Happy National Georgia Day!

Travel 7 Minutes

1. The Vidalia onion is Georgia’s official state vegetable.

These sweet onions are only grown in a specific region of South Georgia, thanks to unique soil conditions. Vidalia onions are known for their mild flavor and become a seasonal delicacy. Whether eaten raw, grilled, or caramelized, they add a special sweetness to many dishes and are a point of pride for the state. It’s one of the tastiest Georgia fun facts!

2. The state of Georgia is the top producer of peanuts.

Georgia is nicknamed the ‘Peach State‘, but it’s actually the country’s leader in peanut production. Farmers in Georgia grow over half of the peanuts consumed in the United States. Whether boiled, roasted, or transformed into peanut butter, peanuts remain a beloved snack and a significant part of the state’s agricultural heritage. They truly are one of the best facts about Georgia!

3. Georgia is home to the oldest state-chartered university in the United States.

The University of Georgia (UGA), located in Athens, was founded in 1785. It holds the distinction of being the first public university established in America. UGA has a rich history and a vibrant campus, offering a wide range of programs to students from across the country. It’s a source of pride for the state of Georgia.

4. Georgia hosts the Masters Tournament, one of golf’s most prestigious events.

Held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club, the Masters is a world-renowned sporting spectacle. Top golfers compete for the coveted green jacket. The tournament’s beautiful setting and high level of play make it a must-watch for golf enthusiasts and showcase Georgia on a global stage. It’s a source of sporting excitement each spring.

5. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River.

While known for its Southern charm, Georgia boasts a significant land area. It’s geographically larger than many states out west, offering a wide range of landscapes. From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the coastal barrier islands, Georgia showcases remarkable natural diversity. It’s a great reminder not to underestimate its size.

6. The world’s largest drive-in restaurant is located in Georgia.

The Varsity, an iconic Atlanta landmark, holds the record for being the biggest drive-in on the planet. It’s famous for its chili dogs, onion rings, and a unique ordering system. You’ll hear friendly carhops asking, “What’ll ya have?” and experience a taste of classic Americana. It’s a delicious slice of Georgia history.

7. St. Simons Island is home to a tree that’s over 400 years old.

Known as the Lover’s Oak, this majestic Southern live oak tree is a beloved sight on St. Simons Island. Local legend says couples who walk beneath its sprawling branches are destined for a long-lasting love. The tree’s age and beauty make it a symbol of resilience and a reminder of Georgia’s deep roots. It’s a beautiful testament to the state’s natural wonders.

8. Georgia is the birthplace of miniature golf.

While it might seem like a simple pastime, the game of miniature golf originated right here in Georgia. In 1929, Garnet Carter built the first mini-golf course in Lookout Mountain. His creation became a popular attraction, leading to the spread of miniature golf throughout the country. It’s a quirky piece of trivia that adds to Georgia’s unique history.

9. The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in North America.

Tucked into the southeastern corner of Georgia lies the vast Okefenokee Swamp. This unique ecosystem covers over 400,000 acres and is teeming with diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the swamp by boat, encountering alligators, various bird species, and the lush beauty of its cypress forests. It’s an unforgettable natural wonder.

10. The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Located in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium houses an incredible collection of marine life. Visitors can encounter whale sharks, beluga whales, manta rays, and countless other species.

11. Georgia was the 13th and last of the original colonies.

In 1733, Georgia was founded as the youngest of the original British colonies in North America. It was established as a haven for debtors and those seeking a new start. Georgia’s colonial history played a significant role in the events leading to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States. Its unique founding story adds to its historical significance.

12. Georgia was the birthplace of Coca-Cola.

One of the world’s most iconic brands has its roots in Georgia. In 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton invented the original Coca-Cola formula in Atlanta. Today, you can visit the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta to explore the brand’s history and even sample different Coke flavors from around the world. It’s a testament to Georgia’s innovative spirit.

13. The gold rush in Dahlonega, Georgia, predated the California gold rush.

Before the frenzy out West, Georgia experienced its own gold rush in the 1820s. The discovery of gold in Dahlonega attracted thousands of prospectors to the region. You can still visit the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed in the old courthouse, and learn about this fascinating chapter of Georgia’s past. It’s a reminder of the state’s role in American history.

14. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

One of America’s most influential civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr., called Atlanta his hometown. His birthplace and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as a minister, are now national landmarks. Atlanta played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire progress towards equality. It’s a testament to the state’s role in shaping social justice.

15. The first Girl Scout cookies were sold in Savannah, Georgia.

In 1917, Girl Scouts in Savannah took the initiative to sell homemade cookies as a fundraiser. Their efforts sparked a tradition that has become a beloved part of American culture. Today, Girl Scouts across the country sell a variety of cookies, supporting troop activities and empowering young entrepreneurs. This sweet fact highlights Georgia’s role in the iconic Girl Scout movement.

16. Georgia was the first state to allow 18-year-olds to vote.

In 1943, Georgia made history by lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. This progressive decision predated the national adoption of the 26th Amendment in 1971. Georgia’s move acknowledged the contributions of young adults and affirmed their right to participate in the democratic process. It’s a point of pride and a historical milestone in voting rights.

17. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world.

