Sunday, February 9, 2025

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: FEBRUARY 2-8, 2025: NEWS HIGHLIGHTS


WEAR A MASK😷 WHEN NECESSARY
& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

FEBRUARY IS HEART💖 HEALTH MONTH, BLACK HISTORY MONTH
& CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH😁 MONTH.
FEBRUARY 8 IS THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.
FEBRUARY 9 IS PIZZA🍕 DAY.
FEBRUARY 10 IS UMBRELLA⛱ DAY.
FEBRUARY 11 IS INVENTORS’💡 DAY.
FEBRUARY 13 IS PANCAKE🥞 DAY.
FEBRUARY 14 IS SAINT VALENTINE’S💖 DAY.
FEBRUARY 14 IS ALSO THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF
DASHIEL HAMMETT’S NOVEL THE MALTESE FALCON.
FEBRUARY 15 IS CANADA’S FLAG🍁 DAY.
FEBRUARY 17 IS KOSOVO’S INDEPENDENCE DAY.

AMONGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…
*Canada and the United States have reached a temporarily(?) agreement that will delay the tariffs for at least 30 days.
*Mexico has reached a similar agreement with the United States.
*China’s response to United States initiated tariffs.
*Spanish work weeks will be reduced to 37.5 hours with no reduction in pay.
*The COVID state of the world, as of February 8, 2025.
*The MPOX state of the world, as of February 8, 2025.
*A lost city in a basement???

IN THE MIDDLE EAST…
*Concerning Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Gaza Strip and more. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)
*As part of a new agreement with Israel, the United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, but those living there will have to relocate as Donald Trump hopes to acquire “long term ownership”. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The world’s reactions to the above. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*And now the United States is selling Israel $7 Billion in arms/weapons.
*Meanwhile, aid is reaching Gaza and more hostages are being released as the ceasefire continues. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The International Criminal Court now faces American sanctions for investigating the US and its allies like Israel, yet those sanctions may not work out as hoped. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*“If I’m assassinated, Iran will be obliterated.”—Donald Trump.

*As the war continues…  U Pravda F4
*The Ukraine continues to receive aid from European allies. DW/F6

THE TERRORIST REPORT…

*The Free Choice E-zine does not support terrorism, no matter what the “cause” or alleged “justification”. Thus we will only be posting news items in this section whenever terrorists are brought to justice through arrest and trial.

🌐THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…
*Why did a river turn red???
*Analysis: The current Republican Regime in America versus the Environment. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

🌌SPACE NEWS...
*Wondering about the early universe...

😢PASSING PARADE…
*The innocent lives lost to war.  UNICEF
*Former original Tuskegee airman Harry Stewart Junior has passed away.
*The innocent lives lost during a Philippines helicopter crash February 6.
*Actor Tony Roberts (many roles over a decades long career) has taken his last bow on life's stage.
*Former Major League Baseball⚾ Commissioner Fay Vincent is no longer with us.
*Former Major League Baseball⚾ player turned coach Rich Dauer has passed away.
*Former professional football🏈 player turned coach Dick Jauron is no longer with us.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
WE NEED MORE
GUN RESPONSIBILITY
NOW!

ALL INEQUALITY HAS TO STOP!

BAN BOOK BANS!

POLITICALLY…
ON FOREIGN ISSUES…
*As part of a new agreement with Israel, the United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, but those living there will have to relocate as Donald Trump hopes to acquire “long term ownership”. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The world’s reactions to the above. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*And now the current administration is selling Israel $7 Billion in arms/weapons.
*Canada and the United States have reached a temporarily(?) agreement that will delay the tariffs for at least 30 days.
*Mexico has reached a similar agreement with the United States.
*China’s response to US initiated tariffs.
*The latest concerning the Panama Canal.
*USAID employees worldwide were officially “on leave” until a Federal Judge paused it. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*World reaction to the possible ending.
*Yet this event could affect AMERICAN farmers!
*Mail or no mail???
*Is the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency somehow manipulating Google???
*Catch and release???
*“If I’m assassinated, Iran will be obliterated.”—Donald Trump.
*The International Criminal Court now faces sanctions for investigating the US and its allies like Israel, yet those sanctions may not work out the way President Trump hopes. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will not be attending the upcoming G20 Summit because the host country—South Africa—believes in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion as well as Climate Change.
*New Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation to stop looking into any possible foreign influence on American politics.
ON IMMIGRANT ISSUES…
*Deportation is one thing, but to remain shackled during the entire journey???
*Are legal Venezuelans about to be deported???
*American criminals to be held in El Salvador prisons???
*Immigrants to start receiving legal aid again???
*The Justice Department is suing Illinois over Chicago being a Sanctuary City.
ON DOMESTIC ISSUES...
*Although they allegedly only has “Read Only Access”, Elon Musk’s accomplices on the late night highly questionable and probably illegal computer raids have been identified. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)
*One member resigned because of his racist past while another was fired from a previous job for leaking company secrets to a rival firm. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Just what is Musk and company doing with the data they shouldn’t have???
*The Treasury Department is now being sued for Musk’s actions.
*President Trump has since also agreed to restrict the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to the Treasury Department’s computers.
*However the US Attorney General has a different opinion on the matter at this time.
*What is DOGE’s plans for the Federal Aviation Authority’s Air Traffic Control systems???
*And what is a DOGE representative doing in the Department of Energy computers???
*Another look at Elon Musk and DOGE, courtesy of Time magazine.
*There will be no transgender athletes in women’s sports, not even from other countries. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
ALSO...
*Federal Election Commissioner Ellen Weintraub—who denied all Republican lies concerning the 2020 Presidential Election being stolen—refuses to resign.
*Now it’s the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s turn.
*Central Intelligence Agency employees have been offered severance.
*The Government may start selling Federal properties.
*However, the Federal Employee buyout program is now temporarily(?) on hold.
*Yet more new hires for the current administration.
*Is American Media in trouble???
*One analysis of the current administration, so far. LAW
*A look at the current administration’s effect(s) on the US military. See images below.

*A government sponsored, pro-Christian agency???
*Yet it may soon be a crime to fight against racism???
*Opinion: What’s going on??? HUFFPOST
*Opinion: Voters' regret.
*Speculation: The new Attorney General versus the Democratic Party???
THE SUPREME COURT REPORT…
ROE V. WADE OVERTURN>AFTERMATH
*
SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…

*A recap of LGBTQ+ medical news, so far.
*Yet why has the state of Texas canceled medical insurance for almost two million people???
*While Elon Musk is noted for being against Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programs; his SpaceX is being paid by NASA to send the first woman and first person of color to the moon!
*Despite the Federal Government's current position on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion programs the Boy Scouts of America have changed their name to welcome everybody.
*Who now controls the Proud Boys brand name???
STOP THE SENSELESS VIOLENCE!
*
IT’S FACT CHECK TIME!
*
THE US VERSUS COVID…
*
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the new Attorney General.
*A look at Russell Vought, the nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget.
*The rich may get new tax cuts at others' expense. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Yet apparently some Republicans don’t agree with the current agenda.
ELSEWHERE…
*The 2025 Grammy winners and one marriage proposal. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The Groundhog saw his shadow, which allegedly means 6/SIX more weeks of winter.😟
😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…
*A lost city in a basement???

Saturday, February 8, 2025

THE PUZZLE CORNER: FEBRUARY 8, 2025

 😎FUN FACT
The 1960s television series Hogan’s Heroes has grown to become a cult hit in Germany.

COMMON BONDS
The items in each subset below have something in common. Do you know what it is?
01. {Marvin Gaye, Four Non Blondes}
02. {The Monkees, Steve Winwood}

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
How many new words can you form out of the letters in VALENTINE💖?

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX📦 and discover the results from the February 1, 2025 Puzzle Corner.

RHYME TIME
The clue to something is below, but no matter how long your answer is, each word within it must rhyme. Ready?
Young cat’s poultry. = Kitten Chicken.

WHAT’S THAT SONG?
Words from a tune of the past are below. All you have to do is give us the song title. Ready?
♫Prices are rising. The devil to pay. Moving the mountain that got in the way.♫
The Family of Man by Three Dog Night.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

SUNDAY FUNNIES: GROUNDHOG'S DAY 2025

 While we post this classic routine annually, it hasn't been able to make an appearance here on The Sunday Funnies since 2020 so, without further adieu...

