The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum.

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

CONFLATING FACTS, FAITH, & POLITICS

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. – Proverbs 15:26

NOTE: After 20+ years of posting here, I remain fascinated how, through prayer or otherwise, many here committed to contentious posting have departed, even to a 'better place".  My hope is that posts (especially mine) will continue to be fact-checked, solution-based, and welcoming.

Citizen Sandra, thanks for reading. Keep the faith!

Agreed, BobW…Assuming you’ve fact-checked your above birther post about Obama, why the lingering extremism in your unsettled beliefs?  To what end?

Hi Ron, thanks for your follow-up.   I reread your above post a few times and realized some issues, facts, and beliefs are being conflated.  So, for truth and clarity, let’s revisit a few examples of what you stated…versus what you likely meant:  

In all my research, everthing points to the Arabs as the bad guys here. 

Most Arabs are good guys, and friends of the USA.

I firmly stand proudly with my Jewish friends and completely back them.

If referring to politics, I understand you are backing Israel against Islamic extremism & terrorism.  However, in faith, God continually opposes Israel’s pride, disobedience, and rejection of Jesus as their Messiah.  In the upcoming months, through war, Jesus will soon return to condemn evil, and redeem the Jewish state and people back to faith.  As Christians, and without a hard heart, we pray for Israel.  

Moreover, we are also charged to pray for the people of Iran and Palestine…who are now coming to faith in Christ by the millions:  https://www.hudson.org/religious-freedom/good-news-iran-million-new-christian-believers-lela-gilbert

 Here's a list of Middle Eastern countries and facts about their Ethnicity, Faith, and Politics with Important Considerations:

"Arab": Refers to countries where Arabic is the primary language and cultural heritage. Iran, Israel, and Turkey are not Arab countries.

"Muslim": Almost all countries in the Middle East have a predominantly Muslim population. While Islam is the official religion in many countries, it's important to remember that religious minorities exist.

"Extremist Governments": This is a sensitive category. Here, it primarily refers to states officially designated by countries like the US as state sponsors of terrorism (Iran, Syria). It does not imply that entire populations are extremists.

"USA Friendly": This refers to countries that generally maintain positive diplomatic relations, cooperate on security matters, and often host a US military presence. This can fluctuate based on geopolitical events.

A FEW BELIEFS TO RECONSIDER for overcoming a hard heart, and contentious pride:

God is neither a Democrat, a Republican, nor an Independent.  

God’s government is a monarchy.

God is not on my side, nor my Co-pilot.  I’m either on HIs side…or not.

God is holy and the source of truth.  Satan is unholy and the source of lies.  

God is light; in him there is no darkness (black) at all, 1 John 1.

God is right all the time, and I’m wrong most of the time.

Black & White Extremism in Thinking: The Perplexity

The "perplexity" of black and white thinking in humans is its self-imposed limitation and distortion of an inherently complex world. It is a failure of cognitive processing that leads to narrow, often harmful, perspectives.

"Black and white extremism in thinking" refers to a cognitive distortion where individuals perceive the world, people, or situations in absolute, all-or-nothing terms, with no middle ground or shades of gray…e.g., polarized Forum stuck in we Republicans good…they Democrats bad. 

It's also known as dichotomous thinking.  The "perplexity" here lies in the simplicity and apparent certainty it offers, which paradoxically leads to profound limitations and distortions of reality.

Oversimplification of Complexity: The real world is inherently complex, nuanced, and multifaceted. This leads to an inability to appreciate context, differing motivations, or the many variables that contribute to a situation.

Inhibition of Growth and Learning: If something is "all good" or "all bad," there's no room for improvement, compromise, or understanding different perspectives..

Intolerance and Judgment: People who engage in black and white thinking often become highly judgmental. If someone isn't "with us," they're "against us." This fuels prejudice, discrimination, and an inability to empathize with those who hold different views.

Examples:

A politician (Trump) is either a "savior" or "the devil incarnate," with no acknowledgment of their mixed record or complex policies.

An idea is either "100% correct" or "100% wrong," leaving no room for partial agreement or areas for discussion.

They’ll never change, so neither will I.  This weak belief is a lie that excuses self-accountability for growth and fosters a broken community.

Truth is Objective and Immutable: If God is the source of truth, then truth is not relative, subjective, or ever-changing. It is an objective reality that exists independently of human perception or opinion.

