Rant: the world outside your door

 So I thought there were a few things in the world you all who occasionally read these posts ought to know about what is happening outside your door.  I know not everybody follows the news, because it can really depress you.  BUT... you NEED to know what is happening right under your noses.  If for no other reason, that you know who to pray for.

In Venezuela, people are celebrating the removal of a corrupt narco-dictator, who annulled the results of an election he LOST, by US forces yesterday.  Key word here- CELEBRATING.

In the meantime, known communist agents in the US and elsewhere, the same ones who have funded Antifa, BLM, and No Kings protests, are pushing PROTESTS against our removing this animal.  And most of the US Congress is following in lockstep, either because they're being paid to, they are Democrats who would ban blue skies if they supprted Trump, or others who are whiny about Trump taking an action they SHOULD have.  And of course, all the Hollywood leftists are following obediently along.

While in Australia, a man who dared to chant USA, USA at another one of these communist-sponsored rallies in favor of the butcher of Venezuela, was arrested, held for over an hour and then released, "When they couldn't come up with a charge to bring against me."  You know, Australia, God love you, but how many had to die on Bondi Beach because anti-gun laws take guns away from everyone BUT those who don't believe in law?

In Iran, the people who have been beggarred to support a nuclear program and half the world's terrorists are rising up against the Islamic regime.  And, they are being shot down by ringers from ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas, that Iran's mullahs called in because they can't depend on their own troops to save them. Do you care?

In Germany, thousands are without power because of sabaotage to a power trunk line.  No word on who did it... can we take a good guess?  And while they celebrate, and the government turns a blind eye because, 'diversity', old people without other choices are freezing in their homes.

In Sweden, the city of Malmo has been declared, "more dangerous than Baghdad", because the Muslims have increased the rates of rapes and bombings astronomically, and again the government turns a blind eye, legally persecuting journalists that try to get the truth out to the world.

And don't get me started on the UK.  But maybe Canadians can ask themselves about why it is that Alberta has been looking into independence from Ottawa, why Christians are being arrested while Muslims worship in the streets and truckers are being threatened with de-banking and other things for peaceful protests.

Is the USA immune? Not at all.  The Muslim city council of Dearborn Michigan HAS threatened Christians, and now I hear they are complaining about Sunday Church bells being rang as "offensive" while loudspeaker calls to Muslim worship are just fine.

And how do I hear all this?  By not being blind to the world around me.  But speaking out? Last night I saw on the "bastion of free speech," X, the Muslim mayor of NYC attacking Trump over, once again, the butcher of Venezuela.  So I replied:

For which I was LOCKED OUT of my account for "Violent speech".

And THAT is the world outside your door, friends.

The 2025 top ten

 

So I love to pack as many songs as I can on these lists, but I got looking.  72 songs made my M10 this year- with this week, there are 966 total songs since late August 2015.  And while I've enjoyed the freedom of not doing the weekly posts anymore, I do want to share some... so here is this year's top 10 songs on the Martin list.  Enjoy!

#10-

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#9

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#8 

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#7

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#6

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#5

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#4

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#3 

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#2

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And my #1 tune for the year...

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Hope you enjoyed, happy music year!

New year will be no smarter...

 So this morning, a friend on X told me (and others) a item that claimed, " absurd leftist assertion that time was invented by imperialists-colonists as a tool to enslave brown people." After a good hard laugh at that one, I asked grok to give me a top ten of stupid liberal/far left/woke claims.  Grok's list:

1- Math is racist: Because equations and correct answers enforce a "white supremacist" standard of objectivity, ignoring cultural ways of counting or estimating.

Math is supposed to be objective, people; whether you use a supercomputer or your buddy's toes, 2+2 will give you a simple, non-racial 4.

2- Trees are colonial oppressors: Planting non-native species is an act of environmental imperialism, displacing indigenous flora and perpetuating botanical hegemony.

