Here is a list of Society Blogs ordered by Last Commented, posted by members. A Blog is a journal you may enter about your life, thoughts, interesting experiences, or lessons you've learned. Post an opinion, impart words of wisdom, or talk about something interesting in your day. Update your blog on a regular basis, or just whenever you have something to say. Creating a blog is a good way to share something of yourself with others. Reading blogs is a good way to learn more about others. Click here to post a blog.
'Impeach - The Case against Donald Trump'
Author Neal Ketyal has a new book out, and he makes some truly excellent points in the following interview
Book Review;
In response to:
Former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal argues that there are three "high crimes" that he says the president is "clearly" guilty of. He explains to Steve Kornacki why, because of those alleged high crimes, he feels the House must impeach Trump and the Senate should remove him from office.
Former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal argues that there are three "high crimes" that he says the president is "clearly" guilty of. He explains to Steve Kornacki why, because of those alleged high crimes, he feels the House must impeach Trump and the Senate should remove him from office.
Book Review;
In response to:
Neal Katyal makes an unimpeachable case, concise but comprehensive, for impeachment. The author of Impeach knows the law and how to practice it. An attorney who has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, Neal Katyal was Acting Solicitor General for the United States in the Obama administration. He is also a law professor at George Washington University.
He goes to the heart of the matter by quoting today’s vice president, Michael Pence, when he served in the House of Representatives in 2008: “This business of high crimes and misdemeanors goes to the question of whether or not the person serving as President of the United States put their own interests, their personal interests, ahead of public service.”
This statement Katyal calls the “Pence Standard” and refers to it throughout the book. The author says he is not a partisan but an “extreme centrist”—determined to apply the same legal yardstick to every case regardless of its party connection. Though this book attacks a Republican president, Katyal earlier clerked for today’s Chief Justice, John Roberts, and supported Trump’s appointments of justices Neal Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
Katyal addresses some basic questions: Why our founders (and Pence) would have impeached Trump. What high crimes and misdemeanors are and are not. Why we need to impeach Trump and why this is different from Mueller. Why we can’t wait until the next election. To understand what are impeachable offenses, Katyal reviews the impeachment cases of presidents Tyler, Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton.
Digging into the charges against Trump, Katyal examines the evidence that Trump accepted and sought information from a foreign government to help him against a political rival; that he withheld security assistance to Ukraine and then asked for a favor to release it. He reviews the July 25 phone conversation with President Zelensky, and observes that Trump never once discussed U.S. national interests or Ukraine’s war with Russia.
The anonymous whistleblower complaint against Trump, as Katyal reports, was not sent to Congress for weeks after it was submitted to the intelligence community inspector general on August 22. This aspect of the story takes Katyal back to 1777 when two naval officers reported that their commander had tortured British prisoners. When the two whistleblowers were fired, the Continental Congress compensated them and passed a whistleblower protection act.
Katyal himself defended a whistleblower who, after 9/11, complained that the government was reducing the number of TSA marshals on flights. The Supreme Court in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts gave the whistleblower his life back. President Trump, however, has demanded unmasking today’s whistleblower, calling him almost a “spy.”
This book is nothing if not up to date. Published in November 2019, it refers to many events and documents released as recently as September. To be sure, much of the material has already been in the public domain, but Katyal with his legal mind analyzes it in a novel way. For example: If the president really wanted Ukrainians to investigate a case, he would not demand that they announce their decision to do so, because this would tip off the suspects. Nor would the State Department budget to promote anticorruption in Ukraine have been cut from $30 to $13 million......
Neal Katyal makes an unimpeachable case, concise but comprehensive, for impeachment. The author of Impeach knows the law and how to practice it. An attorney who has argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, Neal Katyal was Acting Solicitor General for the United States in the Obama administration. He is also a law professor at George Washington University.
He goes to the heart of the matter by quoting today’s vice president, Michael Pence, when he served in the House of Representatives in 2008: “This business of high crimes and misdemeanors goes to the question of whether or not the person serving as President of the United States put their own interests, their personal interests, ahead of public service.”