Lies are Deliberate Deception: This isn't about accidental error, but malicious intent to mislead and distort reality.

Contrasting the Two Concepts:

While both constructs present a "black and white" dichotomy, their nature, origin, and implications differ profoundly:

Summarizing the Core Contrast:

The "perplexity" of black and white thinking in humans is its self-imposed limitation and distortion of an inherently complex world. It is a failure of cognitive processing that leads to narrow, often harmful, perspectives.

One is a description of a toxic human way of thinking, while the other is a religious explanation for our metaphysical earthly reality. The danger arises when the human cognitive distortion of black and white thinking applies itself rigidly to and misinterprets these theological constructs, leading to extremism within religious contexts. 

Let’s continually pray for the new Christians in Iran…and the old "Christians" on these Forums…and our few Living Years that remain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1eG6tGXRxQ&list=RDP1eG6tGXRxQ&start_radio=1

David Cordell

This message was forwarded to me by Classmate Mike Livengood.

David, I was trying to get on the RHS1969 site to respond to Jim Bedwell’s comment about McFarlin Auditorium. I saw the Steve Miller Band in concert in 1968.  I am enclosing some pictures of the interior and the curtain that was there until 2023, when my company removed it per SMU’s direction. The curtain was made of approximately 90% asbestos fibers. I have not seen it since the removal as I retired in Leap Year day last year. Just thought these pictures might be of some interest.

Ron Knight

Lowell

I just saw a news video out of Houston where a Muslim came into a Muslim owned convienience store and gave the owner 30 days to stop selling alcohol, tobacco and lottery/gambling tickets. He said we will be back and start protests outside of the store if he is still selling them. Have you seen this?

It's funny that it rang a huge bell for me. I have been studying over the past few weeks about the conflict in the middle east and of Muslim beliefs. I KNOW exactly which Muslim flag they fly by this conversation. The store owner is a Sunni Muslim and the other that wants him to ban the selling of alcohol, tobacco and gambling is a Shia Muslim. The Shia Muslim is pushing Sharia Law upon the Sunni. That's a HUGE red flag for America. Sharia Law is radical Islamic theology practiced in Iran (Al Qaeda), Gaza (Hamas), Southern Lebanon (Hezzbolah), Northern Iraq (Al Qaeda), Yemen (Houthis) and cells of Isis and Taliban all around the middle east. These Muslims are part of The Muslim Brotherhood which is strongly backed by Al Qaeda. Their doctrine is to convert the world to their belief. Non believers will be dealt with with torture up to death.The first step to violence starts with protests and after that if it doesn't work is to call for violence. Then Al Qaeda or other terrorist join in. The Muslim Brotherhood knows how to work free countries system to start to overthrow them. They have over 500 nonprofit organizations that our taxpayer dollars have funneled to them in the guise of humanitarian efforts, but most of the funds are dispersed to corrupt leaders and to Hamas, Hezzbolah, etc...  Ask yourself how did Iran's Supreme Leader amass $200 Billion?This means for the US that we have a large number of radical Shia Muslims in this country and they ARE NOT here for a better life. They are here to destroy ours!!

The Sunnis are the good Muslims and are here for a better life. Not so with Shia Muslims. They are here to disrupt American life and convert "The Great Satan" or destroy it. Iran is trying to destroy "The Little Satan", Israel.

 You have serious trouble on the streets of Houston. WAKE UP AMERICA! You should study Syyid Qutb and The Muslim Brotherhood. Two great sources of what we are living with today and the master plan to take over the world. Syyid Qutb was the Muslim second coming of Hitler, literrally right down to the mustache!

Lance

Yes you are correct in your assumption in the broad brush I painted Arabs with. I have stated I back the Sunnis. And yes, indeed I meant I stand with Israel Politically. I understand the difference in Christianity and Judaism fundamental faith. Everyone will have their day before God and I will let Him judge, not me.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Ron,

I guess you've heard that a Muslim non-profit was operating an organization in Richardson, i believe near where the old Ashburn's Ice Cream shop was, along the service road of Central Expwy., that was funneling money to the Muslim Brotherhood-type receivers somewhere in the Middle East, probably for Shite endeavors.  It was shut down by the US government, after it was discovered, but not before a lot of money was funneled to the bad guys; guys that Obama favored in some ways.  He favored the Muslim Brotherhood, since he had relatives who were part of the group, in Kenya.  The fact that Obama SAID he was Christian when he married Michelle, was, to me, a half-truth.  I was never convinced that he was a true Christian, as most Christians are.

Little ol' Richardson was harboring very naughty hombres, unbeknownst to the good folks of the area.

I couldn't believe it, when I heard about it.  It was quite a shocker to everyone!

Ron Knight

Janalu,

I have not heard that, but don't doubt it. There is a large presence of Muslims and Asians in Richardson. I did hear of the Muslim only housing developement with Mosque in east Richardson next to Plano. Gov Abbot got involved to put brakes on that. The Muslim Brotherhood has created so many non profits and we are too gullible and naive to hold their feet to the fire for transparency. I worry for our children and grandchildren. I don't want them to be victims as The October 7th slaughter of Israelis were. I've seen Hamas videos of soldiers entering Israeli houses and shooting entire families. One soldier called his parents from the home phone of the Israeli family he just murdered with such joy as if his favorite team had just won the Super Bowl.  You could hear the last breaths and whimpers of the people he just shot. He talked to his dad first and then the dad turned the phone to his mom and they were so excited as the soldier was so proud he killed 10 Israelis so far with his own hands! Another video showed a young Israeli female naked in the pickup bed that they all raped and killed. They were showing her off as if it was the first deer killed of deer season.

It's disgusting all of these people who support Hamas and Palestine. Complete and total evil. And to think they are doing this in the name of Allah. That's NOT the God I know!

Wayne Gary

Here is the proper etiquette for National Anthem and Pledge (from Jodelights.com)

On June 22, 1942, Congress passed a joint resolution, later amended on December 22, 1942, that encompassed what has come to be known as the U.S. Flag Code. It contains important guideline of how citizens should behave around the Stars and Stripes.  There is also a code for conduct when the National Anthem is playing.US Federal Statute (36 U.S. Code § 301 – National anthem)

 The etiquette for The National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and the U.S flag have several thing in common.  We will start with the National Anthem.   When our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, is played, we stand at attention in respect for those who fought and can no longer stand.

National Anthem Etiquette:

• The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.
  Conduct During Playing.—During a rendition of the national anthem—

  (1)when the flag is displayed—

  (A)

  individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

  (B)

  members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and

  (C)

  all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

  (2)

  when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

Pledge of Allegiance:

• When pledging allegiance to the flag, follow the manners of participating in the National Anthem listed above.
•  Say the Pledge out loud with the rest of those gathered.
•  Look at the flag as the Pledge is said, and don’t forget to put your right hand over your heart. Placing a hand over the heart during the Pledge of Allegiance is a gesture of respect, honesty, and genuine intention. In many cultures, it signifies that one is not bearing arms and is making an honorable commitment.

David Wier

Lowell:

re: Inna Gadda Da Vida with the 27 minute drum solo of Michael Moore.

I don't think he really wanted it to go that long. We just needed a longer break and thought it would be funny to let him keep going! :)

I remember the only time I got to see Iron Butterfly. There was a dance club (possibly for teens to compete against...The Studio Club). Anyway, the club was known as Strawberry Fields. Iron Butterfly was the backup band for ...... wait.......wait
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, which I didn't really want to hear, but since I wanted to see Iron Butterly --- !

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

TRUMP’S HIDDEN PLAYBOOK: THE MAR-A-LAGO ACCORDS

The inside track on how Trump’s second term could shatter and rebuild the global financial order—and how you can prepare for it.

Excerpts from: A USER'S GUIDE TO RESTRUCTURING THE GLOBAL TRADING SYSTEM

By Hudson Bay Capital | https://www.hudsonbaycapital.com/our_research

Rewritten and expanded by LanceChat for clarity and strategic insight.  

Disclaimer: After reading, feel free to file this post along with Cordell’s “I don’t know what I’m talking about”.

Trump Rewrites the Rules

With Trump back in the White House and populist momentum behind him, the administration is quietly preparing to remake the global economic order. This is not a conspiracy. It’s a coordinated shift—with tariffs, dollar policy, reserve realignment, and global security entanglements all on the table.

At the core? A belief that the U.S. has sacrificed too much for too little return—that it’s time to offload the cost of reserve currency status, punish currency manipulators, and force allies and rivals alike to “pay up.”

