“I’ve finished my 3 book Spider Series. If you’re into hot sex and heart pounding adventure please check it out. Available on Amazon. Thank you for your interest and support. D. S. Mitchell aka “Calamity” at Calamity News and Politics.
“There is nothing more inspiring than taking action against injustice.” D.S. Mitchell 2025
“If stupidity got us into this mess, why can’t it get us out of it.” Will Rogers
“If you can’t be a poet, be a poem.” David Carradine
“No god would want a child killed in his name.” D.S. Mitchell 2023
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” Friedrich Nietzsche
“Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxicabs and cutting hair.” ― George Burns
“A politician thinks of the next election – a statesman of the next generation.” – James Freeman Clarke
“I want to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed.” Arthur Ashe
“Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and it’s beauty.” ― Albert Einstein
“So the America I loved still exists, if not in the White House or the Supreme Court or the Senate or the House of Representatives or the media. The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries.” ― Kurt Vonnegut
“Let’s just remember that social security is not the government’s money, it belongs to the people who had it taken out of the checks involuntarily their entire working lives.” Mike Huckabee
“I have insecurities of course, but I don’t hang out with anyone who points them out to me.” ADELE
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” Christian Grey
“My favorite old car had no reverse gear. It taught me I could only go forward.” Flavia
“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
“Those who think they can control the mob are fools and are often the victims of their own incitement.” D.S. Mitchell 2021
“A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
“If now isn’t a good time for the truth I don’t see when we’ll get to it.” Nikki Giovanni
“Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is that you are stupid and make bad decisions.” Your mother
“Studying American politics has taught me several disgusting lessons, the first being, money buys friends in Congress. That alone should terrify the American public.” D. S. Mitchell 2021
“My art is my heart.” D. S. Mitchell 2015
“Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.” Arthur Rubenstein
“Every lie is like stepping in a quicksand pit. Every lie as dangerous, as telling the truth.” D. S. Mitchell 2020
“Sometimes when challenged we find out we are capable of the unthinkable.” D. S. Mitchell 2022
“Surround yourself with those on the same mission as you.” Anonymous
“Dimming the lights will not hide the social injustice in America.” D. S. Mitchell 2017
“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true. So I elect for neither label.” – James Branch Cabell
Smile
"If puppies and kittens don't make you smile, you might consider therapy." D. S. Mitchell 2015.
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” Winston Churchill
“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” T. S. Eliot
“Voting is like a prayer.” Raphael Warnock 2021
“We are all valuable. The problem is not everyone is smart enough to realize it.” D. S. Mitchell 2021
“I wonder, if you were blind, lost and confused, would you care what color the offered hand?” D. S. Mitchell 2015
“Silence in front of savagery is savagery itself.” Abhijit Naskar
“To be happy and contented, count your blessings, not your cash.” Chinese Proverb
“We can never be too busy to be kind.” D. S. Mitchell 2017
RIP RBG
“The rain falls because the cloud can no longer handle the weight. The tears fall because the heart can no longer handle the pain.” The Wise You
“Let my old days be my best days,” Cousin Lucille
“In no instance have… the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people.” James Madison
“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.” Charles Dickens
“Thoughtful people are slow to anger, not necessarily less efficient in their killing.” D. S. Mitchell 2019
“Endings are not always bad. Most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.” Kim Harrison
“The United States like so many countries around the world has chosen to give to the few and deny the many.” D.S. Mitchell 2020
“It is said that your life flashes before your eyes just before you die. This is true, its called life.” Terry Pratchett
“Trickle down economics is like having three dogs and giving one of them a hot dog, and thinking he’ll share.” Bill Maher
“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man’s oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” John Kenneth Galbraith
“When people start acting as though the past is the same as the present and context doesn’t matter, things start to get dangerous.” Trevor K. McNeil 2020
“Pardoning the Bad, is injuring the Good.” – Benjamin Franklin
“I don’t need to attend every argument I’m invited to.” Unknown
“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret between the shadow and soul.” Pablo Neruda
“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ― Bruce Lee
“I have been far oftener discriminated against because I am a woman than because I am black.” Shirley Chisholm 5/21/1969
“The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they pass unobserved.” ― George Washington
“We only fail when we fail to try.” Rosa Parks
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” Thomas Jefferson
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” Albert Einstein
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The 7 Social Sins are: Wealth without Work; Pleasure without Conscience; Knowledge without Character; Commerce without Morality; Science without Humanity; Worship without Sacrifice; Politics without Principle.” Frederick Lewis Donaldson
“All evils are equal when they are extreme.”-Pierre Corneille
“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” John F. Kennedy
