12/26/2024 Weirs Times by The Weirs Publishing Company

A male cardinal in the snow makes for the quintessential Christmas bird photo.

MeMories of The season

by Chris Bosak

For The Birds Columnist

When birdwatching has been an integral part of your life for so long, almost everything has an association with birds. Christmas is no exception. For this holiday season, I’m going to examine some of my favorite Christmas birding associations and memories. This one is a little morbid, but it clearly sticks out in my mind. When the boys were little, about 7 and 4, we sat on the floor by the tree Christmas morning passing out their gifts one by one. I glanced out the sliding glass door onto the deck only to see a Cooper’s hawk devouring a mourning dove about six

feet away.

Both boys followed my gaze and noticed the scene as feathers and small drops of blood encircled the birds on the snow. I was unsure what the boys’ reaction would be and was relieved when they said, “Oh cool,” instead of being mortified and having their Christmas ruined.

On a lighter note, the

Christmas Bird Count has been a big part of my holiday season for well over 20 years now. The CBC is an annual bird census organized by the Audubon Society whereby volunteer birdwatchers count as many birds as possible in one day. The data collected provides information to scientists

Last Night Wolfeboro on December 31 includes new offerings for a festive, free celebration marking New Year’s Eve in the Lakes Region.

More than a dozen events and activities are on the Last Night Wolfeboro schedule from 10am –6pm. New for the December 31st community-wide event is Jason Tardy, world-class juggling performer. Tardy brings his impressive, high-energy performance on stage at 1:30pm at Wolfeboro Town Hall, Great Hall.

Also new on December 31 at Town Docks, before the scheduled fireworks, is the opportunity to enjoy delicious treats while supplies last. Weather permitting, Sweetwater Kitchen, owned and operated by Wolfeboro chef Suzanne Trice, will offer tasty s’mores, hot chocolate and marshmallow treats at family-friendly prices.

Then at 6pm, weather permitting, Last Night Wolfeboro fireworks light up over Wolfeboro Bay. Fireworks are sponsored by: Hunter’s Shop ‘n Save; Piscataqua Landscaping and Tree Service and Black’s Paper Store.

See NIGHT on 12

CHRIS BOSAK PHOTO

by Mike Moffett Contributing Writer

Traveling around the country allows one to experience the unique sports cultures of various cities and regions across America’s fruited plain. Sports tourism is real. For example, folks come to New England just to see Fenway Park, the Basketball Hall of Fame, or even Loudon’s NASCAR track.

Which bring us to New Orleans. The Crescent City. The Big Easy. The Paris of the South.

I recently visited N’Awlins, aka “The City That Care Forgot,” for an NCLGS Conference (National Council of Legislators for Gaming States). There was certainly a sports component to the confab, as most states now have legalized sports betting, including New Hampshire.

I was accompanied by distinguished N.H. State Senators Howard Pearl and Timothy Lang—the “Father” of Granite State Sports Gaming—to the “Birth-

graniTe sTaTers and sporTs in neW orLeans:

“The big easy”

place of Jazz.” Lang was the prime mover behind legalizing sports betting in New Hampshire in 2019 and his expertise in the area brought him national renown. The Senator from Sanbornton deserves much credit for bringing $137 million legal gambling dollars to state coffers since 2020, on their way to schools across New Hampshire.

Professional development, idea exchanges,

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 networking are valuable byproducts of such conventions. For example, I made it a point to attend a session on player harassment where the panel included NBC football analyst Eric Froton, former Kansas tight end DeShawn Hanika, and former NBA standout Randy Livingston. I didn’t realize the grief that athletes can get. Hanika shared that he’d received a Venmo

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.

request for $5K from an angry bettor who claimed Hanika cost him that amount when he dropped a pass in a big game.

Louisiana State University has a huge sports following in the Pelican State—aka the Bayou State—although Tulane University also has many fans. And while New Orleans doesn’t have an MLB or an NHL

Senator Tim Lang, Rep. Mike Moffett, and Senator Howard Pearl at the NCLGS Conference in New Orleans.

by Tim Moore Contributing Writer

So, apparently winter weather in December is still a thing. After the last few winters, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who works in the outdoor industry complaining, myself included. With a series of mild winters in recent years, it was easy for me to get caught off guard with my ice fishing prep work. Winter is hard on gear and as a full-time ice fishing guide on Lake Winnipesaukee, mine sees more use than most. My gear doesn’t usually break, but it gets about five times more use than the average ice angler. I like my gear to work like new for my clients. One way I keep things that way is to replace some of it annually. I’m lucky to be able to do it, but it also means lots of set up work.

This year I replaced most of my tip ups. I run the Trophy Thermal Tip Ups from Clam Outdoors. They are a flat insulated tip up that covers the hole and helps prevent it from freezing. They work very well when used properly. They store easily in a fivegallon bucket or companies, such as Lakewood Products, make tip up cases. I prefer the Lakewood tip up cases, because they have pockets for items that I use with the tip

ups, such as leader material, swivels, hooks, etc. The only downside is unpackaging everything and that most tip ups do not come with line on them. Putting line on them is time consuming and I find it monotonous.

Another

that I

by Robert Hanaford Smith, Sr. Contributing Writer

My guess is that almost every child, from a young age, in America, knows that December 25th is the day upon which Christmas is celebrated. Not so many, but probably most, know that Christmas is celebrated by Christians as the birthday of Jesus Christ and that is why it is called Christmas. Probably none of those children, at least almost none, realize that for at least one New Hampshire settlement in those provincial days December twenty-fifth was the day the town’s rent was due.

When we hear about grants of land being made to settlers of New Hampshire’s towns during the 1700’s we might assume that those settlers were receiving gifts of property with no costs involved, whatsoever and forever. A look at what was involved with the land granted to a group of “proprietors” in Lyman,

New Hampshire shows us that the grants were not without the requirement of a payment, though the payment was mostly a delayed one.

I just read that, now, there is an island in Italy that is offering to grant houses for one dollar to Americans who don’t want to live in the United states under a Trump presidency. But apparently the houses being offered are dilapidated ones left by people who abandoned them and

left because of a bad economy, so it appears that the free occupancy won’t come without a cost to the recipients if there are any. But let’s look at what the grant holders of Lyman New Hampshire had to deal with.

The Lyman Charter was given by George the Third, King of England in the year 1761 and began by identifying the king, “By the Grace of God, of GreatBritain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith,&c. To all

persons to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting.”

The charter then went on to indicate that its purpose was for the “settling a New Plantation within our said Province, by and with the Advice of our Trusty and well-beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq; Our Govenor and Commander in Chief of our said Province of New Hampshire in New-England, and of our Council of the said Province.”

The grant of the new “plantation’ was for six square miles of land, or 23,040 acres, to be divided into seventy equal shares, allowing for land for highways and “”unimprovable lands by rocks, ponds, mountains and rivers.” 0r 1,040 acres.

