Davos Dipshit

With an outside temp of 10 (F), I can say that things are frigid.  We will, supposedly, warm up into the mid 30s (F) and tomorrow's high should be cracking open that low 40s (F) box.  However, our weather is predicted to take a turn for the worse starting Friday and lasting over the weekend as another Arctic Blast, or Polar Plunge, or whatever it is they want to call the incoming weather pattern, rides roughshod over much of the country.  If enough moisture moves up from the south we could end u with significant snowfall.  

Because Howie has the smarts of a 2 year-old, which is very smart for a dog, he has no conception of what the cold is and so wants to go outside all of the time.  Even though he has a nice, thick warm coat, his nose is bare, so I limit is outside fun time.  Yesterday he had one of his stubborn, I'm not coming back into the warm house moments.  Picture this:  me outside, wearing my coat, of course, chasing him around the yard to get him back inside, and him thinking this is a wonderful wintertime game.  Every time this happens I do pray that the neighbors are not recording me.

I did my Federal Taxes yesterday.  I use a service called OLT, which, as long as your Adjusted Gross Income is less that $51,000, is free.  I always do my taxes early because for some reason I always get a refund.  Last year that nice little sum of money was deposited into my bank account on January 31.  Much of this year's refund will go to paying off the principle of my car loan. 

And even though I know you would all like to see a video of me chasing Howie around the yard yesterday, you'll have to make do with him attempting to pass himself off as a sleeping angel on the chair.

Yesterday the Orange Anus gave a speech that ran almost 2 hours long.  His team no doubt thought this was a good thing.  Wisely, networks began cutting away after his first hour of "incoherent ramblings."  Those are their words, not mine.  Why does his administration let this happen?  Because his cultists will excuse everything he says.  They also know that using the 25th amendment to remove his insane ass from the presidency would put J.D. Vance in charge, and Orange's cult hates JD.  

Bovino, the loser supposedly, kind of, running ICE followed him for a Q&A and quickly cut that short when he was asked a question he didn't like.  He's a little guy suffering from a Napoleon Crisis.  When the cameras are on him, he walks with a weird strut, thinking, perhaps, that this makes him look taller than his 5' 6" stature.  He's another one of Orangie's failures.

And evidently Nutlick... I mean Lutnick, spoke, or perhaps I should say yelled at a dinner last evening in Davos accusing them of being weak because they didn't all bow down and kiss Orangie's ass... and they heckled, and jeered him, and walked out.  Ooof.

It's my understand that Orangie's speaking right now at Davos and that within 4 minutes of taking the stage he brought up Joe Biden and the radical left.  He is truly the Davos Dipshit.

 

When the Iron is Hot

 It's Tuesday morning and I have stacks of laundry waiting to go.  It's a Tuesday thing, and sometimes a Wednesday thing as well.  It's all about routines and regularity.  This does not mean there is a time and place for everything; spontaneity is nice.  I just don't live on the spur of the moment.

Yesterday the temps got up to 53 (F).  That's warm for January.  The forecast is for things to cool off, drop to more what are considered normal temps for this time of year.  There is frigid shit out there, but it seems to be always to the east or to the west of us.  

I received an invite back to Sirius XM.  The offer is $6 a month for a year before the cost goes back to the normal $22 a month.  Sorry.  I only listen to the radio when I'm in my car.  At home, if I'm listening to music, it's on Amazon.  And my tastes tend to be rather impromptu.  For example, there are times when I want to listen to German Folk Music and at other times the score from Fallout 4.  And I don't need to listen to some DJ trying to be relevant to all ages of listeners.

My income tax refund hit my bank account this morning.  That was a nice surprise.  I file early.  I file electronically.  And, except for that year when I hit 65 and Social Security sent those 3 big checks, I always get a nice refund.  

