Back in August, we published our first report on the Saunders Institute for Money Laundering. The so-called non-profit had been the beneficiary of campaign cash leftovers from the Sanders for Public Office slush fund. At the time, he’d transferred 200,000.00 dollars, but according to the FEC, he wasn’t done.

 

Fox News Digital reported that the outlet found that the twice-failed Democratic Party presidential candidate transferred $75,000 from his campaign’s coffers to the Sanders Institute, a left-wing think tank that was founded by spouse Jane O’Meara Sanders and David Driscoll, the senator’s stepson, after his failed 2016 campaign.

The money went to the group on August 8, according to its recently released FEC filings. The cash infusion follows $200,000 that Comrade Bernie’s committee sent to the Sanders Institute earlier this year, the outlet reported, adding that “the group has appeared to perform very little work while paying Driscoll six figures worth of compensation.”

 

That’s 275,000 Bernie Bucks, and for what? As we noted in August, nothing.

 

Stepson David Driscoll runs the organization, which paid him $152,653 in salary and other compensation in 2021. To do what? Fox News could not find anything remotely linked to the organization’s purpose. They report a website with lots of words and promises but not much else.

 

It pretends to be a news portal, and the web design wasn’t cheap, but the primary purpose appears to be to give the stepson a title, and he and Bernie’s wife make work jobs paid for by his campaign donors. And perhaps they don’t mind. Everything about the Democrat party is a redistribution of wealth from people who earned it to those who do nothing. And you never know. Maybe one day, the aging Vermonter will be president, and he can use the foundation to launder foreign influence peddling like the Clintons and Bidens.

They got filthy rich selling access, so why not the Sanders clan?

Until then,

 

According to the Sanders Institute’s website: “A vital democracy requires an informed electorate, civil discourse and bold ideas. The mission of The Sanders Institute is to revitalize democracy by actively engaging individuals, organizations and the media in the pursuit of progressive solutions …”

 

Like letting criminals roam free, open borders, bad energy policies, grooming children, killing babies, uncontrollable spending, rising crime and chaos, funding our enemies, and lifestyle-crushing inflation.

 

The post Bernie Sanders is Still Laundering Campaign Cash to Family Members appeared first on Granite Grok.

Is there no limit to the STUPIDITY of the Establishment GOP? Ronna ROMNEY McDaniel’s RNC’s choice to moderate the next GOP Presidential debate — NBC! Why? WHY subject the candidates and the voters to questions that GOP voters DO NOT CARE ABOUT and, worse, are just designed to help Joe Biden:

Governor DeSantis, what do you say to the climate-deniers in your own Party?

Ambassador Haley, do you regret not speaking out more forcefully against the extremists in your own Party?

Governor Christie, how concerned are you that members of your own Party still believe, without any evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen?

Etc., etc. etc.. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID.

The post STUPID, STUPID, STUPID … “Moderators” For Next GOP Presidential Debate — NBC appeared first on Granite Grok.

So, there’s this thing called Texas Muslim Capitol Day. I’d never heard of it, but the 2023 celebration was its 20th anniversary. According to those upstanding pro-American, Constitution Defending citizens at the Center for American Islamic Relations (CAIR), it is a day for Muslim voices to be heard.

Heard by who? I don’t recall any shortage of Muslim voices. You know what I don’t hear? Moderate Muslims letting the more “activist” variety know they’d like to just live in peace? We could use more of that.

 

Texas Muslim Capitol Day is an opportunity for Texas Muslims from across the state to visit the Capitol to have their voices heard, meet elected officials, and make positive changes. This one-day event will feature a rally outside of the Capitol, meetings with elected officials, a prayer, training, and lunch. TMCD brings hundreds of diverse Muslims from across the state to participate in this program.

Diverse Muslims? Okay. Anyway, I’m not sure what year this came from, but you have to hand it to this woman. She grabs the microphone and proceeds to let everyone know what she thinks about all of this. Total mic drop moment.

And ballsy is an understatement.

 

This Texas woman has more balls than the entire democrat electorate. pic.twitter.com/Gfwd1G06IN

— Dane (@UltraDane) October 24, 2023

 

The post Christian Woman Takes the Microphone and BAM! appeared first on Granite Grok.

We learned that today was Veto Day! The House had on its docket 4 House bills that were vetoed by Governor Sununu. A vetoed bill needed 2/3 of those voting to override the veto. Otherwise, the veto was sustained. Because of the way the question to the House is worded, a “Yes” vote was to override the veto – a “No” vote was to sustain the veto.

All votes were required to be roll-called.

We learned that both the House and the Senate passed a resolution in support of the State of Israel and condemning HAMAS and terrorism.

We learned that a bill requiring grades 6-12 student ID cards to have the phone number of the National Eating Disorders hotline added to the cards (HB35) was vetoed by the Governor. Apparently, that organization is/was having major difficulties and doesn’t have a staffed call line anymore, so the bill did not make any sense to implement. The Governor was asked by many organizations to veto the bill. The House wholeheartedly agreed and sustained his veto with a hearty helping of votes on this plate, voting 350-0 to sustain.

We learned that the most troubling bill for some legislators was the veto of HB142- Relative to the operation of the Burgess Biomass Plant up in Berlin, in the North country. The Governor vetoed it because with regard to ratepayer subsidies for their energy ($200 million since 2014) – and the amount of debt they are asking to have forgiven ($70 million to ratepayers) – the Governor said, “Enough is Enough” in his veto message. He didn’t believe that after five years of waiting for Burgess to get their financial act together that the state should have to bail them out once more, and possibly again next year and the year after that. The problem people saw in the veto of this bill is that it places Burgess in the position of closing down (affecting at least 40 employees). This may greatly affect the economy in that area of the state, including ancillary services that loggers use in the Berlin area when delivering wood to the biomass plant. It also will hurt the timber industry that brings its low-grade wood there to be burned to make electricity. The plant also provides ash to the farming community that uses their ash for fertilizer. That being said, many folks were against this bill simply because they didn’t like the idea of corporate bailouts or subsidies. Heck, even the greenies of the Sierra Club wanted to see this bill vetoed (they hate biomass plants)! One hundred ninety-four voted Yes (to override), and 159 voted No (to Sustain). There were not enough votes to override the veto. Somehow, though, I think the legislature is not done with the Burgess Biomass issue…maybe it will rise like a phoenix from the ashes in 2024.

We learned that the only bill of the day that had the veto overridden was HB 337. This was a bill that would have changed the noticing requirements for the Office of Professional Licensing and Certification (OPLC) and added an attorney position. The Governor vetoed it because the bill created different noticing standards for OPLC from other public bodies with regard to RSA 91-A. The Governor found this to be unreasonable and burdensome for OPLC as well, and that they shouldn’t be held to a different standard than every other public entity. The House did not agree and overrode the Governor’s veto with 251 voting Yes and 104 voting No. The bill had enough votes to override the veto. That being said, when the bill got to the Senate, they sustained the Governor’s veto without much notice.