This statement Katyal calls the “Pence Standard” and refers to it throughout the book. The author says he is not a partisan but an “extreme centrist”—determined to apply the same legal yardstick to every case regardless of its party connection. Though this book attacks a Republican president, Katyal earlier clerked for today’s Chief Justice, John Roberts, and supported Trump’s appointments of justices Neal Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
Katyal addresses some basic questions: Why our founders (and Pence) would have impeached Trump. What high crimes and misdemeanors are and are not. Why we need to impeach Trump and why this is different from Mueller. Why we can’t wait until the next election. To understand what are impeachable offenses, Katyal reviews the impeachment cases of presidents Tyler, Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton.
Digging into the charges against Trump, Katyal examines the evidence that Trump accepted and sought information from a foreign government to help him against a political rival; that he withheld security assistance to Ukraine and then asked for a favor to release it. He reviews the July 25 phone conversation with President Zelensky, and observes that Trump never once discussed U.S. national interests or Ukraine’s war with Russia.
The anonymous whistleblower complaint against Trump, as Katyal reports, was not sent to Congress for weeks after it was submitted to the intelligence community inspector general on August 22. This aspect of the story takes Katyal back to 1777 when two naval officers reported that their commander had tortured British prisoners. When the two whistleblowers were fired, the Continental Congress compensated them and passed a whistleblower protection act.
Katyal himself defended a whistleblower who, after 9/11, complained that the government was reducing the number of TSA marshals on flights. The Supreme Court in an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts gave the whistleblower his life back. President Trump, however, has demanded unmasking today’s whistleblower, calling him almost a “spy.”
This book is nothing if not up to date. Published in November 2019, it refers to many events and documents released as recently as September. To be sure, much of the material has already been in the public domain, but Katyal with his legal mind analyzes it in a novel way. For example: If the president really wanted Ukrainians to investigate a case, he would not demand that they announce their decision to do so, because this would tip off the suspects. Nor would the State Department budget to promote anticorruption in Ukraine have been cut from $30 to $13 million......
online now!
She said I was smug...
She said I was smug. Unlike the snug bug in the rug.
To be sure, I looked in a book to find this information I took...
Smug: contentedly confident of one's ability, superiority, or correctness.
Was she talking about me, did my struggle here make a rub, upset the bug in the rug?
Do I sense some disdain for her to mention my name, oh the woman in Spain? Does she live on the plain? I know it gets hot in Spain... she said chatty man and that's really not my name. Was it used in vain, did the cold run through her vein that would make her reference me without really mentioning my name?
My blogs are all too tame and many tell me about the same, reference to her blog, I decided to refrain and I'll live without comment, I know I will abstain.
Yeah, I married once before but a member called me a whore, I clicked the button and showed her the door. To the woman now in France, keep your distance, that's my stance. I'm not here to give you money, I'm here to blog and occasionally say things funny.
I'll respond to the suspicion from the South African guy, Jim N's my friend but he is really not like I, for he likes lemon cake and I like cherry pie.
To be sure, I looked in a book to find this information I took...
Smug: contentedly confident of one's ability, superiority, or correctness.
Was she talking about me, did my struggle here make a rub, upset the bug in the rug?
Do I sense some disdain for her to mention my name, oh the woman in Spain? Does she live on the plain? I know it gets hot in Spain... she said chatty man and that's really not my name. Was it used in vain, did the cold run through her vein that would make her reference me without really mentioning my name?
My blogs are all too tame and many tell me about the same, reference to her blog, I decided to refrain and I'll live without comment, I know I will abstain.
Yeah, I married once before but a member called me a whore, I clicked the button and showed her the door. To the woman now in France, keep your distance, that's my stance. I'm not here to give you money, I'm here to blog and occasionally say things funny.
I'll respond to the suspicion from the South African guy, Jim N's my friend but he is really not like I, for he likes lemon cake and I like cherry pie.
What's the difference.
Between the forum, the blogs and the poetry section?
They all seem to work on different time scales. In the forum the responses can be measured in seconds, whereas on the blogs, minutes slowing down to hours is more usual. In the poetry section the days and weeks go by as if life were eternal.
They all seem to work on different time scales. In the forum the responses can be measured in seconds, whereas on the blogs, minutes slowing down to hours is more usual. In the poetry section the days and weeks go by as if life were eternal.
