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Religion
BLASPHEMY!
BLASPHEMY! I can think of no better word to describe the social media appearance of the President in the form of Jesus Christ. Explanations are nothing but double talk. That barely exceeded the scene when the Vice-President, who is a Catholic, argues theology with the Pope. As the sacred head of the church, The Pope is the final authority in questions of faith and theology. I am a Methodist, but I can’t imagine a public debate with a Bishop, who is several ranks down the pecking order....
Public Policy
I May Decide to Go to War Tomorrow
Since the Congress hasn’t formally issued a declaration of war since 1942, they apparently must think they are unnecessary any more. We have fought four major wars since then under statutory authority (i.e. passing a law authorizing the use a military force without specifying for what or where). We got mired in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq with more or less an open checkbook....
Politics
North Carolina Politics
We are one of only five states that have held a primary election this year. Phil Berger got a big surprise in that he lost his bid by a razor thin election. Of course, he has appealed, but it appears that the results wwill not be enough to change the election. He appeared to think that he was entitled to his seat since he has won several re-elections....
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ Media is Alive and Well
In spite of a complete shut-down of LGBTQ employees in any aspect of government (not everyone was fired), the media industry is still distributing LGBTQ products. The Administration has targeted transgender folks for dismissal, and often it criticizes the media for LGBTQ coverage. The 37th Glaad Media Awards presented about 90 videos (film & TV) in 13 categories....
Travel
Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain State Park is one of the most distinctive natural features in North Carolina. The mountain consists of The Big Pinnacle and the Little Pinnacle Overlook that is adjacent to it. The Overlook is accessible from a parking lot off US 52 and via a very steep climb over rocks. It is NOT a hiking path. The peaks were formed from quartzite that survived the erosion around them for millions of years. It is one of four similar knobs in North Carolina....
General
Downfall: The Case Against Boeing
This Netflix documentary goes into detail about the cause of the 737-Max airline crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. The film excels at making complex aviation and business issues accessible. It wasn’t a dull recitation of facts; the dramatizations and reactions of families were emotional hooks. The issue: Boeing had installed new software on this model, and it didn’t tell anyone, including the FAA, because it didn’t want to require more pilot training....