Live
Free Or Die: Death Is Not The Worst Of Evils.
— General John Stark
Fall Is PumPkIn’s TIme To shIne
by Eric N Gibson Simple Feast Columnist
Can you imagine the stir, the kerfuffle, the internet controversy it would create in today’s world, if mom or dad were to cover the kitchen table with the “daily times,” set a pumpkin
upon the spread, and with a few cautionary words of advice such as, “Be careful!”, hand their child a butcher knife and walk out of the room to let their little Van Gogh create a visceral masterpiece suitable for adorning the front stoep?
Even Charles Schultz
found the macabre humor in such a once upon a time innocuous tale. In the opening of It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown after Lucy and Linus venture to the pumpkin patch and carefully select just the right pumpkin, Lucy
Vote For AmericA First
It seems like every election cycle we hear what has become the well-worn adage “The most important election in our lifetime.”
It is easy to see how overuse of this phrase has numbed it to many.
But this year the adage is very much alive and cannot be ignored.
Never before have we seen such a flagrant abuse of power in trying to keep a presidential candidate off the ballot using lawfare, and failing at that, following up by replacing a candidate, duly elected by the people of his party, with another who garnered not a single vote but was instead selected and installed by a handful of power players with no regard for the people’s voice.
Not just a threat to our election process, but a full on assault against it.
It becomes more obvious by the day as the Democrat Party’s anointed candidate shows no signs of being able to coherently explain policy that it matters not, since she will not be the one making the decisions if elected.
Donald Trump is not running against Kamala Harris, but an organization of behind the scenes unelected players who will be making the decisions for this country going forward. Decisions that are purposely designed to tear away at the very core of what America was created to be nearly 250 years ago and have us become part of a “Global” system of government where our very independence and strength as a nation will be at risk.
Does Donald Trump have his flaws? Of course, we all do. Not one of us created by God is perfect or ever will be. But the one thing he has is an unyielding love of America and will always put this country and the principles it was founded on first.
The real powers in charge of the Democrat Party will do everything they can to see that their anointed one is crowned so that they can rule from behind their curtain and bring us in line with the rest of the world. That is why every vote counts and this truly is “the most important election of our lifetime.”
Be sure to vote on November 5th for Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
Vote For America First!!
Continuing To Work
To The Editor:
As I am out and about during this election season, including drives to and from the Statehouse in Concord, I see highways and yards decorated (some would understandably say instead, cluttered or littered) with candidate and political group signs.
The meetings of the House and Senate having concluded months ago, one might not unreasonably think that the work of legislators has been put on pause until after people decide on November 5 who we want to represent us beginning next year. Not so.
One of my District-7 colleagues, Representative Barbara Comtois, is chairing a special House investigatory committee, while I have been working as a Speaker appointed one of two Republican members of a joint HouseSenate study committee that is focused upon the disturbing trend of certain land acquisitions being made in our country by China.
If you were to see what I have seen, I believe you too would be alarmed at the number of such acquisitions that have been made by China (that is, effectively the Chinese Communist Party that rules China) that border United States military bases and related facilities, such as states’ National Guard installations.
Indeed, as China expert Gordon Chang has stated, “[Chinese leader] Xi Jinping wants
to shape the world in China’s image, and in his conception of the world there is no place for the United States or even the current international order. Xi believes that he must destroy America to accomplish his objectives. And he has a plan.” Land acquisitions close to or adjacent to many of our national security locations is an important piece of this multifaceted plan.
During this past session, a bill responding to this emerging concern and sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell was voted for “Interim Study,” meaning that a majority of members deemed the bill worthy of consideration but in need of more work being done. Yes, New Hampshire shares responsibility with the federal government to protect us from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. And this includes the Space Force Facility in New Boston, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the State National Guard Headquarters in Concord.
While the original bill had China in view, we have agreed to extend its original ten miles land acquisitions’ prohibitions, and other restrictions and requirements to ALL U.S. State Department determined nations state sponsors of terrorism; so, for examples, Iran and North Korea.
So while you and I continue to drive by the plethora of campaign signs that will mercifully begin to disappear after November 5, please know that
I and other state legislators have been continuing to work for you and all of us, including protecting our state and nation against those who are seeking to destroy us and our beloved country, the world’s greatest democratic constitutional republic.
Rep. Paul Terry Alton, NH.
Protecting NH Advantage
To The Editor:
Over the past few years, New Hampshire Republicans have taken bold steps to ensure the state remains affordable for all. Their crown achievement was the successful phase-out of the Interest and Dividends Tax. By eliminating this tax, they have protected retirees, savers, and investors, reinforcing New Hampshire’s standing as one of the few states without an income tax. This is a key part of maintaining the New Hampshire Advantage which draws families, businesses, and retirees to our state.
In addition to the Interest and Dividends Tax, they cut the Meals and Rooms Tax, helping small businesses and easing the burden on families. Their focus on reducing business taxes has fostered job creation and kept our economy strong. These efforts have ensured that New Hampshire remains a low-tax, pro-business state.
See MAILBOAT on 26
This newspaper was first published in 1883 by Mathew H. Calvert as Calvert’s Weirs Times and Tourists’ Gazette and continued until Mr. Calvert’s death in 1902. The new Weirs Times was reestablished in 1992 and strives to maintain the patriotic spirit of its predecessor as well as his devotion to the interests of Lake Winnipesaukee. Our newspaper’s masthead and the map of Lake Winnipesaukee in the center spread are elements in today’s paper which are taken from Calvert’s historic publication. Locally owned for 30 years, this publication is devoted to printing the stories of the people and places that make New Hampshire the best place in the world to live. No, none of the daily grind news will be found in these pages, just the good stuff.
Published year round on Thursdays, we distribute 24,000 copies of the Weirs Times every week to the Lakes Region/Concord/ Seacoast area and the mountains and have an estimated 60,000 people reading this newspaper.
To find out how your business or service can benefit from advertising with us please call 603-366-8463.
The sTory oF WolFeboro’s PorT –ParT 2
by David Warren Contributing Writer
The Boston, Concord & Montreal RR wharf building was the first structure built at the waterfront to serve steamboats. As I mentioned earlier, the Winnipesaukee Steamboat Co. purchased the landing for their new steamboat (later named the Lady of the Lake) in 1848. Because outdoor photography was virtually non-existent before the end of the civil war, we can’t date the building. However, detailed financial records for the Lady reveal how it was used.
When the Lady returned to Wolfeboro at 7:30 after her 2 or 3 daily runs, the crew went to work transferring freight between the boat and the building. They also loaded dry goods stored in the building into the boat to support the meals they’d serve the next day. The records show strong business in freight and passenger service, especially in the 1880’s. When the Boston & Maine RR took over the port on
June 30, 1892, they had no further need for the building and sold it to the proprietors of the Lewando & Mattison store in the adjacent Goodwin block on Main St., who used it as a storage building (the financial records for the Lady listed the store as a major supplier). The wharf building was destroyed in a disastrous fire that I’ll discuss shortly. Before we move on to the story of the second wharf building, let’s have a brief look at the development of the Wolfeboro RR.
The big boats operated by the rail lines at Alton Bay and the Weirs kept Wolfeboro well connected to the outside world in the early days of the steamboat era, but only in the summer. Because of our difficult topography, no railroad ever considered running a line up the eastern shore off the lake, so the nearest service was the Eastern RR, 12 miles to the east in the Ossipee valley. Some travel was possible in the winter when Ice and snow conditions
allowed, but Wolfeboro residents still had to plan ahead, just as they always had. The town eventually took matters into its own hands and built a spur line out to the railhead in Sanbornville that opened in 1872. The Eastern RR, recognizing the wisdom of this, soon took out a long term lease on the line and, in 1880, extended it across Main St. and down to the wharf to better serve boat passengers and facilitate freight transfers. The
Passengers on the Old Mount Washington approach the Lake Railroad Station.
See WARREN on 22
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra 49th
Season with “Romantic Revelations” Concert
The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (LRSO) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated first concert of the 2024-2025 season, taking place on November 2nd at Hanaway Theatre, Plymouth State University at 7pm.
This concert, titled “Romantic Revelations”, features three masterful compositions – Mendelssohn’s haunting “Hebrides Overture”, Dvorak’s glorious “Cello Concerto in B minor” (1st mvt), and the beautiful but lesser known “Symphony No. 2” by Vasily Kalinnikov.
The featured soloist for Dvorak’s Cello Concerto is outstanding cellist Ian Jang, winner of LRSO’s 2024 concerto competition. Ian’s track record is remarkable, winning accolades in prestigious competitions such as the Taiwan International Music Competition and the Charleston International Music Competition. His stunning performances have consistently mesmerized audiences, earning him top honors at the Swiss Concours and the AMIS International School Honors Orchestra Concerto Competition. Ian is also recognized for his innovative blend of music and technology, producing virtual concerts that showcase his multifaceted talents.
Also on the program are Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, a vivid musical depiction of the Scottish coastline’s rugged beauty, crashing waves, and dramatic landscape; and Symphony No. 2 by Vasily Kalinnikov, a hidden gem of Russian Romanticism that combines folk melodies with lush, orchestral splendor, blending lively rhythms and pastoral themes that culminate in a triumphant conclusion.
The concert will take place at the Hanaway Theatre in the Silver Center at Plymouth State University. Tickets are FREE for PSU students, $5 for non-PSU students, and $20-$30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at www.LRSO.org or at the Silver Center box office (603-535-2787). As a reminder, do not randomly search the web for “LRSO tickets”. Instead visit www.LRSO.org directly. Dozens of unscrupulous 3rd party ticket web sites have emerged that may not be legitimate.
NOIRvember Double Feature At Meredith Public Library
The Meredith Public Library kicks off its NOIRvember theme activities with a double feature on Saturday, November 2 in the library Function Room.
