____________________________________

“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.” —Voltaire

____________________________________

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2025.

— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) Richard C. Flower established a reputation as one of America's biggest swindlers. He carried out one of his scams in Arizona Territory, selling a phony stock for a phony mining operation. "CON MAN."

==========================================

(2) Roman poet Horace wrote, “He who is greedy is always in want.” Cousins Philip Arnold and John Slade proved as much when they hatched a diamond hoax that attracted some of California's most astute business leaders who, as a result of their greed, lost small fortunes. “THE FLIM-FLAM MEN.”

— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) Scientists can’t explain it, but the smell of pine can sometimes reduce stress. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with the tree.

=========================================

(4) People who think they know a celebrity but have never met him or her may be suffering from something called PSR. The term is short for Parsocia, Cambridge Dictionary’s  Word of the Year.

==========================================

(5) Most of us remember soda fountains, progressive dinners, and drive-in movies. Here are 57 things some people think we should bring back.

==========================================

(6) “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing,” said Mark Twain, considered the father of American stand-up comedy. Take a few minutes and enjoy Twain’s quotes on humor, life, friendship, and more. 

==========================================

(7) According to a history site, the month of December has a surprising history. It includes seasonal oddities and astronomical fasts. 

==========================================

(8) If you’re familiar with basketball, then you know what the word swish means. It represents the soft, satisfying sound the ball makes when it goes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard. Settle back and enjoy the Swish Machine, a 79-step basketball trickshot.  

___________________________________

 “Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.”  —Mark Twain 

____________________________________