Supremes

Hard to believe it is July already; summer (and life) is flying by.  Also, it was really hot today; the AC ran all day (I loathe to consider the electric bill) and there was a sense of heaviness to the air.  Heck, it is heavy now.  I took a stroll about 9 PM and it was....dense but comfortable.  I have been on a kick to keep the windows open but not today.

The Quiet Unraveling of America’s Food Safety Net - POLITICO
Is it me or is this article somewhat misleading?  I mean, for one, they don't mention that the current approach is also unsustainable -- look at our debt levels, for one.  And two, there is of course fraud and waste -- all these states have error rates that are incredibly high -- and no one is going around lookingn at that.  I am not saying we should go Nick Shirley here, but...

Is it me, or did the Donald win at the Court today, even if he didn't?  I mean, transgender bans are ok, and as I think the Court got the citizenship correct... Trump can continue to campaign a bit about it,  and maybe someone will figure out a way to actually do it legally...  I would get rid of pardons first, but photo ID while voting is something you can also run on.  And it sure beats the truth.

Awake and Alive

My plan to go to bed early foiled by the low blood sugar alarm, here we are.  Busy weekend -- busier than I thought it would be.  At least my jello came out perfectly; every layer set just so, even, no bleed between levels...yes, it took more time, but it was worth it, not only to me but the family as well.  Rah.

Saturday I woke up bright and early for OC duty.  The crowd was a bit low (113) but that was good, as we had but 9 volunteers (four fewer than the minimum), so we had to hustle.  I was all over -- up front, packing bags, moving boxes of canned goods off the pallets, etc.  I wish the parishes with too few volunteers had let us know.  In the meantime, our count is going to be a bit low for the month (in the post-COVID era).  I of course attribute this to GOP prosperity, which our left-leaning staff found to be...insufficient.  Oddly, our hot meal counts are low, too.  I did note that historically, our counts were always lower in the summer, so maybe we are going back to the old normal?

Then it was off to the bank (another HELOC payment, gotta start thinking about the next project), the gym, and a couple of errands.  Then home for a brief moment to shit/shower/shave, as we had a family fest and I had to get my aunt and then off for poker and fun.  I was ahead $6 for the night (not counting gas and jello expenses), leading to jokes about my hitting the night deposit on the way home.  I need to buy stamps (food pantry stuff), so I will just offset that.  

Today was the usual -- Mass, gym, Communion to my friend in West Park -- and then home, where I caught up on some work, handled paperwork, and made a brief appearance at a friend's soiree.  It is a perfect night -- just cool enough to be comfortable, a bit of a breeze -- and tomorrow it will be gone for the swelter pit.  Hard to believe June is almost gone!

NRCC Battleground Memo
This will surprise absolutely none of you, but I will believe it when I see it!

Setting Not Settling

Late night for me -- I made a jello for a family fest, and we all know how I am about every layer setting and being just right.  That means every layer has to set, and that takes time.  More time than I thought, as I did much but not all of what I wanted to do while making it.  Unfortunate, because I wanted to clear out more emails, links, etc.; at least I got the dishes done, some OC paperwork handled, and a corner of the table has been cleared off.  I even filled the paper box for the recycle bin, which took some work.  I am a bit tired, but will be more tired tomorrow...but the jello looked good (letting it set now), and that is what matters.

Experts Warn Mamdani’s High-Stakes Vote Could Trigger a NYC Housing Crisis
Another thing that can happen is that apartment owners will sell their units into co-ops -- people who buy -- and force the tenants on the street.  I wonder what would happen then... not good, I am sure, but markets find a way of working, no matter who is in charge...