Silver Bells Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair In Tilton
various jewelry styles, chain saw wood carvings & demos by Elise, fragrant soy candles, handpoured soaps, amazing baked goods, sublimation creations, local honey, gourmet preserves/dilly beans etc., handsome cutting boards, recycled sweater mittens, beautiful luminaries, handcrafted wooden spoons/ladles, 3D toys, & lots more.
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Food! Rain or Shine Under Canopies.
On Saturday and Sunday, November 2n and 3rd, The Silver Bells Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair will take place at The Tanger Outlets, 120 Laconia Road, Tilton.
Hours are Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm.
Start your holiday shopping and find many special unique gifts at this fabulous craft fair with approximately 90 awesome exhibitors. Some of the special exhibits will include beautiful floral decor & gnomes, handsome leather belts & totes, holiday bells, surveillance birdhouses,
I-93 Take Exit 20 & bear left at lights. Visible from Exit 20. Free Admission & Free Parking. See you there!. joycescraftshows.com or Call (603) 387-1510
Plastics and Styrofoam Harvest
Showing at 9:30 AM will be the classic (and one of the first movies of the film noir genre) The Maltese Falcon. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor in a story about a jewel-encrusted artifact sought after by serval interested and dangerous parties. The film is a triple Academy Award Nominee for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay. It is unrated as it was released in 1941, many years before the MPAA started issuing film ratings. The thrills continue at 11:30 AM with a showing of a more modern mystery thriller, Mr. Holmes (rated PG), which stars Sir Ian McKellen and Laura Linney. The story is about a retired Sherlock Holmes tackling an unsolved case from his past. McKellen’s performance in this movie earned him Best Actor nominations from three film critics’ associations. Both movies will be shown in the library Function Room on the large flat screen TV. Admission for the movies is free and there will also be popcorn and movie candy available at no charge, courtesy of the Friends of the Meredith Library. Attendees can enjoy both movies in their entirety or drop in any time to catch a piece of the film noir action.
Weather permitting, the next recycling collection of plastics and Styrofoam will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 11am to 1pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 172 Pleasant Street, Laconia. Volunteers from the Green Sanctuary and Social Justice Committees of the little white UU Church plus the Laconia-Gilford Lions Club will be curbside to accept donations. Clean soft dry plastics can be accepted. We cannot accept hard plastics such as bottles, pet food bags, crunchy snack bags, or boat storage wrap covers.
Only Styrofoam products with the # 6 symbol can be accepted. All foam must be clean and dry. We cannot accept dirty foam, thick foam wrap, or soft or squishy foam. There is no charge or fee to drop off unwanted plastics and Styrofoam. This effort is not limited to residents of Laconia or Gilford; all are welcome to participate. All donated plastics and Styrofoam must be kept separate from each other.
At the same location and time, a food drive benefitting Community Action Program (CAP) will be held. Easy access items such as pop top canned goods, boxed cereal, and energy bars or drinks are particularly requested.
Our last event yielded 924lbs of soft plastics. Help our fall harvest of plastics and Styrofoam to keep these items out of our landfills, roadsides and lakes.
NEW HAMPSHIRE F OOL
Live Free or Die. brendan@weirs.com
Do your homeWork
Every two years for the past couple of decades, I have had some fun in promoting my campaign for governor of New Hampshire. I created the Flatlander Party back in 2000 and have selfnominated myself each election season since I am, as far as I know, the only actual member of this non-sanctioned party.
My requests to readers have been to write-in my name for governor while really giving no good reason why I would make a great candidate except for the fact that the yearly salary is pretty good and I would also have a nice office and desk at the State House with, rumor has it, a pretty comfortable chair. I have had the same chair here at the Weirs Times for a few years and, I must admit, a change sounds good. (Not that I’m complaining…wink!)
Over the years some have actually written in my name and I have proof. Selfies emailed to me from anonymous voters showing off their ballots. (Some even breaking the law which has since been changed.)
I can only imagine that prison conversation.
“Whaddya in for?”
“Taking a selfie of me with my ballot and posting it online.”
There is no way of knowing how many, if any, people voted for me over the years. I know there are always at least two if you count me and my wife.
Of course, the whole idea is to poke some fun at the whole campaign season craziness. Promises made with fingers crossed behind the back, forced smiles and repititious slogans.
I started in 2000 with the slogan “We Came, We Saw, We Didn’t Change A Darned Thing” to emphasize what the Flatlander Party was created for. It was to empha-
size the reason us non-natives moved here so many years ago since New Hampshire was such a great place to live. “Live Free Or Die’ actually meant something back then and we were glad to be here.
Now don’t get me wrong, New Hampshire is still a great place to live and work and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, but things have changed since I moved here in 1985. A slow creep into more government control interference and regulations in our lives. Much of it brought about by other transplants like myself who had a different slogan in mind when they moved here: “We Came, We Saw, We Wanted To Change Everything.”
And don’t let them fool you, they are both Democrats and Republicans.
As politics and policy has changed somewhat in New Hampshire over the decades, there are still some moving here who would like to keep it from changing too much more. Joining in with the natives whose families have been here forever and aren’t feeling the love of the change either. Some are running for office for real.
In Belknap County, where I live, anyone who is not from here originally and runs for office to challenge some of these changes is immediately labeled by a certain group with that overused designation of “Extremist” - which simply means that they don’t follow in lockstep with the select few who believe that only they know how things should be run and there should be no debate on the matter. (Talk about extremist.)
As far as I know, this group hasn’t yet condemned me as an extremist, but I wish they did. I could certainly use the publicity.
I personally know some of those “evil extremists” who are running and would vote for them in a heartbeat. I also know some of those who were given the check mark blessing by this handful of know-it-alls picking names while sitting at their kitchen table, and
would vote for them as well. There are also a few who have been given the group’s thumbs up that I could never vote for. Once again, both Democrats and Republicans. I like to follow the good old New Hampshire tradition of vetting the candidates for myself, doing some research and trying to figure who best represents my thinking and not let people I don’t even know make my decisions for me. Sometimes later I’m disappointed with my choices and other times delighted.
This group has also been kind enough to publish a list of names that you can print out at home and bring to the voting booth making it easier for you so that you don’t have to actually look into the complete records of the people running yourself, just focus on the one or two things they don’t agree with. Save the time and trouble and let the kitchen table folks make all your decisions for you.
After all, isn’t this the new New Hampshire that some want, where good old New England independent thinking is looked at by some as an ancient, useless ritual. “You’re not capable of thinking for yourself. Let us do it for you.”
I guess the point of this column is to do your research and not just follow blindly the advice of others when you go to vote. Don’t just depend on what you hear on TV or the radio or the newspapers or even me.
Don’t be comfortable depending on one point of view always and ignoring all others. Not every candidate you’ve been told is the best and not every one you have been told is the worst is always as advertised.
Everything is simply someone else’s point of view. Use your own in the voting booth.
Of course, I am still far and away the best candidate for governor and you should write in my name this Tuesday, no matter what anyone else says.
Vote!
by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor
Why We neeD kelly ayoTTe as our nexT Governor
I encourage all Republicans, Independents and yes, even some Democrats to vote for Kelly Ayotte for New Hampshire Governor on this Nov. 5th to continue and build upon what our popular Governor Chris Sununu has done over the last 8 years. Remember under the Republican leadership NH is the freest and safest state in the US.
(L/R) Robb Thomson, Kelly Ayotte and Tom Thomson at the Thomson Tree Farm in Orford, NH. Kelly is holding Mel Thomson’s “AX THE TAX”, Ax which he starting campaigning with in 1970 while running for Governor.
Kelly Ayotte is well positioned to take on this important job as New Hampshire’s Governor. She has served the state as our Attorney General, appointed by both Republican and Democrat Governors, she also was our US Senator in 2010. Kelly has taken “The Pledge” that my Father, Governor Mel Thomson started in 1968, which simple states “That if a bill comes before my desk for an Income or Sales Tax, I will Veto either one”.
Kelly is running against former mayor Joyce Craig who during her time in city government worked harder to increase the Mayor’s salary than to try to reduce the crime and stop fentanyl from taking the lives of our youth. Kelly, as NH Attorney General has a record of being tough on crime; remember she prosecuted Michael Addison who killed a Manchester police officer, Michael Briggs on Oct. 16, 2006 (18 years ago) and Addison got life without parole. Mayor Craig also tried to raise taxes Six times as Mayor of Manchester and consistently supported higher taxes as a Manchester Alderman and recently stated that she supports a $160 million tax hike. She has even gone as far as to say that she wants to bring to NH what she brought to Manchester as
The Job Description Of The President And Vice President
H. L. Menchen said that “elections are nothing more than auctions for future stolen goods.” That maxim rings true by looking at the promises that a certain candidate running for President of the United States has made.
The candidate promises first-time homeowners a cool $25 grand. When this candidate wasn’t polling too high among Black men, the candidate promised Black men forgivable business loans, and to make “recreational marijuana” legal so they can set up pot shops with the promised funds. It wasn’t too long ago that this same candidate sent several thousands Black men to jail for smoking marijuana. The candidate’s latest promise; increase the federal minimum wage to $15.
Her self-loathing running mate, who once apologized for his race, let Minneapolis burn while he and his wife enjoyed the smell of burning rubber, signed bills into law that allowed killing babies that survived an abortion and placing sanitary napkins in boy’s bathrooms, told people he was in combat when he wasn’t, and bugged out of his National Guard unit shortly before it was deployed, said that he wants to abolish the electoral college.
But what does that pesky U.S. Constitution-the one that all federal and state elected officials take an oath to defend- have to say about the powers and duties of a president and vice-president?
