Like some of you, in the new year I have started organizing more, especially 2025 taxes. We have had the same CPA for over 20 years, but we organize things for him. Most everything is on excel sheets – easy to add up, sort by date, etc. As usual, I find some neglected things to do also, like today I went through old pens and put many in the recycle for Staples. They take all kinds of things, like computers, batteries, old phones and pens.
……………………
Has anyone seen the word, “Epstein” in the news since the Venezuela invasion/kidnapping?
…………………..
After months of watering and feeding an orchid, it has new buds! The last time I was able to get one to re-blossom, if that is a word (if not, make it so) it took 7 months. This time about six.
……………………..
I spent some time building a model of a B24, the kind of plane my Dad flew in WWII. He was a bombardier/navigator. I have his crew picture on a wall in my room, and hung it from the ceiling next to it. I had models like this when I was a boy, but never hung one from the ceiling. Maybe I have regressed, or maybe it is something in honor of dear ol’ dad.
‘/’
………………………
Useless fact: The average lifespan of a $1 bill is 7.2 years.
……………………..
Malnutrition deaths soared by 746% from 2011 to 2023, data shows, with people 85 and older being hit hardest.
………………………
Tomorrow is the 5th anniversary of J6, so let us always remember:
Less than three weeks ago, Jack Smith, the former special counsel to the Justice Department, appeared before the House Judiciary Committee and testified under oath:
“Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election and to prevent the lawful transfer of power.”
The Supreme Court said you can’t prosecute a sitting president . . .
Me: There is an insurrection clause in our Constitution.
……………………
Another useless fact: Yuma is an Arizona city on the Mexican border. In fact, with 330 days of sun and 4,015 annual hours of sun, Yuma is not only the sunniest place in the U.S. — but also the world.
………………..
I’m afraid this is more bad news, but expected: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funded NPR, PBS and hundreds of local radio and TV stations across the United States for more than a half-century, said on Monday that its board of directors had voted to dissolve the organization because Congress (controlled by Republicans don’t forget) cut off its federal money.
…………………
From Huffpost: The Trump administration on Monday said it had slashed billions in social services funds to a handful of blue states as part of its escalating response to new and unproven fraud allegations in Minnesota.
The Department of Health and Human Services will freeze $10 billion worth of federal grants to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, an HHS official told HuffPost, confirming news first reported by The New York Post.
He doesn’t even hide it . . .
…………………….
‘/’
……………………………
Online Headline: Missing Florida Teen Shot, Burned, & Left For Dead By School Friends
“Friends?” My God, what would her enemies do?
…………………………
Have you seen the video of the ICE guy shooting and killing that driver in Minnesota? She was clearly getting away from him. He stood in front of her car. Her wheels were turned right to avoid him. He was not in any danger. My guess? He’ll get away with it, maybe get a medal from Trump.
Here’s what that is in a single word:
Murder
……………………….
Dateline Jan.7: We have seized two more ships, one in the North Atlantic Ocean (I hate that place). Here is what that is in a single word:
Piracy
………………………..
Dateline Jan. 8: The U.S. will leave 66 organizations or bodies, the White House said. Many are linked to the United Nations and deal with issues like climate change and human rights.
No comment necessary.
…………………………..
From CBSNews: Washington — The House on Thursday failed to override two of President Trump’s vetoes of bipartisan bills, with Republicans largely sticking by the president to uphold his decision to block the legislation.
Both bills initially passed the House and Senate unanimously.
Trying to recall something about faith of your convictions. Oh, wait – it’s Trump and Republicans
………………………..
This Can’t Be Right Dept.: It’s the quintessential Caribbean beach destination – but less than 1% of Jamaica’s coastline is accessible to residents. — The article had a photo of a beach cop next to a sign saying that beach was for hotel guests only. I think that in Hawaii, by law, all the beaches are open to the public. I think they are here in California, too, except the rich often try to block access, like in Malibu.
……………………….
And It Is Right Dept.: Punishing states based on whom their residents voted for directly violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause . . .
………………………
If you drive to a southern border town, be advised: “Organized theft rings are going after high-end SUVs, pickups and performance cars, stealing them in the U.S., then smuggling them into Mexico. He said it’s lucrative, hard to track and often impossible to recover those cars once they cross the border.” – CBSnews
………………………
I have noticed too many times over many years that people with a badge and a gun don’t like it when anyone disobeys them. The unarmed Minn driver was told to “get out of here,” and by another, to “get out of the car.” She was shot disobeying. I recall an unarmed young man pulled over for a traffic stop running away and a cop shooting him in the back several times. Again, he disobeyed.
For the Record: Immigration officers have opened fire 16 times over the past year, resulting in four deaths.
This from Huffpost: Department of Homeland Security’s claim that the shooting was a matter of self-defense, stating that the agent “put himself in front of her.”
Yet, there are still voices arguing that the shooting was justified — and even going as far as to argue that the victim’s failure to “obey” is enough to warrant this behavior from law enforcement. Even a congressman said that.
Minnesota Attorney General: Trump Blocked Probe into ICE Shooting
Keith Ellison (Mn. AG) said federal authorities stonewalled his office hours after an ICE agent killed Renee Good.
…………………..
Remember two things, kids:
The Constitution gives you the right to protest.
Our country was founded by protestors.
Okay a third: Trump’s thugs might shoot you for exercising your rights!
…………………….
Dateline Sunday: Great weather, finally. Forecast is for five days of 72 and sunny. That’s what we signed up for! Going up the hill to our favorite Indian Resort getaway for a couple of days this week. Might take a bathing suit!
………………………
All for now,
All take care,
Kevin
Blog: If I understand this 
You must be logged in to post a comment.