Now see, the big ridiculousness is in how this is phrased; the tree planted isn't the oppressor, the planter is. But since you are talking about people on the level of the 74 women in Bristol, UK, who married trees in 2021, maybe they do blame the tree.

3- Gravity is ableist: It discriminates against those who can't jump high or climb stairs easily, reinforcing societal norms that favor the physically privileged.

Okay, I officially give up on the tree thing, because once you start accusing a fundamental force of nature of prejudicial behavior, the screw has well and truly come out, and the marbles are ready to jump...

This is the one who started this rumor...

4- Water is patriarchal: Rivers "flow" in a linear, goal-oriented manner, mirroring male-dominated narratives instead of embracing fluid, non-binary cycles.

So in a fair universe, we would not have rivers, brooks and streams.  But puddles, a LOT of puddles.

5- Sleep is a capitalist plot: The 8-hour sleep schedule was invented by factory owners to maximize worker productivity, enslaving us to the clock's tyranny.

Considering how generous eight hours for sleep would be to workers at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, and how hard unions had to fight to GIVE you 8 hours sleep, I have got to think Karl Marx  took a twirl in his grave over this one.  On the other hand, it just might explain a lot about him...

6- Oxygen privilege: People in high-altitude areas are oppressed by thinner air, while sea-level dwellers hoard breathable resources without checking their atmospheric entitlement.

I do have another X person that is going through this "oppression" having just moved to Colorado.  But, it's like Sam Kinison said about deserts- you don't like it, move where the air is!

"You live on the edge of space!  There's NO AIR there! OH! OH!"

7- Punctuation is elitist: Periods and commas enforce rigid structure on language, marginalizing free-form expression from marginalized communities.

My first thought was, there are plenty of ancient languages that did not use punctuation; learn one of them.  Second thought:  I wonder if this explains Kamala Harris's speeches...

8- Photosynthesis is speciesist: Plants converting sunlight discriminates against nocturnal beings, prioritizing daytime ecosystems over the underrepresented night shift.

I honestly am stumped on this one.

9- Colors are culturally appropriated: Rainbows steal from indigenous prism lore, and using "black" or "white" in descriptions perpetuates chromatic colonialism.

I have to ask the LGBTQ flag designers how they feel about this one...

10- Logic itself is a tool of the patriarchy: Deductive reasoning suppresses intuitive, emotional truths, silencing femme ways of knowing in favor of rigid male paradigms.

Which is in essence saying, men are always right, women are always wrong.  These things are so stupid, they trip right into the jokes.

Now to its credit, grok tells me some of these are varying levels of satire, but usually based on something actual.

Wednesday Bible Study: Psalm 119 deconstructed Part 7

 

At last we are at the end of our journey through the longest Psalm- and longest chapter in the Bible!  But wouldn't you know it, God has one more twist for us.  Our concept word this time, is WORD.  But... there are 2 different Hebrew words being translated (in most versions) as "word".  I am hopeful that we can knock this out in one shot, because I am excited about the upcoming next chapter of our ongoing Bible studies.

The first word is Dabar- and indicates an "impact word", the source I consulted tells me.  Straightforward, means what it says.  Most of the verses I found- and believe me, I found more with "word" than any other, and about half of them were the first verse of a stanza- treated "word" as a command, or a 'matter' as the definition puts it. It starts with taking heed (v9) and observing (v17), which respectively relate to cleaning up your act, and gaining the favor of God.  The next 2 verses (25 and 28), deal with a soul who is struggling; cleaving to the dust, melting in sorrow- and the Word is the solution for both.  In vv 42-43, the word is an action- a defense against reproaches, and a prayer that it might not be taken away.  Then, in vv49 and 57, there is a two-part promise: The Lord's, to keep the word in which we hope, and ours, that in return for this promise, we will keep the word.