We learned that HB342 – relative to lead testing in children, was vetoed by the Governor because he considered the bill redundant. He said that lead in blood levels is already tested in kids aged 1 and 2, and the bill created an unnecessary barrier to entry into public school. The Governor doesn’t believe that lead blood level testing has any place in entry forms for schools and daycares. The House agreed with him and sustained the veto 184 (YES) to 171 (No). The bill did not have enough Yes votes for an override.

We learned that two other items passed with House voice votes. Those items had to do with an update to the House rules to change session deadline dates and Legislative Service Request (LSR) deadline dates. With over 1000 bills coming at us next year in the legislature, these accommodations had to be made.

Finally, we learned that the next time the House will convene will be in January, where the House will be cleaning out the leftovers from 2023 as we vote on retained bills that are now being finished up in committees. So until then, have a happy and safe holidays!

 

The post So Kids, What Did We Learn From This Week’s House Session (10/26/23)? appeared first on Granite Grok.

Twelve years ago I blogged on this website a criminal court case in Cheshire County, NH involving a military veteran turned independent journalist named Jason Talley.  Mr. Talley had become ensnared in contempt of court and disorderly conduct charges after he dared commit the dastardly crime of mere possession of a recording device in a New Hampshire court facility.

Ultimately, after months of litigation, the case was won in Mr. Tally’s favor due to a technical “error” committed by the prosecution.  In my humble opinion this “error” was intentionally committed to protect the New Hampshire Judiciary from having to publicly defend their egregious conduct.

What “egregious conduct” you ask?  The court order that Mr. Talley was accused of violating was put in place after another activist, Ademo Freeman, was arrested for “threatening” the Keene District Court Presiding Judge Edward Burke.  This interaction was caught on video and contained absolutely no threat.  What followed were administrative court orders restricting the Federal and State Constitution so that cameras could not be possessed in court facilities.

You see the misconduct here?  Judge Burke breaks the law that forbids making false claims to law enforcement officers and then supervisory judges in the New Hampshire Judiciary restrict people’s freedoms as a result.

A crime or misconduct committed by a state employee cannot give justification to the government to restrict the freedom of those who are not in government.  Not unless there are two classes of men.  This is what they did.

Why is this misconduct relevant today?  Well…  it is a black-and-white example of how individuals in government employment are able to break the law with impunity and then cover for each other when they’re caught.  I personally notified the Attorney Generals Office, the Legislature, and the Judicial Conduct Committee.  To my knowledge no one ever was held accountable.

I would have far less of a problem with this misconduct if the government was not going after peaceful friends of mine for victimless offenses, fining them, and then using that money to pay their own salaries.

In New Hampshire there are three existing government systems: The Federal Government, The New Hampshire Government, and the Shire Society.  Two are recognized as sovereign, the third is not.  I seek to change this.

I intend on representing a Shire Society member who is targeted by the State for victimless crime prosecution.  I am not a Shire Society member as my allegiance is to the New Hampshire and Federal Constitutions, but when the State prosecutes a Shire Society member for victimless crimes and uses those fines to pay the salaries of judges who are not subject to the same rules, we have two classes of men…  and that is prohibited by Part I, Article 10 of the New Hampshire Constitution.

Every New Hampshire law enforcement officer, judge, and lawmaker is duty bound like me to uphold the Right of Revolution…  and I intend on doing that by fighting for the Shire Society being a revolutionary government system.

We’ll see how it goes.  Stay tuned!

If you work in New Hampshire government and are wondering why I’m about to come after you like this, this is why.

Freedom’s the answer…  so what is the question? ????

Did someone recently flip a switch? It seems as though Wokeism, the Great Reset, ESG, DEI, and an assortment of other radical left-wing positions have just taken over. It is in the movies, media, sports, finance, retail businesses, and even in the beer industry.

Yet, it is not a uniquely American phenomenon. Wokeism is a part of the international Zeitgeist. For example, this past June, I inadvertently experienced a huge “Pride” parade (reported as having tens of thousands of participants) in Wroclaw, Poland. (Photos not included.) Yet, although the Woke agenda seems to be dominating everything, the mask is slowly being peeled away, and some are starting to recognize the truly authoritarian agenda that had been so carefully hidden.

Wokeism exploded into our lives because it took advantage of two traits of human nature that readily manifest in capitalism. These flaws are our tendency to avoid work and our basic inclination to trust and rely on others. If a person can avoid work, he will. People are not necessarily lazy, but when costs can be avoided, they are. People act on these cost-benefit calculations. Additionally, people are generally trusting. We tend to trust the label of what we are buying. When one goes to the gas station, how do we know that the machine dispensed ten gallons into our car? When we buy a bottle of 500 caplets, do we immediately count them, or do we trust them? Capitalism depends upon a tremendous amount of trust. Each transaction has a certain level of trust built into it.

Wokeism exploits these two traits to our detriment. For example, Wokeism takes advantage of human nature when it comes to deciding who should sit on the board of directors of a large, for-profit company. Suppose that for this company, the board of directors is determined by a simple majority vote of the shareholders. For each share that I own, I get one vote. The likelihood that my couple of votes are going to tip the scales one way or another is remote, and so I have a strong disincentive to actively participate in this election.

In economic terms, the cost of the work of researching the candidates and making myself fully informed tends to outweigh the benefit of voting. Instead, I simply trust that the people running the company want to maximize the company’s profits. In other words, I believe that there are bigger investors and fund managers who want to make as much of a return from their investment as I do. Thus, I trust that these bigger investors’ “greed” aligns with my interests. The result is that I am not fully informed about who the candidates are, and I do not vote my relatively few shares. When I do not vote, I open the door for Woke fund managers to put people on the board of directors who are focused on social agendas—environmental sustainability or social justice goals—and are not focused on maximizing profits.

Today, Wokeism has intimidated and cowed the profit-focused businessman. Through their portrayal in movies, news media, social media, and basically all other fronts, the businessman is castigated as cruel, self-centered, and just plain “greedy.” In contrast, it is the “more enlightened” decision-maker who is lauded and celebrated as the hero. The motivation of the new Woke CEOs (whether they are true believers or simply avoiding a hassle) is not really the point. What matters is that they promote the worldview that a close cooperation between public institutions (government) and private companies is best.

Government employees, C-Suite executives, activists, and sports and media celebrities all encourage and reinforce the push to integrate and cement public/private partnerships. The integration of corporations and the state goes by many names. Some call it State Socialism or Progressivism. Others call it National Socialism or “Socialism with a Human Face.” Once upon a time, it was called Fascism. Regardless of the name, it is a top-down, authoritarian approach to “managing the economy.” It allows the elite to manipulate the market away from the choices made by consumers and in the direction that they want (by picking winners and losers), all the while doing so in the name of social justice, equity, or saving the planet. The fact that Telsa, Inc. (the electric car company) has a lower “Environmental, Social, and Governmental” (ESG) score than tobacco and oil companies shows what a scam Woke investing really is.

