So this was 2023...

As in some prior years, I'm at home, wanting to get things done.  It's hard to be motivated and healthy, though.  In the New Year, I'd like to be more productive.

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year to all!

 Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours.

I am praying for a CHRISTmas miracle.

Annual Thanksgiving Roundup

 It might go here.

 Note [11/27/2023]: This post might've been better last Thursday, but I'm posting it anyway.  It is a variation of my tradition Thanksgiving posts, like this 2010 post.  I'm reposting, with some updates.

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A few special items:

Giving Thanks Even When You Don't Feel Like It, Cal Thomas 

America Rocks! The Greatest Country the world has ever known, Ted Nugent

3 Biblical Imperatives for Thanksgiving, Joel Bradshaw (and see this from Rev. Thorin Anderson)

For anxiety:

Thanksgiving: The Inoculation Against Fear and Worry, Jane Chastain

Thanksgiving Angst, Linda Chavez 

5 tips for dealing with social anxiety at Thanksgiving

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It's been awhile since I've done a Thanksgiving blog entry. In my prior posts on my first blog, I'd featured a moving prayer, from the great(!) columnist Michelle Malkin:

Thanksgiving Prayer 2002 (Link annotations were added by me; Here's another version)

Michelle often writes poignant pieces; Here are her columns, for this occasion, from 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 (great advice; Was thinking of this, this morning!), 2008, last year... and this time: "Giving thanks for American ingenuity"


from Thanksgivings past...

Private Property and the First Thanksgiving, The Show-Me Daily

Video: A Thanksgiving Tribute to Property Rights, Reason TV

From our old friend Dan Flynn: Socialism Didn't Work at Plymouth Plantation, Either

And Rush Limbaugh's classic commentary isn't available, but this one is!

NRO Symposium: Giving Thanks is not available

‘Where Do We Get
These People?’, Rich Lowry
The First Thanksgiving, Frank Miniter
Thanksgiving for the Bill of Rights, John Hayward
A Grateful Nation, Newt & Callista Gingrich - Here is this last last year's article and this year's.
A Tale of Two Colonies, Gary Galles, Ludvig von Mises Institute
Another Tale of Two Colonies by our friend Thomas DiLorenzo

- For which we give thanks || But nothing good for 2023
- God returns to Obama's Thanksgiving proclamation

A Thanksgiving Sacrifice
While we celebrate our national holiday in the warmth and comfort of homes, the men and women of our armed forces serve at grave peril in faraway places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

The History of Thanksgiving
TH Radio: Thanksgiving is the least corrupted of the major holidays. It seems to have retained its essential spirit untainted, or at least not completely distorted by the forces of commercialization and secularization.

This Thanksgiving, Serve Gratitude, Rebecca Hagelin
Pro Patria: America, 'Tis of Thee We Sing, Ross Mackenzie
Still Thankful, Cal Thomas. But see his 2020, 2021, 2022, and this special piece:

Giving Thanks Even When You Don't Feel Like It - Cal Thomas, Nov. 2023
 
Thanksgiving for Leaders, Jackie Gingrich Cushman
Thankful for a Bygone Era & New Dawn, Armstrong Williams

Remember Whom to thank, Joe Farah
Thanksgiving: The Inoculation Against Fear and Worry, Jane Chastain
Be thankful for technological bounty, Phil Elmore
Thanksgiving wishes from Avenal State Prison, Jack Cashill
Happy "Starvation Day" (A lost Thanksgiving lesson), John Stossel (H/T: Bill Hobbs, Phil Kerpen)

Vote for the Turkey, Skyla Freeman
Happy Thanksgiving, Erick Erickson, Red State


Giving thanks to Whom thanks is due, Illinois Family Institute
A Special Thanksgiving Message, Traditional Values Coalition
Lame Ducks Talk Turkey, Family Research Council \\ But see this and this from this year.

(Note: The above 3 pieces were included, in defiance of the liberal, money-grubbing Southern "Poverty" Law Center.)


a few selections, from Thanksgivings past:
Don't wait to be thankful, Cassandra Walker
In Defense of Traditional Thanksgiving History, Josh Claybourn
America Rocks! The Greatest Country the world has ever known, Ted Nugent
See Ted Nugent's piece, for 2010!
The Truth about Thanksgiving and Free Markets, Richard J. Maybury
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving, Joseph Farah

What Thanksgiving Means to America, from the late Rev. Jerry Falwell

Immigrant Religious Extremist Group Signs Manifesto (1620)


And last (for Thanksgiving 2010), but not least:
A Thanksgiving Message to all 57 States, Sarah Palin (H/T: Jimmie, via Dean in Waukesha)

Obama: Let's have a bipartisan Thanksgiving

Top 10 reasons for conservatives to be thankful, Kenneth Hanner

Both parties have reason to give thanks, Politico (H/T: Saul Anuzis)

One year ago, we were involved in the major GOP wins in Virgnia and New Jersey, which were viewed as key, towards this year's bellwether elections. This month's elections were similarly-thrilling to those across the country - though for those conservatives in my state, it was a mixed bag.

