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 As you can see, it is late, but here we are, blogging away.  I worked a bit late, was graciously asked to help lead a meeting, and then went out with some friends after.  It was fun and nice to get away -- we even saw some kids in prom finery, which was impressive -- but on the other hand now here I am.  I do work from home tomorrow -- plenty to do! -- so I guess it is not a total catastrophe.

The DNC Is Preparing for the Worst in Chicago — Without the Help of the City’s Mayor - POLITICO
Could Democrats be that stupid again and have convention chaos?  Of course!  Will they?  Maybe.  Will it hurt them as much as the CW thinks?  That I am not sure; older people may be turned off but younger people might be enthralled.  I would also note that in most cases people hold their noses and vote anyways (why I am skeptical of the Haley vote going to Biden), so even if there is convention chaos, Dems will come home -- as will the GOP.  There is the independent vote to consider, but that number is decreasing.

Kari Lake keeps giving Republicans new reasons to worry - POLITICO
This could be me, but shouldn't this seat be considered as important as Ohio's?  Gallego is on the air and defining himself; to me, the national GOP and others -- whether they like her or not -- should be countering that.  We might not win in Ohio or Montana or elsewhere, so ALL seats must be considered to be in play.  God forbid we win 5 or 6 seats or something.

Fat people are costing us all billions. It’s time to get tough (msn.com)
I largely agree, and I am not so surprised this is coming from the UK, where they have the NHS and all; it does affect their tax dollars directly, so people in turn are going to be miffed and want to pay less... not that they will want to eat less or get off their duffs.  In the US, of course, our health care bills are often divorced from us and reality, and aside from the general platitudes about health, there is no incentive to drop a few pounds.  Alas.

Unexpectedness

Long day today; worked late to get a grip on one of the projects (which underwent further revision, albeit somewhat more clarification), and then had to rush to the OC, as someone had left toys in the storage room (the fallout shelter!) for the Hot Meal.  So I made sure I went over there and salvaged them -- four boxes of games and such, nothing too exciting, but new, unopened, and available.  Might come in handy Saturday.  I made an unpleasant discovery; I heard a rattling, and something was in one of the traps in the food storage room.  I mean, it is good that we caught the thing, but after four months... well, to have a visitor was NOT pleasant.  I did write the exterminator to come and lay more traps; I guess I need to find more holes to fill, though the gaps in the garage door -- which we cannot fix, save for installing a new one -- could be big enough for a critter to enter through.  Sigh.  I may buy some as well, just to expand our coverage and get rid of them; like Democrats, you have to eradicate at first glance or else... you're stuck with them.

I must admit I am vastly surprised by the continuing contretemps in Broadview Heights; this could be me, but if you have tell people -- with great hullaballoo -- that you are inclusive, you really aren't, are you?  I would love to see new leadership in the city, and if this is what brings it about...well, I am going to be almost sad.

When I got home tonight it was the usual -- emails, paperwork, and follow-ups, accompanied by the PBS special (as a Republican, I feel somewhat dirty watching it, but if I can do it for "Downton," I can do it for something educational) about Pompeii, which was quite interesting -- hard to believe there is so much of the city yet to be excavated, and the interesting (and sad) things they keep finding in what they do excavate.

Sighs

Interesting day; got a couple of new projects at work, which were followed by multiple modifications of said projects, as well as shifting due dates.  This was meh as it is -- understandable but no fun -- but then I had a bunch of difficulties downloading some of the data files; namely, they were too large for converting to Excel, and I couldn't figure out/wasn't allowed to break them up.  I just put them in PDF form and will have to manually search them to find what I need.  Oi.  Then it was off to the gym (there was leftover pizza at the office and I felt fat) and then home.  Tivo'd J! and have been too busy to watch, alas.  I have quite the collection of shows, and I will eventually get through them, to say nothing of the Masters, which are hour-long affairs and thus are... well, I have to block out time.

The Democrats Have a Joe Biden Problem | The New Republic
Isn't this everyone's problem?  I do find it humorous that if the New Republic notices this, I can only imagine what John Q. Voter does.   I would say not good economically, but the rest... that is a problem.  I can still see large numbers of undecideds (in so far as they exist) breaking for incumbent due to infanticide, "democracy," and Trump fatigue, all of which are somewhat legitimate.  Somewhat.

