Translations

Sunday, September 04, 2022

TWO SCREWS (1/2” & 2”) STORY (published 9-4-2022; article #354)

Introduction

What is that photograph? Why did I take it? Papaw Aby William Wood would understand. As a child, his sense of humor inspired and developed mine! He was born on 9/4/1901. He went Home on 3/14/1983, when I was age twenty-two. His soul brought even more humor to heaven!

Since October of 1994 – when Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I moved to Moscow, Russia – I've been writing short notes, of daily events, on desk calendars. The photograph (above) is from my 2022 desk calendar, opened to September.

Yes, I'll go into the details. I hope that you laugh by reading my two screws story! I look forward to telling Papaw Wood this story, once I join him at Home.

The Other Stuff

First, I'll explain the other stuff in the photograph, by date.

September 1, Thursday: Meteorological fall began! (Yes, I know that astronomical fall starts on 9/22/2022.) My ol' 2006 Frontier and I went out and about. Tony, my barber and friend, gave me another best clip haircut, at Tony's Best Clips. My ol' truck got another good hand washing, at Synergy Auto Wash (Halls). My 9/2/2022 article explains the Wendy's meal that cost me $10.04!

My article of yesterday (9/3/2022) explains the WWII notes (on Thursday and Friday), the Saturday note on Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary, the Tennessee football team victory (over a “high school” team), and Biden's diatribe.

September 2, Friday: Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had a day off from work. She went to the grocery store, played “'Mater Lady” a while, and so forth. I published a website article. It rained, about 8:30 PM. (Yes, I write down stuff like that.) My youngest sister-in-law drove in from “Nashvegas.”

September 3, Saturday: aside from what I've already mentioned and will mention next, we had rain all day, until about 3 PM. My Georgia Bulldogs stomped #11 ranked Oregon, 49 to 3! Why did the pre-season AP and Coaches polls rank Georgia #3? Didn't Georgia win the 2021 national championship? Oh, yes! I wrote about their victory, on 1/16/2022! Go 'Dawgs!

Okay, that's the summary of “life, such as it was,” for those days – except the two screws!

The Two Screws

A few weeks ago, the tire pressure sensor, on our (the wife's) 2012 Nissan Sentra, came on, about once a week or so. It was always the right rear tire – down a couple of pounds. I could not find a hole. I used my air compressor to fill up the tire.

On Thursday, the first day of fall, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman made it from work to home, with tire pressure sensor light on. The left rear tire looked very low. After the tires cooled, I checked. Three tires were fine. The left rear tire was 12 pounds only! How she made it home, I don't know. This Appalachian Irishman had some work to do. I never did find a hole in that tire.

Yesterday, before the Georgia football game came on, I drove our car to the fixin' place, at Service Street - Knoxville (which had been Ralph's Automotive, years ago). When I asked, they wanted me to add them to my “Business Recommendations: upper-east Knox County, TN” list. I have done so.

They removed the two rear tires and floated them in their water tank. Brent showed me the two screws, which I kept! The 1/2” screw was in the right rear tire. (So, that's why it lost a few pounds of air, about once a week!) I don't know how Mrs. Appalachian Irishman collected that 2” screw, in the left rear tire! (I wonder how that tire held 12 pounds of pressure!)

The good folks at Service Street - Knoxville patched both tires and inflated them. The tires are fine now. I asked them to change the oil and filter and to do a couple of other service items, while I was there. They provide great service, and they are open on Saturdays!

Conclusion

By the way, did you notice that my ruler was “made in USA?” I've had that ruler, about twenty years. I wonder if rulers are still made here.

Well, this was my two screws story! I had to write a funny article – to get the bitter taste out of my mouth – from the article that I felt compelled to write yesterday.

Don't let the “woke,” socialist, propagandists screw you, America! Insist that they follow the original meaning and purpose of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution! (Okay, I'm sorry. Papaw Wood liked the humor of this article. Dad liked my “poly-tics” ending.)

Don't labor too much on Labor Day, tomorrow, y'all. I won't. I am enjoying my retirement well enough.


Saturday, September 03, 2022

“BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE NATION:” Biden's 9-1-2022 Speech, in Historical World War II Context (published 9-3-2022; article #353)

Introduction

My last article concluded by stating: “My next article will be profound. I promise.” This is that next article.

By the way, on family heritage, Papaw Aby Wood was born, on 9/4/1901, and Mom and Dad were married, on 9/3/1959. My 9/6/2021 article includes my most recent comments on that heritage, aside from this note.

The “battle for the soul of the nation” is real. That battle, however, is not what the first President of the USSA (Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.) propagates. I will explain – in the historical context of World War II.

Biden's Speech on 9/1/2022 & My Comments

On the evening of 9/1/2022, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, our ol' puppy (Molly), and I were half way watching the Tennessee Volunteers beat up on a “high school” team, for the first game of the college football season. I knew President Biden would speak to the nation that evening. I didn't want to be angered by his verbal propaganda.

Instead, the next day, I read the transcript of his speech. The transcript is on the official The White House website. See “REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BIDEN ON THE CONTINUED BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE NATION,” Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (September 1, 2022). I will cite his words that are relevant to this article and add my comments.

Speaking from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, President Biden began, by stating (with my yellow highlighting added):

This is where America made its Declaration of Independence to the world more than two centuries ago with an idea, unique among nations, that in America, we’re all created equal. This is where the United States Constitution was written and debated. These two documents and the ideas they embody — equality and democracy — are the rock upon which this nation is built.

That is common high ground. This article is my fifth on “Worldviews in Conflict.” (See my “Topic Sections.”) As I have written, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were written by flawed men. Those documents, however, are based on God's absolute moral law – as understood naturally and as expressed in the inspired biblical record (understood correctly). Flawed men can write moral documents. I do, every time I write an article.

President Biden, however, dropped quickly to the low ground of propaganda – with no supporting evidence cited. Excerpts (with my red highlighting added) of his propagandizing are:

Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic.

MAGA Republicans do not respect the Constitution. They do not believe in the rule of law. They do not recognize the will of the people.

I will not cite further from President Biden's propaganda. Anyone may read the full transcript (which I have provided, in the above link). By the way, the next day, during a press conference, President Biden claimed that he reversed his diatribe, of the evening before. Remember, a double-minded man is unstable in his ways. (Read James 1:8, in context.)

I am NOT a Donald Trump supporter or advocate. President Trump did well enough. He was better than the other option, when he was elected. He often affirmed several biblical and constitutional principals. I agreed with him on those principals, as he affirmed them.

MAGA stands for “make America great again.” Donald Trump used the phrase as a campaign slogan, according to Dictionary.com.

What are MAGA Republicans? I wondered. I searched.

Historically, there was a Great America PAC (Political Action Committee), with news from 2016 to 2018. Open Secrets details PAC Profile: Make America Great Again PAC, as a Leadership PAC, affiliated with ex-President Donald Trump. Ballotpedia details Make America Great Again PAC, as the MAGA PAC for Donald Trump, when he ran for office.

For currently active information, I found Save America: Donald J. Trump. The “about” section lists their values, among which include:

– We are committed to defending innocent life and to upholding the Judeo-Christian values of our founding.

– We believe in the promise of the Declaration of Independence, that we are all made EQUAL by our Creator, and that must all be TREATED equal under the law.

– We know that our rights do not come from government,[sic] they come from God, and no earthly force can ever take those rights away. That includes the right to religious liberty and the right to Keep and Bear Arms.

– We embrace free thought,[sic] we welcome robust debate, and we are not afraid to stand up to the oppressive dictates of political correctness.

– We know that the rule of law is the ultimate safeguard of our freedoms, and we affirm that the Constitution means exactly what it says AS WRITTEN.

If Save America: Donald J. Trump are “MAGA Republicans,” then where, in their values, are their extremist threats to the foundations of our republic? Where is their disrespect to the Constitution? Where is their disbelief in the rule of law? Where and how do they not recognize the will of the people?

