The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly newsletter.
THE BAD
ITALIAN MOM TAKES HER ADULT SONS TO COURT TO EVICT THEM
A 75-year-old mother in Italy took her two adult sons to court to get them to move out of her house. The sons are aged 40 and 42 and are both gainfully employed. The woman described her sons as “parasites” in court documents and alleged that the pair were living in the family apartment without contributing financially or helping to maintain the household. Reportedly, the mother had repeatedly tried asking her sons to move out of her home, but they both refused to leave.
The poor woman is retired and separated from her sons’ father, and lives on a fixed income that goes towards buying food and maintaining her house. The mom was justifiably annoyed that her sons did not contribute to the household expenses or chores.
Italian Judge Simona Caterbi sympathized with her plight, ruled in her favor and issued an eviction order against the men. The judge's opinion was "while there is an obligation on the part of a parent to provide maintenance for their children, that was no longer applicable in this case since both sons are over the age of 40."
“There is no provision in the legislation which attributes to the adult child the unconditional right to remain in the home exclusively owned by the parents, against their will and by virtue of the family bond alone,” wrote Judge Caterbi.
The judge said that the two freeloaders men have until Dec. 18 to move out of their mother's apartment.
Bamboccioni
According to data cited by The Guardian, about 70% of people in Italy between the ages of 18 and 34 still reside at home with their parents. 73% of them were men and 66% were women. Some of the reasons for the rise in the number of young adults living with their parents are the economy and the current job market. It is so common that Italians have coined the phrase “bamboccioni,” or big babies, for adults who live with their parents.
A recent CBS News report found that about 45% of people between 18 and 29 in the U.S. live at home with their families, the largest number since the 1940s.
There have been other cases in Italy of parents being taken to court by their adult children who still expect financial support. In one case, in 2020, Italy’s supreme court rejected the appeal of a 35-year-old part-time musician, who argued that his income wasn’t enough to live off and he needed money from his parents. His case was rejected, with the court ruling that young adults do not have an automatic right to parental financial support.
I can't imagine the audacity of these two bums guys to think they were entitled to free room and board provided by their mom for life. Welcome to the real world where real adults pay their own way. I hope they enjoy paying rent, utilities and those high grocery bills.
The judge should have ordered them to reimburse their mother for 20 years worth of free food, rent, laundry and cleaning services.
TREVIN BASS 11/1
ANDREW OWEN 11/2
CHERYL WOODS 11/6
MIKAYLA HICKS (D4) 11/7
RICK BLACKWELL 11/19
SCOTT REED 11/22
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
OK, then.
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
5-Ingredient Potato Soup.
In celebration of the beginning of the Fall season, we will feature meals that warm you up from the inside out on a chilly evening. These recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for cozy weather comfort food and keep your whole family happy and well-fed this Autumn.
5-INGREDIENT BAKED POTATO SOUP
There are no baked potatoes required for this soup. Just one freezer shortcut will get you from done to devoured in less than 30 minutes. Serve this hearty soup with a small garden salad and a loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread.
INGREDIENTS
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4 slices bacon, halved
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6 medium scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
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2 pounds frozen hash browns or peeled and cubed Russet potatoes
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3 cups half-and-half or whole milk
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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Freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Soup Ingredients.
INSTRUCTIONS
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Place the bacon in a large soup pot and cook on medium heat until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.
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Add the white parts of the scallions to the pot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the half-and-half or milk and salt and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop or crumble the bacon.
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At this point, mash with a potato masher or purée with an immersion blender into your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve sprinkled with cheese, scallion greens, and bacon. Enjoy.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
1. Scientifically speaking, pumpkins are considered a fruit.
2. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
3. Six of the seven continents can grow pumpkins. Pumpkins even grow in Alaska.
4. Pumpkins are 90% water.
5. The DPW of District of Columbia collects between 8,000 and 10,000 leaves between November and January each year.
Dogs frollicking in the leaves.
6. 28,000 people suffer shoulder, neck and back injuries attributed to leaf disposal every year.
7. Only male turkeys, called toms, gobble. Female turkeys, called hens, cackle.
8. A 200 lb. person can burn 409 calories in 60 minutes raking leaves.
9. The temperature of the days leading up to autumn affect the way that leaves will change color and how they'll stay on trees. Warm days and cool nights right before the fall equinox trap sugars in the leaves and boost their pigment production, producing more vibrant fall foliage.
10. Pumpkins can be found in the orange, white, blue, red, tan, yellow and green variety.
Pumpkin varieties.
LOL
Trader Joe's Frozen Vegetable Section
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
THE BEST FROZEN VEGETABLES TO
KEEP ON HAND
Frozen vegetables are not only super-convenient, they’re also budget-friendly shortcuts and a great way to boost a meal. They are also just as nutrient-rich as fresh vegetables and easily assessable throughout the year, unlike some fresh vegetables in some parts of the country. Stock up on these frozen veggies this winter for healthier eating options.
1. Edamame. Keep frozen shelled edamame on hand because it’s an easy way to add a complete protein to quick weeknight meals. (One cup of cooked edamame provides about 17 grams of protein.) You can throw edamame into stir-fries, use it as a topping for salads or grain bowls, or mash some into homemade guacamole.