This document unpacks the four historical economic blueprints shaping Trump’s new strategy, the counterforces working against it (from BRICS to Bitcoin), and what every American needs to know—regardless of wealth or political stripe.

Part I: The Four Precedents Behind the Playbook

1. Bretton Woods (1944)

The U.S. dollar becomes the world’s anchor currency, backed by gold. The deal made America the world’s banker—and underwriter. Stability was the product. Trade exploded. So did U.S. responsibility.

2. Nixon Ends the Gold Standard (1971)

In a surprise Sunday speech, Nixon severed the dollar from gold. Fiat money was born. Inflation spiked. Trust wobbled. But it gave Washington powerful new monetary tools and gave Wall Street dominance.

3. Plaza Accords (1985)

Facing a dangerously overvalued dollar, the Reagan administration struck a deal with allies to intentionally weaken the dollar. This boosted U.S. exports and proved currency alignment could be a tool—not just a market artifact.

4. Trump’s 2018–2019 Tariffs

Trump imposed stiff tariffs on China, and contrary to predictions, the macro impact was muted. The dollar rose. China’s yuan fell. Consumers hardly noticed. Result? China effectively “paid” the tariff through currency depreciation.

Part II: The 2025 Strategy—What Trump May Do

Here’s how Trump’s second term could fuse these past blueprints into a single aggressive overhaul of the global system:

Part III: The Counterforces — Who’s Fighting Back?

Trump’s plan won’t go unopposed. Here’s who’s building rival systems—and how they could derail the Mar-a-Lago Accord strategy:

BRICS+ and the De-Dollarization Movement:

Building a new global reserve currency (possibly gold or commodity-backed).
Signing trade agreements outside the dollar system.
The growing bloc includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and more.
⚠️ If BRICS succeeds, the U.S. could lose its most powerful financial weapon—and its ability to print and spend freely.

Bitcoin: Store-of-value escape valve in high-inflation or high-control regimes.
Ethereum & Stablecoins: Building shadow financial rails that run parallel to Wall Street and the Fed.
CBDCs (China’s Digital Yuan): State-controlled digital currencies that undercut dollar supremacy in international trade.
 

These technologies allow individuals, corporations, and nations to opt out of the U.S. system, entirely.

Part IV: Impact on You — Winners, Losers, and Portfolio Moves

Chart: USD Share of Global Reserves, 2000–2024 (declining)
Source: https://www.lseg.com/en/insights/ftse-russell/us-dollar-and-treasuries-reports-of-their-death-may-be-exaggerated

Part V: 2025–2030 Forecast — The Roadmap Ahead

Part VI: What You Can Do — 5 Essential Action Steps

Diversify Currency Exposure:
Hold a basket including euros, gold, crypto (BTC, ETH), and select emerging market assets.
Invest in Real Assets:
Commodities, farmland, infrastructure, and energy will outperform in a weaker-dollar world.
Build Global Payment Agility:
Explore stablecoins or multi-currency accounts to hedge against future capital controls.
Watch Regulatory Moves:
Track executive orders, Fed policy, and crypto legislation closely—they’ll move faster than Congress.
Stay Informed, Not Paralyzed:
The dollar won’t die tomorrow—but the rules of the game are changing. Read, prepare, adapt.
 

Sources & Further Reading

CoinMetrics: Crypto Market Data
BRICS Reserve Currency Strategy – Reuters
Chainalysis: DeFi Trends
The Hill: Trump’s Economic Remarks
 

“The old system was built for another time. This one’s for us.”
— Unofficial quote, Mar-a-Lago source

3rd Party Commentary:  https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalDebate/comments/1jknn15/lets_talk_about_the_maralago_accord_is_there_a/

.

David Cordell

Should Iran be allowed to have nukes? Presidents opine.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Of course Iran should be prevented from having nukes!

They are a culture who does not sanctify life, but instead, believes death is the beginning of everything wonderful for the best living.  Therefore, they think death is to be the goal for which to strive.

They are NOT like the rest of us, who believe in the sanctity of life, and life on Earth as has been signified for us: paths to follow for the best life, suggested and urged by Our Heavenly Father

They should always be seen for who they are in the way of their convoluted religious ideology, which they fuse with their governing methods..

