Two days ago, my lovely bride and I took a short drive to hang out with a packed backroom at Murphy’s in Manchester. Americans for Prosperity NH was hosting a Pints and Policy event, and the subject was housing and New Hampshire’s “Housing Crisis.”

It was good to see Victoria Sullivan, Len Turcotte, Jon DiPietro, Chris Maidment, Dan McGuire, and a slew of other folks. The please was packed. And it wasn’t just the free food, drink ticket, and APF swag. As we were reminded, housing is a priority concern for New Hampshire residents. That’s what all the polling says. Everyone is concerned about housing.

More demand than supply. Prices are too high. Young people can’t afford to move out or move here. The solution is simple. We need more housing. But how do you do that?

The Panel included Greg Moore and Drew Cline, and my apologies for forgetting the names of the other two guys (one not local), the other part of a special standing committee in the NH House on housing. I was eating and not taking notes. They each spoke for a bit, and the consensus was this. We need more housing. Local government is the most significant barrier. If you don’t want the state to command and control the Zoning and other issues from Concord, you must find ways to make changes in your town.

 

The Panel

The response to this and the general conversation about addressing the issue was predictable, and it is likely what drew the crowd. Getting elected to a zoning or planning board won’t make a damn bit of difference, say people who’ve done that. The citizens vote on the master plan, and while housing may concern them, they don’t want it, whatever it is, in their backyard.

 

Concerned about city apartment complexes with no green space for kids

The “it” could be apartment complexes, duplexes, smaller lot sizes, workforce housing, or mixed Zoning to allow any of the above.

The Panel brought up great ideas and explained the issue, and there are solutions somewhere in there, but I don’t see that happening if the goal is to avoid a top-down statewide solution. People don’t want closer neighbors or increased traffic or – as I like to joke in my town – thousands of new families using up the water we haven’t had enough of (odd/even watering bans) for what seemed like decades.

 

Rep. Walsh waiting to have a say.

One thing that came up that made sense was to address barriers to construction in general. There are always excessive regulations, not just from the Department of Environmental Services. Most towns have plenty of buildable residential land to suit one-acre lots and more affordable housing if permitted. There are Mixed-use industrial areas where apartments would make sense.

 

Jack talks about Zoning…

Merrimack has been adding apartment buildings like mad, almost exclusively in industrial/mixed-use areas, and at least one near Route Three with easy access to the highway. I’m still miffed about the alleged water-use problem being ignored while we add thousands more water users, and I don’t think we were short on water, but now? Thanks, planning Department. Maybe we will.

Another issue not broached, and one I have discussed with landlords is that while developers want to build apartment buildings, they are never affordable. Rents are high. Apartments are in demand. You build to take advantage of that. No one is going to develop themselves into lower rents. So? None of these new buildings will be” affordable” unless it’s government subsidized – and do we want to go there? I don’t think we do, at least not in any local master plan. This brings us back to what the Panel agreed we didn’t want—top-down state mandates. But I doubt there is another way.

And guess whose fault that will be?

The Republicans, some of them, will argue for less government interference, but you’ll have to stomp on local control to get them out of the way, which will piss off their base. Democrats love top-down interference and would gladly stomp on local control (as long as they leave gentrification loopholes for places like Hanover, Portsmouth, Durham, Keene, and Plymouth). Still, those kooks will vote Democrat anyway for the grooming and abortion, so that’s not a risk for the Left.

If Republicans protect local control, the Dems will crush them as uncaring bastards unwill to address the housing crisis, but if they do, their voters might revolt – party divisions, civil war.

We never said Liberty wasn’t messy.

In other words, everyone thinks this is a problem, but the problem has problems.

It was a good idea for AFP to get it out there. But in the end (IMO), Republicans could end up paying for it.

 

 

The post Pints & Policy – AFP Takes a Whack at The Housing Crisis in New Hampshire appeared first on Granite Grok.

War is no longer a battle between two foes while the world watches for the outcome, especially when the struggle involves countries in the Middle East. With Joe Biden putting the American petroleum industry in chains, the Middle East has regained prominence as the region supplying the majority of oil to much of the world.