The charter specifies that the new town would be incorporated as Lyman after General Phinehas Lyman. Eleven of the original grantees had the last name of Lyman, and one of those, Gideon Lyman, was appointed to be the moderator of the first town meeting which was to be held on the first Monday of December. As soon as there were fifty families settled in Lyman they were given the liberty of holding Town Fairs on an annual basis. A

Governor Benning Wentworth issued Charter for Lyman, NH.

NEW HAMPSHIRE F OOL

before and afTer

by Brendan Smith Weirs Times Editor

It has been hard to figure out what to write for this week’s column. This paper will hit the streets just before Christmas in some places and after in others. So, some of you may have picked up this paper just as the freshness of the anticipation of Christmas is growing to a fever pitch while others will be picking it up a day or two after event is over, hung over from all the festivities and facing the aftermath.

So, in fairness to all of my readers, I will write this column with a before and after approach. If you are picking it up before Christmas Day, you can read the regular text. If you are a reading it after Christmas use the italicized version.

I love the few days before Christmas. The tree is all decorated. Lovingly cared for, keeping it replenished with new water every day and pine needles cleaned up. All is worth it as family and friends gather about, the lights and tinsel sparkling and the soft sounds of Christmas Carols in the background.

The Christmas tree, lovingly cared for over the past couple of weeks to keep it looking great for the big day, will now be left on its own, begging for thirst and a little attention as it awaits its fate. Carrying it outside, cursing the pine needles that are now everywhere from the living room, to the den and the kitchen. You finally get it outside. Maybe tossed into the woods in your backyard or heaved onto a pile at the brush dump, the harsh noise of wood chippers taking care of business.

It is such a pleasure to have Christmas Songs playing on the radio. Every morning when I get in my car to drive to work, or later in the day drive to the store to do

some Christmas shopping, the beautiful songs of the holiday fill me with joy and happiness and make me realize what this time is really all about.

I turned on the radio this morning and the first thing I hear is, yes, another droning ad by some company telling me how their product will change my life for only $29.95. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I really miss those Christmas songs.

Family members, some of who you haven’t seen in a year, arrive at your house, with cars full of presents. You welcome them with open arms as well as with a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal you have been preparing for weeks. The guest rooms have been tidied with fresh sheets and scented candles. Everyone arrives safely and it is a wonderful Christmas experience.

Okay, so when in the heck is Aunt Clara going to finally leave? It’s now the 27th of December and there is no sign of her going anywhere. There are only so many more meals I can make out of the few leftovers we have and we will soon be going to the peanut butter. By the way, your cousin Andy called. He’s stuck on the Interstate with a flat tire and he wants you to go and pick him up.

Yes, it is a lot of work to wrap all of those gifts, but they look so good under the tree and it really is worth it as you watch everyone, young and old alike, as they unwrap the gifts that you also spent so much time shopping for. Trying to find that perfect present for each and everyone.

Yeah, I know there’s a lot of garbage. Four of those bags are full of wrapping paper alone. Will you please take care of it while I am at the store? I’ve got to return Johnny’s sweater, it’s the wrong size and Aunt Clara told me she’s already got a set of those wine glasses. I’ve got to exchange them or we will never get her out of here.

There’s a knock on the door

and you go to answer it with great expectation. Of course, it’s the neighborhood carolers. You gather the family around to hear them sing “Silent Night”. You invite them in for a cup of hot cocoa and some good cheer.

“Honey, Mister White is at the door. He’s pretty upset. It seems Rover ripped apart his garbage and there is shredded wrapping paper all over his yard. I told you to get rid of that yesterday, but do you listen? Please take care of it. Whatever you do, don’t invite him in for coffee, he gives me the creeps.”

You have to admit that the stores, filled with last minute shoppers, really give you a great feeling. All the decorations, the Christmas music playing and everyone really in a festive mood. You wouldn’t believe the store, it was a madhouse. It seemed like everyone was in there returning something and was trying to be first. Talk about rude, And, can you believe it? They are already putting out the Valentine’s Day stuff.

I love to get dressed up for church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Glad we got here a little early, it’s pretty full and there are hardly any seats left. Nice to see everyone here with their families. Makes me remember what this whole day is really about.

Yeah, I know it’s the Sunday after Christmas but I really don’t have time to bother with going to church. It’s my only day off and I have far too many other important things to get done and the big game is on early today. Okay, maybe I’ll be there but I might be a little late. Shouldn’t matter though, there are always plenty of seats.

Merry Christmas Happy New Year!!

Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”

Order your autographed copy today for $16.99 plus $3 shipping. (Please include any inscription you would like.) Make out checks or money orders for $19.99 to Brendan Smith and mail to: Socks Book c/o Weirs Times, PO Box 5458, Weirs, NH 03247 Or order online at BrendanTSmith.com (Autographed copies also avail. at the Weirs Times)

Really Only Did It For The SocksStories & Thoughts On Aging”

Letters From God

QUESTION

Does Conservative Leadership Make A Difference?

Absolutely! First, you must understand that I ordained that you to flourish only as you are led by good leadership. You are like sheep and without good leadership you will stray away from me and from good leadership and in distancing yourselves, walk away from the good shepherds and soon find yourself in the fatal grasp of the “wolf.” Your country was established on my clear and godly laws and principles by the early formers of your country and Constitution. Most of these leaders were godly men who were steeped in the milieu of biblical Christianity. In other words, most were raised in an environment in which my book, the Bible, was the basis of every aspect of life. Knowing me, your founders built your Constitution, which is the way you were constituted to live and act, around my design for life, revealed in my book, the Bible. I told you that I had my will written and taught “for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 10:13). I made it perfectly clear that if you conform to my ways, I would bless you with life and protect you from death (Deuteronomy 32:7). Nations who fail to honor me and my will, though they may flourish for a period, always die. No leader is perfect, but those who uphold and strengthen the resolve made by your original founders, will make a dramatic difference in the moral behavior or your country as well as its destiny.

Let me site a perfect example. I raised up Moses to lead my people out of their bondage in Egypt. Moses was a flawed man, as all are, but because he feared me and trusted me, I empowered him to lead my nation, who at the time were weak slaves, to overpower the mighty Pharaoh and his mighty army. I remember, by the way, how many times your founding Fathers sited this great victory as they were fighting a similar battle with the mighty British King and Empire. I remember how they too, looked to me to do it again. Because of the fact that they were trusting me and seeking to live according to my word and will, I blessed them as I did Moses and the Israelites.

Letters From God

I want you to notice the damage, decay and death that ensued under different leadership in Israel. You can read about it in my book, the Bible, in the 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy. I called Moses to leave my people, the Israelites, to ascend into my presence on Mount Sinai in order receive my essential laws, the 10 Commandments, which if followed would ensure both personal and national life. By the way, so did your original founders gather to constitute your laws on my 10.

In the process of the 40 days Moses and I spent together, the people of Israel grew unsettled. Thinking Moses had perished, they looked to a new leader. They appointed Aaron, Moses’ brother (32:1). Unfortunately, this leadership change would be catastrophic. The Israelites chose a weak leader

who instead of leading them to me and my will, would give them whatever they wanted. What they wanted was to return to the old Egyptian ways of having many gods, who would give them permission to do anything they wanted to do. Their old sin nature was returning under weak leadership and wanted to throw me and my will out, for gods that would give them whatever they wanted. I took my people out of Egypt but Egypt and their belief in other gods was still in them. Under weak leadership, idolatry and immoral practices flourished. Aaron sheepishly cowered to their requests, fearing them more than me and took their precious jewelry and melted it into the form of a calf, to represent the gods they chose to follow (:2). These socalled gods were permissive and progressive and allowed them to party and revel in pagan activities instead of the laws and behaviors that I prescribed (:6). Under weak leadership, the people attributed their release from Egypt to false gods, (:8) “the people were running wild and Aaron had let them get out of control,” and interestingly Israel became “a laughingstock to their enemies.” (:25). Sadly, under Aarons weak leadership the people chose a “way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12). 3,000 would die that day alone (:28) and a whole generation later, as they would wander in the wilderness for 40 years for their unbelief and ungodly living. When Moses returned

to the camp bearing the 10 Commandments I had given him, he took over once again and he rebuked the Israelites for quickly turning away from what I had commanded (:8). He then threw down the stone tablets, shattering them, symbolic of the way my people had broken my laws (:19). He then crushed and burned the calf into a powder and made the people drink the ashes in their water (:20). Under good leadership, never perfect, disaster was averted, and the prospect of my blessings returned. This event has been repeated in your recent history under godless progressive leaders. It has ushered in every evil, perverse behavior and uncommon sense and has incurred my wrath. It has led to your decline and demise. You, as citizens, have wisely chosen, in this last election, to return to the conservative ways I prescribed, and your founding fathers established. These ways embrace me, the only true God, and my will, the only sure way to be blessed. Ben Franklin, one of the principal founding fathers said it best when asked if the people had a republic or a monarchy. His response was “A republic, if you can keep it.” Without good leadership who fear me and lead you back to me and my principles and laws, you cannot thrive. With them, you cannot fail to succeed. I love you, God

These letters are written by Rev. Dr. Sam Hollo of Alton, NH

The duMbesT faLLacy in foreign poLicy

by Ben Shapiro Syndicated Columnist

Last week, after 50 years of tyranny and repression, the government of Bashar Assad fell in Syria. It fell thanks to a combination of three forces: first, Israel’s military utterly eviscerated Assad’s foreign military support base, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia; second, Ukraine has bled dry the Russian military coffers over the course of the last several years, leading Russia to withdraw its support from the Syrian theater; and third, the Turkish government, led by Islamist authoritarian Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stepped

by John J. Metzler Syndicated Columnist

The extraordinary and fastmoving events in Syria have gripped the world. What was viewed as a forgotten, forsaken and frozen conflict churning on for nearly fourteen years, has suddenly jumped into the headlines to round out this tumultuous year.

Syria at long last has been freed from the Assad family dictatorship which had ruthlessly ruled this ancient land for 53 years. People are overjoyed; celebrations rocked the capital Damascus as citizens embraced freedom but have yet to achieve democracy.

But the strife may not be over yet

into the breach, with its favored radical militia, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, cruising through the country with almost no opposition.

Assad was a vicious and brutal dictator; according to the Syrian Emergency Task Force, opposition groups and rescue workers are uncovering mass graves that could hold upward of 100,000 bodies of Assad’s enemies. Assad not only used chemical weapons against Syrians; he also directly intervened in Lebanese affairs, targeting Lebanese Christians among others. His regime was cruel and odious.

What replaces Assad is no picnic.

HTS’ leader Abu Mohammad alJolani is a former al-Qaida and ISIS terrorist. He spent five years in

See SHAPIRO on 21

by John Stossel Syndicated Columnist

The WhiTe piLL

The movie “The Matrix” gave us the “red pill” and the “blue pill.” The red wakes you up to reality; the blue keeps you indoctrinated.

Internet culture then invented a black pill. Those who take it think the world is doomed.

So, podcaster Michael Malice wrote the book “The White Pill,” calling it a “symbol of hope.”

“Young people in recent years,” he tells me, “were discouraged about the future of this country. But people in a far worse position than us won a far greater victory in our lifetime, and no one talks about it.”

He refers to the fall of the Soviet Union. We talk about that in my new video.

syria: iT’s noT over yeT

in sections of the country. Presidentelect Donald Trump warned, “Turkey did an unfriendly takeover of Syria.”

Donald Trump was referring to Turkey’s overt military support to the Islamic HTS rebels who toppled Assad. Turkish strongman President Tayep Recep Erdogan now openly enters the game as Turkey plans on settling scores with the Kurdish minority just across its border with Syria. Erdogan wants large numbers of the 3.5 million mostly Syrian refugees currently in Turkey to now go home. That’s understandable. The other is setting boundaries barring Kurdish militants via a “ Safe zone” carved by force from Syrian territory along the long frontier. But now comes the undertow of a sanguinary history; the cities turned to rubble by the civil war between Assad’s Russian backed regime and

Islamic fundamentalist forces which have turned the land into a hellscape. Aleppo, Hama, Homs were signposts of despair for a decade. Millions of people fled and millions are internally displaced.

In its first meeting on Syria since Assad’s fall, the fifteen member UN Security Council looked to the way forward. Geir Pedersen, the UN’s long serving Special Envoy stated, “While battlefield developments might be winding down…the conflict is far from over” and “the challenges of winning the peace are staggering in scale and complexity.” A new Constitution ensuring a non-sectarian state with protections for Alawites, Druze and Christians is key.

Malice was born in Russia. He’s researched how even ruthless tyrannies can be toppled.

I say to Malice, “What I find unbelievable about the Berlin Wall being torn down is that I thought, ‘Finally, people wised up to the evil of central planning and socialism.’ Yet (today) academically smart college students want socialism!”

“You go to school,” Malice quips, “and then leave four years later as a swamp walrus who can’t have a conversation with their parents.”

He calls universities “the real villains.”

Universities do “black-pill” students about capitalism. Professors emphasize its problems and downplay its many benefits. A Pew study found that the more education Americans

See STOSSEL on 18

The Norwegian diplomat conceded, “Syria remains volatile for those who remain inside and for those who wish to return.”

The UN’s humanitarian coordinator Tom Fletcher added somberly, “What has not changed is the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Syria was already one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with 17 million people, more than 70 per cent of the population, in need of support.”

He added, “More than 7 million people were displaced across the country, and millions more Syrians were living as refugees.” Mr. Fletcher stressed the need for wider humanitarian funding to meet Winter needs; “Since 2016, more than $38 billion has gone to the UN-coordinated appeals for Syria and for the regional refugee response. But this year’s humanitarian appeal, the largest country appeal in the world,

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W o L feboro W e LL ness c ooperaT ive o pening i n J anuary

Wolfeboro Wellness Cooperative, a new concierge medicine practice, will open its doors January 2025 in Wolfeboro, NH, offering a full suite of personalized healthcare and wellness services. The practice aims to redefine healthcare in the Lakes Region, focusing on proactive, patient-centered care with specialized offerings such as weight loss management, hormone therapy, peptide therapy, aesthetic treatments, and more.

