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James Goodrich's avatar

I heard this story and wanted to share it with you, It’s called Three letters From Teddy.

Back in the 70’s there was a young boy named Teddy. He was in 5th grade and wasn’t doing very well in school. He wouldn’t participate, he was moody and didn’t get along well with the other students. His teacher, Ms. Thompson always said that she loved all of her students but later she would admit she didn’t really care for little Teddy. She couldn’t understand why he was so unmotivated, why he wasn’t willing to learn.

At Christmas the students would all bring Ms. Thompson a present she would open in front of the class. Most of the presents were wrapped in fancy holiday paper with glittering bows, but Teddy’s present was wrapped in brown paper from a grocery bag. When she opened it up a very plain bracelet fell out with 1/2 the rhinestones missing plus a bottle of inexpensive perfume 1/2 way filled up. Some of the students began to giggle. Ms. Thompson was smart enough to act like she liked it, she put some of perfume on, put the bracelet on her wrist and said oh it’s so beautiful. After class Teddy went up to the teacher and said very quietly Ms. Thompson that bracelet looks as beautiful on you as it did on my mother. And with that perfume you smell just like she did. After Teddy left Ms. Thompson rushed to the files to find out more about Teddy. She found his papers that said 1st grade Teddy shows promise but has a very poor home situation. 2nd grade Teddy could do better but mother is seriously ill. 3rd grade Teddy is a good boy but is distracted, his mother died this year. 4th grade Teddy is a slow learner, his father shows no sign of interest in him. Ms. Thompson wiped away the tears and said God please forgive me.

The next day there was a new teacher, Ms. Thompson had become a new person. She took off her eyes of judgement and she put on her eyes of love. Now she understood why Teddy was so distracted. She took him as her personal project and began to mentor him, love him, make sure he felt accepted. Ms. Thompson was the turning point in Teddy’s life.

Years later she would receive a letter from Teddy saying Ms. Thompson thank you, I’m graduating from high school 3rd in my class. 4 years later another letter, Ms. Thompson thank you I’m about to graduate from college 1st in my class. Years later a final letter Ms. Thompson thank you I’m now Dr. Ted I just graduated from medical school. It went on to say I met a girl and I’m getting married and wanted to ask you if you would sit where my mother would have sat if she were still alive.

What a difference it makes when we take the time to hear a persons story. We all should take that time before we judge someone. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes all it takes is one person to be the difference maker. Think of helping someone as an opportunity, you’ll find there’s no better feeling.

After the wedding Teddy went to Ms. Thompson and again thanked her for all she had done for him back in the 5th grade. Ms. Thompson wearing that same bracelet said no Teddy thank you, you’ll never know how much you taught me.

Here’s a great song I had posted a while back, I thought if you had missed it you’d enjoy it today. I posted it in honor of the Malones and all the time they give for all of us, thank you Robert and Jill! Happy Sunday everyone!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNdTG4yHJTg

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Scott  McColloch's avatar

My mother was a well thought of worker in the community who took time off for my very early years. She attended college on athletic scholarships, but during the depression was offered a job and didn't finish. When the time came for me to start school she was recruited for a newly funded school secretary's position. One of many stories was a farmer's son, who frequently showed up smelling faintly of his pre school chores. He was a bright kid, but was a little sloppy with language. Due to teacher mentoring he ended up teaching biochemistry at an Ivy League school. Mother was hesitant to retire because she liked working with the kids so much. That is how education was meant to be, but seems to be largely missing something today.

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Donna Corriveau's avatar

Many years back, my husband slid his truck off a muddy country road, and ended up on its side in a water-filled ditch. He was able to climb out his door window, and was met by a lady who had stopped to offer help. She told him he was going to be alright, because the Father is with him. My husband turned to see the police car that was approaching, and when he turned back around, the lady had vanished. He has recounted that story dozens of times. He says she was an angel.

