your neck. If you’re a side-sleeper, just make sure your pillow is the right size to maintain a neutral neck position, and you
may also want to consider a pillow between your knees for the sake of hip alignment.
2. Avoid Bad Sitting Habits That Put Your Spine at Risk. What could be simpler than sitting, right? Well, the truth is, you could be doing it wrong… And you aren’t alone. With so much time spent in chairs these days, especially at computers, poor sitting habits are having catastrophic effects on office workers especially.
Your spine is happiest in a neutral position, meaning that all three of its natural curves are uninhibited. Prolonged time in a chair, and particularly in one that doesn’t promote these
natural curves, can lead to misalignments, stress, back pain, poor posture, interrupted blood supply, and more. Even routine exercise won’t undo the damage!
Here are a few practical tips to get smart about how you sit, increasing spinal health and comfort: Sit less! Almost too simple, right? See if your workplace can provide you with a standing station to use for at least a portion of your workday. Or try a yoga or Pilates ball instead of an office chair. It may take a little getting used to, but the benefits are fantastic. Micromovements promote fluid exchange in your joints, and your core/ trunk muscles will be
routinely activated in the natural act of balancing.
Still using a regular office chair? Invest in a lumbar roll to fill the space between your lower back and chair, promoting those healthy spinal curvatures while also minimizing hunching. Move your screen up so that it’s level with your eyes. Looking
See RYAN on 13
Now at Three Locations...
MEREDITH: Dr. Graham Moneysmith
CrossroadsChiropractic.com
Austin wants to tell you about a very important finding in medical research. Any decline in hearing results in declines in cognitive performance and brain function.
Audiology Specialists provides cognitive screening that can measure some aspects of cognitive performance. This is an in-office, computerized screening. This is not an IQ test or list of questions. It is a simple, automated assessment that takes about ten minutes to complete.
The results of this screening are not affected by hearing loss. The results help your audiologist determine which hearing aid is most appropriate and ensures your hearing solutions are right for you. The screening can be repeated at any time in the future to identify changes in cognitive performance.
Please call for more information or to schedule an appointment at 603-528-7700.
There is a daily war going on in many homes and businesses. It is the war against spam calls, texts, and emails. These unwanted, unsolicited communications come in without regard for the recipient. It’s time to take a new approach as these communications grow to exorbitant numbers.
The good people at the NH Attorney General’s office continue to work hard to resolve this ongoing issue. In a newsletter released in July, AG Formella stated, “These unwanted calls are now a daily plague that open people up to all kinds of potential scams and predatory practices.” (For more on the newsletter visit: https://www.doj. nh.gov/. Select the ‘news and media’ tab to find the July 19, 2023 newsletter.)
Landline users may feel more vulnerable to these calls since landlines don’t have extra features to disrupt them like cell phones do. Landline users must rely on the wellintentioned ‘do not call list’ that is designed to help protect consumers from unsolic -
ited calls. There are a handful of options for landlines which can be found online including *77 which rejects calls from blocked, anonymous, or private numbers. The trouble with this feature is that you may be inadvertently blocking calls you want from healthcare providers or others who have unlisted numbers.
A gentleman at the Attorney General’s office shared some helpful information with me when I reported a scam caller earlier this year. He explained that the worse thing consumers can do is answer the phone when it is a suspected scammer. The second worse thing we can do is engage with the caller. He said the callers work in a ‘pool’ and when one caller gets a ‘live one’ (meaning, someone who answered the phone) they consider it to be a win because they are that much closer to scamming them. They share the phone number with others in the pool which only increases the number of incoming calls to innocent and sometimes vulnerable people.
At any given time, there are numerous scams going on. A recent one involved the scammers claiming to be Medicare, offering a way to stop scam calls which, of course required that the recipient share their So-
cial Security number. Wow! That is beyond reprehensible.
Scammers pretend to be a healthcare provider, bank, Social Security office, IRS, or some other important entity that might be of interest to the recipient. They are often attempting to acquire personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, banking information, and so on to steal money or commit identity theft.
It is so important to know that none of those organizations will ever call and ask for personal information. At most, your healthcare provider might ask for your name and date of birth to verify they are talking to the correct person; however, this type of call is one you would be expecting for scheduling an appointment, sharing test results, or returning your call. Healthcare providers are not cold-calling folks to try to elicit business.
You might be wondering how scammers are getting around the ‘do not call list’. Well, it’s sort of like the idea of gun control. Laws are only as effective as an individual’s willingness to follow them.
I don’t know many criminals who abide by laws.
Additionally, scammers are just clever enough to know how to illegally ‘borrow’ a
real phone number so that it appears to be a local call. This, of course, makes the recipient more inclined to answer.
I receive voicemails quite often from ‘Bob Hansen’ claiming to be a website designer. I’ve never answered the calls, but I do find it at the very least interesting that he calls my personal cell, then within seconds, I get a second call on my work cell. I’m on a list. And Bob is on mine.
I’ll give them one thing: they are persistent. And our best weapon against these calls is to fight fire with fire. Persistently ignore the calls. If it is a legitimate caller, they will leave a message. Persistently avoid engaging with them, no matter how frustrated you feel. Telling them off, lecturing them, and ‘toying’ with them will only make it worse for you.
My father, who receives as many as 40 of these calls in a day, recently answered the phone, then shared with the scammer how disruptive the calls are. Surprisingly, the caller apologized before hanging up. This is certainly an outlier; however, it’s nice to know that maybe a few have a conscience.
My in-laws received one recently where the caller claimed to be a family member who was just in a terrible
down throughout the day increases strain from holding your head up and makes it too easy to slouch (putting pressure on your cervical discs). Keep your feet flat on the floor and position your keyboard at a height that allows your arms to be close to a 90-degree angle.
3. Don’t Crack or Pop Your Own Joints. It may be satisfying, feel good, and even temporarily relieve pain, but cracking and manipulating your own joints is just never a good idea. Taking it a step further, having someone walk on your back, or forcing your own joints to crack, can be extremely dangerous.