So many of these are based around our hope in His word.  Now if you remember, Biblical hope is not, "I hope this happens," but instead, "I know this will happen because the Word of the Lord has said so."  Things such as salvation, and being a part of God's family, are included here.  But it is more; being God's word, it is permanent:

Psa 119:89  Lamedh Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

In the New Testament, John wrote in his Gospel that Jesus was the very Word of God; he connected God with light in his first letter.  So it is no surprise that here, too, God's Word is connected with light:

Psa 119:105  Nun Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

Psa 119:130  The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.   

And yet another concept in this word is the defense from prsecution...

Psa 119:161  Shin Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. 

Paying heed, rescue from sorrow, God's promises and our return effort, the sure hope that we have in His permanent words, direction for our way, and our protection.  If I tried, I could probably glean even more- especially the whole concept of God's light, which would be a whole other series (hmm...).  But for now, let's move on.

The second word translated thus is Imrah- and this is more of a 'poetic' use, the source told me. It doesn't really read poetic as we think of poetic.  And, many of the Bible versions on my e-Sword tanslate it as "promise"- which is closer, but not the whole picture as I saw it.  The word/Imrah divided itself for me into three categories of verses:

First, like I said, used it as a PROMISE.  One example here:

Psa 119:82  Mine eyes failed in waiting for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 

The writer establishes that God has promised a comfort.  Another:

Psa 119:123  Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for thy righteous word. 

So it would seem that promise is for both this life and the next!  The fact that both start with, "Mine eyes fail" tells us these promises require patience!  After all... 

2Pe 3:8  But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 

Second, it is used as a REQUEST.  For example:

Psa 119:133  Establish my footsteps in thy word; And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 

All of these verses, you'll see that unspoken "please" in it, making requests based on the Word.

Psa 119:154  Plead thou my cause, and redeem me: Quicken me according to thy word. 

Psa 119:76  Let, I pray thee, thy lovingkindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 

Psa 119:38  Make Your Word sure to Your servant, who is devoted to Your fear. 

Psa 119:116  Uphold me according to Your Word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 

But what is a request, made in sure hope, if it is not confirmed?  So the last aspect of Imrah is that of a GIFT:

Psa 119:41  VAU: Let Your mercies come to me, O Jehovah, even according to Your salvation, according to Your Word. 

Psa 119:50  This is my comfort in my affliction; for Your Word has given me life. 

A Promise.  A Request, made on the basis of that Promise.  And the Gift of the Promise fulfilled.  This is the nature of Imrah.  What we learn then in this chapter is the solid ground of the now, of God's word; and the just as solid ground of the future promise.

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Now, I would like to introduce you to the concept I am going to be working on, God willing, for much of this year. 

I call "The Wisdom Truck".  I learned that for "wisdom" and "wise", there are 3 different words, and my plan is to work through them in order from one end of the Bible to another- with a mini-version on Facebook and an expanded one here.  Hopefully we will learn a few things we didn't see before- but with Solomon there driving, we're gonna have to be careful he stays on the right road!  

Music deaths in 2025, part 2

 Continuing from yesterday:

Marianne Faithful

Longtime Rolling Stones girl, hit with a cover of their As Tears Go By.

Mark Volman

Member of the Turtles (Happy Together), as well as Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention; "Flo" of Flo and Eddie, with the M10 hit Keep It Warm.

Michael "Tunes" Antunes

Saxophone on John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band (On The darkside).

Mick Ralphs

Lead vocal on Mott The Hoople (All The Young Dudes), founder and lead guitar for Bad Company.

Nino Tempo

Partner of April Stevens on Deep Purple (1963).

Ozzie Osbourne

C'mon, everyone knows Ozzie!

Perry Bamonte

Bassist for the Cure on Friday I'm In Love.

Peter Yarrow

Member of Peter, Paul, and Mary; wrote Maureen McGovern's Torn Between Two Lovers.

Rick Davies

Songwriter and keyboards for Supertramp.

Rick Derringer

Lead guitar on the McCoys (Hang On Sloopy) and hit with Rock'N'Roll Hootchie-Coo.

Robert John

Had big hits with a cover of The Lion Sleeps Tonight as well as Sad Eyes.