I also encountered an angel recently. My husband was in U of M hospital for many weeks, to have numerous surgeries related to renal cancer, which metastasized in his spine. It has been a grueling four months for our family. Many hours of bedside watches, and a diet of coffee and more coffee. I was barely dragging myself around. I got on an elevator with a small number of other people, and as we exited the elevator, an older lady touched my elbow and said she wanted to tell me something. (I am 75, and hunched over from osteoporosis.). She said, "I just wanted to tell you, you look elegant!" She even repeated that. I thanked her and went on, but I wish I could tell her she absolutely lifted me from the depths for those few moments. Indeed, an angel!

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Nealstar's avatar

We frequently have no idea how we look and sometimes it takes someone else without preconceptions to see how we truly look at any given time as we are frequently our own worst critics.

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Donna Corriveau's avatar

Thank you, Nealstar. You are right. And since she was an angel, angels only "see" good. And won't that be wonderful!? When we get there, we won't have to "see" sadness or pain or bad-ness.

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Nealstar's avatar

Always uplifting to have something to look forward to.

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Fred's avatar
Apr 8Edited

Words can indeed be healing! ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 to you and yours, Donna.

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Nealstar's avatar

To my long sainted 8th grade teacher, S.L., who inculcated within us a love of learning and acquiring knowledge for the sheer joy of it and the fact that it was something nobody could ever take away from us. What she taught us over and above the academic subject matter was a far greater gift.

I'm not saying I'm all that bright, but I sure have learned and retained a whole buncha useful stuff. Of course, just a whisper away from 80, some of it takes a while to dredge up, but eventually, it gets to the surface

Relaxing and peaceful Sunday to the crew here in the bunker.

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Melanie Reynolds's avatar

I have always loved that story. The is perfect for the Malone’s. They are a great couple fighting for truth.

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pretty-red, old guy's avatar

Oooh, man James.

That was a tearjerker my friend.

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Nealstar's avatar

As an old buddy of mine who was a PBR Captain on the Mekong river said, "All sojers cry".

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Debra Nolasco's avatar

Oh my goodness, James, that story & the song, took my breath away...

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Big E's avatar

I'm going to share this one for sure. Thank you King James!

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ComeQuicklyLord's avatar

King James! That’s awesome!

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Leo's avatar

James, have you looked into getting your own column on substack? Wouldn't it be good to have a place to write about all the things you personally love and treasure, and to gift your readers with ideas and advice? I'm sure many readers of Dr. Malone's "News" would happily follow you there, and then you could write as much as you want about any/every thing, and not need to be concerned about going off topic. Room to grow! You deserve it!

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Leo, I appreciate your comment. I’m very conflicted with all of this. I work 6-7 days a week as a carpenter and honestly I try to give a day or two to helping someone if I can. I just turned 60 and I feel my days, trying to keep up with this physical work, are numbered. I don’t want to take away from this great place the good Doctors have created, and have often thought of fading away. At this point it might be the answer. Just in the past day or two I’ve thought of direct messaging Dr. Malone, if I can, and ask if I’m aggravating them, I really truly don’t want to do that. I hope I’m adding to their sub stack not taking away from it, but I honestly don’t know. Soon time will tell. I will do whatever they wish, I very much respect them both.

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Barbara Lekowicz's avatar

No! Dont ever stop your musings! I look forward to your comment on every Malone Substack! It amazes me how often you put into words my exact feelings! You have a wonderful outlook on life and are able to articulate your thoughts beautifully! Keep on!

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Leo's avatar

James, maybe do both - Substack could be another source of income. I'm sure people would be more than glad to subscribe for a fee. As long as you're writing here on Dr. Malone's site, you could post the same essays on your own site and find even more followers.

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LB's avatar

Thank you for your thoughts today, James. It's hard right now trying to focus on so much as it is happening and so hard to be courageously trusting. Yes, the teacher is a part of a bigger, less caring organization, but also, the teacher, as an individual Can and often does make a positive difference.

We are each teachers and simultaneously students.