To begin, Presidents have no power to give money to first-time homeowners and Black men or for that matter, any men. Both the president and Congress have no constitutional authority to set minimum wages. And vice-presidents have no authority to abolish the electoral college. That has to be done by an amendment to the Constitution. While presidents and vice-presidents have plenty of political clout, it is up to Congress, and
the states when it comes to the amending process.
The power and duties of the president and vice-president of the United States are clearly spelled out in the U.S. Constitution. And being the leader of the free world or what is left of it isn’t one of them.
Article 2 of the Constitution is where the powers and duties of the president are found.
Here they are:
1. Commander in Chief of the Army, and Navy and of the Militia of the several states when called into actual service…
2. Grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States except in the cases of impeachment.
3. Make treaties with the advice and consent of 2/3rds of the Senate present.
4. Nominate, and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States…
5. Fill vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session.
6. Give a state of the union address.
7. On extraordinary occasions, convene both houses or either of them.
8. Receive ambassadors and other public ministers.
9. Take care that the laws are faithfully executed.
And in Article 1, Section 7, a president must approve every order or vote passed by Congress. If disapproved (vetoed) it can be overturned by a 2/3rd vote of Congress. The duties of a vice-president is to be the President of the Senate, and vote if there is a tie (Article 1, Section 3.), and in the 25th Amendment Section 4, the vice-president along with a majority of cabinet members, transmit to Congress that the President isn’t able to perform his duties. And, in Article 2, Section 2, Paragraph 5, assume the office of the President
by Hal Shurtleff Director, Camp Constitution
by Tom Thomson Orford, NH.
Why TrumP aT mCDonalD’s
maTTers
(Last) week, Donald Trump set the political world afire with an appearance at a McDonald’s in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There, he donned the famous McDonald’s apron, cooked up some fries and served customers at a drive-thru window. All the while, he looked like he was enjoying himself thoroughly -- which he certainly was. Trump has the momentum, and he knows it.
But it’s more than that. Whatever Trump’s other failings, at his root, Trump likes people. And not just people of his class or who share his background. He likes dealing with human beings. Two weeks ago, I had
the opportunity to commemorate Oct. 7 with Trump, where he met with the family of an American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza. Trump connected with them on an emotional level. Whether it’s Jewish Americans from New Jersey dealing with the horror and tragedy of having their son held by the world’s most vicious terror group or Pennsylvania voters who just want to meet Trump and pick up a Happy Meal, Trump is comfortable with his fellow Americans because he’s unapologetically what he is. That’s simply not true of Kamala Harris.
Off-script, Harris remains a disaster. Her “60 Minutes” interview with Bill Whitaker was filled with word slaw, spin and platitudinous drivel; her Fox News interview with Bret Baier flew completely off the rails, with Harris unable to defend even the most basic decisions by the Biden adminis-
tration. She is apparently now taking time off the campaign trail to prepare for an NBC News interview as well as a CNN townhall -- events that, for a normal candidate, would require zero prep time in a hotel conference room. Then again, this is the same woman whose staff had to hold a “mock dinner” to prepare her for a dinner with Washington journalists and newsmakers. Axios reported, “Harris aides even considered including wine in the mock prep so Harris could practice with a glass or two.”
What’s more, Harris seems to be a permanent resident of the uncanny valley. She does a mildly credible job of appearing warm and human ... but only just. Her interactions always reek of the staged and the manipulated. Every move is calculated -- and transparently so. Twelve-time Best Actress nominee Katharine Hepburn once reportedly described Meryl Streep’s
acting as too mechanical: “Click, click, click,” she reportedly told biographer Scott Berg, “referring to the wheels turning inside (Streep’s) head.” That’s Kamala Harris with actual, real human beings. And it shows. Which is why the media have gone apoplectic about Trump’s McDonald’s visit. Trump’s critics pointed out that the McDonald’s was actually formally closed for his visit and claimed that the event was “staged” -- a peculiar critique given that Trump has been the victim of two assassination attempts, and presidential campaigns require places of business to be secured before candidates enter. The critics even went so far as to attack the local franchise for its health record years ago. The desperation comes from an obvious place: This was a Trump win. And it was a Trump win because
PuTIn ThroWs brICs aT Global CrITICs
Vladimir Putin put on a good show. The 16th annual BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia set the stage for the gathering of what’s essentially the “Alternative economic club” to the established Western groups such as the G-7 and the IMF. Thirty-five 35 delegations including 24 heads of State and government journeyed to Kazan for a three day Summit and schmooze session with the otherwise diplomatically isolated Russian president.
Putin set the tone for the group to become a powerful economic bloc, or at least try to sound that way, as well as countering the reality that Russia faces isolation from the global economy.
Kazan, deep in the steppes of Russia and 500 miles east of Moscow and part of the nominal Muslim Republic of Tatarstan, was chosen to showcase Russia’s image between West and East and friend
of the Global South. This historic city on the Volga, Kazan has a mixed population of Muslim and Orthodox Russians.
Let’s face it an economic grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa holds clout in geographic size, resources, population and production, at least on paper.
Just this year the BRICS admitted there new members Egypt, Ethiopia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. What hurts the group remains corruption, weak institutions and even political tensions among its partners such as the long-time China/India border dispute.
Conversely Russia, China and India form a crucial land mass holding significant economic clout.
When the group was founded in 2006, many hailed it as a realistic alternative to what’s deemed as West-
ern oriented economic/financial institutions. The BRICS present themselves as the alternative to Western organizations and are thus increasingly attuned to the Global South, aka former Third World. The group already includes more than half the world’s population.
Without question Beijing dominates BRICS if only for the size and economic standing, one of the world’s largest economies. China’s communist leader Xi Jinping beamed in the glow of the Summit as much as did India’s capitalist Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. Putin approved.
But BRICS is more about politics and posturing than classic economics. The Russian President clearly views the group as a political tool as well as a safe haven for Moscow’s policy aspirations even in the aftermath of his Ukraine invasion.
“For Putin, the summit is the most important foreign policy event of the year and he wants to use it to present himself on the world stage as a leader who is not interna -
by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist
by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist
A breakthrough in Ear-Brain Technology™:
Intrigue AI mimics the cerebral cortex of the human brain to quickly and more accurately ‘fill in’ the gaps produced when our hearing system falters.
• Replicates how our “normal” auditory system works.
• Distinguish words and speech more intuitively and naturally.
• Hear soft sounds without distracting noise.
• Reduce the effort it takes to listen and hear.
This series of Letters From God is an attempt to put the thoughts of God as revealed in the Scriptures.
Letters From God Letters From God
QUESTION
What Did You Think Of A Presidential Candidate Mocking “Jesus Is Lord?”
the person, within that body (Job 32:8). I give you this privilege to bear children to fulfill my design “to be fruitful and multiply,” growing them to become godly members of the human race and to serve me (Genesis 1:27-28).
I have spoken often in these letters of the radical and precipitous departure from dependence upon me, my Son, your only Savior and Lord and the Spirit of God, which your country has undergone in the most recent past. In case there is any doubt, this reality has been emblazoned upon the hearts and minds of your people and those throughout the world, through the comments made by a political candidate for the office of President. Never, in the history of your great country, has a person seeking this illustrious office so brazenly mocked me and my will with respect to the life and death of a child in its pre-natal growth in the womb.
I have made it clear in previous letters as well, that the power to create the life of an infant in the womb or to end it therefore, is not the right of any woman or man for that matter, but is only reserved for me, your creator God (Psalm 139:13-16). I have given this ability to a man and woman through my divine design of their bodies, to be initiated only in the context of a committed marriage (Genesis 2:20-25). I am the one, who by design, forms the child in the womb and places a “spirit,”
I have continued to carry out this design though you are broken and sinful people, which is all I have to work with. As you turn to me and trust me however, I can still bring life out of death, caused by sin in your lives. I can redeem and restore you and the children I allow you to conceive, even if conceived in sin, through faith in me and my Son, Jesus, who died to pay the penalty for your sins.
All of this is made possible through my Spirit who awaits your request to be reconciled to me by receiving my son’s payment for your sin. I say all of this to remind you that if you trust me I, who open the womb, can and will still bring life into the world through you and the children you bear. Sadly, as you reject me as God and my son Jesus, who is Lord, thinking this is your “right” to make and take life, you are left only with the possibility of death.
When those who cried out, “Jesus is Lord” at the rally and were rebuffed with the response, “you are at the wrong rally,” by the laughing, Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, mocking me and my son, Jesus, it was a profound statement of rejection of
those who cried out and who were later escorted out of the meeting, but also of me and my design for life. It was then embraced with overwhelming applause of the crowd and so many in your country thereafter, who heard this retort and who stand in agreement with the candidate and will give her their vote. It was a collective response to a political party and its platform, which no longer regards me, my will or my design for life. It spoke volumes about where you are as a country spiritually but also where you will be as a result of your continued slide into paganism.
In your foolishness, you have believed the lie that you can live and thrive without me, by making yourselves “gods.” That same lie initiated death and judgement in the first creation of man, woman, family and even nations (Genesis 3,4, 6-8). How can you ever think that by rejecting me, by following candidates that reject me and political party platforms and policies that lead you farther away from me, could ever save you from the inevitable consequences of rejecting your only source of life? You have learned nothing from the past and are sadly destined to follow the way of those who mocked me and suffered as a result.
In the book of Proverbs, which I gave to Solomon, to reveal the wisdom you need for life, I included a tragic trend practiced then, and which is being repeated now. Peo-
ple made themselves so called “gods” and followed leaders who practiced and endorsed behavior like wanton murder, which is in my eyes, what every abortion is, and thought they were immune from judgment and consequences (Proverbs 1:10-19). Despite my call to find and follow my wisdom they rejected me and it. Despite repeated efforts to call them to their senses they mocked my advice, “laughing” if you will (1:20-25). My response was to “laugh” at their foolishness (:26) Be sure, it isn’t a laugh of delight at your foolishness and demise but a statement of incredulousness at the foolishness of rejecting my efforts to deliver you. In my “laugh” I weep, knowing that by rejecting me, you will face the full and painful consequences of sin and death (:26-32). I will save and deliver, even if through judgement on your country, those who trust me, but all others will be perish (:33).
