Sunday, March 8, 2026
Ever wonder how we paid for Alaska?
Well,they didn't take credit cards,
so we had to write them a check...
The warrant was issued for $7.2 million in gold to complete the treaty brokered by Secretary of State William Seward. The transaction amounted to approximately two cents per acre for nearly 600,000 square miles of territory.
The US $7.2 million check used to pay for Alaska, 1868, (roughly $135 million in 2022).
In 1866 the Russian government offered to sell the territory of Alaska to the United States. Secretary of State William H. Seward, enthusiastic about the prospects of American Expansion, negotiated the deal for the Americans. Edouard de Stoeckl, Russian minister to the United States, negotiated for the Russians.
On March 30, 1867, the two parties agreed that the United States would pay Russia $7.2 million for the territory of Alaska. The check for $7.2 million was made payable to the Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl, who negotiated the deal for the Russians. Although the treaty was signed in 1867, this final payment warrant was issued on August 1, 1868. Critics originally labeled the purchase "Seward's Folly," but it is now recognized as a major territorial expansion for the United States.
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Handmade gifts are extra special when
they're for someone extra special.
This would be a nice St. Patricks Day gift
Click on the link below for more information on all that's available today.
Gimme an F. Gimme a U. Gimme a C. Gimme a K. What's that spell?
Every time I see a news item like this I feel a little older. He was a thrid-tier artist who I remember being booed off stage at the Capital Theater in Passaic back in the day. Anyway, this popped today up in a news feed I follow.
Country Joe McDonald, the lead singer of Country Joe and the Fish, has died. The iconic singer, who co-founded the band known for its psychedelic folk rock and legendary 1969 Woodstock performance, died Saturday evening. His cause of death is unclear. Born Joseph Allen McDonald, was 84 years old.
Country Joe and the Fish was one of the most influential groups in the San Francisco music scene in the mid to late ’60s, addressing counterculture issues like protesting the Vietnam War and recreational drug use.
They’re known for songs like “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” (above) - one of the the era’s most recognizable anti-Vietnam War protest songs.
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for Outside with Lid, Poker and Round Waterproof
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Welcome to San FranHooverville...
"Hoovervilles" were, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, makeshift shantytowns built by homeless people across the U.S.. Named in mockery of President Herbert Hoover due to his administration's perceived failure to address the economic crisis, these settlements consisted of shacks built from cardboard, scrap metal, and wood. While common nationwide, similar, modern-day, large-scale tent cities have been noted in San Francisco and other areas.
Residents lived in dire conditions without sanitation or electricity. These settlements were typically situated on the outskirts of cities, near water sources. Despite their circumstances, many, such as in Seattle, developed into organized communities. They were dismantled as New Deal programs began, largely disappearing by the beginning of World War II.
The term "Hooverville" is used to describe contemporary, often large, homeless encampments or, colloquially, "tent cities" that have appeared in the San Francisco Bay Area due to economic hardship.
The Guardian reported on a large, heavily criticized encampment in San Francisco. Such, often, "hidden" encampments serve as a stark reminder of the long-standing and, often, complex issue of homelessness in the city, with The San Francisco Public Press noting a 40% increase in the homeless rate in the area. The count identified 8,323 people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, marking a 7.3% increase from 2022. While roughly half are considered unsheltered, estimates suggest up to 20,000 individuals experienced homelessness in the City at some point during the year.
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Chill out, Scotty. We all miss the easy ones once in a while...
Scotty was looking to make par on the 18th hole
at Bay Hill Club in Orlando on Friday...
Scottie Scheffler plays a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.
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Don't want us to come visit? Okay - have a nice day...
Barcelona doubles its visitor tax to become one of highest
in the world amid 'overtourism concerns'...
As popular vacation destinations continue their crackdown on overtourism, one major city has recently raised its traveler tax - making it one of the highest in Europe.
The city of Barcelona, Spain, has nearly doubled its hotel guest tax, from $5-$9 to $10-$17 per person, per night - while holiday rentals rose from 12.5 euros per night, up from $7.24 to a maximum of $14.49, Reuters reported.
The change follows overcrowding concerns from local residents due to the high number of visitors and a shortage of affordable housing for native Spaniards. Barcelona citizens held a large protest last summer, even spraying tourists with water guns.
Demonstrators marched with signs saying, "One more tourist, one less resident," and "Tourist Go Home." The demonstrators are demanding a reworking of their local economy that does not include visitors spending in their city.
So, okay, that seals it for me, anyway. Don't want people to come see your oh-so-beautiful' city? No problem. Your brothers and sisters who work as bartenders and waiters and taxi drivers will all probably need to sleep on your couch for a coupla years, ya grumpy fucks. Piecacake...
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"A 'RIVER of fire' has surged through Tehran after oil depots were blasted in overnight strikes – as Donald Trump boasted the war against Iran is “already won”. Apocalyptic scenes gripped the Iranian capital after Israeli jets hammered key fuel sites late Saturday, unleashing huge explosions and towering fireballs across the skyline."
It's kinda fun to see how overly-dramatic and sensationalist they are, but I can't imagine someone living on newrags like The SUN as their only news source. Unless you're a fan of the Kardashians - 'cause opne of them makes the front page every day. Yeesh - why does anyone give a fuck about those people?
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Handmade gifts are extra special when
they're for someone extra special.
This would be a nice St. Patricks Day gift
Click on the photo for information on these earrings,
or click on thelink below for more information on all that's available today.
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Retired New York Police Department Chief John Chell warned that the possibility of sleeper cells operating in the United States remains a serious concern following the recent attack in Austin, Texas, stressing that both law enforcement and civilians must remain vigilant.
Speaking about the broader security implications of the attack during an appearance on Newsmax TV's "Saturday Agenda," Chell said authorities cannot rule out the presence of dormant extremist networks inside the country.
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It harkens back to when my little sister Barbara was born. On December 7th - Pearl Harbor Day. My father, good Navy man that he was, wanted to name her 'Pearl'. I think my Mother promised to kill him in his sleep if he was serious about naming a white baby girl in Newark, NJ in the 60's 'Pearl Jackson' I don't blame her at all.
When my youngest sister was born seven years later - 18 years after my brother Bob, my Father wanted to name her 'Oops'...
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Don't like the weather? Wait 15 minutes....
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It's pollen season already - especially oak pollen.
Now's a good time to change your filters.
HVAC filters for half the price of big box or hardware store.
Many other sizes available. Find the size you use here...
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Saturday, March 7, 2026
I know theres inflation and all, but Six Dollars a box? Cmon Girls...
A 6-year-old has gained recognition on social media for selling a record-breaking 75,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies across all 50 states. The family of Pim Neill said the girl’s secret to success is using social media to reach millions of people.
“We’re building a movement, and it’s so cool,” Luke Anorak-Neill, Pim’s father, said. “We’re moving girls into 2026.” Mina Beach of Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania said Pim is bringing Girl Scouts into the new age of technology. “For us, this has never happened,” Beach said. “So, this is very exciting that we get to bring people into Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania.” After selling more than 75,000 boxes, Pim said her next goal is to make it to 100,000.
The number of cookies in a Girl Scout box varies by flavor and baker, generally ranging from 12 to 40 per box. Common counts include:
Thin Mints: ~32 cookies
Trefoils: ~40 cookies
Samoas/Caramel DeLites: ~15 cookies
Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties: ~15 cookies
Adventurefuls: ~15-16 cookies
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It's pollen season already - especially oak pollen.
Now's a good time to change your filters.
HVAC filters for half the price of big box or hardware store.
Many other sizes available. Find the size you use here...
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I have a new candidate for the 'Non-politician jerkoff of the year' award...
And, before you get started, it's just a coincidence that she's from my home State. A New Jersey woman says she wouldn’t have been hit by a foul ball if protective screening required by Major League Baseball was in place at historic Bowman Field in Williamsport.
Deborah Barbella of Livingston makes that claim in a suit filed this week in Lycoming County court against the city of Williamsport, Williamsport Crosscutters and Major League Baseball. She suffered 'severe and permanent injuries' when struck in the face during a May 2 game, the complaint states.
Those injuries would not have occurred had foul-pole-to-foul-pole netting been installed before the start of the 2025 system as mandated by MLB, she contends. The Williamsport Crosscutters baseball team, which leases the field from the city, declined comment on the litigation. However, its Major League Draft League season doesn’t begin until June.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology, which played games at Bowman Field that spring, would have had a separate agreement with the city. The city was aware of the netting requirements. Barbella cites a Feb. 13, 2025, contract to have it installed. However, the contractor never began work and the project was rebid that March. No bids were received.
Barbella says she was seated behind the first base dugout where there was limited netting. She said a foul ball came through the net and hit her on the left side of the face.
Story courtesy of https://www.pennlive.com/news
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Handmade gifts are extra special when
they're for someone extra special.
This would be a nice St. Patricks Day gift
Click on the photo for information on these earrings,
or click on thelink below for more information on all that's available today.
And on the seventh day, they rested...
As you're enjoying your weekend, have you ever stopped to wonder… who decided we needed a day off? And why is it on Sunday?
The answer takes us back exactly 1,705 years ago today. On March 7, 321 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great issued one of the most influential decrees in the history of… well, your work-life balance. Before Constantine, the Roman week was a chaotic, eight-day market cycle. But on this day, he aligned the Empire with a new seven-day system and declared that Sunday—which he called "the venerable day of the Sun"—would be the official day of rest.
Think about the impact of that single decision: Courts closed. No trials, no legal battles. Workshops shut. Smiths, carpenters, and artisans put down their tools. People rested. In an empire built on constant labor and conquest, the state had just mandated a pause.
But why "Sunday"? It was a political masterstroke. Constantine, the first Christian emperor, was navigating a religious divide. Devoted Christians already revered the "Lord's Day." By choosing Sunday, he aligned it with the popular pagan cult of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun). It was a day everyone, regardless of their faith, could honor. It was a brilliant move to unify his empire.
So, the next time you're enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch or binge-watching your favorite show, remember Emperor Constantine. He didn't just change the calendar; he changed the rhythm of human life itself. He gave us the weekend - or at least, its crucial starting point.
What are you doing to rest and recharge on this historic weekend?
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You know I'm a sucker for the side-boob thing... -
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