Also funny; my plan to get through the paper pile on the kitchen table has been progressing -- in so far as it does -- slowly due to the general busy nature of my life, and the plan to get through bookmarks and such has been equally truncated.  Some of these are links related to my side hustle -- on which I have been putting in some work these past few nights -- and until I complete those writeups I cannot delete them.  I hate to say it but I am looking forward to Memorial Day weekend so I can devote some time to doing absolutely nothing but reading and watching films.

I realized today that I have a Communion breakfast this weekend and a pile to get ready for the toy drive.  I am fond of saying sometimes my life is not my own (every parent says hold my beer!) but this week is one of those times where it is especially apt.

Hot Meal Fun

 Well, that was a mostly exciting game, aside from the part about the Cavs not winning.  Funny; I barely watched the team during the season, and now...playoffs baby, I guess.  I was actually only home for the second half, as I was graciously invited to the quarterly Hot Meal meeting.  I am not sure that I was needed at the meeting, though it was good to see who was involved (some of our parishes are hot meal only, and some have different people involved in food bank operations), and they got to see me.  I told them about the other hot meals parishes/pagan churches on, and how we have similar issues -- rising costs, rising demand, etc.  This could be me, but a lot of our clients... well, the sense of entitlement is a bit much; I think fourths and tupperware containers for extra food is... well, right out.  At least we can afford what we are doing... for now.

A “Restaurant Apocalypse” Is Starting To Sweep Across America, And That Is Really Bad News For The U.S. Economy (substack.com)
Dare I say a bit of nuance is required?  I think a lot of people are doing well; if your house is paid off and you are working you are in great shape!  If you are working and have minimal debt (like me) you are ok; you notice costs and can deal with them, even if you are frugal (like me) and can reduce your exposure.  But for the bottom third, of course, this is something you cannot avoid...now, of course, most of these people voted for Biden, and they are getting it, and deserve it, but they will also keep voting for Biden, and.... alas.

Opinion: With Biden versus Trump, Catholic voters face a spiritual crossroads (msn.com)
This could be me, but when you have a Catholic president who says he is a Catholic, but never seems to endorse any doctrines or Church teachings...well, there might be some people who reasonably conclude he isn't actually Catholic, or a Catholic in name only, and thus that is something of an anathema, thank you very much.

CBS's Robert Costa Begs Bill Maher to Stop Mocking Lefties, Just Hit Republicans (newsbusters.org)
First thing I noted when I saw the headline is that he used to write for National Review, and was a good one, too... and now...alas.

Rest

 After the busy weekend, it was good to do... well, less.  My sister surprised me and showed up at Mass today, so we went to breakfast at the Chimney afterwards, which was good as always.  Favorite Niece was in town but slept in, so she didn't join us, though we did get her a side of hash browns to go.  It was good to catch up with my sister, not that we don't stay in touch, but...  then it was off to the OC, gym, and brunch with some friends.  It was well over three when I finally returned home and then it was off to do some contract work.  It was quite nice, and there were plenty of interesting things to learn -- always good.  Now, of course, I cannot sleep, but that is hardly new anymore...

Sad news about the police officer in Euclid; as always, I am shocked and appalled that his murderer was even out on the street.  I realize prison is about redemption, in some ways, but how many times do we read of career criminals being out on the streets and then going on to commit more serious crimes?  Oi.  Have we not learned the lesson that some people simply need to be put away forever?  

It was Mother's Day today....funny how one adapts to the fact that Mom isn't around anymore.  I was joking today about how I could have honored Mom by going out to eat, hitting the casino, or that sort of thing, but I didn't.  Maybe I should have but of course the casino has no charms for me, and I had plenty of grub at home.  Or, as my sister helpfully suggested at breakfast, there is always time for a rain check.  Sigh.

