#Philadelphia Enquirer

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Finally a sensible, logical, reasonable, unhysterical commentary from a prominent newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer:

The only person who should withdraw from the race is Trump.

[Take THAT New York Times.....]

+

President Joe Biden’s debate performance was a disaster. His disjointed responses and dazed look sparked calls for him to drop out of the presidential race.

But lost in the hand wringing was Donald Trump’s usual bombastic litany of lies, hyperbole, bigotry, ignorance, and fear mongering. His performance demonstrated once again that he is a danger to democracy and unfit for office.

In fact, the debate about the debate is misplaced. The only person who should withdraw from the race is Trump.

Trump, 78, has been on the political stage for eight years marked by chaos, corruption, and incivility. Why go back to that?

To build himself up, Trump constantly tears the country down. There is no shining city on the hill. It’s just mourning in America.

Throughout the debate, Trump repeatedly said we are a “failing” country. He called the United States a “third world nation.” He said, “we’re living in hell” and “very close to World War III.”

“People are dying all over the place,” Trump said, later adding “we’re literally an uncivilized country now.”

Trump told more than 30 lies during the debate to go with the more than 30,000 mistruths told during his four years as president. He dodged the CNN moderators’ questions, took no responsibility for his actions, and blamed others, mainly Biden, for everything that is wrong in the world.

Trump’s response to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection he fueled was farcical. He said a “relatively small number of people” went to the Capitol and many were “ushered in by the police.”

After scheming to overturn the 2020 election, Trump refused to say if he would accept the results of the 2024 election. Unless, of course, he wins.

The debate served as a reminder of what another four years of Trump would look like. More lies, grievance, narcissism, and hate. Supporters say they like Trump because he says whatever he thinks. But he mainly spews raw sewage.

Trump attacks the military. He denigrates the Justice Department and judges. He belittles the FBI and the CIA. He picks fights with allies and cozies up to dictators.

Trump is an unserious carnival barker running for the most serious job in the world. During his last term, Trump served himself and not the American people.

Trump spent chunks of time watching TV, tweeting, and hanging out at his country clubs. Over his four-year term, Trump played roughly 261 rounds of golf.

As president, Trump didn’t read the daily intelligence briefs. He continued to use his personal cell phone, allowing Chinese spies to listen to his calls. During one Oval Office meeting, Trump shared highly classified intelligence with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador.

Trump’s term did plenty of damage and had few accomplishments. The much-hyped wall didn’t get built. Infrastructure week was a recurring joke. Giant tax cuts made the rich richer, while fueling massive deficits for others to pay for years. His support for coal, oil drilling and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement worsened the growing impact of climate change.

Trump stacked the judiciary with extreme judges consisting mainly of white males, including a number who the American Bar Association rated as not qualified. A record number of cabinet officials were fired or left the office. The West Wing was in constant chaos and infighting.

Many Trump appointees exited under a cloud of corruption, grifting and ethical scandals. Trump’s children made millions off the White House. His dilettante son-in-law got $2 billion from the Saudi government for his fledgling investment firm even though he never managed money before.

Trump’s mismanagement of the pandemic resulted in tens of thousands of needless deaths. He boasts about stacking the Supreme Court with extreme right-wingers who are stripping away individual rights, upending legal precedents, and making the country less safe. If elected, Trump may add to the court’s conservative majority.

Of course, there were the unprecedented two impeachments. Now, Trump is a convicted felon who is staring at three more criminal indictments. He is running for president to stay out of prison.

If anything, Trump doesn’t deserve to be on the presidential debate stage. Why even give him a platform?

Trump allegedly stole classified information and tried to overturn an election. His plans for a second term are worse than the last one. We cannot be serious about letting such a crooked clown back in the White House.

If anything, Trump doesn’t deserve to be on the presidential debate stage. Why even give him a platform?

Yes, Biden had a horrible night. He’s 81 and not as sharp as he used to be. But Biden on his worst day remains lightyears better than Trump on his best.

Biden must show that he is up to the job. This much is clear: He has a substantive record of real accomplishments, fighting the pandemic, combating climate change, investing in infrastructure, and supporting working families and the most vulnerable.

Biden has surrounded himself with experienced people who take public service seriously. He has passed major bipartisan legislation despite a dysfunctional Republican House majority.

Biden believes in the best of America. He has rebuilt relationships with allies around the world and stood up to foes like Russia and China.

There was only one person at the debate who does not deserve to be running for president. The sooner Trump exits the stage, the better off the country will be.

[animatronicappreciation]

hello! I'm new here and I wanted to ask you if you could find photos or videos of some animatronics that were in a restaurant called "circus towne pizza theater"

It looks like Circus Towne Pizza Theatre was a kid's arcade/restaurant located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

It was open throughout the 80s. The first mention of it I can find in the Philadelphia Enquirer archives is December 1983, and I think it closed sometime in 1990.

According to the Philadelphia Enquirer, "The 'theater' part consists of 'mini-shows' staged by animated Disney- like figures... There is also a circus tent with animated animals."

I was only able to find one photo of the animatronics.

(source)

- Mod coyote

[justabigassnerd]

Remembering

Pairing - Ethan Hunt x daughter!reader

Word count - 2,172

Warnings - violence, child endangerment, guns, angst, protective Ethan and co.

Summary - an unexpected attack causes Ethan to remember a memory from years ago

A/N - Lil' Hunt is about 8 yrs old in this. hey y'all! sorry it's taken me so long to come out with a new fic, my motivation is major league fluctuating but I'm trying to overcome it. I won't ramble so as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback and enjoy!!!

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In between missions, Ethan did his best to make the most of the time he had with you. He was aware of how busy he could get when he was doing missions and he never wanted you to feel like he was ignoring you so when he could he and the team would take you out for the day.

Ethan figured today was as good a day as any. The weather was lovely in Philadelphia and the city was lively and waiting to be explored. With the lack of suspicious activity, Ethan felt safe enough to bring you out with him. He made sure to bring a couple of items should anything happen but that was just to calm his anxious mind. He, Benji, and Luther had thoroughly checked the area for suspicious activities before even considering going out in public with you.

“Come on y/n.” Ethan says with a smile, arm extended and hand open as you bound towards him, grabbing his hand in your smaller one, following Ethan out the door with Benji and Luther following behind.

“Where are we going?” You ask, looking up at your dad curiously as he smiles down at you.

“We’re going to have a day out. All four of us. Just make sure at least one of us can see you at all times, so no running off, okay?” Ethan says, stopping just in front of the door that led to the streets, looking down at you as you nod at his words.

“Okay, daddy.” You say, smiling up at him as he nods, opening the door and the four of you step out onto the streets, making your way to the bustling city centre. You stay sandwiched between your dad and Luther with Benji walking just behind to keep an eye out.

As the four of you walk through the city, you take in the sights and look in various shop windows as you pass them. The four of you decided to get ice cream and sit in the nearby park to enjoy the beautiful weather and to enjoy each other’s company for a while.

When you all finish your ice creams, you continue to walk through the park before exiting on the opposite side you entered and as you do, a few people run past you, almost knocking you off your feet as Luther rests his hands on your shoulders to steady you.

“What’s going on?” Benji enquires, noticing more people rushing past, each person wearing a terrified expression. Benji and Luther look over to Ethan whose hand drifts to his hidden gun holster.

“Take y/n and get back to the safe house.” Ethan’s words were low and muttered but Benji and Luther heard him.

“No daddy!” You exclaim, gripping Ethan’s arm as he turns around and faces you, placing a hand on your shoulders and ducking down to be more at your eye level as he smiles softly.

“Have I ever not come back? Stay with Benji and Luther. I’ll be back before you know it.” Ethan says gently before glancing up at Benji and Luther who nod at Ethan as he straightens up and releases the light grip he had on your shoulders.

