Posted originally on the CTH on February 29, 2024 | Menagerie
Sometimes it isn’t even safe.
I saw a post at Ace of Spades about women who love feminized men. They are calling them babygirl, and apparently both the young women who are attracted to these guys, and the men themselves consider it a compliment.
Here’s a quote I lifted from the Ace post, which I believe originates from his link to the NY Post.
A man who is “babygirl” comes across as sweet, charming, a bit bashful and seemingly in touch with their feminine side, ready to talk about their feelings or carry a purse to brunch at any point.
It’s exactly what women want and men want to become — the antithesis of toxic macho masculinity.
They are presenting it as “mental health.”
First of all, let me say without sarcasm, beware anything presented these days as mental health, and especially consider the sources.
I would like to make some comments which I hope will be shared to young women of dating age. I appeal to these young ladies to stop and consider, to think about what is important.
Not everyone you will date will be someone you want to consider for a long term commitment, or for marriage. That is as it should be. A wise young woman will spend some years learning what type of young man she will be most happy, content, and compatible with, and learning to judge people, especially men, who are trustworthy, loyal, and reliable, and those who are not.
But imagine yourself at the point of seeking a long term commitment leading to marriage. Let’s look only at the personal, most selfish aspects of the potential relationship first. Believe me, they have much wider implications.
No matter what kind of woman you are, your professions, education, race, religion, or politics, if you have the brains God gave a goose and some common sense and self awareness, you want a partner who isn’t high maintenance and doesn’t require undue effort and work.
In other words, you are looking for someone who will give as much as they take. And please note, this is a mutable, changeable, flexible give. There is no static 50/50 in a relationship. Some days it’s close, but other days, it’s all on one side, and then things swing back to a more centered relationship. Ah, and then there are, in committed, long term, stable relationships that build people, families, the world, the weeks, months, and years of one sidedness.
Those are the ups and downs of life, and not to be confused with selfishness or the shallowness of people who won’t commit.
For example, almost four years ago I had a serious fall which left me with a long term injury. Last year I had to have an ankle replacement because of it. These past years have been a trial for me, physically and mentally, and my husband bore a greater load because of it. I see that, appreciate it, and am so grateful for it. And I can honestly say, I’d bet he’s never even had that thought. We don’t have a running tally, a measuring system.
When our kids were young, it was necessary in the job he had and loved that he work and be away from home long, long hours. Sometimes there was travel. That put the burden of the day to day home life, kids, school, cooking, almost all of it, on me during the week.
A lot of men and women I know today measure that stuff rigidly, and boy, it’s important to them, but it was a way we had to live, especially since we needed the money so much. I saw it as a sacrifice on his part, not selfishness.
And so we went, year after year, back and forth, giving, taking, living, loving, sharing.
Back to your dating life. I hope that personal example illustrated my point. If you are just dating and having fun, it’s unlikely that you want to be the one who does all the work, compromising, and giving, even in a casual relationship. A babygirl, by the very definition of the word, needs to be pampered, cared for.
If you are looking for a partner for lifelong commitment, and allow me to say that if you look for a long term partner and don’t expect permanency and everything they have to give, stop there. You have some work to do on yourself. If you’re looking for real commitment, no one wants a loser, a user, a poser, a lightweight.
Let’s break this down into simple word pictures. Life is hard. Some days it throws the kitchen sink and the toilet at you. And then comes the bulldozer while you’re down. You’d better have a partner in those moments, those days, especially if you have kids. One who can stand his ground and push back hard at challenges.
One of the best feelings in the world is going to bed after an awful day and having the man you love, whose strengths see you through hard times, put his arms around you, settle you against his chest, make the world go away for a few precious hours in the shelter, yes, by golly, shelter, of his arms.
He’s stronger than you, bigger than you, harder than you. And that is reassuring, it’s a deep to the bone salve that tells you he won’t ever quit, give in, or whine when things get even harder. No, you won’t think these thoughts, more important, you will feel them.
