samhexum

It ain't Queens, but here's an interesting place for you to (take a) hike... Bannerman Castle — jewel-in-the-rough of New York’s Hudson Highlands region. Linked to the heart of the Big Apple via Metro-North’s Hudson Line all year long — that and a boat shuttle departing the docks near the Beacon train station — this architectural oddity, over a century old, remains the focal point of life on little Pollepel Island all these years later. For such a small landmass, Pollepel has enjoyed a varied and colorful history, earning its stripes as a strategic site for holding the British back (at least for a time) during the Revolutionary War. In more modern times, it became a storehouse for a military surplus dealer based in Brooklyn, an immigrant from the British Isles named Francis Bannerman. The remnants of that structure are what Hudson Valley residents now refer to as “the castle.” And while those riding the train — passing just a stone’s throw away on the eastern bank of the Hudson — might not know to look at it, the Island is much more than its crumbling ruins. In this diminutive paradise, there are gardens, appealing nature trails and picturesque viewpoints for all the photo and video you can take. The island hosts a full series of cultural events, along with year-round tours, conducted on foot, by boat and even kayak. Essentially left to rot for the latter part of the 20th century, the island is now managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which, in partnership with New York State, has made continued investments in the site — new funds were just announced for additional improvements, prior to the summer season. Getting there is easy — hop the Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon, which can take anywhere from a bit over an hour to about 90 minutes, depending on the time of day. Once in Beacon, the island’s trusty Estuary Steward boat will take you the rest of the way — a scenic, 30-minute ride toward Storm King Mountain, where the river shrinks down to truly earn its title as the only recognized fjord in the Eastern United States. The best things to do at Bannerman Castle Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour Join the classic island tour, available as a package with the boat ride leaving from Beacon. After 30 minutes on the boat, you’ll be given a 45-minute guided tour of the island, including the castle ruins and gardens. Kayak or Canoe to Bannerman Island Outdoorsy types favor this DIY approach — for complete details on how-to and where to launch from, see here. There are launch sites as close as 30 minutes of paddling from the island. 2024 Theater on Bannerman Island From June through September, hop the boat out to the island for a night of theater under the stars — 2024’s schedule includes Driving Miss Daisy and Always, Patsy Cline. Movie Nights at Bannerman Castle There’s movie night, and then there are the summer movie nights on the island — this year, expect a little of everything, from North by Northwest and Casablanca to Jurassic Park and Hocus Pocus. For more information, visit bannermancastle.org.

I caught my boss in a compromising position with someone on the staff outside of work. They both know I saw them, but neither has said anything. It makes me very uncomfortable. Should I say something to either of them? Should I go to HR? Should I let it go? Well, this is a fine mess, but not one of your making. It would have been easier if your boss and co-worker didn’t know you caught them. Then you could have reported it to HR or anonymously without fear of them knowing it was you. Which doesn’t mean you still don’t report them. It just makes it more complicated for you. I wouldn’t confront either of them directly, but whether or not you report what you discovered is a tough call. HELL no!!! In real estate they say ‘location, location, location’. You need to think ‘leverage, leverage, leverage’. Are they having an affair or are they single and in love? Do they plan to go public? Will one of them transfer or leaving the company? Many variables to consider before you jump into action. Is the staff member somebody who could be made to do some of your work if they are qualified? How much of a raise and extra vacation time can your boss authorize without raising suspicions? If the boss is married, how much can he pay you monthly with his own money for your silence without the wife finding out? ALL of these things should factor into your decision. You have a golden opportunity. Don’t waste it!