Catching up

 Busy weekend, as evinced by the fact that I am just getting home now and blogging.  Today was an early start, as I had OC duty.  The crowd ended up being ok -- 119 -- but we had shitty weather for most of it; rain, often heavy, windy, and cool -- so much so I ended up getting one of the space heaters in the back to dry off.  The clothing racks could not be put out, a bummer as we had plenty of them.  Also, I had plenty of handouts for next week's toy drive, which we didn't need, as the people we thought would come did not. I guess I had made too many.  Alas.  I still think we will be able to give them away, but...at least all the produce went (not that we had a lot), stuff was rotated, and the mission was done.  Phew.

Wedding after, and while it was fun, it was very tiring, as I was out and about all day and night.  And, on the heels of last night's Four Eagles Dinner... well, Mattie could use plain fare, plenty of rest, and plenty of quiet.  None of these are especially forthcoming in the next few days and weeks, but we will make do.  I may nap tomorrow, though I will probably just drink five cups of coffee instead.

At the wedding today a couple of people told me about the story from St. Thomas More in Brooklyn, how a convicted pedophile is cantoring at Mass.  While on the one hand I can see the point -- he is not with kids, he is front of everyone, everyone deserves a second chance -- the optics, at the very least, are incredibly poor, and as always...I find it fascinating (but not surprising) that no one downtown thought to say "Gee, this might not be a good idea, which leads me to wonder who is actually running things...

Restlessness

 Last night was not good; I just could not fall asleep.  I went to bed at 12 or so but it was 2 before I fell asleep, and even then it was not fitful, as I got up a few times.  Oi.  I was definitely feeling it today, with some cramps and discomfort, and a general sense of blah during the day -- a couple of extra cups of coffee for sure.  I intend to hit the hay soon, and while I may do a gym double tomorrow... if I sleep in a bit, it will be ok.  This is depressing, as I have a busy weekend and I need the proper and sufficient rest.  Alas.  We march on.

I am fascinated by the drama in the House with MTG and Speaker Johnson.  I find it interesting that Dems are working to save his speakership, one because he did the right thing on Ukraine, and two because he doesn't have the dishonesty of McCarthy (which seems to have affected equally on the left and on the right). It could, of course, be his personal religious views that are driving this -- it certainly hasn't been claimed by any of the articles about him, which doesn't surprise me, given who is writing them.  It is odd.  Of course, as the Dems do not have a majority, and I don't see anyone crossing over to vote for Jeffries, I think he can hold on, at least until the next election.  If we still have the majority then... who knows.

I decided to treat myself after work and went to Slim Chickens; it is a fast casual chain, specializing in fried chicken (tenders, wings) and such.  It was quite good -- decent portions (I will switch out the fries next time for a less heavy side) and I think I got more value for my cash there.  Now, I wouldn't eat there all the time, but... another thing. I was one of three people who ate inside; I counted 14 cars in the drive-thru and three DoorDash types.  I realize the rain -- quite a contrast from yesterday -- might have compelled people to stay inside, but it is a very odd thing to see, even after all these years.

I put the Cavs on late (forgot they were on) and I thought it was a typo; impressive win.  Hearing that the Celtics missed 16 of 17 threes in one stretch reminded me of the Duke offense, where -- whether they felt they were able to make them or not -- they would keep shooting, no matter the score, and usually it ended poorly.  That said, if the Cavs can keep this up...

Argh!

 At no point during my day could things have been described as "smooth."  First, I took the Behemoth to Safelite to have the windshield replaced, and... well, there is some rust by the windshield (the cause of the crack!) and they won't do it; the options are to have it repainted or go to a place (not Safelite) that will fix it.  I have an oil change next week, and I can discuss the options my car care professionals, but...oi.

