Weekend Open Thread
This 2025 YouGov Poll result graph shows that a majority of those 18-29 have a favorable view of socialism. This is the same demographic that tends to swing left during elections. Many in this age group get their news from places like TikTok, X, and Reddit. Politicians who hope to win their elections should not overlook these sites, especially TikTok. Enjoy your weekend!
Category: Open thread
1st
Yes!
Sic Semper Hackanus!!!
What’s that about Hack’s backside?
HAHAHAHA!!!
I was doing a play of words off of “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” but I forgot to check the correct spelling 😅😆 😂 🤣
Uh-huh.
“forgot”
yeah, sure
😀
Hey, c’mon, Grey! Only some of us Sailors are gay. 😆
When you open the door that wide to a joke like that, whaddaya ‘spect me to do?
“Thus always Hack’s ass”? I feel queasy..,
Not where I was going with that😅
Doesn’t count.
You didn’t spell it F-I-R-S-T
No, it does. Claw earlier said it does.
First!
By a millisecond!
AAAAAHHHHH! Amateur Historian beat me to the FIRST by a fraction of a second!
(There’s an actual, unintended pun in that last paragraph if you go looking for it … which I wouldn’t do.)
Darn and shucks and other comments. The mere image of grown me hitting F5 over and over again just to claim “first” on the WOT is … rather silly, but a lot of fun.
Anyway, with obsequiousness to AH, here’s the trivia for the week. Rats of the Cong, AH, and rule wisely.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Who was the first female superhero?
By Commissioner Wretched
didyouknowcolumn@gmail.com
Copyright © 2025
Next Thursday is that wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving. The day after, of course, is the official start of the Christmas shopping season.
While I love the holidays and what they mean, I also realize that this time of the year has been set up especially to help separate people from their money. So go into the holidays fully aware of what’s at stake!
Meanwhile, since it’s our last visit before turkey day, please accept my best wishes for a happy, fun-filled and joyous holiday with your family and friends. May the day be all you want it to be, and then some.
How about a trivia appetizer?
Did you know …
… what the collective word is for a group of gnus is? It’s an implausibility. (So are gnus. What’s a gnu? Nothing much, what’s a-new with you?)
… the creator of Star Trek helped inspire a popular toy? In 1963, before his classic science fiction series was even a dream, Gene Roddenberry (1921-1991) created and produced a series called The Lieutenant, about a young officer in the Marine Corps. The show, which starred Gary Lockwood (born 1937) in the title role, helped convince the Hasbro toy company to release an action figure called G.I. Joe™ to the market. The toy, aimed at boys, is still popular today. (The show, on the other hand, only lasted one season.)
… the first female superhero was Wonder Woman? Created in 1941 by Charles Moulton (pen name of William Moulton Marston, 1893-1947), Wonder Woman was first introduced in All Star Comics #8, published by DC. Marston said of his creation, “Frankly, Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who, I believe, should rule the world.” As a superhero, she was largely confined to comic books, but came “alive” on television in 1974 with the movie Wonder Woman, starring Cathy Lee Crosby (born 1944). While that movie did not sell a series, another attempt in 1975 did, starring Lynda Carter (born 1951). Also a staple of Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970s and 1980s, the character was revamped and updated for the 2016 film Batman v. Superman, and was played by Gal Gadot (born 1985). Gadot would go on to play the character in two films in 2017, Wonder Woman and Justice League. (To quote the TV theme, “You’re a wonder, Wonder Woman!”)
… a modern European nation was without a government for almost two years? On June 13, 2010, the nation of Belgium held a general election. The resulting fragmented political landscape left eleven political parties with seats in the Chamber of Representatives, none of which had more than 20% of the seats. Since that Chamber selects the country’s prime minister, there was – as you might conclude – no consensus on who it should be. The outgoing prime minister, Yves Laterne (born 1960), submitted his resignation to King Albert II (born 1934). Without a successor, however, Laterne was forced to remain in the position as a “caretaker” while negotiations on forming the new government continued. And continued. And continued. Finally, on November 21, 2011 – 589 days after the election that shattered the Chamber of Representatives and caused the government to fail – agreements were reached for the formation of a new government and Elio DiRupo (born 1951) was sworn in as prime minister. (Funny thing was … nobody noticed.)
… the world’s oldest tennis court is in England? It is the one built in 1530 at Hampton Court, for King Henry VIII (1491-1547). It was not the first tennis court, though; that honor goes to one in Paris in 1496. (It’s said that His Majesty had a wicked backhand.)
… you won’t find penguins just in Antarctica? Sure, that’s where most of them are, but you’ll also find significant populations of the flightless swimmers in New Zealand, Chile, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. (One thing’s certain – they didn’t fly to all those places!)