Just they way I see it.....

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Jim Bedwell!

Happy Birthday To You!

Do you have big plans for a special music venue tonight, tomorrow night, and Wednesday night too?

Hope you get to do your favorite activities today, enjoying good food as well.

Continued blessings to you in the hills of Tennessee, with newfound friends, and beautiful areas to explore.

I think you should celebrate the whole week, right into the Independence Day tranche of spirited frivolities!

Yahoo!  Enjoy!

Bob Wainner

Sandra;

Well..........whatever.  

Did you know.....that 84% of Americans who vote "Democrat" are also "athesists". At least that's what I read online. 

It's interesting to note that even when the Pilgrams landed here in America...they used the term "GOD".  And...ALL of our Founding Fathers believed in "GOD". The United States was founded on "Christian Beliefs".

But you're, of course, allowed to believe whatever you like....which is why here in America we have "free speech", unlike so many other Nations.

Now......I know at least one more reason that I'm a "Registered Republican".

P.S......Interesting that you used to develop Websites.  You & my Son would have much in common.  My Son, Scott, got his first computer at the age of 6...he was developing Websites at the age of 15.  He developed (2) successful Websites from age 16 to 20......and sold them to a NYC Computer company for $12.4 million (correction)...shown in article published in "The Dallas Morning News". He created and sold another Website when he was age 32.....for $32 million.  Scott lives & works in Silicon Valley & has his own Wikipedia Page. So, I'm very proud of my Son. He's never worked for anyone other than himself. He's about to turn 47 years old. Interesting that Scott earned his first $1 million at an earlier age then Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Jeff Bethos & Mark Zuckleburg......but of course, he's not close to be in their "tax brackets". Scott is still at it....creating more Websites out in California. Sometimes, I wish that "I" had had a career in the Website industry......but I chose another type of "creative design" field to pursue. I've never been a huge fan of "computers" anyway.  During my 40 plus year career as a Landscape Architect...I never used any "Computer Software Drawing Programs"....every project I designed (over 850)....were "Hand-Drawn".  Over the years, Scott & I have shared info./thoughts about investing...but he just knows more about the Stock Market than I do....so, I listen carefully to his ideas.

Bob

Jim Bedwell

Bob W,

All the 10 people who founded Yale College (later University) in 1701 were PASTORS!!!! Oh, how the times have changed!!!

I am not a registered Republican even though I vote that way, mainly due to the complete devolvement by the Democrat Party into neoMarxist insanity. That said, how odd that U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who still votes with his party usually, speaks reasonably sometimes unlike just about all other Dem politicians; I guess you need strokes or other brain damage like Fetterman has had, to get back to a partial semblance of reason?!?!?!

Bob Wainner

Barrack Obama..............

Well, I don't mean to keep the "birther" issue going after all these years.  I just think......here again is one of those "stories" in American History that NOBODY could ever believe would happen in America.

So....when you think of "Pearl Harbor"; 9/11; Barrack Obama actually being eligible to be The President of The United States (full blown-Muslim); Joe Biden actually getting more popular votes than Barrack Obama (when it was obvious from Day 1...that Joe Biden didn't even know what Planet he was living on)...and that "maybe" the Democrat Party really weren't working with the CCCP Government to create COVID-19 & *cough* *cough* accidentially allow that virus to get out........I just believe that literally anything is possible here in The United States. 

Then, you can ADD.....all of the waste, fraud & abuse that Elusk found in our Government. The thousands of Social Security recepients over the age of 120.....seriously.  Out Government is a mess and way too big. I think we could downsize our Government by at least 50% & it would function just fine.....still have to watch those Government employees!!!

Bob

Jim Bedwell

Lady Lanajuju,

Thank you, dear lady, for the birthday wishes. No, I've never been camping or hiking in my entire life (nor have I ever had a massage) and with the 2 bouts of facial melanoma (I'm a cancer survivor) I'm such a sun avoider, even though I still edge, mow and weed-kill the yard myself (totally covered even in 90+ degrees), I doubt that I'll break that lifetime-no-camping-hiking record. My music attendance has dropped drastically also, down from well over 100 shows annually in the Portland area. I went to 13 shows last year and 5 so far this year.