Roberta Flack

Early 1970s star (First Time Ever I Saw Your Face).

Sam Moore

One-half of Sam and Dave (Soul Man).

Sly Stone

Leader of Sly and the Family Stone.

Steve Cropper

Guitarist for Booker T and the MGs, as well as being the "play it, Steve" for both Sam and Dave's and the Blues Brothers' Soul Man.

Terry "Buzzy" Johnson

High tenor and arranger for the Flamingos on their hit version of I Only Have Eyes For You.

Thommy Price

Drummer for Scandal (The Warrior) and later for Joan Jett on I Hate Myself For Loving You.

Tom Shipley

Half of Brewer and Shipley (One Toke Over The Line).

Tommy Hunt

Another member of the Flamingos on that hit.

Walter Scott

Founding member of the Whispers (And The Beat Goes On, Rock Steady); his twin brother, Wallace ("Wally") is the last remaining member.

Wayne Osmond

Second oldest of the original Osmonds band.

Good grief, that was more than 60 deaths in the field.  But I guess that shouldn't surprise me; after all the pioneers in modern pop and rock are edging near 100, when they are still around.

Music deaths in 2025, part one

 Time for me to peruse the deaths in Music of people I knew (of) this year, and say an in memoriam with hopes (but not belief) it won't get added to...

Alphabetic by name:

Ace Frehley

Former member of Kiss and semi-frequent visitor lately of the M10. In October, after a fall-related brain bleed.

Bernie Toorish

Tenor for vocal group the Four Lads from founding to early 1970's.  They had 7 top tens from 1952-69 including one we had on 45- Moments To Remember.  He was the last surviving founder.

Billy Earhart

Keyboards for the Amazing Rhythm Aces (Third Rate Romance).

Bob Kuban

One hit wonder who scord with the 1966 #12 hit The Cheater.

Bob Rupe

Bassist for Cracker on their 1993 alt hit Low.

Bobby Hart

Last survivor of Boyce and Hart, who had the top ten I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight, as wellas essentially being the Monkees early on.

Bobby Sherman

Pop idol and actor who sang Little Woman and starred in Here Comes The Brides (the TV version).

Bobby Whitlock

Piano and keyboards for Delaney and Bonnie and Derek and the Dominos, co-writer on Bell Bottom Blues.

Brenton Wood

Had the big hit Gimme Little Sign.

Brian Wilson

Founder, heart and soul of the Beach Boys, last of the three Wilson brothers.

Cavin Yarbrough

Half of funk duo Yarbrough and Peoples, who hit big with Don't You Stop The Music.

Chris Dreja

Rhythm and bass for the Yardbirds (For Your Love).

Chris Jasper

Keyboards for the Isley Brothers, and Rudoph Isley's brother in law.

Chris Rea

Had the big M10 ( the original list) hit Fool If You Think It's Over.

Chubby Tavares

Third of the five brothers in the band Tavares, well known for hits like Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, on which he sang lead.

Chuck Girard

Lead singer for the Hondells who hit with the Beach Boys comp Little Honda, later was a founder of "Jesus music" pioneer Love Song.

Chuck Mangione

Jazz brass man, hit big with instrumental Feels So Good.

Clem Burke

Drummer for Blondie.

Colin Earl

Piano man for Mungo Jerry (In The Summertime).

Connie Francis

15 top tens and 3 #1s (including Who's Sorry Now) across the 1960s.

Dave Burgess

Rythym for the the Champs (Wipeout).

Dave Cousins

Leader of the Strawbs (Part Of The Union).

David Ball

One half of the duo Soft Cell (Tainted Love).

Frank Maffei

Second tenor for Danny and the Juniors (At The Hop), last of the original line-up.

Garth Hudson

Piano for The Band on hits like Up On Cripple Creek and The Weight.

George Kooymans

Singer/guitarist for Golden Earring.

Gilson Lavis

Drummer for Squeeze (Tempted).