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” Isaac Asimov
“People without vaginas shouldn’t be able to regulate them.” Unknown
“What this country needs is more unemployed politicians.” Edward Langley, artist
“Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” Abraham Lincoln
“When sleeping women wake, mountains move.” Chinese proverb
“If people stopped searching for things that offended them and started looking for things that inspired them; what a wonderful world this would be.” Night Owl
A Poem For Don and Vlad
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Booker T. Washington
“To argue with a person who has given up reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” Thomas Paine
“Imagination is the bridge between the things we know for sure, and the things we need to believe, when our world becomes unbearable.” Staceyann Chin
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Steve Jobs
“Inspiration descends only in flashes to clothe circumstances; it is not stored up in a barrel, like salt herrings to be doled out.”Patrick White
“I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness that surrounds me.” Sojourner Truth
“Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.” Doug Larson
“Law without humanity is injustice.” D. S. Mitchell 2020
“Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear, is the beginning of wisdom.” Bertrand Russell
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” Plato
valuable article
Category: Positive Vibes
26 Affirmations For 2026
26 Affirmations For 2026
26 Affirmations For 2026
Editor: Positive affirmations are important to us as human beings. Repeating positive statements allows the brain to reprogram our subconsciousness. Additionally, repeating positive statements aloud allows us to create a clearer and more powerful image of who we are. Positive self-talk challenges the doubt and negative thoughts that bombard us daily with empowering messages that lower stress levels, decrease worry, fear, and anxiety. Affirming our self worth builds and reinforces feelings of happiness, optimism and harmony with our world. When coupled with meditation affirmations create a powerful tool that can aid us in dealing with the challenges that face us everyday of our lives. In some cases, the individual will invoke a greater power, as does Cate in her piece, or some will use a mirror and trust the power of their own inner self.
By Cate Rees-Hessel
- I affirm to be kind and treat others with respect, even when we agree to disagree – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to practice self care and self love – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to stand firm in my beliefs, even if they appear to not be popular – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to respect animals and the environment – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to laugh more – laughter can be the best medicine; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to get fresh air and exercise – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to set boundaries and not be afraid to say no when I need to – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to not give my permission to be made to feel inferior (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt) – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to stay well informed regarding the world around us – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to choose my faith over my fear – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to eat my fruit and veggies; nutrition is important – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to occasionally indulge – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to a have spa day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to have a mental health day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to rid myself of toxic relationships – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to stand up for myself and not be bullied – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to take care of my health and well being – mentally, emotionally, and physically; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to be impeccably groomed and well dressed – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to put others above myself when they have needs I can meet – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to have fun – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to try something new with an open mind – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to dance with abandon even if somebody is watching – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to be me in every way – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to purr like a cat when I feel happy – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to be the person my pets, my BFF’s, my siblings, and my spouse think that I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
- I affirm to be the person God knows I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
Lots of Reasons to Smile
A Whole List of Reasons to Smile
A Whole Lot of Reasons to Smile
By D.S. Mitchell
It’s Raining
It’s Sunday afternoon in fabulous Grants Pass, Oregon. The rain has been relentless for the last 48 hours. Lilly the dog, is sprawled out on the back deck. Its covered. While she’s entertaining herself chewing on her favorite tennis ball a few rain resistant ducks are playing in the lake. Frustrated with the endless deluge I flip through the cable news shows. I’m a regular Sunday viewer of Meet The Press and Fareed Zakaria’s GPS. I wanted a nice peaceful weekend, my morning coffee along with the political news shows, a game of cribbage in the afternoon, an 8 pm movie with a friend to finish the day. Well, that whole plan is shot. Mostly due to the inclement weather. But, even if the weather didn’t suck Trump is doing more saber rattling in the direction of Venezuela, keeping everyone on edge.