When businesses seek profits, they are following the subjective valuations of consumers and society. Creating “non-woke alternative” businesses replicates the problem of not following profits, albeit in the opposite direction. It is simply not a solution. However, in my 2022 Rothbard Memorial Lecture, I presented several suggestions about how to fight back.

One possibility that had not occurred to me at that time is the Mises Meetup Groups, which have been showing success. In Spring 2022, our loose association called the Carolina Mises Meetup, was formed. The organizers felt cut off, isolated, and alone and noted a strong need to connect with others who can give support and encouragement. We were hoping to connect with about 25 like-minded people. We were wrong—very wrong—as the results far exceeded our expectations! As we approach our 6th meeting, we have had an average attendance of 70-80 people and a members list that exceeds 240.

These Meetup Groups are informal gatherings of like-minded people. They are entrepreneurs who are interested in Austrian Economics and in helping other entrepreneurs. Perhaps the most important function of these groups is to demonstrate that we are not alone and that there are other people who are willing to help. Groups allow us to utilize the division of labor and get more accomplished. Communities can accomplish many things when individuals use their talents and energies toward a common goal.

One recommendation that I think has a strong potential is to create certificates, contests, and awards. I have sat through many town council and other local meetings. I have observed that every local municipality is hungry for recognition. I think that there is an opportunity here. Why not set up an award and apply the goals that we would like to see, such as opening markets, reducing bureaucracy, and so forth? The Mises Meetup Group might be the perfect network to find people who are skilled in creating contest rules and connecting with others who could sit on a panel of judges.

The awards and certificates do not have to be elaborate; they are fancy pieces of paper in nice frames. However, municipalities covet the attention awards bring. Imagine the influence that such awards and recognitions could achieve. Additionally, these activities allow us to reach outside of our own ecosystem. We can bring in other groups and business owners that may share many of our same values but are unaware that we exist. The economist in me thinks that these awards are relatively low cost and can pay large dividends. The benefits outweigh the costs.

Another potential solution begins with the recognition that, too often, we doubt ourselves. I have heard, “What Can I do? I am too small to make a difference.” Platitudes like “Even the longest journey begins with a single step” seem cliché, but there is a kernel of truth to them. If we want a free and prosperous society, we need to act. We need to start now. There is no central plan for liberty. However, if we share a common goal, we can pull together in the same direction.

Each person is unique, having his own distinct set of talents and abilities. I would like to see each person become a Light of Liberty. A Light of Liberty is someone who can competently discuss the questions of liberty, which means that each of us needs to read, study, and learn. The more we learn, the brighter our light becomes. Over time, people tend to recognize and seek out people with wisdom and knowledge. As we become more knowledgeable in Austrian Economics, we cannot keep this knowledge to ourselves. We need to discuss these ideas with others. There is no best way to present the ideas of freedom. When I present these ideas, I only connect with a fraction of the audience. Then if my wife, a colleague, or a student talks to the same group, then these ideas are presented differently, which reaches those I could not.

Perhaps the most important facet of fighting against Wokeness is having courage. Each person needs to muster the courage to stand firm and resist the intrusion of Wokeness into our lives and our places of business. It is one thing to not buy a product because it backs Woke causes, but without informing the seller why you are not buying from them, nothing will change. We need to have the courage to tell the seller why we made our choice. Knowing that Woke policies are wrong, having the wisdom to pick one’s battles, and having a strong support base of like-minded people helps us to find the courage to resist “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) and ESG policies.

Shortly after escaping from the Nazis, Ludwig von Mises wrote, “Occasionally I entertained the hope that my writings would bear practical fruit and show the way for policy. Constantly, I have been looking for evidence of a change in ideology. But…I have come to realize that my theories explain the degeneration of a great civilization; they do not prevent it. I set out to be a reformer but only became the historian of decline.” If Mises gave up after writing his memoir in 1940, we would never have seen Human Action, Bureaucracy, Planning for Freedom, or many other of his important writings. He would not have been there to tutor Murray Rothbard, Israel Kirzner, and many others to keep Austrian Economics alive through the Keynesian ’60s. We simply cannot know the long-run impact that our actions today will have on people decades from now.

However, if we do nothing, then it is certain that there will be nothing to show for it. The popularity of Wokeness, DEI, and ESG policies will wane, and we need to fill the Zeitgeist with the vision of how a free and prosperous society can truly work. With more people becoming Lights of Liberty, we can influence the direction of society for the better. Recently, I was accused of being an optimist. I am. I think that there is time to change the direction of society towards free markets. I plan on brightening my light and the Lights of Liberty within my students and those around me. Will you join me?

 

Paul Cwik is Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of Mount Olive and Teaching Professor of the BB&T courses in Free Market Economics at North Carolina State University.

Paul F. Cwik | Mises Wire

Mises Wire We heartily encourage reprints and shares of Mises Wire articles. If you wish to reproduce an article in your blog, magazine, radio show, newspaper column, classroom material, textbook, discussion group, website, or any other venue, please do so. The original publication source must be included in an appropriate place.

The post Countering the Woke Offensive appeared first on Granite Grok.

I can’t say whether anyone from states like Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee, the Carolinas or Dakotas, or any other appealing redder states uprooted to move to New Hampshire, but it seems unlikely. Californians, however – we got a bunch of those.

An estimated 1,877 refugees migrated to the Granite State from the Left Coast’s largest progressive enclave.

 

 

 

According to USA Facts.org, 725,000 people fled California since 2020—more than anywhere else in the country.

 

More than 100,000 Californians moved to Texas between 2020–21, well ahead of second place Arizona (63,000 Californians) and third ranked Nevada (55,000).

Texas has recently emerged as a popular destination, not just for Californians, but Americans from all regions. No state income tax and lower cost of living, along with a growing tech hub is pulling in Americans from all income brackets. Meanwhile, Arizona and Nevada offer similar tax and affordability benefits as well.

 

I’m sure it was for work. Right?

 

A key driver of migration is the state’s continuing affordability challenges where housing costs have pushed home ownership out of many Californians’ reach. It is also one of the most difficult states to retire in, where $1 million can last as little as eight years.

Separately, the rise of remote work in 2020 allowed many Californians to move out of their more expensive state to cross into regions with a lower cost of living while maintaining their economic opportunities.

 

COVID restrictions, high taxes, excessive regulations, green energy mandates (those meddling bureaucrats and their stupid governor).

The shift is causing housing crunches in other states and, more than likely (at least by a majority of transplants), voting for the solutions that led to them leaving. I’m sure they’ll do that here, though we have California refugees who are small government types like our readers. They aren’t all cursed to repeat the same mistakes, but what to do? Mandatory liberty training sounds sensible. A series of short classes on why New Hampshire is better than California and how “you can do your part” to keep it that way. It’s not complicated.

