Monday, August 25, 2025

Martial law

There were approximately 71 murders in Chicago in the last 90 days, assuming the reporting period of August 25, 2025, and a calculation of 254 murders so far in 2025 divided by the number of days in a year to get the daily average, then multiplied by 90. [1, 2]  
Here's how that figure was reached: [1]  

1. Identify the yearly homicide number: In 2025, Chicago has had 254 people slain as of August 18, 2025, according to Chicago Tribune. 
2. Estimate the number of days in 2025: As of August 18, 2025, there have been approximately 230 days in the year (31+28+31+30+31+30+31+18). 
3. Calculate the daily average: 254 homicides / 230 days = approximately 1.10 murders per day. 
4. Calculate the number of murders in the last 90 days: 1.10 murders/day * 90 days = 99 murders. 

Note: This is a projected figure based on the available data and the daily average. For the most precise and up-to-date information, please refer to official sources like the Chicago Police Department or the Chicago Tribune's tracking. [1]  

AI responses may include mistakes.



Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

Option

You can use Venmo to accept political donations, but you must use a dedicated, separate account for the campaign committee, not a personal account, and ensure you can track and report donor information as required by your state's campaign finance laws. You must also be aware that Venmo is designed for individuals and businesses, not necessarily for political campaigns, so you may need to rely on other services, and you might have issues with the platform's terms of service regarding political donations. [1, 2]  
Steps to consider if using Venmo for donations 

1. Create a separate account: Do not use a personal Venmo account. Create a dedicated Venmo account specifically for your campaign committee. [1]  
2. Track contributions and donors: You must be able to collect and report the contributor's name, complete address, and the full amount of the contribution for each donation. [3, 4]  
3. Comply with state laws: Understand your state's campaign finance regulations regarding electronic payments and anonymous contributions. [1, 2, 3, 5]  
4. Use caution with Venmo's platform: Venmo is designed for personal and business use, not political fundraising. While not strictly prohibited in some states, they recommend using services like PayPal or Braintree that are better suited for campaigns, according to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. [2, 3]  

Potential issues 

• Terms of Service: Venmo's terms may not be designed for political fundraising, which could lead to issues with your account. [2, 6]  
• Data Reporting: Venmo's platform does not automatically collect the detailed donor information required for campaign finance reporting. [2, 3, 7]  
• Fund Commingling: Using a personal account for campaign contributions is a violation of fundraising rules and can lead to legal issues. [1]  

AI responses may include mistakes.



Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Bad decisions

Yes, Cracker Barrel lost value, shedding nearly $100 million in market capitalization after its stock price dropped following the release of a controversial new logo. The stock fell dramatically, though it partially recovered from an earlier low where it had lost almost $200 million in a single day. The logo change, which removed the classic image of a man in overalls, sparked social media backlash from some who viewed it as a departure from tradition. [1, 2, 3, 4]  
Key Details of the Value Loss 

• Market Value Drop: Cracker Barrel lost approximately $94 million in market value on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as its stock price declined. [1, 4]  
• Midday Low: The stock reached a low point where it was down almost $200 million in market capitalization before recovering some ground by the end of the trading day. [1, 4]  
• Cause of the Drop: The stock drop was a reaction to the company's unveiling of a simplified, modern logo, which replaced its longstanding design featuring a man leaning on a barrel. [2, 4]  
• Public Backlash: The new logo was met with significant social media backlash from customers and commentators, who criticized the change as "woke" and a departure from the brand's traditional, Americana image. [2, 4, 5]  
• Broader Rebranding Efforts: This logo refresh is part of Cracker Barrel's larger effort to modernize its image, which also includes redesigning restaurants and refreshing menu items. [2, 3]  

AI responses may include mistakes.



Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

Avoid lectins

Yes, chia seeds contain lectins. Lectins are proteins found in many plants, including seeds, beans, and grains. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  
Chia seeds contain a lectin called phytohemagglutinin. This lectin can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, such as bloating, gas, and nausea. However, the amount of lectin in chia seeds is relatively low. [2, 3, 6, 7]  
To reduce the lectin content of chia seeds, you can: 
Soak them in water for several hours before eating, Sprout them, and Grind them into a powder. [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]  
It's important to note that not everyone experiences negative effects from consuming lectins. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are following a lectin-free diet, it's best to avoid or limit your intake of chia seeds. [14, 15, 16, 17]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/are-lectins-in-your-diet-bad-for-your-gut[2] https://www.strongrfastr.com/foods/chia-seeds-12006[3] https://zenbasil.com/blog/what-are-lectins-in-food[4] https://www.amyippoliti.com/amy-ippoliti/move-over-chia-theres-a-new-seed-in-town[5] https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/news-superfood-sensitivities-york-test-study/[6] https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/39380[7] https://zenbasil.com/blog/what-are-lectins-in-food[8] https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1541-4337.12964[9] https://www.livebetter.eu/en/what-are-antinutrients/[10] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polyphenols[11] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microgreen[12] https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/food-and-nutrition/what-seasonings-can-dogs-have-herbs-spices[13] https://blog.modernistpantry.com/wtf/the-secret-of-soy-lecithin/[14] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319593[15] https://www.soscuisine.com/blog/afraid-lectins/[16] https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/learn/chia-seed-allergy[17] https://www.thestar.com/life/don-t-fall-for-lectin-free-fad-the-diet-that-cuts-out-beans-and-grains/article_8afaf82a-ce62-5ade-81ce-171584ba3d1c.html


Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

Dipping out

In many social situations, it is generally considered rude to leave without saying goodbye, especially to the host. The proper etiquette depends on the size and formality of the event, but a quick exit can be interpreted as unappreciative or suggest you had a poor time. [1, 2, 3]  
Reasons for avoiding goodbyes can stem from social anxiety, a need to escape an uncomfortable situation, or a dislike for the drawn-out, emotional process of saying farewell. [4, 5]  
Is a quiet exit ever acceptable? There are certain scenarios where discreetly slipping away is more socially acceptable: 

• Large parties: At a big gathering like a wedding or a large corporate event, the host is likely too busy to notice every person's departure. However, it is still best to find the host for a quick, private thank you if possible. 
• Casual get-togethers: For regular or informal hangouts with close friends, a "French" or "Irish" exit might be understood and cause less fuss. 
• When previously arranged: If you have already told the host that you have another commitment or don't feel well and might need to leave early, your quiet exit won't be a surprise. [4, 6]  

How to leave a party gracefully The following strategies can make departures smoother: 

1. Thank the host: Before leaving, find the host and offer thanks for the invitation and the event. Do this quietly to avoid interrupting conversations. 
2. Give a simple reason: If an early departure is needed, offer a polite, non-specific explanation. Saying something like, "It's been a lovely evening, but an early start is needed tomorrow" is sufficient. Dramatic excuses are unnecessary. 
3. Avoid a spectacle: Keep the departure quiet. Avoid making a big announcement that disrupts the party. 
4. Say goodnight briefly: A lengthy goodbye to everyone is unnecessary. A simple, quick farewell to those spoken with is sufficient. 
5. Acknowledge your anxiety: If social anxiety is the issue, mention to a trusted friend or the host that you feel a bit drained and need to leave. Honesty can be appreciated. [7, 8, 9, 10]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-etiquette-for-leaving-a-party-early-Is-it-considered-rude-to-leave-without-saying-goodbye-and-or-thanking-the-host-s-What-would-be-an-appropriate-way-of-leaving-without-seeming-rude[2] https://www.quora.com/Is-it-considered-rude-to-leave-a-housewarming-or-birthday-party-without-saying-goodbye-but-instead-greeting-and-thanking-the-host-before-leaving[3] https://party.pro/irish-exit/[4] https://mykameier.com/is-it-okay-to-leave-a-party-without-saying-goodbye-how-to-leave-a-party-politely/[5] https://robinbotie.com/blog/i-hate-saying-goodbye/[6] https://mykameier.com/is-it-okay-to-leave-a-party-without-saying-goodbye-how-to-leave-a-party-politely/[7] https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-etiquette-for-leaving-a-party-early-Is-it-considered-rude-to-say-I-m-going-home-without-giving-a-reason[8] https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/why-never-leave-party-without-132355134.html[9] https://www.restorecounselling.ca/five-polite-ways-for-introverts-to-leave-a-party-early/[10] https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/2023/08/21/20-40-60-etiquette-there-are-ways-to-politely-leave-a-party-quietly/70606755007/


Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals