RA1

Thanks for the kind words, MsGuy. The whole long episode was indeed silly, but apparently feelings continue to run high on both or all sides. Everyone is whoever they are and posts will not change a thing. Best regards, RA1

Yes, I have watched this amazing total grow and grow for some time. More than once I wondered how this was accomplished. Then, I realized it was simply 4 posts a day for 8 years, rain or shine. Congrats. Best regards, RA1

Of course. My family has always been pet oriented. When my sister from FL would visit our mother in MEM she always brought at least two doxies. Before she could get to our mother's room, many of the residents just had to pet and talk to one or both of the doxies. We are very important to animals and they are very important to us. And, not just party animals. Best regards, RA1

AS- The 3rd quarterly payment was due last month, the year end is over 2 months away and 15 April is but a haze spot on the horizon. So, who is after you? Best regards, RA1

Interesting article, told with passion, especially for how things were. Well, I am not sure any of us can go back. Certainly it is an indictment of US bureaucracies, HSA and perhaps the idea that money and technology can take the place of individual intervention. Even then, individual may care but are relatively helpless without good leadership. I have not seen the knife carried by Oscar Gonzalez and would like to know if it was more than a small pocket knife. Guns and ammo left in a car harm no one during an intrusion such as he made. I am glad snipers did not shoot him. Yes, he should have been stopped by someone or a dog between the fence and the front door. "How to make the President safe again" is an attention grabbing headline and, like many, misleading. How can we make the Secret Service more efficient likely would be more accurate. Second line, I have some suggestions. Best regards, RA1

Shouldn't that be " a settin'"? Will inform you when it gets cold enough for ham and beans. It is served with fresh sweet onions and corn bread. Best regards, RA1

A slow cooker is wonderful for my ham and beans recipe but also good for stews, etc. My biggest problem is that it cooks better when full and I end up with more than I can possibly eat. So, you all come on down. Best regards, RA1

Is this a day dream or a night dream, for surely it must be a dream? I am not sure that I or anyone else knows what a free election really is. Some think they understand the US election system, reputed to be free, open and, sometimes honest. However, poor voter turnout aside, how few folks actually vet and nominate the various candidates for office? Very few and, lamented here and elsewhere, how pervasive is corporatism in "controlling" those few? I have to conclude that the US has the potential for free elections but has disregarded that right for a long time. Best regards, RA1

BO and his appointees suck. Best regards, RA1

Of course, this talk about liver reminds one of how to cook kidneys. Boil the piss out of them. Best regards, RA1

Boiling the alcohol out of liver shouldn't smell too bad. I have never liked to eat liver and almost never have done so but the one time I found it almost palatable was when it was broasted. The Broaster was invented by a very talented older gentleman in the late 1950's. He invented various things and had set up a demo restaurant in northern Illinois. I was traveling with my father on a business trip when we were invited to try various broasted dishes. Being young, dumb but polite, I tried the liver and found it edible. I have no idea what happened to the Broaster thereafter. The gentleman's name was LAM Phelan and reputedly he invented the mercury thermostat and the auto cut off gasoline nozzle among other things. Long past now, I am sure. Funny what you remember so many years later. Best regards, RA1

What is the name for Tiananmon Square in Hong Kong? Apparently J. Wong is old enough to vote in Scotland, even if the Guardian doesn't remember that. Let's not rush to have him finished in Hong Kong. That sounds pretty dire considering how the Chinese treat their dissenters. Best regards, RA1

I don't necessarily like it but I do like knowing it. Best regards, RA1

MsGuy- This reminds me of the scene in Golden Girls where they are buying condoms in a supermarket. Of course, the script calls for the manager on duty to use the PA to announce a price check. Hilarious. Best regards, RA1

VERY cute. But, I am extremely grateful to not have ANY interest in acting. How boring. Best regards, RA1

Ha, ha. OK, I agree there are many pronunciations. Hereabouts, we seem to prefer Nat chis. Yes, emphasis on the first syllable Best regards, RA1

Yes, MsGuy is to be feared, etc. I would love to hear how our posters pronounce Natchez. Best regards, RA1

Si, senour. Best regards, RA1

Should that be trembling in fear? Just curious. Best regards, RA1

I have been "trialed" many times and this is just another one of those. I was always astonished when a human beat Watson. Best regards, RA1

The animal that has not been reduced 50% is of course human beings. To paraphrase an old advert, it isn't nice to fool Mother Nature. Best regards, RA1

A Smart car rolls, doesn't it? Best regards, RA1

When the UK gave up Hong Kong I knew it was the end of the world as we formerly knew it. Best regards, RA1

There is no satisfactory answer. We live in the moment whether we like it or not. Therefore, what you decide when the time comes will be wholly up to you. In the meantime you can advise your partner or family or whoever what your wishes might be. Do not resuscitate or use extraordinary measures might be part of your life will. Notarized and printed out. One can appoint another to look after their "last" illness or whatever but the next of kin is legally responsible for what happens after death. Be sure they know what your wishes are. Even so, they are not legally bound by them. Threaten them from the grave if they disobey. Best regards, RA1

I am sure there is more than one for the "other side" to include, "what difference does it make?" Answer: A lot. But, thanks for including this. I only want to be fair and wholly appreciate it when others are also. Best regards, RA1