Work was fine, actually; they want me to add a second screen -- I will try anything once -- and while the usual issues continued, I had a good meeting with my new supervisor and we went over a bunch of things, long- and short-term, which left me feeling good.  I worked late (catch up on stuff in advance) and then decided to treat myself to Panda Express -- it has been a while.  It was... ok?  I guess I had orange chicken with rice last time; this time I had the veggies, and it was surprisingly spicy; I expected sweeter, I guess.  Not sure it was worth $13 and change, either.  Alas.  I also went to Lowe's to get a new mailbox (sigh) and then Meijer to buy a vacuum.  When I got home, my plan to quickly remove old mailbox and install new one went awry; had trouble finding tools, for one.  Next, the old mailbox was really on it; I bent a hammer trying to get the old fasteners out.  The wood shims used to hold it in place fell off -- rotted, too much damage, who knows.  This was a problem, as new mailbox is slightly larger than the base mount.  I was able to screw it in on one side and gorilla glue it on the other (getting it on my index finger, joy) so it sort of works.  For now.  I suspect the next snowplow season will kaput it, but maybe the city will replace it...plus it took longer than I expected, so no assembly or use of new vacuum.

At least I was able to complete some grant applications, catch up on food pantry paperwork, and ID a few more websites and addresses to switch.  I need to close out the old account -- sigh! -- and I may do that this weekend.  Also finished book 15, The Dead of Winter, which looks at how Belgian civilians look for (and locate) our WWII dead from the Battle of the Bulge.  Hard to believe that so much military material is just lying in the fields and woods there, even now.

Also annoying:  not only did a new Games Magazine arrive -- not even half done with the old one -- but the local free paper came with a very solvable brain teaser... and of course it two days past the day the solution was due.  Oi!  As I have yet to use the gift I got from when I won a couple of months ago... well, it is the principle of the thing!

Crypto Exchange FTX Is the Rare Financial Blowup That Will Repay Victims in Full - WSJ
I realize the chance of this happening is slim and none, but couldn't SBF have an appeal here, as how could there be any fraud if the victims (mostly) got their money back and then some?  I know I have mentioned that I always felt he could said there was no intent, I am just an idiot (and as vegan Democrat, easy to believe)... but it must now sit well with him in federal prison knowing that many of these people will make out ok in the end.

Can Trump be Trumped?

 Is it me, or is the Trump trial not exactly going well for the guy?  I mean, first is the constant threat of contempt and jail; I know it is completely against his character, but keeping one's head down and quiet might be an asset about now.  The testimony from the campaign staffers isn't exactly a slam dunk in his favor -- even if you favorably spin Hope Hicks' testimony.  And then today there was the Stormy Daniels experience, which, no matter you may think of her, didn't exactly spin the guy in a positive light.  I am not sure that any jury -- much less one in NYC -- will be able to split the difference between worry about the wife and payola for the Presidential campaign.

‘F46 LGB?’ Federal lawsuit claims Ohio license plate request has nothing to do with Joe Biden, or Brandon - cleveland.com
This could be me, but -- aside from the whole First Amendment thing -- wouldn't we be better off in selling these things to the highest bidder?  Certainly you could make a bit of cash for the state, which they could use (poorly).  More to the point, how do you decide how anything could be vulgar and offensive in this day and age?

Evangelicals Hate Stormy Daniels But Love Trump. Here’s Why. - POLITICO
This is... interesting.  I don't really buy it, and the Catholic in me... well, this is somewhat foreign, mainly because we do not read the Bible, of course.  (Snark!)  I can't really reconcile these two things, the man of God and the virile, lying, cheating, warrior, and I have a sneaking suspicion we would all be better off if we ditched this sort of thing.  

Technological Pretensions

I sort of had a backwards day... I didn't realize I had an MD appointment today until they called this morning and asked if I wanted to move it up, so I worked through lunch and went there... it's at the Ahuja complex on the East Side, and if there is one thing I learned, it is that we now know why our medical care is so expensive, as that place is a fricking palace that makes City Hall look like a log cabin.  I didn't feel badly getting a free cup of coffee, let me tell you that.  At least my health is fine!  Then, after an interesting drive home (I do not miss driving on the East Side), I worked til 6 to make up the time.  I then did some much-need weed whacking (first of the year); I should have prolly cut the grass, as my neighbors did, but there is only so much time in a day.  It does look quite nice, and I would like to think I reached the line where I cannot mow with the riding machine.  Then I watched J! (but not the Masters) and off to the gym.  It was good to lift and get a chest workout in, good to ride the bike (an excuse to get some reading done is always good) and I reflected upon the stuff I need to do, both long term (house crap) and short term (like buy a new bathroom, upgrade my wardrobe and shoes, etc.).  We all know how much I love lists, so I may as well make one.  The short term I should start handling; maybe not all at once, but one or two action items a month is fiscally doable.

One action item I did take care of today was getting my windshield fixed.  The crack is long, and water drips in, and as I hope to keep the truck a few more years... well, I called Safelite, and while of course the cost is just under my deductible, they can get it done (hopefully) Wednesday.  I would not say the process was terribly smooth; you make the appointment online (they have a site across the street from my workplace) and then they call you and your insurer to determine coverage.  A bit odd, and of course my first call disconnected, and the second was... comprehensive.  But it was done.  For some reason I decided (later on) to call the cable people to see why my Tivo isn't recording or deleting programs.  That went... well enough?  I realize I am talking to an AI bot most of the time, but it took quite a while for he/she/it to figure out the problem, and of course my cable box froze while troubleshooting.  For now, though, all is working normally.  I hope.

I watched Tim Burton's "A Nightmare Before Christmas" today; one because it is on the National Film Registry (832) and two because it was due tomorrow at the library.  It was... interesting, I will give them that.  I think it is fair to say that I am not exactly the target audience.  Actually, I had trouble trying to figure who was the target audience; not quite a kids movie, but more for adults who are fans of Burton as it is?  The story was fine, and the animation was interesting, but...I am not sure what was the point, other than the fact that he could.

Rain on the Parade

 We had Mass for my grandparents on my father's side today, and it was... fine?  I picked up my aunt (a bit out of the way) and a couple of my cousins made the trip from Medina to the Shrine... we took the gifts up, which was a bit nerve-wracking but ultimately successful, and then we all hit the Chimney for breakfast.  One of my cousins is getting a divorce, and as no one in the family likes the guy, there is general happiness.  I do feel badly for all involved, but... well, these things happen, I guess.  But still sad.

One of my friends' sons was in town for the afternoon -- he is a flight attendant -- and he wanted to hang out for a bit and catch up.  This was fine, but his hotel was downtown -- when multiple sporting events were occurring.  I went down there and found a spot on Lakeside where they have those app-based things on the parking meters.  I wasn't sure about this, but... the spot I picked was free, which surprised me, given there was sportsageddon going on.  As for the getting together, it was fine...good to see a young man growing up, but it is a little odd that people think of me as providing moral guidance...

One thing I didn't do was the laundry pile or the bathroom cleaning, which is not that surprising... I did some more research work, which I wanted to do, and then I took a nice long walk outside; despite the threat of rain, it was good to meander a bit and catch some fresh air...hard to believe that spring is finally here, maybe because there was a week of crappy weather just three weeks ago.  I did note it was the Polish Constitution Day parade, and there is always rain on that one, which is why I avoid it...

Progress Of A Sort

 I don't know... I wanted to get to 1,800 posts by my birthday, and while I think I can, I need a month of posts, and there is slightly more than a month to my birthday, so... I will need to post pretty much all the time, which I should be doing anyways, of course.

Food pantry duty today, and I was one of the co-managers.  Actually, it went quite well; we had plenty of volunteers and the people were... not so crazy.  The count was 159, so with the exception of two squashes, we gave away ALL of the produce (including some old stuff).  Actually, only about 12 clients took squash; the rest were given to supplement produce bags as we ran short.  All of the bread went, while we went through exactly half of the frozen meat I ordered.  As planned.  While it looked sketchy, we put the clothing racks out, and aside from a few sprinkles, it stayed dry, which was fine, as we gave away plenty of stuff.  This was good, as more is coming.

Even better news; not only did the contractor confirm for the Communion breakfast, but I may have found a partial sponsor, and one of the parishes on the East Side we are trying to get back into the Order called me tonight and they are planning on attending.  Phew!  It would be nice to get them back in, for many reasons, from PR to geography, to say nothing of the Matt desire to add new members.  Course, getting this brunch off would be meritorious enough, sort of.

That was quite the Kentucky Derby; close and exciting race, just what people wanted to see (even if the photo finish took a bit long to call).  The star power I saw was... an interesting mix, I will leave it at that.

I have yet to watch any of the 82 movies I have wanted to, which is a problem, and my reading is also lacking (I did some contract work today -- I have a bathroom to pay for!).  I think I can finish a book and a movie tomorrow, which would be an accomplishment, but not really, given as it is stuff I should be doing.

Links

 My streak of blogging ended last night, as I had dinner with a friend.  Funny; he suggested Brew Garden in Strongsville... and the neither of us drink.  I had an interesting -- and quite good -- beet salad with quicken; I really liked it.  It was just nice to sit, eat, and shoot the shit for three hours.  Odd, because once I got home, I couldn't fall asleep; I went to bed at 12 but it seemed at three I was still up.  Very depressing.  At least I had plenty of energy during the day... can't crash tonight or tomorrow, though!  Methinks I will hit the hay early -- or at least try to -- tonight, though I suspect I will just lay in bed again.  

Why Late Night Shows Won’t Roast Joe Biden - POLITICO
Two things; first, Greg Gutfeld has the top-rated late night comedy show, and it took them until the last paragraph to mention it?  That's laziness, stupidity, or both.  Two... they didn't stop to ask any of them what they will happen if they keep going easy on Biden; I mean, it's one thing to say he is a defender of democracy (yeah, sure) but it is another NOT to cover the basics, like he is senile and is prone to say stupid shit...for five decades.  I would be vastly amused if some guest -- even if not a GOPer -- went on their shows and called them out for it.

Why the FED Should Be Already Cutting - The Big Picture (ritholtz.com)
This is exactly correct, and again, you would think someone -- anyone -- would be asking the President, the Fed, anyone with even a finger on the levers of government -- about this.

Did Richard III Kill the Princes in the Tower? - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
This is a fascinating article.  Hell, this is a fascinating tale, and people are still interested in it.  Indeed, this is one of the problems with history; not that the minutiae is not important or interesting, but if no historian wants to write about this, and some highly talented amateur comes in and does it... why carp?  Can't someone look in the mirror and say "Let's look at this?"  I saw the TV special about this and this is a book I would move up on my list...

Parishes turmoil as traditionalism sweeps US Catholic Church | AP News
God forbid people expect Catholicism at Mass.  More seriously, I think there is something to be said for this; yes, many people will not like the changes, but there are also plenty of people -- the ones who write the checks and do the work in the parishes -- who like and want these changes, and if more of those people start coming to Mass... we might just be better off.  I always say there is a way to be political, conservative, and orthodox at Mass, but of course... one has to be nice yet doctrinally correct.  I am not sure one priest in twenty knows how to do this, but much as the GOP is becoming a party of working people, so too can the Catholic Church be a church of... actual Catholics.

Transitions

Had our quarterly District Presidents meeting today for SVDP, and it was... good.  I had a full page of notes, and I just finished all of the followups related to them.  Didn't exactly solve some things -- leadership changes in the District, need to add parishes and members -- but I got some ideas as to how to proceed.  Our CEO is retiring in a week -- no replacement yet -- and our President is term-limited out in September, and we selected his replacement.  This is all fine, but we all know how I love change.  I suggested the President should accept the resignation of the District Presidents so he could choose his leadership team, which everyone was amused by.  Afterwards we chatted and I got some more ideas...

The Jeopardy! Masters tournament started today... the first game the questions were impressively difficult; the second, a bit easier, a bit less pop culture, and my score was higher...I mean, it should be harder, but when I am not getting as many correct, it is very, very sad.  At least I can get through the pile of old puzzle books from my mother... 

Biden’s Electoral College Challenge (msn.com)
Interesting analysis; I think this could change if his polling improves, but will it?  Gas prices and inflation are one thing, and the student protests should have a positive impression on the nascent GOP electorate, which appeals to the "poorly educated."  On the other hand, Trump can't get out from in front of himself, and the abortion question is something we have not resolved...  I will admit I am bemused by the MTG issue; it appears her machinations may save Speaker Johnson, and it seems to me she should have been primaried at the first opportunity...