DeepSeek

 Wonder of wonders!  The temp outside was 37 (F) this morning when I let Howie out for his morning pee.  They had called for flurries, but if the fell, they flew by too fast to see.  Even better, according to the forecasters temps are supposed to stay this warm until Sunday when they're expected to dip down into the mid 30s (F).  I can handle this.  

Yesterday was a boring day at work.  I spent the 5 hours getting in steps.  This is the slow time of year.  As far as I can tell the only ones  spending money are the Conservatives who don't understand the economy is going to take a deep dive because of fiscal policies.  They are also going to be the first to complain when things go south.

On a really bright note this morning, my Income Tax Refund hit my bank account this morning.  I wasn't expecting those dollars to be available until next Friday at the earliest.  The refund will be used to pay off my windows, but not until after I've used it to earn some interest.  That means it going to be working for me in my savings account.  

As I've said, I'm thinking of downsizing my aquariums.  When I cleaned the big one last week, I started by removing one of the Greek statues.  There was a lot of algae growing on it, and at first I thought that I'd bleach it clean, making it nice and white again.  However, I discovered that in the drying process the algae created a rather interesting patina on the statue.  Now I don't think I'll bleach and of them.  I mean tell me, doesn't this look freaking awesome?

And for those who didn't hear about it, Wall Street went through a correction yesterday, if that's what you want to call it.  Something called DeepSeek, a Chinese AI program put American AI programs to shame.  It's less expensive and does a better job, but then American Greed has bloated our AI programs because our developers are focused on making money, not producing a good product.

This doesn't mean that I've suddenly gone overboard on AI.  While there are certain aspects I find interesting, it does truly need to be carefully managed.  

The Orange Anus also signed an Executive Order reinstating everyone of those members of the military who were discharged because they refused to be vaccinated for Covid... with 4 years of back pay.  This is how you start to build a private army.  This is not going over well with those hundreds of thousands who got the vaccine.  This grows loyalty in a small and most likely insignificant group of people.  Remember, anti-vaxers will always end up dying first.

Anger

 Holy Crap!  It's Tuesday.  Tomorrow I have to go back to work... for 5 consecutive days.  Luckily, I did not have a lot of measures going into this mini-vaca, so the number of phone calls I have to make is minimal.  I don't mind talking to people face to face, however, I really dislike call them to ask if they're going to buy their flooring.  Me personally?  I never put myself into a position where someone's going to call and ask a similar question.  I usually have all my ducks in a row before I even talk to a sales person, and am usually sure I'm going to purchase.  The less I need to deal with salespeople, the happier I am.  Having to deal with someone who wants to play hardball to get a sale pisses me off.

My back is feeling much better today, though there are the occasional spasms.  I just need to remind myself that some of my lower vertebrae are fused and that I'm not as flexible when it comes to bending and lifting. The responsibility is mine.  Picking up a 118 pound dog?  Not in the best interest for my lower back.  Biggie is just going to have to understand.

The temps are supposed to climb into the mid 90's (F) today.  No rain is forecast.  Still, I'm going to have to go out and mow my lawn.

Also, my dentist sent me a text, I have an appointment for September 4.  I do believe I'm going to call and cancel.  I just don't feel like going.  My teeth are fine.  Getting older, I've realized my main concern now deals with having one of them chip or crack.  

Here's a pic of one of my dahlias that survived the winter.

And if you're one of the vaccinated, there's a good possibility you might be growing a little angry at those who refuse to get the shots.  Tempers are rising, especially in areas of America where Republican / Conservative beliefs have been horrifically tainted by Loser #45.  While it's normal to have a certain number of people who have some trepidation about getting inoculated, the numbers in the red states are going through the roof.  Unfortunately, these people are beginning to piss off the rest of America.  Even more unfortunate is the fact that having only one shot doesn't quite protect one from the Delta variant.  Nothing is going to change the minds of these anti-vaxers.  Their anger is only going to grow.  My personal opinion is, if they don't want the shots, if the want to gamble with their lives, then let them.  The more they die off, the less power they'll have at the polls.  It's as simple as that.