Author Archives: Jim deMaine

Swapna Augustine – An Incredible Artist Born Without Arms

Thanks to Sybil-Ann If you believe that unfavorable circumstances have been stopping you from achieving your goals, then Swapna will convince you that an indomitable spirit can overcome every challenge that life throws at you. 40-years-old Swapna Augustine was born … Continue reading

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Day care for baby tigers

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

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September in Freeway Park

Posted in In the Neighborhood | Comments Off on September in Freeway Park

We’ve been good, and possibly lucky as well.

As you likely know, a nearby CCRC has had a medium sized COVID positive test outbreak among both residents and staff–reportedly six fully vaccinated staff testing positive for the virus plus some residents. As a consequence all activities and their … Continue reading

Posted in Health | Comments Off on We’ve been good, and possibly lucky as well.

The fire rainbow

Thanks to Mary Jane F. The NASA site provides a photo daily that speaks of the ‘wonder’ in and beyond our immediate experiences.   The site says “Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along … Continue reading

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How we age

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

Posted in Aging Sites, Humor | Comments Off on How we age

Reading the news

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

Posted in Health, Humor | Comments Off on Reading the news

Success vs. Defeat

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

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English gets pun-ished

Thanks to Sybil-Ann. Scroll down, as you groan. These are good!!

Posted in Essays, Humor | Comments Off on English gets pun-ished

Tonight, I mourn by Dan Rather

(Thanks to Mary M.) Tonight, I mourn.  I mourn with a deep and heavy heart.  I mourn for the Marines sacrificed at a gate in Kabul on a mission to save lives.  I mourn for the scores more killed and maimed … Continue reading

Posted in Grief, Remembrances | Comments Off on Tonight, I mourn by Dan Rather

WACCRA – please visit their web site and join!

From a recent WACCRA email. We are thrilled to announce that the year-long update of our website, waccra.org, is complete! We encourage all our members to go take a look as soon as you can because you will love the … Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, CCRC Info | 2 Comments

Individual rights and the common good

Ed note: These two concepts (individual rights and the common good) don’t necessarily have to be in conflict. We have a long history of the common good of public health: clean water, food safety, construction regulations, federal response to disasters … Continue reading

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Good news – a pleasant change of pace

Thanks to Sybil-Ann! Make sure to scroll down!

Posted in Essays | Comments Off on Good news – a pleasant change of pace

Lightening in a jar

Thanks to Donna D! Have you ever thought what life would be like if you were born someone else?

Posted in Essays | Comments Off on Lightening in a jar

A spreading plague

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A spreading plague

Masks and guns

Thanks to Mary Jane F.

Posted in Health | Comments Off on Masks and guns

The Ides of August – an analysis of the tragedy in Afghanistan

by Sarah Chayes at https://www.sarahchayes.org/post/the-ides-of-august I’ve been silent for a while. I’ve been silent about Afghanistan for longer. But too many things are going unsaid. I won’t try to evoke the emotions, somehow both swirling and yet leaden: the grief, … Continue reading

Posted in Government, Politics, War | Comments Off on The Ides of August – an analysis of the tragedy in Afghanistan

Did I read that sign right?

Thanks to Sybil-Ann! Did I read that sign right?  “TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW”   In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT In a London department store: BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS In an office: WOULD THE … Continue reading

Posted in Humor | Comments Off on Did I read that sign right?

People’s Memorial – upcoming Webinars

Thanks to Barb W Ed Note: People’s Memorial is a well respected co-op member owned non-profit. It operates a funeral home and contracts with many around the state for reasonable cost services. In my opinion it’s well worth joining. See … Continue reading

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What a way to fly!

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

Posted in Business | 2 Comments

Opinion | Why Afghan Forces So Quickly Laid Down Their Arms

Ed note: Having lived in Afghanistan for two years in a time of peace, I learned several lessons: westerners are considered Kafirs (non-believers) and generally not trusted; Afghans are severely independent; they bargain differently and use different logic; they are … Continue reading

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Reign

Thanks again to Sybil-Ann (where does she get these anyway!)

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Call maintenance!!

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

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Random thoughts

Thanks to Sybil-Ann

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Airline safety measure

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