As I close this section, I affirm the obvious. President Biden was making political hay. He was arguing against a straw man. He engaged himself in the lowest form of political propaganda. I respect the office of President. I do not respect President Biden; however, I do love him, as a man created in God's image, and I will do all within my power, to lead him to Christ – as I doubt his salvation – judging justly, by his words and deeds. (Read Jesus' words, in John 7:24, in context.)

Historical World War II Context

I will place President Biden's 9/1/2022 speech, in the historical context of World War II. I wish that the President had thought to frame his words, as I do for him now.

On 9/1/2022, did you remember that World War II started, on 9/1/1939, when Germany invaded Poland? I did not, until I found the source, on 9/2/2022.

You are encouraged to read: “How Did World War II End? These are the five key events that led to the conclusion of World War II,” by Christopher Klein, History.com, 8/11/2020. Germany invaded Poland, on 9/1/1939, which started World War II. On 9/2/1945, Japan surrendered formally, on the US battleship Missouri, which ended World War II. Note that, on 8/14/1945, the Japanese Emperor had surrendered, by radio broadcast.

This nation has never been perfect – no nation has ever been. Nations, however, can have historical moments of great moral rightness and fortitude. The moral greatness and sacrifice that this nation (and others) demonstrated – during World War II – are historical facts.

When this nation follows the ideals and principals in the founding documents, then this nation acts according to the divine value system that those documents reflect and express. America is great, when she follows her founding principals – which are based on God's moral law.

Conclusion

During his 9/1/2022 speech, President Biden stated (with my yellow highlighting added):

I ran for President [sic] because I believed we were in a battle for the soul of this nation. I still believe that to be true. I believe the soul is the breath, the life, and the essence of who we are. The soul is what makes us “us.”

I agree that “a battle for the soul of this nation” exists – and has been ongoing, for decades. President Biden's understanding of that battle is incorrect, however. His ungodly and socialist propagandists and he are on the side of Satan – since they “affirm” constitutional values, while they work to further erode those values. I can unpack that last sentence and prove it – if any reader wishes to challenge me. My “Worldviews in Conflict” section contains my written record.

The Good Lord stated, in Luke 11:17 (NIV):

Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.

Please read that verse in its context. America is a divided nation. Everyone should know this.

Even Sharon Osbourne knows it. On 8/28/2022, she stated:

America has changed so drastically. It isn’t the United States of America at all. Nothing’s united about it. It’s a very weird place to live right now. (Source: “Tea with Ozzy Osbourne: ‘I’ve sung that song for 55 years. I’m not going to forget the words,’” by Craig McLean, The Guardian, 8/28/2022.)

Of course, spiritual warfare has existed, since Satan was cast from heaven. I will not unpack that last sentence here. Instead, you may read: “Why Was Lucifer, Satan, Cast Out of Heaven and Banished to Hell?” By Dolores Smyth, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer, 10/2/2020. It is a good article on the subject.

The “battle for the soul of this nation” is in the context of spiritual warfare. God wins, on Judgment Day. Satan and his majority followers do not. The minority, who are saved by God's grace, through their active faith, win. Please read the inspired record of Jesus' words, in context:

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matt. 7:13-14 NIV)

Truth, morality, and values are not determined by the majority. They are established by God. His inspired word, the Bible, is His written record. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution reflect the divine worldview.

Mr. President, may you be guided, as you lead this nation, by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution – which are rooted in the divine worldview. Please stop your propaganda. We, who are wise, are not listening. We'd rather watch football.


Friday, September 02, 2022

AUGUST 2022 - NO TN SALES TAX ON FOOD MONTH (published 9-2-2022; article #352)

FREE image of Hand Picking a Pepper, by People Creations, on PikWizard

Introduction

Howdy, y'all! Did you enjoy the 8/29/2022 article by “'Mater Lady” (Mrs. Appalachian Irishman)? After over sixteen years of trying, I prodded her into writing her first article. Let's see if she keeps it up! (Yes, dear, that's another prod.)

I kept a record of the food that we bought last month. The State of Tennessee did not collect sales tax on human food, in August 2022. I wanted to see how much we spent and how much “big money” we saved – just for the purpose of writing this sarcastic and humorous article.