Spoiled Child Drama
Trump is like a spoiled child demanding every moment of his mother’s attention. I do not intend to go off on a rant. I promise, but, it does make you think, his mom took him off the nipple to soon. Despite, Trumps narcissism and his constant attention seeking I think we need to get your mind, and my mine, off the American Tragedy playing out in front of our eyes. So, my favorite distraction of the week, my Sunday version of a day-off, is imagining the simple things in life…those things that bring a quiet smile to the corners of your mouth.
Lots of Reasons to Smile:
1.) A Hummingbird at the garden feeder 2.) A day with no chores to do 3.) Left over spaghetti or cold pizza for breakfast. Yum Yum 4.) A chocolate “fix” 5.) The Nite Owl bar, Helena, MT 6.) A new mattress 7.) A bedroom with a window seat 7.) A scarecrow dressed in Daddy’s old coveralls and straw hat 8.) Short grocery lines, 9.) A fresh bouquet of flowers 10.) Homemade Lemonade 11.) 1940’s Film Noir 12.) Watching young swallows learn the art of flight 13.) Painting the front door a bright vivid color 14.) Working a potter’s wheel 15.) Spontaneous hugs 16.) Forgetting the punch line of a joke 17.) Libraries and librarians 18.) Using the dog to do left over clean up 19.) Fireworks 20.) Running boards on tall trucks 21.) The soft sound of a paddle cutting the water 22.) The patter of children’s feet on hardwood floors 23.) Crater Lake, Oregon 24.) Clean as you go 25.) Gingerbread loaded with melted butter 26.) Forming a Foundation to help fund a cause 27.) Talking with intelligence instead of just blowing smoke 28.) River barges 29.) Crisp and juicy apples 30.) Doing a good job 31.) Rich, delicate French pastry 32.) Floating homes 33.) Listening to the sounds of the night 34.) A secret crush 35.) Spontaneous kisses 36.) Writing 37.) Fresh homemade bread 39.) The aroma of Honeysuckle and Daphne 40.) Cloth napkins with napkin rings 41.) The American flag 42.) Lettuce fresh from the garden 43.) My car after the car wash 44.) Fessing up to an eff ‘up 45.) Honey Baked Ham 46.) A great painting found at a Thrift Store. 47.) Refreshing an old dresser with a coat of paint 48.) First ski run of the day 49.) Old English Sheepdogs 50.) Koala bears 51.) Rearranging the furniture for a party 52.) A banana split for two 53.) Travel magazines 54.) Swim meets 55.) Swans on Black Lake, Ilwaco, WA 56.) Wind across a field of wheat 57.) Twinkies 58.) New shoes 59.) Echoes 60.) The Olympics 61.) Mt. Vernon, VA 62.) Cheetahs in the wild 63.) Warm dry socks 64.) Mutts 65.) Sundance catalogues 66.) Buy one and get one free 67.) Making lists 68.) Pinto ponies 69.) Sneakers without socks 70.) Unicorns and rainbows 71.) Picnic tables 72.) Owning an island 73.) Walking the railroad tracks 74.) Habitat For Humanity 75.) A team of horses 76.) Weeping Willow trees 77.) 3-D movies 78.) Political comics 79.) Lawn parties 80.) Laughing babies 81.) Getting a makeover 82.) Up with the dawn 83.) Weathered shutters on shingled beach cottages 84.) Hopscotch 85.) Night snowmobiling 86.) Hit that high note 87.) Playing Frisbee with the dog 88.) Blanket tents in the backyard 89.) Club sandwiches 90.) Being on time 91.) Woodstock 92.) Snoopy 93.) Earth Day 94.) Catching a man’s eye 95.) Dream catchers 96.) Dogs 97.) Revolving doors 98.) Retirement 99.) Winning a race 100.) Puget Island, WA.
