WAR WITH IRAN

Well, we are now at war with Iran.  Bad enough that there is ongoing turmoil still in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, but this one is truly serious.  Donald Trump bragged that he would bring the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas Wars to an end within 24 hours of becoming president, and that there would be no new wars.  He needed Congressional approval to start this third one, and has, indeed become a dictator, or King.  I worry more about the future of the USA than anything else.

The New Yorker reported on Epic Fury, and here is a latest summary from NBC News.

• MAJOR JOINT ATTACK: The United States launched "major combat operations" in Iran, joined by Israel, President Donald Trump announced in a video message today.
• IRAN'S LEADERS TARGETED: Israel targeted Iranian political and military leaders, two U.S. officials told NBC News, while the U.S. aimed to take out Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
• TRUMP URGES REGIME CHANGE: Trump urged Iranians to “take over your government” when the strikes are over. “The hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said.
• DEATH TOLL: The Iranian Red Crescent said that more than 200 people have been killed and roughly 700 others have been injured following the attacks. 
• IRAN RETALIATION: Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel as well as at U.S. bases across the region in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, sending ripples across the Middle East.
• TEHRAN WILLING TO TALK: In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was interested in de-escalation and willing to talk if the U.S. and Israel halted attacks. He told Trump that regime change was "mission impossible."
• NUCLEAR TALKS: The U.S. built up a massive military presence in the Middle East while holding talks with the Islamic Republic over a new deal to curtail its nuclear program. Araghchi told NBC News that the two sides were close to a deal, decrying the joint strikes while talks were ongoing.

Best to watch the news to keep up with the latest developments.

• Was 86-year old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed in the airstrikes today?  
• Yes, according to Israel.  Sure, he's dead from the USA.
• No say "official" Iranian sources.  
• But BBC's latest as I soon post indicates death, and that people in Iran celebrated this outcome.
• 
  Iran has two military branches.
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the primary branch of Iran's armed forces, established after the 1979 Revolution.  They report directly too the Supreme Leader.  Is a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization, for they are also involved with overseas operations.
• The Regular Army (Artesh), responsible for territorial defense and traditional military operations.  They also report to the Supreme Leader.
• This system prevents one branch of staging a coup.
• 
  Beginning last year, first a female uprising, then recently a student protest, have thrust the country into extreme instability.
• There is now essentially an internet blackout to minimize the opposition.
• A quick history of the current Iranian regime, from Google AI:

 Iran has transitioned from a Western-aligned monarchy to a theocratic Islamic Republic, marked by intense internal shifts and prolonged international isolation. 

The following timeline and thematic overview highlight the major developments in Iran’s history over the last four decades:

1. The Revolution & Consolidation (1979–1981)

• The Overthrow: In January 1979, the Shah fled Iran following massive protests. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile in February, and by April, a national referendum officially established the Islamic Republic of Iran.

• 
  The Hostage Crisis: In November 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, which permanently severed U.S.-Iran diplomatic relations.
• Internal Purges: The new regime quickly consolidated power by purging secularists, liberals, and leftists who had originally joined the revolutionary coalition. 

2. War and Leadership Transition (1980–1989)

• Iran-Iraq War: Iraq invaded Iran in 1980, sparking an eight-year conflict that resulted in over one million deaths and devastated Iran's economy.
• Death of Khomeini: Upon Khomeini's death in 1989, Ali Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader, a position he has held for over 35 years. 

3. The Struggle for Reform (1997–2009)

• Reformist Era: The 1997 election of President Mohammad Khatami signaled a push for "Dialogue Among Civilizations" and greater social freedoms, though many reforms were blocked by conservative clerics.
• The Green Movement: Following the disputed 2009 reelection of hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, millions of Iranians joined the "Green Movement" protests, which were met with a severe state crackdown. 

4. Nuclear Diplomacy & Economic Hardship (2013–2021) 

• Nuclear Deal (JCPOA): Under President Hassan Rouhani, Iran signed the 2015 nuclear agreement to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
• Sanctions Return: The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018, reimposing "maximum pressure" sanctions that led to triple-digit inflation and widespread economic distress.

5. Recent Crises and Social Unrest (2022–2026)

• "Woman, Life, Freedom": The 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody ignited the largest anti-government protests in decades, led largely by women and youth challenging the compulsory hijab and the clerical system.
• 2025-2026 Tensions: Recent reports indicate a sharp escalation in conflict, including direct military strikes between Iran and Israel in mid-2025.
• Current State: As of early 2026, Iran remains in a period of extreme instability, characterized by mass demonstrations, an internet blackout, and significant state violence

I've formed an opinion about what might occur in the coming months.