Don’t sleep on this bedtime hack. Drowsy dames are slurping down the “sleepy girl mocktail” — a concoction that many claim has cured agonizing nights of restlessness, sending even the worst insomniac into a serious slumber. The relaxing refreshment involves mixing just half a cup of seltzer water, half a cup of tart cherry juice and a spoonful of magnesium powder. Videos on TikTok, which have collectively clocked up tens of millions of views on the app, have become so popular with sleep-deprived scrollers (many of whom are browsing ’til the wee hours) that they have even sparked fears of a nationwide cherry juice shortage Wellness influencer Gracie Norton, who boasts 1.1 million followers, brought the beverage to the mainstream last year with a viral video that showed her preparing the mocktail, saying it would put her “out like a light.” Skeptical of any too-good-to-be-true TikTok trick, I called up New York City sleep specialist Dr. Anne Mooney to ask for her thoughts — and was surprised by her enthusiasm. “I actually think it’s very clever,” Mooney — who runs the Sleep Well Doc clinic in Midtown Manhattan — told The Post, saying she may even start recommending the recipe to some of her patients. Mooney says magnesium promotes stress reduction, which can improve sleep, while tart cherry juice contains both tryptophan and melatonin, which are known to regulate sleep. “There’s definite science behind these two things, and in my opinion, this is safe and natural,” the doc declared. “TikTok is very cleverly making it into something cute,” she further said of the sleep aid. “It has a cute name, it’s going to taste good and it’s easy enough to make that it can be a part of a nightly routine.” So, with TikTok’s backing — and Mooney’s blessing — I dubiously decided to test the drink. The experiment Mooney usually recommends magnesium threonate or magnesium glycinate to patients suffering from insomnia. While both types usually come as capsules, they can be found in powdered form — but they’re not easy to procure. I went to a Rite Aid, a Walgreens and a CVS in my quest to buy any type of magnesium powder, only to find all three franchises completely sold out. Eventually, I tracked down a magnesium citrate powder at Whole Foods for $27.99 (good sleep doesn’t come cheap). Other types are even more expensive. For instance, the trendy Moon Juice magnesium chelate blend favored by many TikTok influencers retails online for $40. The influencers instructed that the mocktail be made and consumed about an hour before bedtime, so I followed the rules accordingly. I scooped a heaping teaspoon of magnesium powder into a glass before adding equal parts tart cherry juice and seltzer water. I gave it a good stir and tried a sip. While many on social media rave about the delicious taste of the sleepy girl mocktail, I found it surprisingly sour. Perhaps because I used a flavorless magnesium powder and am not a huge fan of cherry, the concoction was bitter and almost metallic, even though it was watered down with seltzer. But with the promise of a deep sleep, I finished the fizzy elixir and prepared for slumber. The hype After Gracie Norton’s initial posting of her TikTok clip, fans flooded the comments section to rave about the mixture. “I just started doing this and I woke up for a second to make sure I was still alive since I was sleeping so good,” one exclaimed. Content creator Kayla Gresh has similarly shared a clip creating the concoction, which scored a staggering 3.4 million views and almost identical enthusiasm. “Just started this, I’m so happy to say it’s working wonders,” a fan fawned. “Stress has been making it hard to sleep but now I fall asleep like the elderly.” But would I experience a similar outcome? The results To my complete disbelief, the sleepy girl mocktail sent this skeptic into an immediate, unbroken seven-hour slumber. Often it takes me up to an hour to drift off to sleep, but I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. Most nights, I wake up in the early hours and toss and turn in a half-sleep for the remaining hours, eventually arising with pillows and blankets strewn across the room. However, with the aid of the mocktail, I slept soundly, waking only to the sound of my alarm clock. While magnesium is regularly safe in small doses, the mineral can cause cramps and diarrhea. I’m pleased to report that I experienced neither of those side effects. In very rare cases, it can result in more serious medical issues, with one nutritionist warning that consuming too much of the substance can cause cardiac arrest. But Mooney says that’s highly unlikely. “You would have to take a very large amount of magnesium to reach the point of cardiac complications, and you would likely have intolerable gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea long before that,” she stated. Take it from me: A single teaspoon is more than enough to be effective and, despite the subpar taste, I’ll definitely be drinking this beverage again. The sleepy girl mocktail has awoken a new desire to try other TikTok hacks. I’m sorry I ever slept on this one in the first place. https://nypost.com/2024/02/02/lifestyle/i-tried-the-sleepy-girl-mocktail-insomnia-cure-the-viral-fad-works-but-theres-one-problem/

A 13-year-old boy is accused of murdering a Colorado grandfather over a dispute he was blocking the aisle on a public bus last week as relatives were told the man had died when they tried to file a missing person report days later. Richard Sanchez, 60, was killed only a few blocks away from his home while riding an RTD bus last Saturday night after he allegedly got into an argument with a teenage straphanger, according to Fox 31. The shooting happened around 6:41 p.m. at the intersection of South Federal Boulevard and West Mississippi Avenue — about 3 miles from Empower Field at Mile High, the Denver Broncos’ stadium. Sanchez was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A second person was hurt and treated at the scene and did not require hospitalization, police said. Less than a week after the heartless killing, police arrested a 13-year-old suspected in connection to Sanchez’s murder on Thursday. Police believe the argument between the alleged killer and Sanchez started over the elderly man blocking the aisle with his leg. It's articles like this that make me (sort of) understand @WilliamM's obsession with the NY Post's reporting standards.

