A sense of progress

Back to the grind tomorrow; in some ways this is bad -- the time off was nice -- but I also the hustle and bustle of work.  I did get a lot of stuff done today -- some more cleaning, some bills paid, some errands, some gym. etc.  I also watched "The Social Network" just now.  (851 of the National Film Registry!)  All I can say is...wow.  I was impressed and engrossed.  Quite a story (prolly embellished) but impressively told, fast-moving, and compelling.  Felt badly for his ex-best friend, honestly.  At least, as the story was told.

I will finish my current read tonight:  The Bastard Brigade.  It is interesting -- if a bit jumbled -- about the Allied efforts to prevent the Germans from developing an atomic bomb (and there were many).  It is good -- fast-paced, the science is basic enough that I can get it -- though it seems that they could have told four different stories in four books.  This will get me to 44 for the year; good in that I am reading 4 a month, but my goal of 50 is a bit off.  Oi.

One Undocumented Worker Used a Stolen Identity. Two Men Paid the Price. - The New York Times
I realize this is the NYT, but... it's hard to feel sorry for the guy who faked an identity, ran up debts in someone else's name, and killed someone.  I guess they did the story justice in the way that only they can do it.

In other news, Duke -- 7-5 in the ACC -- is in the ACC Championship game.  Last night the ABC crew were stating that the Sun Belt champion would be ranked higher than Duke in terms of playoff seeding.  That is impressive in its own right.  I sort of want them to win out now; not that it will change anything, but it would be amusing for a team to win its conference championship and be nowhere near the playoffs.  Clay Travis and the Outkick team were saying we should get rid of them, but to me... it only shows that teams have too many non-championship alternatives to make the playoffs.  Course, when the SEC schedules FCS teams, it's not like they care, either.

Woody Would Be Proud

I was going to title the post "Ryan Day Doesn't Have to Update His Resume," but that would be... well, a bit mean for me.  More seriously, it was a big win for tOSU -- in Ann Arbor, difficult conditions, history, the early turnover.  But, Sayin played well, the D played outstanding, and dare I say that while I felt the playbook was a little tight early, it maybe worked?  The power running job wore them down late, which is all you can ask for.  Just from the socials, FB, and the texts... it seems the state is in a better mood.

So, much of this weekend has been Operation Clean My House (in fits).  Yesterday I did the living room and the bathroom (and made another large batch of turkey soup), and today I have done most of the kitchen (the kitchen table has to be cleaned).  It has not been done in a while (obviously) so... anyways, it looks much better in here.  Still have to do a bedroom or so, and the table needs a cleaning, but it does look and feel better.  I did the kitchen today because I also made cranberries and my aunt's corn casserole, which I missed... I doubled the recipe but not the milk, so it is not as creamy as it could have been but it is still good (phew).  Anyways, there are dishes, but tomorrow is another day, sort of.

Yesterday I decided to treat myself and I went to Mahall's in Lakewood for Emo Night.  It was...glorious.  I knew every song, and for three hours just to listen to some of the best songs of my twenties... well, it was awesome.  It was a rather late night, and I am feeling it now.  To be sure, I have plenty of milk to drink, so I can put down some coffee, at least.  I have to admit, it was fun, but Lakewood is sort of pain, especially in the winter.  You have to park on the street, and walk on it too, as not everyone shovels (I don't have a sidewalk, thank God), and of course a spot is never close... I realize I am a child of the suburbs and expect plenty of free and close parking, but.... I would prefer NOT to wait until the summer to enjoy emo night.  (Soon, I should be enjoying sleep!)

The COVID political backlash disappeared - by Lakshya Jain
I don't know: I don't think it destroyed the Democratic party, but it shifted the GOP!  Namely, the MAHA wing is ascendent, and then of course we have the distrust of government types... but their suspicions are warranted, given what has happened to education (among other things).  I mean, I suspect there are plenty of GOPers who would prefer not to think this way, but when the Dems run people like Amy Acton... you have to pick a side.

The cave where it happened: Denisova cavern’s congress of ancient peoples
This is pretty cool, and what, a decade ago...no one even know that there was a separate human species?  Wonder how many more are left to be discovered...