Keep smiling. Don’t let the chaos of the Trump administration steal your joy.
Join the New Resistance
Women of a Certain Age-“Old School” Edition
Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition
Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition
By Cate Rees-Hessel
- If your call math “arithmetic”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
- If you call mathematics new math…
- If you ever carried books in a strap…
- If your back to school wardrobe included Peter Pan collars and plaid…
- If sleepovers during the school year meant popcorn and a Frankie Avalon movie on network TV…
- If you had a Friday night party with a record player and bottles of Coke…
- If your birthday during the school year meant homemade cupcakes for the class…
- If you ever took a peanut butter fluff sandwich in your Scooby Doo lunch box…
- If you owned a Howdy Doody lunch pail…
- If you watched a happy tooth film strip…
- If you know what a film strip is…
- If you had a gym uniform that was a short jumpsuit in a shade of blue…
- If you wore white Keds with pom-pom socks (mine were pink)…
- If your cheerleading uniform didn’t expose your belly button…
- If Friday night football games were followed up at the malt shop…
- If you went on high school dates at the drive-in…
- If you know what activity was done in a rumble seat…
- If you participated in said activity in a rumble seat…
- If you participated in the same activity at the drive in…
- If you know what a rumble seat is…
- If you had a back-to-school Lilt perm, courtesy of your older sister or cousin…
- If you drove to school in a 1967 Mustang…
- If you know what a bobby soxer is…
- If you ever owned bobby socks…
- If you read Tiger Beat in the girls room at school…
- If students today read about your era in history books…
- If you carried mad money on dates during your high school or college years…
- If your sorority sisters wore pink foam rollers and half slips…
- If you ever wore pink foam rollers or half slips…
- If you know what a half slip is…
Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2026!
12 Days of Christmas Gone Rogue
12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue
12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue
By Cate Rees-Hessel
1. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree…
What a cute little birdie and I do love fruit… Apparently, my dear true love forgot I have a cat. That little bird sure can fly fast when being chased by a feline. I had a devil of a time getting him down from where he landed on the chandelier. Then the little dickens ate the biggest pear off the tree, the one I was saving to make a tart. I put the tree and its occupant on my patio. Perhaps a basket of fruit from Harry and David with a partridge figurine from Wayfair would have been a more appropriate present…
- On the second day of Christmas my love gave to me, two turtle doves…
It appears my love is quite the birds enthusiast, but these “peaceful” little creatures have a mean streak. They attacked the poor partridge when I placed them on the patio. The feathers are flying here today. The veterinary bill is being sent to my darling gift giver. How can one re-gift feathered creatures?