And let me tell you this also, acknowledge it or not, you need those things. You were created to share those things with him, just as he was created to give them to you.
Throw them aside as toxic masculinity at your own peril.
Cute little harmless “babydoll” men are small fish, not big enough to be nourishing. Smile when you catch one, but throw it back in the pond because he isn’t a keeper. If you value men who overly share their feelings, who look so cute in their skinny jeans, man bun, and with their hollow chested androgynous figures and soft everything, including morals and character, then upon you will come misery, heartbreak, financial ruin quite possibly, and a lonely, lonely walk through a burden filled life with no one to share the load.
You’ll be expected to support him, emotionally always, and financially just about guaranteed during months and years when he’s finding himself, or really mentally ill. Or fired, addicted, cheating with who knows who or what, or just being his selfish, irresponsible babygirl self.
No man worthy of the title would give you a second shot if you came looking for whatever fluff sticks together such a missed the mark in every way male as this babydoll creature, nor should he.
Ladies, if you’re looking for merely pretty, for an entertaining toy, then go for it. Indulge yourself and go into it knowing the cost. Because really, you’re trying to combine two very different things. You need a best girlfriend, or several of them. That’s where you can make another type of deep emotional connection, share your fun times, your secrets, your hopes, and learn about life, guys, makeup, clothes, and yes, sex.
But if you have plans and dreams that involve marriage, babies, building a good, strong, happy, rock solid life, you’d better also look for a real man to build the foundation with. Anything less is your immaturity combined with imagination, fairy dust, and being so insecure that trooping along with the parade is more important to you than your own future.
Wanting a man secure in his own wonderful masculinity to share your life with does not make you less than him, weaker than him, though your own incredible, wonderful strengths are different than his. It doesn’t make you needy, selfish, immature, or, if you must, not a feminist or a modern woman.
It makes you a woman who knows her own mind and her own worth and demands her equal, and her due.
Posted originally on the CTH on February 8, 2024 | Sundance
This is likely to be a very interesting interview for multiple reasons. The “western world” has not heard much unfiltered or unscripted news about Russian President Vladimir Putin for several years, essentially since the sanctions were imposed in the aftermath of Russia’s entry into Ukraine and the subsequent war.
The backlash against Tucker Carlson has been extreme ever since his entry into Russia and visibility in Moscow was noticed. President Putin having the ability to speak directly to a western audience is not something any of the western government officials are comfortable with.
There are various excerpts of the transcript that have come out since the original mention by Carlson of the interview. A segment of what is claimed to be a partial transcript is below:
TUCKER: What would you tell the people running America?
PUTIN: Our message is Russia is not your enemy. We don’t want war. We’re ready for peace. Your leaders seek conflict. This is not what we want. Russia stands for its own people. We do not want what is not ours.
TUCKER: Would you visit Washington?
PUTIN: Yes, of course. I’ve been to the United States Before. I enjoy visiting and have met with every president except Joe Biden. If invited I would go. Yes.
TUCKER: What is your opinion of President Biden?
PUTIN: We’re convinced he is not running the country. Let’s say we have good sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see for themselves. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.
TUCKER: Do you think Joe Biden won fair and square?
PUTIN: I would rather not get into domestic American politics but will say my embassy reported your southern border was better run than that 2020 election. (chuckles)
TUCKER: One poll in America shows you more popular than Biden – any reaction?
PUTIN: (laughs) I don’t know if that should be taken seriously but Russian ideals have support. We believe in traditional values; marriage is between a man and a woman: men are men and women are women.
TUCKER: Who would you like to see as the next president of the United States?
PUTIN: Once again it is not for us to say or get involved. Contrary to longstanding accusations we do not meddle in your elections. We don’t need to because the same people end up running things anyway.
TUCKER: Why did you invade Ukraine?
PUTIN: Did we invade or were we invaded? Look at the history. Look at the people living there. Historically it’s we who were invaded and are simply fighting back now. The lands and people are Russian and we will have again what was always ours.