Turkey Day

I woke up at 6:30 this morning, took some insulin, went back to bed, and woke up at... 11.  Oi.  I guess I needed the rest, and we are off this weekend, but... I felt like my clients at the food pantry, lazyasses who sleep in.  Then, after I showered and had my brunch apple, I discovered that they were planning on not having the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners -- lack of volunteers, cost, Lord knows.  I mean, if you cannot do it, you can't...and then our operations manager has a plan next year to try and make up for it.  I do not necessarily think it is a bad idea, but I don't think it is a good idea... I guess I can Pontius Pilate it.  But it seems... unwise.

In the meantime, it was Thanksgiving, and it was glorious...went to my aunt's house where we had plenty of good stuff; my uncle picked it up from Stancato's.... while I have heard hit or miss about them, it was good (even if my aunt reported some oddities in the service).  Then dessert and chatter.  I got out just when it started to snow, and while it wasn't too bad... it seemed like people were being more careful on the roads, which was probably wise.  I heard a snowplow a few hours ago, which is good and bad.

Then home -- no J!, sadly -- but I watched Duke win.  Too many turnovers in the first half, too many missed 3s, too many Arkansas runs, but... they made some runs as well, played some inspired defense (at times), and pulled out a win.  Splice the main brace, almost.

No, instead I watched "Spy Kids," the 850th movie on the National Film Registry I have seen.  It was ... cute?  I know I am not quite the target demographic, but it wasn't too bad; plot was fine, interesting scenes, lots of star power, and even some cheeky references to other spy movies.  Could be worse!

Relief

Is it me, or is the tragedy in DC 1) Completely affordable; 2) a crime committed by the Biden Administration and the Dems that must be fully punished; and 3) the sort of godsend issue that plays to Trump's strengths?  Not saying it will push the other stuff out of the way, but...  to be sure, the press will "do" their part, so it is up to us to beat the drum properly bout this, and Lord knows if that is possible...

Funny: I caught up on the back episodes of J! sitting in the queue (3 for 3 on FJ, phew) and then I nodded off on the floor.  So here we are, tired but not quite.  While I should get up early, hit the gym, and start cleaning the house... I think I might just not set the clock and sleep in a bit.  Lord knows I need it.

I am (legacy) reading The MVP Machine, which looks at the role of technology -- not just video but biometrics, real-time data, etc., -- in developing players.  My former favorite Trevor Bauer gets quite a bit of ink.  This thing came out before the Astros saga, so in some ways it is dated and in other ways it is... well, a bit naive.  I had thought about sending it back to the library but I guess I am glad I did not.

Gas prices hold steady for Thanksgiving travel after years of increases | Fox Business
This is correct; gas is a good bit cheaper than usual -- I bought at $2.64 today, and it is Thanksgiving weekend, when everyone travels...  not that POTUS should be spiking the football, but it should be mentioned!

This House GOP centrist is plotting a new health care bill aimed at winning over Trump - POLITICO
Will this work?  Probably not but as a way to reduce spending/temporarily fix things/avoid an electoral bloodbath it just might be enough.  Might, of course, is the key...

Linx Fest!

Something of a blogging hiatus; no real reason, just busy, and then I get tired (even though I sleep late and wake up early), and then... repeat.  Alas.  But here we are...  Anyways, today I made the second turkey of the season; this one was the 14-pounder.  I have to admit, it was... a bit harder to handle.  My soup pot was full for the brining, and while one would think that six more pounds isn't that heavier, when it is going into a hot oven, or coming out on a hot baking tray... anyways, I think I did it perfectly again -- moist, juicy, perfectly cooked, etc.  I polished off a drumstick today, and it was heavenly.  There is a lot more bird there, and I don't think I will eat it all, so it will be frozen.  And turkey chili, after turkey soup.  I should almost do this throughout the year...  I was busy at work and could not make cranberries, but tomorrow is another day, there is a long weekend, etc.  Rah.

Victorian diary-writers kicked off our age of self-optimisation | Aeon Essays

Interesting; I have always thought I should keep a diary (I mean, I do, here, but...); indeed, as a student of history, I should have kept one, as one of the best ways to look at the world is to see it through the prism of someone who lived in it.  And, a printed, hard, literal source... well, that is the primary of primary sources.  I am part of the problem!