Kev McCarthy was on CBS and got drilled by the correspondent.  That seems to be happening more and more, doesn't it.  His little forays into Sunday morning television are intended to fluff his ego and demonstrate his power... and they always seem to fail.  He's one of those morons who never realized that respect is earned.  Giving into the the far right, making concessions, and signing secret rules and regulations earns you nothing.  Someone should tell that buffoon he wields zero power, not that he'd listen.  Honestly, I don't even think he understands how weak he truly is.

Trump's payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels is again back in the headlines.  (yawn)

People are beginning to wonder how imminent the impending indictments of Orange Anus truly are.  For many of us, imminent is in a few hours, possibly tomorrow... maybe.  Yet since Fanni dropped that word all we've heard is silence. People are getting edgy.  We've all been waiting a very long time.  I'd always heard it was best to strike when the iron was hot.

He was Stardust

 Friday has arrived.  My next 3 days are going to be different.  I work.  That's right.  Not only do I work, I'll be at the store for an 8 hour shift each day.  How will I survive?  Probably easily.  Tomorrow might be busy.  People are beginning to anticipate their income tax refunds.  I know I'm looking forward to mine.  I still owe a couple of grand on the laundry room update.

I have noticed my water bill has dropped... a lot.  Last month I used 300 less gallons.  The front load washer uses far less water.  As for the electric, it's difficult to tell.  PP&L is having problems with their website.  No usage details are showing up.  Their excuse is that they're having problems with their server.  

My ex-neighbor sent me a text asking how things were going, and how the dogs were doing.  She has a bit of dementia.  Instead of Lily and Biggie, she used her dog's names.  I will tell her they're doing fine.  No need to confuse her more than she already is.

And, speaking of the house next door.  Late yesterday afternoon there was the sound of something heavy being rolled from the kitchen into the living.  (Sometimes the workers are loud).  Suddenly, there was a very loud crash from the front of the house.  I mean loud.  Letting curiosity get the better of me, I looked out the window.  That sound was the last of their 2 refrigerators being pushed off the front porch onto the sidewalk below.  I don't know the workers doing the rehab are as skilled as they think themselves to be.

I cut almost 2000 words from the last chapter yesterday.  Wow.  They were unnecessary. I can remember when doing such an edit would have cut me to the quick.  Now, it's just business.

David Crosby died yesterday.  He was 81.  A liver transplant survivor.  People my age can tell you how often his turbulent life made the news.  Crosby, Stills, and Nash had amazing harmony.  Here they are singing a song written for them by Joni Mitchell when Crosby and the rest of the band were in their late 60's.  They still have the harmony.

And, of course, yesterday the Supreme Court said their investigation had failed to find out who leaked the fact that they were going to overturn Roe v Wade.  But then they only asked the court clerks and their spouses, least that's what they're saying.  The judges and their spouses were supposedly not questioned.  This is just one more way for them to lose credibility.  Kevin McCarthy wants to set up a special committee to investigate since the leaker had to have been a liberal.  Republicans will never have enough dead horses to kick.

Finally, the Republicans are also floating the idea of a 30% sales tax that would eliminate Income Tax.  Of course, the middle and lower classes would be hurt the worst.  No doubt stupid Republicans are thinking this would be great, without understanding this would mean no more refunds, no more child tax credits, in fact quite a number of tax programs in place to help the poor would disappear.  Ouch.

Duh

Hello, Saturday.  Another work day, but only for 6 hours.  I can handle that.  Of course, there's not telling what kind of customers we'll be getting.  Temps are supposed to be cold, but the skies clear.  Income Tax refunds are already dropping into bank accounts even though the IRS has warned Americans that this year they might be late.  I know they're dropping, mine went in last week.  But then, I'm not like so many who chose to procrastinate.

Pork chops were made in the air-fryer last evening.  They were delicious.  The dogs, of course, had the fat drizzled over their dinner.  I was surprised by how much fat cooked off.  Biggie and Lily were extra-specially happy.

Yesterday was busy.  I bought and set up a new tank in the living room.  37 gallons.  The plan is to move all of the fish from the big tank into the smaller one, dose the big one to get rid of all of the algae once and for all, and them move some of the fish, like the angelfish, back.  The new tank is high, so I may end up turning it into a schooling fish tank.

Spotify has begun removing Rogan podcasts.  I thought it interesting they were (in their words) taking down some of the comedians more racist podcasts.  That's right, he's a comedian.  Now, isn't that a surprise.  Personally, I think he's more of a joke than a comedian.  There is absolutely no wit in that man.

And Mikey Pence told the world Trump was wrong, that he couldn't have overturned the election.  "No one man should have that much power," he said.  duh.  This man still has presidential ambitions.  duh.  Can we talk about his lack of brain density here?  He really needs to go to the January 6 committee and 'fess up.  The presidency is not in his future.  If he wants to be remembered into the foreseeable future he needs to show his mantle and bring down his former boss.  Will he?  duh.

 

Intolerance

Oh my gosh, it's Friday, my Hump Day.  I can't say I find it exciting in the least.  It's just another day. 
I rode 10.5 miles last evening on a ride called Applegate lake.  I've ridden a little over 44 miles in February so far, which is better than I was doing last month.  I've changed my tactics.  Rather than go for the long rides (20 miles or so) I'm only covering between 10 - 11 miles per ride.  Instead of spending easily over an hour on the bike when I get home from work, I'm only putting in between 40 & 45 minutes.
I'm still waiting for my W-2 from the government in order to do my taxes.  You know?  If you work, and get your full Social Security benefits, you need to treat those benefits as a job.  That's right, they take out taxes.  I have no problem with this since I get them back when I file.  However, I do like that refund deposit going into my bank account.  For those interested, here's the return schedule.

I guess the Idiot Jerk went on some sort of shrieking rampage yesterday about his ugly ass getting impeached.  Wow, now we know what happens when we rip the scab off that chancre he calls and ego.  He says he went through Hell.  Aaahhh.  Think about all of those contractors he and his attorneys forced into bankruptcy because he refused to pay them.  Was he sorry for putting them through Hell?  Gimme a break. 
And Bernie desperately wants to do a victory lap after Iowa.  We're talking about his old man ego here and it desperately wants to be fed.  Ain't happening.  Buttigieg and he ended in a dead heat.  You'll notice the difference between the two:  Buttigieg shows decorum, Bernie's on the verge of pounding his fist angrily on the desk.  He's inciting his supporters the same way the Idiot Jerk incites his base.
Anyway, I understand the administration is girding it's shield of lies in preparation for the publication of John Bolton's book.  They know this is not going to be a good thing.  America will find out why the gutless Republicans refused to have any witnesses at the impeachment trial.  Once again Americans are going to see how much evil they not only tolerate, but excuse as well, in order to stay in power.  This is expected from a party which demonstrates terrible intolerance for everything they despise.

Clad in Plaid

Yesterday was one of those odd days.  The eye appointment was aggravating; driving twenty minutes, arriving on time at 0715, and then being told "oh, we changed your appointment" was not a good thing.  But then something good did happen later.  I went to transfer money from my savings to my checking account so I could pay my car insurance and Wow I discovered a big deposit had been made.  Holy Shit!  I got my Income Tax refund already.  Because I had the paperwork, I filed electronically 2 weeks ago, and that paid off.  I guess nobody else in the country files their taxes that early.  Anyway, since I had that chunk of change in my account, I paid the insurance and then drove down to the Enola K-Mart (which is closing) and bought towels and plaid boxers.  There, in case you were wondering, now you know, it's boxes over briefs.  They are next best thing to letting the wild beast run free.  And almost as good as letting the wild beast run free, is dressing him up in plaid.