Sam Waterston, who’s played DA Jack McCoy on “Law & Order” for more than 400 episodes, is leaving the NBC warhorse. His last episode will air Feb. 22. Tony Goldwyn, 63, is tagging in for Waterston, 83, playing the new district attorney. Waterston, who was nominated for three Emmys in the late ’90s for his work on “Law & Order,” joined the show in its fourth season on NBC in 1994. He spent the next 16 years playing McCoy, and returned in 2022 when “Law & Order” was jump-started after a 12-year hiatus — making him the longest-running cast member in the show’s 23-season history. “The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me,” Waterston said in a statement on Friday. “There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next. An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable,” he continued. “I’m more grateful to you than I can say.” “L&O’s continuing and amazing long run, along with its astounding comeback, is all thanks to you and [series creator] Dick Wolf, but for whose vision, patience, perseverance and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened.” “I feel very blessed,” he said. “I hope to see you all on the flip side.” Waterston was enthusiastic about the recent revival of “Law & Order.” “Well, obviously, I love it,” the actor said in an interview last year. “I wondered whether I hadn’t already done this and shouldn’t go back. “But I couldn’t stand the idea of somebody else doing it and me watching from the sidelines, so I gave it a try and I’m having a wonderful time.”

MY APOLOGIES TO ALL THE WOMEN DRIVERS! @&*#ing BOVINE Drivers!!! @purplekow: a deer running headlong from who knows what crashed into the side of my car. As I later learned the deer had no damage to its body but significant damage to its head and the police put it down. this is the sixth car to which I have had this happen. One had a muffler from another car come through the windshield/ One had a tire fly off after having a flat fixed and the tire changed at a garage. In one I was bumped off the road by an intoxicated driver and drove up and then rolled down an embankment. In one, a driver deserted his car in the left hand lane of a major four lane highway without flashers or any notifying item and I crashed into the rear of the car as I pulled out from behind a semi to find the car there, That was the one in which the company that owned the car replaced my car. The more recent one resulted from my hood not being properly closed after having my oil checked while getting gas. As I pulled out onto the highway and got up to speed, the hood was blown open and smashed the windshield.

Sale Price$0.69 Original Price$0.89 Grace Cock Flavored Soup Mix Packet 1.76 oz pkt | $0.39 /oz

She was 91.

My father teaching me how to clean up after pooping... but not at home; in a stall at our pool club. They paved that paradise decades ago & put up a Korean Temple... but, to me, it will always be the place I learned to... well, you know...

The last 10 episodes dropped June 2nd, & I finally watched the first 2 a month ago, then binged the rest this weekend. I found the ending satisfying enough, though there was some eye-rolling along the way. It was absolutely more satisfying than LOST's finale.

A Lidl just opened 15 blocks from me the other day. Maybe I'll drive there one day.

An 83 year old man who wears tank tops and can walk 15 blocks to a store (and presumably back)... I'm impressed & jealous.

How's this for customer service... had 3 things to return to temu. went to the site & typed in a request for a call from customer service. Seven minutes later all 3 items were credited back & I was asked (we're sorry but) is it okay if we only give you the credit and you don't have to return the items?

Midnight... Not a sound from the pavement...

Spurs mascot catches a bat while in a Batman costume cool, but...