Thank God for Donald Trump (and his miraculous avoidances of assassination last year - there are NO coincidences ever - since God is always totally in control, as we both know - He just has His purposed will plus He also has His permissive will where He allows the enemy so much area to operate as we see daily if we're paying the proper attention to the imperfect, sin-rampant, fallen-world situation). Like Gutfeld, initially a Trump opponent, often says, "We just don't deserve our great President" or words to that effect.

You have a GLORIOUS, WONDERFUL week and 4th yourself as you engage in activities I now forego! YEE HAW!!

Your pal - too bad we didn't know each other at all at RHS,

Chief Jimi Bob

David Cordell

Bad Sign? Trump Shoots Lightning from His Fingertips While Screaming ‘Unlimited Power!’ After Latest SCOTUS Ruling

Jun 28, 2025 · BabylonBee.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In what some are taking as perhaps a bad omen, President Trump responded to the SCOTUS ruling on nationwide injunctions by screaming "UNLIMITED POWER!" and shooting lightning from his fingertips.

"That's probably not good," said an eyewitness as a cackling Trump scorched an aide with lightning. "It sounded like he said something to the effect of ‘Now, nothing can stop me from controlling the galaxy'. It's a bit concerning."

While many conservatives had felt that district courts issuing nationwide injunctions was an unfair check on executive power, they no longer felt so sure after witnessing Trump levitate over the Capitol while launching fireballs from his fists. "Hm, I'm not so sure about this," said local man Roger Timpson as he watched Trump hurl tanks into the Potomac with his mind. "I'm not sure I like him shouting ‘None can withstand me' over and over."

At publishing time, witnesses had wondered if it was a worrisome sign that Trump had disbanded the Senate and declared himself Emperor.

Kurt Fischer

I read an interesting editorial in last Friday's WSJ titled "About Those 'Millions' Losing Medicaid".

A current CBO report indicated that 7.8 million Americans won't have health insurance in 2034 due to the changes in Trump's budget.  This number has been picked up and broadcast mainly by those who oppose Trump.

However, the CBO report also contained other information which has not been part of the discussion.

• Approximately 4.8 million are uninusured because they don't meet the the part-time work requirement.  This requirement is for unemployeed individuals on Medicaid to either work or volunteer 20 hours a week.
• Approximately 1.4 million people do not meet the citizenship and immigration status requirements for Medicaid enrollment.
• Approximately 1.6 million people have access to other forms of subsidized coverage, such as the ObamaCare exchanges.

I'm not sure how much overlap there is in the stats above, but it puts a different face on the argument of how many will be without health insurance.  And it also illustrates the tendency to pick facts to buttress a story while ignoring those that would provide a more nuanced view.

One other piece of the article indicated that the CBO estimates Medicaid spending will grow by more than $200 billion over the next 10 years.  So the "cutting" of Medicaid within the budget is really cutting the amount it is forecast to grow.

And that is the rest of the story....

Jim Bedwell

Janalu,

By the way, actress Eva Marie Saint turns 101 on July 4th.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

I've enjoyed Eva Maria in quite a few movies.  I remember her in several of the movies about Christ, and in ON THE WATERFRONT, with Marlon Brando. as well as others over the years.

She's a talented actress, and very pretty.  She must have great genes too, to have made it to 101 years!  Hope she is doing well, continuing for even more wonderful years seen on the horizon.

Wayne Gary

Eva Mari's first big picture is "36 Hours" with James Garner.  Takes place in WW ll and she is a Jew helping the Germans to decieve James to thinking it is 1950 and he is suffering from amnisa in a US Army hospital in Germany.  Good suspense movie.

Ron Knight

More FACTS About The Israeli Palestinian War

It just infuriates me to see so many ignorant protestors backing "Hamas and Free Palestine" claiming that Israel is the oppressor and started the war. They are being lied to and treat the lies as gospel.

FACT - Starting in June of 2004, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon began a Peace mission to settle the long issue with The Gaza Strip. In 2005 in an effort to establish peace forever in The Gaza Strip Israel removed 9,000 Jewish civilians living in the Gaza Strip and agreed to withdraw all IDF presence there.The IDF had occupied The Gaza Strip since The Six Day War in 1967. This was agreed upon by both parties, but mainly Israel for mankind and PEACE in the region. It was completed by October 2005. Then in 2006 the Palestinians there (1.3million) voted for Hamas leadership to run the area. The Peace treaty was by all accounts ended with that election. And thus where we are today after the savage and barbaric attack on innocent Israeli citizens on October 7th, 2023. Approximately 1300 men, women and children were brutally murdered. 80% of the bodies recovered showed signs of torture before death. Countless women were raped before being murdered. There are videos of Hamas even continuing the rape of the corpse.  There is a 46 minute compilation video taken from Hamas body cams of the slaughter and rape on October 7th. It was intended for Hamas only to celebrate their victory that day. It was released to the press only, but has leaked out all over the world now. Totally vile and disgusting.

