Early to Rise

Finally finished watching Ken Burns' "American Revolution" series tonight.  I think my original prognosis was... correct?  It was good not great?  Again, I think they hit upon as broad a range of topics as possible -- good and bad -- which is to be commended, though I am not sure that some things should have been stressed over others.  I don't think it is unfair to say that perhaps too much was spent on some things over the main point -- how the entire concept of the revolution was.... revolutionary?  But overall it was worth my time -- I don't think 2 hours is too long, honestly.  But I am a history nerd, so...

Today was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so I woke up earlier than usual and attended early Mass (sparsely attended, as it is always is, alas).  I am glad I went of course but am dragging a bit now... on the other hand, it was a mostly good day -- productive at work, handled some stuff for the OC, etc.  I have to admit, I can tell when I do not have enough rest.  My sister would remind me that I am not as young as I used to be, and I hate to admit she is correct.  Of course, this is the only place I will be admitting this...

How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices | US news | The Guardian
I am glad our state is listed as trying to do something about this, but there is NO reason why this should be happening; I can't imagine how annoying it would be to be overcharged and not have anything that could be done (I used to complain about it at Acme, and I am the one who watches what I spend and can figure out what my bill should be ahead of time!).  I doubt our legislature will do anything about this, but...

The Somali Welfare Fraud Scandal Is Even Worse Than You Think
This is a huge deal, and while on the one hand we are good to be stressing it, but... I don't think we are at the cusp of realizing how bad this is.  I don't doubt that the state of MN dropped the ball here -- on purpose -- and given who runs it, they will not do anything about it.  Will the Feds do it?  Should they?  Of course.  It's not an ICE issue at this point; Pam Bondi should be there personally signing indictments until Doomsday.

Notre Dame Takes Stand, Vanderbilt's Clark Lea Takes CFP Accountability | OutKick
Dare I say that Vandy is taking the correct path and Notre Dame is not?  Even given that some of the players off to the NFL weren't going to play...they don't have other guys on the roster to step up?  I will also note that while the ACC should be faulted for not promoting them, Notre Dame is not actually part of the ACC; Miami is.  ND wants the best of both worlds -- membership in a conference without being part of one -- and that means that they will not be in the front of the bus.  I feel badly for them but not that badly (not that I ever feel badly to begin with)...