TUCKER: How will you fee lol if Trump won again?
PUTIN: We had good relations when Mr. Trump was president. There was no war. Our relations were at a high point. That said nothing is predictable or stats the same. We will have to see.
{EDIT ?}
PUTIN: I remember laughing to his jokes when he was a comedian in Russia. Let’s go back to laughs.
TUCKER: Why is that?
PUTIN: There are strong financial entities in whose interest it is to keep us as adversaries. One of your presidents warned against that. We Russians do not have that problem.
TUCKER: Do you see the United States as an enemy?
PUTIN: No. Categorically no. We were allies in WWII. Russians helped settle Alaska, California and we were in Hawaii too. Our people are not enemies but those in DC are certainly not our friends.
TUCKER: Can you be more specific and name names?
PUTIN: It would be pointless. It is not up to us to solve your domestic issues. Besides, I’m sure you know the names better than us.
TUCKER: So are you saying your adversary is not Joe Biden but the people behind him?
PUTIN: Exactly. Joe Biden may not even be aware of what’s going on. He may not understand the level of sanctions thrown at Russia. Who put those sanctions together? Those our the adversaries.
TUCKER: Is that why you are championing the BRICS?
PUTIN: The BRICS would exist anyway. It’s a natural reaction to the western trading block. It’s a counterweight. When the dollar is weaponized against states there will be a natural alternative to it. That’s what we want.
TUCKER: Is that why you and Russia have been targeted?
PUTIN: It’s more complicated than that but I’m sure it’s a good part of the reason. Whenever the dollar is endangered the United States takes extreme measures. It cannot afford to have the dollar fail.
TUCKER: But isn’t Russia weaker and more vulnerable economically than the US?
PUTIN: When you look at the size of economies we are small. But few people take into account our vast natural resources. Russia has over $80 trillion in the ground. No country even comes close to us.
TUCKER What is your opinion of President Biden?
{EDIT?}
PUTIN: We are convinced he is not running the country. Let’s say we have good sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see for themselves. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.
TUCKER: OK. Point well taken but don’t you have the same issues in Russia.
PUTIN: Yes. To a degree. But in Russia those interests are more aligned with the thinking of the average Russian man on the street. In the United States that is not the case. The elites have deserted you.
TUCKER: so who do you think is running the US then?
PUTIN: The forces which have always ran it. You may change presidents but you do not change those in real power. That is who we have to deal with. Joe Biden is just a facade for this power structure.
TUCKER: Let’s turn to politics. What’s your opinion of President Biden?
PUTIN: We’re convinced he’s not running the country. Let’s say we have sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership. So who do you think is running the US then?
PUTIN: The same forces which have always run it. You may change presidents but you do not change those in real power. That is who we have to deal with. Joe Biden is just a facade for this power structure.
TUCKER: Let’s turn to politics. What’s your opinion of President Biden?
PUTIN: We’re convinced he’s not running the country. Let’s say we have sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.
TUCKER: But there have been persistent reports you have cancer?
PUTIN: I assure you those rumors are false. if I had cancer and beat it I would share the good news and the cure with the world.
TUCKER: Thank you for sitting down with us. How is your health? There have been some rumors
PUTIN: I’m glad to talk to you and through you to the American people. I’m fine. I feel good. Given my years I’m in the best of health but father time.
TUCKER: Let’s turn to politics. What’s your opinion of President Biden?
PUTIN: We’re convinced he’s not running the country. Let’s say we have sources that confirm that but it’s plain for anyone to see. The US has now entered into a dark period. It has unaccountable leadership.
TUCKER: When you say some fear him are you saying Musk has enemies?
PUTIN: It’s clear to see he has enemies within the United States – the way he was stripped of $50 billion in assets – we would call that being signaled out for special treatment. It’s unfair on the face of it.
TUCKER: Didn’t you fear Musk when he started supplying Ukraine with Starlink gear?
PUTIN: If anyone seriously thinks a few internet dishes can defeat the might of Russia – well what can I say. But no, we did not fear or blame Mr. Musk. The government didn’t give him much choice.