I am God and my will, will always be done. Your life depends on whether you are in line with my will or against it. You and your country are on a path to death. Choose leaders, none of whom are perfect but who are on the path to life and bow before me and honor my son Jesus, as Lord. It is your last chance for life.
I love you, God
These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Sam Hollo of Alton, NH.
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Deciding on the best and most creative costume- whether trendy or traditional- can be a lot of fun.
What is my favorite costume you may ask? Well, I bet you can guess that of course, it’s the Skeleton! Did you know the human skeleton starts out with 305 bones as a newborn but as it grows older, the baby’s body, which is mostly cartilage, undergoes ossification to form a complete skeletal system, having 206 bones! With skeletons on the brain, this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about spine care and the importance of posture.
The skeletal system is responsible for holding up our entire structure and is where all of our muscles, ligaments, and organs attach. Posture is the resulting way we hold our spine to keep good form so that we can walk, breathe, and function optimally. When we have good posture, the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and support the body equally. Good posture not only allows you to “sit up straight”, but allows the rib cage to move appropriately so the lungs can expand and contract fully to get oxygen into the body, for the brain to get adequate nutrition and blood flow, and is an important part of your long-term health. Making sure that you hold
your body the right way, whether you are moving or still, can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems such as poor memory. So, what does good posture look like?
Although looking at your body from the back you should not have any curves (that is called “scoliosis”) and your spinal vertebrae should be lined up on top of each other, looking at your body from the side, your spine should have three natural curves. At your neck you have a “c” shaped curve to hold up the weight of your head and act as a biomechanical “shock absorber”. This curve is extremely important to allow proper nervous system response and communication from your brain to your body and vice versa as well as sensation and strength to your arms and hands from spinal nerves in that area. Your mid back has the opposite shape curve to hold up your rib cage and allow for appropriate rib expansion and contraction for breathing, and your lower back also has a “c” shape like the neck, to hold up your pelvis and allow proper strength and sensation to the legs and feet as well as proper functioning of the nerves in that area that innervate your bowels, bladder, and your reproductive organs. Correct posture should main-
tain these curves. Your head should be neutral with your ears over your shoulders, and the top of your shoulder should be over the hips. Sometimes either due to a difficult birth process where the neck and head get “jammed” or “stuck”, accidents or injuries that cause whiplash, repetitive poor postures like looking down at your phone or computer all of the time (aka “tech neck”) or sleeping with too many pillows or on your stomach, you can either not develop, or may decrease the correctly shaped curvatures of your spine. Chiropractic care is aimed at evaluating spinal biomechanics and gently and effectively restoring spinal curvature where needed. Along with chiropractic care, paying attention to both your dynamic posture (how you hold yourself when you are moving – walking, running, or bending to pick something up) and static posture (how you hold yourself when you are not moving such as in sitting, standing or sleeping) in your daily activities is extremely important. How can posture affect my health? As touched upon above, poor posture can negatively impact your health. Slouching or slumping over can: • Misalign your musculoskeletal system causing pain, interfer-
by Dr. Denise Pickowicz
by Stephanie Ryan, DC Crossroads Chiropractic
Let’s admit it. Fast food restaurants line every corner and sugary snacks are often cheaper than fresh fruits. Living in America makes maintaining a healthy diet feel like an uphill battle. So many of us are trapped in the cycle of poor eating choices—reaching for convenience over nutrition, falling into emotional eating patterns, or perceiving we lack the time, knowledge or willpower to make healthier decisions. But change really is possible.
Understanding The Cycle - Before delving into how to create new habits, it’s essential to understand why poor eating choices persist. The human brain is wired to seek immediate gratification, which often leads to cravings for highcalorie, sugary, and processed foods. These types of food provide quick bursts of pleasure and energy but lead to a crash soon after. Over time, habitual consumption of these foods can create a negative cycle where one poor decision leads to another.
Stress, lack of sleep, and emotional triggers also play significant roles in driving unhealthy eating behaviors. A study from the
Did you know?
breakInG The C Poor eaTInG
American Psychological Association found that stress can lead to overeating, particularly of comfort foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. In such cases, food becomes a coping mechanism rather than a source of nourishment, further reinforcing the cycle.
The Science Behind Habit Formation - According to behavioral psychology, habits are formed through a loop of cue, routine, and reward. A cue (such as hunger or boredom) triggers a routine (like grabbing a bag of chips), which leads to a reward (feeling satisfied or distracted). Over time, this loop becomes automatic, and the unhealthy choice feels almost inevitable. However, understanding this loop is the first step toward breaking it. To build healthier eating habits, it’s important to replace the routine in this loop with a better choice. For example, when a hunger cue strikes, rather than reaching for junk food, a person can choose a nutritious snack like nuts or fruits. This can be challenging at first, but with consistent practice, the healthier option can become the new routine.
Strategies To Break The Cycle - Breaking the cycle of poor eating involves a combination of self-awareness, planning, and practical strategies. Below are research-backed methods to help create new
Arthritis is a series of conditions that primarily affects joint health. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The University of Michigan Health says osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage joint surface wears out, and the condition usually begins in an isolated joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself. RA targets the joints, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. The Cleveland Clinic says that osteoarthritis is generally diagnosed in adults older than age 50. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
habits and stick with them:
1. Start Small And Be Specific - One of the biggest pitfalls when trying to change eating habits is setting overly ambitious goals. Rather than attempt ing a complete dietary overhaul overnight, re search suggests that making small, specific changes is far more sustainable. According to BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist from Stan ford University, “tiny habits” are the key to lasting change. Fogg’s research shows that starting with a small, manageable behavior— like drinking one glass of water before meals or eating a piece of fruit as a snack—makes it easier to stick to the new routine.
satiety and were less likely to overeat.
Over time, these small actions can snowball into larger changes, as the brain begins to associate the cue (hunger) with the healthier habit.
2. Focus On Adding, Not SubtractingMany diets fail because they are overly restrictive, telling people what they can’t have. Instead of focusing on removing foods from your diet, concentrate on adding healthier options. This approach, known as “crowding out,” can help shift focus to nutrient-dense foods that naturally reduce cravings for less healthy options. For example, increasing intake of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can leave
is already established, the second habit is more likely to stick. This approach works well for eating choices. For instance, if you’re in the habit of watching TV in the evening, use that time to also prepare healthy snacks for the next day. Gradually, preparing snacks becomes as automatic as turning on the television.
4. Practice Mindful Eating - Mindless eating, often triggered by distractions like watching TV or scrolling on your phone, can lead to overeating. To break this pattern, practice mindful eating, a technique rooted in paying full attention to the experience of eating. This
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involves eating slowly, savoring each bite, and being aware of physical hunger and fullness cues.
Research from the Journal of Obesity has shown that mindful eating can significantly reduce emotional eating and help with
weight management. By becoming more attuned to the body’s hunger signals, it becomes easier to make healthier food choices.
5. Prepare For Triggers - Emotional eating is a common obstacle for many people. Whether it’s stress, boredom, or sadness, emotional
FAGAN C H I RO PRACTIC
triggers can lead to poor food choices. To combat this, it’s crucial to identify your triggers and develop a plan to address them.
For example, if stress leads you to reach for a pint of ice cream, have a healthier alternative ready—such as a bowl of Greek yogurt with berries or a handful of almonds. Additionally, engaging in stressreducing activities like walking, meditation, or journaling can reduce the emotional intensity that drives cravings.
to plan meals, grocery shop, and prepare portions for the days ahead. This ensures that nutritious options are always available, even during busy times.
You can do this.
ence to the nervous system, decreased blood flow, and muscle imbalance
6. Plan Meals And Snacks In AdvanceMeal planning is one of the most effective ways to prevent poor eating choices. When you’re tired or stressed, it’s easy to opt for unhealthy convenience foods. By preparing meals and snacks in advance, you can eliminate the guesswork and temptation. Studies have shown that people who plan their meals are more likely to eat healthily and maintain a balanced diet.
A practical approach is to dedicate time at the start of the week
Breaking the cycle of poor eating habits is not about quick fixes or crash diets. Explore the psychology behind your own habits and gradually incorporate healthier choices into your daily life. Start small. Focus on adding nutritious foods and use strategies like mindful eating and habit stacking, to create lasting change for yourself and your family. Remember, progress is about consistency, not perfection—every small step toward better eating habits counts in the journey to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
• Wear away at your spine, causing arthritis and disc issues, and making it more fragile and prone to injury
• Cause neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Decrease your flexibility
• Affect how well your joints move
• Affect your balance and increase your risk of falling
• Make it harder to digest your food
• Make it harder to breathe
How can I improve my posture in general?
• Be mindful of your posture during everyday activities, like watching television, washing dishes, or walking
• Stay active. Any kind of exercise may help improve your posture, but certain types of stretching and strengthening exercises can be especially helpful. They include yoga, tai chi, and other classes that focuses on body
Are your teeth out of alignment and need
awareness. It is also a good idea to do exercises that strengthen your core (muscles around your back, abdomen, and pelvis).
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can weaken your abdominal muscles, cause problems for your pelvis and spine, and contribute to low back pain. All of these can hurt your posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes. High heels, for example, can throw off your balance and force you to walk differently. This puts more stress on your muscles, can tilt your pelvis, and harms your posture.
• Make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height for you (ergonomic), whether you’re sitting in front of a computer, making dinner, or eating a meal.