The Christmas walk
I got an email from my walking group today. The proposed Boxing Day walk has been changed to another route because of all the rain we've had lately. The planned walk is too muddy, apparently. I was intending to go on that walk, but I probably won't bother now. Now that the possibility of someone slipping into the canal has been removed, there doesn't seem much point. 
Why?
Why are some people so uptight about breaking the rule on not asking questions in a blog? If, when asked why such a rule should be rigorously obeyed, all they can say is, "well, because it's a rule", then, quite frankly, I have no time for them. If seeing a question that shouldn't be there is so offensive to you that you feel compelled to annoy others who are not offended by it by complaining, it is probably a sign of some sort of compulsive disorder, and the referral of yourself to a psychiatrist, rather than the blog to a moderator, would probably do you more good.
So, if you are one of those people who simply cannot bear to see a question in a blog, I make no apology for asking: What the fcuk is wrong with you?
So, if you are one of those people who simply cannot bear to see a question in a blog, I make no apology for asking: What the fcuk is wrong with you?
Would you mind looking at this?
While walking along the edge of the sea on a beach at Bridlington some years ago, my wife and I passed on to an area where naturists were permitted to go. It wasn’t a particularly warm day and there were very few other people on the beach. About a hundred yards in front of us, someone was lying on the sand, not very far back from the waters edge. As we got nearer, the person sat up and I could see that he was a late middle-aged man. When we got to where he was and were walking by him, it just so happened that our arrival at that spot coincided with the man’s need to stand up and have a good stretch, and yes, he was a naturist.
On our return along the beach there was another clothed couple walking in the same direction a little way in front. There was also a figure some distance away, walking towards us. This turned out to be another male naturist past his prime. He did have a towel thrown over his shoulder, but it didn’t cover enough to conceal that he was a naturist. When the scarcely covered man reached the couple in front of us, he stopped and engaged them in conversation, and we walked on past, feeling thankful that we had been the hindmost couple.
That is the only time I have ever been on a naturist beach, and, considering how few other people were on it, I was struck by how eventful our short time there had been. I was left wondering what we might have witnessed had the weather been better and the beach more heavily populated. It also occurred to me when I thought about the behavior of the only two naturists that we came across, that a woman would be far less likely to conduct herself in a similar fashion. I could be wrong, I don’t know; presenting oneself naked in front of total strangers in a way that is tantamount to saying “look at me, I’m not wearing any clothes” may not be an impulse exclusive to middle aged men.
On our return along the beach there was another clothed couple walking in the same direction a little way in front. There was also a figure some distance away, walking towards us. This turned out to be another male naturist past his prime. He did have a towel thrown over his shoulder, but it didn’t cover enough to conceal that he was a naturist. When the scarcely covered man reached the couple in front of us, he stopped and engaged them in conversation, and we walked on past, feeling thankful that we had been the hindmost couple.
That is the only time I have ever been on a naturist beach, and, considering how few other people were on it, I was struck by how eventful our short time there had been. I was left wondering what we might have witnessed had the weather been better and the beach more heavily populated. It also occurred to me when I thought about the behavior of the only two naturists that we came across, that a woman would be far less likely to conduct herself in a similar fashion. I could be wrong, I don’t know; presenting oneself naked in front of total strangers in a way that is tantamount to saying “look at me, I’m not wearing any clothes” may not be an impulse exclusive to middle aged men.
Gone but not forgotten
I've just become aware that Daniela has cancelled her account. I am devastated. As this site is being dominated more and more by agenda driven extremist undesirables, it seems like yet another nail in its coffin when yet another kind, gentle, thoughtful and interesting member decides to throw in the towel. I, for one, will miss her very much.
I wish you a merry Christmas.
Estonia my fav.
Christmas in Argentina
In Argentina the weather is warm at Christmas. Preparations for Christmas begin very early in December and even in November.
Christmas in Bangladesh
December 25th is a public holiday for Christmas in Bangladesh even though only about 0.3% of the population, of about 170 million people, are Christians! (Over 85% of people in Bangladesh are Muslims.)
Christmas in China
In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about Christmas. The post men might dress up as Santa when delivering letters before Christmas!