We have seen a general slowdown in the U.S. Economy in the last few weeks, and many are making a case for an impending recession. America is officially at about a 3% inflation rate, but that is a cumulative number, and the actual year-over-year inflation is reported to be around 19%. We need a correction as reality is even worse than the reported stats, as those stats are manipulated by which categories of the economy are included. 

Donald Trump made comments from outside the courtroom in New York City, where he is in the middle of a civil trial. He is being sued for fraudulent business practices by the City of New York. He laid it out perfectly how, even with the Pandemic, he handed over a strong, growing economy, gas prices under $2.00, and a country that was energy independent and an exporter of petroleum products to the world.

With horrendous and swift policy decisions, Joe Biden made us energy-dependent on evil countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. We are at their mercy for high prices for gas at the pump and questionable supply lines. Biden has erased all of the economic gains we made under Trump, where the middle class had seen the most significant income gains in history, and the trickle-down economy was working. Biden, who claims to be the champion of the middle class, has crushed it. Savings are at an all-time low, and credit card balances are at an all-time high.

With economic numbers in the tank, along with Biden’s approval numbers, there is no shift in policy in Biden’s mind. Even the liberal President Bill Clinton made considerable adjustments to his economic plans after his first two years in office. A wise man sees the need to change and does. A foolish man cannot see the need for change and digs his heels in when he should shift. Clinton made the change, and Biden will never. One was wise. The other was feeble.

As the scope of the war becomes more apparent, we will know who is involved, which side they are supporting, and what their impact on the global economy will be. We understand that the international and American economies are in for a shock. We are all dependent on oil, and the production will slow, and the cost per barrel will skyrocket. What most people do not understand is oil cost doesn’t just impact gas and heating costs.

Petroleum products are in nearly every consumer product. This scenario is not good news for the middle class, especially going into the holiday season and winter. One crucial fact the middle class must remember is we are in this predicament, the war and economy, because of the Champion of the Middle Class, Joe Biden. Maybe he is the champ, as the middle class is on the mat, taken the count, and said, “uncle.”

The post War, Oil, Inflation, And Global Economy appeared first on Granite Grok.

One of the tried and true euphemisms of politics is when someone in elected or appointed office steps aside to spend more time with family. It likely means they are in trouble and need to step out of the spotlight before it finds a microphone and ruins them.

Does Jon Stewart have a similar situation?

Apple TV has been paying him to do something for the past two years that was supposed to pass for entertainment and they have abruptly stopped. No more Jon Stewart Show on Apple TV.

 

Jon Stewart’s show on Apple’s streaming service is abruptly coming to an end, according to several people with knowledge of the decision, the result of creative differences between the tech giant and the former “Daily Show” host…

Mr. Stewart and Apple executives had disagreements over some of the topics and guests on “The Problem,” two of the people said. Mr. Stewart told members of his staff on Thursday that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern among Apple executives, a person with knowledge of the meeting said. As the 2024 presidential campaign begins to heat up, there was potential for further creative disagreements, one of the people said.

 

Stewart’s ratings were alleged to be lousy, and the irreconcilable creative difference might be where Stewart wasn’t creating any value for Apple. And that still plays if the problem was Jon wanting to poke China in the eye. Like like most Yuge business models, Apple relies on China to make things cheaply so that when US consumers overpay for their products, they make a lot more money.

Apple axing Stewart over his wanting to make fun of China would be, as John Sexton writes at Hot Air, “pretty repulsive.” But if Stewart was dragging audience eyeballs to the platform in meaningful numbers (droves!), does Apple look the other way, even just a little bit? And how arrogant is Stewart to think that he’s Jon Stewart and he can get another show someplace else if Apple kicks him to the curb over creative differences?