Let me tell you, there's nothing better than a nice warm Tartan.
I did my cardio to the new Fall Out Boy album this AM - Mania.  There's only one song that I suspect will have to grow on me, the rest of the music is good.  The only problem I had was this was the first time I listened to it in its entirety which meant I was focusing on the music and not my legs - as a result I only managed to get in 2.1 miles.
Oh, and I saw that the House of Fools run by that minority hate group, the Republicans, has voted to release a sensitive document, a memo written by one of their own, which they claim will show bias in the DOJ.  For this document to have any value the writer would have needed to be an individual above reproach by both parties.  Evidently the Democrats have their own memo, but that minority hate group, the Republicans, voted to repress that document.  Basically what they're doing is releasing something one of their own wrote, using suppositions he cherry picked, to prove the other side is bad.  Think of it as a trial in which only the defendant and his crooked lawyers speak, the prosecution has been locked out of the courtroom.  The only ones who will believe this is their base... and Faux News.
Tonight the Idiot Jerk in the White House get to speak on National TV - like so many of you out there I will not be watching.  Instead I will most likely be playing a video game.  I'm sure I'll have much more fun playing Fallout New Vegas, feeling all warm, and cuddly, and plaid, than I would vomiting.

What do Conservatives hate?

Lots of things, most of which are guaranteed by our Constitution.
One of the things they hate more than anything are protests:  they publicly prove that they are not the party of choice and that their policy changes fail when applied to the majority.  But then why should they care about the majority?  This is the 2nd time they've managed to get a Republican into the White House through the electoral college.  And this one's an even bigger idiot then George W.  I mean, one thing you have to say about George W, he didn't lie.  This one lies, daily.  And his supporters don't seem to mind.  That tells you a lot about them, doesn't it, that most likely they lie just as much.  And he flip-flops constantly, depending upon whom is whispering into his ear.
I mean, there were Tax Day protests this past past weekend and he's asking who's paying for them.  The fact that a majority of the people don't like him has yet to sink in... but then I doubt if it will ever sink in because he'd rather lie to himself by telling the world he's popular.  This guy's dumb as shit.
His policies are scatterbrained.  We shoot missiles at Syria, but that's probably a once and done deal.  We drop the "mother of all bombs," with a 1 mile diameter kill zone, and only take out 94.  The fact that this bomb isn't meant for highly mountainous terrain where there are steep hills and valleys didn't seem to occur to anybody.
And there's the possibility he's going to initiate another Korean War because Conservatives like to tell themselves they're military smart.  Wrong, they are as stupid as the Idiot in the White House.  And they hate that.  They want to prove their superiority... and they fail consistently.

Not to be dropped in mountainous terrain

As always, they will never learn.  He will never learn.  And we will pay for their hatred.

Retail and the IRS

Yes, that time of year is approaching when vast numbers of Americans file with Turbo Tax as fast as possible in order to get their return.  Oh, yes, and quite a number of Americans do get refunds.   What do they do with those refunds?  Spend them! I can tell you, I work in Retail and Retail looks forward to Income Tax Time.  Why?  Because those checks are spent on things like, appliances, and x-box's, and carpet, and a host of other things people put off buying until they get that check.  Christmas helps grow the economy and so does Tax Time.  Which makes me wonder why the Republicans are so dead set on screwing over the middle class and their tax cuts in order for the wealthy to keep theirs.  Face it, the Koch brothers don't race down to Home Depot in order to take advantage of their $37 whole house installed carpet.  Yet, if you're a middle class home owner that is something which may be high on your refund spending agenda.  I know there are going to be people in my community who will go out and buy a new refrigerator, or washer and dryer, on mattress set.  They may decided to replace that sofa which, after ten years of kids jumping up and down on it, has no spring left.  Do you think the rich have to wait until income tax time to make these purchases?  No way.  It's almost as if the Republicans are expecting to hear "hey, let me drop the soap so I can bend over."

I always like getting the check.

And, as always, they want entitlements on the table (define entitlements as social security).  Do you really think the wealthy are worried about paying their bills in their retirement years?  Are they concerned about whether their social security check will cover all of their medications and still let them put food on the table?  Of course not, but somebody needs to pay.  They prefer to penalize the middle and lower classes then those upper crusters who seem to have them on a very short leash.  I don't think they comprehend that stability is only maintained when there is a balance to the structure.