Hartsfield-Jackson handles a staggering amount of passenger traffic each year. Its strategic location and its role as a major hub for Delta Air Lines contribute to its impressive status. For travelers passing through Georgia, this massive airport serves as a gateway to the rest of the world. If you enjoy fun facts about Georgia, it might surprise you to learn that the state is home to the busiest airport on the planet!

18. Georgia was named after King George II of England.

The state’s namesake honors the British monarch who granted the charter for the colony’s establishment in 1732. Its colonial history is reflected in its name. Georgia was one of the original thirteen colonies that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. It’s a reminder of the state’s historical origins.

19. The Honeybee is the official state insect of Georgia.

Recognizing the vital role honeybees play in pollination, Georgia honors them as a state symbol. Honeybees contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural success. Their hard work supports various crops and ensures the health of diverse ecosystems. It’s a reminder of the importance of small but mighty creatures.

20. Georgia is a leading producer of pecans.

Besides peanuts, Georgia is also known for its pecan production. Pecans are a popular ingredient in many desserts, including the classic pecan pie. Georgia’s climate and soil conditions make it ideal for growing pecan trees. It’s a significant part of the state’s agricultural output.

21. The popular song “Georgia on My Mind” was written about the state.

This classic tune, made famous by Ray Charles, captures the essence of Georgia’s beauty and charm. It was written in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell. The song’s nostalgic lyrics evoke images of sweet Georgia pines, Southern hospitality, and a longing for a beloved place. It’s a timeless musical tribute to the state.

22. Cumberland Island is home to a herd of wild horses.

A unique sight awaits visitors to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a population of feral horses roaming freely. These horses have a fascinating history, likely descendants of horses brought by Spanish explorers centuries ago. They add a touch of wildness and a sense of wonder to the island’s pristine beaches and maritime forests. Their presence is a unique feature of Georgia’s diverse natural beauty.

23. The town of Helen, Georgia, is modeled after a Bavarian village.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers a surprising and charming experience. This quaint town is designed with Alpine architecture, giving it a distinctly European feel. Visitors can enjoy German-style restaurants, shops, and festive events like Oktoberfest. It’s a whimsical and fun getaway within Georgia.

24. Georgia is known as the Peach State.

Peaches have become synonymous with Georgia, even though the state’s top crop is actually peanuts. Georgia peaches are renowned for their sweetness and juiciness, particularly during the summer season. You’ll find peach festivals, peach-infused recipes, and roadside stands selling fresh peaches throughout Georgia. It’s a delicious part of the state’s identity!

25. Atlanta holds the world record for the largest sweet tea.

In 2016, Atlanta set the record with a 2,524-gallon serving of sweet iced tea. It was even served in a giant mason jar for a truly Southern touch. This quirky record highlights Georgia’s love for this refreshing beverage and its penchant for doing things in a big way. It’s one of the most entertaining Georgia facts!

SOURCE: AMAZINGFACTSHOME.COM

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Published by pat frederick

Published

156 thoughts on “Happy National Georgia Day!”

  1. Good morning, Pat and Filly!

    Thank you for honoring my home state!

    Below is a true Georgia pecan recipe…mini pecan pies called Pecan Tassies.

    All the ladies in S GA and N FL made Pecan Tassies for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    They are tiny pecan pies with cream cheese pastry crust – made in mini-muffin pans.

    Pecan Pie Tassies

    Yield: 24 servings

    Prep Time: 20 minutes

    Cook Time: 20 minutes

    Total Time: 40 minutes

    Course: Dessert

    Cuisine: American

    Author: Sabrina Snyder

    Pecan Tassies are mini pecan pie cookies with flakey crusts and a sweet creamy filling, they’re incredibly EASY to make and you can make multiple batches in a mini muffin pan!

    Ingredients

    10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened and divided

    4 ounces cream cheese softened

    1 cup flour

    1 large egg

    3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

    1 tablespoon vanilla extract

    1 teaspoon cinnamon

    1/8 teaspoon salt

    1/2 cup pecans very finely chopped

    Instructions

    Note: click on times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer while cooking.

    Beat together the 8 tablespoons (be careful to reserve 2 tablespoons here) butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy then add in the flour until just mixed, remove from the stand mixer and refrigerate for an hour.

    Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease your mini muffin tins well.

    To the stand mixer add the remaining butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon and pecans until combined.

    Divide the dough into 24 pieces and press into your muffin tins using a handle of a wooden spoon or similarly shaped tool wrapped in saran wrap to shape a well inside the dough in each muffin tin cavity, then fill with 1 teaspoon of pecan filling and bake for 20-22 minutes.

    Cool for 15 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tins, running a knife around them if needed to loosen them first.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Morning GA!

      Thanks for sharing the recipes!

