Author Archives: Jim deMaine

Lahaina Celebrates Recovery of Historic 151-Year-Old Banyan Tree That Survived Devastating Maui Wildfire

Thanks to Pam P. The August 2023 Maui wildfires were devastating for the Hawaiian island’s people, wildlife and flora, including a century-and-a-half-old banyan tree in the beach community of Lahaina. The historic town is celebrating the landmark’s recovery, as parts of the 151-year-old banyan tree have begun to … Continue reading

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The Kennedy Bear

Thanks to Ann M. In remembrance of the dead bear cub and broken bike left in Central Park by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Only $32 less 10% for first order.

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50 very short rules for a good life from the stoics

by Ryan Holiday in Forge What is the job of a philosopher?“When the standards have been set,” Epictetus said, “the work ofphilosophy is just this, to examine and uphold the standards, but the workof a truly good person is in … Continue reading

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An American Tragedy: Rise of the AR-15 Rifle

By Fred Moody (thanks to Ed M.) On July 13, a 20-year-old kid named Thomas Crooks—a kid who was such a poor shot that he had failed to make his small high school’s junior varsity shooting team—came within a hair’s … Continue reading

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56 Of The Most Mind-Boggling Pictures From The Paris Olympics

by Matt Stopera in BuzzFeed (thanks to Bob P.) 1. First and foremost, the finish line of the triathlon. 2. Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh getting over the bar in woman’s high jump. 3. I didn’t even know the human body could contort this way! (Continued)

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Research study mapping the brain at UW

Ed note: I was contacted by the UW researchers who asked me to post this information. Participants will be paid for the visits and travel  costs will be covered.  If you are interested in learning more about  the Brain Map … Continue reading

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Election history in context by Heather Cox Richardson

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Scam alert

Warning from a fellow resident.  The party invitation purporting to come from Maureen N. (via a business called “Punchbowl”) is a scam.  Individuals who received this email should NOT to click on the link.  According to the Punchbowl site — … Continue reading

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The best bidets of 2024, tested by editors (CNN)

Ed Note: Bidet toilets are nearly universal in Japan where the best selling Toto brand was established in 1917. As of January 2023, 72% of Japanese households have a bidet-style toilet, also known as a washlet, which is a brand name … Continue reading

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How low can you go?

Thanks to Mike C.

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Can’t wait to vote!

Thanks to Kate B.

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The Sommelier of politics

Thanks to Pam P.

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Tim Walz’s Sudden Rise in the Democratic Party Was No Accident

More than a year ago, Tim Walz and his aides decided to be ready in case an irresistible opportunity arose. Their tightly held strategy helped them catch political lightning in a bottle. By Reid J. EpsteinLisa LererShane Goldmacher and Theodore Schleifer (thanks to … Continue reading

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“Vance VP” – Marsh Family parody adaptation of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, on JD Vance

Thanks to Doug T.

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Nancy Pearl interviews Tim Egan

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47 Historical Images From Past Olympics That Are Genuinely Wild To See Now

by Angelica Martinez in Buzzfeed (thanks to Bob P.) 1. The 100 meters sprint at “the first Olympic Games of the Modern Era” which took place in Athens, Greece in 1896: 2. And the crowd at that same 1896 Olympics: 3. The American … Continue reading

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RFK Jr.–first a worm, now a bear! What’s next?

Thanks to Mike C.

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The first zero-emission hydrogen-powered hybrid train in the U.S. just arrived in California

By Kevin Tidmarsh (thanks to Pam P.) The train, known as a zero-emission multiple unit or ZEMU, is also sized to fit on regular train tracks, as opposed to other similar environmentally-friendly models that run on narrower ones. Currently, Metrolink’s Arrow … Continue reading

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And he has a cat!

Thanks to Mike C.

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19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol. By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor in the NYT (thanks to Janet … Continue reading

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Trump Claims Walz Was Never White Before (according to the Borowitz Report)

PHILADELPHIA (The Borowitz Report)—Responding to Vice President Harris’s choice of Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, Donald J. Trump claimed that the Minnesota governor  “was never white before.” “I saw him on television many, many times, and, quite … Continue reading

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Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?

Ed note:  Kamala Harris announced that Tim Walz will be her running mate. This interview with Ezra Klein covers many issues and hopefully will help VP Harris waltz with Walz into the White House. By Ezra Klein in the NYT (listen … Continue reading

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JD Vance’s ‘Weakest Moment’ Remark About Simone Biles Draws New Scrutiny

The gymnast won a second Olympic all-around title on Thursday in Paris, three years after stepping away from competing because of a mental health issue. By Neil Vigdor in the NYT (thanks to Ann M.) Senator JD Vance of Ohio, the … Continue reading

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US voter registrations surge — even as Republicans try to limit ballot access

Ed Note: Please check out Vote.org for more information. Thanks to Pam P. The group behind a popular get-out-the-vote technology platform said Friday that it’s registered more than 100,000 new U.S. voters since President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 … Continue reading

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Real — or not?

Thanks to Pam P.

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