Gaelic origins of Icelandic words and landmarks challenge orthodox view of Viking heritage, says author
— Read on www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/04/iceland-language-culture-inspired-gaelic-settlers-says-author
Author Archives: ginny
STALEMATE: When the GOP is already past its pull date on the first day.
Outside of the speaker’s role effectively running the House, they are also in the line of succession for president – raising questions about what happens if there’s no one in the position that’s second in line for the presidency after the vice president.
The Senate president pro tempore is third in line. Sen. Patty Murray was elected to that role Tuesday, making the Democrat from Washington the first woman to hold the position.
— Read on www.cnn.com/2023/01/04/politics/what-happens-without-house-speaker/index.html
Where Gratitude Gets You | #HiddenBrain #Podcast
Many of us struggle with self-control. And we assume willpower is the key to achieving our goals. But there’s a simple and often overlooked mental habit
— Read on hiddenbrain.org/podcast/where-gratitude-gets-you/
I am totally a grasshopper. But a good thing to practice in the coming year is gratitude, rather than trying to guilt myself into a goal.
Posting to my #Wordpress blog this via the #Tooot #sharesheet in #iOS as a “publish immediately” post. The “draft” option in the #iPhone app didn’t trigger the #Mastodon plugin. It works from the desktop version but there’s a little checkbox that should always be ticked. The phone app doesn’t have that option.
Listened to this #HiddenBrain episode this morning, and I’m grateful for electric power, warmth, clean water, love, and a couple of simple gifts.
Jeremy Clarkson Not Fired, Shunned, Or Banished. Why?
Who wants to watch a millionaire who posts awful things, and is somehow still on TV and writing opinion columns?
They need him down on his farm at Diddly Squat.
Kevin Lygo says presenter should apologise for column about Duchess of Sussex that attracted record number of complaints
— Read on www.theguardian.com/media/2022/dec/21/jeremy-clarkson-to-remain-host-of-who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-says-itv-boss
Elon Musk Will Step Down As Twitter CEO (and burn it down by proxy)
Oh boy, here we go.
Mr. Musk, who asked his Twitter followers on Sunday if he should step down as head of the service, will remain the company’s owner.
— Read on New York Times Gift Link
My guess is he’ll pick someone guaranteed to offend everyone and to totally ruin the company.
Think Jared Kushner, or Steve Bannon, or Alex Jones, or Kellyanne Conway (which would be awkward for George).
Harvey Weinstein…Wait, What?
There’s a bizarre detail about Weinstein’s anatomy at the end of this story. It’s a gift link, so you’ll be able to read it. Don’t read it at work or people on Zoom or in the next cube will look up and wonder why you’re gagging at your desk.
A Los Angeles jury on Monday found Harvey Weinstein guilty of rape, forced oral copulation and a third sexual misconduct charge after a weekslong trial.
— Read on https://wapo.st/3G7Hz81
More than 100 new designs discovered in Peru’s ancient Nazca plain
Findings this month of geoglyphs, which date back more than 2,000 years, are smaller and can be seen from the ground
— Read on www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/19/peru-nazca-plain-ancient-art-new-designs-discovered
In Review: Macally Backlit Portable Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad Mini/Pro, iPhone

This is a review of a review plugin for WordPress.. It’s not a book… but it’s also a review of the wireless keyboard I’m trying to type it on.
A year or more ago, I thought I’d be reading more books, so I enthusiastically read about 3 books and looked for a way to add stars and so on like I’ve seen on other blogs.
The review plugin is called Recensio Book Reviews, and it’s a little too powerful for someone that doesn’t read as many books as she should. But I’ve read a few lately and so I’ll keep it.
The keyboard is a Macally Wireless Backlit Keyboard and it’s not very good. I should have gotten a higher quality one from the same maker or any well-known maker – the space bar is really hard to press and I have to pound it, sometimes multiple times. It’s really light and feels a bit flimsy, actually. Would not buy again if it breaks. It came with an extended warranty, but not really worth it. I went for price and the backlit feature.
The full name is a mouthful:
“Macally Backlit Portable Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad Mini/Pro, iPhone, Phone, Kindle Fire, Android – Universal 7 Backlit Colors Tablet Keyboard Mini – Small Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard”
Don’t bother, get a better quality one.
I’ll keep the review plugin, I could see using it more in the new year.
Tom Lehrer Songs And Lyrics Released to the Public Domain
Anyone for a little New Math, or Dead Puppies?
LINK: Tom Lehrer Songs
In short, I no longer retain any rights to any of my songs. So help yourselves, and don’t send me any money. THIS WEBSITE WILL BE SHUT DOWN AT SOME DATE IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE, SO IF YOU WANT TO DOWNLOAD ANYTHING, DON’T WAIT TOO LONG. TOM LEHRER
Reading: Why am I always so angry? (And Wondering About My Own Temper)
Learning to control impulsivity does not come naturally, says Philippa Perry. The key is in developing the right skill sets
— Read on www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/dec/18/ask-philippa-perry-why-am-i-always-so-angry