      I make these every Christmas! only we just call ours nut tassies and use walnuts. But I am definitely going to try them with pecans this year!!!

      the vidalia onion pie does not interest me at all…lol but I bet my mom would love it. She would eat vidalia onion sandwiches–grossed us kids out…LOL

      Liked by 2 people

        1. I love onion rings–but I pull the onion OUT of it first…LOL
          Red Robbin’s were the best and I’d always laugh at the server face when they saw the onions on the plate, but the breading gone…lol
          Burger King uses onion flakes, so I never get them there…LOL

          Liked by 2 people

    2. Good morning, GA! Your state would be fun to visit, when it’s not too hot, of course. I always thought the ponies of Chincoteague Island in MD were the only wild ponies living on an island! I always wanted to attend the annual swim when they round them up when I lived in VA but never did. I think my Sis did once when she lived in MD. Those pecan tassies look yummy!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Good mornin’ Filly – can’t wait to hear how you like your new mowing machine!

        I have a 20″ Ego battery push mower that worked perfectly for 6 years now – starting on its 7th year! My yard is tiny compared with yours.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I tried to imagine doing my yard with a push mower….yeah, no! Definitely NOT happening! Half an acre is waaaay too much for a push mower! LOL – but my electric weed eaters are awesome! I was discussing the bennies of electric vs. gas with my GS yesterday – my problem is the same as with a gas push mower – I’m not strong enough to pull that danged cord to get them started! I’ve got 2 electric weed eaters – I have one charging while I’m using the other.

          Liked by 1 person

              2. Ah! You are mechanically-minded, too! Isn’t that satisfying when you can figure something like that out and make it work???

                Liked by 1 person

          2. My mower is Ego, blower and trimmer are Ryobi. I have plenty of batteries for the blower, edger/trimmer and a bunch of small battery tools – drill, fan, radio, lantern and tire pump too.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. LOL – I also have most of those battery-powered tools but not the tire pump – I had an air compressor but I gave it to my GS recently – he needed one for a leaky tire on his truck. My go-to brand is Black & Decker but I’ve also had some Ryobi tools.

              Liked by 1 person

            1. Yep – same here! Of course, these days, nothing is strong but I’ll get it back eventually, once I get my health issues straightened out.

              Liked by 1 person

  2. Vidalia Onion Pie

    (Vidalia is pronounced Vie-dale-yuh)

    Ingredients:

    I deep dish pie crust baked – home made or Marie Callender’s – Pillsbury crust is bitter.

    3 cups thinly sliced Vidalia onions

    3 tablespoons butter, melted

    1/2 cup milk

    3 tablespoons plain flour

    1-1/2 cups sour cream

    1 teaspoon salt

    2 large eggs beaten

    Cook onions in butter until clear but not brown.

    Spoon into pastry shell.

    Combine milk, sour cream, salt, eggs and flour. Mix well and pour over onions.

    Bake at 325 for 30 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

    Optional – Before baking top with 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled.

    Another version of Vidalia onion pie is made in a casserole dish lined with a Ritz cracker crumb butter crust and topped with grated sharp cheddar cheese.

    Quick Never Fail Oil Crust

    2 c. white flour plain
    2 Tbsp wheat germ (optional – I’ve never used it)
    1 tsp. salt 

    1/2-2/3 cup vegetable oil (I like corn oil)
    1/3 cup ice cold water

    Whisk together dry ingredients.
    Whisk together oil and water

    Add wet to dry, stir until all flour is incorporated.
    Divide in half.

    Roll out half between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment – place in pie pan.
    Fill with desired fruit.
    Roll out second half  – place on top of fruit.
    Trim off excess.
    Pinch edges together to form zig zag or scallop.
    Pierce top with knife to allow air to escape.
    Brush pie crust with milk, sprinkle with granulated sugar
    Bake pie at 375-400º until brown and filling bubbles.
    You can use strips of foil to keep edges from browning too fast.

    It’s flaky, never too tough, never bitter like Crisco crust can be.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. My Mama’s Fresh Peach Cobbler

    (oh man – the buttery crisp caramelized corners and edges of the crust are soo good!)

    Ingredients:

    1 stick butter

    1 cup milk

    1 cup sugar

    1 cup flour

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    1 dash of salt 

    4 cups fresh peaches sliced (or fresh blueberries, blackberries, cherries or apple slices)

    Directions:

    Set oven to 350º

    Melt butter in oven in 9×13 glass baking dish.

    Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and milk.

    Pour batter in pan on top of butter, sprinkle evenly with fruit.

    Do not stir.  

    Batter will rise to top as it bakes.

    Bake 350º in middle of oven for one hour.

    Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. If only you lived closer…..’cause I wouldn’t bake this myself but I’d let you do it and thoroughly revel in eating it! LOL

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Morning All!

    chilly start again–48*. seems we had company on the deck last evening probably looking for food…BIG pile of poop near the grill…sigh. it was good while it lasted.