Gwen McRae

Hit with early pseudo-disco Rocking Chair; was married to George (The Hustle) McRae.

Harry Elston

Founding member of the Friends Of Distinction (Grazing In The Grass).

Jerry Butler

Leader of the Impressions early on, hit solo with Only The Strong Survive.

Jesse Colin Young

Lead singer for the Youngbloods (Get Together).

Joey Molland

Last member of Badfinger.

John Edwards

Lead vocal for the Spinners late in career, he sang the remakes of Working My Way Back To You and Cupid.

John Lodge

Singer and bassist for the Moody Blues; writer on songs like I'm Just A Singer In A Rock'n'Roll Band.

Johnny Tillotson

Early 60s star, hit with It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'.

Larry Lee

Drummer for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils; wrote the big hit Jackie Blue.

Larry Tamblyn

Organs for the Standells (Dirty Water).

Lenny Welch

Hit in 1960 with Since I Fell For You.

Lou Christie

1960s star known for Lighning Strikes and Two Faces Have I.

At this point I am going to split into 2 posts; see the conclusion tomorrow!

Gray days pics

 I can't promise you much excitement in this picture post- a lot of gray.  But I will attempt to spice it up with this- a few days ago, someone (not me of course) hit the big Powerball jackpot for some obscene amount of money.  They say the odds against were like one in 292.2 million.  So I asked grok about comparable odds, and I will sneak the answers I got in as we go.

First up is the 22nd, I believe that was Monday...

Everything was frosted over!

We saw this crew at the south end of the woods.  Weren't sure what was up, but they had a Kendall Electric truck with a cherry picker with them.

What there was of the river was frozen

so of course we checked it out

So the odds are better of you getting hit by lightning- 19,000 times!  Or being eaten 79 times by a shark, or nailing 23,000 holes in one...

Tuesday comes...

Not so frosty- but cold

The main excitement- 3 bluebirds of happiness!

Along the back road, several trees were chopped down....

The odds of hitting that jackpot were approximately that of guessing correctly one specific person out of the entire population of the United States...

The Christmas day walk, about midmorning...

Much warmer, and sunny

Squirrels were honestly everywhere

At least a few people joined us in celebrating on Christmas Eve, apparently

Misty eating the last of the snow she could

Another close approximation of the odds would be picking the correct precise second out of a 9-year-span of time...

Finally, today, which we spiced up with a fictitious detective story...

Not near so bad as yesterday (nothing but drizzles and fog!), but still damp

When the only thing interesting in the woods is an oddly-hanging dead branch (and a grey squirrel who wouldn't sit still)...

I'm guessing this was put up at some point to hold signage for a cross-country run.  Right now, we will call it, "the sign about nothing"...

So that crew must have been the same ones who cut down the other trees, probably to keep from falling on electric lines...

Now, here's where our (not true) story begins.  One of our Kendall Electric guys got a wash at one of the giant car wash palaces springing up around town.   We'll assume he got the platinum single on the company dime.  Later, we find a Holiday Inn bill for electric exec named Pazolozzo (or something similar with a lot of z's) for $143 buckos, up on Mushroom ridge.

Misty senses something off, but can't pinpoint it. Probably her daddy.

This is Misty being mad that the river is now a mudflat she cannot drink from.

Just before this, we found our third piece of "evidence", a card for a $100 gift card to nearby swanky restaurant Baker Street.

Finally, on the way home, one last piece of evidence...

...a Topps Quinten Post basketball card!  Apparently, Pazolozzo took in a game at the Plex before checking out...

Okay, enough of the silly, back to the silly!  The last comparable grok gave me was you will find a pearl in an oyster at a restaurant 29,220 times before hitting the $1.82 billion winning number!  But don't despair- according to grok, you'd still hit the numbers 31.6 BILLION times before you picked a perfect March Madness bracket (assuming you had NO knowledge of basketball- much like Pazolozzo, since he lost the Topps card of Golden State's second string center!)