“Come on, y/n. Let’s get you out of here.” Luther says, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and ushering you away from the chaos along with Benji and rushing you back to the safe house. You do your best to hold in your tears as you are taken back to the safe house but the moment, you’re in the building some tears escape from their ducts.

“Your dad is going to be fine, y/n/n. Let’s try and do something to take your mind off everything, shall we?” Benji says, crouching down to be at your level and offering you a hug that you accept, burying your face in his shoulder as he comforts you.

“Why don’t we find something to watch? Or you could read a book?” Luther offers as you hesitantly let go of Benji, wiggling out of his grasp and crossing to the table, sitting on the chair closest to the door and watching the door intently.

“I wanna wait for daddy.” You insist, eyes fixed on the door as Benji and Luther exchange a look before getting up and crossing to the table, each of them taking a seat near you.

“We don’t know how long it’ll be until your dad gets back. We can find something to do until he gets back.” Benji says apologetically, doing his best to approach the situation with gentleness.

“I’ll wait.” You say in response, folding your arms across your chest and settling back in the wooden chair as if it were the comfiest thing in the world.

“There’s got to be something to do that can pass the time. Like reading?” Luther offers once more, sending a subtle glance Benji’s way which has him instantly on his feet, rushing to what was your room and grabbing what he knew was your favourite book, as well as grabbing some colouring books and pencils for good measure. When Benji returns to the room, you glance his way, noticing the books and pencils before turning your attention back to the door.

“I haven’t coloured since I was five, Benji.” You grumble, arms still folded over your chest. You weren’t exactly lying. Benji knew if he flipped open the book right now there would only be about one and a half drawings coloured in with scribbles that were obvious to anyone that you were trying to stay in between the lines but some of the colours breached past the lines and sat among the other colours you used.

“Well, maybe I wanted to colour. Apparently, it’s good for stress and your dad personally makes sure my stress levels are through the roof.” Benji says, a mock serious tone to his voice as he flips the book open, grabbing a colouring pencil and beginning to colour the giant cartoon cat that sat on the page. You exchanged a look with Luther, giggling lightly when Luther shrugs with a light roll of his eyes. Luther then reached out for the book that Benji had placed down on the middle of the table and flipped it open, finding the bookmark roughly at the halfway point.

“How many times have you read this book, huh?” Luther muses as he holds the book out towards you, watching as you hesitantly take the book and flip it over in your hands, eyes skimming over the blurb.

“A few… it’s my favourite.” You mumble, finger brushing along the back of the book before flipping it open and finding where you left off. The room falls silent, the only sounds being the turn of pages and Benji continuing to colour. Both Benji and Luther, while satisfied you were focusing on something other than staring at the door, didn’t miss how your gaze occasionally flicked to the door, hoping for your dad to come bursting through the door.

About an hour later, you had finished the book and Benji had abandoned his colouring, Ethan burst through the door and all eyes flew in the direction of the door.

“Daddy!” You exclaim happily, jumping off the chair and darting into Ethan’s arms where he smoothly caught you before you collided into his chest with too much ferocity. Benji and Luther watched the exchange as they stepped closer, muttering one of the IMF codes to Ethan and backing down with smiles when he responded appropriately, still holding you tightly. Both Benji and Luther could tell that whatever Ethan had just been through had shaken him. He was holding you tight and trying to regain control of his shuddering breaths.

You spent the rest of the day glued to Ethan’s side. When he had eased himself down on the sofa after Luther questioned him about any injuries, you got up on the sofa with him and curled into his side, resting your head on his chest, and clinging to him as if your life depended on it. Ethan, of course, was more than happy to let you cling to him needing the comfort of you in his arms as much as you did.

When the sun began to go down and it grew closer to your bedtime, Ethan quietly told you to go and get ready for bed before he would stargaze with you for a bit. As you rushed off into your room to get changed, Benji and Luther turned to Ethan.

“Ethan, is everything okay?” Benji asks softly, watching as Ethan looks at them and shakes his head lightly.

“I’ll tell you when y/n is in bed.” He mutters in response, immediately painting a smile on his face when you come back into the room, now in pyjamas and ready to go stargazing with your dad. Benji and Luther wait patiently as Ethan takes you out onto the balcony and stargazes with you for about ten minutes before taking you to your room for you to go to bed as the two men call a goodnight over to you as you head into your room. When Ethan returns, he sits down at the table and is joined by Benji and Luther who eye him carefully.

“How was it? What happened?” Luther asks, worry evident in his voice for his friend. Neither he nor Benji knew what had transpired while Ethan was gone since they had no way to communicate.

“There was this group of people, I have no idea who they were, but they were trying to cause a lot of damage. And…”

“And what Ethan?” Benji presses, wincing when Luther kicks him underneath the table. Benji hadn’t meant to sound pushy at all, he was just worried for his friend and his words came out wrong.

“There was a kid all alone… caught in the crossfire and it reminded me of y/n.” Ethan says, eyes fixed on the book you had abandoned on the table the moment he walked through the door.

“Tell us everything.” Luther softly urges as Ethan nods before launching into the story.

Chaos was surrounding Ethan. People were running left and right, screaming and shoving others aside. Ethan was doing his best to direct people to safety and find what or who they were running from. The closer he got to the cause the fewer people there were which Ethan took as a good sign. He was able to take out a couple of men who pulled their guns on him, neutralising them and getting closer to the cause.

All of a sudden, bullets started flying Ethan’s way and he was quick to dive behind cover, keeping his head low and listening out for people in the silence while the gunners were evidently reloading. As Ethan raised his head to look out for any of the armed strangers, he caught sight of a young boy, no older than ten, sat almost slap bang in the middle of everything, hands over his ears as he cowered in place.

Seeing that young boy brought back the memory of seeing you as a baby, abandoned in the middle of a shootout. Your fate left entirely up to the people in the room with you. Seeing that boy made Ethan’s jaw tense, angered that someone else potentially abandoned their own child to save their own skin.

In the seconds Ethan had, he rushed to the young boy, immediately grabbing him in his arms and pulling him back behind cover, promising the boy he wasn’t going to hurt him as he placed him down on the ground.

“You need to get out of here, kid. I can buy you time so when I tell you to, you run. Run home or wherever is safe. You got that?” Ethan instructs, ducking his head at another wave of gunfire, watching as the boy nods his head hurriedly.

“Good. Now go!” Ethan says, taking the opportunity to return fire in the direction of the unknown assailants. He was aware of the boy scrambling to his feet and booking it, but he couldn’t risk looking back so he had to trust that the boy made it somewhere safe.

“Oh wow… Ethan that’s…” Benji tries to say, trying to make sense of everything.

“You got that boy to safety. He’s safe because of you, Ethan. The same way y/n is.” Luther says softly, smiling gently at his friend who lifts his gaze to meet his.

“I just haven’t thought about that day in a while.” Ethan mutters, gaze dropping back down.

“I know it must be hard to be reminded of that day. But like Luther said, both y/n and that boy are safe because of you. You saved them both. And we all know that you won’t let anything happen to y/n.” Benji says, agreeing with Luther as Ethan nods lightly.

They were right. He had saved you all those years ago. And he was going to protect you until his dying day and beyond.

[handeaux]

Cincinnati Was Fascinated By Talking Machines Whether Good, Bad Or Bogus

Professor Faber’s amazing “talking machine” arrived in Cincinnati to great fanfare in 1872 when that contraption shared a bill at Wood’s Theater with the famous Bandmanns, Daniel and Millicent. The celebrity thespians presented “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Corsican Brothers.” The talking machine recited whatever the professor told it to.