One can also find one species of penguin just north of the equator – in Ecuador, on the Galápagos Islands.
… a well-known author once refused a presidential invitation to dinner? William Faulkner (1897-1962) was invited to dine at the White House by President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) when Kennedy held a dinner to honor Americans who had won the Nobel Prize. Faulkner declined, saying, “Why, that’s a hundred miles away! That’s a long way to go just to eat.” Additional trivia note: It was at this dinner where Kennedy made his famous comment, “This is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House – with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” Jefferson (1743-1826) was the nation’s third president.
… on average, Thanksgiving trips are shorter than Christmas trips? Trips taken by families at Thanksgiving average 214 miles, while at Christmas the journeys average 275 miles. (That’s a long way to go just to eat. Now where have I heard that before?)
… Duncan Hines was a real person? Now best known as the brand name for cake mixes and frostings, Hines (1880-1959) was a pioneer of restaurant ratings for travelers. He used his background as a traveling salesman, eating many meals on the road and staying in hundreds of hotels, as the jumping-off point for a series of books which rated restaurants and hotels. Hines’ first foray into selling food items was with bread in 1952, but the next year he sold the rights to use his name to Park Foods, which began making and selling the popular Duncan Hines cake mixes. (Mr. Hines’ mixes are part of the reason I’m overweight today. I’m just sayin’.)
Now … you know!
I say that it might could it be that when one is 18 – 29 those pesky rascals Mr FITW & Mr FICA take but a smidgen from one’s entry level McJob paycheck and socialism looks good. ‘but, as one ages and things such as getting a better job, a car payment, rent or mortgage, kids, FITW, FICA, state tax, sales tax, excise taxes, and other such things that start taking bigger bites the shine is knocked off socialism.
“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples’ money.” – Lady Margaret Thatcher
“Lady”? She was no lady! Maggie was one tough old broad in the grandest sense, and I mean it as a term of great respect!
Her official title, after leaving the Office of Prime Minister (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom being the highest she ever held), was “The Right Honourable the Baroness Thatcher LG OM DStJ PC FRS HonFRC.”
The initialisms, in order of hierarchy: Lady of the Garter, Order of Merit, Dame of Grace (Order of St. John), Privy Council, Fellow of the Royal Society, and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The “Iron Lady” was much more than just “Lady Margaret Thatcher” – though she probably didn’t give a damn what anyone called her as long as they delivered real results.
Happy Friday, you Gents!!! Hope you all had a great week! So, yeah. I’m king for the week again. Sorry, Hack, for messing up you 1st streak, but it seems you weren’t here at the time. I’m sure it was important, what you were doing instead.
But, anyway, I passed my midterm for my final class on Thursday. Just 3 more weeks to go. I’m excited and also looking forward to the holiday season. Can’t wait!
As for special royal 1st decrees, I decree everyone tries Cheetos with milk at least once. Also take comfort in the fact the FDA said “Eh, good enough” when deciding one or more rat hairs per 100 grams of peanut butter is A-Okay. They also thought the same thing with 60 insect fragments per 100 grams of chocolate being allowable.
Have a Great Weekend!!
MEH, try crumbled cornbread with milk, it’s my FIL’s favorite breakfast, and he grew up working like there was no tomorrow for what he has!
Also, for any of our youths who think socialism is so great, have them live in Venezuela or Mexico for a week or two. See if they sing the same tune when they come back.
One week? FEHHHHH, make it a one-way trip for them with ONE stipend they get as soon as they deplane. After that they have to make it on their own there and EARN the money for their return to the USA as soon as they find out just how much our Nation doesn’t ‘suck” as bad as they say it does!
Present!
Star Wars Funnies:
You aren’t going to kill everyone while I’m gone, right?
Part 2:
NUH-UH!!
Part 3:
AMERICA!!!
I’m almost surprised that kids that lived at home then went to college for a useless degree and then moved back home to Mom & Dad’s house are ALL ABOUT somebody STILL paying their bills.
Not to mention…
And…
Fire Department Chronicles:
Meow meow, I’m a cow. I said meow, meow I’m a cow (NSFW).
Part 2:
The Crispy Chris Kringle???
Part 3:
Dude, drive faster! (NSFW)
Where are they now? (NSFW):
This is going to fun to watch:
https://victorygirlsblog.com/eric-swalwell-california-governor-comedy-campaign/
What say you, Commissar?
Fang Fang approves.
She knew what he liked.
Outrageous!!!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minnesota-taxpayer-dollars-funneled-al-shabaab-terror-group-report-alleges
Selfish, undeveloped young people like progressives educate and encourage:
Thats what lines are going to look like when they go for a new legal SNAP card if they are eligible. I love all of your cartoons
Anonymous.