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Wolfeboro Wellness Cooperative combines traditional medical care with innovative wellness solutions, creating a unique experience for patients seeking to enhance their overall health and well-being. By adopting a concierge model, the practice ensures exclusive access to its Provider, longer appointments, and a truly individualized approach to care.

“We are thrilled to bring this comprehensive wellness practice to our community,” said Luke Freudenberg, Founder. “Our mission is to empower individuals to feel and look their best by addressing their unique health and wellness needs.”

Featured Services at Wolfeboro Wellness Cooperative:

● Weight Loss Programs: Medical supervision, nutritional counseling, and personalized strategies to

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● Vitamin Dispensary: On-site access to premium-quality vitamins and supplements to support overall health and wellness.

● Concierge Medicine Model: Personalized care with extended appointment times, same-day or next-day availability, and direct communication with our provider.

To celebrate its opening, Wolfeboro Well -

ness Cooperative will host an Open House on January 1, 2025 from 10am - 2pm at 609 S Main St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894. Community members are invited to tour the facility, meet the team, and learn more about the wide range of services offered. Light refreshments and wellness demonstrations will be provided.

“At Wolfeboro Wellness Cooperative, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve vibrant health and confidence through a blend of medical care and wellness services,” said Freudenberg. “We are excited to serve the Wolfeboro community and the greater Lakes Region.”

For more information about Wolfeboro Wellness Cooperative, visit wolfeborowellness.com or call (603) 520-8252.

by Stephanie Ryan, DC Crossroads Chiropractic

As we say goodbye to the tempting treats of the holidays and look to create a healthier 2025, many of us are planning to shed a few pounds in the new year. With weight loss as one of the most popular resolutions again this year we’re taking a look at foods that help manager hunger naturally. While fad diets, artificial suppressants and new-to-market injectables might promise quick fixes, nature also provides effective resources to us. While we could easily make a list of twenty-five, here are our top ten foods that naturally curb appetite, supported by scientific research.

Avocados - Rich, creamy, and delicious, avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which help increase feelings of fullness. A study published in Nutrition Journal found that adding half an avocado to lunch reduced hunger and desire to eat for up to five hours afterward. This powerhouse fruit also stabilizes blood sugar levels, preventing cravings triggered by spikes and crashes.

Oatmeal - Oatmeal is more than just a hearty breakfast staple; it’s a hunger-bust-

T op 10 n aT ura L

a ppe T i T e s uppressan T s :

e aT s M arT er , f ee L f u LL er

ing superhero. Made from whole grains, oatmeal contains betaglucan, a type of soluble fiber that promotes the release of peptide YY (PYY), a hormone linked to satiety. Research in the Journal of Nutrition has shown that beta-glucan can reduce overall calorie intake at subsequent meals.

Legumes - Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are packed with fiber, protein, and slow-digesting carbohydrates. A 2016 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed that legumes increase fullness and help manage calorie consumption. The combination of protein and fiber delays digestion, keeping hunger at bay longer than refined carbohydrates.

Nuts - Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are excellent snacks that suppress hunger without compromising nutrition. They are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. A study in Appetite found that individuals who consumed a handful of almonds reported significantly lower hunger levels than those who skipped nuts. Despite their calorie density, nuts are linked to better weight management due to their satiating effects.

Greek Yogurt - High in protein and low in sugar (when unsweetened), Greek yogurt is an excellent choice for appetite control. Protein-rich foods have been shown to influence appetiteregulating hormones like ghrelin. Research published in Appetite demonstrated that consuming highprotein snacks like Greek yogurt can reduce hunger and delay subsequent eating.

Eggs - Starting your day with eggs could be the secret to eating less throughout the day. Eggs are rich in high-quality protein, which slows digestion and prolongs satiety. A study in International Journal of Obesity revealed that people who ate eggs for breakfast consumed fewer calories during the day compared to those who ate a bagel of equal caloric value.

Spicy Foods (Chili Peppers) - Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, not only spices up meals but also helps curb appetite. A study in Chemical Senses found that capsaicin reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. Additionally, spicy foods may slightly boost metabolism, enhancing calorie burn.

Dark ChocolateCraving something

sweet? Dark chocolate, with at least 70% cocoa, can satisfy your sweet tooth while suppressing hunger. Research published in Regulatory Peptides suggests that the bitter taste of dark chocolate reduces appetite, and its rich flavor signals satisfaction with smaller amounts.

Leafy Greens - Lowcalorie, high-fiber greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent for filling up without adding many calories. A compound called thylakoids, found in spinach, has been shown to delay fat digestion and reduce hunger. A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that participants who consumed thylakoid-enriched drinks reported reduced cravings for unhealthy foods.

Green Tea - While not technically a food, green tea deserves a spot on this list due to its powerful appetitesuppressing properties. Rich in catechins and caffeine, green tea enhances the release of fat from fat cells and increases fat-burning during exercise. A study in Physiology & Behavior showed that participants who drank green tea felt fuller and consumed fewer calories compared to a placebo group. Complete exam with x-rays if necessary for only $59 this month!

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The Simple Feast

The Simple

by Eric N Gibson Contributing Writer

I like simplicity, especially around the holidays. The less time I have to spend in the kitchen the more time I have to attend gatherings, visit, or just catch a quick nap between the hustle and bustle. Let’s face it, that’s what the holidays have turned into, right? Grazing from one get together to another.

The Simple chocoLaTe cherry cruMbLe duMp cake

Well, I suggest you add a dump cake to your holiday tradition. Why? Because dump cakes are simple, easy, fun. For minimal effort they are a true crowd pleaser. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, dump cakes range from simple deliciousness to down right decadence. And the best part (one of the best parts) is that dump cakes are usually, start to finish, done in about an hour or less.

This particular dump cake began as I was thumbing through a cookbook composed by Cathy Mitchell appropriately titled Quick and Easy Dump Cakes and More . The book was a rescue from a bunch of cookbooks being sent to the local swap shop. Thumbing through the book I

landed on a Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. Well, what’s not to like about Chocolate Cake? And cherry is, in my opinion, one of the best combinations for chocolate and for cake.

Now, if you have a well stocked pantry this recipe will be easy, otherwise, with just a bit of “investment” (about $8.00) at the local market, you can have everything you need to put this simple dish together. Add about a $1.25 for a tin pan at the local “Buck a Bush” store and there’s minimal clean up once the last serving is out of the pan. Just as simple as fold, toss, done. What could be better?

The original recipe called for two jars of tart cherries in water drained and spread directly on the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. I’m not a big fan of

like?

tart cherries. My sweet tooth is a bigger fan of cherry pie filling. And I decided I would put a “crust” on the bottom so the pie filling wouldn’t burn.

Reaching into the pantry I grabbed a box of Graham Crackers. Unfortunately this box had been in the pantry a little too long and when I opened the first package the smell of stale Graham Crackers nearly had me on the floor. There are a lot of bad smells in this world but that is one that just leaves an indelible imprint on the olfactory senses! With those out of the picture I began to sift through the pantry for a substitute. I found an unopened package of Butter Ring Cookies intended for a Thanksgiving dessert. Christmas, New Years, close enough. Mixed with some brown sugar and butter, what’s not to

I have found that an easy way to make and mix cookie and cracker crumbs is in a zipper bag. A gallon bag is preferable as there is enough room to mash, add, and mix. As long as you are not too aggressive with the mashing, the bag will usually withstand the blows from the chosen implement of destruction. Just don’t dwell on what Santa didn’t leave you under the tree for Christmas while pounding away at those helpless cookies and the bag should be fine. Then add the other ingredients to create a cookie based crumble mixture and knead the bag until the sugar and butter (in this case) is well mixed.

At this point you are ready to dump, dump, dump, and bake and you get as messy or keep as clean as you like. If you prefer to get a little “handsy” prepare to get a little greasy from the butter mixture. If this doesn’t bother you, have at it. Otherwise just pour from the bag and spoon out from the cans and you should be fine.

A word to the wise. That “Dr. Cherry” cola I bought was the real deal, not a knock off brand. It had its full complement of “Zip” and “Fizz” and then some. When I tossed the groceries onto the back seat I wasn’t really thinking. I figured by the time I got home and into making the dump cake things

ACKERLY’S

Grill & Galley

83 Main Street, Alton

603.875.3383

Akerlysgrillandgalleyrestaurant.com

Stoneface - IPA

Moat Mtn. - Blueberry

Great Rhythm - Pale Ale

Baxter - Coastal Haze

603 - Amber Ale

COPPER KETTLE TAVERN

At Hart’s Turkey Farm

Restaurant

233 D.W. Hwy, Meredith

603.279.6212

hartsturkeyfarm.com

Fiddlehead - IPA

Guinness

Tuckerman Pale Ale

Allagash - White

Shipyard - Pumkinhead

+6 More On Tap

D.A. LONG TAVERN

At Funspot

579 Endicott St N., Weirs

603.366.4377 funspotnh.com

Oskar Blues - BA Ten Fiddy ‘22

Delirium - Noel

Allagash - Ski House

Hobbs - Hi, Jack!

Lawson’s - Mad River Maple

Deciduous - Broken Skyline

+6 More On Tap

FOSTER’S TAVERN

403 Main Street

Alton Bay, NH

603-875-1234

fosterstavernbythebay.com

Tuckerman pale ale

Aqua Vue Haze

Allagash white

Maine Lunch

Guinness

Stoneface IPA +10 More On Tap

JOHNSON’S TAPHOUSE

At Johnson’s

Seafood & Steak

69 Rt 11, New Durham

603.859.7500

eatatjohnsons.com/ newdurham

Lone Pine -Brightside

Widowmaker -Blue Comet

Shipyard -Smashed

Pumpkin

Jack Abby -Red Tape

Muddy Road -1762 Porter

Northwoods -Autumn Buzz +30 More On Tap

MORRISSEYS’

Porch & Pub

286 S. Main St., Wolfeboro

603.569-3662

Morrisseysfrontporch.com

Morrisseys’ 20 Year Lager by Great North

Smithwick’s

Guinness

Harp

Concord Craft Safe Space +11 More On Tap

PATRICK’S PUB

18 Weirs Rd., Gilford

603.293.0841 Patrickspub.com

Patrick’s Slainte House Ale

Great North - Moose Juice

Guinness

Clown Shoes - Bubble Head

603 - Winni Amber Ale

Tuckerman - Pale Ale +9 More On Tap

PUB 23

6 East Side Drive, Alton Bay,NH 603-875-2110

Tuckerman - Winter Ale

Maine Beer - Lunch

Michelob Ultra

Bud light

Budweiser

Blue Moon

THE WITCHES BREW PUB

At The Craft Beer Xchange

59 Doe Ave., Weirs Beach

603.409.9344

FB @craftbeerxchange

Jack’s Abby – Blood Orange Wheat

Golden Rod – Mango Cart 1911 – Raspberry Cider

Kettlehead – Dreamstate

Able Ebenezer – Lady of the Lake Lager

Last Chair – Powder Bear +30 More On Tap

** Tap listings subject to change!

Children’s Center

After a two-year hiatus, the Last Night Wolfeboro scavenger hunt returns December 26 until noon, December 31. Participants can have fun visiting sites, businesses and shops around Wolfeboro to find answers and locate items about town businesses, history and culture. To participate in the online event, a scavenger hunt QR code and web link launches December 26 on the Last Night Wolfeboro Facebook page. The hunt QR code and link will be posted at some Wolfeboro businesses beginning December 26.

FROG ROCK TAVERN

Prize winners will be notified by January 3. Last Night Wolfeboro scheduled events throughout the town include: •Featured events at Wolfeboro Town Hall, Great Hall: •10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Games + crafts: including C3Brix -LEGO fun; Maker’s Mill smoothie bike challenge; Girl Scout Troop 2271-snacks available, Kingswood Youth Center; Boy Scout Troop #165; Yum Yum Shop gingerbread decorating.

o1:30 p.m. Amazing juggler Jason Tardy o3:30 p.m. Wildlife Encounters, animal show, presented by The

•11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Escape Room: Developed and presented by The Resistance from KRHS robotics team. Sign-up required at Wolfeboro train station building; 32 Central Ave.

•12:30 p.m. Just Bob + Marla with Puppet Friends is an interactive musical show that will engage children aged 3-12. Wolfeboro Library, Bradley Room.

•1:00 and 2:15 p.m. Bingo sessions; Hosted by Wolfeboro Lions; prizes; snacks available ($). Brewster Estabrook Hall; 80 Academy Drive off S. Main Street.

•1:00 p.m. Peter

Heimlich and the Unusual Suspects (folk band); First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro (FCCW) 115 S., Main St.

•2:30-3:30 p.m. Free Ice skating, skate rentals and snacks available ($).

Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro.

•4pm. The Carolyn Ramsay Band; Concert by one of the Lakes Region’s favorite musical groups; First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro (FCCW) 115 S., Main St.

•4 p.m. – 6 p.m. FCCW presents supper for family and friends: homemade mac and cheese, hot dogs, salad, vegetables, desserts; beverages; tickets at the door- $30 per family; $10 per person; free under age five; (cash/ check).

•5 p.m. – 6 p.m. (weather permitting) Sweetwater Kitchen Treats ($); Town Docks area.

•6 p.m. Fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay (weather permitting). Programming and schedule updates will be posted on Facebook @LastNightWolfeboro; times and events are subject to change. Wolfeboro Community TV will offer a schedule of recorded concerts, shows and special programming on New Year’s Eve.

NIGHT from 1

Tips for Incorporating These Foods

To maximize the appetite-suppressing benefits of these foods:

1. Plan meals strategically. Start with high-fiber or proteinrich options like eggs or oatmeal.

2. Snack wisely. Reach for nuts or Greek yogurt when hunger strikes between meals.

3. Hydrate. Drinking green tea can stave off hunger in the afternoon.

4. Experiment with recipes. Add leafy greens to smooth -

ies, spicy peppers to soups, or dark chocolate to yogurt.

The Science Behind Natural Appetite Suppressants

Most of these foods work by influencing satiety hormones, stabilizing blood sugar, and slowing digestion. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense options, you not only curb hunger but also nourish your body, enhancing energy and overall well-being. Suppressing appetite doesn’t mean skipping meals or starving yourself—it’s about making smarter choic-

es. Incorporating these natural suppressants into your diet helps you stay in control, making a healthy lifestyle more achievable and sustainable.

Stephanie Ryan, DC, CCWP is the owner of Crossroads Chiropractic, PC and is the host of the “Half Hour to Health” radio show on WEMJ, WTPL and WTSN.

replace are the ice fishing rod and reel combos. I don’t replace all of them, but about a third of my combos get replaced annually. These also need to be unpackaged and have line put on them. This year’s replacements include Predator series rod and reel combos. Last

year Clam Outdoors released the Predator Tip Up. The Predator tip up is a hook setting device, much like the Jaw Jacker or Automatic Fisherman. Rather than a conventional tip up, the Predator utilizes a rod and reel set at depth with tension applied to the rod with bait. When a

fish grabs the bait, the trigger releases and the rod springs up, setting the hook.

Hook setting devices great reduce gut hooking fish while allowing anglers to fight fish with a rod, rather than hand lining them in with a conventional tip up. One great thing about the Clam Predators is the addition of a tip up only trigger for states that do not allow hook setting devices. New Hampshire does allow them. The Predator rods were designed with a nice parabolic bend and soft action, specifically to be used with the Predator Tip Ups.

Then there is the tackle. Oh, the tackle. I swear I could open a tackle shop. We target a lot of lake trout, which have gnarly teeth and tear the finish off of lures pretty easily. I go through a ton of tack-

*(Synchrony

le. Every time I order more ice fishing lures and start putting them away, I find more boxes of ice fishing lures that I forgot to put away. I know, somebody call me a wambulance. It’s a luxury problem, but a problem nonetheless. Unpackaging and putting all my new tackle away is a task that I begin dreading as soon as I submit the order. Many ice fishing lures come with treble hooks on them. In New Hampshire, you can only use bait on a single hook

with a single hook point. So, any lures that come with trebles need to be switched to single hooks. It’s great fun.

Then there is all the existing gear that needs to be checked. Existing rod and reel combos get new line every year. Most of my equipment runs on battery power, including my auger. Batteries need to be checked and charged. Batteries at the end of their life will often die during long periods of dormancy. There

is nothing worse (or more embarrassing) than turning on an expensive flasher for a client after just bragging about how great they are, only to find a dead battery. Things also get dusty, need sharpening or greasing, and just a whole lot of general maintenance, including to my snowmobile. An average ice fishing season for me is 10 weeks long. I’m on the ice six days a week. That equates to roughly 60 days on the ice each winter. 60 days, with 2-10 different people each day, in all different types of weather. Cold weather is hard on gear and even under the best of situations. Taking good care of my gear goes a long way and I consider the gear I use to be the highest quality on the market, but replacing gear that is 3-4 years old goes even farther. It reduces the amount of daily maintenance required, which saves me a ton of time and allows me to keep the quality factor higher for my clients. Prepping for ice fishing season usually takes weeks, but I see it as another investment in my gear and my clients.

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 or email info@TimMooreOutdoors.com with questions or comments.

A few boxes of new gear for the upcoming season that will

franchise, the Big Easy does have an NBA team, the Pelicans, who have the NBA’s worst record.

The Paris of the South was also once the NBA home to the New Orleans Jazz—the hoop team—which abandoned the Crescent City for a different City of the Saints: Salt Lake City. The SLC team incongruously kept the Jazz nickname, even though New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz while SLC features different music playing around the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.

The New Orleans gaming confab included a “field trip” to the Fair Grounds Horse Track and Casino, owned by Churchill Downs, a conference sponsor. After a social media post, Lang received a request from a friend to bring horse racing and casino gambling to Salem, N.H.

The sports columnist on Bourbon Street with Washington football fans

“Stand by,” replied Lang, with a smile on his face. “I have a bill.”

While we were in town, so too were the NFL’s Washington Commanders (née Redskins) who were there to play the New Orleans Saints, who can claim one Super Bowl victory since 1967—which is one more than 12 other NFL teams and five less than New England’s Patriots. In the interests of

self-education and cultural awareness, we also made several visits to legendary Bourbon Street. The energy, the music, the food, and the other sights and sounds were amazing. NFL fans clad in Washington Commander garb were everywhere—a great example of sports tourism. One can see why NFL fans would want to do a December road trip to see their heroes

play in New Orleans, as opposed to, say, Green Bay?

We lamented that we’d neglected to extend our stay one more night so as to watch the Saints host the Commanders at the Super Dome. But we did place bets on New Orleans to cover the spread. It seemed like a courteous thing to do for our wonderful host city. We watched the game at the airport.

A touchdown with no time left cut a Washington lead to 20-19. A Saint two-point conversion attempt failed—but the team covered the spread.

Ah yes. Easy money in The Big Easy. We’ll reinvest our profits in the Granite State.

For the children.

Go Saints! (and Pelicans too!)

Sports Quiz

What was the nickname of the New Orleans new ABA franchise in 1967? (Answer follows)

Born Today

That is to say, sports standouts born on December 26 include Granite State sports legend Carlton Fisk (1947) and Hall-of-Fame infielder Ozzie Smith (1954).

Sports Quote

Sports Quiz Answer

A charter member of the ABA, the New Orleans Buccaneers moved to Memphis in 1970 where they became the Pros, the Tams, and then the Sounders before an abortive move to Baltimore in 1975. The team missed out on the 1976 merger with the NBA.

State Representative Mike Moffett was a Sports Management Professor for Plymouth State University and NHTIConcord. He co-authored the award-winning “Fahim Speaks: Between Two Worlds: A Hollywood Actor’s Journey as a U.S. Marine Translator through Afghanistan” which is available on Amazon.com. His e-mail address is mchlmoffett@ yahoo.com.

“In America, there may be better gastronomic destinations than New Orleans, but there is no place more uniquely wonderful.” – Anthony Bourdain, famed American chef and author

market, which could be open one or more days each week, was also authorized to open as soon as the population reached fifty families. In order to “have and hold” their tracts of land, the grantees and their heirs after them, had to abide by five conditions. This grant was not a grant without conditions.

Condition number one Every grantee was required to cultivate and plant five acres of land within a period of five years for every fifty acres of land he was granted and continue to improve the land to avoid forfeiting his property and having it returned to the province.

Condition number two was that white pine and other pine trees within the township that were suitable for masts for the tall ships of the Royal Navy could

of British Fleet capturing Havana in 1762 during the Seven Years War between Great Britain and Spain. The Provincial Troops in that battle were led by General Phineas Lyman for whom Lyman, NH was named.

not be cut down by the landowners without a special license to do so. The penalty for doing so was forfeiting their grant “to Us, our Heirs ans Successors,” in addition to any laws that Parliament might make concerning the mast trees. Remember that Parliament was the English Parliament,

as New Hampshire was still a province of England at that time. I wondered who the “Us” was, and found that the document had the seal of the Province of New Hampshire upon it and the signatures of the Governor, Benning Wentworth, and his Council and secretary of the Province, Theo-

dore Atkinson.