As early as 1844, the Cincinnati Enquirer carried reports of Austrian Joseph Faber’s progress in developing a mechanical device that could replicate human speech. The original “Professor” Faber, unhappy with progress on his own invention, killed himself in 1850, but the project was taken on by his nephew, also named Joseph Faber, who perfected the device and took it on tour. The Enquirer [25 January 1872] described it in some detail:

“On looking at it you see a table, on one end of which is a key-board with a number of levers similar to the hammers of a piano leading to an upright beam. At the front of this beam you see a mask from which you hear, in tones that remind one of a child’s trumpet, the measured enunciation of words. Back of this beam stands a pair of bellows which is operated by a treadle, and furnishes the air that is required to supply the instrument.”

Faber’s device was a sort of analog speech synthesizer, an ancestor of the Vocoder and similar electronic devices of the Twentieth Century. The operator, by pumping pedals and pressing keys, generated sounds resembling human speech. The Enquirer’s reporter, imagining no “practical utility,” was nevertheless impressed with the machine’s performance.

“During the exhibition the machine was made to speak in English, German, Greek and Hebrew. It beats the Professor speaking English, and but for the example of broken English he sets would speak almost as closely as anyone. It pronounced such words as Mississippi, Cincinnati, Chicago, Philadelphia with ease and clearness. Although it speaks with a decided German accent, one has less difficulty understanding it than the average German who has been three or four years in this country.”

While touring the United States, Professor Faber impressed impresario Phineas Taylor Barnum so much that the great showman renamed the machine as The Euphonium and engaged it and its operator for six months on a contract worth $20,000. Barnum brought the newly christened Euphonium back to Cincinnati in July 1872 as a highlight of his “Great Traveling World’s Fair.” That extravaganza also featured four giraffes, sea lions, herds of trained elephants, Fiji cannibals, American Indians, various dwarves and midgets and three rings of continual circus acts. Barnum’s Fair occupied the Union Baseball Grounds for four summer days at a time when Cincinnati had no professional baseball team. Reports indicate that Barnum got his money’s worth as his show became the hottest ticket in town. Barnum did well enough that he extended Faber’s contract for at least another year. The Euphonium continued to receive star billing when Barnum’s circus returned to Cincinnati in 1873.

Professor Faber continued to exhibit his talking machine well into the 1880s, several years after a very different sort of talking machine made its debut. Thomas Edison, the Genius of Menlo Park, unveiled his phonograph in 1877 and Cincinnati shifted its attentions to the new gadget in town. The Cincinnati Commercial dispatched a reporter to Edison’s laboratory and he filed [3 April 1878] a breathless dispatch:

“I saw the talking-machine, talked to it, and it talked back. You have heard about it, of course, but the story can not be an old one for years to come, and although the phonograph is as simple as a jackknife, it excites the awe of the beholder as a telegraph wire stirs up an Indian’s superstition”

It was another year before an actual phonograph arrived in Cincinnati, almost simultaneously with an early telephone. The Enquirer [5 June 1878] announced the dawn of a new age:

“The phonograph now on exhibition at Greenwood Hall had an increased number of visitors yesterday, our most prominent citizens leading what must become a rush to witness this real wonder, which, with the telephone, marks an era in science. It is impossible to describe the sensation created by this ‘talking’ machine, which gives back to one his own very words and tones in either speaking or singing, and which, many believe, is to revolutionize many things in social and business life.”

Edison’s mind-blowing machine inspired a couple of Cincinnati con artists to offer talking machine service to the great unwashed. At a time when phonographs cost the equivalent of $500 and cylinders the equivalent of $15 per in today’s coin, the opportunity to try out this revolutionary device for one thin dime was irresistible. According to Frank Y. Grayson’s wonderful book, “Pioneers of Night Life on Vine Street,” the flim-flam men set up shop just south of the canal.

“Across the front of the dump, spread a canvas which bore these words: ‘Come In and for a Dime Hear the Most Amazing Invention of the Age – the Talking Machine Extraordinary.’”

The dupes who fell for the pitch surrendered their ten cents and were handed a rubber mouthpiece attached to a long hose. They said their piece while the operator furiously cranked a large wheel, waited a moment and – voila! – their words of wisdom emerged from a rubber bulb sprouting a tin funnel.

“News of the wonderful invention flashed up and down the good old avenue, and the come-ons fell all over themselves getting into the place. The crooks made hay while the sun shone.”

Their demise came when the local beat cop stopped by and tested his elocution. He shouted, “What am I?” into the mouthpiece, the customary pause ensued and “What am I?” emerged faintly from the funnel – followed by a sneeze. “I didn’t sneeze,” said the cop and descended into the basement where he found a fat man in shirtsleeves, managing the other end of a couple of rubber hoses.

Talking machines so excited the imagination of Cincinnati’s residents that they infested the hallucinations of our cranks. The Enquirer [21 October 1900] related the case of Mrs. F.C. Lykins of Walnut Hills, who sent letters accusing a young man residing at the Union Bethel of annoying her with his talking machine. A detective determined that there was no such resident at the Union Bethel, and no one by that name living in the area. Mrs. Lykins insisted that voices from a talking machine filled the air around her head. The detective just smiled, closed his notebook, and headed back downtown.

[47burlm]

as a fan of Baseball- I debated about this post - then I thought why NOT- just look at the stats

Nicknamed "Charlie Hustle," Rose spent 24 years in Major League Baseball, and he retired as the league’s all-time hits leader, among other things. The Cincinnati native got his start with the Reds in 1963, and he spent the first 16 seasons of his career with the organization. He won a pair of World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, which marked the club’s first championships in 35 years.

Rose then spent a five-year run with the Philadelphia Phillies, and he won his third World Series title with the team in 1980. He then spent half a season with the Montreal Expos in 1984 before returning to Cincinnati that year to wrap up his playing career.

Rose finished with 4,256 hits — the most in MLB history. He’s one of just two players, along with Ty Cobb, to surpass 4,000 hits. Rose also holds MLB records for games played (3,562), plate appearances (15,890) and at-bats (14,053). He won three batting titles and two Gold Glove awards during his career, and he picked up 17 All-Star nods. He was the league’s MVP in 1973, when he held a .338 batting average with 230 hits, five home runs and 64 RBI.

“I am the winningest athlete in team sport history,” Rose told the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2018. “To me, my biggest record is the number of winning games I played in. And that’s also a testament to all the great teammates I played with.”

Rose spent seven seasons as the Reds’ manager, including the final few seasons when he was still playing. He won two division titles while in that role and finished with a 412-373 overall record.

Rose’s career ended in scandal, however, as he was banned from the sport in 1989 for gambling on games — including his own team’s games — while he was the Reds’ manager.

[atheostic]

A Catholic priest in the U.S. has been arrested after spending more than $40,000 USD (about $55,000 CAD) of the church’s money on mobile games and other improper items.

As reported by The Philadelphia Enquirer, Lawrence Kozak, a 51-year-old reverend in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, has been charged Kozak with theft and related crimes after using a parish credit card to fund his addiction to games like Candy Crush and Mario Kart Tour. Kozak was removed from his position at St. Thomas More Church in 2022 following an investigation by the archdiocese’s Office of Parish Services and Support.

[charlesandmartine]

Wednesday 24th April 2024

Our hotel was still asleep as we fumbled our way out of unfamiliar locked doors. The cases rumbled noisily past the swimming pool and the security guard mysteriously appeared out of the darkness, grabbed a suitcase and thrust a couple of ham bagels in a carrier bag our way. By way of saying goodbye he operated the big security gate to allow us to drive out into the night. It was still stupid o'clock as we drove the empty streets the 3kms or so to the airport passing a shantie town with yesterday's fires still burning and on to the Avis drop off point. Now pedestrians again we made the short walk into departures. They were relatively pleasant at this time of the morning. The check-in man almost smiled but I think it was wind. I had a conversation with the man at the scanner. Well it was a bit like talking to Sooty; I could see his lips move but I couldn't actually hear anything. Turns out when he virtually whispered in my ear he was enquiring where we were off to and wished us a pleasant journey!! Man in the airport!!! Never come across anyone pleasant before! I squeeked back in 'Sweep' that we from England and on our way to Kasane. He nodded.

We were flying on a small Embraer E195 jet aircraft. A visually impaired lady two rows in front of us had a Labrador guide dog under the seat. Thankfully the man in front didn't need to reach under the seat for his life jacket. He might have got a big lick.

Johannesburg airport was another challenge. Moving from domestic arrivals to international departures was fun. Scanning again the same bags brought through Port Elizabeth certain items were now deemed unacceptable and yet another Sooty whispered that I shouldn't have something in my bag but I had no Idea what the contraband was. He whispered confidentially that on this occasion he would turn a blind eye but don't tell the lady over there. We searched through the bag later a discovered a couple of oranges that the hotel had slipped in. No idea if that's what the fuss was about. Then an official porter kindly showed us how to negotiate the endless corridors. When nicely positioned for correct departures he started muttering about a tip, as did the man in the Gents.

Our flight to Kasane was on an even smaller plane, an Embraer E135/140. If we had to do another flight we'd all be sitting with the pilot!

Happily after having the passports checked by two sets of people we collected our hold luggage (remarkably arrived despite the transfer) and we were met by a very nice lady from the Chobe Game Lodge. We were joined by two ladies from Philadelphia, piling into the back of a Toyota Landcruiser and driven the 40 minute journey to the Game Reserve. We were then shown to our lodge but there's an itinerary here don't you know and we were supposed to have afternoon tea and then present ourselves for the three hour cruise looking for wildlife. No time for everything, so we missed the tea and dashed down to the waiting boats bobbing by the quayside of the Chobe River. Ours is the Botswana bank whilst the opposite bank is Namibia.

The bar was free as were the nibbles and the animals we were able to see. The great thing about water is that sooner or later all animals come down to it. We witnessed bathing elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, giraffes and an African Fish Eagle along with herons and egrets. A truly superb setting and collection of animals on our first visit, made all the more perfect by a magnificent sunset. A great end to a day where temperatures peaked at 35°C.

[dearestcorrespondence]

John Laurens to Francis Kinloch, Fludyer Street Westminster, [August 23, 1774]

Dear Kinloch

After a pleasant Ride through a very fine Part of France, I arrived in London on the 7th of this month, but figure to yourself my Grief and Mortification, at finding that my Father had set out that day fortnight in order to meet me. I knew how great his Anxiety and Uneasiness would be on my Account, and therefore left Town the next day, and travelling without intermission, reached the Fauxbourg St. Germain on the 11th at day break, where I had the happiness of relieving my Good Father from much Concern_ we staid a day or two at Paris where we had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Blake, who enquired very kindly after you. R. Izard jun'r, Grimke [and] ca. and I am but just returned from my new Journey_ let this apologize for my not writing to you sooner. I waited on your Friend Mr. Boone, And as he was out of town, I left your Letter with a Card_ had I not been afraid of detaining any longer, what can never fly too quick or come too often to him good news from you, I should have had the pleasure of delivering the Letter to him myself. my Letter is a little confused, dont be surpriz'd at it, for I am quite like a Creature in new World, and shall be for some time in an unsettled State. I am glad however to inform you that I shall not have Lodgings in the Temple as I at first thought, but in some genteel private Family. the Noise, the Cries the Smoak and Dust of this vast City, make me sometimes wish myself back at Paquis, I have another Reason too, for wishing myself there, I dont know when I shall get into such a valuable Set of Acquaintance as I have left but perhaps for the present, the fewer Acquaintance I have, the better it will be for me. I am confirm'd in the opinion that you and I both had at Geneve respecting our young Countrymen, by what I have seen and heard since my Arrival here_ I can write you nothing satisfactory as yet of American Affairs, the English Soldiers it is said begin to desert, the colonist are forming into Committees to consult what is to be done in their present Circumstances, the Carolinians are to send Rice and other necessaries for the Relief of their distress'd Brethren at Boston. A General Congress will be held at Philadelphia or New York, the Deputies to be sent there by the Province of SoCarolina, are Henry Middleton, T. Lynch, C. Gadsden, J. Rutledge, and Edward Rutledge the Young Man who lately went over, and who has already acquir'd a great degree of Celebrity. Tell Lord Lumley that I hope he continues a good Friend to the Americans, be so kind as to present my best Compliments to him Mr. Clayson, Moore the Duke and Harvey. I wish them all a great deal of Happiness and Pleasure at Geneve_ it grows so late that I must bid you Adieu, kiss all the pretty Genevoises for me and dont delay to write to your affectionate John Laurens

Fludyer Street Westminster

23d August 1774

Direct to me at the Carolina Coffee House.

[gracie-bird]

Hank Milgram stands with Princess Grace of Monaco at a Variety Club event on April 29, 1977.

Mr. Milgram, cofounder of movie theater chain and retired stage show producer, has died at 96.

He and his family owned and operated nine local theaters, including the Milgram, Fox, and Stage Door Cinema in Center City, and the Uptown in North Philadelphia.

Source: The Philadelphia Enquirer (March 10, 2023).

[graceandfamily]

The Philadelphia Enquirer (September 16, 1982)

[rouserofrabble]

INTRODUCTION.

Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general Favor; a long Habit of not thinking a Thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of Custom. But the Tumult soon subsides. Time makes more Converts than Reason.*

As a long and violent abuse of power is generally the means of calling the right of it in question, (and in matters too which might never have been thought of, had not the sufferers been aggravated into the inquiry,) and as the King of England hath undertaken in his own right, to support the Parliament in what he calls Theirs, and as the good People of this Country are grievously oppressed by the Combination, they have an undoubted privilege to enquire into the Pretensions of both, and equally to reject the Usurpation of either.**

In the following Sheets, the Author hath studiously avoided every thing which is personal among ourselves. Compliments as well as censure to individuals make no part thereof. *** The wise and the worthy need not the triumph of a Pamphlet; and those whose sentiments are injudicious or unfriendly will cease of themselves, unless too much pains is bestowed upon their conversions.

The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Many circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal, and through which the principles of all lovers of mankind are affected, and in the event of which their affections are interested. The laying a country desolate with fire and sword, declaring war against the natural rights of all mankind, and extirpating the defenders thereof from the face of the earth, **** is the concern of every man to whom nature hath given the power of feeling; of which class, regardless of party censure, is

The Author.

Postscript to Preface in the third edition.

P. S. The Publication of this new Edition hath been delayed, with a view of taking notice (had it been necessary) of any attempt to refute the Doctrine of Independence: As no answer hath yet appeared, it is now presumed that none will, the time needful for getting such a Performance ready for the Public being considerably past.*****

Who the Author of this Production is, is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as the Object for Attention is the Doctrine itself, not the Man. Yet it may not be unnecessary to say, That he is unconnected with any party, and under no sort of Influence, public or private, but the influence of reason and principle.******

Philadelphia,

February 14, 1776.

*ie, the lurkers (will) agree with me in my DMs/emails/carrier pigeons. **Dude had been in the country for like, thirteen months and spent the first two sick in bed. He had to be carried off the boat by Benjamin Franklin's physician. ***This is a pants-on-fire level of falsehood. For real, T Paine was the master and originator of both side-eye and the subtweet. ****Not untrue, exactly, but definitely a level of exaggeration familiar to anyone who has been introduced to the internet. *****For those of you playing along at home, it had been six weeks since Common Sense was first published, on January 10, 1776. On horseback, it would have taken about three weeks to travel from Virginia to Boston at the time. ******ie, the Editor of a magazine entitled American Liberty. In 1776.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Joel Pett, Lexington Herald Leader

+

Will Bunch: What's the real reason for Mitch McConnell stepping down?