They’ll be horrified the One Big Beautiful Bill expanded work requirements:
https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-aid-work-requirements-bf6ee9334591d24f09011e67c22adb0b
And they keep making this quote seem prophetic all the time:
Animal House – Fat, drunk and stupid
I still say that the movie “Idiocracy’ was supposed to have been a comedy, NOT a prophecy!
Target is actually trying something like in there:
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/targets-new-10-4-policy-is-dumb-for-2-reasons/91265561
Ahh, top 30, present and unaccountable as i award myself yet another Honorary First.
((((OVER))))
I find it very entertaining just how Bernathian the D-rats are getting over the Epstein Files and list, popcorn anyone?
I hear word that Phildo still works balls.
CONG-RATS AH, Out like a light grabbing some ZEEEEES on the old recliner
34 comments deep and Hack Stone finally checks. The Stone Family suffered a loss, and Hack is currently driving family across the country. Hopefully things can return to normal next week, and Hack Stone can go back to being a cruel and benevolent dictator. Until then, carry on.
Prayers for the Stone Family.
May the God of all comfort comfort you all in your loss, and grant you traveling mercies to and from.
Thanks, it’s been a rough week.
Deepest condolences on your loss, Hack. If there’s anything I can do …
Condolences, Hack.
Hope you’re doing alright. My condolences to you and your family.
Hack Stone departed the National Capital Region 06:00 on Friday. A few observations from taking Interstate 70 West to get to our destination.
Western Maryland runs west a long long way. Previous journeys had Hack taking I-270 to I-70 North into Pennsylvania. Nope, this route had us climbing all kinds of mountains to get out of the state.
If you take I-70 near the Indiana side of the Indiana Ohio border, you’ll find a highway named for some guy named Rapist. Asked to comment, Whoopi Goldberg said he was not a rapist Rapist.
Fort Riley Kansas is a long way from nowhere. From the Interstate it doesn’t look like a typical military town, as there were no visible Devon Home Furniture sales rooms visible.
In a first ever viewing for Hack Stone, he saw a broken down vehicle on the Westbound shoulder of I70 just before Bennet Colorado. An actual hearse just sitting there with the side door open. Didn’t have time to take a picture.
Back on the road in 10 minutes. We reach our destination about 05:00 Pacific Sunday morning.
Made after 50.5 from leaving world corporate headquarters in Bethesda. That lane drifting warning came in handy, Hack was pushing the envelope to get here on time driving with minimal sleep. Hack is flying back to DC tomorrow, leaving Rosetta here to help the family for a spell. Supposed to get picked up by Psul of The Ballsack, but the Montgomery County Police have not released the Jaguar from the impound lot yet, so Hack will be taking the Metro home.
Present & unaccountable as usual.
Saw the cardiologist for my 3-month follow-up for the heart ablation he did.
Bottom line, he said “Don’t take this personally, but I hope I never see you again.” 😀
Also off the anticoagulant.
Shaping up to be quite the shinding at the GB Compound for Thanksgiving Day, which also happens to be my brother’s 70th circuit of the sun. We’ve made arraignments with the nursing home to have him brought out to AB Son’s to celebrate (plus two other birthday celebrants). Our other brothers plan to come as well.
Unfortunately our favorite sister broke 3 bones in her foot last Sunday, and it took 7 (!) hours for them to get the physicians in to care for her & set the foot. Surgery some time in the future.
Thanksgiving looks like turkey, gumbo, green bean casserole, various forms of sweet potatoes, etc., Mrs. GB’s dressing & giblet gravy, and Lord only knows what types of sweets.
Hope y’all’s Thanksgiving celebrations are blessed and peaceful. We still have a lot to be thankful for in the USA. We can forget that.
Looks like Doctor Jeffrey Epstein is looking for some payback.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/21/us-news/dr-jeffrey-epstein-the-long-island-neurosurgeon-jasmine-crockett-confused-for-notorious-pedophile-floats-epic-revenge-he-could-exact-on-the-congresswoman/?utm_social_handle_id=107460655948318&utm_campaign=nypost_lifestyle&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_social_post_id=584997486&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHhkE8UyhzM58s9fyUh8r4m0r2_Dx_6V6rSakw6d_U9QagTCAnM0W2tRkiayk_aem_rGxpLWL4_SG1oGUr5DDBMg
He seems to be taking it in stride! Jasmine Crockett is a great asset for the Republican Party!
For those interested… found a new Jane Fonda meme:
Not for nothing, but the only thing I want to see regarding that bitch is her obituary.
