Women of a Certain Age-“Old School” Edition

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Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If your call math “arithmetic”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you call mathematics new math…
  3. If you ever carried books in a strap…
  4. If your back to school wardrobe included Peter Pan collars and plaid…
  5. If sleepovers during the school year meant popcorn and a Frankie Avalon movie on network TV…
  6. If you had a Friday night party with a record player and bottles of Coke…
  7. If your birthday during the school year meant homemade cupcakes for the class…
  8. If you ever took a peanut butter fluff sandwich in your Scooby Doo lunch box…
  9. If you owned a Howdy Doody lunch pail…
  10. If you watched a happy tooth film strip…
  11. If you know what a film strip is…
  12. If you had a gym uniform that was a short jumpsuit in a shade of blue…
  13. If you wore white Keds with pom-pom socks (mine were pink)…
  14. If your cheerleading uniform didn’t expose your belly button…
  15. If Friday night football games were followed up at the malt shop…
  16. If you went on high school dates at the drive-in…
  17. If you know what activity was done in a rumble seat…
  18. If you participated in said activity in a rumble seat…
  19. If you participated in the same activity at the drive in…
  20. If you know what a rumble seat is…
  21. If you had a back-to-school Lilt perm, courtesy of your older sister or cousin…
  22. If you drove to school in a 1967 Mustang…
  23. If you know what a bobby soxer is…
  24. If you ever owned bobby socks…
  25. If you read Tiger Beat in the girls room at school…
  26. If students today read about your era in history books…
  27. If you carried mad money on dates during your high school or college years…
  28. If your sorority sisters wore pink foam rollers and half slips…
  29. If you ever wore pink foam rollers or half slips…
  30. If you know what a half slip is…

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2026!

12 Days of Christmas Gone Rogue

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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…

  1. 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?

  1. 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…
  2. 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…
  3. 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…
  4. 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…
  5. 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…
  6. 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…
  7. 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…
  8. 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…
  9. 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…
  10. 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

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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

 

 

50 Trump, Not So Nice, Adjectives

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50 Trump, Not So Nice, Adjectives

50 Trump, No So Nice, Adjectives

By D. S. Mitchell

Calamity Politics is happy to announce that I, Editor-in-Chief, the only Editor, in fact, am going to devote the entire first political blog post of the day to a really nasty game.

The ‘game’ will not distract from my usual in-depth political coverage; that will come later. LOL. My regular readers know that the ‘in-depth’ description is probably a bit misleading.

I’m decently polite and tend to shyness. Rarely do I attack. But today, as I was driving back home from I-Hop this morning, I started thinking about Donald J. Trump, 47th President of the United States, con-man, self-promoter and started tossing negative adjectives around in my head as I made the drive from Medford to Grants Pass.

Continue reading

Flyin’ Solo

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Flyin’ Solo

Flyin’ Solo

 

By Kelli Mathison

 

Long Ago

When I was younger, much younger, I never worried about being alone, in fact, as an only child I found great comfort in being alone. Today, it’s a bit different because I’m not really alone; I have a significant other.  Sadly, that person is ill; and getting sicker on a predicted path toward death. I know we’re all on a short leash as far as life expectancy goes, but most of us don’t have a terminal diagnosis with a predicted expiration date. I make sure that all of his needs are met and that he is comfortable and happy and that his caregivers provide superlative care. As can be expected, his attention is now directed inwards, to his pain, to his wants and needs; perfectly understandable. But, where does that leave me, other than alone. Not physically of course, but emotionally and intellectually, I’m on my own. I guess its preparation for a time when I will be physically alone. A thought I find hard to write. Of course, I have an unknown expiration date myself, I could just as easily go first. Life and death a constant mystery.

Flyin’ Solo

I can feel myself shifting from ‘us’ and ‘our busy lives’, to ‘me’ alone, ‘just me.’ He can no longer travel, even by car. He is housebound. I’m conflicted because I’m not ready to give up on a spontaneous car ride, a lazy lunch at a favorite restaurant, a forest hike, a concert, a golf game with my girl friends, an afternoon loitering at the local art museum. If any reader feels I am selfish and uncaring, you are wrong; what I am, is aware that I need a plan for being alone. I’ve done some reading on living alone after a partner dies and what I’ve learned is encouraging and worth sharing. Most experts recommend establishing a new routine, maintaining and building on friendships, joining a support group, and perhaps getting a pet. Focus on self care, explore hobbies, meet new people.  Remember, when someone you care about has been ill for a long time the mourning begins before death and preparation for the impending loss makes good sense.

What the experts say:
1. Create structure and new routines:
  • To gain a sense of control it may be necessary to set daily schedules for meals, exercise, and basic self-care.
  • To avoid that sensation of lost days, plan one small, simple daily activity such as taking a walk or going to the pool. 
2. Take control of financial matters:
  • Set up automatic bill pay.
  • Create a “team” of professionals (mechanic, house cleaner, appliance repair) for house and auto upkeep.
  • Set up a calendar for maintenance reminders (oil changes, HVAC checks, filter replacements).
3. Build a support & social network
  • Keep in contact with family and friends, even if its just for a quick call.
  • Join a couple local groups (library, garden, hobby clubs) to facilitate meeting new people.
  • Adopt a pet for that constant, non-judgmental companionship.
  • Explore support groups or see a therapist/doctor if needed.

