____________________________________

"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not." —George Bernard Shaw

____________________________________

— MY TWO CENTS WORTH —

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025. Social media can be a breeding ground for negativity, where outrageous, insulting, and threatening comments, particularly about politics, are prevalent.

Like many families, mine engaged in political debates. My brothers and I would sometimes challenge my Dad's views to spark discussion, which occasionally became heated but never bitter. Despite our differences, we didn't harbor resentment, and our debates often ended in laughter.

Unsurprisingly, these discussions rarely changed minds or yielded common ground. Political discussions were once more civil and enjoyable, where differing opinions were welcomed.

Social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Threads often foster hatred. The anonymity they provide emboldens users to post unfiltered comments they would never express in person. They’ve become convenient forums for verbal bullies. Social media struggles with respect and tolerance for differing opinions.

While free expression is a bedrock principle of America, online harassment stifles voices and creates a climate of disrespect, silencing reasoned discourse.

— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) "Dyin' ain't much of a livin'," quipped fictional outlaw Josie Wells, a sentiment Dan Tucker's victims likely shared after experiencing his "SHOOT FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER" approach to law enforcement.

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

(2) The story of Red Jack Almer, leader of the Red Jack Gang, dressing as a woman to rob a stagecoach is largely fictional. The Red Jack Gang did, however, raid stagecoaches throughout southeastern Arizona, stealing thousands. “OUTLAWS IN CALICO RED."

— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) Although often attributed to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, the famous quote "Elementary, my dear Watson" never actually appears in the original stories. While Holmes does use both phrases separately, their combination is a later invention. Here are 12 famous quotes that often get misattributed.

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

(4) A rare gold pocket watch, recovered from a wealthy Titanic passenger, will be auctioned next week. The watch stopped at 2:20 am, the time the Titanic sank.

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

(5) The other night, I tripped over a cardboard box while leaving the office. I keep several boxes around for my kittens. Cats enjoy using them to hide, hunt, and explore their surroundings. 

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

(6) Viewing original art can improve health by relieving stress, reducing heart disease risk, and boosting immunity. Researchers reached this conclusion in a new, first-of-its-kind study. 

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

(7) I ran marathons years ago and always wondered about the odd 26.2-mile distance. The original Ancient Greek marathon was 25 miles. The race was lengthened to accommodate the British Royal family.

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

(8)  Kick back and listen to the most relaxing sounds in the world. Pick a place, dial it in, and click the playback button.

___________________________________

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ―Deitrich Bonhoeffer

____________________________________