Are y'all ready to dine on my words? Let's eat!

Context

The Tennessee State Government website, under Sales Tax Holiday, states:

For 2022, there are three sales tax holidays. The Tennessee General Assembly has approved two more sales tax holidays in addition to the traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies, and computers.

That website page indicates that one “sales tax holiday” is:

. . . on food & food ingredients (grocery sales tax suspension)[sic] which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Click here for more information.

If someone bought groceries – at 12:00 AM, on 8/1/2022, or at 12:00 AM, on 9/1/2022 – he was unlucky! The bureaucrats are precise, to the minute, on minutia – while they swat at gnats and swallow camels. (Adapted from Jesus' words, in a more profound context. See Matthew 23:24.)

Warning: the “click here for more information” link, in the quote above, downloads a PDF document, from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, titled “Sales and Use Tax Notice #22-10, June 2022,” which references “Public Chapter 1131 (2022).” The bureaucratic details are mind-numbing. Don't click that link! If you do, and read it, you will swat at gnats! It's already September. The camel has been swallowed.

Our August 2022 Record

8/06   $98.08 all human food. 28 food items.
            $6.13 not charged/”saved” TN sales tax (6.25%).
8/13   $95.90 ($4.38, 2 cans wet dog food, for Molly). 29 items. 27 food.
           $91.11 human food.
             $0.41 TN sales tax (9.36%) on dog food.
             $5.69 not charged/”saved” TN sales tax (6.217%; $10 coupon).
8/19   $83.84 (includes $4.69, one tube of toothpaste). 16 items. 15 food.
            78.72 human food.
            $0.43 TN sales tax (9.168%) on toothpaste.
            $4.92 not charged/”saved” TN sales tax (6.25%).
8/20   $19.90 all human food. 6 items.
            $1.24 not charged/”saved” TN sales tax (6.23%).
8/27 $135.94 ($6.00, 2 bottles laundry detergent). 37 items. 35 food.
        $129.38 human food.
            $0.56 TN sales tax (9.333%) on laundry detergent.
            $8.09 not charged/”saved” TN sales tax (6.25%).
8/31   $48.48 (includes $5.19 cold deli, prepared food taxed).
          $42.68 unprepared human food. 13 items. 12 unprepared food.
            $0.61 TN sales tax (11.75%).
            $3.31 calc./”saved” TN sales tax (7.75% Sevier County).

Total 08/2022 human food items: 123.
Total 08/2022 human food cost: $459.87. ($3.74 / human food item.)
Total 08/2022 TN sales tax not charged/”saved:” $29.38 (6.38%).

Analysis

Our financial software provides snapshots of our grocery expenses. The following are five snapshots, by year.

  2001: $2,387.60 annual / 12 = $198.96 monthly.
  2010: $3,149.59 annual / 12 = $261.80 monthly.
  2017: $5,037.49 annual / 12 = $419.79 monthly.
  2020: $5,799.43 annual / 12 = $483.28 monthly.
  2022 (8 months): $3,843.49 / 8 = $480.43 monthly.

Do you see how I can swat at gnats? I apologize for the minutia! We'd like to go back to when groceries cost us about $260 a month – in 2010. We'd settle for about $420 a month – as in 2017. We still buy about the same type of groceries – fruit, vegetables, lean meat, juice, bread, and so forth. We buy very little, if any, unhealthy junk food. Of course, our income increased over the years. The grocery bill, however, has continued to hunger for bigger bites of the budget.

By the way, yesterday, while my ol' truck and I were out and about, I ate at a Wendy's. (That's the first “fast food” that I've eaten this year.) The standard hamburger, fries, Coke, and tax cost $10.04! I remarked to the cashier that the cost, decades ago, was about $4.00. I, however, am digressing.

Conclusion

Thanks, Tennessee State “Guvrmint!” In August, we spent $459.87 on human food. We saved $29.38, which is chump change. That's about like buying a pair of blue jeans. You pay $25.00 plus tax. The store price was $50 but marked down 50% off. In other words, you did not “save” $25.00. You spent $25.00 plus tax.