As I see it, the student is also ultimately responsible for how they incorporate a lesson into their lives. Each moment, each person, each situation a new and unique opportunity!

I hope we all have joy as a lesson today, this beautiful Sunday! If you do, send it out to the rest of the world.

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D D's avatar

I had a familiar feeling when reading this story, James. When I was a kid, watching "Lassie" was always a risk of having what I now call a 'heart-a-crack'. To this day, I am so sensitive to stories of the heart that I need to choose them when I'm able to be open to big feelings.

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Jennifer Beebe's avatar

What a great story James! Love the song too! Just like the verse- BE KIND TO STRANGERS LEST YE BE ENTERTAINING ANGELS! God bless all and so grateful to the Malones for sharing their gifts with us! 🧡🧡

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Patricia's avatar

Thank you, have a Blessed evening!

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Travis Ogle's avatar

My eyes have never been so clean. The constant flood of tears have washed all the sand and grit from them. Your story has all the power of love that we all crave. Thank you for the cleansing.

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Patricia's avatar

Amen:)

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Travis, I hope they were good tears…

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Patricia's avatar

Beautiful song by Jamey Johnson- he has a lovely & comforting voice! Thank you for sharing this link!

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VictorDianne Watson's avatar

Thanks you, James, for this moving story and the song. Reminds us all to be a help to others in need.

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Les Power's avatar

A lovely and VERY worthwhile thought mate, and I second that as well.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Les, I hope my good friend in Australia is doing well!

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Laura Kasner's avatar

Thank you James for that beautiful, heartwarming story and song. God bless you dear man. 🙏🙏🙏

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank you Laura, I appreciate you!!

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James Goodrich's avatar

Over time I’ve gotten to know many of you. Listening and learning about your life’s stories. How the events in life make us who we are. Realizing this makes it clear that we should never be rigid, hard or judgmental with people. It makes me realize I should try my best to look at people through their eyes, and not make snap judgements on people. You never know what people have been through. We can either see people with eyes of judgement or we can see them with eyes of mercy, eyes of compassion. The way we see other people is the way they will see you. Too often we judge people based on our own background, we are all different. We all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. Instead of showing judgement on people, without walking in their shoes, maybe we should try showing mercy, I struggle and try to learn patience with this.

There was a farmer whose dog had some puppies. He put a sign on the fence in front of his farm “puppies for sale”. The little boy from across the street came over, he was about 8 years old. He said mister I want to buy one of your puppies. The little boy pulled out a pocket full of change and said I have 39 cents is that enough. The farmer kind of laughed and counted each of the coins and said that’s exactly enough. The farmer called a worker in the barn to let the puppies out. 4 of the cutest little puppies come running towards the boy. He reached down to play with them trying to decide which one to buy. Just then another puppy slid down the ramp of the cage the other puppies had run down. There was something wrong with this puppies back legs. When it ran all he could do is hobble along. The little boy was immediately drawn to it. Without hesitation he said that’s the puppy I want. The farmer was puzzled and said no son you don’t want this puppy there’s something wrong with his back legs, he won’t be able to run and play with the other children. The little boy reached down and began to roll up his blue jeans. When he did it revealed steel braces on each side of the boys legs with two specially made shoes. He said to the farmer, you see I don’t run so well either. This puppy is going to need someone who understands.

This world is full of people that need someone that understands. We don’t know what people have gone through. We don’t know the hurt or the pain that they’ve had to endure. Many, If we took the time to know their story, would give us a different perspective, we may not be so critical. If you would first walk in their shoes you would find out why they are the way they are. Sometimes we need to stop, take a deep breath, and remember not everyone is the same. Sometimes I need to show more patience and more compassion. J.Goodrich

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Big E's avatar

James, your writing and stories are superlative. Your humanity and compassion are extraordinary. Thank you for sharing with us all and reminding us we are all a family.

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Debra Nolasco's avatar

Though I subscribe to other substacks & learn a great deal from them, & also enjoy reading the comment sections & occasionally contributing a comment of my own, what I have found here is unlike any of the others. Here, there seems to be a genuine caring about the physical, mental, & emotional well-being of others well beyond this comment section. Perhaps I am reading too much into the experience, but I can honestly say that the plights & burdens of others as well as their triumphs, successes, & experiences, when they care to share them, truly seem to matter to those sharing this space. Just one more thing to be grateful for. Happy Spring, everyone!

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Barbara Lee's avatar

Debra, I have felt the same thing. This Substack is the absolute best. Drs Malones lead but the participants are just all amazingly wonderful people that have so much to share.

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Patricia's avatar

I agree, Debra. This group is the only “social media” outlet I follow, & also enjoy adding “my own few-cents worth”. I have never had any negative feedback, & that helps me so much! There is so much to chat about, & the content seems to vary every day! Have a wonderful evening!

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Debra Nolasco's avatar

Thanks, Patricia. I hope you have a lovely evening too.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Big E. I’ve been driving so I haven’t had a chance to respond. The story of Teddy and Ms. Thompson as you probably know has been around for a long time. Sometimes with our lives going by so fast we have to take a minute to look back and see how wonderful these stories are. I struggle with all of these issues I write about. I’m a work in progress and when I see a story like this one I love sharing it with all of you , I know it will hit home. Thank You Big E!!

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RADIODAZY's avatar

Thank you James. Your words today, are especially geared to me. I have been very shy, well over 80 years, and was never "brave" enough to smile or acknowledge strangers.

Until a year ago, when a new friend showed me how it's done. You simply smile...or nod, and then, YOU SEE! And, if there's no response, never fret. Many smiles to go, with no

end in sight.

Happy Sunday.

Barbara

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James Goodrich's avatar

Awesome RADIODAZY, you made my day!!

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Jennifer Jones's avatar

A very good reminder that I certainly needed, my friend, James.

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank You Jennifer!

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VictorDianne Watson's avatar

Another heart warming story. Thank you!

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Patricia's avatar

Your thoughts & beautiful stories are very comforting, & bring so much to this wonderful group, & I for one, really enjoy each one. Sometimes it’s difficult for me occasionally, & your truthful words bring so much meaning & a voice of reason. Thank you!

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James Goodrich's avatar

Thank you Patricia!!

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Patricia's avatar

You are welcome! Now, start writing a book about life- you really should!

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LB's avatar

Bravo!!!!❣️

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Barbara Lekowicz's avatar

Drs Malone: I came in the house crying. Was out in the back yard surveying the damage from the storms here in Tn this week. Uprooted trees, chain link fence destroyed, a few other damages. Made a cup of coffee and opened your Sunday Funnies. Just as I hoped, I was smiling and feeling better after reading them. Too many favorites to list. And I need to be thankful for the damage I had from the storms as so many people got it worse than I did. Life is good. 🤗

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Barbara Lee's avatar

Yep, tree down across the road. I spent the night sitting in the closet with the cats while the tornado siren screamed. Hope all are okay. Not been out to check yet!

Update: the tree smashed down a section of my pasture fence and I caught both the mule, Princess Snowy Boot and the cow, cleverly named Mrs Cow eyeing the opening. My Amish neighbors volunteered to come early tomorrow morning and make repairs. Whew! I don’t know what I would do without all the young muscle and willing hearts that they have in abundance.

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GMoody's avatar

I’m glad you are safe, thank God.

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Patricia's avatar

Happy you & your cats are alright; prayers for you to recover, with the Grace of God...

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Patricia's avatar

I was glued to The Weather channel on Fox, & was horrified from some of the video coming across the TV! It’s has to be horrific for so many people in the heartland going through so many storms that happened so close to one another, in 3-4 days? Prayers for you & so many people to recover, regroup & rebuild!

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GMoody's avatar

Good to know you’re safe!

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Leo's avatar

And you still have electricity! And apparently also a roof! As you stated: "be thankful."