But nonetheless...
 

Whether for 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, etc...

Whether for 2010, 2009, 2008/2006, or any other year - The message remains the same:

No matter what happens, with these types of issues and events, it cannot be denied that we all have a GREAT DEAL to be thankful for!

During recent months, and in prior years--within our local, national, and international politics, within our "Web2.0" networks, and within the public arena--there has been a great deal of arguing, attacking, flaming, antagonism, and ill will that has been expressed by many individuals and groups. We have also celebrated many major election victories, even while facing policy-related setbacks, and destructive policies, at the national (and statewide) levels... not to mention the current socio-economic times. [And for those who are students, there are of course the usual (upcoming) concerns, but also, things we need to be doing, over "Fall Break."]

But now is not the time for angst, or for worry, or overwhelming frustration with others, or with the contemporary issues facing our country, our community, or our lives. Nor is it even the time for fiercly-positive dialectics, regarding these issues (or other matters, that may cause disputes, like when at today's family gatherings :-).

Now is the time to give thanks - To give thanks that we live in a society in which we can have these debates and discussions legally and freely, and in which we can praise or protest the policies and policy-makers that affect our society and our lives today. And it is a time to give thanks to our brave current and former soldiers - those who sacrifice their time, services, livelihoods, and sometimes, a great deal more - to defend our country and our citizenry. And above all, it is time to give thanks to our Lord and Creator - for all that he has done - for us, for our nation, and for the world in which we live.

Have a great Thanksgiving - and may your holiday be cheerful and pleasant. Best wishes to you and yours for an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend as well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

(And don't eat too much turkey... ;-)

Giving Thanks!

 Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve had a rough day, but hope to have some material posted here this weekend.

Special K Cereal for pennies!

By the time you read this, it will probably be too late to use this match-up.  But I wanted to use it as an example of the aforementioned stacking of "layers" of savings.

County Market currently has full-sized boxes of Special K cereal for $0.99 cents apiece, when you buy three (if you have the free County Market card).

From those coupons provided online, I'd printed a Manufacturer Coupon for $1.00 off of 2 Special K cereals.

I was pleasantly surprised that Special K cereal is also an Ibotta offer!  If  you don't have Ibotta, please get the app through my link. The Ibotta rebate is $0.45 per Special K cereal that you buy.

So, let's recap:

Special K cereal = $0.99 when you buy three. That's $2.97 total.
Manufacturer Coupon = $1.00, making the total $1.97.
Ibotta rebate = $0.45 x 3 cereals. That's a rebate of $1.35, bringing the net cost down to 62 cents!

That makes the grand net price 21 CENTS per Special K cereal!

I need to finish my blog series, explaining how to shop for less.

Half-off Pizza Trifecta

Today, @Dominos, @PapaJohns, and @PizzaHut all have 50% OFF. I’ve never seen this pizza trifecta before!

Domino’s: It’s on their website.
Papa John’s: Use code: FESTIVE50
Pizza Hut: Use code: HOLIDAYHALFOFFPIZZA

Order #pizza today!

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

My #productivity, Blogosphere-wise, was dismal this year - though not in Social Media, perhaps. Maybe greater focus and efficiency should be my New Year's resolution.

Speaking of that: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

The ball will drop shortly. Did you stay in tonight? Here's an article I can possibly relate to; when I was in NYC, it wasn't on New Year's Eve, but I still had to struggle to find a place to "go":

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/12/dont-go-out-new-years-eve/578836

Remember: The ball is dropping at 11:00 PM, central time.

I did Domino's #HomeOnNYE - but now I think I may go out. Now taking the rest of my 5-Hour Energy.

I hope there's an Uber available, so I can join this event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2143687899028762

Productivity Pains

Panic about lack of #blogging and lack of #productivity has gotten me so upset, that I just noticed that I've literally started to bleed. :-)

I must've hit the table too hard, in frustration.

David Carlson, Josh Claybourn, et. al.: How the heck do you do it?!

    

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

Two nights ago for this occasion, we held a party for West Side Young Adults at our apartment!  I still have unpublished material from then, that I was hoping to publish, in a draft post at this blog.

My health was on the upswing at that time (late 2015). Things went down afterwards though, and 2016 was mixed, while ending on a not-so-healthful note.  For much of 2017, I was in a hospital.  But I still could have done a lot more.