Who knows? I may send a $29.38 check to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. They might be able to “invest” that $29.38 better than we can spend it. I doubt that they can.

Well, I've swallowed my own camel, by swatting at a bureaucratic gnat. I'm done! Y'all take it easy. My next article will be profound. I promise.


Monday, August 29, 2022

'MATER FUN with 'MATER LADY (published 8-29-2022; article #351; Mrs. Appalachian Irishman article #1)

Introduction

Hey, folks! This is Mrs. Appalachian Irishman (aka 'Mater Lady) -- publishing my first article here! On 8/28/2022 -- as I was taking the above photograph, of the prettiest Cherokee Purple tomato that I have grown this summer -- Mr. Appalachian Irishman commented that he would invite me to be a guest writer on his website. He said that I should write about the tomatoes. He was really goading me and making fun of my photograph taking of a tomato. Well here we go!

'Mater Fun

Let’s start at the beginning. In late April, I found out that a local school was having a plant sale. I went online to a website that a coworker provided me and discovered that they had several varieties of tomatoes for sale, at 50 cents per plant. They also had flowers for sale.

I bought about four dollars worth of plants -- six tomato plants and two kinds of flowers. I had the coworker, who had given me the information, pick up the plants and bring them to me at school, my workplace.

It took me a few days to decide where and how to plant the tomatoes. I put the flowers in flowerpots on the front porch, after a few days. I then decided to plant the tomatoes in three large pots, two plants to a pot, since I had three varieties -- Cherokee Purple, Better Boy, and Celebrity.

Mr. Appalachian Irishman has been a little leery of eating the Cherokee Purple tomatoes, because the first ones picked were cracked. He thought that they were diseased, moldy, and “full of rot.” He carried on so about this! I must admit they did not look good, but they were tasty. The latest harvest has looked much better.

Conclusion

That is why I snapped the photograph, on 8/28/2022, to send to my sisters and niece. It's the photograph, about which the man just could not resist making fun.

By the way, my youngest sister suggested having a good ol' 'mater sandwich. Good idea!

Editor's note (by M. Fearghail, “Mr. Appalachian Irishman”)

Well, dear! After all these years of trying to get you to write on my website, I prodded you enough to write your 'mater story! You have one article. I have written 350 articles (from 3/6/2006 to 8/28/2022). Will you catch up? I'm kidding, dear! I'm glad that you wrote an article finally. Love 'ya. Mean it.

By the way, I took the photograph, below, earlier today. I had to add a bit of extra humor, with a serious ending.

I was in the kitchen. In 2002, I designed the kitchen nook, so we could place a small table and chairs there. I can't eat at the kitchen table. Why, you ask?

Do you see nine tomatoes, six flowers in pots, and one laptop? (All the potted plants aren't visible.) There is no room for this Appalachian Irishman to set a plate or cup of coffee!

As a serious close, the large, green plant is the gift from my youngest brother and his wife. The gift was for my mother-in-law's funeral. She passed on to everlasting joy, on 4/30/2017. That plant has thrived for over five years so far. My mother-in-law thrives everlastingly.


Sunday, August 28, 2022

STAGFLATION & MONEY TREE: “Engine Air Intake Hose” Story (published 8-28-2022; article #350)

Introduction

A man might as well just laugh about it. What else can he do? After a while, it just becomes funny. Sometimes, it starts off funny and stays funny – sarcastically – such as this article.

This is a story about the “engine air intake hose,” in the context of Biden's stagflation economy and the money tree. Y'all might as well laugh with me! (Insert smiley face emoji here – if you “like” 👍 that type of silliness.)

The Story Begins

On Thursday morning, 8/25/2022, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove – alone, as the “new normal” – our 2012 Nissan Sentra to work. (My 6/15/2022 article mentioned our vehicle trade.) After arriving at work, she called to say that the “service engine soon” light was on. The car displayed no problems. Hum. What could it be? Our new, ol' car had checked out “A-OK,” mechanically, before and just after we got her.

