A Drop in the Bucket

Elephants, Hyenas, and Zebras. The new décor. And there's something smelly in the neighborhood and it's not Ghostbusters

If it weren’t bad enough that the NRA backs people using automatic weapons and not having background checks there’s a lot more to hate about them.

Understandably, not everyone is against the NRA and many people have guns in their homes who are law abiding citizens. At least, one would hope so. But, there’s got to be something more sinister with those who block the cries of parents and other concerned citizens who are mortified that children are getting killed left and right in schools, on playgrounds, and around their communities. While some have said recently: “Well that boy was out past midnight and he got himself gunned down by police.” “Where were his parents?” It doesn’t matter where his parents were. That is none of our business. We should question why cops chose to shoot a 13 year old boy for walking down an alley. Just point blank. The police officer claimed Adam Toledo was holding a gun so the officer shot him. He did not have a gun. His hands were up in the air.

Ms. Lightfoot, Chicago’s major, apologized for the police brutality that has besieged Chicago. Adam’s family was distraught and begged the community to not egg on violence which is already rampant in Chicago. Many Republicans called for the firing of Mayor Lightfoot. It all this happened on April 21, 2021. New shootings have since taken place. Honestly, I had to look up his name as it was but a blur in my mind. Too many shootings like nowhere in the world. Shootings against our very own citizens.

When is all this madness going to stop? Perhaps Letitia James will lead the way as she is investigating the NRA and all their illegal practices. How is that? For one thing, the LaPierres’ were found to purchase head, husks, tusks, feet, tails of various big game animals from Africa. They didn’t want the world to know what they were doing, so they hired a third party to assist them in the process. But why would they want elephant skins, feet, ears and hyenas, too? They were in the mood to redecorate so this was the theme they chose.

They had elephant skins made into lampshades, and chair coverings. The Elephant feet were made into little tables and night stands. The hyena was made into a rug. All this was found in or near their home. They had the NRA organization pay for it all. There was a “Wild Skies” program in which Susan LaPierre shoots a baby elephant at point blank range and cuts of its tail and swings it around as if it were a toy.

What could be going on the mind of Susan LaPierre that she would do such a thing? Such a regal and majestic animal taken down for what the fun of it? It shows a huge gap in respect for life whether animal or human. It is very sad. And, one may now see why the LaPierres’ lack any empathy for the Sandyhook families or the Club 19 victims. What are we to expect? Hopefully, Attorney General James will have enough evidence to bring down the National Riffle Association and it won’t be none too soon. There are scores of reports wherein the NRA’s top man was skimming a lot of money for whatever he fancied. AG James is seeking to stop it all.

ABOUT ANOTHER SMELLY ISSUE…

The Carolinians have a lot to worry about these days. And, soon we will too if something isn’t done about the new box paper mill called The Indy Paper Mill Company. Erin Brockovich wrote a wonderful read in her “The Brockovich Report”. It something we should all be aware of. That’s why I’m bringing it up here.

The New-Indy Containerboard paper mill in Catawba, SC, is owned by The Kraft Group and Schwartz Partners. Since they opened up shop there is an awful stench that spreads wide and far along the borders of South Carolina and it’s making people sick and interfering with daily living, even sleep. The stench is so bad that with all the windows and doors closed one can smell the sulfuric eggy type rot for miles and miles. The closer one lives to the plant the worse it is. And, people started complaining.

Apparently, it’s the result of faulty machinery the plant uses to filter the corrugated box waste into the lake and rivers. The owners deny any knowledge of it and refuse to say it’s problem. So SC has more than it’s share of issues to deal with here. Residents have contacted Health Department and the EPA.

The EPA found that there were very high levels of H2S which is an air contaminant that causes burning, itchy eyes, coughing, and spurs on Asthma attacks. It’s worse for those with lung problems and allergies.

So what does all this have to do with the rest of the country? It’s bad for us too. Why? Because the Corrugated Paper Mill companies are a booming business. Recycled paper boxes are on the rise. The Indy company had increases in business and it’s expected that profits will increase by 25% soon, if not more. This may mean that new paper mills of its kind will be showing up in different states in different neighborhoods. Just thought you folks may be interested to know. If you want to know more, you may want to check out Sub Track’s “The Brockovich Report”,https://www.thebrockovichreport.com/?r=kirqu&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy. It’s free to read. But, it may be well worth it to subscribe as it isn’t much for truly good info.