Is This Man the Hardest-Working Art Thief in History? - The Atavist Magazine
Also interesting, and if you think about it... the perfect crime, and the perfect group of victims.  Odd to think how little punishment they received, and how little of the loot was recovered.  I realize the police are busy, but...if you think about it, the only way the punishments should not have been more severe would have been if the stuff was recovered.  

Las Vegas is in trouble Everyone has a theory about why. Now I do, too.
Having been to Vegas somewhat recently, I think this is exactly correct; people will go and spend, but there are those who will go and not spend, and eventually not spend at all.  Also, I am not surprised that PE is getting involved, because if you have a group of people who will spend no matter what... well, why not seek to maximize your revenues from them?

How close can East and West get in Nicea? - by Ed. Condon
Um...ok?  I guess this is fine to be nice to pagans, but once we start admitting that their crappy religions are equal to the majesty of the Roman Church, we are just shitting the bed here.

‘Democrats are going to come to regret this’: After Epstein vote, Trump ready to attack - POLITICO
I will believe this when I see it?  I mean, yes, we should be going after Dems for this (and everything else), and in some ways the Donald is the perfect man to do this.  Of course, even if we do do it, will it stick?  Probably not. Very annoying but certainly not surprising.

Relief

OC duty today -- the last of the month -- and the count was 118.  Odd, after the zoo we had earlier in the month, to have a fairly slow day.  Clients were mostly good, but some of the royal pains came around (oi).  We suspected that some people will be there next week and discover that we are closed.  Alas.  We did put signs up, and of course, people know we are closed.  The fridges were emptied (I ordered less produce and the order was cut), the tables cleaned and scrubbed, took the trash out, etc.  With the holiday on Thursday, we only have a few Friday pickups, and that will be that.  The count was 749 -- a record, and yet again evidence of my superior generosity.

After the gym I stopped at Swenson's for their turkey boy/sweet potato fries and pumpkin pie shake.  It was good -- but I am not sure it was $20 good.  Not a lot of fries, and while the sandwich was very solid... it is a lot, especially when you get a sit-down meal in a lot of places.  Alas.  I accounted for it as a treat to myself...

Inside Greenpeace USA's fight for its life - POLITICO
This is almost sad.  :)  Not really, of course, and if that was the advice they got....well, they deserve all they got.

Trump's Catholic Border Czar Sets Bishops Straight on Immigration – PJ Media
Snicker.  More seriously, I don't recall any serious pushback on, say, abortion, during the last administration, but now... to be sure, I think Pope Leo is pursuing a middle ground here -- yes, you can police borders, but you have to treat people well.  I think that we can live with that.

Thune steadfast on data seizure payouts for senators as Republicans seek repeal - POLITICO
I am not exactly getting this; why don't they go after the people who put on the surveillance?  I would think that would be politically more palatable than blatant payouts, and this is why people hate DC/

Mattie Makes Soup

All sorts of interesting stuff in the news.  Yesterday was the better-than-expected jobs report (for September).  Today was the meeting with the mayor-elect of NYC, the Munich-like peace plan for Ukraine, and MTG resigning from Congress -- that escalated quickly, as they say.  I am not exactly sure what the POTUS is doing in Ukraine (aside from making a mess) and I guess you could say the same about MTG.  If she thinks she is going to be primaried, fine, but...

House set to denounce Illinois Democrat's succession scheme - POLITICO
I do find it interesting that this is the behavior that Democrats (some) find objectionable; texting that someone's kids should be killed is fine, but this raises some hackles? 

Two other things of interest... one, Virginia Tech rushing out and hiring James Franklin.  Is he a good coach?  Yes.  A great one?  Maybe?  I mean, he seems to recruit well, and he wins a lot, but there seems to be a paucity of big wins...certainly, everyone seemed to notice, especially outside of Happy Valley.  I don't doubt that the Hokies will win more with him than without, but... I am not sure they had to hire the guy today.  

Second, I have watched three of the five episodes of Ken Burns' "American Revolution."  (The middle ones are in the queue.) I think I was impressed by the breadth of the content; they hit everything -- inflation, currency issues, the war against the Indians, the brothers' war in the South, etc.  There is something to be said for the Shelby Foote approach, and while he didn't exactly do it entirely, it was more than I expected.