Turn on the news. The corrupt SCOTUS mess. IVF. Federalist Society judges, a botched impeachment and Putin's interference. An arsonist is running from the wildfire he started.

Is McConnell proud of what he wrought? Hard to imagine. And then there's the weirdness surrounding the death of his sister-in-law, which is now the subject of a homicide investigation in Bandera Co, Texas. What is that all about?

[Will Bunch:: The Philadelphia Enquirer]

[briamichellewrites]

22

Michelle and George were still visiting with Matt and Brad when Bria stopped by. George introduced her as his stepdaughter. They shook her hand before she sat down. She was beautiful! The kind that made people take notice. If they didn’t know she was a musician, they would have thought she was a model. That was how beautiful she was! She was excited to tell them all about Live 8 and her trip to Philadelphia. They were excited to hear about it.

It was so much fun! Henry enjoyed himself. They met Toby Keith and his wife. Only Michelle knew who he was since he was her father’s favourite artist. Brad asked who he was. He was a country singer. They had a great conversation with him. Her father was the one who ran into him. They had a great conversation about his military service.

When she walked by, she was introduced. Toby wanted to collaborate with her, so they exchanged phone numbers. She was teasing him about it later. Jon Bon Jovi then entered their dressing room and enquired about her. He praised her performance before inviting everyone to a pizza party with his band. Did they go? Yeah! They were staying at the same hotel, which was extremely convenient! They did not stay very long because they were exhausted.

She was also able to say hello to Paula Abdul, who remembered her. They did not have much time to talk because they were on their way out, but they did take a photo together. Michelle was delighted to hear that she had a good time! What did they do the following day? They slept in before heading out for sightseeing. George enquired about her hairstyle. They laughed. What influenced her decision to do that?

"Initially, I planned to have a simple haircut. The stylist encouraged me to be daring."

"George, this is what girls do. They experiment," Michelle explained.

"And your tattoo?"

She displayed her tattoo. He did not understand. Tattoos were not common among girls when he was younger. He was dealing with someone from another generation. Matt questioned her about it. Why did she get a tattoo of Bavaria on her wrist? She was born in Grafenwöhr, Bavaria.

Was she German or an American? Her nationality was German. Her American citizenship was granted by her parents. It was complicated. What was her primary language? She spoke German and English, though she struggled with the latter at times. It was typical for bilingual children. If she could not remember the English words, she needed the help of her friends. She also understood Italian and Japanese.

"If I ever need someone to teach me how to speak German, I know where to find you," Brad explained.

"Keeping George in line, I’m sure."

They laughed.

Sheena was pleased to have met Dave's friends. She wished to spend time with them again. He was delighted to hear that. They enjoyed spending time with her as well. They entered the kitchen because it was dinnertime. He used the tray on her wheelchair to hold what he required. She browsed through the options on her monitor. He asked her what she was up to.

She smiled as she touched the music player. Avril Lavigne. He laughed. Her sister assisted her in putting her favourite songs on her monitor, allowing her to listen to them whenever she was home. To be considerate of others, she wore headphones while out in public. Did she have Linkin Park on there? Yes. Her parents found it too loud. He laughed again. That is something he could understand. It was not for everyone. They were taking a break before getting started on their new album.

Mike and Joe would spend that time making new beats for them. He wondered if Joe would resume playing video games now that he and Bria were no longer together. He could tell he was having difficulty throughout the tour. It was probably difficult because she was there with them. He was still grieving. Did he believe he would return to drinking? No, it was a one-time mistake. He did not self-medicate.

He would follow up with him the next day to see how he was doing. Sheena usually napped in the afternoons. Her disability made it difficult for her to fall asleep at night, so she was exhausted during the daytime. She took a nap to give herself enough energy to get through the day. She would occasionally take a bath before going to bed to relax and prepare her mind for sleep. Because they were staying at her home, they had everything they needed.

Her requirements were taken into account when the one-story home was constructed. It had wider hallways, a wheelchair-accessible bathtub and shower, grab bars on the toilet and bathtub, an open floor plan, and laminate floors. When her parents learnt of her diagnosis, they began construction. They lived in a two-story house, which would be inconvenient for her as she grew older.

Their church assisted them with financial donations. Sheena volunteered her time at Sunday School. The children adored her! She read them bible stories and allowed the teachers to use her tray to hold items. She was made to feel welcome at church. The adults never questioned her inappropriately or made hurtful remarks. She was not bothered when young children asked her inappropriate questions because they did not know any better.

Their parents constantly chastised them before apologising. She always told them it was fine and that she was not offended. Children had a difficult time understanding cerebral palsy. It indicated that her muscle movement was disrupted as a result of prenatal brain damage.

She received physical therapy to strengthen her muscles. She became frustrated at times because she was unable to perform tasks that her sister could. Her parents took note of her frustration. She had every reason to feel that way. It was unfair. Usually, she was cheerful. She enjoyed correcting people's misconceptions about her. Dave fed her when it came time to eat. What were her thoughts? It was really good. He laughed before thanking her.

Max walked over and grunted. Bria jumped because she had not expected him to sneak up on her. Oh, my God! They laughed.

"Dude! The pig!"

"He is just saying hi," George explained.

"I would have expected to hear his hooves on the floor. This is why I am getting a cat.”

"Do not you think cats will sneak up on you?"

"Not like a pig!"

They laughed. Max sat down on the floor next to George's feet. Michelle jokingly asked which was better: Max or Scout. She opted for Scout. He trailed them around the house, barking at his own reflection. Matt asked how old he was. He was older than a year. Her father got him as a puppy. He also enjoyed playing with her feet while she sat on the floor. They would need a play date with a puppy, a cat, and pig. George was intrigued by the idea.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[crackspinewornpages]

Superman: Last Son of Krypton 14/36 -Elliot S Maggin

7 

Jimmy told himself to slow down when he was bored on an assignment, at twenty-three he was the most on air reporter worried about his career in Metropolis. Jimmy was orphaned at sixteen, supported himself as a copy boy, eighteen he was a cub reporter, a staff member at twenty-one. Now he writes a column three times a week on top of being an electronic journalist. After picking up a GED (that he got from the back of a matchbook) he led a South African safari to find his missing amnesiac father. (people could achieve a lot in the seventies couldn’t they) He taught himself to use all the news equipment and got in the Guinness Book of World Records for being believed to be killed in the line of duty more than anyone else. (well you aren’t a true journalist until your own government assassinates you he just has Superman constantly saving him) He was world famous and convinced his life was going nowhere. (well you did kinda peak at twenty-three) In his position covering the vault opening one might sympathize with the five-foot seven red head, nobody’s perfect. 

Einstein designed the layout of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton, it was a little past eleven when Jimmy and the cameraman pulled up along with other reporters and camera crews. The vault is to be opened at noon so Jimmy tried to start up a conversation with someone from the Philadelphia Enquirer but the guy brushed him off. Fifteen before noon when Doctor Donald Ackroyd asked them to come inside the building. No one knew what Einstein locked in the vault, but it must be pretty valuable to seal away for over twenty-five years. Geniuses were weird though, no one knew where Luthor got off and Superman had to be one too. People said he went around dressed as a normal man, snickering at those that couldn't fly. (well they’re half right) If Jimmy was like that he wouldn't waste time on Earth when there was a universe out there. 