Christmas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Christmas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is more of a religious festival rather than being commercial. Most people won't have any presents.
Christmas in Estonia
In Estonia, Christmas time starts with Advent. Children put their socks on their window ledge and every day until Christmas Eve, December 24th, an elf comes and puts some sweets in it! On Christmas Eve families come together and in the evening Santa visits and asks people to tell him poems in exchange for gifts.
Christmas in Finland
Finnish people believe that Santa Claus or Father Christmas lives in the north part of Finland called Korvatunturi (or Lapland), north of the Arctic Circle. People from all over the world send letters to Santa Claus in Finland.
Christmas in India
Compared to other religious festivals, Christmas is quite a small festival in India, due to the number of people who are Christians (about 2.3%) compared to people who belong to other religions.
Christmas in Jamaica
Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period.
Christmas in Lebanon
In Lebanon, 35% of the population follow a form of Christianity called Maronite Catholic. These Christians build manger scenes in their homes called a Nativity Crib. The crib is more popular than a Christmas Tree.
Christmas in New Zealand
In New Zealand, like its neighbor Australia, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer holidays.
Lots of people like to spend time of the beach, camping or at their Baches (holiday homes) for Christmas.
Christmas in Pakistan
In Pakistan, December 25th is a public holiday, but it is in memory of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Christmas in the Philippines
People in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September! The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses.
Christmas in Portugal
Father Christmas ('Pai Natal') is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas Tree or in shoes by the fireplace.
Christmas in South Africa
Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas comes in the summer. So there's lots of sun and beautiful flowers in full bloom.
Christmas in Spain
Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born.
Christmas in the United Kingdom
In the UK (or Great Britain), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents!
Christmas in the United States of America
The United States of America has many different traditions and ways that people celebrate Christmas.
Thanks to:
Christmas in Argentina
In Argentina the weather is warm at Christmas. Preparations for Christmas begin very early in December and even in November.
Christmas in Bangladesh
December 25th is a public holiday for Christmas in Bangladesh even though only about 0.3% of the population, of about 170 million people, are Christians! (Over 85% of people in Bangladesh are Muslims.)
Christmas in China
In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about Christmas. The post men might dress up as Santa when delivering letters before Christmas!
Christmas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Christmas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is more of a religious festival rather than being commercial. Most people won't have any presents.
Christmas in Estonia
In Estonia, Christmas time starts with Advent. Children put their socks on their window ledge and every day until Christmas Eve, December 24th, an elf comes and puts some sweets in it! On Christmas Eve families come together and in the evening Santa visits and asks people to tell him poems in exchange for gifts.
Christmas in Finland
Finnish people believe that Santa Claus or Father Christmas lives in the north part of Finland called Korvatunturi (or Lapland), north of the Arctic Circle. People from all over the world send letters to Santa Claus in Finland.
Christmas in India
Compared to other religious festivals, Christmas is quite a small festival in India, due to the number of people who are Christians (about 2.3%) compared to people who belong to other religions.
Christmas in Jamaica
Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period.
Christmas in Lebanon
In Lebanon, 35% of the population follow a form of Christianity called Maronite Catholic. These Christians build manger scenes in their homes called a Nativity Crib. The crib is more popular than a Christmas Tree.
Christmas in New Zealand
In New Zealand, like its neighbor Australia, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer holidays.
Lots of people like to spend time of the beach, camping or at their Baches (holiday homes) for Christmas.
Christmas in Pakistan
In Pakistan, December 25th is a public holiday, but it is in memory of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Christmas in the Philippines
People in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September! The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses.
Christmas in Portugal
Father Christmas ('Pai Natal') is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas Tree or in shoes by the fireplace.
Christmas in South Africa
Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas comes in the summer. So there's lots of sun and beautiful flowers in full bloom.
Christmas in Spain
Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born.
Christmas in the United Kingdom
In the UK (or Great Britain), families often celebrate Christmas together, so they can watch each other open their presents!
Christmas in the United States of America
The United States of America has many different traditions and ways that people celebrate Christmas.
Thanks to:
online now!
Tis the season for...
Re-gifting.
No choice but to give away gifts I don't plan on using.
No choice but to give away gifts I don't plan on using.
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