Recent News Nuggets

A grateful person posted the following story on Facebook several days ago: “It seems like it has rained and poured nothing but bad luck lately, but I want to say THANK YOU to the two ladies who were behind me at the intersection by Wings Etc. and Lowe’s in Benton Harbor (Michigan) today!

Some people attempt to improve their standing with those around them by focusing attention on themselves; things they’ve accomplished, places they’ve been, things they own, people they know, and so forth.

​ References: The Mirror, September 16, 2025, Mataeo …

The first time you try anything; realize that you won’t be very good at it; most people never are. Think about the first time you tried dancing with someone or the first time you stood up in front of a group and made a presentation. You, no doubt, felt awkward, self-conscious, and were probably embarrassed at the way things turned out.

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” is a renowned oil painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, created around 1665.

My friend has a sister-in-law who lives alone in a retirement community. Here husband passed away a little over a year ago. She and her husband had very few friends because they did everything together. After her husband died, she found herself getting more and more lonely to the point where she was very unhappy.

It’s Time to Oust and Replace with Fresh Faces. – These Senators voted for RFK Jr. and Pete Hegseth who are an embarrassment to our Democracy.

I recently came across a study which was referred to in a book titled, The Inflated Self, where a large random sample of male adults were asked to rate themselves on their ability to get along with other people.

Sometimes people choose to pass on many of the opportunities that life sends their way because they’re afraid—they’re not sure where the opportunity might take them. This is unfortunate, because saying “yes” to opportunities is part of what it means to live life fully.

Another NewsQuill Recommendation View this profile on …

When you approach a task or situation with enthusiasm, you radiate energy, cheerfulness, excitement, and even joy. This means you’re going to enjoy what you’re doing, be successful at it, and probably learn a lot in the process.

The Homomonument is a groundbreaking memorial in Amsterdam, unveiled on 5 September 1987.

“If you;re a Republican in Congress, you just saw a Kremlin kiss ass in the president of the United States. Somebody who squandered an opportunity to confront a ruthless dictator who is kill innocent children, and kidnapping innocent children, every single day. I don’t know what this meeting accomplished other than taking the Epstein files and inflation of the news. It was embarrassing to watch. He even toasted Putin as if he was receiving a lifetime achievement award. A total nothing Burger, as waste of time.” – Eric Swalwell

If you walked in residential neighborhoods outside the tourist center, you’d still see smoking, but nowhere near the “wall of smoke” effect you get in the heart of Amsterdam.

The three Xs you see all over Amsterdam — on flags, manhole covers, city hall, and even on street poles — are St. Andrew’s Crosses. – They aren’t about the “XXX” you might associate with adult entertainment — that’s just a modern coincidence.

The chapel is situated in what is now known as the Heilig-Kruispark, built in 1953–1954 on the foundations of an earlier monastic chapel, part of the medieval Priorij van Hooidonk founded in 1146.

Joseph Lovett, a broadcast news producer and documentarian who made one of the first long-form network television segments on the AIDS crisis and who plumbed his own personal tragedies in works that blended reporting and public health advocacy, died on July 14 at his home in Manhattan. He was 80.

August 2, 2025 – Saturday A great day to …

At De Laatste Kruimel, they pride ourselves on serving homemade goodness that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds. Their menu is a delightful mix of cakes, sandwiches, quiches, soul-warming soups and more, all made with love and care.

Friendship Village, Tempe, Arizona [Website] Birds of …

Ready the Full Article (PDF) Laura Gersony Arizona …

January 22, 1935 – November 5, 2017 Robert L. …

As of March 1, 2025, ICE had lost over 30% of its Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO) officers nationwide. That means nearly one-third of its deportation staff have either resigned or retired in just over a year.

But Doesn’t Barron’s Father Want to Change Birthright Citizenship?

These verses emphasize compassion and justice toward foreigners, grounded in the Israelites’ own history of being strangers in Egypt.

Melania Trump entered via a legal immigration route, later obtaining a high-skill immigrant visa (EB‑1), which some argue may have required influence given her modeling career. At an immigration hearing, Rep. Jasmine Crockett criticized how Melania was awarded the EB‑1 visa, questioning whether her qualifications truly met that category.

Every once in a while, I’ll have someone tell me that they’re not really happy with where their journey through life has taken them. They feel that they should have done better or accomplished more.

Joe Connolly and Terry Pochert (aka “Terrel Pochert”) – First federal win in Arizona prior to Obergefell, catalyzed state recognition

According to Michael Wolff’s new book and podcast insights, President Trump did blame Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the lackluster turnout and tone of his Army birthday parade. Wolff tells of Trump “reaming out Hegseth” over what he saw as soldiers “hamming it up” — waving and smiling rather than presenting a serious, menacing posture — which Trump felt undermined the message he wanted.

