Monday (er, Sunday) Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: Working and Waiting

(I have some work to finish up, so this is going in a touch early.)

     I don't know about you, but we're looking at brown and tan -- the snow has pretty much melted, except for a few scattered patches under the trees. It was so cold that we couldn't always hook up waterlines to the trailer. That meant quick scrubdowns, instead of showers, and carrying drinking water from our landlord's house, except for a few precious hours when the sun was out. I was surprised at how easily we dealt with this; the one exception has been the rapidly-piling up dishes in the sink.  

We're still finishing up stuff before heading south. One more snowstorm is scheduled before we can manage to, as the Brick says, "get the heck out of Dodge." The scrabbly results of this week's work led to the odd mix of  items about politics, history, frugality-- and food. What can I say? Occasionally, that's how I roll.

Meanwhile:

Capitol hill legislators want more $$ to hire police and private security firms to protect themselves, both at home and in their offices. Yes, you read that right -- cops.  Legislators need this because the police, after all, are fewer. (They've been defunded in many large cities -- remember?) Private citizens can go without protection -- they're not that important -- but these valued members of society need it. From the article:

"So we want to have a scientific approach to how we protect members," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. "I do believe and I have said this all along we will probably need a supplemental for more security for members when the enemy is within the House of Representatives, a threat that members are concerned about in addition to what is happening outside."

When pressed by reporters about what she meant by that comment, Pelosi said, "it means that we have members of Congress who want to bring guns on the floor and have threatened violence on other members of Congress." Pelosi did not clarify which lawmakers she was referencing.

Goodness. If the situation is this critical, Mrs. Pelosi, call the cops -- these are all actionable offenses that should be taken seriously! Instead of vague accusations, give the police specific names, incidents and contact info, so they can do something about it. (Oops, the police are kind of busy with other things. Guess it will have to wait.)

     If I sound sarcastic about this...it's because I am. This is both hypocritical and ridiculous.

Has somebody finally found Jimmy Hoffa?

An interesting viewpoint on all the frothing about GameStop and other 'shorted' stocks. Open acknowledgment: I now own one whole share of GameStop. And the Brick owned a share of Zoom. (He sold it some time ago, though.)

No, President Biden didn't shut down fracking. He did, however, close an important pipeline, and shut down any new energy leases on public land for at least 60 days. 

The leader of Myanmar's NLD, along with others, has been "detained by the military." Myanmar's military said the recent election was a sham. (The NLD, by the way, won the majority.) Does this mean Myanmar is headed toward a military coup? And who will the White House align with, if it does indeed happen... Update: It did happen. The millitary is now in charge in Myanmar, also known as Burma. So what did Blinken, Secretary of State, do? He called on the military to "reverse these actions immediately." And President Biden said they might reinstate sanctions. 

     That'll do it, I'm certain.

A search and rescue team in Colorado has more than $10,000 in equipment stolen. That's certainly going to help their work...

Fish & fries -- oven-baked. And just as crispy as if they were fried. The secret: cornflakes -- and Parmesan.  (Thanks, Taste of Home) Maybe add some quinoa coleslaw salad to the plate, thanks to Poor Girl Eats Well.

Ten historic artifacts ruined -- or at least badly affected -- by ignorance.  (Thanks, Listverse.)

Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean -- shut down, if you're from Canada. Or go ahead and go, and soon you'll be required to stay at a "government-selected hotel" for three days, plus a Covid-19 test. (Estimated cost, according to PM Trudeau: at least $2000 CAD.) Anyone who tests positive will be sent to a government facility, at taxpayers' expense. If you're lucky enough to test negative, you'll still be extensively monitored by private security firms the Canadian government has hired for that purpose. (I'm not making this up. Check the link.)

     If I were Canadian, that would sure make me willing to head to Puerto Vallarta next month. You betcha. (Yet another blow for Mexican tourism...)

Now this is taking porch pirates to a whole new level -- a Detroit woman comes home from work, only to find her front porch steps GONE.

Historical portraits brought to life. Modernized -- sometimes a bit too much. But the resemblance can be startling to real people today.

What I Wanted vs What I Got. An contrasting dress show -- try not to wince. (I am thinking of the absolutely awful PRINTED-instead-of-knitted sweater coat and strangely-fitting dress I optimistically ordered last year. Ewww.)

A reverse art heist attempt at the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum??   (Apparently it wasn't one of the perpetrators of the original heist.) If you found that interesting:

Eight weird art theft fails...but not until the artworks were damaged or disappeared, in most cases. Sad.

Historical figures whose preserved body parts you can still visit today.  I don't know whether to be fascinated -- or horrified.

The world's oldest doodle...or not? Stick around on this site for a fascinating video look at cave art, in general.

Has 400 million in Civil War gold been found -- and grabbed -- by the U.S. government?

What's the strangest "I can't believe it" dish someone brought to a potluck? Quora wants to tell.

Now I've heard of everything -- a shark AND zombie movie!?!  (And this is from 1979.)

Fourteen smart money moves for 2021.  (From Making Sense of Cents)

A smart salvage of a Vermont ski chalet -- using discount and salvaged materials.

Don't like popcorn ceilings? How to get rid of them, one room at a time.  (From Emily Henderson)

"Less IS more." One of the best 'here's my experience' stories I've ever read.  (From MoneySavingMom)

Archeologists discover a shipwreck filled with amphorae -- off the Greek island of Kasos.

Skunk vs mountain lion -- guess who won?

An interview with the original 'Frugal Zealot,' Amy Dacyzyn:

Also: 

A print interview with Amy, courtesy of The Simple Dollar.

Simple ways to refresh your home (and maybe yourself) for 2021.  I'll go for the 'fresh flowers' idea.

An intriguing solution for rebounding from a job rejection.  (From Financial Samurai)

Jalapeno cheddar no-knead bread. Great with soup.  (From One Hundred Dollars A Month)

Or teriyaki meatball bowls, with a homemade sauce.  (From Budget Bytes)

Amazing nachos. Make a twofer: Sloppy Joes one night, and these the next!  (From Who Needs A Cape)

Income possibilities, if you've got a blog.  (From Nomad Numbers)

Mister Rogers' widow, wife Joanne, died last week.  She was 92.

Godzilla vs. Kong -- oooh, I am looking forward to this. (Picture the Brick making gagging noises)

So... was this military veteran done a disservice... or not?

Ten odd slips in time.  (Love this oddball stuff, Listverse)

"Secrets of the Ice:" a new archeology project analyzing the hundreds of Viking era artifacts emerging in recent years. Including a wool tunic dating to c.300!

Sixteen of the world's most famous paintings. How many did you recognize?

Have a good week. And stay out of trouble!