The Mars Delusion

This was a fascinating read.  I guess I would say that while it is unlikely that we settle Mars, it isn't as if we shouldn't try.  I mean, there are other scientific discoveries we could make, and even if we only make it to the Moon, we are better off.  Hell, if we put ALL of the Democrats there (whether it was habitable or not), think of how much better Earth would be!  :)

Catching Up

Three days and no posting...tsk tsk.  Monday I just crashed and Tuesday my sister and I had dinner.  As part of Cleveland Burger Week, I found a place -- Jojo Carlone's in Berea -- that had a marsala burger, which seemed interesting to me...and we met.  It was good -- burger a bit greasy, and the marsala was a little understated (I would think that red meat is less absorptive) but it was fine.  We caught up on stuff, yay!  And, yesterday I went to bed early as I had some fasting lab work to do and of course I wanted it done first thing this AM, so... 

Now I am awake, as I stayed up to watch the US World Cup match -- superfluous as it was -- and of course I fell asleep.  Missed the equalizer but did not miss the loser... alas.  I guess it was good in that no one got hurt, yellow and red cards, etc.  I guess it is cool that we advance -- I will never not root against Team USA -- but when this ends...I will be relieved.  This game is incredibly boring...

Long week so far, and a busy weekend already.  Summer is really flying by -- June is almost done!  I am behind on my reading, but have caught up with the paperwork.  Dare I say I am already looking forward to next weekend; with the off days and such, I might be able to rest and catch up on things.  Not bloody likely, of course...

Funny, one of my friends -- he and his family went to Gettysburg last weekend, and being the buff that I am we chatted about it.  I joked about Dan Sickles, but if you think about it, he is one in a long series of American antiheroes; I would put Aaron Burr as among the first, but Sickles is up there.  Certainly, Dan had an interesting tale, but I don't think he won the battle.  If anything, he certainly shit the bed, but (like John Reynolds getting killed before he could answer for disobeying orders) losing a leg and being able to tell your story to sympathetic Democrats (no matter the time, they are always up to no good) is a good way to evade criticism.

Hours

Good weekend, sort of; I didn't sleep well, or long, and I am feeling it today.  Friday was the usual, and Saturday was not helped by a 3AM low blood sugar alarm -- I had been sleeping fitfully (eventually) and poof, there, and there we go.  Oi.  Oh well.  I am getting slightly tired now, and I think I will crash suddenly.

Friday was the World Cup, and Team USA won.  This is good -- moving on to the SemiFinal round, if you will, is what you want.  I give soccer credit; the game was fairly boring, and then there is just enough excitement that you think something will happen, and it doesn't.  Oi.  Saturday I woke up an hour later than expected -- slept through the alarm -- and I hate to say it, but I was slightly off-kilter all day.  Everything was just behind; gym, bank, errands... all was behind.  I did some work this weekend, and I think I could have used an extra hour, even if just to better go through the email pile.  I did go through the email pile on my personal account, and the links, and we all know how I feel about that.  I even did some SVDP stuff, though that just generated more work.

Speaking of more work... last week we had a bag drop off -- you drop paper bags off at Mass, and people take them and fill them with canned goods.  I gave the second homily at some of the Masses...anyways, we had about 30 bags of canned goods in the back of the church today.  A fairly impressive pile, as most of them were quite full!  Of course, the problem was that we all whose job it was to take them to the OC.  I took an hour (more of that time!) to put everything away; at least we have 30 more paper bags at the OC (I even saved the paper attachments for next time, as my frugality knows no bounds).  More seriously, I was quite pleased by the response, and I even have some people who want to volunteer on Saturdays (so I can retire).

‘They Don’t Know How to Accept Him’: Vivek Ramaswamy Navigates Identity in Ohio - POLITICO
Dare I say that I have had this thought myself?  And, no, it shouldn't be an issue, but this is OH, the GOP (even if I suspect most of these types are former Democrats), and this is an election year.  And, as I like to say, a blue wave, so... it does add a level of unnecessary complexity to the equation.

The New Right Has a Blueprint for Building a Christian America - POLITICO
All while I was reading this, I couldn't help but reflect on the long tradition of utopian communities in the US.  Most of them come from the left, and I cannot recall a one that is around today.  This would be cool if it works, but I do not think it will...