• Get regular Chiropractic spinal adjustments! We all do things in our daily routines that can rotate or misalign our spinal vertebrae, especially if our muscles surrounding and supporting the spine are weak. This includes, but is not limited to, repetitive sitting and rotation of the spine at our desks (especially if you are looking at more than one computer monitor) or with driving, sleeping, playing sports, or with lifting and carrying postures.
I hope this article provided you with some helpful insight on your spine and tips for maintaining a healthy skeleton this Halloween season and beyond!
RYAN from 11
PICKOWICZ from 10
BIRDS For The
New England’s Wild Birds & Their Habitats
The sCary sIDe oF bIrDs
by Chris Bosak Contributing Writer
In the spirit of Halloween and everything pumpkin spice season, here is a column about the scary side of birds.
I’m not going to sensationalize or fearmonger, and I’ll try not to be too corny either, but there are times when birds can be a little unnerving. This being a column based in New England, I’ll also try to keep it to the birds of this region, so there will be no horror stories of shoebills or cassowaries. (Those two species invariably come up when you do an Internet search for “scary birds.”)
One of the more unnerving experiences a birder in New England can experience is being hissed at and chased by a Canada goose. From a distance, Canada geese look peaceful enough and even quite beautiful and regal depending on the habitat. Get too close to one, however, and they are large, formidable birds that can be quite fearless and intimidating. They are so plentiful in many parts of New England these days that it is fairly common to come across a sizable number of Canada geese on or adjacent to a walking trail. Catch them when there are babies near or in an ornery mood, and you just may be verbally attacked and physically intimidated by one. It has happened
Black vultures make for an ominous scene as they perch on a branch in New England.
to me several times, the first being in Pittsburg, NH, when I was trying to launch a canoe onto Second Connecticut Lake. Once it happens the first time, you are always a little wary when approaching a flock of geese.
Mute swans, which are fairly common in southern New England, are even worse. They are more aggressive and even larger than Canada geese.
I am also reminded of a story that is somewhat scary for real. In 2012 and again in 2016 and 2018, a “vicious” red-shouldered hawk kept attacking students walking into a Connecticut high school. According to local reports, one girl said she thought someone dropped a cinderblock out of a tree
when the overly protective hawk swooped down on her head. Several students reported having scratches on their heads compliments of the bird. Hopefully, those students don’t have a lifelong fear of birds because of the incident.
It is impossible to do a Halloween-themed bird column without mentioning crows, ravens, and vultures. Not that any of these birds are scary in the sense that they would harm humans in any way, but literature, art and folklore are filled with examples of these birds being painted in a spooky light.
Crows and ravens, which do make some eerie sounds, are often associated with death.
“The Raven” is one of my favorite poems and
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is written by one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. The bird in the poem represents the lost love of the narrator and reminds him of his loneliness and misery since her death.
The Crow, a 1994 movie, has a real-life chilling story of its own. The film’s plot revolves around a musician who was murdered along with his soon-to-be wife coming back from the dead and being guided by a crow to get revenge on those who killed him. Tragically, the lead actor, Brandon Lee, was killed on set by a firearm malfunction.
Vultures may be more of a Western movie motif, but seeing a bunch of vultures on the roof of a house is bound to evoke scary thoughts of Halloween’s past.
After 50 plus years as a performer, Tim is retiring next year. ..Don’t miss this last chance to enjoy Tim’s comedy performance, guaranteed “family friendly”. There’s absolutely no foul language, no angry, mean spirited “jokes”, just a refreshing evening of laughter and fun for all ages.
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FIGHT THE FLU
Flu Vaccines are available at the following convenient times:
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Speare Hospital: Front Lobby 7am - 3pm
November 26 (Tuesday)
Speare Hospital: Front Lobby 7am - 3pm
Not So LoNg Ago ...
Exploring ThE lEgEnd & lorE of our graniTE STaTE
The neW hamPshIre GranTs GIven by bennInG WenTWorTh
by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer
What the history writers refer to as The New Hampshire Grants were actually towns in what is now the state of Vermont.
The boundary lines for the state of New Hampshire were not set in granite, so to speak, until long after the first English settlers took possession of plots of land within its territory. The exact lines constituting the borders of southern, northern, and western New Hampshire were all questioned and disputed. The original grant of the land given by the King of England to John Mason was not clear as to how extensive the land was that was being granted, probably because none of those involved really understood what constituted the lay of the land .
Benning Wentworth was born in Portsmouth in 1696 into a wealthy family of merchants. He attended school at Harvard, graduating
in 1715, but he apparently had some behavioral problems. It has been said that he set a record for causing the most broken windows at the school. So Benning became involved in the family business and is then said to have spent a lot of time in Spain pursuing business interests which involved Spanish wine and American timber. It came to pass that officials in Spain refused to pay Benning for merchandise he delivered to them so he
appealed to officials in England for help, somehow feeling that the mother country was responsible to assist him. Remember that New Hampshire was still a province under the jurisdiction of England at that time. The King of England refused to directly help Benning financially, but instead assisted Mr. Wentworth by appointing him to be the Governor of the province of New Hampshire which proved to be the path that would make
Benning an immensely rich man.
As Governor, Mr. Wentworth was allowed to grant plots of land to groups of proprietors on which to establish towns within the province with certain requirements for clearing land for cultivation and establishing homesteads. Taking advantage of his
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Governor John Wentworth.
ouT WITh The olD
by Tim Moore Contributing Writer
I have been a licensed New Hampshire guide for almost 19 years. I have been a full-time guide for almost the last nine of those. I have come to realize that clients really appreciate top quality gear and equipment. Some clients even make their booking decisions on it. Let’s face it, no one wants to spend
A rendering of my new dream boat, which should be ready before ice-out 2025.
hundreds of dollars on a guided trip that looks more like a yard sale. Guiding isn’t a job anyone gets rich from. It’s more a labor of love. So, investing in the business takes planning and sacrifice. Over the years, I’ve invested as much as I could afford to give my clients the best experience possible. This year I have made the biggest investment to date and ordered a brand-new boat.
I’m not often critical of other guides, but when I am it is almost always over things that negatively affect the guiding industry as a whole. Seeing guides providing sub-par equipment is one of those things. Some folks save and plan to go on guide trips, many of them for the first time. Showing up and being handed equipment that is lesser quality than they own or could afford on their own looks bad and could
taint the experience enough to leave a bad taste in their mouth toward New Hampshire guides. Boats or snowmobiles that are having issues during trips make clients feel uneasy and unsafe. Neither is a good thing.
My current boat is a Lund 1600 Pro Sport. It’s a great boat and I love it. For a 16-foot boat it fishes incredibly well on Lake Winnipesaukee. Most of my clients are surprised when I tell them that it is 16 feet long. I have taken impeccable care of it and over serviced it if anything. Most boat owners change their motor oil and lower unit fluid once per season. I pull my boat in the middle of each season for a cleaning and also change the fluids, spark plugs, and fuel filter. I take pride in the fact that it is almost 20 years old and you would never know it. With that said, it
is really only larger enough for me and two clients. The boat would hold an additional person, and if I were just fishing with friends, I would have no problem with that, but with paying clients, the experience is more important than my own fishing trips. So, I have limited the clients on my boat to a comfortable number. This year I decided, and pulled the trigger, on a new boat. It’s my dream boat. A Lund 2075 Fisherman. It’s over 4 feet longer and a foot wider than my current boat. It has higher gunwales than my current boat, will hold up to four clients plus myself, has way more storage, and will greatly extend the range of areas I can fish on Winnipesaukee. It has many of the comforts my current boat has, such as a full enclosure, but there is room to walk out of the enclosure and fish, unlike my current boat. This will certainly improve the experience my regular clients have experienced and allow me access to a whole new pool of potential clients. If you follow my column at all you know how much I care about the experience my customers have. To say I’m excited is an understatement. So, as of this writing, the 2005 1600 Pro
by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer
With a presidential election coming next Tuesday it’s a good time to reflect on presidents who played sports.
Our early presidents didn’t play a lot of sports. Baseball wasn’t invented until the 1830s. Basketball came in 1891. NASCAR didn’t come about until 1948.
George Washington (1), Thomas Jefferson (3), U.S. Grant (18) and others were great horsemen and equestrians, but I don’t know that they ever competed. New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce (14) was badly injured during the Mexican War when he fell off his horse during the Battle of Contreras— which was typical for our star-crossed Granite State president.
Our best presidentathlete may have been our 38th, Gerald Ford, who captained the University of Michigan’s football Wolverines in 1934. That team had a losing record, following national championship seasons in 1932 and 1933.
Other presidents also played college football, included Dwight Eisenhower (34) at West Point, Richard Nixon (37) at Whittier College and Ronald Reagan (40) at Eureka College. None
PresIDenTs anD sPorTs
starred, although Reagan later played Notre Dame star George Gipp in the movie Knute Rockne, All-American. Nixon later designed a play for Washington Redskin football coach George Allen (which didn’t work out) in 1972. Later that season, Nixon called Miami Dolphin coach Don Shula at 1:30am to suggest Miami try a down and out pass play against the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. That didn’t work out either.
John Kennedy (35) did not play football at Harvard like his brother Teddy, but JFK did much to popularize touch football at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis. But despite his many health issues, JFK was a decent golfer.
Golf may be the sport that allowed most presidents to shine.
William Howard Taft (27) was apparently the first Commander-inChief who played golf, and he claimed he was addicted to the sport. Eisenhower (34)
dent.
Bill Clinton (42) was no stranger to the golf links, but he reportedly was a fan of multiple mulligans, and his personal golf scoring technique was reportedly quite “liberal.”
George W. Bush (43) reportedly once shot a 77 at Augusta. Kudos and huzzahs!
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loved the links and was pretty good at golf. There’s a cabin named after Ike at Augusta National Country Club, home of the Masters. Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev created a three-hole Communist golf course in Russia for Eisenhower ahead of a 1960 summit conference with Ike. (The summit was cancelled due to the Francis Gary Powers incident.)
Nixon was Ike’s vice president and Tricky Dick was even worse at golf than he was at football, but at least he tried, and he did occasionally turn in some decent scores.
George H.W. Bush (41) came from a rich golfing tradition. His maternal grandfather, George Herbert Walker, established the famous Walker Cup. (An aside: When I was on the TV show Jeopardy many years ago, a missed answer/question about the Walker Cup cost me a win and many thousands of dollars.) 41’s dad, Senator Prescott Bush, was once USGA presi-
Barack Obama (44) was a decent basketball player but when in office he was constantly on the links and was oft criticized for playing too much golf. 44 played well over 300 rounds as President. Truth be told, Donald J. Trump (45) is probably the best presidential golfer ever. While I might not trust all his 19th Hole boasts, he definitely could play. And he owns or operates 17 golf courses! After playing a round with him at Trump International in Florida, Tiger Woods said “People don’t realize how
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Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North Smithwick’s Guinness
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Gerald Ford.
Here are a few quickhitters to end the column:
Northern shrikes sometimes impale their prey on thorns or other sharp objects.
Cardinals are sometimes seen with bald, black heads when molting. It’s a jarring sight when seen for the first time.
Barn owls have perhaps the most Halloween-like sound of all birds.
Happy autumn, everyone. I know for some of you the preponderance of pumpkin spice products on the supermarket shelves this time of year is scarier than anything else in this column. Don’t fret, it will be over soon enough.
Sport is for sale and the 2025 Fisherman is currently being built. I owe a huge thank you to Lund and to Melvin Village Marine for their help in making this possible, and especially my clients who support my business. This boat is the next step in my desire to offer the highest quality guided fishing trips in New Hampshire. I will still be located at Roberts Cove Basin Marina in Alton. I expect my calendar for next season to be open around the first of the year 2025. Until then, I’ll be praying for a real winter and thinking about that boat.
Tim Moore is a fulltime licensed professional fishing guide on Lake Winnipesaukee. He owns and operates Tim Moore Outdoors, LLC. He is a member of the New England Outdoors Writers Association, and the producer of TMO Fishing on YouTube and the Hooked with TMO Fishing Podcast. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.
Boston & Maine RR assumed the lease in 1992 when it bought out the Eastern and all the other lakes region rail lines. The town bought the rights to the wharf from them in 1925, and passenger service ended in June
1942. Freight service ran sporadically for a few years more and the town bought the now derelict railroad station, which they planned to tear down, from the B & M in 1950 for $5000.
The large structure, later known as the Bos-
ton & Maine RR building, was built to serve the new Wolfeboro Railroad. We don’t know when it was built, but a photo showing a stagecoach collecting boat passengers there meant it was sometime in the mid 1870’s. The building contained a passen-
ger waiting room and freight storage space, as well as the offices and press room for the Granite State News, which was forced to decamp from the old bank building (now Berkshire Hathaway real estate) on October 17, 1887 due to water damage from a major fire in the Piper block (now Maxfield real estate). In addition, the build-
ing housed a pool hall and saloon, the John McHugh laundry, offices of the Wolfeboro coronet band, storage for carriages and, on the second floor, the Dartmouth dance hall and roller skating rink. On Saturday, May 5, 1899, the worst waterfront fire in Wolfeboro’s history started at 9pm in the waiting room.
A stiff breeze from the lake fanned the flames, which quickly spread to the adjacent Goodwin block. Students from nearby Brewster academy helped in the fight, but all of the buildings in the area were lost. The total cost was estimated at $60,000 and insurance paid $12,000. All of the records of the Granite State News were
The Boston & Maine Railroad Freight building viewed from the Smith River Bridge.
The Lake Railroad Station. Model by David Warren.
WARREN
1899 fire. The building is completely gone.
lost, a nightmare for historians like myself.
The diminutive Lake RR station replaced the burned out B & M building in 1903. Photos of large crowds waiting in front of it for the Mt. Washington show it was entirely inadequate as a waiting room, although the porch would have offered some shelter, so the building served primarily as a freight terminal. Chock’s popcorn stand was built into it’s side, and large doors lifted up to expose the service windows. The building
was razed after passenger service ended in 1942 to make way for the current restaurant building (initially Scotty’s) at the wharf. I’ve saved the best for last. The Wolfeboro Casino, located on the waterfront at the end of Endicott St., (now the Corinthian Yacht club), was one of Wolfeboro’s most unique and lively establishments. It all started when the Kingswood club, which originally occupied a small barn on Forest Rd., bought the plot formerly occupied by Moses Varney’s tan
nery and shoe shop that I mentioned earlier. Known by now as the Kingswood Golf Club, they opened their building in 1907, and immediately took a ribbing because they had no golf links and no land nearby to build them. The casino eventually featured 4 regu-
lation candle pin bowling alleys (15 cents a string), a movie theatre and a dance hall. The lanes were improved in 1937 with Brunswick pin setters, and the chamber of commerce maintained a bowling league there. The season opening on May 25, 1929 featured dancing with entertainment
by Fogg’s Doctors of Rhythm from Brocton, Mass. Admission was 50 cents. Wolfeboro really hit the big time on July 17, 1954 when recording celebrity Muriel White “the blonde bombshell of Sheraton Records” sang to a packed house. A fire on November 14, 1948 severely damaged the
bowling alleys, and the Casino was demolished in 1959. By the way, the golf club finally got its links when they bought the old Pinkham farm on South Main St. and set up shop in the chicken coop.
-
The remains of the B&M Freight building after the
The Wolfeboro Casino. Model by David Warren.
position of authority
Benning set aside five hundred acres in each town he granted for himself in addition to the fees he received for the transactions. Even though Benning Wentworth granted many towns that are within the current boundaries of New Hampshire, including Alexandria, An-
dover, Campton, Hill, Holderness, Meredith, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Plymouth, Rumney, Sanbornton, Sandwich, Tamworth, Thornton, Tuftonboro, Wentworth, and Wolfeboro, it is the towns granted in what is now Vermont that history writers label The New Hampshire Grants. Some of the towns I
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St.André Bessette Parish Hall
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them, thus adding to his wealth. Despite the Governor seeming to show selfish and covetous traits he is said to have been a popular overseer of the province by the inhabitants of the land called New Hampshire and he remained the Governor of New Hampshire with not only permission but direction from the King to issue grants for 25 years.
just listed were granted with different names than they have now, and some were separated to form other towns.
Why did Governor Benning Wentworth grant towns to proprietors in the state of Vermont? Because it wasn’t Vermont then, and the Governor considered it to be a part of New Hampshire. The original grant of land to John Mason, which would become New Hampshire was kind of vague as to what that land composed, but Wentworth assumed that the southern boundary dividing New Hampshire and Massachusetts extended the length of Massachusetts for New Hampshire.
In other words it was assumed that what is now Vermont’s southern border was New Hampshire’s southern border, making Vermont a part of New Hampshire. As a result, Benning granted towns in Vermont to proprietors while following his practice of reserving for himself 500 acres of land within each of
Trouble arose as a result of The New Hampshire Grants lying on the west side of the Connecticut River. The state of New York, which apparently also had some vague descriptions of what constituted its borders, considered the New York State’s northeastern property lines to correspond, not to the western end of Massachusett’s northern border, but to extend to the Connecticut River, meaning that New York was considering the same land that New Hampshire’s governor was issuing grants for as belonging to them. The southern border of New Hampshire had been established in the year 1741 and Governor Wentworth began issuing his grants with the town named after himself, Bennington, in 1749.
According to one source he had by the year 1764 granted 138 townships that were located to the west of the Connecticut River in addition to those granted to the east of the same river. Some sources put the number of townships to be a ten or more fewer. That was the same year that New York appealed to the king and had the western border of the Connecticut River made the border between New York and New Hampshire.
So New York au -
thorities insisted that The New Hampshire Grants, as the territory was then called were illegal and New Hampshire insisted that they were valid. New York issued its own grants for property that was already granted and settled on by New Hampshire and sent sheriffs to dispossess the New Hampshire grantees. The people who were already living on the land designated as The New Hampshire Grants formed safety committees in an effort to protect their property. The renowned Green Mountain Boys, led by Ethan Allen, were organized to protect the New Hampshire settlers from being forced off their land in Vermont, they being the same Green Mountain Boys who would go on to serve in the Revolutionary War and gain fame for capturing Fort Ticonderoga.
The dispute between New York and New Hampshire was eventually resolved when the
inhabitants of The New Hampshire Grants met together several times beginning in July of 1776 for the purpose of organizing a new state government which they did in 1777. They proclaimed that the land which had been called The New Hampshire Grants would become a free and independent state and be called “by the name of New Connecticut.”
Many of the settlers were from Connecticut, as were many of those on the east side of the river who also considered breaking ties with the remainder of New Hampshire in favor of a new state, but that’s another story.
Under the revised name of Vermont, New Connecticut petitioned the United States Congress to allow them to join the Union which they did in 1791.
Wentworth- Coolidge Mansion= Home of Benning Wentworth
Thought to be Martha Hilton Wentworth, Benning’s second wife.
SMITH from 15
is seen lining the living room floor with newspaper. With the ever faithful Linus looking on, Lucy takes a kitchen knife and begins to unceremoniously hack into the colossal xanthous squash, much to the abject horror of her younger brother. Witnessing such a dreadful deed, Linus shouts in protest, “You didn’t tell me you were going to kill it!”.
Yes, admittedly, some of us who watched too many reruns of the Creature Double Feature on Saturday afternoon may have had fantastic visions of being Dr. Frankenstein performing an exploratory lobotomy as we too carved into a pumpkin. But honestly, most kids were too busy, fixated on trying to cut the perfect round hole from which to scoop out the brains err seeds without making a mess. Such a ghoulish deed as cranial dissection was really the furthest thought from most young innocent minds.
But why, you may ask, would I think of such things? Well, looking beyond the obvious dictates of the Gregorian calendar (it being October), recently our dining room table was once more ground zero for such activity. (Not brain surgery! Pumpkin Carving!) While some may think of it as a bygone activity for juveniles, pumpkin carving has actually taken on a life of its own, becoming quite the spectacle in some circles. Sort of akin to going to Hampton Beach in the summer to bear witness to the sand sculptures being formed. I, for one, can appreciate the intricate handiwork that some people execute on a giant orange cucur -
bitaceous canvas each October.
However, in this house we are a simple folk with simple tastes.
Our “Jacks” reflect the classical sort: triangle eyes and nose with the customary craggy toothsome grimace. That is a polite way of saying we lack the artistic skill set needed to execute a flawless picture-perfect “Jack”. But, that little hurdle aside, it was time once again to gather round the board for the annual attempt to channel our “creativity” (or unleash our destruction) upon an unwary innocent squash. With each jagged incision the vivid vision of happy Jack-o-Lantern perfection quickly transcends into a horrid abstract reality of grotesque disfigurement. However, left in the wake of our foray into Cucurbita corruption was a pile of squash guts and chunks resting upon a mat of “Pumpkin Mache”. And yes, I admit, to this very day the pungent odor of newsprint damp with
seeded breads, and stand alone snacking. I thought that the green seed was the inner seed of the familiar white hull pumpkin seed that most of us are used to. I thought that someone figured out a way to hull pumpkin seeds, but no, this is not the case. To my surprise, there is actually a variety of pumpkin(s) called oil seed pumpkins or collectively Styrian pumpkins. And, these pumpkins are grown specifically for pumpkin seed oil. This bears more exploration but for now let’s get back to our story…
to roast. While they dried and cooked I busied myself with peeling the skin from all the pumpkin chunks for a separate project.
pumpkin pulp has a way of taking me back to those October nights of my youth. A memory of a tradition lost, where from said pile of discard we plucked all those slippery seeds so mom could roast them for us kids to snack on. Salted liberally, these were a treat, a reward of sorts, for our efforts at once again having chiseled a ghastly gruesome grin onto the hull of a giant orange globe. Why did we look forward to roasted pumpkin seeds? I have no idea. But, not having roasted pumpkin seeds in decades I decided to see if the magic of this curiously simple palate pleaser was still there. Now, at this point I digress for a moment to say that it was not until recently that I found that there is a difference between the traditional pumpkin seed, that seed we think of with the white outer protective hull and its inner seed and the green pumpkin seed also known as the Pepita which is gaining popularity in granola,
Gathering up the mass of pumpkin chunks and seed speckled pulp into a bowl, I was determined, vowing that this year our friends’ (these pumpkins), their sacrifice would not be in vain. I brought it all to the kitchen sink where I separated the chunks, as well as the seeds, from the pulp. After some swishing and sloshing in a bowl the bulk of the seeds rose to the surface to be gathered. Onto a sheet pan they went for a bit of drying time and, in as little as 30 minutes, they were good enough
Seasoned with some Old Bay, salt, garlic powder, and paprika, into a 350 degree oven they went. Tossing every ten minutes, twenty minutes into the process I began to smell a nutty fragrance highlighted by some of the spices used. After one more toss and another seven minutes, I tried a seed straight from the oven and was rewarded with a warm, freshly roasted seasoned pumpkin seed that had a definitive “CRACK!”
If I were allowed only one word to describe these roasted pumpkin seeds that word would be… “ADDICTIVE!”
They were good. The combination of seasonings is really what makes or breaks Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. They are solely a medium for delivering flavor, and that flavor is mostly gained from what you put on them, not much more. Singularly, these Roasted Pumpkin Seeds were delicious. And, if one is good then two must be better. And if two are good,
then why not three or four? Well, heck! Why not an entire handful? Well, I can tell you WHY NOT an entire handful. Because somewhere along that continuum of one, two, three, four and more the mouth reaches a saturation point. While the mouth may be able to break down one or two at a time into tiny splinters and shards small enough to swallow easily, at some point the handful ceases to break down no matter the amount of mastication involved. The salt and seasonings draw all the moisture from your mouth. What you are left with is a quid of fibrous husks to ruminate on until you are overwhelmed with “cotton mouth”. I felt like a bound up woodchipper. It was becoming clear to me why I hadn’t had Roasted Pumpkin Seeds for decades.
While October is pumpkin’s time to shine, I decided to chuck the remaining seeds, set the Jacks upon the front stoep, and perhaps save the pumpkin chunks for another Simple Feast. Enjoy!
Looking ahead, Republicans are committed to ensuring you keep more of your money. Republicans are committed to providing Granite Staters with direct property tax relief, capping state spending below inflation, and streamlining energy markets.
If you value fiscal responsibility and want to keep New Hampshire’s economy thriving, voting Republican this November is essential. Republicans will continue to build on our party’s accomplishments, protect the New Hampshire Advantage, and ensure a more affordable future for all.
Matthew Lunney (R-Meredith).
Explore The Greatest Joy
To The Editor: Christ and I love you. Christ and I love all people.
To say hello in Irish Gaelic, one says, “Jesus be with you.” The next person says, “Je-
sus and Mary be with you.” And if a third walks up, they say, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph be with you.” This inspired my opening couple of lines. I seek to be aware of or share these lines when communicating with people so as to assist me with focusing on listening, learning, discovering, loving, and building each other up in conversation.
This is useful these days with so much dizzying division. I submit though that reducing this fear and division is something that each of us has the opportunity to do by reaching and talking to all others. These reaches ripple, inspire others, and we enter into joy more. It is up to us, not them. I love Romans 12:16 “Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied.”
I’ve been both Democrat and Republican and spent a lot of time holding signs at poll -
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ing stations where I love wandering to the other side and yakking with those of other stripes. We can converse. We can undo fear. We can build each other up. Take a breath and launch in!
I think the Cliff Notes of the Old Testament are that when people and their governments align with God and follow God’s Will, when they go OnVine with God, they rise. When they get too full of themselves, forget God, and think they can do whatever they want, they fall. I suggest to you that the Republican Ticket ongoing is best at seeking to align and be OnVine with God’s Will and hope you join me in voting for the Republican Ticket November 5th. In general Republicans seek to allow people to rely on teaming with God with lower regulations allowing them to meaningfully earn more, pay less, and be freer. From 2016 to 2020 we were an energy exporter and all costs of everything including food and gas were lots, lots, lots less. Our world and country were also much safer during this time than these last four years. Also, God likes and loves all people and I contend God considers people become persons at conception, which is more in line with the Republican ticket.
Again hoping you vote to earn more, pay less, and be safer by voting for the Republican ticket. In all events, let’s seek to be ever opening and mutually build each other up and keep on talking and keep breaking down fear and isolation. All are loved. All are wanted. Do you like God? God
likes you! Explore the greatest joy! I pray for you and all today to flourish a little bit and more than we could ask or imagine OnVine with our Creator and to foster flourishing in others.
Anthony Dreux Fallon Wofeboro Falls, NH.
What Your Harris Yard Sign Means
To The Editor:
Do you have a blue “Harris for President” yard sign planted on your lawn? Here’s what it communicates to your neighbors and the entire community. Weeks ago your candidate was a guest on the popular daytime TV show The View. One of the hosts asked Harris if she would change any of President Biden’s policies that she had been part of for the past three years and nine months. Your candidate paused before she said, “Nothing comes to mind.”
Your yard sign tells your neighbors that you’re okay with open borders. Your candidate has been the border czar since 2021. That blue placard shouts to all who see it that you support giving undocumented illegal aliens access to free housing, free healthcare, and free food.
That blue rectangle surrounded by blowing leaves says you support high inflation and want more. Your candidate cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate for the Inflation Reduction Act. This illnamed bill is pumping hundreds of billions of dollars we don’t have into our financial system. This causes more inflation.
The thin signboard declares that you are
okay with higher food prices and gasoline that’s more than 50% higher in cost than it was just four years ago. Is that true? Do you want higher prices?
Your Harris sign announces to your neighbors that you want to defund the police here in central New Hampshire. It also proclaims that you support contributing money to release violent rioters who burn down police headquarters buildings. Yes, your candidate said on June 1, 2020, “If you’re able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota.”
I could continue, but I think you get the point.
Tim Carter Meredith, NH.
HB 1205
To The Editor: As important as Federal Elections are, equal in significance are State Elections. I was disgusted when every Democrat in the NH House voted against Bill 1205, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, a topic close to my heart with my athletic daughters and granddaughters. Luckily, the bill passed the House without the Democrats, but by a mere 7 votes – 189182. After much debate, it also passed the NH Senate, with every Democrat also voting against it, and eventually the Governor signed it. Now it’s caught in the courts and one judge has already disregarded the science and the state law, allowing two trans athletes to participate in female team sports, while taking away
Freedom of Speech for those silently protesting the decision.
NH House Representative, Democrat Allisandra Murray, is an openly transgender lawmaker, identifying with pronouns they, them, and their. Upon losing the vote for Bill 1205, “they” said, “After watching bills like this be voted on week after week it’s hard not to despair. But rest assured, the fight is not over, we will stop these bills in the Senate, and if not, we will undo all this harm when Dems are in control next year. We will not let this stand.” (X, 3/21/24)
Without doubt, Democrats will unanimously band together again and try to throw the biological female athletes under the team bus when given a chance. Whether casting a ballot in Town, State, and/or Federal elections, consider Equality over Equity, Common Sense policies, past Performance Success, and what’s Best for Families, instead of Personality and Word Salads that say nothing. Many Democrats deliberately neglect to specify party affiliation when campaigning, so it’s important do some research and vote wisely on Tuesday, November 5.