Vote, but don’t vote Democrat. Keep New Hampshire from turning into Vermont, which has already started to turn into California.

Please.

 

The post No One From Tennessee, Wyoming, or Oklahoma Seem To Want To Move to New Hampshire appeared first on Granite Grok.

Before delving into the dangers of eliminating cash and mandating that all transactions be conducted by digital means, let us briefly discuss the legal aspects of money. In the United States, as in all economies that have legal tender laws, only cash is recognized as money. Some may think that the balance of their bank accounts is money too, but that is not quite the case. Your bank balance is one step removed from legal money.

All banks must maintain minimum balances of reserves, in cash held either in their vaults—a very small amount—or in their “reserve accounts” with their local Federal Reserve Bank branch (there are twelve of them). These reserve account balances may be converted to real money, or cash, at your bank’s discretion. However, the total cash in our economy also includes cash held outside the banking system, such as the money in your wallet, cookie jar, or personal safe deposit vault.

The total of bank reserves plus cash held outside the banking system is known as the monetary base. The monetary base is not the same as the money supply. Most of the money supply is composed of bank credit not backed by reserves. When banks make loans, they credit your account, which becomes bank credit money. Yes, this money was created by the bank out of thin air. Notice that the banks did not create reserves, only credit money, which is not the same thing.

As of July 2023, the monetary base in the United States was $5.5 trillion, whereas M3—the total bank credit money—was $20.9 trillion! So, if everyone demanded real money (cash), the banks would be able to honor only about one-fourth of the requests. The possibility of your bank failing is real. Over nine thousand US banks failed during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Risks of Electronic Payments

Your ability to hold real cash, not just bank balances accessible by check or electronic means, protects you from the inevitable infrastructure problems associated with any electronic system but also from the instantaneous seizure of at least some of your money. Cash is anonymous whereas a bank account is not. If something happens, you will still be able to function to the limit of the cash you happen to have on hand.

Now, let’s say that cash has been eliminated by some legal means and that you have angered the powers that be for some reason—probably for opposing them and asking others to oppose them too. All the banks must do is to freeze your bank account or eliminate it entirely. There are two examples of this very thing happening in the recent past.

First, the government of Canada froze the bank accounts of all those participating in the Canadian truckers’ general strike plus those who helped them. Second, British politician Nigel Farage had his accounts closed for political reasons and found that no other British bank would serve him. Without the means to use money, Farage came very close to emigrating. Just think about that for a moment. You could not fuel your car, buy groceries, pay your rent, or do a hundred other things without access to a bank account.

Risks of Central Bank Digital Currency

All of the world’s major central banks are drawing up plans to institute digital currencies that they themselves control. This is very dangerous for our civil liberties. Now the government would not have to seek the cooperation of the banks to freeze your accounts or “debank” you entirely, as the British banking system did to Nigel Farage. At the stroke of a keypad, you would not have access to your financial accounts—no fuel for your car, food for your family, or heat for your home.

No one should be allowed to hold such enormous power, which really is a life-and-death issue. Naturally, digital currencies are being promoted as efficient and modern. They are no such thing. This is a civil liberties issue and needs to be stopped.

Patrick Barron is a private consultant to the banking industry. He has taught an introductory course in Austrian economics for several years at the University of Iowa. He has also taught at the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin for over twenty-five years, and has delivered many presentations at the European Parliament.

 

Patrick Barron | Mises Wire

Mises Wire We heartily encourage reprints and shares of Mises Wire articles. If you wish to reproduce an article in your blog, magazine, radio show, newspaper column, classroom material, textbook, discussion group, website, or any other venue, please do so. The original publication source must be included in an appropriate place.

The post The Dangers of a “Cashless” Economy appeared first on Granite Grok.

Califronia legalied prostitition. What could go wrong? Well, whatever one might expect. Increased visibility, more human trafficking, and wait for it. The cops can’t talk to the girls (unless they look underage), but they are all about ending the trafficking.

Who doesn’t oppose human trafficking (aside from the open-borders crowd, sex-work advocates, mostly Democrats)? California.

 

“Police can’t literally go and talk to them because they don’t have a right to talk to them because they are not doing anything wrong…Even if they are going out talking to someone in their car and sitting there when all they are wearing is less than a G-string,” National City Mayor Ron Morrison told CBS 8 news.

So they can’t stop solicitation, and it seems like there is limited ability to prevent indecent behavior (or sex in a nearby ally, for example) – don’t look kids! but the police say they are focused on the human trafficking that fuels sex work.

 

 

“Where we work in South Los Angeles, we’re not addressing sex workers where there is a voluntary exchange between two people,” Pinto said.

“What we are doing is addressing the human trafficking at the Figueroa corridor. There is a fear factor or coercion, and in the end, that pimp takes all of the money and she doesn’t get any money back. It’s been an ongoing problem for years, but the corridor has become an area where there’s been an uptick in trafficking victims.” ..

The problem has become so bad that the city, the LAPD, the LA City Attorney’s Office, local nonprofits, the Department of Children and Family Services and the US Attorney’s Office have banded together and started a new program in September called the “Figueroa Initiative” to help victims of human trafficking.

 

Prostitution is legal statewide, so it isn’t a problem limited to Los Angeles. But it is a problem. In August, we reported on the not-so-well-enough-known fact that sex work was legal in Rhode Island for nearly 30 years.

 

People who profit from prostitution are typically its boosters. They call it sex work, describe it as a right, and dress it up as a noble calling. That sounds great, but what legalized sex work actually looks like is slavery, trafficking, and sexual assault.

 

Democrats in California sell it as some empowering right. If a woman wants to sell her body, that’s her business. But it is always someone else’s business; the girls are just sex slaves to that revenue stream. Many end up addicted, mistreated, and, when used up, tossed in the trash. So, while it is noble to focus on human trafficking, legal sex work enables it and makes it harder on law enforcement and easier for traffickers.

Many of whom, by the way, move women and children across the porous southern border over which Democrats appear to care very little. Another policy that enables human trafficking. It makes you wonder who in Sacramento represents organized crime, cartels, MS13, and other street gangs who run the girls. Women aren’t making money or feeling empowered. They are victims, and the State of California made treating them that way legal.

 

HT | NewsWars

The post LA Is Full of Whores – Is Anyone Surprised by That? appeared first on Granite Grok.

Construction is a complex and demanding industry that requires a wide array of tools, equipment, and safety measures to ensure projects are completed efficiently and without compromise. From the heavy machinery that moves the earth to the handheld devices that add the finishing touches, there are numerous must-haves in the construction world. This article will explore some key essentials construction professionals need in their arsenal.

Protective Gear

Safety should be the top priority in construction work. Hard hats, steel-toed boots, reflective vests, safety glasses, and ear protection are some of the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that every construction worker should wear. These items protect individuals from falling objects, hazardous materials, loud noises, and other workplace dangers.

Construction Vehicles

Construction sites require various vehicles, from bulldozers and excavators to dump trucks and concrete mixers. These heavy-duty machines are indispensable for tasks like excavation, transportation of materials, and concrete pouring. Forklifts, a critical subset of construction vehicles, are invaluable for handling heavy loads and moving them efficiently within the construction site.

Forklifts

Forklifts, often called lift trucks, are vital tools in construction work. They are used for lifting and transporting heavy materials, equipment, and palletized goods. Forklifts come in various sizes and configurations, including counterbalance, rough terrain, and telehandlers, each suited for specific tasks.

One of the primary advantages of forklifts is their ability to improve productivity by streamlining material handling processes. They are particularly crucial in moving heavy loads to elevated positions, such as during the construction of multi-story buildings. Moreover, forklifts are versatile machines with different attachments, like buckets, clamps, and forks, to adapt to various construction needs. Finding a reputable Komatsu forklift dealer can ensure the smooth operation of your material handling needs on the construction site.

Hand Tools

A wide range of hand tools is essential for construction work. These include hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, saws, tape measures, and levels. They are used for various tasks, such as framing, fastening, and precise measurement. Electric power tools like drills, saws, and grinders are also used in construction for added efficiency.

Materials

Construction requires many materials, including cement, steel, lumber, bricks, insulation, etc. The quality and availability of these materials are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the final product. Efficient storage and management of these materials are essential to prevent delays and costly errors.

Safety Barriers and Signage

Construction sites must be well-marked and secured to protect workers and the public. This includes barriers, cones, signs, and caution tape to prevent accidents and ensure unauthorized individuals stay out of potentially dangerous areas.

Power Sources

Construction sites often require power sources for tools and equipment. This may involve generators, extension cords, and electrical panels to provide the necessary electricity for various tasks. Power sources should be managed carefully to avoid accidents and disruptions.

Communication Tools

Effective communication is essential on construction sites to coordinate tasks and ensure safety. Walkie-talkies, mobile phones, and two-way radios are commonly used to facilitate communication between workers, supervisors, and other team members.

Safety Plans and First Aid

Every construction site should have a comprehensive safety plan. This includes emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and easy access to first-aid kits. First-aid supplies are essential for addressing minor injuries and preventing them from becoming more severe.

In conclusion, construction is a multifaceted industry that relies on many tools, equipment, and safety measures to function effectively and safely. Each item plays a critical role in the construction process, from the heavy machinery that reshapes the landscape to the small handheld tools that add the finishing touches. Among these, forklifts stand out as indispensable machines for the efficient movement of heavy materials, and their safe operation is paramount to ensure the success of any construction project.

The post Must-Haves When It Comes to Construction Work appeared first on Granite Grok.

It’s not like we needed another reason NOT to vote for Nikki Haley. Shrieking “finish them” (who knew Miss Nikki was into Mortal Kombat) as advice to Israel and announcing that she is going to turn the Department of Defense into the Department of Offense were sufficient to conclude that she is a lightweight who needs to be kept as far from power as possible. But there is more.

Judd let-them-eat-cake Gregg … globalist, corporatist, warmonger and a RINO’s RINO … has endorsed little Miss Nikki:

 

ENDORSEMENT: Judd Gregg: “The nation needs @NikkiHaley: A strong leader who can win” #FITN #Haley2024 #NHforNH https://t.co/PHNNpzyYzM

— Mak Kehoe (@MakKehoe) October 25, 2023

The post And Yet Another Reason NOT To Vote For Nikki Haley appeared first on Granite Grok.

Two days ago, my lovely bride and I took a short drive to hang out with a packed backroom at Murphy’s in Manchester. Americans for Prosperity NH was hosting a Pints and Policy event, and the subject was housing and New Hampshire’s “Housing Crisis.”

It was good to see Victoria Sullivan, Len Turcotte, Jon DiPietro, Chris Maidment, Dan McGuire, and a slew of other folks. The please was packed. And it wasn’t just the free food, drink ticket, and APF swag. As we were reminded, housing is a priority concern for New Hampshire residents. That’s what all the polling says. Everyone is concerned about housing.

More demand than supply. Prices are too high. Young people can’t afford to move out or move here. The solution is simple. We need more housing. But how do you do that?

The Panel included Greg Moore and Drew Cline, and my apologies for forgetting the names of the other two guys (one not local), the other part of a special standing committee in the NH House on housing. I was eating and not taking notes. They each spoke for a bit, and the consensus was this. We need more housing. Local government is the most significant barrier. If you don’t want the state to command and control the Zoning and other issues from Concord, you must find ways to make changes in your town.

 

The Panel

The response to this and the general conversation about addressing the issue was predictable, and it is likely what drew the crowd. Getting elected to a zoning or planning board won’t make a damn bit of difference, say people who’ve done that. The citizens vote on the master plan, and while housing may concern them, they don’t want it, whatever it is, in their backyard.

 

Concerned about city apartment complexes with no green space for kids

The “it” could be apartment complexes, duplexes, smaller lot sizes, workforce housing, or mixed Zoning to allow any of the above.

The Panel brought up great ideas and explained the issue, and there are solutions somewhere in there, but I don’t see that happening if the goal is to avoid a top-down statewide solution. People don’t want closer neighbors or increased traffic or – as I like to joke in my town – thousands of new families using up the water we haven’t had enough of (odd/even watering bans) for what seemed like decades.

 

Rep. Walsh waiting to have a say.

One thing that came up that made sense was to address barriers to construction in general. There are always excessive regulations, not just from the Department of Environmental Services. Most towns have plenty of buildable residential land to suit one-acre lots and more affordable housing if permitted. There are Mixed-use industrial areas where apartments would make sense.

 

Jack talks about Zoning…

Merrimack has been adding apartment buildings like mad, almost exclusively in industrial/mixed-use areas, and at least one near Route Three with easy access to the highway. I’m still miffed about the alleged water-use problem being ignored while we add thousands more water users, and I don’t think we were short on water, but now? Thanks, planning Department. Maybe we will.

Another issue not broached, and one I have discussed with landlords is that while developers want to build apartment buildings, they are never affordable. Rents are high. Apartments are in demand. You build to take advantage of that. No one is going to develop themselves into lower rents. So? None of these new buildings will be” affordable” unless it’s government subsidized – and do we want to go there? I don’t think we do, at least not in any local master plan. This brings us back to what the Panel agreed we didn’t want—top-down state mandates. But I doubt there is another way.

And guess whose fault that will be?

The Republicans, some of them, will argue for less government interference, but you’ll have to stomp on local control to get them out of the way, which will piss off their base. Democrats love top-down interference and would gladly stomp on local control (as long as they leave gentrification loopholes for places like Hanover, Portsmouth, Durham, Keene, and Plymouth). Still, those kooks will vote Democrat anyway for the grooming and abortion, so that’s not a risk for the Left.