In other news, I made turkey soup... I started with stock, which I started this morning.  All I can say... it is a lot of work!  I mean, the stock is just put the carcass in the pot and boil down, but the rest... well, it takes time -- cutting veggies, making some noodles, breaking down the bird, etc. -- it was literally 8 hours to make (even accounting cleaning on the fly and such).  To be sure, there are plenty of servings (I need to make freezer room!) and it is pretty good, but I can see why I didn't do it before.  On the other hand... there ARE a lot of portions.  There is something to be said for cranking out good food -- and plenty of it -- and it is cheaper than eating out (my parents spin in their urns).  Especially, speaking of, I grew up in a home where soup was poured out of a can... I think I will try it again, if only because I want to...

Mattie Nails It

Monday I made the turkey... and I nailed it.  A couple of edges were a little hard, but the rest was... juicy and perfectly cooked.  The brine was fine -- definitely added to the flavor.  It is quite delicious, and my plan for turkey leftovers has been put on hold, as I think I will be eating all of it.  Ok, a friend crashed here Monday for dinner; he has been having some issues, and came over -- conveniently, as I told him -- and he wolfed it down, too.  Anyways, I guess I can do some things.  More seriously, I was pleased with myself; to be sure, I followed the instructions closely, but... it feels good.  Rah!

Yesterday I watched Duke (I have been accumulating episodes of "The American Revolution) and it was... well, about what I expected?  Tough first half, Duke benefitted from some calls, and the talent won out.  I do like that they are trying for a tougher schedule -- there are too many Little Sisters of the Poor as it is -- but a few more good teams early is hardly a disaster.  Even if you lose one (I vomit in my mouth), SOS counts for something, and if the ACC is down again...

I hate to say this, but I am looking forward to the Thanksgiving break, so I can at least clean my house; I think my floors can use the attention I gave to my bathroom last week.  No OC duty, no work, certainly not leaving the house on Black Friday... I can even rest and catch up on some reading.

Speaking of, I finished Alberti's American Carnage tonight... it is his look at Trump's first term and the forces that drove it.  It was interesting but... it didn't exactly explain the why and how.  I mean, he did a nice of telling us what happened, but he seemed to miss the rest.  To be sure, a liberal Democrat journalist (is there any other kind) would miss it, but I would have liked something more.

Mattie brines

So, I brined the turkey tonight -- found a recipe online for salt, sugar, soy sauce, and whatever else you wanted to add.   To be sure, my turkey was supposedly pre-brined, but I figured why not, and there I went...it was pretty thawed, and I think the rest will do the trick.  Tomorrow will be the day I cook it -- I figure I can start it while working, as all I need to do is turn on the over, get it hot, and put the bird in for a few hours.   Then, turkey heaven.

Watched episode one of Ken Burns' "American Revolution" tonight.  I don't know; I think it was a bit too woke in that they were ascertaining everything to the rapacity of settlers, but not too much -- I think it wasn't so much greed, of course, but that people wanted their own freeholds, and a lot of the good land was taken by planters and magnates, so...he did a good job of explaining that many colonists felt they had done quite well on their own during the French and Indian War and that also affected how people felt about this.  I will definitely try to watch tomorrow; I mean, if it don't like it I can stop, but so far it is... ok enough?

I forgot to take a picture at the OC and in result my streak of content is in danger... I don't have to do it every week, but... now I feel I sort of have to.  And I should, to set an example, etc... rah.

I just realized I have two piles of crap in the living room, and I should probably fix them and get rid of them; not that I am expecting company, but... I have been thinking about purging stuff, and maybe after work and when the turkey is setting, I can do so... I am not quite at the age where you want less stuff, but sadly... that day is sooner than I think!

A busy day

Good day at the OC today; I expected a zoo-like crowd, and when we first started there was one....but we ended up with a count of 174 -- more manageable and after the zoo of last week, sort of a let down (sort of).  I mean, we had an early rush but after the first hour it was slow and steady.  Nearly all of the bread and produce are gone, the canned goods inventory is a bit low (as expected), and the new policies in the clothing room -- fewer clients, less time in the place -- seemed to work fairly well.  For now... anyways, it was a good day and I was pleased -- lots of volunteers, too, so it was... smooth.

