Author: Jason

Christian Libertarian, software engineer by trade, part-time political pundit. Graduate of Moravian College, Bethlehem PA

2nd Visit to Rock Hill Swig! 🥤

This time, I tried the Buttery Beer, and my wife went with The Tropic. She said, “I like this one better than the one I got the other day.” 🌴

Pro tip: We scored another free drink just for writing a quick review on Google. Definitely worth doing if you stop by!

What should we try on visit #3? See the menu.

Former Prince Andrew Arrested

U.K. police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the British royal family and beyond, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—formerly known as Prince Andrew—was arrested on Thursday, February 19, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest, which occurred on his 66th birthday at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, marks an unprecedented moment: the first time in modern history that a senior member of the royal family has faced such criminal scrutiny.

The charges stem directly from the latest tranche of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender with whom Andrew maintained a long-standing friendship. Newly uncovered emails and materials suggest that during his tenure as the UK’s special trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, Andrew may have shared confidential government reports—including official briefings from overseas visits—with Epstein, who held no security clearance or official role. Thames Valley Police, after initially assessing the claims, confirmed the arrest and reported conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. Andrew remains in custody as the investigation continues.

This latest fallout builds on years of controversy surrounding Andrew’s ties to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including allegations of sexual misconduct raised in earlier civil proceedings, which he settled out of court without admitting liability. Over time, these associations led to the loss of his military titles, public funding, and royal patronages under Queen Elizabeth II, and more recently, King Charles III stripped him of remaining honors, including aspects of his princely status, forcing him to relocate from royal residences.

King Charles III responded with a measured statement expressing deep concern and affirming that “the law must take its course,” while pledging the family’s full cooperation with authorities. The offense of misconduct in public office, rooted in common law, carries a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment and centers on the abuse of public trust through willful misconduct.

As the investigation unfolds, this historic arrest underscores the enduring repercussions of the Epstein scandal and raises profound questions about accountability, even at the highest levels of society. The royal family, already navigating a period of transition, now faces one of its most challenging chapters yet.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary code and those who don’t. 🤖💻🎯

Can You Compete?

From the hack to the house! 🥌 There’s nothing like the precision, the sweep, and the spirit of the game. This is the only Winter Olympics sport I could possibly compete in.

Happy New Year

Gung hay fat choy!

Flourless Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

Tried a new recipe today. It sounds strange at first, but I promise, these brownies are fudgie and delicious.

– Prep time: 10 mins
– Cook time: 30 mins
– Yields: 9 brownies

Ingredients
– 1 cup Cooked sweet potato, mashed (approx. 1 large sweet potato)
– 1 cup Creamy nut butter (I used peanut butter)
– ½ cup Pure maple syrup
– ¼ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 Large egg
– 1 tsp Vanilla extract
– 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
– ½ cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Optional: A pinch of sea salt for topping


Instructions
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl (or food processor for a smoother texture), combine the mashed sweet potato, nut butter, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Mix until completely smooth and combined.
Fold in Chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. The batter will be thick.
Note: If the batter is difficult to stir, you can add a tablespoon of 2% milk to loosen it slightly.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Check: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Cool Completely (Important): Unlike regular brownies, flourless brownies are very soft when hot. Let them cool completely in the pan (at least 30-45 minutes) before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.


Nutrition
Calories: ~300
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 9g

Get “Dirty” in Rock Hill

Our First Taste of Swig’s Famous Sodas

Rock Hill has a new hotspot, and it’s not another coffee shop or brewery. It’s Swig, the self-proclaimed “Home of the Dirty Soda,” and it just opened its doors yesterday.

The buzz around this place has been growing, so my wife and I decided to head over for the grand opening festivities to see what the hype was all about. We were lucky enough to score our first round for free.

But before I get into what we drank, you might be asking the same question I was: What on earth is a “dirty soda”?

What is a “Dirty Soda,” Anyway?

Don’t let the name throw you off; there’s no actual dirt involved. A “dirty soda” is essentially a gourmet, customized soft drink beverage.

The concept is simple but addictive: take a base soda—usually a staple like Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, or Mountain Dew—and “dirty” it up by adding various flavored syrups, fresh fruit purees, and, most crucially, creams (coconut cream and half-and-half are the most popular).

The result is a drink that is richer, creamier, and far more flavorful than anything you’d get out of a standard vending machine. It’s less like grabbing a pop at a gas station and more like ordering a non-alcoholic mocktail or a liquid dessert.

The Utah Origins

While dirty sodas are just now taking over the rest of the country, they have been a cultural phenomenon in the Mountain West for over a decade.

The trend originated in Utah. The widely accepted history is that, because a large percentage of Utah’s population is Mormon—a faith that prohibits the consumption of “hot drinks” like coffee and tea—a unique culture developed around elaborate, cold, caffeinated beverages.

Swig is widely credited as one of the pioneers of this craze, starting in St. George, Utah, back in 2010. They turned the simple act of getting a soda into a drive-thru destination experience.

Our Swig Experience

I ordered the Raspberry Dream. This starts with a Dr. Pepper base, which is then mixed with raspberry puree and coconut cream. The coconut cream really smooths out the bite of the Dr. Pepper, and the raspberry gives it a fresh, fruity finish. It’s incredibly creamy but still refreshing.

My wife went the fruity route with the Hula Girl. This is a brighter, tarter combination using Sprite and lemonade as the base, flavored with mango, pineapple, and strawberry, and finished with coconut cream. It’s like a tropical vacation in a cup.

The Verdict

The drinks were definitely tasty and a fun change of pace from the usual afternoon coffee run. The Rock Hill location seems off to a great start. We will probably be going back soon; there are just too many intriguing combinations on that menu to stop at just two.

If you want to browse the overwhelming number of options before you go, you can check the drink ingredients here: https://swig.com/menu

Meet Pieroguszka

Forget the ermines—the 2026 Winter Games have found their true carb-loaded hero! 🥟❄️

Meet Pieroguszka (literally “Little Pierogi Pillow”), the unofficial mascot currently stealing the spotlight with Team Poland in Milano Cortina. While other athletes are focused on “aerodynamics” and “fitness,” the Polish figure skating team showed up with a smiling dumpling that looks like it’s ready for a nap and a side of sour cream. Talk about a “filling” performance! I guess when the competition gets cold, you need a giant, plushy carb to keep your spirits high. 🥟

You can buy Pieroguszka directly from the source: a social cooperative in Katowice, Poland, that supports people with disabilities. Because they went viral at the 2026 Winter Games, stock is selling out faster than they can make them.