If you submitted an Op-Ed and we didn’t publish it (yet), there’s a good reason. Our stable of contributors (Groksters) has been cranking out a lot of material. Last week, I addressed this (to some degree) by dropping a lot more content than usual, but I’m reluctant to do it again.

When we exceed a certain threshold for updates, people stop clicking and reading. Put another way, it doesn’t increase traffic, and fewer people will likely read your content. Upcoming site design changes might mitigate that, and on that point, the design team tried uploading a test version of the new site to the new server. There were some issues, and they are working them out.

Anyway, new site – soon. I hope. And the home page layout is different from anything we’ve ever done before. The goal is a wider appeal to broader audiences across New England and the Nation. We’re Still GraniteGrok, but we’ve sorted things so people can get to what they want to ‘Grok! —New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Regional staff, National Stuff, and Global Stuff. They each have their own section on the home page and their own “page behind that,” and while some topics will cross categories – and the stuff up top will be the most recent, it’s … different.

I hope you like it. We also expect it to be quite a bit faster than the old one. I have not seen what the mobile version looks like, but once this is up and stable, debugged, tweaked, and seamless, we’ll move on to the mobile app, and that shouldn’t matter so much.

Fundraising.

The economy sucks, and we appreciate you giving what you can when you can, but I am obligated to bring it up a lot because this only works if we raise enough funds. Last year, we did well, but we did not raise enough, and I had to take part-time work to make up the difference. It is work I can mostly do from home. But I do it for several hours every day, so I am not free to do any of the reporting from Concord or event hopping I’d hoped to do. The session is over, so there’s that, but the campaign season has jump-started at the State level, and we will miss out on most of that, events, and so on.

I’m fine if you don’t care about us reporting from campaign events, but there are other stories we won’t be able to chase or follow up on. I get a lot of stuff I can’t commit to because of the time required to do it properly. I don’t have it.

We’ll get there at some point, just not this year and not yet.

We are currently raising funds for fiscal 2025, and we have a long way to go. It is mid-June, and we’ve got about 13% of what we need. At a minimum, we need to get to 60%, which is what happened last year. The recently updated ads to fundraise have resulted in some response, but since neither Skip nor I is any good at this part, it is a problem. And everyone is asking for money: campaigns, non-Protifts, Activists, and us.

If you are good at this fundraising thing, we could use your help.

Other Business

There is no word yet on whether we will attempt another Groktoberfest this year. Planning will have to start soon, and as noted above, we need to find ways to cover expenses. It’s an election year, so we’ll see what the venue situation looks like and what the costs are. We did make some money on last year’s event, so it is worth looking at.

And, as always, Thanks for reading!

 

The post Op-Eds, Fundraising, and Updates appeared first on Granite Grok.

“Representative” Jessica Grill … remember her bitter clingers? The “State Rep” is either actually a thirteen-year-old who lives on TikTok or who aspires to be a thirteen-year-old who lives on TikTok. The “State Rep” who ideates about having sex with older men on her X.

Well, here she goes again. Dropping “F-bombs’ on her X, presumably to try to convince herself that she is just so young and hip and cool.

The post Manchester Is “Represented” By The Dumbest People appeared first on Granite Grok.

Wooden phone cases are a unique and stylish option that combines natural beauty with modern functionality. These cases offer a distinctive look and feel that sets them apart from the more common plastic or silicone options.

This section will explore the various aspects of wooden phone cases, highlighting their benefits, materials, and the craftsmanship involved.

Visit https://woodgraw.com/collections/wooden-iphone-cases to explore our collection now!

What is a Wooden Phone Case? Understanding Its Unique Appeal

A wooden phone case is made from natural wood, often combined with other materials like leather or TPU for added protection and flexibility. These cases are handcrafted, ensuring that each one has a unique pattern and texture.

Key Benefits of Wooden Phone Cases:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: The natural grain and texture of wood provide a unique and elegant look, making each case a one-of-a-kind accessory.
2. Eco-Friendly: Wood is a renewable resource, making wooden cases an environmentally friendly option compared to plastic cases.
3. Durability: High-quality wooden cases are treated with oils and waxes to protect against moisture and wear, ensuring long-lasting use.
4. Comfort: Wooden cases offer a warm, comfortable feel in hand, contrasting with the often cold and slippery feel of plastic or metal cases.

What Material is Best for Wooden Phone Cases? Exploring Options

Wooden phone cases can be made from various types of wood, each offering different characteristics and benefits. Below is a comparison of popular woods used in phone cases.

Woodgraw’s Expertise in Wooden Cases: Woodgraw specializes in creating high-quality wooden phone cases using walnut and oak. Their craftsmen meticulously select the best wood, ensuring each piece is unique and beautiful. The wood is treated with natural oil and wax to enhance its durability and appearance, providing a perfect blend of nature and technology.

Why Choose a Wooden Phone Case? Comparing Benefits

When deciding on a phone case, it’s essential to consider the benefits that different materials offer. Wooden cases provide several advantages that make them an attractive option for many users.

Comparison of Wooden Phone Cases vs. Other Materials:

Woodgraw’s wooden cases stand out due to their unique design and the natural beauty of the materials used. The combination of wood and leather not only offers robust protection but also adds a touch of sophistication to your device. Each case is handcrafted, ensuring that no two cases are exactly alike.

Craftsmanship and Care: Ensuring Longevity of Wooden Phone Cases

Wooden phone cases require careful craftsmanship to ensure their durability and beauty. Woodgraw’s artisans take pride in their work, from selecting the best quality wood to applying natural oils and waxes for protection. This attention to detail ensures that each case not only looks stunning but also provides long-lasting protection for your phone.

Caring for Your Wooden Phone Case:

1. Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface of the case. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
2. Maintenance: Periodically treat the case with a small amount of natural oil to maintain its finish and protect against moisture.
3. Handling: Handle with care to avoid drops and impacts, which can damage the wood.

By choosing a wooden phone case, you not only protect your phone but also make a statement with a unique and eco-friendly accessory. Woodgraw’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each case is a masterpiece, ready to complement your style and enhance your device.

Customization and Personalization: Making Your Wooden Phone Case Unique

One of the standout features of wooden phone cases is the ability to customize and personalize them. Unlike mass-produced plastic cases, wooden cases offer a canvas for individual expression and unique designs.

Customization Options for Wooden Phone Cases

Engraving: Many wooden phone cases can be personalized with engraved designs, names, or initials. This adds a personal touch and makes the case truly one-of-a-kind.

Mixing Materials: Combining wood with other materials like leather or metal can create a distinctive look. For example, Woodgraw offers cases that blend natural wood with high-quality leather, providing both aesthetic appeal and enhanced functionality.

Design Variations: Wooden phone cases come in various designs, from minimalistic and sleek to intricate and detailed. Choose a design that reflects your personality and style.

Wood Types and Finishes: Different types of wood and finishes can be selected to match your preferences. Whether you prefer the dark, rich tones of walnut or the light, elegant look of maple, there’s a wooden case to suit your taste.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact: The Eco-Friendly Choice

In today’s environmentally conscious world, choosing eco-friendly products is more important than ever. Wooden phone cases offer a sustainable alternative to plastic and synthetic materials.

Sustainable Sourcing: Reputable manufacturers, like Woodgraw, ensure that their wood is sourced from sustainable forests. This helps in maintaining ecological balance and promoting responsible forestry practices.

Biodegradability: Unlike plastic, which can take centuries to decompose, wood is biodegradable. This means that wooden phone cases have a significantly lower environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production process for wooden cases typically has a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic or metal cases. This is due to the natural, less energy-intensive processes involved in woodworking.

Support for Local Artisans: Purchasing a handcrafted wooden phone case often supports local artisans and small businesses, promoting sustainable economic practices and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Wooden Phone Case

Selecting the perfect wooden phone case involves considering several factors. Here are some practical tips to guide your decision:

Compatibility: Ensure that the wooden case you choose is compatible with your specific phone model. Check for precise cutouts for buttons, ports, and the camera.

Protection Level: Consider how much protection you need. If you frequently drop your phone, look for a wooden case with reinforced corners and shock-absorbing features.

Weight and Thickness: Wooden cases can vary in weight and thickness. Choose a case that offers a good balance between protection and comfort in hand.

Aesthetic Preferences: Think about the look and feel you prefer. Different woods and finishes can create vastly different appearances, from rustic and rugged to polished and refined.

Budget: Wooden phone cases can range in price. While high-quality handcrafted cases may be more expensive, they often provide better durability and a more unique appearance.

Testimonials and User Experiences: Real Feedback from Wooden Case Users

To provide a well-rounded view, it’s helpful to consider the experiences of others who have used wooden phone cases. Here are some testimonials from users:

Emma, Graphic Designer: “I love my Woodgraw phone case! The walnut wood gives it a classy look, and I get compliments on it all the time. Plus, it’s surprisingly durable.”

Alex, Environmental Activist: “Choosing a wooden case was an easy decision for me. It’s eco-friendly, and I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each case. My bamboo case has held up well over the past year.”

Sarah, Student: “I had my initials engraved on my oak phone case, and it turned out beautifully. It’s a great conversation starter and fits my phone perfectly.”

Conclusion

Wooden phone cases offer a unique combination of natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness. With various customization options and the ability to support sustainable practices, they provide an excellent alternative to traditional phone cases. Whether you’re looking for a stylish accessory or a robust protective case, wooden phone cases like those from Woodgraw are a fantastic choice. Embrace the elegance of nature and protect your device with a case that’s as unique as you are.

The post Elevate Your Style with Unique Wooden Phone Cases appeared first on Granite Grok.

It was in the low to mid-90s the past two days and will be the same today. Everyone around here is looking for ways to stay cool, checking on elderly neighbors, and keeping their pets indoors. But one thousand nine hundred fifty miles west of me, they got a foot of snow.

A low pressure system will bring heavy wet snow to portions of the Northern Rockies, increasing the risk of power outages and leading to difficult backcountry conditions tonight into Tuesday. Key messages are provided in the graphic below.

6/16 – ICYMI: A low pressure system will bring heavy wet snow to portions of the Northern Rockies, increasing the risk of power outages and leading to difficult backcountry conditions tonight into Tuesday. Key messages are provided in the graphic below. #mtwx #idwx pic.twitter.com/bNBFhRvIEe

— NWS Missoula (@NWSMissoula) June 17, 2024

I blame global warming. It is the cause of everything – the proverbial Satan with Western worshipers who want nothing more than to be comfortable, which is an interesting coincidence. I got an email from our electricity provider in the days before the sweltering heat descended upon us. Their suggestion was to find ways to use less electricity. You don’t hear that when it’s cold and snowy – assuming you still have electricity. Freezing to death happens, but so does heat stroke and all that good stuff. This is why they also ask you to care for pets and check on the elderly. But wouldn’t it make more sense to be in a literal position of power? Where the infrastructure can’t wait to handle peak load times like 96-degree days in the Northeast?

It will be hot, but no worries—we have the capacity to spare. So stay cool, and remember to check on your elderly relatives and neighbors. And yes, we could make fists full of money, but your electric usage is your choice. We’re just happy to be able to provide when called upon.

That’s not the world you get to live in when the prevailing position of “leadership” is that you must learn to do with less.

That’s not America. And I’m not saying anyone should be wasteful or misuse the resources. I am suggesting that you don’t create anything, especially comfort, when your priority is convincing people to have less, do less, and be less.

Montana and Idaho’s snow will melt in a few days (at least at the lower altitudes), while the weather here in New Hampshire will get closer to normal. However, the agenda continues to be about decline and characterized by minimalism while the elites and ruling class spend away our future.

Minimalism should be a choice, not a command.

The post Montana and Idaho Got Cold Air and Up to a Foot of Snow This Week appeared first on Granite Grok.

We have talked about President Joe Biden freezing three times in the last two weeks. He went into a trance at the Juneteenth festival, surrounded by folks dancing and clapping, but not stoic Joe. He was frozen like a statue.

In Italy, at the G7 meeting, where the heads of state focused on the skydiver who landed closest to the group, Joe was walking off toward another group of divers when he was stopped and turned around by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Finally, Joe was on stage with Barack Obama at a fundraiser when he froze again and was rescued by Obama, who led Joe off the stage. These three situations happened within ten days.

When Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the situation, she immediately claimed Right-wing media teams manipulated the videos to make the president look especially bad. She called the videos “cheap fake,” and the news agencies should be called out for spreading misinformation or disinformation. KJP is the one who should be called out. The videos in question were official pool feeds of the event and were shown in their entirety. Nobody in the briefing room challenged the liar secretary. KJP is a National Embarrassment. She went on to say these fakes show how desperate the Republicans are that instead of talking about the many accomplishments of Biden, they disparage him instead.

Legacy media joined forces with the White House, and people like Nicole Wallace and Joe Scarborough were apoplectic in their reporting of the Cheap Fakes. These mainstream media outlets had nothing to say about the White House refusing to release the audio version of the President’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. They know the tone of the audio transcript would be very dangerous for the president.

In another document that should be rather innocuous is the Defense Budget proposal. Ordinarily the budget is given its new budget number based on the previous year’s numbers. Fortunately, someone on the Right performed their due diligence and read the budget. Buried in the text was an edict to have every female register for the draft upon her 18th birthday. Republican members of Congress were furious when they learned of the additional verbiage added to the budget and vowed not to vote for any defense bill calling for young women to register for the draft.

KJP lectured the White House Press Pool, and it is disappointing that not a single person stood their ground and told Karine she was wrong. These “reporters” are part of the problem when they hear a blatant falsehood and do not challenge the person spewing the misinformation. They are complicit in their inaction. The actions of the White House are a perfect example of projection, and it is insulting.  I had two articles censored by Facebook last week that contained nothing but facts and opinions. Still,  this woman, who speaks for the President, can lie to us every time her lips move behind the mic is destructive to the government’s credibility. Thankfully we have only seven months left before she is retired.

The post Lies And Deceit Will Be Biden Legacy appeared first on Granite Grok.

The last time I looked at myself in the mirror, I did not see a rabid, clueless, insane, brainless Trump worshipper, as the sheeple of Biden’s flock love to call me – and call 81 million other supporters of Donald Trump.

I see a sensible, rational, independent thinker who possesses self-directed reasoning. I can judge for myself on the issues based on policies of an administration, not on the emotional perceptions and disinformation of character as told by a partisan media.

The Biden sheeple are helplessly captivated by what the Democrat-owned liberal mainstream media tells them. It is all about partisan power. Democrats own the vast majority of all media outlets in this country and, therefore, control the message and control the people.

Most people get their news from the MSM, and they parrot what they’re told. Liberal media perpetuate their unchallenged lies and false claims of Trump and the people believe them. They react emotionally and retaliate with melodramatic name-calling against Trump supporters.

And the hate continues.

Even an intelligent person like attorney Bill Shaheen, in his May 22 op-ed, makes a fool of himself by parroting the false media narrative of Trump being a dictator on day one. Shaheen’s mind appears to be closed to the fact that Trump said he would be ‘dictator’ ONLY on day one – and that was to close our borders.

Shaheen also makes ridiculous claims, without proof, of Trump dismantling military protections. In his first term, President Trump rebuilt our military and he projected strength to our enemies and security to our allies. Trump also signed defense bills providing more than $25 million to support New Hampshire’s Army National Guard. He signed the VA Mission Act which improved access to timely, quality health care for all our veterans.

Shaheen is proud to be a veteran and should be. Our thanks go out to him for his service. However, to denigrate Trump for not answering the call of service without also mentioning that Biden, Obama, and Clinton did not serve in the military exposes Shaheen’s partisan hypocrisy. Shame on him.

If you’ve heard the term ‘kangaroo court’ but never knew what it meant, you’ve now witnessed one in a Manhattan courtroom. This was not a judicial proceeding, it was a political proceeding; a nauseating show of an imperial court system in NYC.

Judge Juan Merchan is compromised. As a Biden political donor he has exhibited judicial partiality by refusing to recuse himself. The Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who initially refused to prosecute the misdemeanor charge against Trump more than seven years ago is equally corrupt. Once Trump announced he is running for president, the charge has been engineered and elevated from a misdemeanor to a felony. It stinks.