If Republicans protect local control, the Dems will crush them as uncaring bastards unwill to address the housing crisis, but if they do, their voters might revolt – party divisions, civil war.

We never said Liberty wasn’t messy.

In other words, everyone thinks this is a problem, but the problem has problems.

It was a good idea for AFP to get it out there. But in the end (IMO), Republicans could end up paying for it.

 

 

The post Pints & Policy – AFP Takes a Whack at The Housing Crisis in New Hampshire appeared first on Granite Grok.

War is no longer a battle between two foes while the world watches for the outcome, especially when the struggle involves countries in the Middle East. With Joe Biden putting the American petroleum industry in chains, the Middle East has regained prominence as the region supplying the majority of oil to much of the world.

We have seen a general slowdown in the U.S. Economy in the last few weeks, and many are making a case for an impending recession. America is officially at about a 3% inflation rate, but that is a cumulative number, and the actual year-over-year inflation is reported to be around 19%. We need a correction as reality is even worse than the reported stats, as those stats are manipulated by which categories of the economy are included. 

Donald Trump made comments from outside the courtroom in New York City, where he is in the middle of a civil trial. He is being sued for fraudulent business practices by the City of New York. He laid it out perfectly how, even with the Pandemic, he handed over a strong, growing economy, gas prices under $2.00, and a country that was energy independent and an exporter of petroleum products to the world.

With horrendous and swift policy decisions, Joe Biden made us energy-dependent on evil countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. We are at their mercy for high prices for gas at the pump and questionable supply lines. Biden has erased all of the economic gains we made under Trump, where the middle class had seen the most significant income gains in history, and the trickle-down economy was working. Biden, who claims to be the champion of the middle class, has crushed it. Savings are at an all-time low, and credit card balances are at an all-time high.

With economic numbers in the tank, along with Biden’s approval numbers, there is no shift in policy in Biden’s mind. Even the liberal President Bill Clinton made considerable adjustments to his economic plans after his first two years in office. A wise man sees the need to change and does. A foolish man cannot see the need for change and digs his heels in when he should shift. Clinton made the change, and Biden will never. One was wise. The other was feeble.

As the scope of the war becomes more apparent, we will know who is involved, which side they are supporting, and what their impact on the global economy will be. We understand that the international and American economies are in for a shock. We are all dependent on oil, and the production will slow, and the cost per barrel will skyrocket. What most people do not understand is oil cost doesn’t just impact gas and heating costs.

Petroleum products are in nearly every consumer product. This scenario is not good news for the middle class, especially going into the holiday season and winter. One crucial fact the middle class must remember is we are in this predicament, the war and economy, because of the Champion of the Middle Class, Joe Biden. Maybe he is the champ, as the middle class is on the mat, taken the count, and said, “uncle.”

The post War, Oil, Inflation, And Global Economy appeared first on Granite Grok.

One of the tried and true euphemisms of politics is when someone in elected or appointed office steps aside to spend more time with family. It likely means they are in trouble and need to step out of the spotlight before it finds a microphone and ruins them.

Does Jon Stewart have a similar situation?

Apple TV has been paying him to do something for the past two years that was supposed to pass for entertainment and they have abruptly stopped. No more Jon Stewart Show on Apple TV.

 

Jon Stewart’s show on Apple’s streaming service is abruptly coming to an end, according to several people with knowledge of the decision, the result of creative differences between the tech giant and the former “Daily Show” host…

Mr. Stewart and Apple executives had disagreements over some of the topics and guests on “The Problem,” two of the people said. Mr. Stewart told members of his staff on Thursday that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern among Apple executives, a person with knowledge of the meeting said. As the 2024 presidential campaign begins to heat up, there was potential for further creative disagreements, one of the people said.

 

Stewart’s ratings were alleged to be lousy, and the irreconcilable creative difference might be where Stewart wasn’t creating any value for Apple. And that still plays if the problem was Jon wanting to poke China in the eye. Like like most Yuge business models, Apple relies on China to make things cheaply so that when US consumers overpay for their products, they make a lot more money.

Apple axing Stewart over his wanting to make fun of China would be, as John Sexton writes at Hot Air, “pretty repulsive.” But if Stewart was dragging audience eyeballs to the platform in meaningful numbers (droves!), does Apple look the other way, even just a little bit? And how arrogant is Stewart to think that he’s Jon Stewart and he can get another show someplace else if Apple kicks him to the curb over creative differences?

Maybe he can. I’ve never been a fan and never watched his show past sharing the odd clip, so I may not be the best person to answer that question, but I bet he could get a job on MSNBC tomorrow. But The Problem with Jon Stewart (or for Jon Stewart) is they won’t be able to make fun of China there, either, if that was true the issue. He would need to wade into different waters for that. Daily Wire. Daily Caller. EPOCH Times. Which is why I think he’s done over lousy ratings and not creative differences, and I won’t even notice he’s gone.

 

HT | Hot Air

The post Apple TV Cancels Jon Stewart’s Show Over Creative Differences (Cough Cough) appeared first on Granite Grok.

The new iPhone just dropped just a few weeks ago, and it is already trending for multiple reasons.

From the view, reviews, and features list, you will find so many contradictory opinions on the new iPhone. While most people will tell you, it is the most sophisticated gadget on the market right now, others will tell you the iPhone had a fall from grace. No matter what you believe, the reality is that you will be tempted to buy the new iPhone, but considering the price, you need to first assess whether it’s bang for the buck or not from a utility standpoint.

In most parts of the world, the iPhone is considered a status symbol, a visible indication of this theme can be noticed in the daring industry where people look down on Android phones. This trend is common in the United States while other countries have mixed reviews about Apple as a brand.

With the iPhone, you can do anything, from working on the go to turning anywhere into a photo studio. To unleash the full power of your iPhone, you need to use a good internet connection like Optimum Internet. With the use of the internet, you cannot just stay entrained but you can also complete your official work.

Apple A Luxury or Necessity?

Apple is the only brand that puts people on the waiting list and launches just one phone per year. On the contrary, you will see hundreds of Android phones trying to compete with the iPhone. The brand revolves around perfecting the design and offering the most sophisticated technology.

iPhone is so far one of the most talked about and most sought-after phones, which says a lot about Apple as a brand. However, tech experts believe that it is not an upgrade considering it has pretty much similar features with no prominent upgrade.

From its camera to its software, the new iPhone 15 does not meet the expectations of the customers. Before you start believing these tech experts, you need to look at the iPhone 15 from a monetary point of view as well as from a tech point of view.

The New Updates in iPhone 15

The new iPhone 15 has a very sleek design, and it is making rounds because of the titanium body. More people are buying the latest iPhone to jump on the status bandwagon, but it is just a flex and nothing more. The new iPhone was openly criticized for its fragile body and bad cooling system. From heating up to a cracked screen and no mention worthy improvement, the new iPhone has disappointed even loyal customers.

For people who already own the iPhone 14, the latest version is not worth it. However, if you own anything less than an iPhone 13, maybe it is a much better time for you to update your phone. Still, if you want to compare it to an Android or put a value on the latest version based on the amount you will be spending a simple answer is – do not do it.

In the coming months, Apple might come up with a basic solution that addresses the heating or add some other improvements to the phone, which would be a great window to upgrade your phone.

What to Choose – Android Vs Apple?

This is the oldest question in the tech world. People who cannot afford an iPhone or have used an iPhone will still be interested in addressing the elephant in the room. From articles to reviews and even blogs, you will see almost everyone comparing Android with Apple.

A simple way to address this issue is to pick the best value-for-money proposition. There is no doubt that Android offers innovation, and you can get much better features within your budget, but Android is not reliable. Amount of data, time of use, and the brand you pick, almost everything dictates the user experience.

Moreover, within one year, your pricy phone will start to slow down. Most Android users keep mentioning the camera quality because no matter how many cameras or how much resolution an Android offers, it will never beat an iPhone.

On the contrary, Android is user-friendly, offers much more control, and has a long list of features that the iPhone cannot offer. The best thing about Android is that almost all the brands offer Android, so you have a much bigger pool of choices. From $100 to $1000, you can get to choose the phone of your dream. Moreover, android offers full control and has a vast connectivity option as well.

Bottom Line

To sum it all up, there is no doubt having the latest iPhone 15 seems like a dream come true, but you need to figure out if it is just societal pressure or if it is a necessity. From a technology point of view, the new iPhone is not worth it unless you are still using iPhone 12.

 

The post Is the New iPhone Worth Your Money? appeared first on Granite Grok.

Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a staunch conservative figure in American politics, was elected as the 56th Speaker of the House on October 25, 2023, following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.

He is the first speaker to have been elected from Louisiana and the shortest-tenured representative to be elected Speaker since John G. Carlisle in 1883. He has demonstrated his conservatism through his voting record, earning a lifetime rating of 92% from the American Conservative Union and 90% from Heritage Action.

Johnson is an ally of the House Freedom Caucus, known for its conservative views. Representative Andy Biggs proposed Johnson as a possible compromise candidate for Speaker of the House after members of the House Freedom Caucus opposed McCarthy’s bid for the speakership. He is also closely associated with Jim Jordan, a prominent figure in the Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Mike Johnson’s support for former President Donald Trump was unwavering, particularly during the impeachment trials. During both impeachment trials, Johnson served on Trump’s legal defense team, faithfully defending the actions of the former president. This move demonstrated Johnson’s alignment with Trump’s policies and America First and Make America Great Again (MAGA) ideologies, further cementing his standing as a Trump ally.

Trump lent support to Johnson in the speaker’s race, highlighting Johnson’s strong ties to the former president.

Regarding funding, Johnson’s campaign contributions predominantly come from grassroots supporters in his district. This is markedly different from many other politicians who rely on large donations from K Street, the hub of lobbying in Washington, D.C. Johnson’s grassroots funding is a testament to his connection with his constituents and his commitment to representing their interests.

Johnson’s election as Speaker of the House has caused quite a stir in Washington D.C., notably among lobbyists on K Street. His conservative solid stance and alignment with Trump’s policies have created a sense of unease among those who oppose these ideologies. This reaction clearly indicates the significant impact Johnson’s election is expected to have on the political landscape.

Johnson has a notable voting record against all Ukraine spending after the initial bill. He supports ending American military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. This stance has earned him an F rating from ‘Republicans for Ukraine.’

In terms of the 2020 election, Johnson was among 147 Republicans who voted to overturn the election results, a clear objection to certifying them and declaring it as an election fraud.

Johnson has also shown his willingness to challenge the political establishment. For instance, he called for the arrest of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House at the time, after she tore up the State of the Union.

Rep. Mike Johnson’s unyielding support for Trump, his grassroots funding, and the ripple effects of his election as Speaker of the House underscores his significant role in current American politics. His actions and policies have shown that he is a firm conservative, committed to upholding the principles he believes in.

Indeed, Representative Mike Johnson is a figure who embodies the values of America First. His conservative voting record, legal defense of Trump, objection to Ukraine spending, and willingness to challenge the political establishment make him a prominent figure in the push to “take back OUR HOUSE.”

The post WE HAVE A SPEAKER: Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana appeared first on Granite Grok.

Stephen Colbert is popular with COVID. COVID loves him. He’s had it at least three times, the most recent of which has cost him another week on the air—no shows while he recovers, which makes me wonder. Perhaps COVID loves Colbert becasue it hates his program, and it is doing us a solid.

 

A message from Stephen:
Sorry to say, per doctor’s orders, I’m going to be out for the rest of the week. Resting up so that I can deliver the hand crafted, artisanal talk show that we so enjoy serving you. In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank… pic.twitter.com/7ZHyK7fNit

— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) October 18, 2023

 

It would be a lot safer if he put the Paxlovid in his socks. It is the Pfizer Drug to treat COVID because the Pfizer drug you got made you more susceptible to it. The Pfeds bought millions of doses, and you could get them without a prescription at almost any pharmacy, which is so backward. We tried to pass a law in NH allowing that for Ivermectin, but it got vetoed by the governor. Safe, affordable Ivermectin is a no, but not so safe Paxlovid flies off the pharmacy shelf without a sound from the same guy.

And Paxlovid doesn’t even work, nor was it officially approved as a COVID treatment until May of 2023, long after Pfizer had cashed the checks. And only if you meant “treat” the way COVID loves Stephen Colbert. Paxlovid COVID rebound. Colbert COVID Rebound. And the Colbert post-COVID show Rebound. They all keep coming back.

Here’s COVID Colbert’s embarrassing vaccine propaganda.

 



 

The post mRNA Vaccines’ Leni Riefenstahl Gets COVID Again – Has to Cancel Shows appeared first on Granite Grok.

Israel has been the epicenter of the conflict between her and Hamas since October 7. Hamas started this battle with an insurgence through the usual steadfast boundary around Israel, and these animals butchered, burned, killed, and abducted anyone in their path.

Over 200 innocent Israelis and Americans were taken back into Gaza and hidden deep in the tunnel system below Gaza. These captive hostages were now human shields for Hamas. Over 7,000 rockets have been launched from Gaza into Israel in the seventeen days since the initial attack.

The fighting was first on the southern border of Israel but has spread to the north as Hezbollah has joined the attack on Israel, launching additional missiles into Israel and testing the limits of the Iron Dome. Hezbollah operates out of Lebanon, but evidence is abundant they are funded and supported by Iran. There is no doubt that Iran is pulling the strings on both of these terrorist groups and will probably enter the battle when Israel launches its ground attack on Gaza.