• When I graduated from college with a BS degree in1962, I went to work for C. Brewer (oldest company in Hawaii), a power in the local industry.  Through its subsidiary, Hawaiian Agronomics Company, the company designed and operated a massive 25,000 acre sugarcane plantation and factory in southwest Iran for Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.  Colleagues who went on these assignments all came back speaking Farsi, with a thorough knowledge of the people and customs.  I was on a list to be among the next when I instead decided to go to graduate school.
• 
  I was working in the U.S. Senate in DC when the Iranian Revolution occurred in 1979.  I gained a particularly insider's viewpoint of what was happening in the country.  But that was 47 years ago.

• 
  About the present.
• Clearly, Israel and U.S. intelligence has been closely interacting with key organizations in Iran, and possibly, too, the regular army.  They must have established some system of communication beyond the internet, and maybe a capability of using Starlink, a roaming internet system.

• 
  The problem is that the Iranian opposition is leaderless and decentralized.
• Anyone of importance is already jailed or exiled.
• Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, has gained traction as a symbolic leader for a democratic transition.

• 
  There, too, should be some Regime splintering if the Supreme Leader is dead, and combined with grassroots movements from labor unions and diverse social groups, perhaps a semblance of unity can be linked to all those intelligence connections towards a different kind of war. 
• This is not a typical war where one country invades the other.  The people of Iran, the country being invaded, will act like World War II in France, where the local populace helped the allies.
• However, this is too much optimism, and the likely path into the future will likely involve American boots on the ground and major U.S. casualties.
• Chances are high that the other Middle East Countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan will side with the USA and Israel, or remain neutral.
• Iran has a weakened combination of Hezbollah (Lebanon), militias in Iraq and Houthis (Yemen) with them, which is not much.
• 
  NATO will side with the USA/Israel.
• Russia and China have expressed support for Iran, and if they can be kept out of this war, all the better.
• But Middle East Wars are largely unpredictable.
• Oil  prices could escalate from $65/barrel to more than $100/barrel.
• Travel to the Middle East.
• From Condé Nast:

Travelers with upcoming plans should monitor official government travel advice pages regularly, stay in contact with airlines for any schedule changes and allow extra flexibility in itineraries where possible. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays and unforeseen disruptions is also advisable, particularly given the potential for sudden airspace closures or route adjustments. Staying informed and prepared—rather than alarmed—remains the most practical approach.

• 
  We were looking at a cruise from Doha, Qatar to Mauritius.  Certainly, no more.
• Then, too, what of Iran's threats in the USA?

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WHAT DO I NOW DO WITH ALL THOSE NEW STREAMING CHANNELS I'M GETTING FREE FROM SPECTRUM?

Let's go back just a few months ago, and I did not have enough time to watch/and or/listen to the regular cable 1000 channels.  Some, of course, were not free, but Music Choice alone was, and covered almost 100 channels, including the local radio stations.  I also paid for Netflix and Amazon Prime, around $25/month.  Including two cable boxes, one for the bedroom and the other for the living room, Spectrum is free in 15 Craigside, a seniors community where I live.

Then out of nowhere, Spectrum last month announced that permanently, for FREE, they would also add:

• Hulu (With Ads)
• Disney+ (Basic)
• ESPN+ (Direct-to-Consumer)
• Max (formerly HBO Max, with ads)
• Peacock Premium (with ads)
• Paramount+ Essential
• AMC+ (with ads)
• FOX One
• ViX Premium (with ads)
• Tennis Channel (included with TV Select Plus

These would have cost $120/month if you paid for them.  They are now all free, although I continue to have a $25/month or so charge for Netflix and Prime.  I might add that Apple TV has now been added to the free Spectrum list.

I watch a lot of sports, and they are covered for free on the regular cable channels.

• However, I particularly follow University of Hawaii sport teams, and almost all away games were in the past just not available.  They might have been on ESPN+, but I did not know how to access them and probably would not have because of the extra cost.

• 
  No more, for now, they just pop up on ESPN+...FREE.  A huge plus, or maybe a big negative, gluing me further to my recliner and TV set.
• I might add that were I a Winter Olympics fanatic, Peacock would have been wonderful.

So for the future.

• 
  Should I continue to spend $25/month for Netflix and Prime?  Sure.  I can afford those, plus I order all kinds of things regularly on Amazon.
• Should I pay an additional cost for ad free service?  Probably not.  Not now, anyway.

How has my life been enhanced/ruined from these new streaming channels:

• HBO Max
• Access to HBO originals, like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, Warner Brothers films, A24 studio movies, BBC content, and The Criterion Collection of world cinema classics.