    my cousin went to see my mom yesterday and sent me a text with a picture of the 2 of them. Mom looks happy and my cousin said she really likes where she’s at. hopefully we’ll figure out a way to communicate till we go to see her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good morning, Pat! Well, so much for mowing today! We’ve had thunder boomers going on most of the night with heavy rain! Temp is just a tad bit warmer here at 63. I’m glad you can at least put your mind at ease that your Mom seems to be happy. Still doesn’t excuse the way you’ve been treated, tho.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Morning Filly!
        we’ve got a hazy sky again–which is odd at such low temps. The bunny came up on the deck again this morning–so cute–but the little market didn’t have any fresh carrots with tops–just the little lunchbox ones.
        Hopefully when i talk to my cousin later today she can let me know about the phone situation there and a room number, so hubby and I can visit one Saturday. and i will send her flowers. but yeah, not happy about the treatment, but my brother has ALWAYS been a piss ant.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I saw several bunnies in my yard last evening but I see them all the time. They shelter underneath my shed and I think they have their babies there. They’ve also dug nests in random areas of my yard, as well as the south garden bed. A couple of years ago, I was pulling weeds in that bed and started to pull out some old grass when I heard their high-pitched squealing. So I let it be until they left the nest, then I cleaned it all out. I’m also careful when I’m mowing – one year, I drove over a patch of what looked like dirt in the back yard, then looked closer when I made my next round and discovered baby rabbits. They were old enough to leave the nest, which they did – when I came back around again, I saw one that hadn’t yet made it to the fence so I stopped, picked him up and took him over to the fence. They all went underneath the Blue Spruce evergreen tree. That’s another place they have their nests, under 3 of the evergreen trees I’ve got here.

          Like

  6. TheseTruths

    TheseTruths(@thesetruths)

    Offline

    Wolf

    August 3, 2025 00:58

    https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114961522912167613

    Senator Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is demanding over One Billion Dollars in order to approve a small number of our highly qualified nominees, who should right now be helping to run our Country. This demand is egregious and unprecedented, and would be embarrassing to the Republican Party if it were accepted. It is political extortion, by any other name. Tell Schumer, who is under tremendous political pressure from within his own party, the Radical Left Lunatics, to GO TO HELL! Do not accept the offer, go home and explain to your constituents what bad people the Democrats are, and what a great job the Republicans are doing, and have done, for our Country. Have a great RECESS and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!

    https://nypost.com/2025/08/02/us-news/trump-tells-schumer-to-go-to-hell-over-senate-nominee-deal-funding-demands-after-negotiations-collapse/

    Now, Republicans won’t pursue recess appointments, but [Sen. Markwayne] Mullin noted that moving ahead with a rule changes to the confirmation process when lawmakers return in September was going to happen in response.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Part of the problem is the public employees’ union – that should be eliminated in it’s entirety! The laws made it extremely difficult to fire public employees!

          Liked by 1 person

  8. TheseTruths

    TheseTruths(@thesetruths)

    Offline

    Wolf

    August 3, 2025 01:12

    Nobody asked you, Schifty.

    A sad moment for the Senate and the country.

    Republicans just confirmed Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

    Yes, the same Judge Jeanine that even Fox News said was “crazy” and had to take off the air.

    How can they vote to confirm these people?

    Liked by 1 person

  11. TheseTruths(@thesetruths)

    Offline

    Wolf

    August 3, 2025 01:23

    Judge Bars Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh from Seeing Classified Docs

    A federal judge has barred Ryan Wesley Routh — the man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on his Florida golf course last year — from seeing classified material related to the case.

    Responding to a motion by federal prosecutors, Judge Aileen Cannon wrote in a ruling Friday that “the United States has made a sufficient showing that the information at issue was classified” and that its disclosure “could cause serious damage or exceptionally grave damages to the national security of the United States.”

    Typically in a criminal case, attorneys for a defendant are allowed “discovery” — the ability to view all documents and evidence obtained by the prosecution.

    However, Routh, 59, is representing himself in his upcoming trial and is seen as a potential national security risk.

    He has been charged with attempting to kill the president on September 15 of last year and assaulting a federal officer as well as multiple firearms violations.

    The assassination attempt took place at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida as the president was approaching the fifth hole and a Secret Service agent allegedly spotted Routh’s rifle poking out of the bushes near the sixth green.

    Routh has pled not guilty.

    In late June, Routh wrote to Judge Cannon in an exceptionally long, one-paragraph typewritten letter. He asked why the death penalty wasn’t included in his case and suggested he be included in a prisoner swap with U.S. adversaries.

    Judge Cannon released the letter into the docket record. Among other requests, it read:

    “Also, why is the death penalty not allowed, at nearly 60 a life of nothingness without love — what is the point. Why is it not all or nothing? I had wished for a prisoner swap with Hamas, Iran for a female protestor or China for Jimmy Lai or one of the 40 others or to freeze to death In Siberia in exchange for a Ukrainian soldier that I could die of being of some use and save all this court mess…”

    “Perhaps you have the power to trade me away,” Routh continued. “What an easy diplomatic victory for Trump to give an American he hates to China, Iran or North Korea or wherever as a gesture of peace for an unjustly held democratic prisoner — everyone wins.”

    Judge Cannon is the same Florida federal judge who presided over the legal case regarding the former president’s handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, which she dismissed in 2024 after ruling special counsel Jack Smith’s appointment was unconstitutional.

    Before granting Routh’s request to represent himself, Fox News reported, Cannon told the alleged would-be assassin that his court-appointed attorneys “will defend you far better than you can defend yourself” and “I strongly urge you not to make this decision.”

    Routh ignored her advice.

    Contributor Lowell Cauffiel is the best-selling author of Below the Line and nine other crime novels and nonfiction titles. See lowellcauffiel.com for more.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Julie Kelly 🇺🇸
    @julie_kelly2
    18h • 2 tweets • 1 min read •
    Read on X
    Adding to what I posted earlier about criminal investigations.

    I have ZERO doubt the search warrant and the NDO was signed by DC chief judge Beryl Howell.

    Of all the dirty players in the lawfare against Team Trump, she is at the top of the list. And her list of misconduct is long—for example, allowing grand jury proceedings in DC for the FLA docs case because she KNEW a FLA grand jury would never sign off on all the garbage the DC GJ did. (This implicates Boasberg too)

    Has she been subpoenaed to testify before Congress? What about her emails and comms with prosecutors and the White House?

    I’d love to see her try to invoke privilege after she stripped it from the president, his attorneys, and his White House officials.

    What exactly are we doing here?
    Howell signed off on Jack Smith’s warrant to obtain the president’s Twitter data. All of it. Then she signed off on Smith’s nondisclosure request denying Twitter from informing the president of the search.

    In other words—Beryl Howell UNILATERALLY forced a private company to turn over presidential records and communications to a Biden DOJ appointee and forced Twitter to keep it a secret.

    That move resulted in a harsh rebuke by her colleagues on the DC appellate court. Five judges accused Howell of taking an unprecedented step in violating presidential privilege.

    Not only did she get away with it, she fined Twitter $350,000 for allegedly delaying production of the data file and suggested Elon Musk was fighting the NDO to get in Trump’s good graces.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. sigh…chynese again…

    NY Woman Pleads Guilty In $30 Million Green Card, Political Access Scheme

    by Tyler Durden

    Saturday, Aug 02, 2025 – 11:40 AM

    Authored by Lily Zhou via The Epoch Times,

    A New York resident accused of running a $30 million green card scam and selling access to U.S. politicians pleaded guilty July 30.

    Sherry Xue Li, 53, a China-born, naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Oyster Bay, admitted to defrauding more than 150 people who invested more than $31.5 million in her fake development project, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn said.

    The investors, many of whom were Chinese nationals, were promised either green cards through the EB-5 investment visa program or investment returns. None of the investors in Li’s project, the Thompson Education Center (TEC), received a temporary or permanent green card.

    Li also made donations to U.S. politicians and political committees, using money from foreign victims while pretending the donations came from herself or other U.S. citizens, and she sold foreign nationals—mostly Chinese—access to events where they could take photos with elected officials, including President Donald Trump.

    “In doing so, she attempted to corrupt a fundamental institution in this country—fair and transparent elections free from unlawful foreign influence,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said in a statement.

    Li pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Central Islip to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

    Li’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5, and she faces up to 20 years in prison, prosecutors said. She has also agreed to forfeit $31.5 million and property at three locations.

    One of Li’s accomplices, Long Island resident Lianbo “Mike” Wang, 48, pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Wang, also a naturalized U.S. citizen, was the marketing director and general manager of TEC.

    Another defendant, Guo Xuefeng, director of TEC’s Beijing office, was a citizen and resident of China, according to the indictment. Guo was accused of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Li first proposed in around 2011 to build a China City of America in the town of Thompson.

    She touted the amusement park as a “Chinese Disneyland” that could create 3,000 jobs and attract 1.5 million visitors each year.

    Following opposition from locals, the project was whittled down and rebranded as the TEC.

    While the project was never approved, a billboard serving as a signpost to the nonexistent education center stayed up on State Route 17 for months, The Epoch Times previously reported.

    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Li and Wang spent only enough money on the TEC project to maintain the “fiction” that it was viable and “actually under construction.”

    They spent funds fraudulently obtained from investors on “personal expenses including clothing, jewelry, housing, vacation travel, upscale dining, and political contributions to prominent politicians,” the statement said.

    The prosecutors said Li and Wang used political contributions to gain photo-ops with elected officials, and in turn used the photos as a marketing tool to entice more investors for the TEC project.

    In one case, the pair charged 12 foreign nationals—11 Chinese and one Singaporean—$93,000 each for admission to a fundraising event with Trump on June 28, 2017. They then used a photo of Li and the president to solicit more investments.

    They donated $600,000 in their own names to the joint committee that hosted the fundraiser, which was unaware that the money actually belonged to foreign nationals. At the time, Li made news headlines for the large donations to Republican organizations.

    In 2013 and 2014, Li also made donations to Democrats, including a total of $55,000 to then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and $2,500 to then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, The Epoch Times previously reported. 

    Liked by 1 person

  16. EXCERPT: “During his final years as an Army commander, retired Col. Victor Suarez began noticing a troubling trend that put troops at risk in the battlefield, and Americans at home too.

    “We found that basic things like getting access to ketamine for battlefield use, for pain management or antibiotics for those soldiers that were deployed in locations where there were bacterial infections, some of those things were more challenging to get into this system because of drug shortages globally and in United States and our supply chains,” Suarez told a Just the News, No Noise television special on Thursday.

    “So this is not only a big risk to those service members and  their families, but also veterans that are now, you know, relying on the VA and the basic U.S. system to support their healthcare needs as they go forward,” he added. Suarez took his concerns to Congress, giving bombshell testimony that alarmed senators and prompted lawmakers to begin demanding questions.