TUCKER: Alot has changed in the world. What’s your opinion of Elon Musk?
PUTIN: We see Mr. Musk as a businessman – a highly successful one. He’s built a great fortune and a huge following. He’s a unique thinker with a force of personality who cannot be bought. Some fear that.
TUCKER: Do you any advice for Elon?
PUTIN: I would say continue on. Do not be intimidated. But if the going ever gets too rough there is Russia. We would gladly open our doors to you. We have welcomed American businessmen before and would value someone of Mr. Musk’s caliber.
TUCKER: Let’s turn to Trump. First tell me how you feel about the current situation with the likelihood of him being reelected?
PUTIN: It would be a bit strange and out of order but we are well prepared. He has promised to end the fighting in Ukraine and we support that notion.
TUCKER: How could he end you end the war so fast?
PUTIN: For one thing he never insulted us. He has a great respect for Russia. We would start from a position of friendship and trust – then all problems are solvable. We could get it done. Trust me.
TUCKER: Are you referring to Biden calling you a killer?
PUTIN: We have been the recipients of numerous insults and slurs going back a few generations of politicians. Mr. Trump was a refreshing break from that. He is very popular in Russia. Perhaps that won’t do him any good.
TUCKER: Are you in any communication with Trump?
PUTIN: No. Of course not. But should he win again our lines of communication would open up instantly whereas right now we have no dialogue with President Biden.
TUCKER: That’s shocking to me. No o e from the White House has been in contact with you?
PUTIN: That’s right. No one has called since we congratulated Mr. Biden on his election victory. It’s puzzling to us that communications are colder now than during the cold war.
TUCKER: How do you think the 2024 election will go?
PUTIN: We are just observing. It’s our responsibility to be vigilant since it will impact the world. We are hoping the election is carried out in a way where the results can be believed. In Russia we do not have mail in ballots.
TUCKER: Let’s turn to China. What is your relationship like?
PUTIN: President Xi and I are especially close. Russia and China are enjoying good relations as of now which is an obvious asset to us sunce they are one of our biggest energy partners. We will continue to be friends.
TUCKER: There are accusations China has helped you in the war in Ukraine. Is that true?
PUTIN: That is not something I can discuss. Let’s just say Russia isn’t an isolated power. That strategy has failed. We have more allies and trading partners now than before the war started.
TUCKER: Do you ever contemplate a situation where Russia and China may join forces against the United States?
PUTIN: Do you mean economically or militarily? I would say we want neither. It’s not in our interest to clash with the US because all sides would lose in such a conflict.
TUCKER: Speaking of conflicts, what is your take on the Gaza situation?
PUTIN: It is really unfortunate. The Palestinians are being devastated. Israel is acting in an unconstrained manner. It shows the terrible double standards in the world. Where are the sanctions on Israel?
TUCKER: Is Russia involved in any way especially through your alliance with Iran?
PUTIN: No. Of course not. We do not oppose the existence of Israel but at the same time we support the right of the Palestinians to self-determination. We want to be even handed.
TUCKER: Are you following what’s happening on the US southern border?
PUTIN: Actually yes. It’s part of my daily briefing. We Russians find it ironically amusing your Congress will spend billions protecting foreign borders but neglect its own. It’s quite laughable but deadly.
TUCKER: Deadly? How do you mean that?
PUTIN: Deadly serious of course. People are dying daily crossing your border in an uncontrolled way. It is a free-for-all. The world hasn’t seen anything like it in the modern era – reckless for a country to throw itself wide open like that.
TUCKER: Is Russia taking advantage of the border situation in any way?
PUTIN: No. Why should we. We don’t have to do a thing. America is self destructing. And as Napoleon said, don’t stand in the way of your enemy destroying themselves.
TUCKER: So then you do see America as an enemy?
PUTIN: That was just a saying but the current administration is definitely not a friend.
TUCKER: Can that be changed?