Karen Sticht Meredith, NH.
The
Enemy Within To The Editor: Is “The Enemy Within” a figment of the imagination or a constant controversial constitutional issue in American politics? Robert F. Kennedy launched the presidential career of JFK
with Senate hearings on Jimmy Hoffa’s labor racketeering and memorialized those hearings in a book entitled “The Enemy Within” published in 1960.
Prior to RFK’s book Senator Joseph McCarthy conducted a campaign against Communists in the U.S. State Department during the 1950’s. McCarthy was censured by the U.S. Senate because he saw “REDS” everywhere. His radicalism overshadowed the accuracy of some of his observations.
In his best-selling book “Six Crises” (Doubleday, 1962), Nixon recounts how the Alger Hiss case “aroused the nation” to the existence and character of the Communist conspiracy in the USA. Nixon exposed Communists in the State Department when Whittaker Chambers, a former State Department employee and a Communist, named Alger Hiss and others as Communist spies. Chambers had been reporting about Hiss since 1939 but was ignored until exposed by Nixon in the 1950’s when Hiss was jailed for treason. Years later, in a bit of historic irony, Nixon as POTUS normalized relations with the CCP, promoting détente and hoping to convert Communist China to capitalism.
The federal bureaucracy watergated Nixon and had Oswald assassinate Kennedy. Jack Ruby took out Oswald on live TV as sheriffs surrounded both of them. Dead men tell no tales, just ask Thomas Matthew Crook. Oh, that’s right, we can’t because he is also dead.
What President
Trump uncovered, after his surprise election in 2016, was the federal bureaucracy in D.C. is a nest of vipers, taking millions of dollars from the CCP and Russia to conspire with our enemies to undermine American Dominance. Instead of Capitalism overwhelming Communism, as Nixon intended, the CCP deviously took advantage of the greed of American political elites to finance the betrayal of the USA.
Two chief beneficiaries of this CCP multimillion bribery scheme are the Biden family and Mitch McConnell. It is no surprise they hate Trump.
Yes, America, the Washington, DC bureaucracy is THE ENEMY WITHIN!
Charles Bradley Laconia, NH.
Vote For America
To The Editor: Well, here we go again. Every two years a local Democrat tries to unseat one of our three conservative state representatives or our state senator. This time one of them claims to be for needy children.
Our three representatives, Paul Terry, Peter Varney and Barbara Comtois have always supported parental rights when it comes to children’s education giving the parents an opportunity to send their children else ware for a good education rather than send them to the public, government run liberal indoctrination centers.
Needy children? The most needy child in the world is the one in it’s mother’s womb. It seems the Democrat candidate considers this needy child fair
game for annihilation. Those allowed to be born are sent to public schools where they are taught that the most vile and perverted life styles are “normal,” that communism is “good,” that globalism is more important than national pride and that America is a place to be despised. How many of you want your tax dollars spent on that kind of “education”?
The upcoming election is the most important one of our lifetimes. Our country is at a crossroad and if we take the wrong turn, we can wave goodbye to the America ourfounders left us. You can go down the road of continued loss of freedom and eventually communism (we’re half way there now), more corruption of our children and the loss of their innocence, and more money spent on endless wars and illegal aliens instead of our own citizens who need help.
Or you can choose to support and uphold our Constitution, our laws and the American traditions we all hold dear. Think about what kind of America you want to leave your kids.
“Make America Great” means exactly what it says and it is NOT a dirty phrase. Vote for America on Nov. 5th, vote Republican across the board.
Phil and Chris Wittmann Alton, NH.
Trump wasn’t pretending; he didn’t don jeans and a T-shirt in order to cosplay as one of the boys, Tim Walz-style. Instead, he showed up in his traditional suit, put on an apron and started handing out fries and chit-chatting with the customers. It was a moment of authenticity, and it showed as such compared with the polyester joy presented by the Kamala campaign.
Harris can’t shake the fundamental reality that she has been, for decades, a highly stylized political product. Kamala 1.0 was a progressive prosecutor; Kamala 2.0 was a hard-charging prosecutor; Kamala 3.0 was the furthest left member of the United States senate; Kamala 4.0 was a moderate. And Kamala 5.0 is whatever she needs to be at any given moment. But what she truly needs to be is human. And that’s the problem: She isn’t.
when the president is removed, dies or is, unable to discharge his duties.
Unfortunately, over the years, the executive branch has become an unconstitutional entity from issuing executive orders that have the force of law to its numerous alphabet soup departments that run roughshod over the states issuing administrative laws with its own enforcement arms to sending our military all over the world to fight in undeclared wars to giving billions of dollars in foreign aids to friends and foes alike.
Let’s hope that the majority of the voters prove another maxim attributed to H.L. Mencken wrong on November 5:
“Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.”
Readers who would like a free pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution may request one from their member of Congress but by doing so, may be put on the Department of Justice’s watchlist. Or they can request one from me. My E-mail is campconstitution1@gmail.com
Mayor. To that, I say “No Thank You”.
The NH Police Unions have endorsed Kelly for Governor because they know of her past record of keeping NH citizens safe while at the same time supporting and working with police officers across NH: the Police Unions are; 1. Manchester Assoc. of Police Supervisors, 2. Nashua Police Patrolman’s Assoc. 3. NH Police Assoc. 4. NE Police Benevolent Assoc. 5. NH State Troopers Assoc.
I was not surprised to see in a recent Union Leader Opinion authored by three Democrats, Bobby Stephen, Arthur Beaudry and Grafton County Sheriff Jeff Stiegler who are crossing party lines to support Kelly Ayotte because she has “devoted her life to serving
the people of our state and repeatedly shown that she can work with anyone to get things done for our state and its people”.
I have known and worked with Kelly Ayotte for many years and have enjoyed sharing with her my knowledge and concerns of the three major Industries that make up the North Country’s economy which are Forestry, Recreation and Tourism. I know as Governor, Kelly will protect and enhance the “New Hampshire Advantage” while at the same time, keep the Granite State the envy of our neighboring states. Please join me on Nov. 5, 2024 and Vote for Kelly Ayotte for Governor in the “Live Free or Die” state. Thank you.
METZLER from 7
tionally isolated, but who, with the BRICS states, represents the future ‘world majority’ ” states Germany’s respected Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
The surprise visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres created bad optics for him given the setting and international situation. Though his visit was politically slammed by Ukraine, it does the UN no good to be seen mingling with President Putin, a person with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). As curiously, Secretary General Guterres spent October 24th, historically commemorated as UN Day, in a country which currently is violating the territorial
integrity of another UN member state Ukraine, thus breaking international law.
To his credit Guterres’s speech challenged Moscow’s narrative, “We need peace in Ukraine. A just peace in line with the UN Charter, International law and General Assembly resolutions.”
Iran’s new membership in BRICS is surprising; a heavily sanctioned regime savors political legitimacy. But Iran’s petroleum economy is on the upswing with over 1.8 million barrels of oil sold per day mostly to China. Why? Though facing suffocating economic sanctions under former President Trump, the Biden/ Harris Administration has often waived tough sanctions en -
forcement on Tehran. Thus Iran has much more cash to support its Mid-East proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah and naturally have a better economic standing.
Interestingly Turkish President Erdogan is vying for BRICS membership; should he be accepted, they would become the first NATO member. Conversely Argentina’s free market President Javier Milei withdrew his country from the group last year.
A major BRICS focus is to study using alternatives to the U.S. Dollar for global trade. Russia has stressed the promotion and development of alternative financial instruments and clearing systems in order to minimize dependence
THE CLASSIFIEDS
on Western currencies, and the SWIFT transfer system. Somehow I don’t feel that many countries, even among the BRICS are going to substitute using the Ruble, the Real, the Rand, the Rupee or the Yuan to largely replace the U.S. Dollar anytime soon for major commercial transactions. But take note, BRICS represents an erosion of the post-war Western based economic order.
John J. Metzler is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.
and
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old he is when they watch him play. He’s good. He can really rip it.”
Warren Harding (29), Calvin Coolidge (30), Franklin Roosevelt (32), and Reagan all had some good moments on golf courses.
Ford—the football star—also was a good golfer, but he’s remembered for hitting spectators with tee shots. Still, Nixon’s first
vice-president Spiro
Agnew injured even more spectators with his errant drives. It was so bad that before a visit to Indiana, the Indiana Legislature passed a measure banning Agnew from golfing in the Hoosier State. Ouch!
Which now brings us to Kamala Harris, who could be elected as our 47th president on Tuesday. Reportedly, her favorite sport is Formula 1 Racing.
Who knew?
There are conflicting reports as to her golfing history. But if/ when she plays, does she tee off from the blue or red tees?
True golfers know that answer.
Hail to the Chief(s)! Happy Halloween.
Sports Quiz
What was President Ford’s birth name? (Answer follows)
Born Today
That is to say, sports standouts and Halloween babies born on October 31 include Chicago Bear running back Brian Piccolo (1943) and famed football coach Nick Saban (1951).
Sports Quote
“I know that (House Speaker) Tip (O’Neil) says that I associate with the country club crowd. Well, I’ve only played one round since
I’ve been president, and Tip is an inveterate golfer and I’m sure he must have to go to a country club to play golf.” – President Ronald Reagan, 1982
Sports Quiz Answer
Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. was born as Leslie Lynch King on July 14, 1913. He changed his name in 1935 (after the deaths of his paternal grandparents) to an Anglicized version of his stepfather’s name.
(Another aside: Bill Clinton’s birth name was William Jefferson Blythe III.)
State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTI-Concord. His email address is mchlmoffett@yahoo.com.
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PUZZLE CLUE: END OF OCTOBER OPTIONS
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Answers on Page 27
The Winklman Aeffect by John Whitlock