4. Check Your Wardrobe, and Not Just in the Mirror.
What you wear and carry can have a big impact on your spinal health too. Don’t carry a wallet in your back pocket. It can compress the piriformis muscle, aggravate the sciatic nerve, and eventually create a nasty shift in your pelvis. And, if your pelvis shifts, you’re at risk for spinal issues as well since the pelvis serves as the foundation of the spine. Simply moving the wallet to a front pocket could save you in more ways than one.
Ditch the high heels. Flattening that transverse arch and uneven weight distribution can cause painful bunions, pelvic shifting, and strain across the sacroiliac joints and lumbosacral junction. We’re talking major foot and back pain.
Whether you’re car-
rying a laptop or hiking the AT, be mindful of the type of pack you carry and the lumbar support it offers. Keep it as light as possible too, especially if you do quite a bit of walking. For backpacks, look for wide, padded straps, ideally with a chest or waist strap to distribute the weight evenly. And please keep in mind that a child’s school backpack should never weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
5. Ongoing Chiropractic Care Is the Best Way to Promote Spinal Health . No matter your age, activity level, or career, talk to a reputable local chiropractor about ongoing care. Chiropractic adjustments don’t offer a one-time-fix, meaning that you just go in for a quick adjustment when something is bothering you. The best, most effective approach involves
strategic, long-term care in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes and education.
Stephanie Ryan, DC, CCWP is the owner of Crossroads Chiropractic, PC and is the host of the “Half Hour to Health” radio show on WEMJ, WTPL and WTSN.
CHAPMAN from 10
depression or any other malady for all individuals. If you, like so many others, are currently suffering from depression, it is always best to consult with a licensed professional for guidance and support. What this research does suggest however, is that for those looking to prevent mental health issues or to be further empowered to implement complemen-
tary lifestyle changes to enhance therapy and/ or medication, there really is no downside to incorporating these foundational practices. Like with most things in life and health, we may never have complete control, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an incredible amount of influence.
When a sports franchise—or a school— permanently “retires” a uniform number, it represents one of the highest honors a team can bestow upon one its own.
The first number retirement occurred on February 14, 1934, when the Toronto Maple Leafs retired Ace Bailey’s Number 6.
The first baseball number retirement happened on July 4, 1939, when the New York Yankees set aside Lou Gehrig’s #4 in perpetuity. Interestingly, several Yankees wore Babe Ruth’s #3 after the Bambino left the team in 1935. Ruth’s number was not retired until 1948.
On the hoop front, the Boston Celtics have retired 24 numbers, almost enough to represent five starting lineups!
Criteria for number retirements remain subjective. The relative worthiness of number retirements creates fodder for debate. Some think the Celtics have been a bit too liberal with such retirements, thus diminishing the honor.
Consider that quarterback Y.A. Tittle played but four years for the New York Giants, and yet the team retired his #14 following his retirement in 1964.
He played for four different teams. His Yankee tenure only lasted from 1977-81.
Like I said, number retirements create fodder for debate.
Still, the number retirement tradition generates interest, raises awareness, and honors long-term excellence.
Speaking of retiring, the day will come when I retire my golf clubs. But that will have nothing to do with honoring long-term excellence!
For whom did the Celtics retire #1? (Answer follows)
Closer to home, Plymouth State retired running back Joe Dudek’s #22 almost 34 years ago. The Panther standout broke Walter Payton’s all-time college football touchdown mark before receiving Sports Illustrated’s cover story endorsement for the 1985 Heisman Trophy. Dudek went on to play for the Denver Broncos. Who could argue with retiring #22?
Turns out the college faculty did. Some professors were upset that Dudek hadn’t graduated from the college. (He later got his degree.) The story went national, which unfortunately caused pain to Dudek, his family, and the Plymouth sports community.
Indiana University retired running back Anthony Thompson’s #32 after his last game for the Hoosiers in 1989—
the year of the Plymouth State brouhaha. IU did it while Thompson was still in school, thus avoiding the pesky graduation issue. No doubt the Hoosiers noted the Dudek kerfuffle.
This column was prompted by an internet story about Yankee retired numbers, of which there are 22, almost as many as the Celtics have.
Here are the Yankee numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20, 23, 32, 37, 42, 44, 46, 49, and 51
Here are the respective Yankee names: Martin, Jeter, Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Torre, Mantle, Berra, Dickey, Maris, Rizzuto, Munson, Ford, Posada, Mattingly, Howard, Stengel, Rivera, Jackson, Pettit, Guidry, and Williams.
But Reggie Jackson? Seriously?
That is to say, sports standouts born on September 28 include boxing champ Max Schmeling (1905) and former New England Patriot star Irving Fryar (1962).
Sports Quote
“He told the pitchers to ‘pair off in threes.’” –Mickey Mantle on Yogi Berra working with pitchers in spring training
Sports Quiz Answer
Original Celtic owner Walter Brown
State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. He co-authored the award-winning “FAHIM SPEAKS: A Warrior-Actor’s Odyssey from Afghanistan to Hollywood and Back” which is available on Amazon.com. His e-mail address is mimoffett@ comcast.net.
It was an exciting day for a young country boy when the man with the saw-rig came to our home to accomplish the task of sawing the lengthy pieces of wood from the woodpile into stove length pieces.
The noise of the gasoline engine and the squeal of the saw as it cut each piece of wood made it difficult to hear anything else, and the exhaust polluted the air with a bluish gray smoke that stung one’s nostrils and made the eyes water. That event only happened a few times during my boyhood years during the Fall season with a woodshed needing to be filled and winter soon to come. Most years it was reliance upon sawhorse and buck saw in the hands of the man and boys of the household that prepared the wood for burning in the stoves in our house, but for many this was probably a yearly experience,
“The noise of the gasoline engine and the squeal of the saw as it cut each piece of wood made it difficult to hear anything else, and the exhaust polluted the air with a bluish gray smoke that stung one’s nostrils and made the eyes water.” Columnist Robert Hanaford Smith recalls when the man with the saw-rig came by.
and, for some, something that happened both in the Spring and Fall of the year.
My Dad wrote of the passing of that era in our history by remembering two of the men who operated the saw-rigs that cut logs into stove-size chunks of wood. “Don Lougee died the other day,” the article in the 1967 newspaper article began. Then it explained to the readers why they might not have known Don: “He was unknown outside of his own town. He belonged to no organizations. He never held any public office. He left no survivors. He was the last of the family line.”
His obituary, newspa-
per readers were told, said that Don Lougee was a stone mason. He was that,it was agreed, but he was also a carpenter, a gifted natural mechanic, the truck driver who regularly picked up the rubbish and carried it to the dump, and the “tinker” who could “fix” almost anything in need of repair.
But Don Lougee was probably remembered best “as the operator of the portable wood sawing machine in an era of rural and village life that has all but vanished.” For years Don was said to have made his living by doing odd jobs and making the largest part of his income by operat-
ing his portable wood sawing rig on the farms
SMITH from 15
Young birds are extremely vulnerable to predation and an abundance of other hazards. Thankfully, nature evens the playing field to a degree by giving some parents clever defense mechanisms to protect their young.
Among the most interesting of these tricks are performed by waterfowl.
While walking in the woods the other day, I heard a frantic splashing in a nearby beaver pond. Upon further inspection, I saw a female mallard flopping around and generally causing a racket.
The duck appeared to be injured as it held out a wing as if it were broken. It looked as if the duck was trying to fly out of the water, but just couldn’t.
The mallard was perfectly healthy. It felt threatened by something and went into defense mode. I don’t know if it was me on the trail that threatened it or something else lurking along the pond’s edge. The chicks remained hidden in the vegetation while the adult flew to an open space and caused the scene.
Predators of the animal kingdom like easy targets and adult ducks often feign an injury to draw attention to itself. Should a
predator get suckered into stalking the “helpless” prey, the duck will simply fly away and leave the predator with nothing.
While canoeing in northern New Hampshire one summer afternoon, an adult wood duck took this technique one step further. As I approached, completely oblivious that the wood duck was even close, it flew out of the brush and flopped into the water in front of the canoe. It took off ever so briefly and crashed into the water again about 10 feet away. It repeated this several times before disappearing into the brush.
Some shorebirds,
such as killdeer and piping plovers, employ a similar broken-wing technique to lure predators away from nests and young.
Unfortunately, all the tricks in the world can’t provide protection from certain predators and sometimes young waterfowl fall victim to natural circumstances.
Imagine being a duckling happily following your mother and siblings along the edge of a pond. Life is new and exciting and there’s nary a care in the world. Suddenly, without a hint of a warning, you’re plucked underwater. Next thing you know, you’re dinner
for a snapping turtle. This happens quite frequently and is a major cause of waterfowl chick mortality, especially among wood ducks.
On the other hand, if you’re the snapping turtle, you’re pretty happy. You can’t argue about a meal that comes along that easily; just look for little feet wiggling.
Perhaps the most disturbing cause of mortality among waterfowl chicks is being hit by a motorboat. This happens most frequently with loons and other diving birds that raise young on large bodies of water.
Adult loons are awe-
from 12
accident. Fortunately, they were suspicious and demanded the full name. The caller hung up.
The sad truth is that many folks are dealing with very challenging issues in daily life. Medical or mental health struggles, significant loss, financial stress, family challenges, loneliness and isolation. Being inundated with these calls from people who think nothing of exploiting others only adds to these daily challenges.
It is both a blessing and a curse to live in the land of opportunity because not everyone operates from a moral code and has no problem exploiting innocent people in an opportunistic manner. We must look out for one another so please, share this information with anyone who you believe might benefit from learning how to protect themselves from those flipping spam calls by flipping the script on the callers.
Leslie A. Gray is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and operates Gray Matters Counseling & Wellness, PLLC in Laconia NH. Feel free to submit responses or requests for subject content to: askgraymatters@ gmail.com.
breweries and wineries. Food will be available at an additional cost from vendors like Angry Hog Barbecue Co., Beans & Greens Farm’s food truck, and Bernini Italian Pizzeria. Mix 94.1 FM will provide live radio coverage, and The Bob Pratte Band will perform live. The festival will also feature a live auction.
“We are thrilled to bring back Red, White & Brew for its 7th year,” said Tim Callahan, Veterans Count’s Executive Committee Chair and Lakes Region Chapter Chair. “This event is a great opportunity to support our veterans while enjoying some of the best beer, wine, and
food the area has to offer.”
This year’s generous sponsors include Amoskeag Beverages, Belknap Subaru, Blue Bistro, Coca-Cola, Funspot, Mix 94.1 FM, The NASWA Resort, and South End Media. All proceeds from the festival will benefit Easterseals NH’s Veterans Count, which provides critical assistance and support to military service members, veterans, and their families in New Hampshire.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https:// vetscount.org/nh/ events/red-white-brewcraft-beer-and-wine-festival-2023/.
ACKERLY’S
Grill & Galley
83 Main Street, Alton 603.875.3383
Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com
Woodstock - Dbl Pig’s Ear
Great Rhythm - Squeeze
Baxter - Coastal Haze
Tuckerman - Pale Ale
603 - Summatime
COPPER KETTLE TAVERN
At Hart’s Turkey Farm
Restaurant 233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith 603.279.6212 hartsturkeyfarm.com
Henniker - Working Man’s Porter
Concord Craft - Safe Space
Stoneface - IPA
Moat Mtn - Blueberry 603 - Winni Amber Ale
+6 More On Tap
D.A. LONG TAVERN
At Funspot 579 Endicott St N., Weirs 603.366.4377 funspotnh.com
Proclamation - Vacation Boy
Jack’s Abby - Fest of Both Worlds
Prairie - Lemon Slice
Southern Tier - Caramel
Pumking
Woodstock - Burst of Green
Southern Tier - Warlock
+6 More On Tap
FOSTER’S TAVERN
403 Main Street Alton Bay, NH 603-875-1234
fosterstavernbythebay.com
Bud Light
Tuckerman - Pale Ale
Aqua Vue Haze -Muddy
Road Brewery
Sam - Seasonal
Allagash - White
Maine - Lunch IPA
+2 More On Tap
At Johnson’s Seafood & Steak 69 Rt 11, New Durham 603.859.7500 eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham
Lone Pine -Brightside
Widowmaker -Blue Comet
Shipyard -Smashed
Pumpkin
Jack Abby -Red Tape
Muddy Road -1762 Porter
Northwoods -Autumn Buzz +30 More On Tap
MORRISSEYS’
Porch & Pub
286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro 603.569-3662
Morrisseysfrontporch.com
Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North Smithwick’s
Guinness Harp
Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap
1253 Upper City Rd., Pittsfield overthemoonfarmstead.com
Oatmeal Stout
London Porter
Pitt Stop Pils
Coffee Porter
No Need To ArgueCranberry Mead
Maple Apple Cider +6 More On Tap
PATRICK’S PUB
18 Weirs Rd., Gilford 603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com
Patrick’s Slainte House Ale
Great North - Moose Juice
Guinness
Clown Shoes - Bubble Head
603 - Winni Amber Ale
Tuckerman - Pale Ale +9 More On Tap
BREW PUB
At The Craft Beer Xchange
59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach 603.409.9344
FB @craftbeerxchange
Zero Gravity – Madonna
Maine Beer Co. – Lunch IPA
Moat – Miss V’s Blueberry
Pipe Dreams – Dream Machine
Notch – Salem Lager
Mast Landing – Gunner’s Daughter Stout
+30 More On Tap
** Tap listings subject to change!
(StatePoint) Severe weather can have a sizable impact on your home and your savings. Taking steps to prepare can help you maintain peace of mind should a hazard impact you. Freddie Mac offers the following preparation tips for homeowners:
Protect Your Investment
A home insurance policy is an important layer of protection, generally providing you with the funds needed to repair a damaged property to its condition prior to an incident. Here, coverage can vary greatly depending on the company and plan you choose.
To avoid surprises, it’s important to review your policy carefully and make sure you understand what is and is not covered. For example, flooding
with your insurance agent or broker can help you determine the types of plans and coverage that make sense for your budget, property and possessions.
Keep in mind that after a disaster strikes, you will need to list your possessions and verify any losses for an insurance claim. Taking a home inventory beforehand will make the process much easier.
Create an emergency fund with a goal of saving enough money for three to six months of regular expenses.
It’s best to keep your
emergency fund separate from your regular savings account unless there’s an extreme need. While this can be challenging for any family, households that have emergency budgets in place tend to be better prepared to face disaster. Any resources you can put away will help you be more resilient if the time comes.
Secure Your Home Regular home maintenance can help protect against the dangers of natural disasters, such as flooding and hurricane-force winds. Cleaning gutters and drains, for example, can prevent
There are so many reasons to love daffodils. These springblooming bulbs aren’t fussy about where they are planted. They come back to bloom again year after year and are not bothered by deer, rabbits, or other garden pests. But there’s also a whole world of beautiful daffodils beyond the classic yellow ones. Daffodils are available in unusual flower styles and unexpected colors that can bring a whole new look to spring gardens.
Get an early start on next year’s daffodil season with Barrett Browning, a variety with pure white petals and brilliant redorange trumpets. It is an excellent choice for naturalizing. Pink Charm also boasts white petals but has a large coral-pink trumpet with ruffled edges. It is considered one of the best pink daffodils and is known for its vigor and reliability.
Add eye-catching color with the dependable heirloom Red Devon’s brilliant yellow petals and flashy orange cups. For a more subtle approach choose the pastel hues of British Gamble. Its white petals are a perfect backdrop for the ruffled peachy-pink trumpet on these enormous, 5” blossoms.
Change the shape of things with some split trumpet daffodils. Cassata is a strong grower with a ruffled lemon-yellow cup that
lies almost flat against broad white petals.
Cum Laude boasts big, bright, extra frilly flowers with peachy accents. Lemon Beauty’s flowers feature pure white petals, and its split trumpet resembles a bright yellow star.
Double daffodils add elegance to gardens and spring floral arrangements. They also stretch the season by blooming several weeks later than most other types. La Torch’s upward-facing fragrant double flowers are a mix of yellow petals and bright
and a gardenia-like fragrance.
Take it down in size by planting a few miniature daffodils. Tuck them into rock gardens, under shrubs, along paths, in containers, and mix them with other spring flowering bulbs and perennials. Tete a Tete has perky, bright yellow blossoms and grows just 7” tall. Tete Boucle is similar in size, but its double flowers display layers of yellow, gold, and green petals.
Jet Fire is another outstanding miniature daffodil. It has bright orange trumpets and golden yellow sweptback petals and is a great small-scale naturalizer in the landscape. Minnow is an adorable little gem with pale-yellow petals and bright yellow trumpets. Sundisc’s petite flowers have
See MYERS on 28
orange ruffles. Delnashaugh is a lateblooming double with layers of pure white petals interspersed with apricot-pink ruffles. Lingerie’s extralarge blooms have thickly ruffled centers of white and golden yellow petals.
Some daffodils produce a bouquet of blossoms on each stem. Pueblo grows just twelve inches tall, and its primrose yellow flowers gradually fade to creamy white. Beautiful Eyes has two to three flowers per stem, with white petals, bright orange cups
(BPT) - Designing your dream kitchen is an exciting endeavor, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Follow these six essential steps to ensure you create a kitchen that perfectly fits your lifestyle and needs.
* Assess your lifestyle: Consider how you use your kitchen. Are you an avid cook? Is it a family gathering space? Do you often host large groups? Understanding your lifestyle will help guide your design choices.
* Evaluate your existing kitchen: Take
a close look at your current kitchen. Identify what you love and what needs improvement. Think about
storage, prep surfaces, and any changes you want to make.
See REMODEL on 26
DIVISION OF HARD SURFACE SOLUTIONS Choose from 100’s of Standard Colors, or Customize Your Own Color to Suit Your Own Style!