Then it was off to the gym, home to shower, and off to Hale Farm for a Thanksgiving dinner with President Lincoln -- I saw it online and looked interesting so I signed up.  I had not been to Hale Farm in 30 years -- not that far, really, from where I live, and it was picturesque to look at such towns as Richfield and Bath as I drove there.  I would NOT want to go there in the snow; hilly and curvy roads on the last mile, and I cannot imagine going through there in bad weather, four-wheel drive or not.  I also recalled that the place was a lot nicer -- modern gift shop, meeting hall, etc.  Anyways, it was... fine?  Dinner was good.  One of the re-enactors sat at our table and talked with us.  Abe came around, gave a speech, took some questions, etc.  Would I go back?  Maybe.  I am certainly glad I went though!

Then it was home to read a bit and then I tried to watch the Ohio State game, but ended up nodded off through much of the second half (which is why I am up now).  I guess I am more tired than I thought...of course, now that I am up now, my biorhythms will be off.  Alas.

SNAP Is Funded Again. States Still Have to Deal With Trump's New Eligibility Restrictions. - NOTUS — News of the United States
Is this a bad thing?  No, I do not think it is -- trust me, many of these people can work, and many of these people need it, and as I say, if you can afford cigarettes... you can afford food.

Why Doesn’t Anyone Trust the Media?, by Jelani Cobb, Taylor Lorenz, Jack Shafer, Max Tani

I dummied into this, and upon seeing Taylor Lorenz on the list, I was like "hm," as she is one of the main reasons people on the right do NOT trust the media.... but early in the article, she was talking about the coverage of the COVID pandemic, and she something that I never imagined she would say...
The media should have held Biden more accountable—it’s too soft on the Democrats.
Um...yes.  And she could be the one to start!

Mattie Has Bold Plans

So, Acme was having a sale -- turkeys at 29 cents a pound if you bought $50 worth of groceries.  I decided to buy and make a turkey, so I bought $50 worth of stuff -- sort of challenge, but there are things I will eventually need -- and I have a 8.4-pound turkey thawing in the fridge.  The plan is to brine it tomorrow -- I looked online for a recipe -- and then Sunday I will make it (I hope).  I made one in 2020 for COVID, and as I really like turkey... I figured I would make another.  I also like turkey chili, so I can make that as well; I mean, 8 pounds is a lot of bird...but I can make it last.  Unless of course I screw it up...

West Virginia upsets No. 15 Duke after 6 ejected in first half - ESPN
This could be me, but... 1) I watched the video, and they throw out six people just for leaving the bench?  Oi.  How they can make the sport more fun, and this happens?  Two... this could be me, but if WVU had only five players for the second half, and they come back to win... that is more than a bit embarrassing.  At least the Brotherhood -- in the Little Sisters of the Poor part of the schedule -- hit the century mark.  All you ask for is that no one gets hurt and that they can figure out which rotations work best.  

Tom Izzo Fires Back At Critics Of His Tough Coaching Style With All-Time Quote | OutKick
Funny; he is correct, 100%, and for all of this... he gets guys to play for him?  Mind you, his players love him, and it's not like they don't know what they are getting into.  Hell, he handled Draymond Green for a term!  I mean, in this day and age -- NIL, transfers, etc. -- it is good to see that one old guy is hanging on...

Nuncio in Britain says pope won't overturn restrictions on old Latin Mass | USCCB
Interesting.  On the one hand, no change, but on the other... well, the waivers are more liberal.  I wonder if this will be the "policy" going forward -- no open change, but waivers to anyone who wants them, no questions asked, possibly indefinitely... I think we can all live with that.  I realize Leo is an American (albeit from a Bishopric in the antipodes), but he should know that the growth in the faith is from the Latin Mass types, and the Francis policy of shitting on them...well, if that is gone, that is a.... a true blessing.

Steady the Buffs

It was an interesting day -- one thing after another, not that any other day isn't like that.  I mean, all you can do is plow through and solve the next thing that comes along.  More of the same tomorrow, though in theory... it should be easier, and if we can clear the decks, if you will... in other news, not only do I have a full crew of volunteers for the OC this weekend, I think they will be coming somewhat early, which is nice...starting early is as good a form of crowd control that we have.