Brad has ice-skated into retirement from porn and... ” Brad and I worked together in my film called ZAK ATTACK for Falcon. Brad has to be the sweetest and sexiest guy that I have personally work with in 13 years... and to the best of my knowledge and from what he has told me does Not escort. However, if you ever get the chance to talk with him you will find like myself that he is a one of a kind and that it has nothing to do with the size of his Cock that makes him so special. He is definitely someone of a higher stature and very well liked in our business. ” Zak Spears

My favorite conspiracy theory about Mrs. Brolin seems totally plausible to me-- and not (just) because I made it up. NO MORE TEARS was really a battle between God and the Devil... I occasionally used to listen to Casey Kasem do America's Top 40. When NMT rocketed to #1 almost immediately, he noted that it was the 666th #1 in the history of the Billboard pop chart, but the 1st by 2 women (it might've been 2 unrelated women). Many people thought disco was evil and here was one of the world's great voices going over to the dark side to record a duet with the Queen of Disco... and it just happened to be released just in time to be the 666th #1?!?!? Obviously, this was the work of the devil. However, Mrs. Sudano was known to be a very religious woman, which is probably why the song had one of the fastest falls out of the top 40 (and top 100?) of any #1 song. I don't remember if it was the NYPost or Daily News that titled their review of her "A star is born" "A bore is starred."

For dozens of explorers, Amelia Earhart is the one who got away — seemingly permanently. However, a commercial real estate investor from Charleston, South Carolina, believes he might finally have found a vital piece of the 87-year-old puzzle. The pioneering female aviator, a household name at the time, disappeared with her flight navigator on what was to be a record-setting trip around the world in 1937. Despite many attempts and millions of dollars spent over nine decades, neither Earhart’s remains nor the wreckage of her plane have ever definitively been located. But Tony Romeo, a pilot and a former US Air Force intelligence officer who sold all his commercial properties to pay for his search, told The Wall Street Journal he thinks he found part of Earhart’s plane resting on the ocean floor. Romeo says that his sonar image of an aircraft-shaped object in the Pacific Ocean may well be Earhart’s Lockheed 10-E Electra — and experts who have viewed the image say it’s worth investigating. “This is maybe the most exciting thing I’ll ever do in my life,” Romeo told the Journal. “I feel like a 10-year-old going on a treasure hunt.” Romeo and two of his brothers, all pilots, felt they would have better luck finding Earhart than the slew of past adventurers, many of whom were sailors. “We always felt that a group of pilots were the ones that are going to solve this, and not the mariners,” Romeo told WSJ. They tried to game Earhart’s flight path by studying her direction, location and fuel levels based on radio messages received by Itasca, the US Coast Guard vessel stationed near Howland Island to assist Earhart in landing and refueling. They then drew up a search area based on where they thought Earhart was most likely to have crashed. Romeo spent $11 million to fund the trip and the high-tech gear. Key to the search was an underwater “Hugin” drone. His 16-person expedition launched in early September from Tarawa, Kiribati, a port near Howland Island, aboard a research vessel. The team’s unmanned submersible scanned 5,200 square miles of ocean floor, and after about a month, it captured a blurry image of an airplane-like object 5,000 meters beneath the surface within 100 miles of Howland Island. However, the Earhart hunters didn’t find the intriguing drone image until three months into their trip, and by then it wasn’t feasible to backtrack, Romeo said. He told WSJ he plans to make another excursion to get better pictures to hopefully help experts solve the decades-old mystery. Dorothy Cochrane, a curator in the aeronautics department of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, told the outlet the area where the image was taken lines up with where Earhart scholars believe she might have been before she vanished. “Until you physically take a look at this, there’s no way to say for sure what that is,” Andrew Pietruszka, an underwater archaeologist who helms deep-ocean searches for missing military aircraft and their soldiers, told the Journal. On July 2, 1937, Earhart and Fred Noonan, her navigator, took off from Lae, Papua New Guinea, and planned to refuel on uninhabited Howland Island. A runway and refueling station had been built for them so they could journey on to Honolulu and Oakland, Calif., their final destination. The two encountered a strong headwind in Lae, and operators monitored Earhart’s radio messages as she flew toward Howland — until she went silent. After 16 days, the US Navy and Coast Guard ended their search for the missing trailblazer, who was declared dead on Jan. 5, 1939. https://nypost.com/2024/01/27/news/plane-shaped-sonar-image-may-be-vital-clue-in-amelia-earhart-mystery/

Angels Designate Trey Cabbage For Assignment I guess you could say the Angels have 'stuffed' Cabbage... or I can because... I love a good pun... almost as much as I love a bad one.