- More foul – hens! Three of them, and not for Christmas dinner, either. Three French Hens, complete with a tariff bill I had to pay before they were shipped, arrived today. I don’t have a hen house, and my patio is getting crowded…
- The man with whom I share some affection sure is a bird lover. Today I received four squawking, er, I mean calling birds. These birds certainly need their own cell phones. My patio is beginning to look a lot like an aviary. Has this man not heard of Zales? My dear seems to forget I work from home…
- Finally, my true love sent jewelry – five lovely stackable gold rings. Maybe a diamond bracelet or earrings is in my future, in place of our winged friends…
- More feathered friends. Six geese-a-laying eggs all over my carpet. Perhaps my love is hinting he would like to come over for an omelet. I know eggs prices have soared, but this is a bit overkill…
- Enough with the birds already – my boyfriend sent seven more avians. Apparently my condo association has a rule about seven swans-a-swimming in the community jacuzzi. Who knew such a codicil existed? Perhaps my next gift will be a consultation with an attorney, and I will be seeking the services of a realtor in the new year. This has been a challenging week, thanks to my guy. I sincerely hope he doesn’t acquire a fondness for rodents…
- Well, at least no more birds. The gentlemen with whom a bit of affection is shared sent me eight maids carrying empty milk jugs, since I don’t have a cow. Perhaps tomorrow’s gift will involve bovine. I do love me some fat free milk but really, a grocery gift card would be much more appropriate here. These alleged maids did a terrible job with the kitchen and bathroom; they did nothing for my egg stained rug, either…
- Now there is a ballet going on in my living room. Nine ladies are dancing their hearts out here – I had to move the furniture out of the way. I am sending them and the maids to a motel for the night. My friend with benefits is getting an invoice for the Uber and accompanying accommodations…
- My friend without benefits has now sent ten lords-a-leaping. These men in tights already knocked over a table, broke a floor lamp, and scared my dog, who was already quite traumatized from all the birds and women that keep arriving. Another trip to the veterinary clinic…
- More noise in the form of eleven pipers piping in my dining room; my acquaintance really needs to choose gifts more wisely. Has this dude never heard of Sephora or Macy’s? I am amazed at what one can purchase on eBay or Amazon…
- Even more noise for my frenzy – a dozen drummers to give me a raging migraine. I flew the coup and filed a restraining order against lunatic “true love”.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone – hope my gift of laughter made you smile this holiday season…
The Results Are In
Results Report
Results Report
By D.S. Mitchell
I’m not sure when I decided to do it; I think it was about 6 weeks ago; maybe more like a month ago. Anyway, none of that is really important, what is important was the response I got.
I sat down and made a list of 25 old friends that I never wanted to lose contact with; some I hadn’t reached out to in several years. Shame on me, but like with most things I can give you a page long list of reasons why I let that happen. So, rather than bore you with all that nonsense, I’ll tell you what I did.
First of all, I have an entire filing cabinet drawer filled with beautiful greeting cards; Sympathy, Get Well Soon, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Merry Christmas, Thinking of You, and Blank, of course. When you donate, frequently you will be given socks, scarfs, back packs, flashlights, address labels and every form of greeting card ever needed or designed. All-in-all, pretty awesome.
So, I think you can put two and two together and see what’s coming. I took that list of ’25 friends I never wanted to lose contact with’ and grabbed a handful of Thinking of You cards and wrote all of these amazing people a short note telling them each how much I appreciated knowing them and expressed my intent to do a better job of keeping in contact, updating my contact information and asking the same of them. Next, I went to the post office and for less than $20.00 I sent all those precious people a loving and caring handwritten note.
I’m not sure what response I expected; or if I even thought about potential responses, I just did it, comfortable with what ever happened. The phone didn’t ring and there was no written response to my cards…for at least two weeks, then as if the celestial dam broke my mail box was filled with a deluge of responses, each with its unique and beautiful sentiment followed with directions to websites, new phone numbers, updated emails and physical addresses as well.
I counted 18 hand written responses, and 1 returned ‘d/t no forwarding address on file,’ and five phone calls! Amazing, 100% if you discount the 1 returned d/t no forwarding address. Four of the calls were happy with multiple promises to keep in contact. The 5th caller, the older sister of one of ‘my never want to lose contact with friends,’ a person well-known and loved by me, called to tell me that she was taking care of her sister’s mail and social contacts since her younger sister was no longer able to self care due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Heart breaking news, made doubly painful because her husband is also a victim of the disease. Connie, said she would keep me in the loop as to Alice’s health, which gave me some comfort.
From what started as one of those things I just had to do; became a thing I was so thankful I did. Hearing those warm, familiar voices on the phone, touching the paper their fingers had touched, in those handwritten notes and cards, OMG… thank you dear friends for sharing your love, kindness and mercy. I can’t ever imagine what I did to deserve such kindness and love.
Thank you all, and keep in touch with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Starting a New Chapter
“You cannot start the next chapter of your life, if you keep re-reading your last one.”
