2018: It's a Start. Maybe. Things That Make Me Go EH?
Well, here it is, 2018. Several days in, as a matter of fact, and honestly, I see no difference. Except having to write 2018, instead of 2017. But, I have had trouble with that since I was old enough to start writing...it has occurred to me, perhaps we should just write the full year only twice. Once when the century starts, once during the last year. The remainder of the time, we could just go '20xx'. Easy on everybody, except the tax collectors, and heck, they're always confused anyway.
Well, and calendar makers...okay, I concede. Terrible idea. ( I still think it would be fun, though....). Just think of all the things we refer to as happening 1, 5, 10 years ago; without a sure way to measure, we could discover, heck, the information wasn't all that blasted important anyway. " That was yesterday, and yesterday's gone..". Hmmmm? Yeah, okay, Sheesh; no need to get all technical on me. However, speaking of things which aren't that all - fired important: I have again been going through internet headlines and news stories. Since these change, due to the speed of technology and the plethora of news media whose main goal is to 'scoop' everyone else at the cost of not having the full story, as quickly as a Summer day in Minnesota, this is a good way to keep one's mind active.
Well, it's also a good way to develop complete apathy about life in general, but, hey, don't we need apathy to appreciate hope? Or...yeah, that's too deep, even for a mental deficient such as myself. All right, then, what have we got today?
Leading Republican Drops Out of Ohio Race to Oust Sen. Sherrod Brown. Well, hmmm, I have to wonder; if he was leading, why drop out? Was there a trailing Republican he felt deserved it more? Or, was he just tired of leading? Republicans love leading; they consider it their destiny, and they enjoy the loyalty of followers ( even if it is feigned ). They believe it is their way, or the highway. Of course, they don't want to fix any highways, but, to their minds, highways are for going places, and most Republicans are happy to just stay put, be it in location or ideals. So, this one confuses me. Perhaps he felt he was only leading Republicans, and, where's the challenge in that?
Alleged White Supremacist is charged with Terrorism after stopping Amtrak Train. Well, interesting. As a headline, raises all sort of possibilities in a mind like mine. First, he 'stopped a Amtrak Train'. How was this accomplished? Did he stand heroically on the tracks, with his hand thrust forward and a stern look on his face? Was he the engineer, and just stopped it because he didn't feel like going any further? However he accomplished it, he apparently wasn't too successful, since he was caught. I could read the article and find out, but, I fear I would be sorely disappointed in the facts. Much more fun to speculate; it's why I was a devout Republican most of my adult life. We love to speculate; facts are just information that confuse and contradict our wonderful conspiracy theories, and reality is not something we wish to acknowledge.
The cold is causing frozen iguanas to fall from trees in Florida. I love this one, though I shouldn't. This latest weather event illustrates the reality of climate change. Reptiles flourish in Florida, due to the climate there. Reptiles need warm weather ( I believe I am part reptile; I need warm weather also ). Parts of Florida do have colder temps in the Winter, but the current cold snap is rare and unusual. It is hard on even the areas of the Nation that are used to harsh Winters. Reptiles aren't used to harsh Winters. They are getting too cold to even move, let alone grip; therefore, WOOSH! They lose their grip, and, all fall down. Emergency services may have to issue hard hats to all residents. ( I made that up, in case anyone took that seriously...). Oh. And, no, I haven't read the article. I do know that, once they are warmed up properly, most of these iguanas will recover nicely. Bumps, bruises, and the occasional concussion notwithstanding.
UPDATE 1 -- Frigid weather sends heating prices soaring as energy uses spikes (Reuters). This one causes me anger. Why? This is Capitalism at it's worst, as we remain in thrall to crude oil as a main energy source. It is when energy used to heat or cool citizens reaches emergency status that regulations need to step in and keep these things affordable. I won't go into the obscene profits already being made by oil companies; let the experts analyze that. Alternative sources must be found and made available to the public easily and reasonably, yes. But even fuel prices during times of extreme weather events should be lowered, not raised; raise heating prices where no one uses heat, where average mean temps don't drop below, say, 65 degrees. Raise energy prices for air conditioning in areas where the average mean temp never gets above 65. Granted, as the climate changes, mean temps in all areas will change over the next 50 to 100 years, but, let's funnel some of these obscene fuel and energy profits into developing better, cheaper alternatives and helping keep costs down to those who need those services. What's that? Yeah, I am a terrible Capitalist; I believe in spending and using, not hoarding. Hoarding is for books, and items one will never need or, if one does, can never find even though you KNOW you kept a bunch of them.
Republican Senators Raise Possible Charges Against Author of Trump Dossier ( NY Times ). Well, of course, had to be a Trump reference somewhere. I am not sure what the Trump Dossier is, tell the truth, other than it has something to do with starting the investigation into Russian interference in our elections. Right now, there are apparently several investigations into this. Each with a different agenda. And at least one ( Mueller Investigation ) which has no apparent agenda other than to discover as much truth as possible. This appears to irritate many Republicans, as well as the White House, because, well, the truth may well put them all in a 'bad light', and, well, see my earlier comment about we really don't care to have reality intrude on our theories. Consider the case of Mr. Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions, our current leader of the Justice Department, who has decided ( apparently based upon no real evidence ) to return us to those wonderful days of yesteryear when the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian sidekick Tonto watched the hilarious and notoriously stupid film, 'Reefer Madness' and proceeded to mount their steeds and bring to justice anyone growing anything green that might be consumable. Especially if it showed any real medical benefit. Because, the theory that marijuana is a 'gateway' drug to heroin is one that his sticky little fly-tentacle mind cannot let go of. Despite the fact that 8 states have already legalized it, and even more are considering it. Again, see my note above about reality ruining perfectly good conspiracy theories. Anyway, apparently this author wrote a Dossier that implied something that Republicans wished to keep secret, therefore he is guilty of....something. Making them look bad? Hey! Just asking.
Letterman Lands Obama as first guest on New Netflix show. ( Reuters). Well, now. Finally, a decent headline. Letterman is back? That's wonderful news. FCC has repealed Net Neutrality? Chances are, only a very few will end up able to watch it, or, the Administration will declare it unloyal and prevent it's ever being seen. Let's hope it never reaches that point. Most of us know, however, that is exactly what is desired in Washington right now. Or in Mar-a-Lago, the apparent alternate Nation's Capitol.
Penis-Whitening procedure could ruin your sex life and fertility, Thai Health Officials Warn. ( Newsweek ). Uh. Well. I may have to read that one, just because it mentions Thai Health Officials and in my bigoted mind, those words just do not go together. Something like military and intelligence. And, of course, because I have no idea what that is, why anyone would do it, or why it would even be something one could possibly do. Is it, like, on a menu? You know: Optional Electives--kidney transplant, repair of faulty heart valve, setting of broken bone, removal of limb, genital reconstruction/change, penis-whitening. Does this option appear in general in all medical insurance policies under Coverage? Is there a need for this? I can think of a lot of things considerably more important than how dark or white my penis might be. Yeah, I am going to have to read this, because, you know, I am so concerned with my health while I am in Thailand. Oh. Right. I've never been. I've no intention of ever being. Well, then, 'just' because.
Amid Calls from Trump, FBI Renews Questions Over Clinton Foundation ( NY Times). Well, ok. Sure. I mean, they have uncovered no real evidence of anything related to Hillary, but, of course, the President just spent several days saying how bad the FBI was at it's job, or how good they were ( seemed to depend largely upon whether he deemed them to be loyal to him, or to their jobs ). So of course the FBI would be the first he'd call to investigate a Foundation. Well, one with a Clinton name attached. He really does love his distractions, doesn't he? Next thing you know, he will want the Gates Foundation investigated. After all, they donate money to Public Broadcasting, a area Trump wanted to cut in his budget. How...disloyal!! Ok, no no, I was playing my own distraction game there. We do know, however, that the man is totally obsessed with name Clinton. So much so, I am beginning to suspect he wants to have sex with Hillary ( or...BILL?? ) and she not only refuses, she keeps slapping his hands. Kinda like his own wife does ( Okay! Cheap shot! I admit it!! SO Sorry!! I am a terrible, terrible person with a diseased mind! I've even been accused of being a *shudder* LIBERAL!!!! Can you believe it? Haha...if only they knew the names on MY hit list! ).
OK, enough for today. My brain is melting. Well, whatever that organ is between my ears is melting...it must not be a brain, for after all, I remain still a bit illiterate ( you know, I never have read any Shakespeare, and if I am fortunate, I may never have to! ), can only speak and understand one language ( and very little of that ), and am a total loss at math ( the theory of relativity still confuses me, as I cannot comprehend how it applies to knowing if that person is your first, second, or quadrupled cousin ). If you have read this far, I congratulate you; I tried to insert a few humorous jewels among the detritus and hopefully those brought a smile. Because, really, we have to be able to laugh once in a while; first at ourselves, then work outward from there. There are too many people in the world who want to take the laughter from us; we must remain eternally optimistic, and alert, to prevent them from doing so. 2018: here it is. All that's changed is a number. The past is the past, the future remains constantly ahead. Face it grinning. Keeps the grumpies confused.