Jimmy took note as the armed guards opened the vault, before anyone could see, Luther flew out the door laughing. Jimmy was the only one who kept his head, forced his way to the vault, stole a cop’s gun and shot Luthor twice in the head as he phased through the wall with the folder. (maybe badass Jimmy from the movie Justice League Gods and Monsters wasn’t so far-fetched) Everyone else snapped out of it as Luthor flew away celebrating, questioning how he could do it and what did he want with the document. Jimmy’s camera was the only one recording as he reported the theft of the last artifact of the greatest scientist of all time as Luthor disappeared. At that moment everyone was distracted the Philidelphia reporter snuck out with a briefcase, in the car Luthor took off his disguise on his way to the New Jersey turnpike. 

8 

Eight gliders were over midtown, nine more were over a major bank, the police ordered them to land or they start shooting, the pilots laughed. One pilot's craft malfunctioned, he looked up to see two more falling and looked down to see a red clothe stretched out to catch them. (yeah in some canon Superman’s cape is super stretchy) As they bounced on it like a trampoline, he saw who was holding the other end, a man in blue. Superman did the math and launched them four hundred feet in the air for ten seconds then he untied his cape and snapped it back into shape. As he blew one glider out, melted another glider over the bank, he caught them and set them both on top of the Galaxy Building. 

In a speed under mock one he reduced the air pressure and dragged two more down to the roof of the bank and melted the doors so they couldn't escape. He snatched a flowerpot (it’s a really large one) flew up in the pilot's way so he’d swerve into a tree. He melted the earpieces of two more so the static would disorient then and fall to the roof. Two pilots left, one shot at the police helicopter that was counting down from ten. Superman caught the shells in his mouth and spit them back severing the lines. The last one he used his super ventriloquism to sound like Luther on the earpiece to surrender, the pilot did, so Luthor was behind it. Superman then caught the three he flung in the air now unconscious. The police helicopter then finished counting down and fired into empty air, they found the suspects on the Galaxy roof, three unconscious in the plaza, two crashed on a roof and all with their pistol firing pins melted.  

Janet Terry was new to the newsroom but caught the tail end of it on camera, by the time Clark Kent walked into the building it was full of activity. Clark asked Steve what happened, Jimmy called from Princeton, and they got Superman on film. He wonders why he picks the emergencies near TV cameras, it’s a big joke on Superman. “While Luthor’s guys were keeping him busy playing tag like the boss was down in Princeton stealing the papers from Albert Einstein’s vault. Pretty funny, huh?”p.60 

9 

Towbee’s audience was as nearly heterogenous as the planet, his ancestry, the Chief Speaker of the Temple was impressed with his talent chanting the verses of Sonnabend’s prophecies. The law was one day of every ten temple attendance was mandatory for anyone that spent more than six months on the planet, Towbee was exempt for being insane. People gathered to see the fool, Towbee the mad poet, a diversion from work. “Those petty usurers and money changers might think more of Towbee if they stopped to notice what he was saying.”p.62 How when a thousand cultures dwelled in Vega, when a sailing ship for star flight came to pass, a hybrid born on Vega has been spreading and need for freedom will fade. 

No one noticed the message just tossed coins as gifts and went back to work, Oric was becoming an economic center of this sector of the galaxy. Only the Guardians kept record of what the original race was, but no one cared. Four thousand years ago Oric was a hub of slave trade of the Galactic Arm that swung out to the outer tip of the Milky Way, the last sector to approach civilization. The distinction between right and wrong wasn't difficult, slavery was wrong but some races or individuals were best suited to servitude, freedom of choice implied. “The concepts of right and wrong in the Universe, however, were closely tied with the concept of consistancy.”p.63 Only the scholars of ethics ever wondered what was right or wrong, most just know as Sonnabend wrote eight thousand years ago and his prophecies in some form found their way to every culture in the Galaxy. 

Though that always followed as they did before right and wrong some translated into English, don't bare false witness, do unto others, (isn’t that from the Bible) rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (that’s from Thomas Jefferson’s part of the Declaration of Independence) There was no reliable record of Sonnabend or his origins, he transformed the galaxy but no knowledge of it before him. He inspired the Guardians, nine immortal humanoids whose purpose was to keep order in the galaxy. Oric was the last place they had interest in, only wanderers and rogue stars were left alone. The Guardians were also record keepers of over eight billion years of everything from the Vega star’s birth, the fusion of black holes, when Krypton died and they watched Towbee. 

The minstrel’s words were nonsense but always rhythmic as he spoke, no thought sounded too intelligent, so he caused his instrument to create images to feign madness. (now why would he pretend to be crazy) He sang what brought you to Oric, he’s stopping off at a dwarf called Sol, he’s been there seen remarkable things. Sol-6, the reason it’s called the System of Rings, he goes to Sol-3, called Terra, a world of chaos and Superman, a refugee from a destroyed world, can Sol-3 hide a great resource. Towbee smiled as he continued, what's the harm in telling them a brilliant Terran just died leaving a secret a generation after his death. “Terrans contend with rocks and sticks, with fossil fuels they’re in a fix. How could one of brilliant mind be one of those most wretched kind?”p.67 He sees they were there, Einstein was in touch with Sonnabend, an amazing discovery, importance past his ken. (it means in one’s range of knowledge or sight) 

For more than a million years the Guardians trusted a standing corps a sort of galactic police force called the Green Lanterns. One mortal for each sector of the galaxy, different races chosen for their honesty and fearlessness, possessing a power battery that could be focused through a ring. A Green Lantern was assigned to patrol this sector four thousand years ago, brought on by the atrocities of the slave trade. The first was from Krypton, they eliminated the slave trade and brought copies of Sonnabend and established a fundamentalist temple, a podium built out of an auction block. For a society of many races, it was necessary to be ritualized, pay lip service until they understood. “The immortal Guardians were a manipulative breed, and age brought with it sublety.”p.68 It probably wasn't a coincidence the Green Lantern that patrolled this sector was from Earth. Meanwhile the little gray humanoid that went to look for his poet friend didn't look an eon over six billion. 

10 

Intelligent creatures could not be bought or sold on Oric, in fact nothing could be bought or sold, their currency was gifts “It stood to reason, then, that he who had the most possessions, since possessions could only be given and not bought, must be the most beloved by those with whom he comes in contact.”p.69 Towbee had trinkets and was ridiculed, the Master, who held court in his pyramid shaped, who acquired and despensed worlds with abandon, was the most respected and richest. The Master was bent over thirty degrees when Carlo came to inform him he got the holder of a major expense on Rigel-12 to gift it to him. The Master had an appropriate gift in exchange and tells Carlo a major theorist developed a solution to the trisection of an angle, it could free up time for designers and planners. He orders Carlo to prepare the departure of a messenger to the planet to mitigate suspicion of his actual purpose and his slave leaves on the Master’s command. (didn’t it just say Oric no longer had slaves so what gives) 

11 

The show was supposed to start at 5:59 PM, camera two flashes on Clark Kent to read headlines, instead the on air light short circuited so Clark blankly stared at the camera for ten seconds. Clark thought if someone would see the television signals in space and could see Clark Kent and Superman were the same person. “Somebody whose mind was not clouded by human perceptions and prejudices would notice without a touch of effort that the two men were one.”p.72 They’d catch the irony of his first words, that Luthor made a fool of Superman. It was times like these Clark wished he wasn't an actor, challenging his pride in front of millions, no other actor (lists actors including Brando) could pull off the act effectively. 

He reported that Luthor stole the Einstein document and Jimmy tried hard but had his usual overwritten narration. “For a long time it was very difficult for Clark to notice when someone was trying hard. Most of what was important to American men in the twentieth century-surviving, prevailing, creating-came easily to Clark. All he ever needed was a good start.”p.73 He picked up English within a few weeks as an infant, early on the Kents decided to screen his influences. (yeah wouldn’t want a baby to debate the moral ethics of euthanasia) Instead of Dickens Martha put the Bible and Horatio in front of him, he could wait for school for Tom Sawyer. By first grade he amassed knowledge of ten thousand years of human history and could discourse Descortes and Locke, in contradiction of himself held Hobbes and Nietzsche (the guy who invented the superman ideal) in contempt, Martha suggested simple rejection instead. While aware of the world he still didn't know who he was, the Kents were careful to ease knowledge into him that he was different. “He also knew this difference was not something to be ashamed of but it was to be kept secret.”p.73 

When the time came he pondered all the questions about himself but there were those deep down he did not question, there was right and wrong in the universe. The same fundamentals that made Jonathan and Martha who they are and nothing in Clark’s experience was inconsistent. By the time he started school he learned how not to rip his clothes and Jonathan retired the farm and started a general store next to Sam’s Hardwares. Rumors had been floating around since almost the time of Clark’s arrival of a super powered flying toddler. Any new tale had a following one of a werewolf, medicine man in the woods, or UFO sighting. The child was the source of all these rumors and mysteries until he revealed himself to the world. 

By ten Clark wore glasses and acted timid, the Kents idea to alley suspicions, in his early teens he asked Martha to make a costume for him. The material came from the blankets and baby jumper he wore for five years. (well it’s already established the material is super stretchy) His parents gave him permission to build tunnel systems from their basement to the woods and general store. He was acting out a lot now to help and stop crime at a speed the human eye could barely see. Over the radio band was reported a bank robbery, as Lana was at the store Jonathan told Clark to get a package from the basement. Down there Clark changed into his costume and stopped the robbers, the patrolman took Superboy to the police chief Parker. (oh good for him he got a promotion) 

Parker took it to the Mayor, the Mayor took it to the Governor who used it as an excuse to call the President who invited Superboy to spend the weekend at the White House. Smallville wasn't changed much but the world was cowed and Clark was the same timid dutiful boy helping Pa Kent at the store. Lana developed a crush on Superboy and Smallville adapted to the tourist attraction. The Kents were already past their prime when they found the rocket ship and on vacation both caught a virus their son could do nothing about and died within a week of each other. (well that took a turn) As Jonathan lay dying he called his son to his side, Clark already knew his origin from their point of view and saw the light rays from Krypton the day it exploded. He knew the drama of his infancy, Kal-El son of Jor-El. “He had been born among the stars and could lie among them now if he so chose.”p.77 He was more knowledgeable and experienced than any earthman but still listened to Jonathan because he believed him to be wiser. 

Jonathan told him it was time to take responsibility as a man, helping people is right, chasing glory is wrong, use his powers to be a force of good. “There are evil men in this world, criminals and outlaws who prey on decent folk. You must fight them in cooperation with the law. To fight those criminals best you must hide your true identity. They must never know that Clark Kent is a superman. Remember, because that’s what you are, a superman.”p.78 Then Jonathan Kent died, the sale of the store was enough for Clark to study journalism and pay taxes on the Smallville house he couldn’t bare to sell. (all that money wouldn’t pay for one of those today) They still called him Superboy for a while but as he no longer acted with joy knew he wasn't Superboy anymore. (how depressing is that) 

Clark continued his report of Superman stopping the gang of hang gliders as Luthor stole the Einstein file. Clark felt like an idiot as he read off the upcoming news headlines before commercial break. It was a secret thrill for him to watch Superman’s triumphs, sitting through failures wasn't fun and another one was coming up. Back on air it was credit to his acting that he was on air next to a recording of Superman giving an interview to Jimmy, how he couldn't trace Luthor. He used the lake to make waterspouts for artificial air currents and used his breath to make a downpour to duplicate a thunderstorm to make lightning where Luthor was. Luthor’s jet boots would have left the area with ionic particles of nitrogen but there was no lightening pointing out his escape route. (people writing about Superman using his powers really have to know how to break down science don’t they) Now he needs to find Luthor and the Einstein papers, Jimmy points out how he has nothing to go on or what was in the papers, what makes him sure he can bring him to justice now. Superman smiled in a way Clark didn't and said force of habit. 

12 

In the Zephyrmore Building was a dummy company, the chairman of Thunder Corporation of Barryville Tool and Dye Industries was a billionaire playboy, Lucius D Tommytown, who didn't exist and was a puppet of Luthor. Occasionally Luthor would hire an actor to socialize and he’d write a sensational report from prison and send them to magazines under the name of Brian Wallingford. Luthor had many made-up people along with real people on his payroll, like his driver of the car he was currently watching the news in. He called his penthouse to say he’s arriving, but the radio band is full of static he angerly made his way up when he’s finally given the hacksaw and soldering iron he demanded. 

In another time and place Luthor could have been a Ceaser, Napoleon or Hitler. (yeah I get they’re saying he could be a tyrant dictator but to quote KrimsonRogue “Churchill and Lincoln, fine they were great men who did great things. Not so much with Hitler. You don’t really want to associate yourself with a name like that. Go with George Washington instead. Or Thomas Edison. Or dozens of other people you could think of right now.”)��“But in this place, at this time, he was more, Superman made him more.”p.85 (so we’re going with Luthor is the way he is because Superman exists to defy his philosophy) Luthor broke the universe down in math, he spent four weeks one day and three hours in solitary. In his life he’s met with other criminal geniuses but unlike Luthor they had trouble with honesty, choosing to retain respectability. Luthor wasn't driven by money, power or women, he desired godhood and began with being honest about being a criminal. His clerical assistants gave him the run down on business, there was a bidding war over some holographic technology, that’s three small fortunes since January and no income tax since the inventor doesn't exist. (dude pay your taxes even the Joker is afraid of the IRS) 

Luthor called everyone to his Meditation Room, he has the last work of a great man, and they will pay attention. He pulls a rope sweeping away the curtains hiding the large portrait of Albert Einstein and tells it be brought the file like he said he would. (does Luthor have a crush on Einstein Senpai) Luthor worked with the hacksaw and soldering gun to open the metal briefcase, a folder with just a few pages. Luthor reads it and calls it chicken vomit thinking Einstein finally cracked, the papers aren't written in German or English, Latin or Greek, he’s never seen a code like it. His assistant made everyone leave for Luthor to have his tantrum like a child, his response to adversity. He comes down and calls for his code breaker and a crooked philologist and he’ll talk to the portrait. 

13 

The world where a public figure is a super powered alien from a lost planet isn’t curious by a visit from someone in space, just amused. Towbee visited Earth for a few days years ago with the excuse he wanted inspiration from Superman. Quickly he caught on the idiosyncrasy Superman was Clark Kent. To study Earth society, he caused Superman trouble that Superman had to lecture him on social responsibility and Towbee happily left with an epic poem. 

His next visit he decided to be a great showman, two days after the theft of the Einstein file midtown Metropolis traffic came to a halt as Towbee appeared. He pulled along a menagerie of fantastical animals as he sung Annie Laurie, at the end his circus disappeared into a kaleidoscope of smoke. He explained to the crowd and reporters this world was in an exciting stage of civilization, where art and technology intersected and instantaneous worldwide communication. (and this is the seventies imagine the 2000s) On request he sings his prophecy, when immortals spread galactic, and thousands of cultures live by Vega’s glow, when a starship is tactic, when they come to pass you will know. As thousands were entranced Superman, the last son of Krypton wondered. “That a hybrid born to Vega has been spreading massive strength through an empire built on trade...”p.94 

14 

Luthor was in his private study with Elvin Lovecraft, the CIA’s code breaker expert, he cracked the British Naval Intelligence code. Einstein’s code reminds him of that, impossible to crack too. Luthor went to watch the news while Towbee appeared at the Galaxy Building wanting to see Morgan Edge. He has to make an appointment; Edge recognizes his description (grey with four arms and a mustache) and sees him immediately. Luther watched the news as Jimmy recounted the last time Towbee was on Earth he only interacted with Superman and no one's heard of him since. Luthor decides on a prison escape plan and watches Towbee recite his prophecy. Towbee now he needs a stage for his art and will make Galaxy a gift, Edge knows these artist types and directs him to Clete Moris to make a deal. Towbee is offended at deal making so Edge says it’s an expression, Towbee is satisfied and asks for back issues of the Daily Planet. Going over the one two days ago he saw a picture of Luthor and vanished in a puff of smoke. 