4. Find new purpose while honoring your loved one’s memory

  • Keep photos displayed or continue a meaningful tradition.
  • To shift focus and find purpose try volunteering for something you support (animal rescue, food banks).
5. Be kind to yourself
  • Mourning is a process; a confusing mix of emotions (confusion, anger, relief, pain) give yourself permission to grieve in your own way. Grieving often begins during the loved one’s illness often long before their death.
  • Avoid using alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms; talk to a doctor if you’re struggling with the diagnosis and its effect on you.
  • Go at your own pace and don’t rush into social situations before you’re ready. 
  • Lastly, do not make any major decisions, such as selling your home or moving to Nebraska without giving yourself at least one year to grow familiar with being alone.

 

 

Life in 1900 America

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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

Opinion: Ditch Empathy…Ditch Democracy

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OPINION: Ditch Empathy–Ditch Democracy

OPINION: Ditch Empathy–Ditch Dem0cracy

By Vajra Ma

 

Waggy is Adorable

Have you seen the ads for the new toy that looks and acts “just like a real puppy”​? Waggy is a curly haired AI puppy who tilts its adorable head just like a real dog. Waggy responds to your child’s voice just like a real dog. Sit! It sits. Come! It comes. It cuddles with your child just like a real dog. But it’s not real and according to the ad that’s the selling point. No expensive vet bills, no food to purchase, no long dog walks. No bothersome biological needs whatsoever. No care required.

No Empathy Required

What does such a realistic-seeming virtual puppy teach your child? It teaches them the puppy has no needs, no desires, no life of its own. It exists only to serve the needs and desires of your child.  The only thing that matters is the child, what he feels, what he needs, what he wants. No care or empathy required.

Biological Reality

Waggy weans your child away from biological reality. When biology is canceled, the opportunity to develop empathy for another living being is canceled.  We place our child in a subtle training ground for three things: 1) dissociation from the body 2) the atrophy 0f empathy 3) the development of narcissism. The interaction between the child and the AI dog is narcissistic. It is devoid of any feeling or even thought of the needs of another. Interaction with a virtual being is preferable to interaction with a real being.

Conditioning 

Is this what you want for your child? Is your convenience as a parent worth this programming of your child? Is this the conditioning you want for the next generation?

Toys Matter

Am I being hyperbolic? overstating the situation? I think not. Not when viewed in the context of three things: rapidly progressing AI, the transhumanist agenda and fascism. (Now she’s really getting hyperbolic!) Bear with me… There are plenty of dots to connect between these three things that could easily fill a whole book, but in the scope of this article I can only point briefly to them. Hopefully this will indicate how subtle and insidious the Waggy programming is, why a little toy like this matters.

Ditch Empathy

Elon Musk has stated “The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy.” Remember him prancing about on the stage with his chainsaw? He wielded the perfect tool to represent the lack of empathy it took to slash through people’s livelihoods in his DOGE purge. Musk justifies such actions as protecting us from “civilizational suicidal empathy.” Should we prefer homicidal empathy?

Peter Thiel

In alignment with Musk, his former PayPal co-founder and kingpin of transhumanism, Peter Thiel, rejects “abstract universalism that treats all individuals as fundamentally equal.” Ditch equality, ditch democracy. Enter fascism. This brings us to the new catch phrase of the Christian Nationalist agenda…

“Toxic Empathy”

Christian author Allie Beth Stuckey, titled her book with this now popular term she coined, Toxic Empathy. In a video interview she tells us how much she likes Steven Miller and his deportations. When the interviewer pushes back about sending deportees to El Salvador (and it’s notoriously brutal CECOT prison) she deflects: (the liberals are) highlighting these stories of supposed cruelty from ICE” and admonishes people to ask “but is this true?” True? Has she seen any of the numerous videos documenting the blatant cruelty?  or does she only watch Fox News which deceives largely through omission? (emphasis added) https://www.tiktok.com/@nytopinion/video/7529126187717692703

Transhumanism

Transhumanism, at best, aims to cybor biology, at worst, to eradicate it all together in favor of uploading one’s consciousness into a computer. Either way, AI Waggy aligns and enables this.

Is that what we want for our children? or will we let ourselves see the connections between the dots?

Do we see how subtle conditioning via a cute AI toy disassociates us from biological reality? How it desensitizes us to the living needs of others? How it eradicates empathy? How it paves the way to dehumanizing others? Hitler had the Jews. We have the immigrants.

Waggy, Inside

If that’s what we want for our children, our country and the future of humanity, by all means bring (supposedly) harmless Waggy into the house. Let virtual interaction groom our children for the non-empathic narcissism and de-humanization that fascism requires. Waggy, in his adorable little robot way, helps us get there.