At any rate, my wife made it home fine. I checked our new, ol' car to find nothing wrong. I'd already called the local Nissan dealership and service center, to arrange the next day appointment. (I plan to buy an inexpensive diagnostic tool, to see what “service engine soon” light means! It could save us money, if I can diagnose and repair myself.)

The High Dollar Engine Air Intake Hose

The next day, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman drove my new, ol' truck (2006 Nissan Frontier) to and from work. I asked how she liked driving my truck. She didn't comment much, but I saw her little grin, when she said that she had “done alright.” My truck didn't seem to mind. He rolled over to 186,000 miles on the trip.

Earlier that next day, I'd taken her car (2012 Nissan Sentra) to and from the Nissan shop. The appointment was at 10:30 AM. I arrived at 10:29 AM. I paid the bill at 12:20 PM. At least the part was in stock. So, I didn't have to get “favorite” sister-in-law (retired) to help or to pay for a one-day rental.

What part, you ask? I took the photograph, below, yesterday (8/27/2022).

Do you see the black flexible hose, with the piece that looks like a “walking stick handle” on top of it? (Clamps are on both ends of the hose.) That is an “Engine Air Intake Hose Part # 16576ET00A.” The old hose had a small crack in it. That crack had triggered the “service engine soon” light, on 8/25/2022.

What did that little part, plus labor, plus supplies, plus tax cost, you ask? Well, the following is from the bill (with my notes added, in bold italics).

     Engine Air Intake Hose Part # 16576ET00A  $102.35
     Labor (for about 1.5 hrs. work)                    $194.67
     Shop supplies (what supplies?)                     $27.25
     Tax                                                                   $29.99
     TOTAL                                                           $354.26

That relatively small part cost way too much! The labor was way too high! (The labor rate calculates to just over $125 an hour.) I'd like to have seen the shop supplies that cost $27.25. I might have wanted to keep what I bought. (Insert smiley face emoji here.)

Yesterday, I did some browsing, on the cost of that part. Nissan North America, Inc., in Franklin, Tennessee, shows the same cost - $102.35. Nissan Parts Deal, by Auto Parts Prime, Inc. – in South El Monte, California – shows the cost at $72.46. Wholesale Parts Express – in Lauderdale, Florida – shows the cost at $28.95. Now, $28.95 would have been very reasonable, but I wouldn't have waited, while the part shipped in from Florida.

On Thursday and Friday, I'd told the folks at the Nissan dealership and service center not to send texts to my cell phone. They did anyway. I did “STOP” replies. Their text, after the work was done, asked me “to provide feedback” on the service

So, yesterday morning, I checked to verify that the website was valid, and I provided my “feedback,” as follows.

8/26/2022: Sentra - Engine Air Intake Hose Part # 16576ET00A - $102.35 + $194.67 labor (about 1.5 hrs.) + $27.25 supplies + tax = $354.26. At least the part was in stock, and I didn't need to leave and return, to await service completion. Total time, from arrival to payment - 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM. Service was excellent. Cost for part + labor was too high. Sara fixed quickly, with no charge, the right front passenger window, which the driver's side main control couldn't roll up or down! Thanks, Sara! Service worked out. I've had service there before. Service is always excellent. Cost for parts and labor had been reasonable. That cost is now too high, in context of current stagflation. Three stars -- only due to high cost for parts and labor. I'll return, as needed. I hope that I don't have to do so for a long time!

Yes, the driver's side master, for the four side windows, would not roll up or down the right front passenger window. I'd tinkered with the master control. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had done so. Neither of us had any luck. I'd notice the minor problem, on our 6/4/2022 test drive.

Sara managed the service. Just before I paid, I'd indicated the problem and stated that we might come back, to have it checked. Sara went to our car and punched the various master control buttons – as we had done. Sara must have been “holding her mouth right,” as folks say around here! The driver's side master can lower and raise that window now! That's why Sara got my thanks!

Yes, as a man, I will admit when a woman does something mechanical that I couldn't do. It doesn't happen often. (Insert smiley face emoji here.) I hear you laughing!