Well, and calendar makers...okay, I concede. Terrible idea. ( I still think it would be fun, though....). Just think of all the things we refer to as happening 1, 5, 10 years ago; without a sure way to measure, we could discover, heck, the information wasn't all that blasted important anyway. " That was yesterday, and yesterday's gone..". Hmmmm? Yeah, okay, Sheesh; no need to get all technical on me. However, speaking of things which aren't that all - fired important: I have again been going through internet headlines and news stories. Since these change, due to the speed of technology and the plethora of news media whose main goal is to 'scoop' everyone else at the cost of not having the full story, as quickly as a Summer day in Minnesota, this is a good way to keep one's mind active.
Well, it's also a good way to develop complete apathy about life in general, but, hey, don't we need apathy to appreciate hope? Or...yeah, that's too deep, even for a mental deficient such as myself. All right, then, what have we got today?
Leading Republican Drops Out of Ohio Race to Oust Sen. Sherrod Brown. Well, hmmm, I have to wonder; if he was leading, why drop out? Was there a trailing Republican he felt deserved it more? Or, was he just tired of leading? Republicans love leading; they consider it their destiny, and they enjoy the loyalty of followers ( even if it is feigned ). They believe it is their way, or the highway. Of course, they don't want to fix any highways, but, to their minds, highways are for going places, and most Republicans are happy to just stay put, be it in location or ideals. So, this one confuses me. Perhaps he felt he was only leading Republicans, and, where's the challenge in that?
Alleged White Supremacist is charged with Terrorism after stopping Amtrak Train. Well, interesting. As a headline, raises all sort of possibilities in a mind like mine. First, he 'stopped a Amtrak Train'. How was this accomplished? Did he stand heroically on the tracks, with his hand thrust forward and a stern look on his face? Was he the engineer, and just stopped it because he didn't feel like going any further? However he accomplished it, he apparently wasn't too successful, since he was caught. I could read the article and find out, but, I fear I would be sorely disappointed in the facts. Much more fun to speculate; it's why I was a devout Republican most of my adult life. We love to speculate; facts are just information that confuse and contradict our wonderful conspiracy theories, and reality is not something we wish to acknowledge.
The cold is causing frozen iguanas to fall from trees in Florida. I love this one, though I shouldn't. This latest weather event illustrates the reality of climate change. Reptiles flourish in Florida, due to the climate there. Reptiles need warm weather ( I believe I am part reptile; I need warm weather also ). Parts of Florida do have colder temps in the Winter, but the current cold snap is rare and unusual. It is hard on even the areas of the Nation that are used to harsh Winters. Reptiles aren't used to harsh Winters. They are getting too cold to even move, let alone grip; therefore, WOOSH! They lose their grip, and, all fall down. Emergency services may have to issue hard hats to all residents. ( I made that up, in case anyone took that seriously...). Oh. And, no, I haven't read the article. I do know that, once they are warmed up properly, most of these iguanas will recover nicely. Bumps, bruises, and the occasional concussion notwithstanding.
UPDATE 1 -- Frigid weather sends heating prices soaring as energy uses spikes (Reuters). This one causes me anger. Why? This is Capitalism at it's worst, as we remain in thrall to crude oil as a main energy source. It is when energy used to heat or cool citizens reaches emergency status that regulations need to step in and keep these things affordable. I won't go into the obscene profits already being made by oil companies; let the experts analyze that. Alternative sources must be found and made available to the public easily and reasonably, yes. But even fuel prices during times of extreme weather events should be lowered, not raised; raise heating prices where no one uses heat, where average mean temps don't drop below, say, 65 degrees. Raise energy prices for air conditioning in areas where the average mean temp never gets above 65. Granted, as the climate changes, mean temps in all areas will change over the next 50 to 100 years, but, let's funnel some of these obscene fuel and energy profits into developing better, cheaper alternatives and helping keep costs down to those who need those services. What's that? Yeah, I am a terrible Capitalist; I believe in spending and using, not hoarding. Hoarding is for books, and items one will never need or, if one does, can never find even though you KNOW you kept a bunch of them.
Republican Senators Raise Possible Charges Against Author of Trump Dossier ( NY Times ). Well, of course, had to be a Trump reference somewhere. I am not sure what the Trump Dossier is, tell the truth, other than it has something to do with starting the investigation into Russian interference in our elections. Right now, there are apparently several investigations into this. Each with a different agenda. And at least one ( Mueller Investigation ) which has no apparent agenda other than to discover as much truth as possible. This appears to irritate many Republicans, as well as the White House, because, well, the truth may well put them all in a 'bad light', and, well, see my earlier comment about we really don't care to have reality intrude on our theories. Consider the case of Mr. Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions, our current leader of the Justice Department, who has decided ( apparently based upon no real evidence ) to return us to those wonderful days of yesteryear when the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian sidekick Tonto watched the hilarious and notoriously stupid film, 'Reefer Madness' and proceeded to mount their steeds and bring to justice anyone growing anything green that might be consumable. Especially if it showed any real medical benefit. Because, the theory that marijuana is a 'gateway' drug to heroin is one that his sticky little fly-tentacle mind cannot let go of. Despite the fact that 8 states have already legalized it, and even more are considering it. Again, see my note above about reality ruining perfectly good conspiracy theories. Anyway, apparently this author wrote a Dossier that implied something that Republicans wished to keep secret, therefore he is guilty of....something. Making them look bad? Hey! Just asking.
Letterman Lands Obama as first guest on New Netflix show. ( Reuters). Well, now. Finally, a decent headline. Letterman is back? That's wonderful news. FCC has repealed Net Neutrality? Chances are, only a very few will end up able to watch it, or, the Administration will declare it unloyal and prevent it's ever being seen. Let's hope it never reaches that point. Most of us know, however, that is exactly what is desired in Washington right now. Or in Mar-a-Lago, the apparent alternate Nation's Capitol.
Penis-Whitening procedure could ruin your sex life and fertility, Thai Health Officials Warn. ( Newsweek ). Uh. Well. I may have to read that one, just because it mentions Thai Health Officials and in my bigoted mind, those words just do not go together. Something like military and intelligence. And, of course, because I have no idea what that is, why anyone would do it, or why it would even be something one could possibly do. Is it, like, on a menu? You know: Optional Electives--kidney transplant, repair of faulty heart valve, setting of broken bone, removal of limb, genital reconstruction/change, penis-whitening. Does this option appear in general in all medical insurance policies under Coverage? Is there a need for this? I can think of a lot of things considerably more important than how dark or white my penis might be. Yeah, I am going to have to read this, because, you know, I am so concerned with my health while I am in Thailand. Oh. Right. I've never been. I've no intention of ever being. Well, then, 'just' because.
Amid Calls from Trump, FBI Renews Questions Over Clinton Foundation ( NY Times). Well, ok. Sure. I mean, they have uncovered no real evidence of anything related to Hillary, but, of course, the President just spent several days saying how bad the FBI was at it's job, or how good they were ( seemed to depend largely upon whether he deemed them to be loyal to him, or to their jobs ). So of course the FBI would be the first he'd call to investigate a Foundation. Well, one with a Clinton name attached. He really does love his distractions, doesn't he? Next thing you know, he will want the Gates Foundation investigated. After all, they donate money to Public Broadcasting, a area Trump wanted to cut in his budget. How...disloyal!! Ok, no no, I was playing my own distraction game there. We do know, however, that the man is totally obsessed with name Clinton. So much so, I am beginning to suspect he wants to have sex with Hillary ( or...BILL?? ) and she not only refuses, she keeps slapping his hands. Kinda like his own wife does ( Okay! Cheap shot! I admit it!! SO Sorry!! I am a terrible, terrible person with a diseased mind! I've even been accused of being a *shudder* LIBERAL!!!! Can you believe it? Haha...if only they knew the names on MY hit list! ).
OK, enough for today. My brain is melting. Well, whatever that organ is between my ears is melting...it must not be a brain, for after all, I remain still a bit illiterate ( you know, I never have read any Shakespeare, and if I am fortunate, I may never have to! ), can only speak and understand one language ( and very little of that ), and am a total loss at math ( the theory of relativity still confuses me, as I cannot comprehend how it applies to knowing if that person is your first, second, or quadrupled cousin ). If you have read this far, I congratulate you; I tried to insert a few humorous jewels among the detritus and hopefully those brought a smile. Because, really, we have to be able to laugh once in a while; first at ourselves, then work outward from there. There are too many people in the world who want to take the laughter from us; we must remain eternally optimistic, and alert, to prevent them from doing so. 2018: here it is. All that's changed is a number. The past is the past, the future remains constantly ahead. Face it grinning. Keeps the grumpies confused.
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