14 Comments

As an introvert, a surprise visit from anyone is really not my thing. It would make me very uneasy. There should actually be a sign at my door that states, "Did you call or text first?"

I asked my husband who is a very devout Roman Catholic the question. He right away answered he would love to see Jesus show up unannounced. He would bow down before him and be enamored by his presence.

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

One thing worth knowing today: if you were thinking of picking up a little pied-à-terre in Baghdad, bring cash. Lots and lots and lots of cash.

https://themedialine.org/top-stories/corrupt-politicians-money-laundering-drive-red-hot-baghdad-property-market/

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Hi Bill

Many sites have ads but none if you pay extra. I also look at 1440 (not paying) and the adds make it intolerable. Would you consider a third level that is as-free. I don’t mind $50, and would give $75 to avoid ads of any kind.

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Everyone needs a little good news on a Friday:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/18/homes/mortgage-rates-august-18/index.html

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Have a great vacation Bill!!!

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Winston Churchill would be welcome anytime for as long as he can stay.

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

The person I would be most interested to have drop by my house unannounced would be Tim Russert. He was passionate and he was good. Those words seem ordinary for such a great guy, but he was humble and relatable. If I had a way to make “passionate” and “good” literarily swell on the page regarding Tim Russert, I would, but this is just the comment section!

I still find myself thinking about Tim Russert at random moments wondering how incredible it would be to have a conversation with him about our here and now. To this day, if I ever see someone in the media using a dry erase board (yes every now and then it’s still done), I think of Tim Russert during election time! I never met or knew him personally, I just miss him. I read Big Russ and Me, Father and Son: Lesson’s of Life, after Tim Russert’s passing. Great book, and it made me miss him even more. We need more Tim Russert’s in the world!

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Wishing you and your family an awesome vacation!!

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

Bill, I'm sorry, I misunderstood your references to a vacation till today. I had thought you were already in "low power mode." Please forgive my recent stupid admonitions about you working on your vacation. Now! Have a great vacation, you and your family!

Meanwhile, . . , Thank you for repeating the story about Chester Arthur and Julia Sand: Sad but intriguing. Might history have been even more different than it was if something really exciting had happened between them? Who knows? But the question of whether her letters had a positive effect on him is incredible. How to answer! Conservative President Chester Arthur's accomplishments do seem to imply Julia's influence. A traditional "old guard" Republican, he apparently favored small government before becoming president. Yet he reformed the Civil Service, favored rights for blacks, and other less obvious -- mostly unsuccessful -- attempts at reform. History may have done him an injustice. He was unloved when he ascended to the presidency, but he was highly praised and liked by friends and foes when he stepped down.

I will take the time to read Julia's letters when I get the chance.

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Aug 19, 2022Liked by Bill Murphy Jr.

BTW, I would love to have a variety of admirable people come to visit me, but your newsletter today prompted me to choose . . . Chester Arthur.

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Do enjoy your holiday with your family, Bill. I look forward to reading the newsletters done with the help of the collaborators, of which I'm sure there are many great ones.

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