Maybe he can. I’ve never been a fan and never watched his show past sharing the odd clip, so I may not be the best person to answer that question, but I bet he could get a job on MSNBC tomorrow. But The Problem with Jon Stewart (or for Jon Stewart) is they won’t be able to make fun of China there, either, if that was true the issue. He would need to wade into different waters for that. Daily Wire. Daily Caller. EPOCH Times. Which is why I think he’s done over lousy ratings and not creative differences, and I won’t even notice he’s gone.

 

HT | Hot Air

The post Apple TV Cancels Jon Stewart’s Show Over Creative Differences (Cough Cough) appeared first on Granite Grok.

The new iPhone just dropped just a few weeks ago, and it is already trending for multiple reasons.

From the view, reviews, and features list, you will find so many contradictory opinions on the new iPhone. While most people will tell you, it is the most sophisticated gadget on the market right now, others will tell you the iPhone had a fall from grace. No matter what you believe, the reality is that you will be tempted to buy the new iPhone, but considering the price, you need to first assess whether it’s bang for the buck or not from a utility standpoint.

In most parts of the world, the iPhone is considered a status symbol, a visible indication of this theme can be noticed in the daring industry where people look down on Android phones. This trend is common in the United States while other countries have mixed reviews about Apple as a brand.

With the iPhone, you can do anything, from working on the go to turning anywhere into a photo studio. To unleash the full power of your iPhone, you need to use a good internet connection like Optimum Internet. With the use of the internet, you cannot just stay entrained but you can also complete your official work.

Apple A Luxury or Necessity?

Apple is the only brand that puts people on the waiting list and launches just one phone per year. On the contrary, you will see hundreds of Android phones trying to compete with the iPhone. The brand revolves around perfecting the design and offering the most sophisticated technology.

iPhone is so far one of the most talked about and most sought-after phones, which says a lot about Apple as a brand. However, tech experts believe that it is not an upgrade considering it has pretty much similar features with no prominent upgrade.

From its camera to its software, the new iPhone 15 does not meet the expectations of the customers. Before you start believing these tech experts, you need to look at the iPhone 15 from a monetary point of view as well as from a tech point of view.

The New Updates in iPhone 15

The new iPhone 15 has a very sleek design, and it is making rounds because of the titanium body. More people are buying the latest iPhone to jump on the status bandwagon, but it is just a flex and nothing more. The new iPhone was openly criticized for its fragile body and bad cooling system. From heating up to a cracked screen and no mention worthy improvement, the new iPhone has disappointed even loyal customers.

For people who already own the iPhone 14, the latest version is not worth it. However, if you own anything less than an iPhone 13, maybe it is a much better time for you to update your phone. Still, if you want to compare it to an Android or put a value on the latest version based on the amount you will be spending a simple answer is – do not do it.

In the coming months, Apple might come up with a basic solution that addresses the heating or add some other improvements to the phone, which would be a great window to upgrade your phone.

What to Choose – Android Vs Apple?

This is the oldest question in the tech world. People who cannot afford an iPhone or have used an iPhone will still be interested in addressing the elephant in the room. From articles to reviews and even blogs, you will see almost everyone comparing Android with Apple.

A simple way to address this issue is to pick the best value-for-money proposition. There is no doubt that Android offers innovation, and you can get much better features within your budget, but Android is not reliable. Amount of data, time of use, and the brand you pick, almost everything dictates the user experience.

Moreover, within one year, your pricy phone will start to slow down. Most Android users keep mentioning the camera quality because no matter how many cameras or how much resolution an Android offers, it will never beat an iPhone.

On the contrary, Android is user-friendly, offers much more control, and has a long list of features that the iPhone cannot offer. The best thing about Android is that almost all the brands offer Android, so you have a much bigger pool of choices. From $100 to $1000, you can get to choose the phone of your dream. Moreover, android offers full control and has a vast connectivity option as well.

Bottom Line

To sum it all up, there is no doubt having the latest iPhone 15 seems like a dream come true, but you need to figure out if it is just societal pressure or if it is a necessity. From a technology point of view, the new iPhone is not worth it unless you are still using iPhone 12.

 

The post Is the New iPhone Worth Your Money? appeared first on Granite Grok.

Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a staunch conservative figure in American politics, was elected as the 56th Speaker of the House on October 25, 2023, following the ouster of Kevin McCarthy from the speakership.

He is the first speaker to have been elected from Louisiana and the shortest-tenured representative to be elected Speaker since John G. Carlisle in 1883. He has demonstrated his conservatism through his voting record, earning a lifetime rating of 92% from the American Conservative Union and 90% from Heritage Action.

Johnson is an ally of the House Freedom Caucus, known for its conservative views. Representative Andy Biggs proposed Johnson as a possible compromise candidate for Speaker of the House after members of the House Freedom Caucus opposed McCarthy’s bid for the speakership. He is also closely associated with Jim Jordan, a prominent figure in the Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Mike Johnson’s support for former President Donald Trump was unwavering, particularly during the impeachment trials. During both impeachment trials, Johnson served on Trump’s legal defense team, faithfully defending the actions of the former president. This move demonstrated Johnson’s alignment with Trump’s policies and America First and Make America Great Again (MAGA) ideologies, further cementing his standing as a Trump ally.

Trump lent support to Johnson in the speaker’s race, highlighting Johnson’s strong ties to the former president.

Regarding funding, Johnson’s campaign contributions predominantly come from grassroots supporters in his district. This is markedly different from many other politicians who rely on large donations from K Street, the hub of lobbying in Washington, D.C. Johnson’s grassroots funding is a testament to his connection with his constituents and his commitment to representing their interests.

Johnson’s election as Speaker of the House has caused quite a stir in Washington D.C., notably among lobbyists on K Street. His conservative solid stance and alignment with Trump’s policies have created a sense of unease among those who oppose these ideologies. This reaction clearly indicates the significant impact Johnson’s election is expected to have on the political landscape.

Johnson has a notable voting record against all Ukraine spending after the initial bill. He supports ending American military aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. This stance has earned him an F rating from ‘Republicans for Ukraine.’

In terms of the 2020 election, Johnson was among 147 Republicans who voted to overturn the election results, a clear objection to certifying them and declaring it as an election fraud.

Johnson has also shown his willingness to challenge the political establishment. For instance, he called for the arrest of Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House at the time, after she tore up the State of the Union.

Rep. Mike Johnson’s unyielding support for Trump, his grassroots funding, and the ripple effects of his election as Speaker of the House underscores his significant role in current American politics. His actions and policies have shown that he is a firm conservative, committed to upholding the principles he believes in.

Indeed, Representative Mike Johnson is a figure who embodies the values of America First. His conservative voting record, legal defense of Trump, objection to Ukraine spending, and willingness to challenge the political establishment make him a prominent figure in the push to “take back OUR HOUSE.”

The post WE HAVE A SPEAKER: Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana appeared first on Granite Grok.

Stephen Colbert is popular with COVID. COVID loves him. He’s had it at least three times, the most recent of which has cost him another week on the air—no shows while he recovers, which makes me wonder. Perhaps COVID loves Colbert becasue it hates his program, and it is doing us a solid.

 

A message from Stephen:
Sorry to say, per doctor’s orders, I’m going to be out for the rest of the week. Resting up so that I can deliver the hand crafted, artisanal talk show that we so enjoy serving you. In the meantime, a heady blend of Paxlovid and onions in my socks (thank… pic.twitter.com/7ZHyK7fNit

— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) October 18, 2023

 

It would be a lot safer if he put the Paxlovid in his socks. It is the Pfizer Drug to treat COVID because the Pfizer drug you got made you more susceptible to it. The Pfeds bought millions of doses, and you could get them without a prescription at almost any pharmacy, which is so backward. We tried to pass a law in NH allowing that for Ivermectin, but it got vetoed by the governor. Safe, affordable Ivermectin is a no, but not so safe Paxlovid flies off the pharmacy shelf without a sound from the same guy.

And Paxlovid doesn’t even work, nor was it officially approved as a COVID treatment until May of 2023, long after Pfizer had cashed the checks. And only if you meant “treat” the way COVID loves Stephen Colbert. Paxlovid COVID rebound. Colbert COVID Rebound. And the Colbert post-COVID show Rebound. They all keep coming back.

Here’s COVID Colbert’s embarrassing vaccine propaganda.

 



 

The post mRNA Vaccines’ Leni Riefenstahl Gets COVID Again – Has to Cancel Shows appeared first on Granite Grok.

Joshua D. Glawson, Money Metals Exchange A North Carolina man and woman were recently accused of counterfeiting $100 bills made from bleached $1 bills. The small team, with two additional co-conspirators, traveled through a few cities in North Carolina and... Tom Bowler

The Center Square Staff, Just the News In the ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge John P. Cronan said the city's recently approved requirements on gun licensing give broad discretion to local police to deny people firearm licenses, violating... Tom Bowler

Israel has been the epicenter of the conflict between her and Hamas since October 7. Hamas started this battle with an insurgence through the usual steadfast boundary around Israel, and these animals butchered, burned, killed, and abducted anyone in their path.

Over 200 innocent Israelis and Americans were taken back into Gaza and hidden deep in the tunnel system below Gaza. These captive hostages were now human shields for Hamas. Over 7,000 rockets have been launched from Gaza into Israel in the seventeen days since the initial attack.

The fighting was first on the southern border of Israel but has spread to the north as Hezbollah has joined the attack on Israel, launching additional missiles into Israel and testing the limits of the Iron Dome. Hezbollah operates out of Lebanon, but evidence is abundant they are funded and supported by Iran. There is no doubt that Iran is pulling the strings on both of these terrorist groups and will probably enter the battle when Israel launches its ground attack on Gaza.

The United States Navy has three powerful groups of ships in three seas in the region where they can prevent attacks on Israel and launch attacks against any country that joins the fray. Though thousands are in ready mode, U.S. ground troops are not in the area as yet. It seems inevitable that the U.S. military will join forces with Israel, but against which country is still unanswered. Plans are in the works to evacuate thousands of Americans, which gives credence to a more significant battle in the immediate future.

With the House of Representatives still in a quagmire with no Speaker, no aid package can be approved to assist Israel, but the Pentagon can still put assets in place and transfer equipment and munitions to Israel. Especially needed are missiles for the Iron Dome, which has effectively intercepted thousands of incoming missiles. Rumblings are heard across the entire Middle East, but there is no certainty which countries will actively join either side. Fringe groups are confronting U.S. military personnel in many surrounding countries. When the ground fighting pairs with the air strikes, we may see this battle spread widely in the region.

Hamas has released two hostages each of the last two days, but with still over 200 captives, the release pace is far too slow. Those released have indicated they were held underground, and the tunnel system is extensive. Any battle in Gaza will be three-pronged: ground, air, and subterranean. On Tuesday, a heated exchange between the U.N. Secretary-General and Israel’s Ambassador prompted a demand for the secretary-general’s resignation when he justified the attack by Hamas on Israel. This tone from the Secretary symbolized the anti-Israel feelings prevalent in the United Nations. Instead of doing its job to try and de-escalate the conflict, the feckless body threw gas on the fire. There is no timetable, but more apparent daily that this powder keg will blow at any moment.

The post Israel In The Bullseye, Conflict Circle To Grow appeared first on Granite Grok.

Mike Davis on the Mike Johnson speakership. Tom Bowler

There’s something magical about sipping a cup of herbal tea brewed from fresh, homegrown herbs. Not only do you get to enjoy a cup of delicious and aromatic tea, but you also reap the therapeutic benefits of these herbs. With our partner MyGlobalFlowers, you can brighten a friend’s day by sending a thoughtful gift.

MyGlobalFlowers offers an online flower delivery app worldwide, and you can surprise your friends with a selection of plants for their garden.

Creating your own herbal tea garden is a rewarding and flavorful journey that allows you to cultivate a variety of herbs for teas while connecting with nature. In this article, we’ll explore the pleasures and advantages of growing your own herbal tea garden.