2. Spinach. Frozen spinach can be added to pasta dishes, smoothies, and enchiladas. Tip: If you have fresh spinach leaves that are nearing the end of their prime, simply transfer them to a freezer bag and put them the freezer to extend their life.
3. Asparagus. Frozen asparagus is great for no-fuss sheet pan dinners. Throw it in the oven to roast along with salmon for a delicious, minimal prep, weeknight meal.
4. Butternut Squash. This squash is full of Vitamin A, a good source of fiber, and keeps you hydrated during the hot summer months. Use a tasty replacement for mashed potatoes by whipping butternut squash with unsalted butter or margarine.
5. Kale. Frozen kale is a great source of Vitamin A and an Ayurvedic bitter that balances out berry smoothies.
6. Broccoli. Frozen broccoli can be tossed with olive oil, roasted, and drizzled with lemon juice or steamed and tossed with butter and salt.
7. Mixed Vegetables. A big bag of frozen mixed vegetables with peas, corn, carrots, and greens is a freezer staple. You can add them to rice, macaroni and cheese, and soups.
8. Zucchini Noodles. Use frozen zucchini noodles in a variety of recipes.
9. Artichokes. Use as a side dish by defrosting them, then roast at a high temperature with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder until they're crispy.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
AFTER some serious TLC.
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving, inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
BEFORE being rescued. 😞
This poor Husky was malnourished, emaciated, and suffering from a severe case of mange. All she needed was regular meals, treatment for her skin condition, and a warm, soft place to sleep. The most important thing this sweet girl needed was love, and lots of it!
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
NATIONAL AUTHOR'S DAY 11/1
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS 11/5
ELECTION DAY 11/7
VETERAN’S DAY 11/11
WORLD KINDNESS DAY 11/13
WORLD DIABETES DAY 11/14
NATIONAL PHILANTROPHY DAY 11/15
THANKSGIVING DAY 11/23
METRO HOLIDAY 11/24
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 11/25
NATIONAL CAKE DAY 11/26
CYBER MONDAY 11/27
GIVING TUESDAY 11/28
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS’ MONTH
AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH
LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH
NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH
MILITARY FAMILY MONTH
1. Would you rather spend Thanksgiving on a cruise or spend Thanksgiving at Disneyland?
2. Would you rather travel in a time machine or a spaceship?
3. Would you rather give up social media or eat the same dinner every day for a month?
4. Would you rather take a nap after Thanksgiving dinner or take a walk after Thanksgiving dinner?
5. Would you rather go on scenic walks or scenic drives?
6. Would you rather eat mashed potatoes with mysterious lumps or eat Jello salad full of mystery ingredients?
7. Would you rather give up wine or give up cheese?
8. Would you rather prefer raising 10 children or having no children?
9. Would you rather have to write a list of 100 things you're grateful for or write a list of all your extended family members in front of them?
10. Would you rather talk to animals or speak all human languages?
The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan.
AMY LUCKETT 11/2
GEOFF WOHL 11/30
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WORK ANNIVERSARY!
1. Corn cobs can cause obstructions that might require surgery in dogs.
2. Take extra precautions when using rat and mouse poison around your pets.
3. Keep pets away from mushrooms. Wild mushroom pet poisoning cases increase each year in autumn. Get rid of mushrooms as soon as you see them in your yard and be on the lookout for them when walking your dog.
4. If you choose to share some of your Thanksgiving turkey with your fur babies, please remove the bones first. Bones are a choking hazard for pets and the bones could cause intestinal problems for your canine kids, too.
Hold the bones, please. 🐾
5. Keep pets inside while you're planting bulbs.
6. Keep your pets away from acorns. They cause digestive issues, but they can also be a choking hazard and can damage teeth. They can cause damage or a blockage in the stomach. In rare cases it has led to liver and kidney failure, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings when walking your dog.
7. Check fertilizers and mulches for mold that is harmful to pets.
8. If you bring your outdoor plants inside for the winter, keep them out of reach of your pets.
Acorns
9. Keep your pets away from antifreeze and windshield deicers. Some varieties of these taste sweet, and dogs are attracted to it but it’s deadly for them. Less than a tablespoon can be fatal. Do not let your dog drink from puddles by the roadside. You never know if a car may have leaked some antifreeze there.
10. Just as you may respond to some environmental changes in the form of allergies, so does your dog. Allergies in dogs seem to flare up more often in the Spring and Fall.
11. Keep pests and other dangers away from your pets. The fall months are known for many kinds of pests, typically ticks, fleas, snakes, skunks, and raccoons preparing for hibernation.
A skunk and raccoon.
WHO: LMC Business Office
WHAT: Christmas Door Decorating Contest
WHERE: All three floors of the MC
WHEN: December 20, 2023 at Noon
Show off your decorating skills in our Christmas Door Decorating Contest. The winner gets bragging rights and a small prize. Please join us in the fun and get in the spirit of Christmas by decorating your office door. The judging will take place on Wednesday, December 20th at noon.
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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