Unknown
Life in 1900 America
Life in 1900 America
Life in 1900 America
By D. S. Mitchell
Yesterday, I stumbled across some statistics from 1900. Mind you, just over a 100 years ago things were very different from today. It was a simpler time; no emails to answer, no breaking news, no radio or TV to watch. I thought the information was both amusing, and eye-opening. Check it out. My furthest memories are from the 1950’s and I thought that was a very different time…and it was, but 1900, I was shocked and surprised as to how things have changed in the last 125 years. I don’t know if I could have waited a month to wash my hair, yikes!
Statistics from 1900:
1) Average life expectancy in the USA was 46 years. Compare that to the 79.6 life expectancy for 2025. 2) 14% per cent of American homes had a bathtub and a mere 8% had a telephone. 3) Mississippi, Iowa, Tennessee, and Alabama all had larger populations than California. 4) There were 8,000 cars and only a 144 miles of paved roads. Sounds like a bumpy ride for the few who could afford an automobile. 5) The average hourly wage in USA was 22 cents and the average worker made between $200-$400 a year. 6) The population of Las Vegas was either 25, or 30, depending on your resource. 7) 90% of doctors in the USA never attended college and about the same for lawyers. 8) The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world 9) Sugar cost 4 cents a pound, coffee was 15 cents a pound, and eggs were 14 cents a dozen. 10) There was a total of 230 reported murders in the USA. 11) Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii, and Alaska were not yet states. 12) Only 6% of American adults were high school graduates. 10% of adults were illiterate. 13) Most women washed their hair once a month and used egg yolks or borax for shampoo. 14) 95% of all births took place at home. 15) Leading causes of death in the USA were pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, heart disease, diarrhea, and stroke. 16) 18% of American homes had a full-time servant. 17) Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn’t been invented yet.
*Hope you got a laugh or two. Calamity Politics is a progressive on-line news magazine. This list of what was going on in 1900 came from “Uncle John’s Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting Bathroom Reader by the Bathroom Reader’s Institute, 18th Edition.”
Join the Resistance
I Wrote the Spider Series, Now What?
I Wrote the Spider Series, Now What?
I Wrote the Spider Series, Now What?
By D.S. Mitchell
So I have spent the last three years of my life writing the three book Spider Series. Now that I have accomplished that major feat, I find out according to the experts, I will need to spend another three years marketing my little project. So, folks please suffer through the ads for the next couple months as I try to market my erotic thriller series. Available on Amazon. If you’re interested, what follows is a bit of the back story on the writing book one of the Spider Series.
What I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving
What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving
What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Our nation is in crisis, but I am still thankful to God for the following this day:
- My loved ones: spouse, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and furbabies.
- I am thankful for all the progressives at every level fighting against the dictator who thinks he is a king.
- I am thankful for the fact I never voted for him – I couldn’t live with that on my conscience.
- I am thankful for the arts in every form.
- I am thankful for children’s laughter – may we protect these innocent ones from harm.
- I am thankful that LBGTQ rights are still protected for now, because I love people in that community, including family and close friends.
- I am thankful our right to free speech is still present and we can speak our mind for now.
- I am thankful for the opportunity to make people laugh.
- I am thankful that the government shutdown is over and people can buy food to fill Thanksgiving tables, but my heart breaks that healthcare premiums will pay the price.
- I am thankful we can still worship in the faith we desire, and pray that God’s truth may finally break through the racist hate that is not what Christianity should stand for.
- I am thankful for freedom – the freedom our military has fought for and protects.
- I am thankful for a democracy – may our nation never be robbed of this.
- I am thankful for the 25th Amendment – may it be put to good use very soon.
- I am thankful for the right to vote – may we use this wisely.
- I am thankful for the power of the press, and may I never abuse that privilege.
- I am thankful for the power of words that we must use wisely.
- I am thankful for all those standing against ICE – just like the first Thanksgiving when native Americans and pilgrims shared a meal together in peace.
- I am thankful pumpkin spice season is nearly over.
- I am thankful to not have to eat turkey spam from a can.
- I am thankful for each of you reading this.