Luthor gave McDuff his instructions, three hours later as Clark gave a story on Towbee there was an escape at Pocontico Correctional Facility via helicopter. The escape was daring and nearly flawless but as the helicopter rose up it wobbled and crashed in the woods, the wreckage left two charred bodies beyond recognition. The guards who witnessed it claimed to see a colorful mass envelop the helicopter before it crashed, (hmm what does this sound like) dismissed as an illusion. Luthor is angered by the failure and asks if Lovecraft cracked the code yet, he hasn't made any progress.  

Someone then banged on the penthouse floor but no one moved in downstairs, Luthor sends someone to investigate. Six minutes later Luthor was presented with John Lightfoot, the linguist still wearing a prison jumpsuit. Lightfoot explains he made it out before the explosion, the pilot McDuff didn't, suppose the prison didn't want to admit to losing a prisoner. Luthor demands to know how he found him, hitched a ride Pygmalion My Fair Lady, he read Pygmalion which interested him in philology and wanted to tell where people lived by their accents. It was such a contrived story Luthor had to believe it. (and you are not at all suspicious) Lightfoot says the area has three penthouses like the pilot mentioned, the Zephyrmore Building had fifty-three floors but only fifty-two listed. Luthor thinks he underestimated him in prison and maybe hoped he’d be intelligent enough to hold conversation, they get to work.  

NEXT

[handeaux]

A Secret Organization Scoured Cincinnati For Bolsheviks But Found Only A Schoolgirl

It is inevitable, once you have created an organization to snitch on your neighbors, that you will find neighbors to snitch on. So it was with the American Protective League.

The American Protective League emerged from the jingoistic fervor that gripped America during the First World War. According to Steven L. Wright [Queen City Heritage, Winter 1988]:

“The American Protective League (APL) organized in Chicago in March 1917, had units in 600 cities and a membership roster of nearly 100,000. And by 1918 membership had grown to 250,000. Its membership consisted of bankers, businessmen, attorneys, chamber of commerce leaders and insurance company executives. Because of their ‘high’ position, they easily obtained information concerning ‘troublesome’ citizens, especially those who opposed the draft.”

Nationally, the APL received quasi-legal status as an affiliate of the federal Department of Justice. Locally, the Cincinnati branch of the APL was instrumental in arresting thirteen socialists who were charged with treason for circulating literature opposed to the military draft. Those charges would eventually be dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1924.

With the conclusion of hostilities, the APL technically disbanded on 31 January 1919 when Gerson J. Brown, the wholesale tobacconist who led the Cincinnati chapter, turned over all League records to Calvin S. Weakley, special agent of the Department of Justice. Even though the organization ceased to exist, however, some members insisted on carrying on the work of the League. Germany’s surrender had revealed, according to these men, a new and even more sinister enemy working to conquer America – Bolshevism. John L. Richey, head of the Cincinnati Association of Credit Men, announced through several very public speeches that his position as chief investigator of the American Protective League had revealed to him that Bolshevism was alive and well in Cincinnati. According to the Enquirer [9 January 1919]:

“Mr. Richey declared speakers at recent meetings in Cincinnati had advocated immediate revolution and deliberate assassination of public officials who could not be influenced as part of the Bolshevist doctrine. There has been an increase, Mr. Richey said, in the Bolshevist movement in Cincinnati from 500 members 60 days ago, to a membership of a few more than 3,000 today.”

Not quite a week later, the Cincinnati Post [14 January 1919] announced that Richey now estimated a Cincinnati cabal of Bolshevists, International Workers of the World, and various other radical fellow travelers had more than 7,000 members. Richey pledged to continue his investigative work in Cincinnati despite the dissolution of the American Protective League through a new “secret patriotic organization.” According to Richey:

“Members of these groups of radicals, or revolutionists, are guided by a national head, who directs from New York and Philadelphia. Cincinnatians in the organizations principally are foreign born. There are Germans, Italians, Russians, and Hungarians, with some malcontent Americans.”

In a statement that foreshadowed the Red-baiting tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy thirty years later, Richey predicted that eight to ten Cincinnati officials would soon resign once the Justice Department digested the reports submitted by the American Protective League. By February 1919, Richey’s estimate of Cincinnati radicals had reached 10,000, holding regular meetings to urge the “seizure of banks, manufacturing plants, and private property.”

Richey repeatedly asserted that the Cincinnati Board of Education fanned the flames of Bolshevism here by allowing teachers to spread radical propaganda. After all his stomping and fuming, Richey had trouble producing a single Bolshevik. Nevertheless, he told the Cincinnati Post [3 February 1919], he knew exactly where to find one:

“The home of a Cincinnati school girl, the alleged meeting place of supporters of Bolshevism, is being watched by the secret patriotic organization of which John L. Richey is head, he said Monday. Richey told of existence of a Bolshevik school where students are taught principles of Bolshevism and urged to spread them in educational institutions. A Woodward High School pupil is leader in the movement, according to Richey.”

The moment Richey made that accusation, the city turned against him and his “secret patriotic organization.” The pupil in question was Rose Simkin, aged 19, who had immigrated from Russia six years earlier. Since that time, she had been employed at the Cross Overall Company while studying in the morning before work and in the evening after work at Woodward High School, hoping to earn citizenship. She told the Post [7 February 1919]:

“I hardly know what Bolshevism means. I am an American. I didn’t even know it was I who was being talked about until told so by the school authorities. Ever since I have been in America and lived in this free country I have thought of nothing except what a wonderful land this is.”

Miss Simkin pointed to her bookshelves, filled with volumes by Poe, Shakespeare and other classic authors and defied Richey to find any hint of subversive literature.

Helen T. Wooley of the Cincinnati School Board was outraged by Richey’s accusations against Rose Simkin.

“There has been excessive zeal in trying to uncover un-American plots and in this case they have hit an innocent girl.”

The American Israelite pointed out that Rose Simkin’s brothers were serving in Palestine as part of the British army there and that Richey may not have known the difference between Zionism and Bolshevism – a not-so-subtle accusation of anti-Semitism. Mainline organizations such as the City Club and the Women’s City Club passed resolutions condemning Richey’s accusations.

As the Simkin debacle faded, so did Richey’s “secret patriotic organization.” When Richey died in 1962, his obituary made no mention of the American Protective League or his secret organization.

In 1920, Rose Simkin married Edward Trieman, her father’s partner in a Race Street haberdashery. She lived to be 70 and gave birth to a son who became a doctor. Her tombstone identifies her as “A Devoted Daughter In Israel.”

[travsd]

The William Walker Bicentennial: On Some Destinies That Didn't Manifest

May 8, 1824 was the date of birth of doctor, lawyer, newspaper editor, adventurer, and illegitimate President of Nicaragua William Walker. A nephew of Philadelphia Enquirer founder and U.S. Senator John Norvell, Walker was by all objective measures an extraordinary individual. He graduated from the University of Nashville with honors at age 14. He then went on to study medicine in Philadelphia,…