Here’s a question we all know the answer to:
I’m gonna get a 6 pack, take it to my dad’s grave, and tell him the good news.
Waiting for her cancer to come back here.
https://media.tenor.com/Rovwo0FE-KwAAAAm/one-piece-onepiece.webp
Not all of the world is exploding, fighting or going to Hell in a handbasket.
This should brighten your day.
The Lord works through all of the life forces on this planet, no matter who or what they are.
https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/10/26/therapy-dog-awakens-woman-coma-florida-hospital/
That is because this age cohort is overwhelmingly a bunch of know nothings. They tend to have zero knowledge of the history of socialism and communism and how it actually worked over the past 140 years. Most of them don’t even know who were the belligerent countries in the wars we have fought in the last 250 years.
Embezzlement is our strength.
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-art-museum-theft-hr-director-20251121.html?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Philly.com+Facebook+Account&utm_medium=social&int_promo=newsroom&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHljJ9bPPmA2AcN3nVNKC5foKRxmFBI3vveHTUPdAQOUO-JFyC5W8y2SHc29l_aem_ForqBILXg-WfOjsZ5BCAJA#Echobox=1763768322
Like my big brother said. Prepare.
https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2025/11/22/dearborn-michigan-muslim-islam-men-wouldnt-defend-america-iraq-n2421983
This popped up in my “feed” yesterday: Army leaders ordered to check in daily with soldiers over the holidays
Funny term, that: “feed”. So many of us just take those links that pop up on our home page when we open a new tab on the phone or computer for granted. Generally, I ignore them, but they’re all based on our browsing history and other interests. Ever think your phone doesn’t listen? Try talking about any given subject and see how quickly ads and “articles” concerning that topic pop up.
But anyway, the article…
This seems like a good idea on the surface, and who am I to critique what Army Senior Leadership wants. Hell, the CSM who had a similar policy in 3-15 IN went on to become a Corps-level CSM with well over 30 years of service. I looked him up yesterday and think he’s still serving over 11 years after that. But I digress. Rant incoming.
I think I speak for many Soldiers when I say that we just want to be left alone when we’re not in uniform, especially when we’re on leave or pass. The aforementioned 3-15 policy was bottom up instead of top down, meaning that every Soldier was required to report to their Team Leader, who in turn reported to the Squad Leader, and so on, up to the 1SGs reporting to the CSM. Every weekend and holiday. This was a simple text, and one of my Soldiers point blank told me that he just had a scheduled text set up for each Saturday and Sunday. He could be passed out drunk, in the ER, or dying in a ditch somewhere. It didn’t matter, as soon as his TL got the text from everyone on his team, he’d send me an “up”; once I heard from both TLs, I’d text my PSG and could start my day.
To be continued…
…continued… Key phrase is “start my day”. Army leaders have a tendency to think worst-case scenario, all while demanding immediate answers. If it was nearing the deadline (I think it was 0900 at my level) and a Team Leader hadn’t heard from a Soldier, it was time for one of us to consider paying a visit to the Soldier’s residence, whether he lived in the barracks or off post. Sometimes, a fellow Soldier in the barracks would be a reliable interim, saving us a trip. Regardless, no one could do anything until we got the “up” and forwarded it to our first line supervisor. The weekend morning contact routine was just the beginning. On long weekends, we had to do this both morning and night. One St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I was on pass, 500 miles from Fort Stewart, when one of my Soldiers failed to send the mandated “up”. To make things worse, he was a former E-5(P), and now a SPC pending chapter from the Army (long story, but the unit yanked his promotable status when he arrived because he hadn’t “proven himself”, then he did something dumb in Afghanistan and lost his stripes). When he finally responded to texts a little before midnight, he gave his TL a piece of his mind. As the squad leader, I intervened as best I could and told him to simply contact me directly for the rest of the weekend. After all, that Soldier would have been a SSG before his TL even pinned SGT had things been different. The following week was when my style over substance SF/Ranger PSG called me into his office to threaten my career over the incident. He was more upset that I’d told the Soldier to bypass his TL than he was about the Soldier not reporting on time. Oh, and it all started because the guy had misplaced his cell phone. Venting aside, doing a “buddy check” seems like a good idea, but I wouldn’t want to be that NCO who’s unable to get in touch with a Soldier. “Sorry, family, but I can’t… Read more »
Nobody ever accused kids of being smart but by the same reasoning, we haven’t had direct exposure to the evils of communism in nearly 40 years now.
Not only do these kids not remember the Berlin Wall and the days leading up to its fall, most of their parents don’t either.
Bottom line–Reagan was right when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Interesting News:
https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/11/house_resolution_condemns_socialism.html
Decoy Voice: