Monday, May 30, 2022

MEMORIAL DAY 2022

 THE FOLLOWING IS AN EDITORIAL.

Today is Memorial Day here within the United States of America.
Usually I would take a moment to speak about honoring and remembering the Veterans not only of this country, but of all nations who fought to defend and protect their lands and citizens, some even to the point of dying so that others could enjoy the freedom and democracy they have today.
This year I had also originally planned to mention the fact that it's the 60th anniversary of the USS Arizona Memorial being dedicated at Pearl Harbor, Hawai'i after the ship and crew valiantly fought against the sneak attack on December 7, 1941 that heralded America's dramatic entry into World War 2.

Instead I am here to speak on behalf of others who have lost their lives in battles that they didn't even know had been declared, let alone that they were the targets.


WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS END?

Columbine. Virginia Tech. Aurora. Sandy Hook. Charleston. Orlando. Las Vegas. Parkland. Gilroy. El Paso. Buffalo. Orange County. Uvalde...

WHEN WILL WE STOP SACRIFICING INNOCENT CHILDREN AND OTHER HUMAN BEINGS TO PROTECT THE "RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS"?

While it might be the basic concept of the Second Amendment to the American Constitution, the FULL text is “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
The fledgling country that America was back then needed such groups to protect our freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We now have police departments and the various branches of the United States military.

PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND OUR POSITION.
THE FREE CHOICE E-ZINE IS NOT ANTI-GUN.
WE ARE PRO GUN RESPONSIBILITY!

Other countries are doing MUCH BETTER in this department than the United States, and America is supposed to be a world leader, let alone a "super power".

WHEN WILL THE POLITICIANS START DOING WHAT'S RIGHT INSTEAD OF WHAT'S PROFITABLE?
Hopefully soon.
There are too many empty beds and broken hearts in this country as it is...

THE ABOVE WAS AN EDITORIAL.

All links were active at the time of posting.
Lee Houston, Junior
Editor-In-Chief
The Free Choice E-zine.

Sunday, May 29, 2022

SUNDAY FUNNIES: TO LIFE!

 Hello Folks! The Free Choice E-zine's Editor In Chief Lee Houston, Junior here because Piper D. Katt and Koda Canine have the weekend off to spend time with their families since tomorrow is Memorial Day in the United States.

I had something else planned for today, but in light of recent events like the Robb Elementary School Massacre, it wouldn't be appropriate.
Yet while this IS the Sunday Funnies and I'm saving most of my thoughts on recent events for an upcoming Editorial that will be posted tomorrow, maybe I can still combine the two to some extent...

There is no denying that life is hard, although it sure beats the alternative.
A lot of people, realizing that our time on this mortal coil is limited even without unnatural interruptions, make bucket lists of the things they plan to do.

I have finally completed the first item on my Bucket List.
I got a bucket!
Or maybe I should say BOUQUET, if you get the Keeping Up Appearances reference.😉

Yet life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
You have to stop and smell the roses.🌹
Just mind the bees that might already be smelling them too.

For those who debunk science, this world is made up of protons, neutrons, electrons, and a great big heaping of morons.

The last time I had faith in the news was when it was with Huey Lewis. 

I miss the good old days where you could have an opinion without offending somebody.
Of course back then the worst that could have happened was just being yelled at. Today?

Wouldn't it be nice if Mister Rogers was still with us?
Then there would be at least one calm voice crying out in the wilderness something wise like: “I know it’s hard emotionally to deal with right now, but in time you will reach a point where you can continue."

Never attach yourself to a place or job. Attach yourself to your dreams, your vision, your purpose and the family and friends you care about.

If you stay silent about a problem to keep the peace, there is a zero percent chance that the problem gets fixed.

Okay. You can't say I didn't try to entertain, but my track record on holiday weekends isn't that great to begin with even without a recent tragedy.
In any event take care.
STAY SAFE!😷
And one of our more experienced comedians will be back next weekend with more Sunday Funnies!lh,jr.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: MAY 22-28, 2022

WE NEED MORE
GUN RESPONSIBILITY!

BULLYING HAS TO STOP!
BAN BOOK BANNINGS AND BURNINGS!

GET VACCINATED, WEAR YOUR MASK😷
& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

MAY IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.🎗
MAY IS ALSO ASIAN AMERICAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH.
MAY 28 IS REPUBLIC DAY IN ARMENIA & AZERBAIJAN’S INDEPENDENCE DAY.
MEMORIAL DAY (MAY 30TH) MARKS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL BEING DEDICATED.
JUNE 1 MARKS THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BEATLES’ SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND ALBUM.
JUNE 4 MARKS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF
STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KHAN.
JUNE 5 IS WORLD ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS DAY.

AM😷NGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…
*COVID and its variants continue to be a global problem. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)
*Thankfully the vaccination battles continue too. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The state of the world, as of May 28, 2022.
*Unfortunately, now Monkey Pox cases are on the rise. (There are 4/FOUR separate links in this item.)

*Update: May 28, 2022.

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.

TWITTER TROUBLE?

THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…🌐
*June 5 is World Environment Awareness Day.

😢PASSING PARADE…
*The innocent lives lost during the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.
*Actor Jamie Bartlett (Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, Red Dust, more) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Alan White, drummer🥁 for Yes and The Plastic Ono Band, is no longer with us.
*Actor Ray Liotta (Field of Dreams, Good Fellas, much more) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Depeche Mode’s founding keyboardist🎹 Andy Fletcher has passed away.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
CAPITAL CHAOS: JANUARY 6, 2021>AFTERMATH
POLITICALLY…
SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…
*Monkey Pox IS NOT just a “black” disease! (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)


*What will Texas do in the wake of an Elementary School shooting May 24??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*“It could have been worse.”—Texas’ “Governor”.
*In Texas, an 18 year old can own a rifle, but not a handgun! While continuing to promote gun sales, the “Governor” blames the state’s Mental Health System, despite the fact his “administration” cut those programs! (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*CONFIRMED FACTS! WHAT WENT WRONG! (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Texas “Senator” Ted Cruz selective discussing the subject. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*The NRA is still going ahead with their scheduled convention in HOUSTON, Texas this weekend! Ted Cruz and Donald Trump speak there, sharing some of their "solutions". (There are 7/SEVEN separate links in this item.)
*"Senator" Cruz still won't talk, although maybe not the best place to attempt a conversation. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Opinion: Do we still need the Second Amendment??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Editorial Cartoons on the subject from Nick Anderson, Robert AriailSteve Benson, Chip BokSteve Breen-TwiceStuart Carlson, Matt Davies, Phil Hands, Joe Heller, Clay JonesSteve Kelly, Kevin NecessaryMichael Ramirez, Jeff StahlerGary Varvel, and Matt Wuerker-Twice. (There are 18/EIGHTEEN separate links in this item.)
😷THE US VERSUS COVID-19…
IT’S FACT CHECK TIME!
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*“Senator” Ted Cruz selective discussing the subject. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*More Editorial Cartoons on the tragedy from Lalo Alcaraz, Lisa BensonTim Campbell, Jeff DanzigerJoel PettRob Rogers-Twice, (There are 7/SEVEN separate links in this item.)
ELSEWHERE…
*Donald Trump MUST testify in New York civil probe. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Disney versus Florida continues. Does “Steamboat Mickey” hang in the balance???
😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…
*THIS IS THE FREE CHOICE E-ZINE'S 2700TH BLOG POST!
*June 1 marks the 230th anniversary of Kentucky joining the United States of America.

THE PUZZLE CORNER: MAY 28, 2022

😎FUN FACT
This is Memorial Day Weekend in the United States. Please remember the Veterans AND INNOCENT LIVES LOST past and present.

REBUS
Something familiar is represented in the image below. Do you know what it is?

BRIDGE
WATER

THE 50/50 CHANCE
Just like a regular TRIVIA TIME question, except there are just two possible answers, hence the even odds of getting it right. Ready?
YES or NO: Is there anywhere that the sun rises in the WEST and sets in the EAST?

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX📦 and discover the results from the May 21, 2022 Puzzle Corner.

TRIVIA TIME⌚
Who invented baseball?
Contrary to popular belief, it WASN’T Abner Doubleday! 

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
How many new words can you spell out of the letters in BASEBALL?
Hint: There’s more than you think.
A, abs, able, ale(s), all, as
Babe(s), bale(s) ball(s), base, be, bell(s)
Ebb(s)
Lab(s), label(s), lea(s)
Sable, sale, sea, seal, sell
More than the 30 listed above might be possible.

Sunday, May 22, 2022

SUNDAY FUNNIES: ALOOF LAUGHTER (misc. jokes)

 Hello Everybody! Piper D. Katt here.
For those wondering why there are not that many different pictures of me on this blog so far, just remember.
Cats are supposed to be aloof and I have a reputation to maintain. 😼 
In any event, it's a beautiful day outside.
But boy is it hot out there.

HOW HOT IS IT?

It's so hot that you can cook on the sidewalk without the need of a grill!
But please use a frying pan if you do, for no one wants to eat dirty food off the sidewalk.

Our Esteemed Editor-In-Chief wanted to say "I saw Flash chasing the Mirror Master and they were both walking!"*
But let the professionals handle the jokes boss. To wit:

Fans of Dry Erase Boards find them quite remarkable.😸

What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind?
A Maybe. 

Do you know anyone who'd like my dead battery collection?
They can have it free of charge.

I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14 day supply of diet cat food in under 3 hours!

So what if I don't know what the word Armageddon means?
It's not like it's the end of the world.

The new cat motto: Always late, but worth the wait!

And on that note♫ Take care.
STAY SAFE!😷
And please be back here again next weekend for more Sunday Funnies when our aforementioned Editor-In-Chief solos to cover the Memorial Day Weekend while Koda Canine and I enjoy the holiday off!—PDK.
_________________________________
*An often remembered joke from Action Comics' #442's main story, "The Midnight Murder Show," written by Cary Bates.—lh,jr.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: MAY 15-21, 2022

ARE YOU AWARE OF

BULLYING HAS TO STOP!
BAN BOOK BANNINGS AND BURNINGS!

GET VACCINATED, WEAR YOUR MASK😷
& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

MAY IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.🎗
MAY IS ALSO ASIAN AMERICAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH.
MAY 21 IS INTERNATIONAL TEA🍵 DAY.
MAY 22 IS INTERNATIONAL BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY DAY.
(INFINITE DIVERSITY IN INFINITE COMBINATIONS.)
MAY 23 IS VICTORIA DAY IN CANADA.
MAY 23 IS ALSO WORLD TURTLE DAY. 🐢
MAY 24 IS THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAGNAVOX ODYSSEY,
WHICH OFFICIALLY BEGAN THE VIDEO GAME AGE.
MAY 25 IS THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF STAR WARS EPISODE 4: A NEW HOPE.
MAY 27 IS THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE OPENING FOR SERVICE.

AM😷NGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…
*COVID and its variants continue to be a global problem. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*The state of the world, as of May 21, 2022.
*And now… Monkey Pox. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The 2022 French Open 🎾is underway.

NATO NEWS
*Turkey’s demands if Finland and Sweden hope to join NATO. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Sweden refutes Turkey’s objections while France promises to help protect their potential new allies. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*May 18: Finland and Sweden officially apply for NATO membership, despite Turkey’s objections. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

*Has the Ukraine lost Mariupol??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)


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.


TWITTER TROUBLE?

THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…🌐
*The Po River is drying up, threatening Italy’s agriculture.

😢PASSING PARADE…
*The innocent lives lost during the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.
*Actress Marnie Schulenburg (As The World Turns, Elementary, more) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.
*Actress Maggie Peterson (The Andy Griffith Show, Green Acres, more) has taken her last bow on life’s stage.
*Rosmarie Von Trapp, whose life story was told in The Sound of Music, has passed away.
*Famed music♫ composer Vangelis (Chariots of Fire, Blade Runner, more) is no longer with us.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
THE BORDER WALL-KIDS-IMMIGRATION ISSUES…
*Former “President” Trump declared a “national emergency” to build his border wall, separating
families upon apprehension. President Joseph Biden nullified the emergency, but other matters pertaining to these issues still have to be dealt with.
NOTE: While we are doing our best to provide coverage, the above is a serious ongoing issue. Especially since no one has yet to full y discuss the health and safety of all the “detainees” as well as the various costs under Donald Trump of separating families and who is truly responsible for the deaths of FOUR “detainees” (known to date), let alone if anyone might actually be making a profit from this situation.
CAPITAL CHAOS: JANUARY 6, 2021>AFTERMATH
*Phony Trump “electors” are being sued for their part in trying to rig the 2020 Presidential election results.
POLITICALLY…

*It should come as no surprise that Missouri’s new voter district map favors Republicans.
*May 22 is the 75th anniversary of The (Harry S.) Truman Doctrine.
SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…

😷THE US VERSUS COVID-19…
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*The latest midterm primaries’ results versus Donald Trump. (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
*They voted AGAINST baby formula??? And the reason why! (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*“Please don’t notice my racist ads.”—New York Republican/House of Representatives member Elise Stefanik, running for reelection.
ELSEWHERE…
*Sadly, May 27 marks the 375 anniversary of Salem, Massachusetts, USA executing their first “witch”.
😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…
*2022 marks the 60th anniversary season of the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball.⚾

THE PUZZLE CORNER: MAY 21, 2022

😎FUN FACT
The game of baseball has been around since 1845!

TRIVIA TIME⌚
Who invented baseball?

THE LETTER SHUFFLE
How many new words can you spell out of the letters in BASEBALL?
Hint: There’s more than you think.

We’ll reveal all next weekend but for now, let’s open up THE ANSWERS BOX📦 and discover the results from the May 14, 2022 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?
Upbeat Blues = Boogie Woogie.

TRIVIA TIME⌚
What is Deltiology?
The hobby of collecting postcards.

Sunday, May 15, 2022

SUNDAY FUNNIES: PUTTING ON THE DOG

 Hello Folks! Koda Canine here!
I'm out in the backyard with my people having a great time on an actual SUN🌞 DAY!
Now I still haven't figured out why sometimes they say they're going to throw the stick and then don't.
I mean, I go chasing after the darn thing in good faith, searching the backyard like crazy looking for that elusive twig and they still have it in their hand the whole time!
How would they feel if our positions were reversed so I faked throwing the stick and they couldn't find it?
Where's the fun in that?

It's just like my people's rules about the couch.
When they're on it and have me in their lap, everything is okay, but when I try to sit on the couch by myself, you'd think I just robbed a bank or something the way they carry on about me being on it.
No canine, regardless of the circumstances, wants to hear those dreaded words "Bad Dog!" 😢

But anyway, while I've got it relatively easy being a pet, a lot of canines work as watchdogs.
I'm not exactly sure what that entails, no pun intended.
After all, have you ever seen a dog wear a watch?⌚
The only times I know involve day, night, sleeping, play, and meals.
Besides, what am I supposed to be watching anyway?
They don't even let me hold the remote when the TV is on.
I know except for the occasional dog food commercials a lot of what's on TV is usually pretty boring from my perspective.
I find Lassie and Rin Tin Tin interesting.
My people call them "classic reruns", but they're new to me.
How come there aren't more dog stars?

My people are putting in a garden, the first since I've been with them, and there seems to be a double standard in regards to that too.
I dig in the yard and they get upset.
They dig in the yard and it's okay.
I try to help them dig in the yard and they get upset again.
I was just trying to lend a paw.

But in any event, I love my people and my people love me even if they need lessons on stick throwing.😉
So on that note♫, have a great week!
Take care.
STAY SAFE!😷
And please be back again next weekend for more Sunday Funnies!KC.

Saturday, May 14, 2022

THE WEEK IN REVIEW: MAY 8-14, 2022


GET VACCINATED, WEAR YOUR MASK😷
& BEWARE ANY VERSION OF

MAY IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
MAY IS ALSO ASIAN AMERICAN-PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH.
MAY 16 IS THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF
STAR WARS, EPISODE 2: ATTACK OF THE CLONES.
MAY 17 IS THE 230TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE.
MAY 19 IS THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE “NO NUKES IN SPACE” TREATY.
MAY 20 IS THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF
CHARLES LINDBERGH’S HISTORIC FLIGHT ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.
MAY 20 IS THE 8OTH ANNIVERSARY OF
AMELIA EARHART’S SOLO FLIGHT ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN.

AM😷NGST EVENTS AROUND THE W🌍RLD THIS PAST WEEK…
*COVID and its variants continue to be a global problem. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*The state of the world, as of May 14, 2022.
*Finland and Sweden may not be in NATO yet, but they do have allies.
*Can Russia stop Finland from joining NATO??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Unfortunately the Syrian Civil War AND the Israeli/Palestinian conflict continue. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Opinion: Wither Japan???
*The 2022 Pulitzer Prize winners: News division.
*May 20, 1927: Charles Lindbergh departed Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York on historic solo flight to France piloting The Spirit of Saint Louis.
*May 20, 1937: Amelia Earhart left Newfoundland for Ireland to become first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
*May 19, 1967: the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom agreed to no nuclear weapons in outer space.

*Not much of a holiday in Russia. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Odessa is now a target. Status, as of May 10. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*May 11, 2022. They're still at it. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
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.

TWITTER TROUBLE?
*Elon Musk has put his potential buying of Twitter on hold (for now?) and still comes out ahead. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)

THE CLIMATE CHANGE CHRONICLES…🌐

😢PASSING PARADE…
*The innocent lives lost during the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.
*The innocent victims of a shooting spree at a SUPERMARKET May 14, 2022! (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Current United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifia bin Zayed has passed away.
*Country Singer (♫Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time♫, more) actor (Urban Cowboy, more) Mickey Gilley has passed away.
*Actor Kenneth Welsh (Twin Peaks, The Day After Tomorrow, more) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Writer/director John Cherry the Third (co-creator of the Ernest P. Worrell franchise) is no longer with us.
*Actor/singer Dennis Waterman (numerous credits over a 60+ years career) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Structural Engineer Mahendra Raj (the Salar Jung Museum, the Hall of Nations in Delhi, more) is no longer with us.
*Former professional football🏈 player Gino Cappelletti (Boston Patriots) has passed away.
*Actor Fred Ward (Tremors 1 and 2, The Right Stuff, more) has taken his last bow on life’s stage.
*Actor Bruce MacVittie,  (Barney Miller, The Sopranos, Law and Order, much more) has taken his last bow on life's stage.

WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…
THE BORDER WALL-KIDS-IMMIGRATION ISSUES…
*Former “President” Trump declared a “national emergency” to build his border wall, separating
families upon apprehension. President Joseph Biden nullified the emergency, but other matters pertaining to these issues still have to be dealt with.
NOTE: While we are doing our best to provide coverage, the above is a serious ongoing issue. Especially since no one has yet to full y discuss the health and safety of all the “detainees” as well as the various costs under Donald Trump of separating families and who is truly responsible for the deaths of FOUR “detainees” (known to date), let alone if anyone might actually be making a profit from this situation.
CAPITAL CHAOS: JANUARY 6, 2021
>AFTERMATH
*More subpoenas issues, but will they testify??? (There are 2//TWO separate links in this item.)
POLITICALLY…

*“No MAGAs on OUR ballot!”—A Colorado Judge.
*He actually likes him??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
*Are Republicans turning against Trump and his endorsements??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
ROE V. WADE…
*Is there dissension in the ranks??? (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
SOCIAL (IN)JUSTICE…
😷THE US VERSUS COVID-19…
😢*OVER 1 MILLION US DEATHS FROM COVID! (There are 3/THREE separate links in this item.)
MEANWHILE, IN CONGRESS…
*Susan Collins called the police over THAT??? And the messages keep coming. (There are 2/TWO separate links in this item.)
ELSEWHERE…

😀AND FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS…
*2022 is the 50th anniversary season of The Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball.⚾