But, these protestors deny the facts. They call Israel the "oppressor". Many deny that October 7th even occurred. In what world do they live? They live in a world of lies and proganda aimed at genicide of the Jewish people. It makes my blood boil to see the illiterate protestors follow like sheep with their organizers and repeat their words like a cult mantra. Furthermore, it is sickening to see the anti-semitism on our college campus'.

Side Note - For every one Hamas killed there are approximately two Palestinians killed. Why so many innocent people you may ask? That blame is on Hamas. Hamas sets up military post in hospitals, schools and mosques and force the civilians to stay there. Basically they are using these Palestinians as human shields. This is war and make no mistake that all too often civilian casualties will occur, but is more excessive in this case because of Hamas. If any Palestinian objects publicly to Hamas they could and do face execution. ALL humanitarian aid is intercepted and used by Hamas leaving the general population with little to none of the aid. All of this barbaric activity is in the name of Allah and Jihad. Yet the US protest continue. It's not a matter of if, but when will we start seeing Jihad on the streets of America? Shia Muslims are already living among us. With them comes Sharia Law and death to the infidels. It is part of the master plan I mentioned earlier to take over the world by The Muslim Brotherhood (formed in1928) and Sayyid Qutb, the Father of Jihad and The Islamic State from1964 in his book Milestones.

Jerry May

Belated Happy Birthday, Jim Bedwell! 
That's true about Eva Marie Saint! You all mentioned some very good flicks; but Ellen and I loved her in "North by Northwest"!

Course Cary Grant was most entertaining, as always! Very dapper in that grey suit!

Anyone know when Hitchcock appeared in the movie; as was his trademark?

Wayne Gary

Jerry,

In Lifeboat, Hitchock did not appear except as a picture on the newspaper that floated by. 

In North by Northwest, Alfred Hitchcock appears in a cameo at the beginning of the film. He is seen running towards a bus as the opening credits conclude, just as the bus door closes in his face. This happens near 347 Madison Avenue in New York City, according to The Hitchcock Zone. 

David Cordell

I just saw a video clip of the self-proclaimed Democrat-Socialist New York mayoral candidate Mamdani in which he refers to "seizing the means of production".  That phrase is straight out of the Marxist playbook. It seems to me that he is just a communist with a nice smile.

If Mamdani becomes mayor, and especially if he harasses ICE, Trump will find every way he can to screw with him and New York and to minimize funding for New York -- city and state. I can hear Trump now:

"I will never, and the United States of America must never, subsidize a communist government."

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

David,

I've been watching Mamdani too, as he gains favor by promising city-owned grocery stores, highrise housing apts. at "fair, controlled prices," free childcare, few police that hassle folks, etc., and I wonder why people are taken in by his ridiculous promises.  These gullible people are just under-educated people, seems to me, who fall for whatever Maxist/socialist nonsense, 'pie-in-the-sky' pretty talk they hear.  I can't believe that these people actually believe that childcare will ever be ''free".

 My parents told me from the time I was around 4 or 5 years old, "Nothing is free!"  Ever!   And I learned early that it was true.  If you just use common sense, you can see that everything, everywhere comes with costs!  Just exactly why others can't see the writing on the wall, is beyond my comprehension.  I think these clueless people are not paying attention, and are lost in their own little bubbles of daily minutiae, TV sitcoms, and "reality"(?) shows, etc.   The news programs of the day, they think, are too boring to tune into, or are too depressing to hear, they think.

I heard today that Mamdani was given a two million dollar apt. in NYC from his weathy parents, which he happily occupies, while telling others that he will GIVE them wonderful, tiny, plain apts. for low prices, just like what is done in Russia.   Apts stacked high in towers, that all look the same, and all have elevators to access the many floors, which often break down, or are poorly efficient.  Yahoo!