Several speech and cognitive experts have noted changes in Trump’s communication style over recent years. Analyses have highlighted patterns such as increased tangentiality, simplified sentence structures, and repetitive language, which some experts suggest could be indicative of cognitive decline.

Melania Trump went viral for appearing to nod off during Trump’s birthday parade.

The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.

Case: Connolly & Pochert v. Brewer / Roche (Federal District Court, D. Ariz.) – Filed January 6, 2014, as a class-action lawsuit challenging Arizona’s statutory (1996) and constitutional (2008) bans on same-sex marriage.

When former President Trump attended the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 11, 2025, he was met with a mixed reception, including audible boos as he and Melania took their seats.

In an article which appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Melinda Beck referred to a growing body of research which shows that feeling grateful for the good things that have happened to us can improve our psychological, emotional and physical health.

Many Veterans of All Services Were Shocked During …

How about doing ICE Raids at Home Depots in RED states? ICE has been specifically targeting day laborers at a Home Depot parking lots in L.A., with recent raids in Westlake and Pomona. These actions, part of a broader enforcement push, have led to mass arrests and sparked widespread community backlash and protests.

Protests are planned in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025, coinciding with both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The primary demonstration, known as the “No Kings” rally, is organized by activists who view the parade as a political spectacle aimed at showcasing dominance. They accuse the president of mimicking authoritarian displays for personal glorification under the guise of celebrating national pride.

Leaving school left Musk without a legal basis to remain in the United States, according to legal experts. Foreign students cannot drop out of school to build a company, even if they are not immediately getting paid, said Leon Fresco, a former Justice Department immigration litigator.

I never looked at the people we meet on our journey through life as gifts before, but when you think about it, they really are. Some become mentors, while others become life-partners, best friends, role-models, intermediaries, cheerleaders, confidantes and soul mates.

Not long ago, I was in Trader Joe’s looking for a …

August 24, 1949 — May 31, 2025 Lois Jean Connolly …

Often times, when we set goals for ourselves to do things like exercise more or lose weight, we start out with all kinds of enthusiasm and then back off or procrastinate when the going gets a little tough. During times like these, a gentle nudge of encouragement is all that it takes to keep us on track.

John Oliver discusses how Donald Trump is attempting …

Optimists are those people who have a positive outlook on life. They’re the ones who see the glass as being half-full instead of half-empty. And, if life sends them lemons, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they figure out a way to make lemonade.

It’s clear Trump and his administration will go …

Buttigieg is a graduate of Harvard College and Oxford University, attending the latter on a Rhodes Scholarship. From 2009 to 2017, he was an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of lieutenant. He was mobilized and deployed to the War in Afghanistan for seven months in 2014.

The following story was sent in by a subscriber in response to a previous Reminder about taking advantage of opportunities to make other people’s days.

There is Good News in Arizona Arizona Governor Katie …

Friendship Village Tempe is a vibrant, not-for-profit Life Care community located in Tempe, Arizona, offering a comprehensive range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services.

Do you ever get that winded feelin’, ever find your head a reelin’, Keepin’ up with the Jones’ down the street?

Terry Pochert is a notable figure from Arizona, recognized for his contributions to media, LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, and community engagement.

Always check with your health professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking other prescription medications. The following are some of the popular supplements used by bodybuilders.

An article by Derek Thompson, which appeared in a …

Trump arrived at Pope Francis’ funeral wearing a blue suit and a light blue tie, standing out in a sea of black. Did he break Vatican protocol?

Kristina Ulmer, a ninth grade English teacher, lost her 29-year-old sister in an automobile accident. As she went through her sister’s purse, she found $80.00 in her billfold.

A friend related this powerful moving story to my wife and me. On February 15, their 17-year-old granddaughter and two friends had some free time, so they went to the local market and bought a large number of half-price, unsold, Valentine flowers.

Same sex couples can legally tie the knot now in Arizona but there are still a lot of questions about death and birth rights. One of the big ones: Will gay couples have the same access to adoption as straight couples?

President Bartlet delivered a knockout punch on an anti-gay practitioner highlighting the ridiculous practice of selecting quotes from the Bible to shore up irrational prejudices.

Sarah Trimmer is an extremely courageous person and a hero to many.

My wife Marcia and I, along with several members of our family were having dinner at a restaurant. After we placed our order, I noticed a mother and her young daughter having dinner together in a booth not far from us.

A German pastor’s poem during the Nazi reign of WWII …

This is the beginning of a quote from Mark Twain. The …

Trump and Musk are destroying the electric vehicle market only to benefit themselves.