The third condition put upon the grantees of Lyman was that before any other land was divided a tract of land near the center of the township would be divided into one acre lots, with each grantee being given one of those lots.

The fourth condition had to do with rent. For the first ten years, if it was “ lawfully demanded,” the rent was to be “one ear of Indian Corn only,” which was to be due on the twenty-fifth day of December with the first payment to be made on December 25, 1761.

Covering the rent to be paid after the first ten years, the fifth responsibility of the grantees was to pay to the Governor, Benning Wentworth and seemingly the Governor’s Council, “Us, and our Heirs and Successors, yearly, and every Year forever,....namely, on

the twenty-fifth Day of December, which will be in the Year of Our Lord 1771 One shilling Proclamation Money for every hundred acres he owns, settles or possesses...” The payment was to be made a the Council Chamber in Portsmouth or to an officer assigned to receive the rent.

The written history of Lyman tells us how their charter was written and it appears that the same format was used for other New Hampshire towns with the rent of one ear of Indian corn being due on Christmas Day for the first ten years of possession, giving some assurance that the provincial government wouldn’t lose control.

Charters to towns actually came from three sources. Because parts of New Hampshire in its early days were under the control of the Massachusetts government, some town charters were issued by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Mas-

sachusetts. As we have seen some were issued by the Governor and Council of New Hampshire as prescribed by provincial papers under the authority of the king of England, and the third source of charters was derived from the granting of New Hampshire to John Mason and the proprietors who bought the rights to that grant. Those proprietors of Lyman failed in meeting the requirements with few people actually living on the land in those early years and the charter was renewed in 1769 under Governor John Wentworth.

The forever rent stipulation that required rent to be to be paid on Christmas Day obviously didn’t last forever. More about Lyman history can be found in Historical Sketches of Lyman by E.B. Hoskins, published in 1903.

Painting

Governor John Wentworth - Renewed Lyman Charter.

on bird trends, migration patterns, and the potential impacts of climate change, ultimately aiding in bird conservation efforts.

I participate each year in a count in southern Connecticut that includes varied habitats such as Long Island Sound, freshwater ponds and wooded areas. The habitats account for a wide variety of birds, including several ducks and other fowl overwintering on the Sound.

Speaking of ducks, which happen to be my favorite type of bird to watch, the holiday season is a good time to find them, assuming there is open water nearby. Many ducks migrate only as far south as necessary to find open water, meaning the larger lakes and rivers in New England can be productive places to find waterfowl. A (relatively) quick trip to the coast or Long Island Sound will yield great results with birds such as loons, eiders, scoters, scaup and long-tailed ducks likely to be found. It reminds me of a Christmas season

many years ago when I was relatively new to the hobby, and two of my brothers and I visited a marina on Lake Erie in my old hometown of North East, Pennsylvania. The marina held ducks such as bufflehead, goldeneye, redbreasted mergansers and greater scaup. The memorable part of the trip was that my brothers stayed in the car as it was so cold and blustery that only a fool would be out there looking for ducks. They didn’t say anything, but I know they questioned my sanity, and I can only imagine the conversation they had while I was out there.

Cardinals are often the featured species for December on bird calendars and are a staple on holiday cards, ornaments and other Christmas décor. Cardinals are a symbol of hope and renewal, and many people consider cardinals to be a representation of a loved one who has passed away. “Cardinals appear when angels are near,” the saying goes.

I’m not a terribly spiritual person, but I do associate birds

with my parents, both of whom are deceased. A lone chickadee flitted among the trees at my mother’s funeral many years ago, and blue jays were my father’s favorite bird. I don’t necessarily believe these birds are the embodiment of my parents when I see them, but they do make me think of my mother or father, so there’s something to be said about that.

Happy holidays everyone.

Cedar or Exposed Bark

have, the more they prefer socialism.

“One thing that drives me crazy,” says Malice, “is when people say, ‘communism works in theory.’ ... Everything works in theory. Reality is how you determine how something works or not!”

I once thought we’d learn about reality from media. But reporters like central planning. It’s easy to cover. We spend time with politicians and often interview them about their plans.

“Intellectuals” tend to

grab media jobs, and for some reason, intellectuals want to believe that big government is good for people. Intellectuals convinced themselves that the Soviet Union must be a success, a happy commune. New York Times’ star reporter Walter Duranty

covered up mass famine there.

“Why would he do that?” I ask Malice. “I assume he doesn’t want people to starve.”

“He doesn’t care,” replies Malice. “When you’re the biggest guy in the most interesting country on earth, that’s

status. When that’s the most important thing to you, everything else can fall by the wayside.”

Soviet officials praised The New York Times.

Duranty won a Pulitzer. Neither the Times nor the Pulitzer leftists ever apologized.

Malice says Ameri -

cans are smarter today.

“There is an enormous increase of contempt and skepticism towards corporate journalism.”

I point out that some people see the election of Donald Trump as the antidote to media and big-government tyranny.

“What I’m excited about,” he responds, “Is someone like Elon (Musk). ... I trust his judgment far more than I trust Trump’s.”

“You think he can shrink the state?”

“No,” he says, “But I’m hopeful that things will move in a better direction. ... I don’t think there’s any sense in Washington or in the population that (shrinking the state) is desirable. People want government to be smaller, except for this program and that one.”

Still, the author of

“The White Pill” is hopeful, in a weird way.

OVER

“Maybe Trump, who’s very petty, will be vindictive and will close down bases in the home states of politicians he doesn’t like!”

I thought Malice was a libertarian, but he says no, he’s an anarchist.

We small-l libertarians want limited government, one that handles defense, courts and problems like pollution.

Malice says we’re mistaken, because government doesn’t do anything well. Anarchists believe “voluntary exchanges between individuals” would do a better job.

Would that mean private armies? Private lawsuits fighting pollution? I don’t see how those would work. So, Malice and I argue about that.

In a few weeks, I’ll air our debate.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CRUMBLE DUMP CAKE

SERVINGS:12-16 Time: Approx. 60 MINUTES

Cooking Spray

1 11.5oz. pk. Butter Ring

¾ Cup Brown Sugar

1 Stick Butter (Melted)

1 12oz. bottle “Dr. Cherry” Cola INGREDIENTS

1 21oz. can Cherry Pie Filling 1 13.5oz. Chocolate Cake Mix

— PREPARATION—

- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

- Lightly spray a coating of cooking oil over a 13x9 baking dish

- Into a gallon zipper bag pour in the contents of the Butter Ring Cookie package. Seal and, with a serving spoon, mash the cookies into fine crumbs. Open and add the brown sugar and melted butter. Reseal and knead the bag until all contents are fully mixed.

- Evenly distribute about two-thirds of the crumb mixture over the bottom of the pan.

- Open the can of cherry pie filling and evenly distribute over the crumb base.