SO NOW WHAT?

It’s hard to keep up with all that is going on in the world, but there are issues which we should not let die. For one, whatever happened to all those law suits women had on TFG? Is it all dead and gone? Is he getting of the hook? We HOPE NOT. It’s such a big issue for all of us. For those of us who have been raped, or abused, or sexually harassed it is beyond words. The anger, the need for justice.

E. Jean Carroll is one of the women Trump raped and the DOJ is providing legal assistance to him. And, on top of it all, she lost her job with Elle when she filed the lawsuit. So why bring it up here? Because I want your help in keeping her story alive, in supporting her, and all women who have been in similar situations. How to do that? Well, by subscribing to her Subtrack: “Conflab.”

https://ejeancarroll.substack.com/?r=kirqu&utm_campaign=pub&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy

It’s free to read, but the Subscription is better as you get to speak your mind and join in on the fun. Plus, it’s not expensive to subscribe if you want to share input.

And, there’s more to “the Conflab”. “Ask Jean” brings women together to analyze situations woman face in asking Jean for solutions to their problems. Women from all walks of life gather to uplift, brain storm and pass on their wisdom along with a great deal of support to one another. Read it now. You’ll enjoy it!

THE WEEKEND. YES, WHAT’S BETTER THAN A WEEKEND? TWO WEEKENDS IN A ROW! (WOULDN’T THAT BE NICE?)

It’s the time and the season to wear your mask!

Even if you don’t really want to…

Get to task!

There plenty of good reasons to wear your mask.

Like if you have a pimple or herpes virus.

Get your mask!

Like if you haven’t brushed your teeth all day.

Get your mask!

Like if you don’t feel like talking, or smiling.

Get your mask!

Or we’ll do our best to take you to task!

Wear the mask.

Okay? PLEEEZE?

Wouldn’t it be great if you ever had the chance to save one’s life, and you did it? Yeah, that’s right wear a mask!

So I want you to all relax and get your favorite drink

get your favorite tunes

get your favorite pets and chill out.

Think of all your favorite people and send them positive vibes, or blessings if you will?

It’s supposed to be a nice weekend. Isn’t it?

So be on you’re best behavior, even, if you prefer to be on your worst behavior. Do go that route. There are consequences for bad behavior. Even if it looks as though TFG hasn’t had any consequences. Well, I bet he never gets a good night’s sleep.

Emit joy this weekend. Think about and do things that give you and others joy. Permit yourself to enjoy the weekend.

Tell you what. Wonder if there are real angels around? I wonder. Ask the good angels to help you this weekend and with all your troubles so that only good solutions and health remain for you. See what happens, if anything at all happens. Please, let me remind you, you ARE IMPORTANT. I want you all to do great. If you only knew what sunshine you have emanating from you. If you only knew someone is thinking lovely thoughts about you, if only you knew. Take my word for it. Keep on living even if it’s hard. I’m rooting for you.

YUMMY SALMON WITH CHERRIES RECIPE

East and so delish.

What you need:

For 2 to 4 people

1 1/2 lb. to 2 lbs. fresh Salmon

1/2 a jar of good cherry preserves (Bon maman) (but Smuckers will do too) or 6 to 8 oz. of fresh cherries which you will have to pit yourself.

2 tsp. brown sugar

3 to 4 tbsp. very soft butter

1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1 to 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The way:

Take any bones out. Leave the skin on and rinse the Salmon quickly and dab dry with paper toweling. Mix all the other ingredients and set aside for a minute of so. Take a nice roasting plan and spray with Pam add about 1 to 2 tbsps. olive oil or safflower oil to the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle salmon with 1/2 to 1 tsp. kosher salt. Make 3 slits across the salmon but do not cut through to the bottom. Only cut about 2/3rd to 3/4th of the way. Place the glaze into the slits. Heat oven to 400 F or 425 F for 16 to 24 minutes depending how big is the fillet. Do not cover. Salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. The topping should be bubbling. If not you may want to place in under the broiler, about 10 inches away and only do it for a minute or two.

Serve the salmon with wild rice and a romaine lettuce salad topped with roasted almond slivers, a few croutons, and parmesan cheese.

Hope you enjoy! Let me know. And, please, won’t you subscribe to may newsletter? Thank you!