Holds Town Meetings ONLY for Republicans – Why not listen to ALL of his constituents? Very strange to ignore almost halve of his constituents. A Thorn in the Side of Progressives.

When Hillary Clinton used a private email server, Donald Trump and his allies wanted her locked up. Now? Senior Trump administration officials just used the Signal app — a publicly available messaging platform — to discuss sensitive U.S. military strike plans… and the best they can do is call it “a glitch.”

Recently, I called a friend of mine who had been …

The backlash to Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s alliance is hitting Tesla hard. From boycotts and protests to attacks on cars, showrooms and charging stations, the company’s stock is plummeting. The US Attorney General and Trump called the attacks “domestic terrorism”. What’s driving the fallout, and what impact will it have?

Even during a non-election year, certain politicans bring in larger crowds than Mr. Trump.

The ultra-wealthy talk about solving the climate crisis or ending inequality. But what they’re really interested in is outliving or escaping anyone poorer than them

Denmark “Ivan Hansen, a retired Danish police …

There are moments in a speakers career when it is not all about the money.

Canadian chickens can catch avian flu, just like their American cousins. But the impact on Canada’s egg supply has so far been limited.

After falling sales, now Elon Musk faces another nightmare; Tesla halts Cybertruck deliveries as indestructible panels mysteriously fall off, sparking major build-quality concerns

In their book, The Good Life, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz point out that human beings are social creatures which means that each of us, as individuals, cannot provide everything we need for ourselves.

Great graphic from investigative reporter, Vince Wade. Visit his website at VinceWade.com

Rubio sat spineless during Trump’s and Vance’s meltdown in the oval office, then has the “guts” to post the following. Thanks Rep. Eric Swalwell for casting a spotlight on the REAL Rubio.

Phoenix VA Newsletter – March 12, 2025 Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center Library Closing

Free Speech Opponents Throw Death Threats at the Artists

You think Musk will make air travel safer? View of March 6, 2025, failure from Jamica changing the flight path of many passenger jets.

Poet’s Walk I visited the Poet’s Walk and what a …

Sometimes, when you share a dream that you’re excited about with those around you, you’ll find their responses to be less than encouraging.

Free Speech Just Got Squash by Mike Johnson

The Trump Administration Continues to make Mountains Out of Mole Hills

All the rage in the various health clubs is the recommendation for PRE-workout drinks and shakes. Perhaps just as important is nutrition to help the body recover from a strenuous workout. Here are our suggestions. As with anything you put into your body whether it be regular food or supplements, please make sure you discuss all your nutrition issues with a professional.

Hundreds of Our Friends feel as if they can do nothing except Vote at the next election. This is not true. Here are just a few ideas.

Neither Musk or Trump Served in the Military – A “Middle Finger” to Vets

I heard the expression just the other day. “When are you going to grow up?” Fortunately it was not directed at me this time.

Easy for SNL to Make Fun of Him – Although People Laughed, they also CRIED for Ukraine

Author and speaker Brian Tracy had this to say about success: “Success is not necessarily determined by material possessions or accomplishments.

A wax museum in San Antonio, Texas, was forced to remove its statue of former President Donald Trump because visitors kept attacking it. Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks transferred the statue from the gallery to a storage unit after the museum’s guests repeatedly punched and scratched the figure, causing damage.

Nice T-Shirt on Musk! Why wasn’t he kicked out of the Oval Office?

Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) was met with chants of “do your job” at a town hall on Saturday.

Norwegian fuel company Haltbakk Bunkers has announced it will cease supplying fuel to U.S. military forces in Norway and American ships docking in Norwegian ports, citing dissatisfaction with recent U.S. policy towards Ukraine.

Senator Marshall (R-KS) RUNS AWAY, fleeing his own town hall after being asked about DOGE firing Veterans.

Russia’s greatest military asset is not any bomb, tank, plane or ship. It is the Republican Party.

Trump Sides with Russia, Ambushes Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Arizona is leasing farmland to a Saudi water company, straining aquifers, and threatening future water supply in Phoenix. Fondomonte, a Saudi company, exports the alfalfa to feed its cows in the Middle East. The country has practically exhausted its own underground aquifers there. In Arizona, Fondomonte can pump as much water as it wants at no cost.

Recently in an exercise class we were requested to stand behind our chairs and march in place. It is strange how old memories come back. As I marched I recalled a parade I marched in July 4th, 1952 as a PFC in the U.S. Army. Recalling that event a few years ago I wrote this.

Give a cheer, give a cheer, for the Volunteer For while others say they’ll see to it, Give a cheer, give a cheer for the Volunteer For they simply go out and do it!