Stagflation and Money Tree

Ol' man Webster (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) defines “stagflation” as “persistent inflation combined with stagnant consumer demand and relatively high unemployment.” Y'all know what that it. We're in it. A Forbes article, of two months ago, told us it was coming. See “Stagflation: Causes And When It Will Come,” by Bill Conerly, Senior Contributor, Forbes, 6/28/2022, 7:30 AM EDT.

My readers, who are old enough, remember the “good old days” of Jimmy Carter stagflation. Those “good old days” are back! (Insert smiley face sarcastic emoji here.)

At some point, I may write another article on the USSA Money Tree ($Tree). I searched my website by “Money Tree” and picked five articles to reference here. Four are from last year: 2/28/2021, 3/22/2021, 4/2/2021, 5/22/2021. One is last month: 7/27/2022.

Earlier this month (August 2022), the Democrat Socialists and Biden, the First President of the USSA, printed more Monopoly Money – on 8/16/2022 and 8/24/2022. For 8/16/2022, see “Biden signs $739 billion Inflation Reduction Act into law, slams GOP for voting against the tax, climate deal,” by Brooke Singman, Fox News, 8/16/2022, 4:16 PM EDT. For 8/24/2022, see “Forgiving $10,000 in student debt could cost the U.S. $300 billion,” on CBS News Money Watch, by Aimee Picchi, updated 8/24/2022, 5:47 PM.

That's a total of $1,039,000,000,000 ($1.039 trillion) in Monopoly Money – in one month! (Insert smiley face sarcastic emoji here.)


On 6/6/2022, D-Day anniversary, I'd noticed a viewer spike on my article of 2/24/2013, “'ELIMENTRY' LESSONS for the 'GUVERMINT EDUKATED, SO$IALIST' FOLK.” I'd wondered what had spiked views, in 2022, to an article I'd written over nine years ago. Who knows? I may publish an article or podcast that is similar to that one. You can too! Just find the facts, shave off eight zeros, and apply to a household budget – as my “Lesson #1” did, in my article of over nine years ago.

Conclusion

My “Engine Air Intake Hose” story, in this article, is one example – of billions (pardon the pun) – of Biden's stagflation economy. I don't blame Biden exclusively. From Trump, going farther back, the “guvermint” has been “borrowing from Peter to pay Paul,” for decades.

Pick either US Treasury Debt to the Penny, US Debt Clock.org, USA Debt Clock.com, or Worldometer United States National Debt – to see the USSA debt keep piling up. The spinning numbers on three of those websites will mesmerize you!

The USSA keeps spending itself into “Socialist Utopian Oblivion.” Don't worry! A man might as well just laugh about it. What else can he do – except write another article?


Thursday, August 25, 2022

TENNESSEE 'TRIGGER' LAW: UNBORN CHILDREN HAVE RIGHT TO LIFE (published 8-25-2022; article #349)

Introduction

The “Worldviews in Conflict” section contains my public statements, of 6/7/2022, 6/26/2022, and 6/30/2022. You are welcome to read or re-read them now. I suggest that you do so.

This article is a brief note, regarding the significance of today, 8/25/2022, Thursday. The brevity does not indicate a lack of importance. “A word to the wise is sufficient,” as someone once said.

Tennessee “Trigger” Law Effective 8/25/2022

On 6/24/2022, the USSA “Supreme” Court agreed, correctly mostly, with God's Supreme Court. The articles in June of this year wrote about that landmark decision -- in the context of worldviews in conflict. States should not decide, if an unborn child has the right to life. God's Supreme Court has already decided that they do.

Consequently, Tennessee -- effective today, 8/25/2022 -- stands to protect the unborn children, who are in their mothers' wombs. The details are and have been on various news outlets. Of several, I chose one propaganda news network: “Tennessee 'trigger' law banning nearly all abortions goes into effect: The law makes providing an abortion a felony in the state.“ On ABCNews.com, by Nadine El-Bawab, video by Jessie DiMartino, 8/25/2022. I didn't concern myself with their “murder the unborn babies” images. That is between God and them. God will judge them.