    “This is a horrible situation,” Sen. Roger “Doc” Marshall, R-Kan., a medical doctor now serving in the Senate, told Just the News. “America makes only about 10% of our active pharmaceutical ingredients. These are the simple things: antibiotics, penicillin, ampicillin, Keflex. Think about insulin or monoclonal antibodies. These are real simple things.”

    Marshall said the efforts of drugmakers to drive down costs through globalization moved the production of ingredients and finished drugs overseas to China, a competitor, and India, an ally with a history of quality control issues with drugmaking.

    “What China does is they steal our technology, then they replicate it, they bring it up to scale,” Marshall explained. “Then after they’re up to scale, what they’ll do is they’ll enter the market with a product and undercut all their competition. And after they corner the market, they create an artificial shortage of that particular drug, and then they raise their prices. That’s their model.”

    Trump administration officials acknowledged to Just the News that shortages of basic drugs like antibiotics and antivirals have worsened over the last decade and the COVID-19 pandemic created an alarm moment when the U.S. found itself unable to secure masks, gowns and antibiotics.

    But when the pandemic ended, the Biden administration failed to take any substantive actions to re-source America’s drug supply chain.

    Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, who served as a nurse and physician in the U.S. Army for 24 years, said she was alarmed by what she observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “We saw that the Chinese Communist Party was sequestering or hoarding PPE (personal protective equipment) and also antivirals, antibiotics,” she said. “And they’re one of the prime manufacturers of those medications that we need…ibuprofen, hydrocortisone, they make those as well our generic medications.” 

    President Donald Trump began his presidency with an executive order pressuring drugmakers to lower the costs of their products to Americans to closer to the levels they sell the same products overseas. The order had an instantaneous impact.

    Now Trump’s top medical officials say they are feverishly working on a plan to fix the supply chain system, first by stockpiling basic ingredients for key drugs inside the United States over the next couple of years and then creating a solution to make the ingredients and finished drugs back in America over the next decade.

    “The problem is that we do not have sufficient domestic manufacturing of these basic medical items,” newly appointed NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya told Just the News. “And so any sort of stress at all in the system, and basic medications that Americans should be able to have if they get sick may not be available.

    “That’s something that the Trump administration is really deeply concerned about and working hard to fix,” he added.

    The immediate focus is on the basic staples of medicine like Insulin, antibiotics and antivirals but officials said the problem extends even to America’s most modern medical inventions…..”

    https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/trump-admin-working-hard-fix-offshore-pharma-problem

    Liked by 1 person

    1. i saw the videos of the ccp making masks–they were falling on the dirty floor. workers were sitting on the floor cutting them apart–picking them off the floor. I would NEVER wear a mask from outside the US.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh, hell, no…..but then I only wore a mask when I absolutely had to in order to enter the hospital or pharmacy to take care of Mom. If a store required a mask and I couldn’t get around it like I could at WM, I simply did not shop at that store – Menards did that so I refused to shop there until they stopped the BS.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I made some–for hubby and me and for my friend who does flea marketing. they were colorful (hubby’s was a Bills mask). my friend’s stand could only be open if they had necessities–so they bought a bulk amount of toilet paper and a few dozen of my masks. She sold out of the masks several times because people who were forced to wear them didn’t want the chynese crap either.
          whenever we wore ours to a doctor appt, we’d launder them when we got home–our dryer has a sanitize setting.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. The entire week I stayed with Mom taking care of her when she had COVID, I never wore a mask once and I never had COVID. So the masks were completely unnecessary and I avoided them whenever it was remotely possible.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. we had to wear them at the doctor’s offices for hubby’s appointments. his cardiologist had one on after cv and she didn’t seem the type to wear one, so i asked. she said because she chose NOT be get vaxxed, she was required by the hospital system to wear one. we told her she needn’t wear it around us and she said yes she did, because, she said, someone will accidentally walk in on your appt to make sure i am still wearing one. and she was right. a nurse popped in and said–oh sorry, wrong room. yeah right.

              Liked by 1 person

  21. Just The News: “The Trump Justice Department has launched a nationwide effort to clean up voter rolls ahead of the 2026 elections, pushing states to purge duplicate and outdated registrations and catch any non-citizens or illegal aliens who slipped into a position to vote, officials told Just the News on Saturday.

    Notifications have gone out to several states and localities that DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has been concerned that states aren’t complying with federal laws, including California, Wisconsin, Utah and New Hampshire. 

    “Unlike the previous administration, at President Trump’s DOJ, we will fight to have fair and secure elections – and that begins with making our voter rolls accurate,” Attorney General Pam Bondi told Just the News.

    The integrity of voter rolls has been a major focus of conservative election integrity lawyers as a growing number of states report they have found small numbers of non-citizens slipping onto their rolls. For instance, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton last month announced a probe into over 100 potential noncitizens who cast over 200 ballots in prior elections.

    In addition, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and FBI Director Kash Patel recently declassified documents showing the bureau failed to fully investigate intelligence that Communist China sought to hijack the 2020 presidential election with a potential mail-in ballot scheme to assist then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

    ODNI-Unclassified-CDA-CCP-Leadership-202503-2.pdf

    The new DOJ effort, officials said, will focus on pressuring states with poor voter roll hygiene to comply with existing law and remove outdated, duplicated and non-citizen registrations. It is being led by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon. 