Trump’s affordability push is speaking louder than his words - POLITICO
In some ways the election day losses are a blessing, in that we have a year to figure out what works and what doesn't, and if this is the first step... more the merrier.  I suspect there will be a deal with ACA subsidiaries -- instead of getting rid of it kit and caboodle -- but I guess we can live with that, sort of.  How shall I say this?  Why I am not surprised the Dems are pissed about this, I am glad enough of them realized that they weren't going to win there, so... what was the point, aside a hissy fit?

In other news, I find Brian Kelly's lawsuit against LSU to be... interesting?  I mean, unless he figures he will never coach again, and this is his retirement... between his record, all of the revelations (shocking and surprising, I am sure) about him, and the going to the mattresses approach regarding his buyout... who in their right mind would ever hire him?   Especially as it got the AD fired, and those guys like job stability as much as anyone.  Now, to be sure, we all know that eventually someone will hire him -- I can see him in Colorado in two years -- but I would like to think at some point someone will say the douchebaggery factor is just too high.  Of course, this is America, and no one has ever said that at any point at any time in our history, or something like that.

Ready for Bear

Funny, sort of; we had our quarterly food pantry board meeting today, and I expected it to be contentious... but it was the complete opposite.  We were all pretty much in agreement on things -- how to handle the larger crowds, people who keep coming back even if they are not supposed to, clothing room issues, everything... phew.  To be sure, we have issues -- the crowds, the clothing room, we were rationed out of half of the kids' coats we were expected to get -- but it seemed that everyone was on the same page.  Phew!  Now, I fully expect zoo crowds the rest of the month, and hopefully they will be diminishing as SNAP benefits are restored (thought they should not be)...but that is conjecture.  Considering how our Hope and Changer clients like free shit, they might keep coming back...  and we will tell them to move on (like we are supposed to do).

It's Time to Stigmatize Some People Again
I completely agree; I have often said we do not have enough shame in our society, and this is the end result.  The fact of the matter is that there are a whole range of behaviors we could alter if we wanted to; the question is do we, and I suspect not.

In other news, it is Cleveland Pizza Week, and... I should go?  I mean, I can't remember the last time I had pizza, and it would be good to support a local place.  On the other, I am a diabetic, and I do have a list of other restaurants to try. I have been on a restaurant kick, or had been, until I got busy with work and life, and here we are.  So we will see.  Also, in addition to health, I have windows to pay for, and while a $15 pizza is not exactly going to set me back... it is the principle of the thing, as we like to say.

Jon Husted Likes His Chances - NOTUS — News of the United States
I hope so?  I mean, I think he is correct that he is the favorite, has the party behind him, and OH is leaning red.  On the other hand, Brown is popular, he won't be primaried, I sense a blue wave coming, and I can see the Dems pulling out all the stops to win this seat back.  I realize I see dread in everything, but we need Sherrod Brown back in the Senate like hemorrhoids.  

Mattie Tries to Sleep

Funny, sort of:  I was tired and meh, tried to go to bed early, and of course I could not fall asleep.  Today I have felt equally meh, and once I post here...well, off to bed.  Maybe Saturday kicked my ass more than I thought?  Maybe the change in weather and seasons?  I do not like winter, and it seemed like we got some snow today; it was a bit jarring to wake up so early in the season and see it on the grass.  It definitely came down some more tonight -- you could see it despite the early dark.  To be sure, tomorrow it will end and they are predicting nice weather for the weekend... when I can exhaust myself again doing food pantry stuff.

Might we see an end to the shutdown?  Conveniently, just enough Dems crossed over in the Senate re-open the government (without a vote on Obamacare subsidiaries, pissing off the left) and now the House has to return and vote on it (probable?).  Will SNAP benefits start flowing?  Will this stop the flood at our food pantries?  Hope so... though, as I say, we all know how Hope and Changers like free shit.  As I often say, the way everyone has behaved -- the people, the media, the Dems -- has been nothing short of miserable, though, of course, completely expected.