The United States Navy has three powerful groups of ships in three seas in the region where they can prevent attacks on Israel and launch attacks against any country that joins the fray. Though thousands are in ready mode, U.S. ground troops are not in the area as yet. It seems inevitable that the U.S. military will join forces with Israel, but against which country is still unanswered. Plans are in the works to evacuate thousands of Americans, which gives credence to a more significant battle in the immediate future.

With the House of Representatives still in a quagmire with no Speaker, no aid package can be approved to assist Israel, but the Pentagon can still put assets in place and transfer equipment and munitions to Israel. Especially needed are missiles for the Iron Dome, which has effectively intercepted thousands of incoming missiles. Rumblings are heard across the entire Middle East, but there is no certainty which countries will actively join either side. Fringe groups are confronting U.S. military personnel in many surrounding countries. When the ground fighting pairs with the air strikes, we may see this battle spread widely in the region.

Hamas has released two hostages each of the last two days, but with still over 200 captives, the release pace is far too slow. Those released have indicated they were held underground, and the tunnel system is extensive. Any battle in Gaza will be three-pronged: ground, air, and subterranean. On Tuesday, a heated exchange between the U.N. Secretary-General and Israel’s Ambassador prompted a demand for the secretary-general’s resignation when he justified the attack by Hamas on Israel. This tone from the Secretary symbolized the anti-Israel feelings prevalent in the United Nations. Instead of doing its job to try and de-escalate the conflict, the feckless body threw gas on the fire. There is no timetable, but more apparent daily that this powder keg will blow at any moment.

The post Israel In The Bullseye, Conflict Circle To Grow appeared first on Granite Grok.

There’s something magical about sipping a cup of herbal tea brewed from fresh, homegrown herbs. Not only do you get to enjoy a cup of delicious and aromatic tea, but you also reap the therapeutic benefits of these herbs. With our partner MyGlobalFlowers, you can brighten a friend’s day by sending a thoughtful gift.

MyGlobalFlowers offers an online flower delivery app worldwide, and you can surprise your friends with a selection of plants for their garden.

Creating your own herbal tea garden is a rewarding and flavorful journey that allows you to cultivate a variety of herbs for teas while connecting with nature. In this article, we’ll explore the pleasures and advantages of growing your own herbal tea garden.

The Joy of Gardening

The process of cultivating herbs for tea is a therapeutic and fulfilling endeavor. It connects you with the natural world and allows you to witness the miraculous growth of plants from tiny seeds or seedlings into lush, aromatic herbs. Gardening provides an opportunity for relaxation, stress relief, and the simple pleasure of nurturing life.

Herbal Diversity

One of the joys of growing your herbal tea garden is the incredible diversity of herbs you can cultivate. From soothing chamomile to invigorating peppermint, there is an herb for every mood and occasion. You can experiment with different combinations of herbs to create your unique tea blends, tailored to your taste and wellness goals. This diversity also ensures a year-round supply of fresh tea ingredients.

Health Benefits

Herbal teas are renowned for their health benefits. Growing your herbs allows you to harvest them at their peak freshness, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional and therapeutic value from your teas. Herbs like lavender, lemon balm, and echinacea have calming and immune-boosting properties. The act of growing, harvesting, and brewing your own herbal teas promotes a holistic approach to wellness.

Environmental Benefits

Cultivating your herbal tea garden can have positive environmental impacts. By growing your own herbs, you reduce the need for store-bought tea products that often come in non-recyclable packaging. Additionally, you can avoid the chemicals and pesticides that may be present in commercially grown herbs, opting for organic and sustainable gardening practices.

Culinary Adventures

Growing herbs for tea can also enhance your culinary adventures. Many herbs used for tea, such as mint, lemon verbena, and basil, can be incorporated into your cooking. They can add unique flavors and aromatic elements to dishes, transforming your home-cooked meals into culinary delights. This dual-purpose aspect of herbal gardening adds extra value to your garden.

Educational Opportunity

Creating a herbal tea garden is an educational journey. You get to learn about the specific needs and growing conditions of various herbs. You’ll gain knowledge about the history and traditional uses of these herbs, as well as modern scientific research on their health benefits. Sharing this knowledge with others, especially children, can be a valuable educational experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Herbal tea gardens are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents of herbs can turn your garden into a visual and sensory delight. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile often have ornamental value, making them beautiful additions to your outdoor space.

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of growing your herbal tea garden is a flavorful adventure filled with joy, health benefits, and environmental advantages. It allows you to connect with nature, nurture your well-being, and explore the diverse world of herbal teas. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, you can create a thriving herbal tea garden and savor the delights it brings to your life, one cup at a time. So, why not start your own herbal tea garden today and enjoy the rewards of this flavorful journey?

 

The post Growing Your Own Herbal Tea Garden: A Flavorful Journey appeared first on Granite Grok.

Bud Light took a pounding all summer long after picking a man to represent women. But things had quieted down. People who’d dropped the brand had moved on, and everything appeared settled. Except it’s not.

Bud paid the UFC $100 million in sponsorship fees, and fans are dragging both of them into the octagon.

 

The UFC and Anheuser-Busch announced that Bud Light would be the official beer of the mixed martial arts promotion, this a part of a “nine-figure deal” that also happens to be Dana White & Co’s biggest sponsorship ever. In other words, it wasn’t hard for Dana and UFC to accept a bag from the anti-American beer giant.

 

The Twitterverse took to the interwebs of X and expressed its disdain for the deal, but what happens on Twitter doesn’t always translate into the real world. The test – and this is a true test of how damaged Bud Light is as a brand – is whether the UFC pays any meaningful price for the venture.

 

The response was outright anger from Americans, with several blasting UFC and calling for a boycott against the company, and not just that, but renewed calls for Bud Light also got sparked up. Needless to say, the United States hasn’t gotten over the Dylan Mulvaney nonsense, and who the hell wants to drink Bill Gates juice?

 

If you forgot, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation dropped a chunk of money on Bud Stock. Couch cushion cash, really. But real money to the rest of us.

 

The Gates move could inspire other investors to drop a dime or two on the stock, which might bring it back a bit, but absent rising real-world sales (and value), it would be an empty gesture and a bad investment. Not that Bill (sorry, his Foundation) couldn’t dump the shares in another gesture called profit-taking if the price bumps a bit.

 

At the time of the buy, there was some debate about who should be more leery of the move, Bud Light or Bill Gates. The latter is not exactly popular with beer drinkers either.

In the end, or at least so far, the Gates Foundation investment has lost about 6 million in value, so Bill didn’t help Bud. And I could wish the UFC and Bud Light luck, but I think, in the end, they will beat each other up, and neither side will win.

 

HT | Daily Caller

The post The UFC Reminds Americans Why They Bailed on Bud Light appeared first on Granite Grok.