    “I can’t comment on the specifics of any ongoing investigations, but I am committed to making it harder to cheat and easier to vote,” Dhillon told Just the News on Saturday. “Clean voter rolls will help achieve that goal.”

    Just the News reported in June that Dhillon was moving to punish Wisconsin for allegedly failing to comply with federal voting integrity laws, taking the first step to withhold future federal funds for administering elections.

    She notified the Wisconsin Election Commission that it was not in compliance with the Helping Americans Vote Act (HAVA), specifically for failing to set up a system to field and resolve voter complaints about election integrity.

    “Quite surprisingly, we have learned that the Wisconsin Elections Commission has refused to provide any administrative complaint process or hearing regarding HAVA complaints against the Commission,” Dhillon wrote. “Rather, Wisconsin has decided to rely on a 2022 state court case opining that the Commission cannot police itself..

    “These very actions by the Commission have left complainants alleging HAVA violations by the Commission without any recourse,” she added. “…With no opportunity or means to appeal, complainants are left stranded with their grievances.”

    20250604-CRT-AAG-Dhillon-Letter-to-Wisconsin-Elections-Commission.pdf

    DOJ told state election regulators they must come into immediate compliance and that the agency was taking the first step to pull future federal election assistance funds.

    Similarly, DOJ recently sent a demand to Orange County, Calif., seeking thr identities of any illegal aliens who made it on voter rolls. The county has resisted and DOJ has now sued to force compliance.”

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Huh! Kind of off-the-wall but kind of interesting, too….

    “Zeppo owned a company known as Marman Products Co., which machined parts during World War II. Marman Products created a heavy-duty band clamp, which saw use in various applications, including securing atomic bombs in B-29 bombers like the Enola Gay. Marman clamps are still utilized in many modern vehicles, as well as in space vehicles like the Cassini orbiter.

    Zeppo also co-invented and patented a wristwatch designed to monitor a person’s pulse and sound an alarm if the heartbeat becomes irregular. He also invented and patented a therapeutic pad for delivering moist heat.

     In 1948, Marman Products developed and marketed a short-lived 2-cylinder motorcycle brand. These endeavors showcase Zeppo Marx’s inventive spirit and mechanical aptitude that extended far beyond the stage and screen.

    PS – It was his wife who dumped him for Frank Sinatra…”

    Liked by 1 person

  23. And they work perfectly to keep the squirrels off of the seed feeder!!!

    “The Slinky was invented by Richard James, a Penn State graduate, in the 1940s while he was working as a naval engineer. James’s creative epiphany came in the middle of World War II as he developed stabilizing technology for Navy ships in Philadelphia. While working at Cramp Shipyard, James reportedly knocked a sample of torsion springs off a shelf and watched them turn over themselves with signature Slinky-like undulation as they hit the floor.

    Intrigued, James and two colleagues, Dylan Gedig and Coleman Barber, developed plans to turn the strangely-moving spring into a children’s toy with the help of a $500 loan. According to the Atlantic, James then spent about two years testing different spring lengths and metals in order to find the perfect combination that eventually produced the familiar, fluid coil.

    The Slinky was named by Richard’s wife, Betty James, who thought the name best described the toy’s graceful movement. 

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Hey, she is misappropriating the blond hair! Isn’t that what they call that???? I don’t believe there are any blacks who are natural blonds!!!!! Not to mention being seriously pleasure-bent!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Just The News: “President Trump thanked Republican senators for staying in session longer than originally planned to confirm more of his nominees and told the chamber’s top Democrat to “go to hell” for what he described as an “egregious” demand.

    Senators, along with House members, typically recess for the month of August but Trump had called on Senate GOP leaders to continue to vote to confirm more nominees. Schumer reportedly asked the White House to unfreeze about $1 billion of foreign aid and National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in exchange for allowing the confirmation process for additional Trump nominees to move faster. 

    “Senator Cryin’ Chuck Schumer is demanding over One Billion Dollars in order to approve a small number of our highly qualified nominees, who should right now be helping to run our Country. This demand is egregious and unprecedented, and would be embarrassing to the Republican Party if it were accepted,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday night. 

    “It is political extortion, by any other name. Tell Schumer, who is under tremendous political pressure from within his own party, the Radical Left Lunatics, to GO TO HELL! Do not accept the offer, go home and explain to your constituents what bad people the Democrats are, and what a great job the Republicans are doing, and have done, for our Country. Have a great RECESS and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!” he added.

    The Senate confirmed additional nominees on Friday and Saturday. The chamber adjourned late Friday without a deal between Senate Republicans, Democrats and the White House on nominees. Schumer said Trump threw in the towel instead of continuing to negotiate a deal on nominees.

    “Trump’s all-cap tweet says it all. In a fit of rage, Trump threw in the towel, sent Republicans home, and was unable to do the basic work of negotiating. Is this the ‘Art of the deal?’ Posture, cajole, stamp your feet, and then give up?” Schumer said at a news conference on Saturday evening. “This says it all. Donald Trump tried to bully us, go around us, threaten us, call us names—but he got nothing, and he walked away with his tail between his legs.”

    Schumer said Trump “attempted to steamroll the Senate to put in place his historically unqualified nominees, but Senate Democrats wouldn’t let him.”

