Kind of figures in this world . . .

According to some breaking news, the fact that I didn't jump on the Susan G. Komen bandwagon and send in a 'thank you' donation proved correct - they just reinstated funding to Planned Parenthood. How sad that they propose to do something of merit and then cave. I feel badly for all the people who raised their donations based on the first news only to find out that their money will continue to help fund Planned Parenthood in one way or the other. They are letting politics rule their mission and dilute the meaning and purpose of 'walking for the cure'.

Given the ways of the modern world, today, I can't say I'm all that surprised just saddened at their lack of backbone as I assume they initially made the decision based on good reasons.

A Friday Smile . . .

"Humor is everywhere, in that there's irony in just about anything a human does."
-- Bill Nye

"I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays."
-- Henny Youngman

"In science one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry, it's the exact opposite."
-- Paul Dirac

As our freedoms continue to erode . . .

I continually find the mind set of the world to be confusing and interesting. The basic premise in our country is freedom of speech yet, over the years, there has been a certain protocol put into place about exactly who is allowed this freedom. If you make untrue or rude remarks about conservative parties, that is brushed aside by the media and news and life goes on. If one should, however, speak an uncomfortable truth about the liberal faction, retaliation is immediately put into play. Tolerance is one-sided. Once freedom of speech is minimized, other freedoms can bite the dust.

The recent news that the Susan G. Komen group has decided to break ties with Planned Parenthood certainly reflects a one-sides approach to our freedoms. As long as Planned Parenthood was getting the annual donation, the factions that disappoved of this were basically told to honor the Komen group's option to act freely when it came to their disbursement of donation money. It's a free country, after all. Now that the group has disengaged from it's association with Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood is out to get them. Why does one group feel they should have a say over where another group shares it's donations?

We don't have other churches coming to our doors on Sundays demanding a share of our collection. Why? Because we have the freedom of choice about where we give our money. If we donate to one church, it is because we don't wish to support another one.

Planned Parenthood has never lacked for money. In fact, according to news reports, their followers have donated enough already to cover the amount annually given them by Susan G. Komen. Just following the news, the uproar about Susan B. Komen changing their donor's list is very sad and petty. The Komen group made a choice about where they wanted to share their money. Where does Planned Parenthood come in demanding it back? Just the word donation implies a choice.

The saddest part about this whole matter is the verbal abuse from women about Susan G. Komen no longer helping to fund Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood's major 'product' is abortion not women's 'health'. Why is the concern over money with no regard about the tiny lives at stake.

As an interesting aside, one report said that Planned Parenthood doesn't provide mammograms . . . so why the need for the funding? As far as I have ever heard, their women's health program provides contraception and abortion. Why does their choice override another's choice?

Hmmm . . . Sure seems so at times . . .

Democracy consists of choosing your dictators, after they've told you what it is you want to hear.

- Alan Coren

As in Watching the Political Debates?

"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained." -- Edward R. Murrow

Scalloped Potatoes in a Hurry

Scalloped Potatoes are always welcome around here. Over the years, I have tried a variety of recipes. This one is a great go-to one when the day has been hectic and you still need to feed the family a hearty dinner. Some prep time but, still, an easy way to shine in the kitchen.  Want a Friday meal with no meat? Leave out the ham and add some braised mushrooms to the mix. A can of diced, mild chiles will work, too, for another flavor.

Scalloped Potatoes in a Hurry

2-3 potatoes, cubed
½ cup processed cheese, cubed
½ cup diced, cooked ham
1 tablespoon dried onions
2/3 cup cream of mushroom soup
2/3 cup whole milk
1 ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried Basil
½ teaspoon dried Tarragon
Dash of chili flakes

Boil the potatoes until just done.

Place the processed cheese, ham, onion, soup, milk, and flour in a large pot and slowly heat to melt. Add the seasonings. Pour the sauce over the potatoes and gently combine so all the potatoes are covered. If you like, you can top the dish with buttered bread crumbs or a grating of cheddar.

Bake in a 350 degree oven until it is cooked through, hot and bubbling.

Profound!

Death itself brings no fear. Only the loss of guidance we give to our loved ones brings your worth to an end.

- John R Mcnair