I was hoping, before year's end, to finish the series I've started at this blog, about how to layout layers of savings upon each other, to get prices as close to $0.00 (and sometimes, lower than that!) at the stores.  Great expectations!

But for the moment, I wanted to say: Just as I dropped the ball on blogging this year, THE BALL is going to drop, in less than an hour.

Merry CHRISTmas (which it still is!) and Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday to my Hard-Working Mother!

I was at a friend's birthday party recently, and was glad to hear that my past writings had influenced him to check out freebies for one's birthday. [H/T to Tai and Tarin Perry, from Extreme Couponing :-].

http://savingsingles.blogspot.com/2014/06/birthday-stress-and-birthday-freebies.html
http://savingsingles.blogspot.com/2015/06/birthday-stress-and-birthday-freebies.html


Today is the birthday of my very hard-working mother. I just took her to Firehouse Subs [H/T Freebie Depot], and we're probably going to Denny's tonight.

Happy Birthday to mom... And best wishes to all working mothers out there!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry CHRISTmas!!

In response to some Christmastime angst I expressed years ago, Adrianne Truett reminded us that today is still Christmas!

http://atruett.blogspot.com/…/merry-christmas-someone-shoul…

Merry CHRISTmas, to you and yours!!

Merry CHRISTmas Eve Eve

Merry CHRISTmas Eve... Eve

So much is happening right now (even aside from nationally and worldwide), and as ususal, there's so much I want to write about.

Today has been a rough day, but I was glad to have the opportunity to get out of the apartment tonight.  Health problems have been severe.  Please pray for me.

I expect things to get better soon.

Merry CHRISTmas Eve Eve, to you and yours!

Meta-blogging

Phyllis Schlafly. Harriet Tubman. Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton. Immigration. SCOTUS. There are a TON of items I could have and wanted to blog about, as well as other To-Do's. In thinking about this a couple of months ago though, I realized that sometimes you have to take a break from all that stuff, and de-stress. Maybe I should start on a certain computer game I bought - as my roommates are gaming on their own systems.

That was shortly before the election though, and my thoughts of respite were swallowed up by thoughts about our nation. Still, it seemed that this year - despite being a Precinct Committeeman - I didn't do anywhere near as much election work as I did in past elections; I did make it to Missouri on Election Eve however... I love the political climate there, as discussed before. :-)

Though productivity is hard (not because of the lack of material!), and I'm still struggling with health issues, stay tuned for some quality #content. I'm still confused as to what format and medium to use, but I think the best bet is to just start writing.

As we said in 2013 - Whatever happens, let's begin!

Black Friday Round-up

Yes, I know I'm about a fortnight late is publishing this, but oh well...


- Young Adult Money: How to Find the Best Cyber Money Deals, Rachel Foxwell
- Young Adult Money: Best Black Friday Deals of 2016, Chonce Maddux

- Passion for Savings: Heather has an excellent roundup of Black Friday deals


And, a blast from the past, by Tyler Sickmeyer:

Marketing Strategies For Black Friday And Small Business Saturday
As Thanksgiving approaches, two other big days are on the minds of business owners and brand managers everywhere: the traditional behemoth that is Black Friday and American Express’s younger and growing venture known as Small Business Saturday.

These two shopping days, combined with Cyber Monday, make the post-Thanksgiving weekend one of the most important of the year for many retailers. It’s important for a business to have its collective act together well in advance of the holiday weekend. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your business for the weekend:

Engage Your Customers In Advance: Don’t wait until the week of and expect a newspaper ad to carry you through the weekend, unless you’re Walmart or Macy’s. Engage your customers via email and social media a week in advance so that they can make arrangements to come by.

Pick Your Battles: It may be wise to cede Black Friday to the big box stores and focus on Small Business Saturday, especially if you’re not offering spectacular deals. Black Friday is typically reserved for the purported lowest prices of the year, while Small Business Saturday carries a more emotional call to action and deals don’t necessarily carry the day.

Accommodate Your Customers: For restaurants, this means opening early Friday as shoppers could be ready for “lunch” as early as 9am after beginning to shop at 4am and often standing in line long before that. For others, it may mean letting your deals run past the customary noon deadline so that customers don’t have to choose between your pet store’s specials and Best Buy’s door-buster sales.

Staff Accordingly: Make sure that you have enough staff to cover the rush; the last thing a business can afford is to make a lasting negative impression by being ill-prepared for the crowds. It’s far better to be over-staffed and overwhelm customers with great service at a time when service is scarce than to alienate them from returning.

Note: This article by Tyler Sickmeyer is borrowed from the Fidelitas Development blog. As with all material here, the embedded hyperlinks were added by me, and didn't appear in the original piece.