I was more than bemused by the article on cleveland.com about how the city would be better off without the Browns stadium... I of course that the thing should have read "without the Browns."  Now, as I always, people wanted them back, and now you have them, so people can now sit there and watch the crappy team and their ridiculous owners make a mess of things.  Now, I don't doubt for a minute that the Dems who run the city and the county will screw up the lakefront, but...at this point anything they decide will be better than what we have now.

Records

So, OC duty today, and... we had a record crowd -- 257.  (Obviously evidence of my superior generosity, of course.)  We started early -- by 8:20 -- and it sort of helped... but I still had to put cones out (people drove over them anyways) so we could close at 12 (we served the last client at 12:06).  To be sure, the last clients got only canned goods and bags of apples, as that is all we had.  Not that this is a bad thing -- people complain when stuff is left over -- but some of our clients expected more.  I was telling them when we ran out of stuff, which didn't exactly help, though some understood.  I have to admit with all the running and all (I did hit the gym and erranded after) I am more tired than I thought...and of course, next week will be about the same.  Oi.  Of course, I am not a fan of the shutdown, but Democrats brought this on, and they should pay for it, and for jacking up my healthcare costs...among other things.

Last night was my aunt's birthday, and we met for dinner at Olesia's/The Tavern of Richfield.  I had not been there in 30 years -- back when it was literally the only place there -- and it was quite good.  I mean, it was pricey, but the portions were quite generous (I took some schnitzel home) and it was solid.  My sister pointed out that a burger and fries is $18, so spending $10 more for a real meal... and it was good to get out, spend time with the family, etc.

My sister pointed out to me -- I seldom watch weather -- that we are maybe expecting 5 to 10 inches of snow between Sunday and Tuesday.  I mean, I know it can snow, and with the lake not frozen the lake effect chance is high, but it just seems too soon for this.  To be sure, the pantry and the larder are full, I can gas up a bit tomorrow, and I can certainly weather (pardon the pun) two days at home...but it will be annoying.  I mean, I can skip the gym if need be, but... I guess as I have gotten older, I am less than enthused about winter, to put it mildly.

Mattie Dines Out

Funny; I have cleaned out half of the emails in the inbox, and I feel... well, that I should handle the rest.  Oi.  I have these visions of doing much over the weekend but I think we all know what the reality will be... I mean, with food pantry duty and such, I am going to be a busy guy.  

I went to the endocrinologist today, and it was illuminative.  He pointed out that a medicine I was on was a steroid, which can affect blood sugars, and thus I should be using it rather sparingly.  I was like, shouldn't t the other MDs have noticed this?  He said yes... oi.  It is times like this that I wonder why I even trust the medical profession at all; between the cost of the annoyance factor, it is...this?  I realize medicine is complex, but... mine are simple?  Yes, I have diabetes, but...that's it.  Few medications, no other conditions, fairly good shape...  so I would think they could pick things up?  Oi.  

The Roman Empire’s Entire Road Network Just Got Mapped, and It's Mind-Blowing
Pretty cool!  I think we tend to forget that Rome was not only urbanized but also... fairly well-connected.  I remember reading about how quickly Roman emperors could move armies say, to fight in their 300 civil wars.

Yesterday my sister and I had our monthly dinner (for October); it was my turn to pick, and in response to her complaints about my crazy tastes, I suggested a more traditional place -- Forage Public House in Lakewood.  My sister noted that the organic stuff and all is... not quite traditional, but for me...it would do.  It was pretty good -- my sister liked it (especially the sweet potato fries) and the breakfast dish I ordered pretty decent, too.  The main issue was the parking -- I know it is Lakewood, but we both had to park far (eschewing the $6 garage), and hence I hoofed it for two blocks.  Of course, I told her that the places I normally pick may have interesting cuisines, but they have ample convenient parking.  She almost appreciated that... 

Thoughts

Is it me, but were the election results largely what was expected?  Maybe not on the margins?  Maybe the VA AG race?  But, overall -- losing the two blue state gubernatorial races, the CA redistricting -- is what was going to happen no matter what?  It is a concern for the GOP, as it reflects a general...unease?  I mean, it indicates Trump is losing (or not drawing out) the middle voter.  Can it be turned around?  Of course.  Will it?  Good question.  To be sure, the shutdown is something that weighs on people, but the GOP cannot cave; hell, I still think they need to extract... pain and suffering on the Dems for this in the first place.