Trump’s Lasting Legacy Is Trump Himself - NOTUS — News of the United States
Yes, this is something of a problem, especially when Trump is now unpopular.  There are ways to solve this, but I do not think POTUS will agree, which is also a problem...

Europeans in the US for the World Cup Are Celebrating American Culture—Specifically, Red America's Culture
Exactly correct!

Dining Out

Yet another late night, but with a pile of paperwork done, bills paid, checks written, grants applied for... etc.  Well, such is leadership.  Anyways, tonight I also had dinner with my sister -- her pick, and she selected The Club House in Parma Heights.  I had heard about it for its chicken paprikash, and it was quite good.  We both discussed that there are fewer places that serve dishes like this nowadays, so... places that do will do even better.  They had a few interesting things on the menu, so I would consider going back.

Last night (ok, Wednesday night) Team Eleven returned to the fold, going to the Wine Spot in the PSRCH for Pub Quiz.  Team Eleven led at the half, fell behind, and -- powered by a sweep of the NASCAR question in the final round (my guesses played a key role), we pulled off the win.  It was glorious, as we had not played in a while (my fault) and a win on the road... I offered to waive the non-Pride victory banner there, which went over fairly well amongst the more progressive members of the team.

In other news, the pushback on the Iran deal -- especially on the GOP side -- is impressive.  I am not surprised by it, given how poor it is.  To be sure, there are already signs of it fraying, which would permit more bombing.  Not that they do not deserve it, but as what has been done has not exactly brought them to their knees...to be sure, gas prices are falling -- just in time for the midterms, I am sure, and that is what matters.

Changes Afoot

 Polling the Divide: Republicans, Democrats, and the Future of Democracy | The City Club of Cleveland | June 16, 2026
This was quite interesting.  For one, the City Club having two conservatives in a year?  I hardly think that they are turning over a new leaf, but... still.  Actually, it was sort of engrossing, and I do think he made some points.  Going at it with the guests was entertaining.  Some of these people are... well, I am not surprised they hang out there.

QB Brendan Sorsby will be draft eligible, does he fit with Browns? – Terry Pluto - cleveland.com
This could be me, but the last thing the Browns need is a quarterback with...off-the-field issues.  I guess it is an improvement that the team is saying "thanx but no thanx," though I can only imagine the drama this caused the front office to decide on this one.

Is it me, or do I feel that the peace plan with Iran is simply that to end the shooting (mostly) and get gas prices down (hopefully) before the election?  Mind you, that is a fine a goal as any, but... I do not think we will have achieved much, especially if (as I suspect) the Iranians will re-start their nuclear program as soon as they can.  To be sure, if gas prices come down and the pace of inflation slows, and if the peace lasts... well, it would be a foreign policy triumph of sorts, even if it was one of his creation.  Not that the Iranians did not need a thrashing, but if it is not complete and total...

Kicking It Around

I couldn't help but notice that there were four World Cup games today...and four ties.  With the exception of the goals scored...well, soccer heaven, I am sure.  In the meantime, at the College World Series... Troy -- the only non-power conference team -- is still in, beating Ole Miss.  I am sure some other SEC school will win in the end, but...for now, this is cool.  And, they do things like win and score runs.   

Republicans Say Voter ID Debate Is Done: What's Next?
This could be me, but if 80% of Americans want this -- and certainly 80% of Republicans want this -- and we can't get this done... we have major problems.  They talk about a blue wave (I certainly do) but how can you get people excited if you have all of the pieces in place and nothing can happen?  Good Lord, you should get your ass kicked if you can't get the basics done.

I have to admit, I am still getting a kick out of all those videos showing visitors to the US being wowed by the country -- the food, the sights, etc.  It is pretty cool, and there are some things we do well, at least.

Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech mutually part ways after gambling scandal, legal fallout
This is interesting.  Not exactly surprised, but I have to ask.. what was the point of all of this?  I mean, if he wanted a bigger pile of money... he got it.  Not sure what TTU thought they were going to get; I think I would have liked to have seen this thing play out, with them playing four MAC schools or something, but I suspect we saw what would have happened, and this just pre-empted the inevitable.  Though, as I so often say, we all love a train wreck...

Picnic Time

Good but busy day today.  Parish picnic, and I was helping out with the grill, setup, and cleanup.  There were not a lot of Polish parishioners who showed up, but there were quite a few more from the English-speaking community, so it worked out well in the end.  I think I was a bit more tired than I thought, between the running around, the heat from the grill, etc... I have a smidge of leftovers that will be lunch tomorrow, and all were pleased by the turnout.  Phew.

I took some leftovers to the Absolute House and then it was off to the OC for a bit -- I was asked at 7:15PM last night to take some canned goods to someone who called the help hotline for SVDP.  I didn't know what to do at first, but I realized I could take the client from the OC (accounting for it as a one-time only delivery) and that would help, to say nothing of reminding everyone that senior leadership is not just ordering people around.  We have some Peeps floating around the OC, so I took several for the kids.  I have to admit, the client was just meh about the delivery, but her kids -- the look on their faces when they saw the Peeps even softened my hard heart slightly.  Then it was off to the gym and then home to catch up on a bunch of things.

I also had to give the second homily yesterday and today -- we are doing a canned goods drive and I was asked to explain it and maybe drum up some business.  It was funny; I made a joke about how rapidly I speak, several people agreed with me, but Fr. Steve told me to slow down.... anyways, it went well enough (I hope), and we will see what comes in going forward...

Mattie Travels

Last night I had dinner with my college friend Kim and her daughter...quite fun.  We met at Kitchen Social in Pinecrest, which was packed -- I mean, it was a nice night out, the weather was perfect, who wouldn't want to go out and enjoy the mall?  Parking at the next county is fine, as I need the exercise.  Anyways, it was quite nice -- grub was good, we went down memory lane, and her daughters were amused/fascinated/appalled by our tales of yore.  I walked around a bit there... nice to get steps in, but I couldn't help but notice a slightly elevated police presence.  It is the East Side, but St. Anthony in Parma is having their festival this weekend and it is largely closed to the public.  Sigh.

Yesterday I also had an eye doctor.  It was fine -- some age/diabetes stuff that I need to monitor, but one thing was that they offered this "Dilation Reversal," where for $20 you can get drops to largely restore your vision after they dilate the pupils.  I was like, yes, $20 is a price for convenience, and it worked!  I mean, for an hour it was a bit off, but then it just cleared and vision was normal again.

I also watched the World Cup game between Team USA and Paraguay.  As I told several people, we cannot not watch Team USA, but... man, that game was incredibly boring.  I fell asleep near the end, and when I woke up (on the living room floor) it was past 3AM.  I slept through my first alarm (woke up for the second) but did have a minor kink in my neck.  My gym double may have helped, maybe not... ok, I feel fine now, but the legs are a bit sore.

Today was also a busy day -- errands, gym, some work, a grad party, the second homily at church to discuss our new canned food drive, and here we are now...read some emails, handled some stuff, the usual.  Rah!  My blood sugar was a little low at night so I used a bday gift card and hit DQ for a blizzard.  Quite good, even if I do not think I will have many more, with the whole diabetes and all...

Social Security Is in Worse Shape Than Previously Projected: Report - NOTUS — News of the United States
What will actually happen?  Nothing, of course!

Catching Up

Man, it was hot today, and yesterday, and the day before.  I fear the electric bill -- and summer has not yet really sprung upon us.  Sigh.  Anyways, today was a day of spending money; both personal and OC.  Utility bills, reimbursements for hot meals, roof repair... I mean, I hate the spending in general, both for me and for others, but... alas.  I did amuse myself and the contractor by going over some of the details over the materials and the install process, and my report did assuage some of the more reluctant types on the Board.  I hope.

I have a busy weekend planned, one way or another, but I need to keep cleaning my house (I seem to accumulate dust) and go through the paper pile on the kitchen table.  Some of it is food pantry stuff, some of it is SVDP stuff, and some are none of the above, but... well, they all need to go.  It would look neater, and in some cases, I have procrastinated enough.

