I think I've just found one of the most illogical statements I've ever encountered. From the Satmar Rebbe (head of an anti-Zionist Chasidic sect):

While the British government still controlled the Holy Land, the Zionists, who the British saw were seeking to establish their state, were the direct reason why they chose to close their doors to prevent a large influx of Jews. Anyone who remembers who these events unfolded knows for a fact that were it not for the Zionists with their heretical ideas of establishing a state, the doors of the Holy Land itself would have remained open to Jewish refugees, and many Jews would have been saved. During Islamic (Turkish) rule in the Holy Land, the reason that the gates of the Land were closed because of the Turks feared Zionist immigration.

The Zionists were bringing in a lot of Jews. The British, fearing a large influx of Jews, limited Jewish immigration. Thus, Jewish refugees couldn't go to Palestine. So if the Zionists hadn't brought in a lot of Jews, then the British wouldn't have limited Jewish immigration, and so a lot of Jewish refugees would have been able to come, which brings us right back to the beginning, since we just said that "lots of Jews" leads to "British restrict immigration" which leads to "not so many Jews."

(Not really relevant to anything. Just found that statement while searching for something else, and had to share the circularity.)

So, it would appear I have a slight change of plans for tonight. Kids still have sleepover. We're still going to watch movies at home. But instead of bringing Italian in, we're going to one of the neighborhood bistros that we've been planning on going to, well, pretty much forever.

It all started with Lewis suggesting that we get into slightly nicer clothes and set the table for dinner, because he knows I value things like that on occasion. Which led to my suggesting, well, if we get dressed and we have to drop the kids off anyway, why not just go out for a meal and let someone else cope with clean up?

Plus, bonus! I get to wear new shoes! Because I'm shallow like that.

[link]

Those shoes, hella sweet way to start the year.

Those are some fabulous shoes, Barb.

Oooh, nice shoes.

Wow. The wind out there is howling. Kind of creepy.

Daaaang, those are some nice shoes, Barb. I envy your ability to wear heels.

I have new boots! That were on sale for a ridiculous amount off! [link]

Ooh, I want to have Barb's NYE date. I also want those SHOES!

Well, my night didn't work out as planned. I was going to spend the night in the suburbs with friends, but pretty shortly after I got there, she got a call that her mother was in the ICU in Virginia (she was already in the hospital with pneumonia, and they were planning to drive down tomorrow), so she decided she really wanted to head down tonight, so now I'm back home with inside pants and cozy slippers. Also Triscuits and cheese spread, because it's a holiday!

And I agree that quinoa was the fad several years ago.

NYE is best enjoyed in indoor pants, IME.

we are having WAFFLES for dinner! We have not done that in a long time. And Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast tomorrow. mmmm sugary carbs.

I am also going through the last of my LPs and trying to see what I can replace or already have digitally. Only 3 for sure to go so far, not great. Anyone know of a good place to list LPs for sale online - not really looking to make bucks, just find them a home.