• 
  4K Ultra HD video with Dolby Amos immersive audio.
• Turner Classic Movies; DC films; Studio Ghibli; Cartoon Network; Discovery Channel stations; crown jewels of TV history, like Friends, The Big Bang Theory and South Park; and Harry Potter.
• CNN Max.
• New films 45 days after premiering in theaters.
• 
  Disney +:  Perpetual rights to the Walt Disney Studios library, including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
• ESPN+:  Exclusive, direct to consumer streaming rights to over 30,000 unique live sport evens annually, including UFC, top-tier soccer, PGA, NHL Powerplay, WWE network and college sports.

• Hulu:  Streams next-day episodes from ABC, FX, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC and CW.

• 
  Peacock:  exclusive streaming rights to entire NBC Universal library, plus Bravo, Premier League soccer, WWE Network , CBS feed and exclusive NFL games.

• 
  Paramount +:  exclusive rights to Paramount Global library, including new Paramount films, the entire Star Trek franchise, Yellowstone, Nickelodeon classics Showtime, MTV, Comedy Central and expanding portfolio of live sports.  Paramount, which merged with David Ellison's Skydance Media, just beat out Netflix for Warner Brothers.  This channel, thus, will be enhanced, while some others above will likely lose access to Warner productions.  On the other hand, looks like Paramount/Skydance might now merge with HBO Max to challenge Netflix for top status.

• 
  Fox One:  exclusive sports package from FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, NFL Sunday games, MLB games and NASCAR Cup Series.

• 
  ViX Premium:  target rights for Spanish-language content, especially for soccer.

• 
  Tennis Channel:  exclusive rights to majority of ATP and WTA tour competitions.
• Apple TV:  Ted Lasso, Severance, Friday Night MLB, all MLS matches and all Formula 1 races.

Are there too many streaming channels?

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CHILI: A National Comfort Dish

Before chili, two bits of info:

• From Aljazeera.
• Negotiators from Iran (headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi) and the U.S. (led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) wrapped up the third round of indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said there was significant progress, and discusses will continue in Vienna, Austria next week on a technical level. 
• Omar is the mediator and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency were also present.
• 
  About the House Oversight Committee questioning of Hillary Clinton on the Epstein files.
• Held in Chappaqua, New York, where the Clintons have a house.
• Chaired by James Comer (R-Kentucky).
• Interview is being videotaped. The Clintons actually wanted a public hearing, but Comer said the committee's practice is to conduct closed-door interviews with witnesses before it holds hearings.
• Very testy exchange.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House Oversight Committee on Thursday she has no new information about Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, criticizing Republicans' handling of their investigations into the late convicted sex offender.

"I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island home or offices," she said in the opening statement, which she posted on X and delivered during a closed-door hearing with lawmakers.

In her opening statement, Clinton accused the panel of engaging in partisan "fishing expeditions" by forcing her and her husband to sit for depositions, and said they are interviewing the wrong people. 

"[Y]ou have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation. in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers," she wrote in the statement.

• 
  She accused the committee of using her and her husband to try to distract from Trump's ties to Epstein.
• The lead Democrat on the committee is Robert Garcia from California.  He said that "today sets a precedent" that he hoped would lead to testimony from President Trump.
• Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on Friday.  He traveled on Epstein's plane four times in 2002/3 trips for his Clinton Foundation.

Did you know today is National Chili Day?

• When I was young, which was a long time ago, I knew chili as chili con carne (meaning chili pepper with meat), and did not particularly like this dish.
• Made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions and cumin.
• American frontier settlers made this dish, dried it into a brick for storage, and boiling it in pots on the trail.

• 
  At the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the San Antonio Chili Stand brought this dish to the attention of the nation.  
• This helped Texas-style chili con carne spread nationwide.  Each one claimed to have a secret recipe.
• During World War II, family-run chili parlors, known as chili joints, popped up all over Texas.
• The Texas Legislature in 1977 designated chili con carne as the official dish of Texas.

• 
  While Hawaii's chili is served with white rice, nationally:
• Add chili to hot dogs to create chili dogs.
• Top burgers with chili and enjoy a chili burger.
• Combine chili and chili with fries and make chili cheese fries.
• Make the ultimate baked potato by stuffing it with chili.
• Frito pie” is chili with spaghetti noodles.
• Transform mac and cheese into chili mac. 
• Add croutons to your chili for added crunch.

According to Google AI:

The nation’s biggest and most iconic chili cook-off is the Original Terlingua International Chili Cook-Off (OTICCC), held annually in Terlingua, Texas, during the first weekend of November. Founded in 1967, this massive desert event ("the granddaddy of all cook-offs") attracts thousands to celebrate Texas-style chili, which notably excludes beans.