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Barbara Lekowicz's avatar

Lost electricity for almost five hours but our wonderful electric cooperative came through, as they always do. And yes, my roof is intact. Some of my neighbors were not so fortunate. I am indeed thankful!

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Ed's avatar

LMAO Poly-gone

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pretty-red, old guy's avatar

thanks.

NOW!

I get it.

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H8SBAD's avatar

Way better than parakeet-gone! 🤣

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Patricia's avatar

Or, I thought “parrot be gone”! Geeze, I didn’t even think about “Poly-be-gone”! LOL!

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Ana González's avatar

That was cute!!!

Lol 😆 🤣 😂 😹

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VictorDianne Watson's avatar

Thank you!! Puzzled me.

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BonnieMae's avatar

Haha...I guessed parr(ot)-gone! Thanks for the help! 😄

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Aldo Zovich's avatar

Me too!

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James Roberts's avatar

Took me a couple of minutes, had to come back to it a second time!

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Lkweaver's avatar

Oh thank you! I couldn't figure it out!

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Fred's avatar

It took me a bit… 😆

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Michael Williams's avatar

OMG, so many on point memes, priceless! I will never stop being amazed at the sheep, that willingly go along with the democRAT's policies, that if allowed to go forward will result in the sheep being slaughtered.

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Swabbie Robbie's avatar

This strip has gone to the birds 1 = They're eating us 2 = "Beautiful" 3 = Polygon.

and I loved "The coexist people are burning shit again" and Trump's executive order on "No Liberal Jumping" If only. . .

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Jo Dee Preston's avatar

THANK YOU FOR POLLY !!!! I did not link parrot to Polly. So clever of you and thanks for letting my brain relax now!

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Big E's avatar

So many good ones, I couldn't pick a favorite. I shared today's strip with my conservative brother in law (BIL) who is marooned -- literally -- in San Jose. His wife (my polar opposite liberal sister in law (SIL)) and their liberal friends will attend an anti-Trump anti-Musk demonstration.

Almost fell out of my chair when I read that. Super sad for my BIL. At least their dog isn't an over-the-top Trump hater and enjoys walks with either a conservative guy or liberal gal companion.

Can't figure it out. My SIL and I used to enjoy each other's company very much, though we never discussed politics because it wasn't on our radar. But after several COVID shots and boosters, SIL has become a different person who asked me not to send her any info, even something as innocuous as a holistic vet video.

I know TDS existed pre-COVID, but it might be worse now. Could COVID shots be eroding curiosity and critical thinking? Some of the smartest female liberals I know (including SIL and sister) refuse to even look at research, interviews, or other information unless it appears on MSNBC, Politico, or an allopathic doctor's or government website.

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Micheal Nash, Ph. D.'s avatar

Think maybe the truth about the jab is slowly oozing into into progressive consciousness and they are scared as hell? Scared progs are particularly nasty

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Barbara Lekowicz's avatar

Big E: I have often wondered if there was something in those COVID jabs that reacted in a Liberals body to turn up the hate and refusal to be reasonable! My son who lives in LA is just this way also! Breaks my heart!

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Barbara Lekowicz's avatar

Ha ha ha! Great minds think alike!

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Patricia's avatar

I understand your thoughts about your SIL backing away from you, due to TDS, I assume. My sister, & her middle son (who is 45, living with his Mom- my SIL), are totally in denial of how bad Biden was, & have a horrible hatred of Trump! I was called several names, my nephew told me to “F-off”, & he then threatened MY Son-in-Law! So, we are totally not communicating anymore & it is not good! I try not to dwell on this, especially since it’s “just politics”, & my SIL & nephew are alcoholics & both are “keyboard warriors”! I keep trusting my Faith with God to help my SIL & her son & that one day, both will have a Come to Jesus meeting, before they destroy themselves. Enjoy this wonderful Sunday Evening!

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Leo's avatar

Big Ears, you've described my friends! Intelligent and accomplished, but angrily hunkered down in defense of their status quo. Fear based, I guess.

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Al Goodwyn's avatar

Thanks for posting one of mine.

First one you shared is great. Liberals are grasping onto anything they can use to support their TDS delirium. First they bash the stock market invested "millionaires", now they're CONCERNED about the stock market.

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Patricia's avatar

Yes, those millionaires probably lost a buck-or-two, but my thought is, Hmmm- was this something in the planning stage by our new “Sheriff” maybe? The stock market may have crashed for a day or two, but seems to always “get back on track”! In my opinion folks!

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Ana González's avatar

I was thinking 🤔:

How do you deal with illogical people?

Then I saw Elon's meme about his GREATEST IDEA 💡 😂 🤣 😅 😄

Problem solved!

Leave it to the genius!

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Patricia's avatar

Elon is a genius; I think I missed his “Greatest Idea” though!

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Ana González's avatar

The EO meme.

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Patricia's avatar

I get it- just a DUH moment! LOL!

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Mark Miller's avatar

Am I the only one that noticed that the British guy with the knife was Caucasian, and the victim looked middle eastern? Is that because the cartoonist is afraid of being arrested if drawn the other way around, more closely approximating reality?

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Robert W Malone MD, MS's avatar

Likely, especially if the cartoonist is a brit

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Micheal Nash, Ph. D.'s avatar

Another great collection...hard to pick a fave but the true story wins for me

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pretty-red, old guy's avatar

I had to think about that.

Really something I have complained about in the last few years!

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Thomas A Braun RPh's avatar

The Devil wore a lab coat grabbed me! Oxycontin destroyed over 600,000 live over 20 years and Purdue Fredricks used their political influence and money to keep their cash cow rolling. Their lawyers figure out via DOJ how to punish the Chain Drug stores and Distributors as being the fall guys, which in turn has sucked 30 billion dollars out of their corporations and now the courts are allowing Purdue to only be responsible for about 25% of the problem that they were instrumental in creating. . Less than 8 billion. I wonder how much they have exported during the legal maneuvering. See the movie Dopestick.

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Scott  McColloch's avatar

The pollen blower might be a good idea. Up here in the glacial remnant part of the Alleghenies our allergies are a lot worse than normal and I have some gas in the snow blower to burn off before summer storage. Probably just need a huge pollen filter!

As to those concerned about the markets this dip, after it bottoms, is a buying opportunity!

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pretty-red, old guy's avatar

I noticed the dang gas tank is pretty full in my pollen blower-- used it ONCE this winter. I will have to siphon off the rest or it will muck up my carb.

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Scott  McColloch's avatar

I need to check that before I start mine, then there’s the issue of getting rid of old and contaminated gas…

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pretty-red, old guy's avatar

you can use it to start bon fires; good for burning tree tops; mix some with old oil; not so volatile.

Fun to watch it flame up. . . whooooooSHHHHHH!

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Fred's avatar

Ah, the visual! 😁

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LB's avatar

Hazardous waste facility, maybe service stations.

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LB's avatar

Stay the course....hard as it is.

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James Lord's avatar

I too have noted the trend toward less colorful cars over the years, and wondered why. BTW, that 1980 photo was taken in Argentina. The green Alfa Romeo belonged to Mussolini.

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Jennifer Jones's avatar

Maybe they're cheaper to paint and to repair?

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D D's avatar

As I read this I thought, "where the hell does he get this obscure info?"

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James Lord's avatar

Not saying I buy it, but.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgUPOFoL_GQ

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California Girl's avatar

OMG, I never realized the photo was about the color of the cars. I'l go back and look for the green one!

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Mark Miller's avatar

I believe the one with the cars is about the parking lines.

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James Lord's avatar

Sorry Jeannie. You have the highest point totals, but as you see, Greg is smashing up the set in a rage, so we're going to appease him by letting him move onto the bonus round instead.

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VictorDianne Watson's avatar

Thanks for the Sunday Strip. Always fun and timely.

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