On to happier things...Duke won tonight.  Maybe this was also expected, though it did not seem so at first -- down at the half, Boozer scoreless, you need a scorecard to see who all the new faces are (snark).  But, to their credit, they recovered, put out a big second half, and pulled away.  I forgot that Sean Miller came back from the dead and is coaching at Texas...then I thought that he really isn't the most scummy guy in the profession now.  What this says...

DDF vetoes use of ‘Co-redemptrix’ title - by Edgar Beltrán
Interesting; I remember this was a thing when I was in college, comes back every once in a while.  People used to say that there were millions of Catholics who believe this, but as there are a billion Catholics... that is like 1/10 of 1% of all Catholics?  More to the point, it is something of a dodge -- Mary is not direct path to salvation, but she has the inside track to Jesus?  Very Catholic, actually.

americanenglishThe Economic Geography of American Slavery
Interesting -- I love this sort of thing!

Mattie Hoops

College basketball started today, and I decided to treat myself and headed down to Akron to watch the Zips take on JMU.  Funny; I almost went the KSU -- they were playing Troy -- but I went to Kent before (to see JMU) and I figured why not go somewhere different.  And it was...fine?  I think UA is a bit farther away but it is literally right off the highway (KSU is over the river and through the woods, so to speak) so in time, it is about the same.  Parking is fine -- about a block farther than KSU -- and the JAR is... cozy.  More gym than arena, but I think I rather like that -- cozier, more intimate, you hear the band, that sort of thing.  It was cashless, which I am resigned to... 

As for the game, it was good.  UA won.  They came out hot, but then JMU started hitting threes -- the Zips really didn't shoot well from there and they came back and took the lead.  In the second half, Akron pulled away... helped by the fouls.  The discrepancy in fouls was impressive, and the JMU coach was...audible in his displeasure.  And...he was right?  I mean, it affects game moves, roster management, etc., to say nothing of giving up 15 points at the line.  The fans were going crazy, but I think he was right; it's one thing to be on the road, but this was...a bit off.  Anyways, it was good to get out of the house and watch two mid-majors play a game that is sort of important; I mean, the difference between 14 and 15 seeds are...well, slightly better?

What the Welfare State Hath Wrought – Calling-all-RushBabes
Whoa, SNAP – HotAir
One, the GOP really should be making ads about this, and two... it IS a problem if 42 million people are on food stamps.  Really, putting off work requirements til next year is... dumb.  I suspect that most people can work and until we make them do so...  The partial funding is just kicking the can down the curb; I give the Administration credit for trying to crack down on fraud, but I don't think anyone on their side wants to do anything about it... nor do I blame them... you know what I say about the party who robs Peter to pay Paul...

Mattie Has a Weekend

 So, Saturday was food pantry day... I had joked, sort of, that we would have 200 people, and we had exactly 200 people.  Evidence, obviously, of my superior generosity and prognostication skills!  :)  More seriously, I had expected this and it happened.  To be sure, it wasn't too bad -- most of the clients were nice, I got there early to prepare, the volunteers arrived a few minutes early (and we had enough of them), and with my running, we were able to move people fairly quickly.  The place is pretty empty; the produce is gone, the bread is gone, the frozen chicken I ordered disappeared... about what you want, mostly.  Ordering is tomorrow and we will see what they have...I hate to think what we do if we get 200 people every week.

Yesterday we had a family wedding, and it was...fun.  My cousin's stepson got married -- he is in a metal band, and a lot of the guests were metal heads.  Interesting vibe, which I loved, to be sure.  It was outdoor -- nice venue, beautiful view, and just warm enough... and it was good to see the family, catch up, that sort of thing.  I guess I should get married for some family fun, though that seems extreme.  And, I have to find someone dumb and desperate enough to marry me.  ;)

Today was beautiful at Mass; I didn't realize we have a special All Souls Day service (Because it doesn't fall on Sunday but once every seven years!) but... it was very nice.  Special readings and music, the prayers for the souls in Purgatory; shame we put the lights on because the sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows...well, it makes a nice touch you just don't see anymore.  Obviously I need to go All Souls Day Mass every year!