    He said that Democrats have been “working all week to try and find a reasonable path to allow bipartisan Senate consideration, provided the White House and Senate Republicans met our demands.”

    Schumer declined to share the details of what he offered Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and the White House. He was asked if his offer included unfreezing aid to respond to the situation in Gaza. 

    “Look, I’m not going to get into the details. Obviously, we’d all like to help Gaza, but the bottom line is we were getting close on a whole lot of issues and Donald Trump just pulled the rug out from under people. And even before that, when it looked like we were getting close a day before, he again called in and screwed it all up,” he said. “They should stop listening to him. If they want to do what’s good for the American people, they shouldn’t be in blind obeisance to Donald Trump.”

     Schumer called on Trump to work with Democrats. “Sooner or later, Donald Trump—Mr. “Art of the Deal,” or so he claims—is going to have to learn that he has to work with Democrats if he wants to get deals, good deals, that help the American people,” he said. “Going at it alone will be a failed strategy. It’s the wrong choice for Republicans. It’s the wrong choice for the American people.”

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Butt of course – Marica is visiting NY! An earthquake this week-end in NJ, about 30 miles outside NYC but it was felt in NY!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. okay this is hysterical. I was gonna post an earthquake birthday cake at her place–turns out there really is a whole category of earthquake cakes…LOL mostly just cakes with chunks of this and that–mostly chocolate…but there IS a tsunami cake

      Liked by 1 person

  28. “Back in the day when there were actual, real movie stars”

    Um….I do believe it’s a little too far gone….

    “Too close!”

    Liked by 1 person

  34. Just The News: “About one third of Democrats describe their party in negative terms, according to a new AP-NORC poll released on Sunday. The poll was conducted between July 10-14 among 1,437 adults above 18.

    “The latest AP-NORC poll asked respondents to share the first word or phrase that comes to mind when they think of each political party. Thirty-five percent of Democrats ascribe a negative attribute to their party. Fourteen percent describe it as weak or tepid, 9% say it is broken or ineffective, 5% offer generally negative comments, and fewer than 5% describe it as dishonest, corrupt, or out of touch,” read a summary of the results.

    “Fewer, 23%, of Democrats cite a positive attribute of their party. Eleven percent describe it as empathetic or inclusive, another 11% offer general positive remarks, and 1% mention values like freedom,” the summary read.

    More Republicans, 41%, shared a positive view of their party and only 19% shared a negative view.

    “Among Republicans who cite negative aspects of their party, 6% offer general criticisms, another 6% say it represents the interests of the wealthy or is greedy, 3% describe it as dishonest or corrupt, and 1% each say it is dumb or stupid, self-centered or selfish, sycophantic, or ineffective or disorganized. Less than 1% describe it as mean or rude,” read the summary of the results.

    “Of the 41% of Republicans who described their party positively, 16% offered general praise, 9% said it is pro-American, 6% cited common sense or normalcy, 5% described it as united or strong, and another 5% said it represents the people or the middle class,” it also read.”

    Liked by 1 person

  36. True story:

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced a significant effort to overhaul the organ donation system following an investigation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

    The probe uncovered troubling practices, including cases where organ procurement started while patients showed signs of life, raising serious ethical and legal issues.

    “Our findings reveal that hospitals permitted organ procurement when patients still showed signs of life, which is horrifying.

    The organizations responsible for coordinating transplants will be held accountable. We must reform the entire system to respect the sanctity of every potential donor’s life.” — Sec. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

    So, how does dead media respond to this investigation?

    You can’t make up just how depraved the progressives have become…”

    Liked by 1 person

  37. “California is celebrating Trans History this month… with their very own flag. The Transgender flag (yes, they have their own flag) is literally about transitioning children. It is nothing short of a clarion call for predation by the Trans community.

    “Transgender Pride Flag is commonly associated with Transgender History Month, which is celebrated in August in places like San Francisco and California.

    This flag, created by Monica Helms in 1999, features five horizontal stripes: light blue, light pink, white, light pink, and light blue. The light blue represents traditional colors for boys, light pink for girls, and white for those who are transitioning, intersex, or gender-neutral.” – Grok

    The Trans flag’s colors symbolize the Trans community’s goal to transition as many children as possible. Although under Trump, the US government is trying to stop this, the left is fighting back.

    A coalition of 16 states led by Democrats, including New York and California, along with the District of Columbia, is suing the federal government to challenge efforts by the Trump administration to restrict pediatric transgender transitioning care. This lawsuit argues against federal investigations and policies aimed at ending access to puberty blockers, hormones, and gender-related surgeries for transgender adolescents.

    I have been documenting the medical harms done to children being transitioned since 2022 on this Substack. What has happened, as we all now know, is sickening. But our fight to protect our children isn’t over yet.

    This is why the mid-term and next presidential elections are so important to protect Trump’s efforts to stop the predation.
    Never forget what progressives and trans rights groups are capable of.”

    Liked by 1 person

  50. I’m debating whether to try to mow or not – it rained a lot and is still very wet. Now that I have the mower to use whenever I like, I don’t feel as much pressure to get it done “right now!” LOL

    Liked by 1 person

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