Tom Faranda's Folly

Get your "women card", courtesy of Mrs. Clinton

Here's the story -

The campaign asks supporters for a donation so they can get their own “woman card”. “…you’ll be able to play the woman card anytime you want,” the email reads.

Rubik's cube 7 year old genius!

Sent to me by "a711..."

First he nails it one handed - and he's a lefty which figures! - then blindfolded.

He looks it over, and then BANG!

Rugby: CNN "Nate Ebner: NFL to rugby sevens"

I posted about this fellow here - New England Patriots player, now playing for USA National Rugby 7's team

And here's short coverage from CNN about him. Intereesting that he feels he has to work to get his body in shape - 7 a side rugby is certainly different from football.

Nice publicity for St. Christopher's Inn - Graymoor.

Very nice. We are quite familiar with St. Christopher's Inn. which is in Garrison, a few miles north of us. Here's a five minute interview with Lee and Faith Majors about their involvement if you want more than the short version below -

 

Speaker at CA. Trump rally

Lost his son - very tough story

Nice river picture + new hiking/fitness app

The picture is below, taken last evening around 7:45 while Brigid and I were testing out the MapMyHike app I put on my phone. It was free (of course) and is the #1 rated application of it's kind.

So now I know that the Croton Landing from the parking lot to the 9/11 monument and back is between 1.23 and 1.27 miles, depending on where you parked in the lot. This is slightly longer than I thought it was. And we averaged 18 minutes 16 seconds per mile on the walk. Some reviews I saw did say the distance calculated could be slightly longer than the real distance if the GPS connection is lost or spotty. But for this walk it seemed a solid connection.

I will be trying it out this Saturday when we hike up Sugarloaf, north of Cold Spring.

Your standard Sunset-at-Croton-Landing shot. Anyone with a halfway decent camera ... minimal talent.

 

 

Sore knee update

Posted about this back here. Annoying: A knee issue . The issue was originally a Baker's Cyst but the underlying problem (and it's been for several years) is arthritis in the inner aspect of my left knee.

On Monday I had the first of four shots of this stuff What Are Hyaluronic Acid Joint Injections?  for the arthritis  - "bone on bone" - which Dr. Weinstein (same guy who repaired Tim's knee four years ago) tells me is effective for 85% of people. Relieves symptoms for about six months. I'm going to have three more injections, probably every Monday for next three weeks. Essentially a lubricant for the joint.

He told me it usually is several injections before you feel the difference, but unless it's all in my mind, my knee feels better already. Which is good. Be interesting to see how it will feel Saturday, as I'm hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain.

Laura Ingraham on Trump's sweep last night

She's probably right. Conservatism + Populism ...

 

Rick Monday: yesterday's 40th anniversary of saving the flag

Two jerks in the outfield -

 

Chernobyl 30 years later

Short video on the WSJ site of what happened and the new containment enclosure being built.

Fivethirtyeight website makes it's major league baseball predictions

The fivethirtyeight website is a statistical service that actually started as a mostly number-crunching political blog on the NY Times. They got a big reputation when they correctly predicted presidential results in 49 out of 50 states in the 2008 presidential election. I guess the owner Nate Silver decided to move on (presumably for lots more $$$) and his organization was bought by ESPN. Silver is now the fivethirtyeight editor (Name comes from the total number of electoral votes in a presidential election) doing statistical analysis for sports, politics, science, health, etc, etc. 

Here are the predictions for this year's baseball season. Not looking good for the Yankees - see the last link  ...

2016 MLB Predictions. Each team’s rating and its chances of advancing to the playoffs.

And here's the number crunching for the Yanks - they do it for all the teams.

The Yankees have a 23% chance of making the playoffs.

 

Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill: a pro-gun Republican

And being a religious abolitionist, it's easy to surmise that she'd be anti-abortion. Hehe.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I don't own a gun and I'm not a Republican

Here's some info from Jim Geraghty's "Morning Jolt" column on NRO last week. And more pictures below -

Yes, Harriet Tubman was a pro-gun Republican.

Biographer Kate Clifford Larson has noted Tubman was comfortable with guns:

Harriet Tubman carried a small pistol with her on her rescue missions, mostly for protection from slave catchers, but also to encourage weak-hearted runaways from turning back and risking the safety of the rest of the group. Tubman carried a sharp-shooters rifle during the Civil War.

Harriet Tubman’s pistol and saber are on display at the Florida A & M University (FAMU) Black Archives in Tallahassee, Florida.

With an image like that, people would work harder just so they could have more Harriet Tubmans in their pockets.

And one more -

 

Hike of the Month -Turkey Hill, two Saturday's ago

Another nice, easy, hike - 2.65 miles according to Kathy's iPhone GPS (or something on her iPhone). Turkey Hill elevation is 771 feet, and the iPhone says we walked up 30 stories - 300 feet. Guess we started at the 400 plus feet elevation. 

Some pix - First up, the "Hot Mommas" shot. Brigid - Jeanne Marie - Kathy. And then our leader for the day surveys the kingdom. That's the Croton Dam reservoir just visible in the background, and west of us. 

We could see all the way to Manhattan - a good thirty miles. Below, I cropped the second picture for a clear outline.

Better view looking west - you can see the Croton Dam and beyond it the Hudson River. I believe Turkey Hill is the highest point in Westchester.

Brigid took this - and it is a view of the top. Plenty of people were out - it was a beautiful day and the parking lot was packed, with cars up to 60 yards down the narrow entrance road, pulled onto the side. Going across, it's myself, Jeanne Marie, Vinnie, and Kathy.

Gorgeous day.

Forget FOX News. Here's the real "The Five"

Next up, return to Sugarloaf Mountain, north of Cold Spring. 

Swedish study: heavy teenage marijuana use cuts life expectancy - pretty dramatically

Not sure what their definition of "heavy" is, but increases chance of death prior to age 60 by 40%. A pretty interesting 42 year study.

Swedish researchers analyzed the records of more than 45,000 men beginning in 1969 and 1970. The scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm reported that 4,000 died during the 42-year follow-up period, and men who'd used marijuana heavily at ages 18 and 19 were 40 percent more likely to die by age 60 compared to guys who hadn't used the drug.

The authors of the new study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, said the findings contradict previous research involving the same group of men.

But this study was longer and participants might have reached an age where the long-term effects of cannabis were taking a toll on health, said addiction expert Scott Krakower, an assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital, in New Hyde Park, NY.

"Cannabis users have poorer health in general. You'd expect there to be increased mortality risk," Krakower told CBS News. He pointed to another long-term study linking early heavy marijuana use with lung cancer, and a second study that associates the drug with increased heart problems.

****

Hill, an assistant professor of psychiatry at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, said most people who use marijuana don't use it at heavy levels. "Nine percent of adults use it at that level and develop an addiction."

He said the study is limited because it didn't provide specifics about heavy use and continued use.

Using marijuana earlier in life is linked to poorer psychological health, he said, and that can contribute to more health problems down the road.

Great! The BBC honors Shakespare - in under two minute video

On the 400th anniversary of his death (He was only 52). All the World's a Stage ... the seven ages of man. Some of their correspondents, from around the world.

 

President Obama explains to the British just why they should stay in the European Union.

UPDATE: It didn't go over well ... Outrage as Obama says Britain would be at the 'back of the queue' after Brexit  "Brexit" is short for "British exit" from the EU

As he knows what's best for the UK. His op ed in the Telegraph (UK) -

Barack Obama: As your friend, let me say that the EU makes Britain even greater

As citizens of the United Kingdom take stock of their relationship with the EU, you should be proud that the EU has helped spread British values and practices – democracy, the rule of law, open markets – across the continent and to its periphery. The European Union doesn’t moderate British influence – it magnifies it. A strong Europe is not a threat to Britain’s global leadership; it enhances Britain’s global leadership. The United States sees how your powerful voice in Europe ensures that Europe takes a strong stance in the world, and keeps the EU open, outward looking, and closely linked to its allies on the other side of the Atlantic. So the US and the world need your outsized influence to continue – including within Europe.

In this complicated, connected world, the challenges facing the EU – migration, economic inequality, the threats of terrorism and climate change – are the same challenges facing the United States and other nations. And in today’s world, even as we all cherish our sovereignty, the nations who wield their influence most effectively are the nations that do it through the collective action that today’s challenges demand. 

Will have to ask some of my English friends their opinion on his interjection into their decision. I'm betting it won't have gone over well ...

Finally - Yankee good news - Ellsbury steals home!

This tied the game and Yanks went on to win. And no doubt about it on all replay angles.

Kimmel: "Jason Bourne" trailer

I guess he's not a fan...

 

Astorino "State of the County" talk last evening

Rob Astorino, the Westchester County Executive.

“I came into office in 2010 on a pledge to stop the madness,” Astorino said. “And guess what? We’ve done that. The record is clear. Spending is down, taxes are down. And we’ve shown that government can work and live within its means at the same time – just like you and me and everyone else.”

The night’s most moving moment came when Astorino honored Joseph Lemm of West Harrison, the late New York City Police detective and Air National Guard staff sergeant who was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan in December 2015.

Astorino awarded Lemm the county’s highest honor – the Distinguished Service Medal and on June 6 a bronze plaque will be dedicated and permanently placed at the Westchester Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

Astorino spoke to the Lemm family saying they had something greater than the county’s sympathies: “You have a dad, husband and son, whose bravery and service to others will echo for eternity.

CNN: "Songs you didn't know Prince wrote"

I knew very little about Prince, but judging from all the talk yesterday after his death was announced, he did a little of good and generous work for many people and groups with little or no fanfare or recognition.

 

End of Easter - dark chocolate!

From The Chocolate Chalet in Briarcliff Manor.

Guinness - bringing out a new Lager!

Yay! Must try at Farandaville - hopefully will be available in the U.S.

 

CBS: Not all students are Bernie supporters; meet the "Trump Bros"

It's from CBS so it must be true. And it's a humorous article.

Their reason for backing Trump was simple, and echoed the sentiments of his other fans: He isn't politically correct, and he doesn't back down in the face of criticism.

Kimmel: Who voted in NY Primary

Hehehe. Get's better as it goes along. People will say anything for 30 seconds of fame?

 

New England Patriots player, now playing for USA National Rugby 7's team

Nate Ebner. Just signed a two year extension with the Pats and was granted a special leave to try and make the USA Olympic 7's team. He does have a rugby and 7-a-side background.  Here's his wikipedia. Nate Ebner. 

And here he is at last weekend's Singapore 7's tournament.

Kimmel: "Do you have a medical marijuana card?"

Pretty funny ... The first woman speaking gives a very funny answer ...

 

"Cease and Desist" order from Bernie Sanders, over this t-shirt

HAHAHA. First Amendment? Where's Bernie's sense of humor. And hit the link for the full story, courtesy of Ann Althouse' blog.

"I was surprised Bernie’s campaign would have done that. He didn’t seem to be the type of candidate, the type of guy, who would do something like this." Said Daniel McCall, whose company makes "Bernie is my comrade" T-shirt...

 

Primary today - I can't vote (Independents can't vote in New York primaries)

Here's Rudy Giuliani on the Republican primary. He's voting for Trump. And below that, Bernie in Brooklyn a Sunday.

Here's the Bernie discussion.

 

A Watter's World Man-in-the-street edition (NYC)

Amusing - and a bit sad.

 

Rugby: Singapore 7's, day two and great final

Great for Kenya

"Separation of Church and State" only applies if you're a Republican

Mrs. Clinton yesterday, at the Greater Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. This is not a photo-shopped picture.

From newschannel 12 in Westchester: "Hundreds of Churchgoers were stunned with a surprise visit to their Sunday morning services. ... She spoke to parishioners at Greater Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon."

Meanwhile Bernie Sanders was at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, addressing the churchgoers during their service. Sorry no picture.

Now, imagine the uproar if Kasich - Trump - Cruz spoke at a Church from the altar? The media would crucify them. No pun intended.

 

"How real men do first aid"

Superglue. Not me, I'm a wuss.

Rugby: Singapore 7's, day one

USA didn't make quarterfinals

Another proof there is a God - hiking improves our brains!

Very apropos, since yesterday we went on a quick hike on the Turkey Hill loop.

From my friend Theresa - and see picture at bottom of two brainy hikers!

Doctors Explain How Hiking Actually Changes Our Brains

Aside from the almost instant feeling of calm and contentment that accompanies time outdoors, hiking in nature can reduce rumination. Many of us often find ourselves consumed by negative thoughts, which takes us out of the enjoyment of the moment at best and leads us down a path to depression and anxiety at worst. But a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that spending time in nature decreases these obsessive, negative thoughts by a significant margin.

Of course you already knew that - here's more -

To conduct this study, researchers compared the reported rumination of participants who hiked through either an urban or a natural environment. They found those who walked for 90 minutes in a natural environment reported lower levels of rumination and they also had reduced neural activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain related to mental illness. Those who walked through the urban environment, however, did not report decreased rumination.

The researchers noted that increased urbanization closely correlates with increased instances of depression and other mental illness. Taking the time to regularly remove ourselves from urban settings and spend more time in nature can greatly benefit our psychological (and physical) well-being.

A study conducted by psychologists Ruth Ann Atchley and David L. Strayer found that creative problem solving can be drastically improved by both disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature. Participants in this study went backpacking through nature for about 4 days, during which time they were not allowed to use any technology whatsoever. They were asked to perform tasks which required creative thinking and complex problem solving, and researchers found that performance on problem solving tasks improved by 50% for those who took part in this tech-free hiking excursion.

There's more if you hit the link - inclucing how hiking can help children with ADHD.

And here's a post-hike picture from a year ago - look how happy and smart they look!

 

 

 

 

Hillary Clinton made more with one speech than Sanders made in a year

On the other hand, if Companies are stupid enough to pay her the money ...

Bernie Sanders reportedly earned just over $200,000 in 2014. That same year, Hillary Clinton, Sanders's top Democratic rival, gave about 45 paid speeches, many of which paid her more in a single hour than Sanders made the entire year.

The Washington Post reports on Sanders's income. "The senator from Vermont reported income of just more than $200,000 on his 2014 returns, according to the first few pages of his federal and Vermont filings, which were shared with The Washington Post back in June. On Friday, the couple is planning to release the rest of the returns, including attached schedules," writes the paper. "The vast majority of the couple's income came from Sanders's $174,000 Senate salary and Social Security benefits that both he and his wife, Jane, a former college president, receive."

In 2014 alone, Clinton gave speeches to GE (for $225,500), the National Automobile Dealers Association ($325,500), Deutsche Bank AG ($280,000), and many more.

Yeah, in many cases trying to buy influence. BUT so what - as long as there is full disclosure it shouldn't matter.

First octopus, now chimp escape

Octopus escape here - Escaped: Octopus from an aquarium

In japan - the chimp was enjoying himself - until shot with the sedative. ...

 

Oddball baseball plays from the past week

The MLB youtube channel. If Mets fan, great play by Colon!

 

Jimmy Fallon's Trump - phone call to Cruz

This is pretty funny.

Trump on NY Values

While in the gym I saw this part of Trump's speech at some NY City Republican event, which also had speeches from Cruz and Kasich. I think this is a very effective five minutes for Trump. Before this he was speaking without notes, in his usual style.

 

Escaped: Octopus from an aquarium

And the aquarium people know his modus operandi ...

 

CNN: did Led Zeppelin steal part of "Stairway to Heaven"?

Maybe, maybe not, but I bet it gets settled before it goes to a jury.

 

Baseball: Fan catches five foul balls in one game - give them all to kids

I think I've heard of this guy - catching baseball fouls or home runs is his hobby.

 

Real Estate sales in Westchester up 14% over year ago

Here is some interesting stuff, especially if you own property in Westchester or the adjoining counties.

Real estate sales in Westchester County jumped 14 percent in the first quarter compared to last year, according to the first quarter report from the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.

Sales also increased in Putnam (30.1 percent), Rockland (9.4) and Orange (33). The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, which comprises a four-county area, reported an 18.5 percent increase in residential sales across the four counties for the first quarter compared to the same time frame last year.

On the other hand. ...

While sales increased, the price of a single family home fell 5 percent in Westchester. The median sale price in Westchester County slipped to $569,950. The median sale price rose 10.5 percent in Putnam, to $300,000, and fell three-tenths of a percent in Rockland, to $399,000.

 

CNN: U.S. Navy rescues three marooned sailors

Straight out of one of those Discovery Channel survivor shows.

 

French family find lost Caravaggio painting in their attic

So it pays to clean out the attic! Estimated value - $140 million. And there's a great story behind it if you hit the link.

The exceptionally well-preserved tableau had remained hidden in the attic of their home outside Toulouse, southwestern France, untouched for more than 150 years since an ancestor brought it back to France from his campaigns abroad as an officer of Napoleon’s army.

Painting thought to be Caravaggio's long lost Judith Beheading Holofernes Credit: Studio Sebert

Good column on Pope's recent letter

I have pre-ordered the document Amortis Laetitia as an ebook. Will have it on April  15th. Looking forward to reading it for myself.

Here's a balanced look at it in a column from the online Catholic publication Crisis. I excerpted the first two of the eleven paragraphs in the article. Hit the link for the whole thing.

Amoris Laetitia: All Things to All Men

On the day of its release, perhaps the least quoted passage of Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’s Apostolic Exhortation “On Love in the Family,” were the first three sentences of paragraph 7:

Given the rich fruits of the two-year Synod process, this Exhortation will treat, in different ways, a wide variety of questions. This explains its inevitable length. Consequently, I do not recommend a rushed reading of the text.

A cynic might reply that the Holy Father need not have worried, since most of those who commented on the document in the first hours after its release could not be said to have engaged in a “rushed reading of the text,” because they did not actually read the text. Rather, as has become the norm regarding important and lengthy documents in our short-attention-span “Information Age,” most of those who were first out of the gate already knew what they intended to say about Amoris Laetitia; all they needed to do was to skim it quickly, looking for lines that they could use as proof that their preconceived notions were correct.

He's sure right about that! The main criticism the author has for the document is that it should have been broken into two documents; one for the clergy and one for the rest of us.

 

Question: How many immigrants came to the United States in 2015?

Sent to me by my friend Bernadette.

If you said "2 million" you are correct.

Source: Center for immigration Studies

 

Farandaville - this was big - Pokemon turns 20

Yes, in fact everyone in our house had pokemon-derived names! (momazoid, etc).

 

SNL: Hillary Clinton on her losing streak

Pretty good.

WaPo: "Pope Francis talks about love and sex"

From the Washington Post - a short article.

“There is no guarantee that we will feel the same way all through life,” the pope writes. “Yet if a couple can come up with a shared and lasting life project, they can love one another and live as one until death do them part, enjoying an enriching intimacy."