The 58th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off (WCCC58) was held October 16–19, 2025, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis as part of the World Food Championships. Winners included Karen Cullum (Homestyle), David Ronge (Chili Verde), and Don Cullum (Traditional Red), with the event featuring categories for red, verde, and vegetarian chili.

The International Chili Society sponsors this world championship cook-off.

• Started in 1967 by race car driver and automotive icon Carrol Shelby.
• Sanctions more than 100 events/year nationwide, raising more than $100 million for charities.
• The next and 59th World Championship Chili Cook-off will be held early in 2027 at a destination yet be announced.  Competitors have almost two years to qualify through local chili-offs sponsored by the Society.

According to Google AI, Zippy's in Hawaii has a special today.

• When: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Today Only).
• Deal: Regular Chili with Rice (Original, No Bean, or Vegetarian) for $5.99 on Oahu ($6.99 on neighbor islands).
• Availability: Takeout only.
• Limit: 5 per customer

Is this a bargain?

At Zippy's, a standard order of Chili with Rice typically costs between $9.55 and $11.15 for a regular plate, depending on the location and whether you are ordering for dine-in, takeout, or via delivery apps.

Why have I featured Zippy's?  According to Google AI:

Zippy's Restaurants is widely considered the quintessential spot for chili and rice in Hawaii, offering a unique, mild, and beloved version. For local, classic, and highly-rated alternatives, Rainbow Drive-In, T&L Market, and It's Chili In Hawaii are top choices for their authentic, quick-service style. 

Top Spots for Chili & Rice in Hawaii

• Zippy's Restaurants (Multiple Locations): Known as a Hawaii institution, Zippy's provides a distinct, somewhat sweet, and smoky chili that is best enjoyed over white rice.
• 
  Rainbow Drive-In (Honolulu): A legendary spot for plate lunches, offering iconic chili bowls and chili rice, often topped with cheese.

• 
  T&L Market (Honolulu): Frequently recommended as a "hole-in-the-wall" gem, known for its traditional and comforting chili rice.
• It's Chili In Hawaii (Honolulu): Known for specialized, customizable chili, including Chili Rice and Chili Dog options.

• 
  Hirano Store (Glenwood, Big Island): Renowned for a unique,, almost Portuguese-bean-soup-like,, hearty chili that is a favorite for many locals. By the way, according to Google AI:
  
  
  Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu is offering a National Chili Day special today, Thursday, February 26, 2026, featuring $5 Chili Rice Bowls and $10 Chili Plates. These deals are valid at the Kapahulu and Kalihi locations while supplies last.

Well, what about the best chili/rice in the world?  From Google AI:

The best chili served over rice is often found in Texas, particularly through competition-style "Bowl o' Red" at events like the 

Terlingua International Chili Cook-Off or in Fort Worth spots like Lonesome Dove and Tolbert’s. For a more casual, cult-favorite, Zippy's in Hawaii is renowned for this combination. 

• 
  Texas (Authentic Style): Known for no-bean, meat-heavy chili, often served over rice or with rice on the side.
• Hawaii (Local Style): Zippy's is iconic for serving hearty chili over white rice, a staple of the local plate lunch culture.

• 
  Fort Worth Favorites: Lonesome Dove and Tolbert's Restaurant are highly rated by locals for their authentic chili.

But Google AI only limited the best to the USA.  So I specifically asked whether chili/rice was also available world-wide:

Chili and rice is a popular comfort food staple in the U.S. (particularly in Hawaii, the South, and Midwest) that originated as a budget-friendly,,, 

Tex-Mex/American Southwest dish. It is also consumed worldwide, with similar combinations of spiced sauces and rice appearing in Latin American (e.g., arroz rojo) and Asian cuisines. 

Key Aspects of Chili and Rice:

• U.S. Origin & Popularity: While chili itself has roots in San Antonio, Texas, by the 1880s, serving it over rice became a common, economical, one-pot staple in American households.
• Hawaii's "Plate Lunch" Culture: In Hawaii, serving chili over rice is a staple, frequently found in local fast-food chains like Zippy's.

• 
  Regional Variations: In addition to rice, it is sometimes served over pasta (Cincinnati style) or with crackers.
• International Presence: Variants exist globally, such as "chili oil rice" in Asian takeout or various Latin American rice dishes. 

Did you know that today was more than National Chili Day?

Thus, chili is popular across the nation and throughout the year:

• Last Thursday in July:  National Chili Dog Day.
• October:  National Chili Month.
• First week in October:  National Chili Week.

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