PUTIN: That’s why you have elections.
TUCKER: Thank you again for continuing to engage with me on so many different topics. Can we get even more interesting so to speak?
PUTIN: For sure. I am open to most subjects.
TUCKER Let’s touch on climate change. It’s still being pushed in the United States and Europe. What’s your position?
PUTIN: Humanity is not even a Type 1 civilization on the Kardashev scale. If we can’t harness the energy potential of the planet how can we control the climate?
TUCKER: Are you at least concerned?
PUTIN: I’m more concerned with real issues. Climate change is not one of them. The Earth does a fairly good job of regulating itself. And if Siberia gets a little warmer all the better. More farmland for Russia.
TUCKER: But what would you tell the true believers who’re convinced we’re headed for disaster?
PUTIN: I’d tell them worrying about climate change is like complaining about the weather. If you don’t like the climate, move. If you are worried about the weather, get an umbrella.
TUCKER: Along those lines, how do you see the transgender movement?
PUTIN: It’s interesting to me that all the things which use to be a target of blackmail are now badges of honor. In Russia there are no laws either way but we certainly do not force our children into it.
TUCKER: Russia has been criticized for its ant gay laws and as being unfriendly to LGBTQ+.
PUTIN: We have laws which protect our children. And we do not drape our embassies in rainbow flags. That’s correct. Otherwise we do not interfere in the private lives of adult citizens.
TUCKER: Do you follow American sports? We are about to have the Super Bowl.
PUTIN: In fact yes. Russia is a great sporting nation. We hosted the Winter Olympics and the World Cup fairly recently. We like all sport.
TUCKER: What do you think of American football?
PUTIN: It’s an interesting sport. But why do you call it football when the ball is almost always played with the hands? It also seems needlessly violent at times.
TUCKER: That’s true. Will you be watching?
PUTIN: The game will not be shown in Russia.
TUCKER: So you won’t get to see Taylor Swift either then?
PUTIN: No. We have been given a reprieve.
TUCKER: Thank you President Putin for your time.
Text by AMG-NEWS
{END TRANSCRIPT}
Again, I would review any pre-interview release transcript with a healthy dose of skepticism. There are multiple places where edits seem visible and repeated patterns make the authenticity of the transcripts questionable. Let’s just wait and see what Carlson broadcasts.
In an ordinary and stable world, this interview would not be controversial. However, in these times where the modern information war is now the dominant battle in the USA, this interview is considered extreme and potentially a national security threat.
Why is that? What is it about information that suddenly Western governments view as inherently dangerous? Have you ever wondered what is happening behind what is visible. For the “western alliance” to exhaust so much time and effort on controlling information, it really makes you wonder what the root of their anxiety is.
From my own research, the part that President Putin notes about the interests behind the financial sanctions is the most interesting path to follow.
Posted originally on the CTH on February 5, 2024 | Menagerie
I thought seriously about just trashing the recipe post when the first comment, and three of the first eight, were gripes and snark. Especially after I made a point of letting people know our party is about family, not football. But, I would really enjoy some fun and food recipes, and there are a few people left here who can enjoy these posts, and others who have the class not to ruin things if they aren’t in the mood.
This isn’t sarcasm here. Yes, I am mad. But apparently there is a need for a place to just blow off steam. I may actually do this second post every time I do any other post at all.
If you don’t like football, Taylor Swift, Kansas City or San Fran, or any other thing that puts a bee in your bonnet, here’s your place.
Blow off steam but keep it clean. This is not a place for you to bestow your nastiest vocabulary on us.
And please, consider letting the rest of us enjoy some normal.
Posted originally on the CTH on February 5, 2024 | Menagerie
Like a lot of people, I quit watching the Super Bowl some time ago. My oldest son is the only real pro football fan in the family, the rest of us only love college football. So, unless he is here for a visit, we don’t follow pro ball much. My husband stays current on playoff stuff each year just to be able to talk with (read aggravate) my son.
However, some time ago when I used to always be at work, my husband and youngest son decided to have a small family party and cook one of the leftover turkeys from Christmas in the deep fryer. Back in those days, the two of them cooked everything (I miss those days!) and it was all fried.
We have kept that family party alive, even though only a few of the guys watch the game now. I remember that after I retired I used to watch the commercials, and most of them were fun. Not so much anymore, but this is a recipe post, so, on to the important stuff.
Unfortunately, once we bought a smoker, I became the chief cook for the party. I am doing the meats this year, and I am looking for recipes.
I am still learning, and not as adventurous yet with the smoker as I am in my kitchen. I am looking for recipes to smoke that aren’t too hard. I don’t want to ruin a bunch of expensive meat when I have guests. We will probably have 12-15 people here, and I’m going to rely on appetizers and tailgate food for at least half the menu.
I will have a lot of smoked cream cheese, with pepper jelly. My favorite brand is Captain Rodney’s. Yum. I season the cheese with various rubs I usually use in smoking foods. I also plan to have bacon wrapped smoked meatballs, smoked cheezits, and smoked Alabama firecrackers, which I will do the day before. Maybe some candied smoked bacon, and definitely a smoked Mexican street corn casserole.
Help me out with some meat suggestions, preferably beef or pork. I usually default to cooking whole chickens, which I can shred, or not, and I am really good at that, and pork chops. I don’t want burgers or brats again.
Maybe I’m ready for a tri tip?
Please share all your best recipes for tailgating or a bowl party. We all still have time to change the menu, so everything’s on the table. And don’t neglect desserts! Ash Wednesday is next week on Valentines Day, so I’ll be looking for treats this weekend!
Posted originally on Jan 30, 2024 By Martin Armstrong
The severity of the migrant crisis may be new to those who do not live on a bordering state. Yet Texas has been grappling with this issue for years, resulting in countless calls for a secession from the United States or “Texit.” How would Texas manage as an independent nation?
Size and Population
Texas would be the 39th largest nation by land mass. Texas encompasses 268,596 sq. miles, roughly the size of France, and is larger than many developed nations including the United Kingdom. Texas had an estimated population of 30,503,301 as of July 2023, making it the second-most populous state in the United States after California. Texas would be the 50st most populous country in the world.
Economy
Texas has the second-largest economy in the United States behind California. In 2023, the Texas economy exhibited a mix of trends. While the state’s economic growth slowed in Q4, with job growth falling sharply in October and business activity contracting slightly in November, the real GDP for Texas grew at an annual rate of 4.9% in Q2, outpacing the U.S. growth rate of 2.1%. Its real GDP stood at $2.5 trillion in Q3 of 2023. Therefore, Texas is the world’s 8th largest economy.
For context, Russia’s economy was valued at $1.862 trillion in nominal terms and $5.056 trillion in PPP. Texas has a larger economy than Australia, Spain, Italy, and Mexico, to name a few.
Military Power
Texas alone boasts one of the best militaries in the world, with over 115,000 active duty troops. The Texas Military Forces, which include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard, have a total size of 23,200 personnel and a budget of $1.851 billion as of 2023. In addition to the state forces, Texas is also home to about 70,000 U.S. Army personnel, 30,000 Air Force troops, and 8,000 Navy and Marines. Texas is home to 15 military bases and installations distributed across the state, with most of them clustered around San Antonio and Corpus Christi.
Texas has two nuclear power plants. The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station, located southwest of Bay City, Texas, has two Westinghouse Pressurized Water Reactors with a total capacity of 2,700 megawatts. The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, located south of Fort Worth, Texas, also has two reactors with a total capacity of 2,300 megawatts. These two plants combined have an installed capacity of more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity and contribute to about 10% of Texas’ total energy generation.
I have created this site to help people have fun in the kitchen. I write about enjoying life both in and out of my kitchen. Life is short! Make the most of it and enjoy!
This is a library of News Events not reported by the Main Stream Media documenting & connecting the dots on How the Obama Marxist Liberal agenda is destroying America
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