Determine a realistic budget for your project. Prioritize your needs over wants, Serving the Lakes Region to the Great North Woods for over 5 years! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Specializing in residential garages, basements & small businesses. WE ARE THE LAKES REGION’S GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR SPECIALISTS
but leave room for upgrades and extra touches that catch your eye.
* Select the right professional: Trust the expertise of a professional who communicates well and understands your vision. A skilled designer can bring your ideas to life and guide you through the process.
* Plan smartly: Measure your kitchen’s size and consider infrastructure concerns like electrical and
plumbing. Focus on workflow and customize storage solutions to fit your family’s daily living.
* Avoid common mistakes: Stay away from overloading with cabinets, ensure sufficient counter space, and invest in quality materials for critical areas like cabinets and countertops.
Remember to be patient throughout the process and manage your expectations.
Renovating can be stressful, but the end
result will be worth it. Take your time and make thoughtful decisions, even if it means leaving some décor choices for later.
Finishing touches for your dream kitchen
To truly transform your kitchen, pay attention to these key finishing touches:
* Lighting: Mix different types of lighting for various purposes. Use ambient lighting for mood, task lighting for meal preparation, and decorative lighting for the island and dining table.
* Barstools: Select comfortable and stylish barstools, ensuring enough space between them for easy movement.
* Hardware: Choose cabinet and drawer knobs and pulls that match your kitchen’s style and size.
* Sinks/faucets: Consider modern features like pull-down spray nozzles, touchless or tap technology, and semi-professional functionality for added convenience.
* Essentials: Install under-cabinet lighting for countertop work areas, backsplashes for the sink and range, and sufficient electrical outlets, including USB ports for family tech.
By following these steps and incorporating these finishing touches, you’ll create a kitchen that not only looks stunning but also functions perfectly for your lifestyle. Remember to trust the professionals, plan meticulously,
and invest in quality materials like Cambria to achieve the kitchen of your dreams. As the finest countertop makers in the world™ Cambria has all the design tools, tips and tricks you need to envision your new kitchen all available at Cambriausa. com. Download your kitchen planner tool today.
water from collecting around your home. You should also be sure you have a sump pump in good working order, and that your foundation and roof are in good condition.
If a storm is in the forecast, clear your lawn of items that may be damaged, destroyed, lost, or cause damage to your home. You should also cover windows and shut off utilities. Many of these precautions can
also protect against tornadoes, which can develop quickly and often arrive without warning.
Before buying a particular house, you may want to consider the area’s history of natural disasters, and take stock of the home to ensure it’s up to code and has the safety features needed to protect you and your family.
Whether you’re a current or prospective homebuyer, you can reference information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (known
as FEMA) to help you assess which hazards could impact your home, and identify relevant safety upgrades that can strengthen its defenses. For example, earthquake damage may be mitigated by installing flexible gas line connections to prevent leaks and fires and by securing exterior structures like decks, porches, garages and carports. Homes at risk of storm surge could benefit from reinforced garage doors that can withstand water and high winds, storm shutters, high-impact glass windows, and floodresistant insulation and flooring.
Depending on the scope of renovations, you may consider taking out a loan to cover the costs. There are a variety of refinance products available that allow you to leverage your home’s value to fund renovations. Talk to your lender to find the right financing option for you.
For additional emergency preparation tips, check out Freddie Mac’s collection of homeownership resources found at myhome.freddiemac.com.
Natural disasters are hard to predict. But being prepared can help you weather the storm, both physically and financially.
pale yellow petals and an almost flat, deep yellow trumpet. Miniature daffodils are a particularly good choice for perennials gardens, where they won’t overwhelm neighboring plants. For more on these and other unique daffodils, see Longfield Gardens Types of Daffodils to Know and Grow. With so many daffodil varieties to choose from, you are sure to find new ways to add spring beauty to your yard and gardens.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
SMITH from 15
and at one time at village homes. In the Fall of the year Don was booked up for weeks in advance to saw the huge piles of four-foot length (more or less) cordwood and sawing them into stove-length. The saw rig had a large circular blade which was powered by a gasoline engine with an exhaust pipe that went straight up above the
engine rather than towards the back or side. The smoke and smell involved indicated that it must have been burning some oil also.
One man placed the wood on a platform where it could be pushed forward to be sawed and another was needed to throw the cut wood into the woodshed. It was hard work for those involved in the sawing and we could say dangerous work also without all the safety devices that would probably be required on such machines in these present days. But, as my Dad noted in the 1960’s,the passing of men like Don Lougee marked the end of an era.
Don Lougee was not the last of the operators of saw-rigs in central New Hampshire to die, however. In 1969 my Dad, Raymond C. Smith, Sr., wrote an article for the American Agriculturist about the passing of Henry Dow and the end of the era of portable sawing machines.
Henry Dow was 77 years old when he passed away, having lived all of his life within a dozen miles of his birthplace. There were striking similarities in the lives of Don Lougee and Henry Dow. Of Henry it was written:
“He had no immediate family and no known relatives; he never held a public office; he belonged to no clubs, societies, or fraternal organizations. He had a single claim to local fame, and he had to die before that was recognized.”
Hen Dow operated a portable wood-sawing machine during nearly all of his adult life. He had very little formal education so probably started out in the workforce at an early age. We cannot say that Hen was unknown because to many farm families in half a dozen towns in central New Hampshire he was a welcome and familiar sight as he arrived to saw their piles of wood into stovelength chunks.
For many years, of what would become 60 years of operating his saw rig, Hen Dow transported his rig from one work site to another by use of his faithful horse. The rig would be on wheels for summer transporting and placed on a rickety sled that he used for winter travel. Eventually the rig was placed on the back of “a battered truck of ancient vintage, cut down and made over, on which was mounted the big
gasoline engine that powered the saw rig, the circular saw, and the crude ‘table’ on which the cordwood lengths were placed.”
Wood sawyers needed help when using their rigs to saw wood; it was not a one-man job. Hen Dow had the same man travel with him from place to place for many years as his helper. The helper’s name was Frankie Bisson and his usual task was to take away the wood from the saw after it was cut. Sadly, on a dark and foggy night
Henry’s truck collided with a lumber truck and Frankie was killed.
My Dad wrote that people like Don Lougee and Hen Dow deserve a few words of appreciation. “It is the least we can do,” he said.
As the years go by fewer people remember the old saw rigs, but we all can imagine what it was like. Dad wrote this in 1969: “Ride through the countryside nowadays in late October or November, and only here or there will you see, as once you could, the huge piles of oak,
rock maple, birch, ash and beech cordwood, waiting for the arrival of the man with the saw rig.
“Hen Dow is gone. But on a late Autumn afternoon, in the yard of an old farm house, stop, remember, and listen. Perhaps memory’s car can catch a faint echo of the staccato “pop-pop” of the gasoline engine, and the scream of the saw on Hen’s rig as it goes through a hardwood knot!”
“The Hen Dows are no longer needed, but in fairness and simple kindness, they should not be forgotten.”
“Frankie also served.”
And, an additional word about Don Lougee. He did at one time have family, including a wife from whom he was divorced before the census of 1930, and a son who preceded him in death. In a New Hampton town report he was reported to receive payment from the town for various activities including hauling rubbish, grinding tools, and care of tramps.
The names of Don Lougee and Henry Dow
of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire will probably never be found in the history books, but maybe someone else 50 years hence will once again write of two guys with portable saw rigs who traveled the dirt roads sawing wood into stove size for hard-working farmers in the 20th century.
These were men my Dad thought deserved some recognition.
Middle Sugarloaf as seen from the edge of Wildlife Pond on the Zealand Road, one mile from Route 302. North & Middle Sugarloaf and Rek’-Les Brewing Company are paired in Beer Hiking New England by Carey Kish.
bed on the bank of the Zealand River. Next is the gradual climb that passes by a giant boulder on the way to
the col between these twin peaks. I squeezed through the narrow crack between the split boulder. Hikes to each peak end with
Yours truly wearing my new Cohos Trail hat on the open ledges of North Sugarloaf. Middle Sugarloaf is seen just above my head and further out is Mount Hale’s summit. North Twin’s summit is capped with clouds. It is that time of year to wear your bright hunter’s orange clothing when in the forest.
short steep climbs to reach their open ledgy summits.
The swirling clouds hovered just below 4,000 feet blocking the view to the nearby and distant bigger mountains. Mount Hale and Mount Tom poked through but the Twins stayed hidden along and so did Mount Washington. The trees are starting to turn colors. A few red swamp Maples and traces of gold in the hardwood forest below were already showing. The view was well worth the hike and in a few weeks the Zealand Valley will be a leafpeepers delight.
On the way back
Sacred Heart Church 291 Union Ave Laconia, NH 603-524-9609
St. Joseph Church
30 Church St. Laconia, NH 603-524-9609
Middle Sugarloaf summit ledges are a fine place to take a long break. Below is the Wildlife Pond with Mt. Oscar and the Mount Rosebrook Range otherwise known as the back side of the Bretton Woods Ski Area.
St. André Bessette Parish
Mass Schedule at Sacred Heart Church
Saturdays: 4pm; Sundays: 7:00, 8:30 & 10:30am
Daily Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8am, Tuesday: 5:00pm
All Masses Livestreamed at standrebessette.org
Sacred Heart Church is open daily for private prayer
www.standrebessette.org
down I passed by a few pairs of hikers and a family of four. I had had both summits to myself. It was a satisfying hike.
Back at the car I decided to add one more thing to my outing. There is a path to Wildlife Pond just across the parking area and
the path begins at the obvious gated snowmobile trail. To get to the pond only takes maybe five or ten minutes. There is a short brushy area to push through but when you reach the other side there are bog bridges that lead to the edge of this little pond. The pond is pretty but what is special is the view up to the ledges of Middle Sugarloaf.
A few hours later Charlie and I arrived at the Rek’-Lis. The Cohos Trail party was held at their new Pint House located just behind the brewery/ restaurant. This new addition replaces the popular brew-shed that we were all so fond of at the main building. It is bigger with lots of cool spaces to enjoy a brew with friends.
My Cohos Trail backpacking partner Julie couldn’t join us but my hiking pal Danielle joined us. Danielle had a sour beer and Charlie and I enjoyed the Pretentious Hopper. Everyone enjoyed a
The Sugarloaf Trail passes by this extremely large split boulder. Hikers that are feeling adventurous can squeeze through the crack or it is easier to walk around it.
meal served from their fabulous food truck.
We shared tales of our day’s adventures. Danielle had a Cohos Trail reroute mishap since she didn’t have the new map. Get the new map. She tried to hike from the Edmands Path on Clinton Road to the Mount Washington Hotel but she didn’t find the route.
I explained I was inspired to visit the Sugarloafs again because I knew I would be at Rek’Lis and the Beer Hiking New Eng-
Sponsored by Laconia Putnam Fund &
The Laconia Daily Sun presents
An Evening with Alexander Prud’homme Author of “Dinner with the President”
Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7pm
Lakeport Opera House 781 Union Avenue Laconia, NH
land guidebook recommended the pairing (and did I mention my photo is on page 262).
My hike was fun and the beer was tasty.
The Cohos party ended with Founder Kim Nilsen and the President Sue Wentworth making a few remarks. Then Nilsen and a friend played their guitars and sang a few songs. Have Fun.
Enjoy an enteraining lecture about the often surprising history of presidential taste: what they ate, why they ate it, and what it tells us about the state of the nation.
• Question & Answer session with the author
• Author signing (books for sale at Innisfree Bookshop in advance and at the event)
• Complimentary desserts & cash bar
geted dollars work as hard as they can to get me the best value. And with gas prices once again heading into the stratosphere, I am sure many of you are trying to do the same. So I find that this store, while smaller than many of its contemporaries in the chain, has the same advertised sale prices and a decent meat selection with sometimes a little extra taken off the price as the infamous “Manager’s Special.” They also have a friendly, helpful staff. Customer Service goes miles with me as it is becoming a rare commodity these days.
However, the best thing about this store, in my humble opinion, is the “FREE” monthly magazine prominently displayed at the checkout counter. With its focus on people, food, recipes, and nutrition it offers a nice blend of “puff and fluff” articles that focus on this chain’s efforts on a host of fronts to be a better supporting partner within their community.
Now, I do know that nothing is ever really free. And this periodical is no exception, as it is only “FREE” with any purchase, oth -
Yield: 30 Cookies Time: About 90 minutes
1 15oz. Can Black Beans (drained)
½ Cup White Sugar
½ Cup Cocoa Powder (divided)
¼ Cup Peanut Butter (creamy)
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Stick Salted Butter (cut into cubes)
½ Cup Powdered Milk
½ tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
2 Cups AP Flour
2 Eggs
½ Cup Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Veggie Oil
1 12oz. pkg. White Chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl combine the black beans and white sugar and blend to make a paste. Add in ¼ cup of Cocoa Powder and continue to blend. Use a rubber spatula to clean off the sides of the mixing bowl as needed. Add the peanut butter and continue mixing.
- Cut one stick of butter into the Black Bean mixture and continue to mix until well blended.
- While the above is mixing, into a bowl combine the flour, powdered milk, baking soda, baking powder, and the remaining ¼ cup cocoa powder.
- Add to the black bean mixture the eggs (one at a time and blend), the brown sugar, and veggie oil.
- Add the flour mixture, ½ cup at a time (as it blends, add more) and then the white chips. The resulting dough should be thick but not dry nor crumbly.
- Scoop dough into the size of an average ¨meatball¨and place 6 dough balls per cookie sheet.
- Press firmly on each dough ball to spread.
- Bake for 14 minutes (12 for a moist cookie) and remove from the oven. Cookies should be large, thick, and moist but have some slight ¨cracking¨.
- Store in a airtight container once the cookies have cooled.
erwise it costs three dollars. (And yes, it really says that in tiny print.) But being a true New Englander, I am not going to buy something that I can get for “FREE”.
So, seeing as how my
grocery bill is usually considerably north of 60 dollars each week, I make sure to shop here at least once a month and snag a free copy with a clear conscience. Not only do I have that feeling of
getting a little extra for my money, but it also offers something to read while eating my lunch.
So, thumbing through the latest issue recently I stumbled across a recipe for
object” that captured my eye so I read the recipe. Hmmm… pureed chickpeas, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut oil, vegan milk, dates, chai seeds, annnnd I’ll pass. Not finishing the list, it was already sounding like a waste of peanut butter, chocolate chips, my time, my energy, and it had me wondering where the sugar was. (I’ll save you the three bucks on that mystery: there wasn’t any sugar.)
“dough bites.” While the picture was simple in nature I will say these dough bites looked amazing! The photographer did their job because the picture got me to stop and read the recipe. For those not familiar with what a dough bite is, allow me to digress for just a moment. A dough bite is typically “raw” dough formed into a ball. Now, personally, while I have always been one to taste the batter (eggs or not), I really am not a fan of eating copious amounts of raw dough. Even Cookie Dough Ice Cream does not intrigue me. So the thought of dough bites, as a snack, has limited appeal. But, as noted, the picture was the “bright shiny
But, it did get me thinking about making a cookie with Black Beans. Beans are a great source of vitamins and minerals but Black Beans, well, they bring a whole lot to the table. Filled with not just vitamins and minerals and antioxidants, Black Beans, while they do have carbohydrates, also are a good source of protein and fiber. In fact, many sources tote Black Beans as a healthy bean capable of helping to prevent some types of cancer as well as aid in blood sugar control, eye health, heart health, lower cholesterol, and a host of other benefits. I make no claims nor promises that these cookies will do the same. I like them because they taste good but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are good for me.
The texture of Black Beans (when pureed) gives many baked goods density or structure, reducing the need for flour. In fact many recipes using Black Beans will forego the use of flour to reduce carbohydrates. But I wanted more body and a “dryer” cookie consistency rather than a moist brownie consistency, so I used
flour too. Adding a bit of cocoa powder and vegetable oil with the Black Beans gives the illusion of using dark chocolate in these cookies for both appearance and taste. While not bitter, as is often the case with dark chocolate, I did reduce the quantity of white and brown sugar when compared with many other cookie recipes so the “bean chocolate” flavor would come through.
The white chips added extra sweetness and some “crunch.”
FEAST from 34 instance, is working the beans. Not having a food processor, I found that putting the black beans into the bowl first and using the whisk or the paddle attachment for my mixer for a few minutes just wasn’t getting the job done. Adding the granulated sugar offered some grit and as this became more of a loose paste, adding a quarter cup of cocoa powder thickened the mix allowing for the continued “mashing” to break down the beans, resulting in a cookie that didn’t leave unsightly bean skins stuck to your teeth after indulging in a scrumptious treat.
In addition to the Black Beans I used creamy peanut butter, for a smooth cookie and for a little bit of that chocolate meets peanut butter taste. The flavor is mild, some tasted it while others couldn’t. But the key to a smooth cookie dough, in this
These cookies are loaded with white ¨chocolate¨ chips. While I cannot claim that these cookies are any sort of healthy alternative to a stan -
dard cookie, I can tell you that they have a uniquely different yet delicious chocolate flavor. The texture is smooth. Not too dry but not too moist. The cookie bakes to a thick cookie if patted flat before going into the oven and is good for dunking in a mug of milk.
Beans, whole or pureed, typically bring moisture and body to any recipe. Adding them in desserts is definitely a step out of the average comfort zone but certainly worthy of exploring. Who knows what’s next? Perhaps a Maple Bacon Baked Bean Chocolate Chip Cookie? Or, maybe a Red Velvet Kidney Bean Cake? No matter what it may be, one thing is for certain, if you read it here, it will be a Simple Feast. Enjoy!
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cost-benefit evaluation from federal agencies on energy-related policies that assesses the impact of policies on affordability of energy on Americans, particularly at-risk communities.
There is no question about the impact on the cost of living of all Americans as the Biden administration tilts at climate change windmills.
Oil prices and gasoline prices are now at 12-month highs.
Biden climate/energy policies have also found their way into the current auto strike.
Despite the United Auto Workers being a traditional stalwart supporter of the Democratic Party, so far UAW president Shawn Fain has not endorsed Biden.
One of the issues is government mandates
on automakers to move to electric vehicles. Estimates are that production of EVs requires about 30% less labor. Therefore, these mandates threaten longterm economic security of auto workers.
The likely solution will not be backing off these mandates but subsidies and mandates to support union jobs in EV production.
This means even more government. More government controlling our economy, more government controlling our lives.
It is all a kind of backdoor socialism. But rather than increasing government control coming from some abstract ideology, we get the same result from belief that “government knows best.” The result is armies of government bureaucrat microman-
agers controlling our lives.
Let’s recall our own Declaration of Independence, which states our founding based on individual rights -- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- and “that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men ... that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it.”
It is time for Americans to act to restore our free nation while we have a few breaths of freedom left.
Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.”
terrible has happened.
“The fact that it hasn’t happened yet does not mean that it will not happen,” says Boccia. “The math does not work out.”
The biggest reasons are Social Security and Medicare.
But when anyone proposes cuts, my fellow old people scream, “Government deducted money for Social Security and Medicare from my paychecks for years. I’m just getting my money back!”
They don’t realize that because we now live longer, most of us will get triple what we paid in.
But of course, we old people are the biggest voting bloc.
“Asking members of Congress running for office to reform old age
entitlement programs is a bit like asking an astronaut in space to turn off his oxygen supply,” says Boccia.
So she and the Cato Institute propose a solution: Congress should create an independent commission to do the cutting. That way politicians can say, “Don’t blame me, the commission made the cuts!”
That worked once with military bases.
The military actually wanted to close some bases. But selfish members of Congress fought any closure in their states.
“In the middle of a war, you don’t close a base like Groton,” declared Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn.
“Circumstances at our base are unique,” claimed Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
By ignoring the selfserving politicians, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission got 350 bases closed.
“It was quite successful until Congress turned it off,” says Boccia.
Since Congress won’t cut, and Biden definitely won’t, an independent commission may be our only hope.
We need to do something before our debt explodes, mauling our future.
Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.”
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sia’s price for peace is Ukraine’s capitulation, Ukraine’s territory, and Ukraine’s children.” Biden implored, “If we allow Ukraine to be carved up, is the independence of any nation secure?”
Many concerns centered on the vital Black Sea Initiative, the UN brokered humanitarian deal allowing Ukrainian and Russian grain to be shipped to developing countries; the deal was blocked by Moscow last summer.
Slovakia’s President Zuzana Caputova stated, “We cannot allow Russia to turn the Black Sea Grain Initiative into its own Blackmail Initiative. To hold millions of vulnerable people hostage and turn Ukraine from the world’s bread-basket into Europe’s basket case.” The deal allowed for the shipment of 33 million tons of grain to needy markets.
Yet key states such as Brazil, India, South Africa are not on the Western political page. Turkey’s President Erdogan echoed, “The Security Council is no longer the guarantor of international security and has become a battleground where the political strategies of five countries clash.”
Developing World states, the Global South, though not largely pro-Moscow suffer the economic effects and aftershocks of the conflict. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, warned that the Ukraine war between “the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia, may unwittingly open the gates to a nuclear
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwar Kakar barely mentioned Ukraine but cautioned, “Geo-politics is resurging when geo-economics should have primacy in the world. The world cannot afford Cold War 2.0.”
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, failed to even mention Ukraine among a long lost of regional crises.
The same was true with the Philippine Foreign Minister who equally stressed the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
Cleary the war remains at a stalemate despite the genuine heroism of the Ukrainian forces which are boosted by massive U.S./NATO weapons supplies. While the Russians have taken hideous losses, the Ukrainians have failed to achieve the long awaited politically hyped breakthroughs. Will Western enthusiasm supporting a free Ukraine slowly ebb?
China is watching the Ukraine process and its outcome very closely.
John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism
The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.
some divers and can reach depths of 100 feet or more in a matter of seconds. Baby loons, obviously, have not acquired that skill yet and stand no chance against a speeding motorboat. Chicks often ride on the backs of a parent and sometimes they can hang on as the adult plunges downward. Pied-billed grebe chicks are particularly adept at this.
I thought of this scenario a few weeks ago when I watched a female common merganser lead four chicks across the Allegheny Reservoir in Pennsylvania. It was about 6:30 a.m., so it was well before the time powerboats crowd the water, but the chicks appeared so vulnerable in the middle of the water.
I remembered seeing a common merganser
family that included about 20 chicks in Pittsburg, N.H., several summers ago and wondered if motorboats were the reason this particular female had only four chicks in tow.
Common mergansers have an interesting method of escaping dangerous situations. When the mother feels something is getting too close for comfort, she perks up and runs across the water. The babies follow suit, splashing all the way. It actually looks quite comical. But, hey, if it works, it works.
Why
THEME THIS WEEK: MUSIC GENRES
OUR PICK FOR BEST CAPTION
It’s not that owners of the pricey “Sound Bar” system got better TV reception, they just didn’t care.
-Roger Dolan, Milford, Mass.
Runners Up : There were benefits of getting up to change the channel before remote controls. - Dave Barth, Laconia, NH.
Yes , life was good. Wife , booze , music and TV all in one place. Those were the days my friend. - Joe Vitali, Belmont, NH.
Frigidaire’s plan for a TV Dinner was a design that built a refrigerator into the TV cabinet. -Alan Doyon, Meredith, NH.
CAPTION THIS PHOTO!!
Send your best brief caption to us with your name and location within 2 weeks of publication date... Caption Contest, The Weirs Times, P.O. Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 email to contest@weirs.com