With the dependability of a certain Bill Murray movieThe Free Choice E-zine is proud to present our annual salute to that furry rodent.

“Is this the law firm of Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe?” asked the lady as she walked in my front door.
A groundhog
“Yes it is,” I replied. “I’m Howie Cheatum. And you are--?”
“Susan Woo,” she replied, “but you can call me Sue.”
“Okay Sue. And what can I do for you today?”
“I want to engage your services to represent myself as I initiate a law suit.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place. Who do you want to sue?”
“Punxsutawney Phil.”
“You want to sue who?” I asked in disbelief.
“Not myself silly. Punxsutawney Phil.”
“The groundhog?” I asked, trying to confirm what I heard the first time.
“Yes, that filthy animal,” replied Sue.
“Why?”
“Because this year he/it claimed we would have six weeks of relatively mild weather and an early spring. None of that came true. I couldn’t break out my spring wardrobe when I wanted to. I hurt my back shoveling the driveway myself because I dismissed the snow plow service early thinking I wouldn’t need them any more this season. Should I go on?”
“No, I get the idea. And on what grounds would you like to initiate this lawsuit?”
“Don’t you think at a courthouse would be best?” she asked.
“What I meant was, for what reasons did you want to sue?”
“I figured breach of promise at the very least, and whatever else is applicable,” she replied. “The late winter has just totally ruined spring, and who knows just how that is going to affect summer. The trees are barely beginning to bud as it is. Besides, I wouldn’t be surprised if fall arrives on time anyway and cuts whatever is left of spring and summer short this year.”
“I see,” I said, pausing momentarily to wonder why I always got stuck with the live ones. “Let me look up some reference material on the subject,” I said, before turning to use my computer terminal. After a couple of minutes on Wikipedia, I said, “You do realize that this is all just traditional superstition dating back to at least the 1800s in America and at least the fifth century in Europe.”
“So, that means that Punxsutawney Phil should have been a lot more accurate in his prediction than he actually was, right?”
“Well, that’s one way of looking at it,” I agreed while reading the data some more. “While he only has a 39% accuracy rating, it says here that Punxsutawney Phil isn’t the only one who is used to predict the weather.”
Or am I?
“Oh?”
“There’s Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Holtsville Hall and Dunkirk Dave, wherever they reside, all said that there would be six more weeks of winter. Phil and a bunch of others on this list all predicted an early spring,” I said, showing her what it said on my computer monitor.
“Good. Let’s start a class action suit and go after all of them!”
“It just doesn’t quite work that way. The animals themselves never specifically said what the weather would be. Humans just interpreted the situational conditions as best they could.”
“Well let’s sue them,” said Sue.
“That doesn’t work either. None of them were trained professionals paid to do that job. It would be like me trying to predict the weather just by looking out the window.”
“Then are you suggesting that I should sue the weathermen?”
“Actually, you don’t have a case against anybody involved with Groundhog’s Day predictions. That’s all they were, just predictions. None were legally binding.”
“Then can I sue you?”
“For what?” I asked in disbelief.
“For not taking my case.”
While it would not actually get far in the court system, in this day and age, I’d be surprised if she didn’t find somebody willing to take the case.

AND BY THE WAY…
Phil the Groundhog DID see his shadow today, so make of that what you will.😕

One of our regular hosts will be back next week.
Until then, take care.
STAY SAFE!
Have a great week and please be back next weekend for more Sunday Funnies!—lh,jr.

Saturday, February 1, 2025

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2025: NEWS HIGHLIGHTS


WEAR A MASK😷 WHEN NECESSARY
& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

FEBRUARY IS HEART 💖HEALTH MONTH, BLACK HISTORY MONTH
& CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH😁 MONTH.
FEBRUARY 1 IS DARK CHOCOLATE🍫 DAY.
FEBRUARY 1 IS THE 105TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE.
FEBRUARY 2 IS GROUNDHOG’S DAY (where applicable) AND WORLD WETLANDS DAY.
FEBRUARY 6 IS WAITANGI DAY IN NEW ZEALAND.
FEBRUARY 7 IS MEXICO’S CONSTITUTION DAY.
FEBRUARY 7 IS THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF WALT DISNEY’S PINOCCHIO.
FEBRUARY 8 IS THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.
FEBRUARY 9 IS PIZZA🍕 DAY.

AMONGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…
*Now Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, China and ten other countries are facing tariffs. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*The COVID state of the world, as of February 1, 2025.
*The MPOX state of the world, as of February 1, 2025.

IN THE MIDDLE EAST…

*Concerning Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Gaza Strip and more. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)
*The hostage exchanges continue. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Russia and the United States are allegedly considering talks to end the war, but shouldn't the Ukraine be involved???

THE TERRORIST REPORT…

*The Free Choice E-zine does not support terrorism, no matter what the “cause” or alleged “justification”. Thus we will only be posting news items in this section whenever terrorists are brought to justice through arrest and trial.

🌐THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…
*California USA's present and future water concerns. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

🌌SPACE NEWS...

😢PASSING PARADE…
*Marianne Faithful (associate of the Rolling Stones and a singer in her own right) has passed away.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
WE NEED MORE
GUN RESPONSIBILITY
NOW!

ALL INEQUALITY HAS TO STOP!

BAN BOOK BANS!

POLITICALLY…
OF FOREIGN AND IMMIGRANT ISSUES...
*Russia and the United States are allegedly considering talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but shouldn't the Ukraine be involved???
*Because Columbia originally wouldn’t accept deportation flights, the US planned to issue 25% tariffs against them which would result in higher import prices. Including coffee. But Columbia agreed to the flights so no tariffs, for now. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*But while the Laken Riley Act is now law, the deportations aren't going well so far. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Now Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, China and ten other countries are facing tariffs. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
OF DOMESTIC ISSUES...
*California might get Federal Disaster Relief funds IF… (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*All Federal grants were on hold until the court injunction. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*NO foreign aid either! And if you disobey…
*As far as the new Department of Justice is concerned, all Classified Document Cases against Donald Trump and company are now closed.
ALSO...
*Donald Trump is now suing CBS for "election interference" while the new Federal Communications Commission investigates NPR/National Public Radio and PBS/the Public Broadcasting System. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)?
*Is the FBI next??? And what might happen. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Opinion: About the Department of Government Efficiency… (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
THE SUPREME COURT REPORT…
SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…
*Are Civil Rights now a target??? Trans Kids certainly are. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Opinion: Who IS a person???
*Opinion: Voters’ remorse???
IT’S FACT CHECK TIME!
*Despite the current administration's claims, there is still no Humanitarian aid at this time.
*The Republican Regime has yet to officially cancel Black History Month, but will not authorize celebrating it either.
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*Opinion: On Bathrooms…
ELSEWHERE…
😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…


THE FREE CHOICE E-ZINE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS LOYAL READERSHIP FOR GRANTING US 70,536 PAGE VIEWS IN JANUARY 2025.


THE PUZZLE CORNER: FEBRUARY 1, 2025

 😎FUN FACT
At a special one day only event, the Smithsonian displayed Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet April 1, 2015.

RHYME TIME
The clue to something is below, but no matter how long your answer is, each word within it must rhyme. Ready?
Young cat’s poultry.

WHAT’S THAT SONG?
Words from a tune of the past are below. All you have to do is give us the song title. Ready?
♫Prices are rising. The devil to pay. Moving the mountain that got in the way.♫

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX📦 and discover the results from the January 25, 2025 Puzzle Corner.

NUMBER PLEASE
Get ready! We ask the question, but the answer is just a number.
How many spin offs did the classic television series M*A*S*H have?
2/TWO! While everyone remembers After MASH, which ran for two seasons after the original show ended, there was also Trapper John, MD; starring Pernell Roberts as the title character from 1979-1986.

FILL IN THE BLANKS
All you have to do is what the title says, literally fill in the blanks to acquire the answer. The given letters are all shown, none of those are missing. Ready?
Famous series: The Pink Panther. (Italicized letters were given.)