Conclusion

Amidst the ongoing moral decline, in this once great nation, the knowledge that unborn children, in the State of Tennessee, have the right to life -- which God had given them at the moment of conception -- is comforting.

Don't worry. I'll write more on “worldviews in conflict” -- to affirm the biblical worldview. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, however, is mashing potatoes. I'm hungry. I'm off here for now! Let's eat!

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

2022 SLAVIC WAR: 8-24-1991 Ukraine Independence Day & 2-24-2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine (published 8-24-2022; article #348)

 

A wonderful view of the Areopagus Hills in Athens, Greece,” 8/3/2022 free photo by Datingscout on Unsplash

Introduction

Greetings to my readers – especially to my readers in Slavic countries. I have called the Russian invasion of the Ukraine the “2022 Slavic War.” A war starts when a nation invades another nation. The nation that is invaded did not start the war. The invading nation did. The invaded nation has to defend itself.

With this article, I have created “2022 Slavic War,” as a separate Topic Section. This is my fifth article. My other four articles were on 3/8/2022, 3/20/2022, 5/12/2022, and 5/30/2022. Five articles are now in this new section.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine becomes, too often, a side note. To both my Ukrainian and Russian brothers and sisters in Christ, you are not forgotten! The daily prayers of many, including me, are for peace. May it be so, Lord.

8-24-1991 Ukraine Independence Day

Thirty-one years ago, Ukraine declared independence from the USSR, on 8/24/1991. The official website of Ukraine includes a section on “Origins & History of Ukraine.” To my non-Slavic readers, you may wish to read the entire section.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) ended, on 12/31/1991. (See “Collapse of the Soviet Union,” by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica; Last Updated 8/11/2022.)

On 10/1/1994, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I joined two other families, to serve as missionaries, to Moscow and Klin, Russia. My “Topic Sections” includes twelve articles on or that reference “Mission Work.” I may write a book, about our mission experiences.

Ukrainian Independence marked freedom from Soviet oppression, dictatorship, and tyranny. Today, 8/24/2022, Ukrainians will find no joy – if there is any celebration of their independence from the USSR, which included, of course, Russia.

2-24-2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On 2/24/2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Today, on Ukraine Independence Day, marks day 182 of the Russian invasion of their Slavic brothers in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin and his minions started the war. Both sides argue the reasons. Propaganda abounds.

The Moscow Times section on Ukraine War is a good source of information. I receive their weekly emails, on Fridays.

Russia is not without its faults. Ukraine is not without its faults. No nation is. A peaceful nation should not be invaded by an aggressive nation. Yes, history abounds with too many examples.

Conclusion

The inspired Luke recorded the apostle Paul's meeting of the Areopagus, in Acts 17:22-34. (The quotation, below, includes my bold highlight, for emphasis on this topic.)

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship —and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. (Acts 17:22-34 NIV)

God has marked the appointed times of nations and set their boundaries. God does not, however, cause nations to commit evil. His grace allows free will – for people and nations to commit evil – for a while. The inspired Old Testament records God's hand in the rise and fall of nations. Deeper thought on the subject of God's providence and why God allows evil nations to prosper – for a time – is beyond the scope of this brief article. I may unpack my thoughts, in a longer article, later.

God requires all people, as individuals and nations, to repent of their evil and to turn to His Son, Jesus, the Christ. Universal Judgment Day is coming. The evils caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be judged. I will be judged. You will be judged. Our judgment will be just. If we have repented and turned to the Lord, our Savior, we will have everlasting life, in heaven. If we have not, everlasting torment awaits.

Paul's sermon on the Areopagus, in the first century, led to the conversion of Dionysius, Damaris, and several others. Some, however, in free will, rejected Paul's words of salvation.

The word of salvation is offered. Many of my readers have chosen as Dionysius and Damaris did. Other readers have not – yet. Please choose wisely. My “Contact Form” is available, if you need my assistance. God's blessings to my readers – especially for peace in Ukraine.