The Joy of Gardening

The process of cultivating herbs for tea is a therapeutic and fulfilling endeavor. It connects you with the natural world and allows you to witness the miraculous growth of plants from tiny seeds or seedlings into lush, aromatic herbs. Gardening provides an opportunity for relaxation, stress relief, and the simple pleasure of nurturing life.

Herbal Diversity

One of the joys of growing your herbal tea garden is the incredible diversity of herbs you can cultivate. From soothing chamomile to invigorating peppermint, there is an herb for every mood and occasion. You can experiment with different combinations of herbs to create your unique tea blends, tailored to your taste and wellness goals. This diversity also ensures a year-round supply of fresh tea ingredients.

Health Benefits

Herbal teas are renowned for their health benefits. Growing your herbs allows you to harvest them at their peak freshness, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional and therapeutic value from your teas. Herbs like lavender, lemon balm, and echinacea have calming and immune-boosting properties. The act of growing, harvesting, and brewing your own herbal teas promotes a holistic approach to wellness.

Environmental Benefits

Cultivating your herbal tea garden can have positive environmental impacts. By growing your own herbs, you reduce the need for store-bought tea products that often come in non-recyclable packaging. Additionally, you can avoid the chemicals and pesticides that may be present in commercially grown herbs, opting for organic and sustainable gardening practices.

Culinary Adventures

Growing herbs for tea can also enhance your culinary adventures. Many herbs used for tea, such as mint, lemon verbena, and basil, can be incorporated into your cooking. They can add unique flavors and aromatic elements to dishes, transforming your home-cooked meals into culinary delights. This dual-purpose aspect of herbal gardening adds extra value to your garden.

Educational Opportunity

Creating a herbal tea garden is an educational journey. You get to learn about the specific needs and growing conditions of various herbs. You’ll gain knowledge about the history and traditional uses of these herbs, as well as modern scientific research on their health benefits. Sharing this knowledge with others, especially children, can be a valuable educational experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

Herbal tea gardens are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents of herbs can turn your garden into a visual and sensory delight. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile often have ornamental value, making them beautiful additions to your outdoor space.

In conclusion, embarking on the journey of growing your herbal tea garden is a flavorful adventure filled with joy, health benefits, and environmental advantages. It allows you to connect with nature, nurture your well-being, and explore the diverse world of herbal teas. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, you can create a thriving herbal tea garden and savor the delights it brings to your life, one cup at a time. So, why not start your own herbal tea garden today and enjoy the rewards of this flavorful journey?

 

The post Growing Your Own Herbal Tea Garden: A Flavorful Journey appeared first on Granite Grok.

Fox News: Mike Johnson elected House speaker three weeks after Kevin McCarthy's historic ouster Johnson, R-La., was elected speaker of the House during a full vote on the House floor Wednesday afternoon. The vote tally was 220 to 209. Johnson... Tom Bowler

By Lawrence Wilson, The Epoch Times Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected with 128 votes in an evening session after losing to Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) that morning. Mr. Emmer had resigned within four hours having unsuccessfully tried to... Tom Bowler

By Jack Phillips, The Epoch Times A Florida state representative who has long backed Gov. Ron DeSantis flipped his support to former President Donald Trump, citing the former commander-in-chief's record on Israel amid the conflict with Hamas. "Today, I am... Tom Bowler

By Peter St. Onge, Money Metals Exchange A key justification of the Fed – of Keynesian central banking – is that the way to make an economy grow is to print money. This is the "Philips Curve" – a tool... Tom Bowler

Rachel Alexander, The Star News Network Favorito said he found that counties had destroyed 1.7 million ballot images in violation of the law, and the surveillance video of drop boxes for 181,000 ballots was deleted, violating the law. The election... Tom Bowler

Ep. 32 You’ll be shocked to learn this, but it turns out the whole George Floyd story was a lie. pic.twitter.com/4vDXBStHf5 — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) October 20, 2023 Tom Bowler