- Open the cake mix and evenly spread over the contents of the pan (cherry filling and crumbs).

- Open a bottle of “Dr. Cherry” Cola and gently pour over the entire cake mix.

- Place into a 350 degree oven and bake for 35 minutes. Pull from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining cookie crumb mixture over the “cake”. Place this back into the oven and continue to heat for 10 minutes.

- Remove and serve hot (or cool) with ice cream or whipped cream.

would be fine. When it came time to pour the cola over the cake mix I gave the cap a twist and PFFFSHHHHT! The soda, a benign black liquid, instantly turned into a raging brown foam. It blasted forth from out of that little bottle like a jeanie with an axe to grind! HOLY COW!!! Before I knew what happened, me, the floor, the counter, everything in a three foot circumference was coated in “Dr. Cherry!” Well, there I stood in the middle of my kitchen, a bottle cap in one hand, an empty bottle in the other, and a dumbfounded expression of disbelief written in cherry cola all over my face. I gathered my senses, and the mop. With Jeanie’s tantrum cleaned up,

I cautiously opened another bottle, this time cracking the top until that unmistakable “hissss!” began to escape. Then, with foam rising quickly, I screwed the cover back down. Repeating the process a couple times was enough to avoid round two of the aforementioned “Physics Lesson” but still have enough fizz when poured out over the cake mix. Into the oven it went and in 35 minutes out of the oven came a jiggly bubbly pan of chocolate “mud”, crusting on the edges. I spread the remaining cookie crumb mixture over the top and tossed it back into the oven for another ten minutes. The second time out of the oven there was a definite visual difference, a much more

Cream. There would be just too many sweet tastes competing for your taste buds affections. And I am sure that IF there is any leftover, warmed, (or cold) it will still be a tasty treat that is hard

solid product with a crumble top. So how does it taste? Well, it tastes like you would imagine, like Chocolate Cherry Crumble Dump Cake. First off, it is sweeeet! It is for the true sweet tooth looking for something heavy and gooey so large portions are not for the faint of heart. The cookie crumble mixture has a deliciously subtle caramel-like flavor, a perfect accompaniment for chocolate. And what’s not to like about anything that is Chocolate and Cherry? Hot from the oven with a scoop of ice cream makes this even better! It is probably best served in smaller portions with a clean premium Vanilla Bean ice cream rather than a sweet custard-like or rich French Vanilla Ice

to beat. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary for New Years, either for entertaining or as a dish to share, why not try this Chocolate Cherry Crumble Dump Cake?

It is an inexpensive crowd pleaser that will not have you tucked away in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the New Year’s Simple Feast. Enjoy!

FEAST from 11

(Left) Cookies in a bag ready for mashing. (Right)Crumble mix (cookies, brown sugar, and melted butter).

is also one of the most poorly supported.”

Rebuilding from the rubble remains daunting. Wealthy Arab states and Europe should focus on funding recovery and development support to rebuild Syria.

Many diplomats and humanitarian officials feel that existing tough economic sanctions on Syria should be loosened or lifted.

But what about political reconciliation? The UN had been endlessly working on this for years; uniting the rebel and democratic factions opposed to Assad. Now that the dictator has fallen, who will rule? Turkish-backed HTS Islamic fundamentalist forces remains the most powerful faction. Equally ISIL continues to be a major threat in parts of Syria.

The Security Council members issued a statement which “called for the implementation of an inclusive and Syrianled and Syrian-owned political process.” Significantly the Council “underscored the importance of combating terrorism in Syria.”

From the civil society side in Syria came a voice of an exiled filmmaker now living in London. Waad Al-Kateab stated, “For too long, Syria has been left to bleed while the world debated and hesitated. For too long, we have waited for action. The time for excuses is

over. The time for action is now.” She added, “The Assad regime has turned Syria into a theatre of unimaginable crimes.”

Assad’s rule presided over a brutal and ghoulish police state which carried out mass killings, torture and human rights violations. Detailing the victims and the crimes and preserving evidence remains paramount to facilitating a healing process based on justice. Tracking the mass graves and the missing persons becomes urgent.

Despite the current public optimism for peace, diplomats remain privately nervous over what could quickly unravel. After all, given the armed factions and the political players such as the Islamic HTS militants, once aligned with Al-Qaida, Syria remains awash with weapons and emotions.

Secretary General Antonio Guterres advised, “Today there is a flame of hope in Syria. That flame must not be extinguished.” Syrians want to smile.

John J. Metzler is a longtime United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of Divided Dynamism the Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China.

prisons, including Abu Ghraib. In 2017, the FBI put a $10 million bounty on his head. Al-Jolani is currently attempting to position himself as a moderate figure, despite his history of terrorism and his group’s human rights abuses in the Idlib region of Syria.

Meanwhile, the Turks have spent years pressing into the northern regions of Syria, largely in an attempt to attack the Kurds, whom they see as a threat to their sovereignty. Turkey currently occupies approximately 9,000 square kilometers of Syrian border territory, which it has been using as a launch point against the Kurds -- all of which threatens the possibility of an ISIS jailbreak, since thousands of ISIS members are held in prisons in Kurdish territory.

In short, Syria is a chaotic mess, filled with competing interests.

Yet according to simplistic foreign policy analysts, the problem is, as always, the United States and its allies.

In response to HTS’ takeover of Syria, Israel has now moved into the Syrian region of Mount Hermon, the strategic high point of the area, seeking to forestall the possibility of that land being used as a staging ground for attacks

on the Golan Heights. Many Druze in Syria are hopeful that Israel will act as their protector against HTS and Turkish forces; Israel also has warm relations with the Kurds. Yet Western opponents of Israel now suggest that Israel somehow plotted Assad’s fall in order to expand their territorial interests in Syria -- despite the fact that Turkey, a Hamasaligned state, literally supported the HTS insurgency. They also suggest that America, under Joe Biden, plotted Assad’s downfall -- a strange accusation given that Biden’s agenda in the Middle East has been to back Israel off of attacks on Iranian proxies in the region.

It is no surprise to find the same analysis applied to Ukraine, by similar actors. They suggest that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was somehow a defensive move, motivated by resistance to American imperialism abroad; that American support

for Ukraine amounts to taking the wrong side. What drives this analysis? A strange combination of “blame America” thinking and conspiracy theorizing. In this viewpoint, the only countries with actual interests and agency are America and her friends; everyone else is merely a victim of these predatory powers, engaging in “blowback” against Western imperialism. The solution, presumably, would be for America to withdraw from the world stage, thus creating a vacuum to be filled by America’s opponents -- China, Russia and Iran.

We need not explore the motivations of these theorists in order to point out how facile this argument truly is. Great powers have always pursued their own interests, and they have always done so aggressively. Long before America existed, Sunni Ottomans fought Shia Safavids; Russia first swallowed much of Central Ukraine during

the reign of Catherine the Great, in the late 18th century. America need not engage all over the world, nor should we -- but to pretend that other countries act only in response to America is to forcefully reject reality. And rejecting reality is dangerous and stupid.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. To find out more about Ben Shapiro and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.