The machinations of the case have never been made clear and remain unsolved. How does a misdemeanor charge which DA Bragg, and his predecessor opted not to prosecute seven years ago, now suddenly become a felony? Where is the crime? Does it exist only in the imaginations of a Trump Derangement Syndrome-suffering judge and prosecutor?

It is clearly a case of lawfare and is 100% politically motivated.

The constant attacks against Trump are the primal screams of a dying regime. But the liberal media bias against Trump will continue to captivate the uninformed Trump haters with disinformation and misleading narratives. And the Biden sheeple will remain besotted with the lies.

Biden is the most divisive president ever. His weaponization of the DOJ and the FBI and his targeting of a political opponent is an affront to American Values and Law & Order.

According to the Washington Post Biden’s approval rating is now down to 37%. The lowest rating of any U.S. president in history. Inflation is rampant…prices at the pump and the grocery store continue to hurt Americans. Our borders are in shambles.

Biden keeps saying that no one is above the law. That should include illegals too!

The Biden Administration poses a moral and financial threat to our Democracy. Not to the Democrats’ version of Democracy. But to a Democracy for everyone!

Policies matter. Don’t be brainwashed. Think for yourselves.

 

The UL-published version can be found here.

The post Bill Shaheen’s Hyperbolic Fearmongering appeared first on Granite Grok.

“Joe is so effective in spite of his age, but because of it,” Jill Biden said as she addressed a group of seniors this week. The discussion of age is delicate and subjective. The age number is a marker of time since birth but tells little about the condition and quality of one’s life.

Dr. Jill does not understand this concept, as well as many others, as she drew a direct comparison between Joe at 81 and Trump at 78, saying they are virtually the same age. Chronologically, she is correct, but there is no comparison between the two presidents’ energy levels and mental acuities. You just need to open your eyes as you watch these two men go about their duties. The reality of the disparity is so controversial that it is challenging to understand.

Is this woman not looking, or does the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, have an ulterior motive for encouraging Joe to stay in the race? If the reason is to fatten the retirement fund, then shame on her. If it is to be a safety net for Hunter, then Biden has set America up for another big lie. Biden has already assured America that he will not retaliate and will not pardon or commute his son. Rest assured that should he lose in November or be replaced on the ballot, his last act going out the door will be a pardon or commutation for the First Son.

This election should not be close. It is the first time in modern history that two presidents are running for re-election. This scenario allows us to evaluate their records. Remove the pandemic from Trump’s first term; his results far exceed Biden’s. Biden basically reversed every Trump initiative or achievement on Day One in 2021. After Trump’s gains, Biden’s actions and policies have put America in a dark place. Trump is gaining in the polls as Biden is dropping, but watching these two men and evaluating their plans, the spread should be even more expansive in Trump’s favor.

Now, we have to address the elephant in the room. Can we be assured of a fair election? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The Democrat’s election playbook is far more advanced than the Republican’s, and not every play is Kosher or legal. They are already the masters of the ballot box. They have the correct message to address Early Voting, Absentee Ballots, Campus Voting, Ballot Harvesting, and Voter Transportation. There is one more new voter activity that should be sounding alarms.

According to the New York Post: Welfare offices and other agencies in 49 US states are providing voter registration forms to migrants without requiring proof of citizenship, leading Republicans and conservatives to call for swift federal action to stop the handouts

Every state but Arizona — which recently passed a law barring the practice on state but not federal forms — gives applicants for either welfare benefits, driver’s licenses, or in some cases, mail-in ballots voter registration forms without demanding proof of citizenship.

There is currently no requirement on federal voting forms to provide proof of US citizenship, though it is illegal to falsely claim one is a citizen or for a non-citizen to cast a ballot in a federal election.

However, millions of migrants with humanitarian parole, refugee, or asylum status are eligible for benefits that would bring them to the offices where voter registration occurs.

The Democrats see these activities as legal, while Republicans contend they are a stretch of election laws. Any questioning of these practices by the Right is labeled as “election interference” by the Left. Trump should defeat Biden handily on a level playing field. With the Left, there is no such field.

The post Jill Biden Says Don’t Believe Your Eyes appeared first on Granite Grok.