The Law of Averages - by Umit Dhuga, PhD
Interesting!  Ok, maybe not; the ancients were not idiots, they certainly knew trade and finance, and someone put it all together...

This Is Why America Can’t Have Robots And Other Nice Things
I suspect the people who say we cannot manufacture things here are correct, but I cannot help but think the attempt to make more things in the US must be tried -- not only for reasons of national security, but also because we need a strong manufacturing base.  I think the economy works best when we do many things, and making the highly technical components of thing certainly counts.  Now, it would have been better not to have surrendered this in the first place, but...

Linx

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian hit and killed in store parking lot
Sad!  I have a few of his books here, and I rather enjoyed them.  I think the approach that he is a radical centrist is 100%, and I think we need more and not less of that in history.  I certainly didn't know he was 92!  I have been listening to some of his addresses on YouTube, and I should probably make an attempt to read more of his books, even though the reading list is full as it is.  Alas!

An interview with historian Gordon Wood on the New York Times’ 1619 Project - World Socialist Web Site
I forgot about this... I am not surprised the series was not debunked or taken less seriously, but... it should have been.  Most actual historians crapped on this hard, for a bunch of reasons, but still... it is hard to be a public intellectual when the press does not encourage this sort of thing.

The Fading Fun of Trump 2.0 - WSJ
I have mentioned this several times, and I think it is 110% correct.  All of these things -- war, inflation, the narrow majority -- weigh on the man.  That said, he needs to not do those things that cause this.  Also, I have to admit, the man feeds off a foil and controversy to really thrive.  So far, the Dems are keeping their powder dry, which I can see him objecting to, one way or the other.  Of course, this is for now.

Welcome to 48

So, I am 48, and it doesn't seem that much different than 47.  Indeed, I nodded off during Dr. Pimple Popper and now cannot fall asleep.  Sigh.  I had wanted to get some emails out, and I guess they will have to wait until tomorrow.  It was quite warm -- the AC was on a bit -- but there was a sense of... foreboding?  I mean, it was darker out with the clouds, and while we didn't have rain today, it felt like we were.  Odd.  I know we expect rain and storms later this week...it is summer, I guess.

Coaches, ADs 'disgusted,' 'stunned' with Brendan Sorsby ruling
Um, yes.  I need not remind you all that I called this, but... how the hell do you actually expect anyone to take this seriously if you let a guy who bet on his own team play?  I do not think this will last on appeal, but until it does (and it was a homer judge)...well, the NCAA (like every other league) got itself into this mess, so...

Anyways, Sunday was Corpus Christi, and as always, it was beautiful.  The altars were wonderful, the service was fine (attendance was a little sparse), the homilies nice, and I did NOT have to carry the blessed speaker, so I really got to enjoy the event.  We walk less now -- around the parish campus, mainly -- and there has been an effort to cut the time, I think, but I don't think it detracts from the experience.  I was joking that we are four months away from the Festival, but soon enough I will not be joking.  

I had breakfast before at Harvard Inn -- since the Red Chimney fire we need a new place.  It was... ok?  Not as good as the Chimney?  I mean, it was fine -- a bit too buttery -- but just different.  It was economical, and I should probably have the lunch menu as well, to judge it more fully.  After my Dominican feast...

Past-Posting

I was going to post last night but I crashed.  Not sure what happened but Friday I literally got no sleep -- I kept getting charley horses, and getting up with cramps, walking around...oi.  It was not fun, and I am sure the Lord was reminding me I am not quite a young man anymore.

Anyways, yesterday we plowed through -- met a friend for coffee, went to SJN to make the OC donation to the garage roof replacement fund, and then it was off to CentroVilla 25, the Latino-themed mall north of Metro. It was pretty cool, actually -- they have one section with stores, one section with food, and a central gathering area.  There are seven different eateries, each for a different country, and I have to admit making a selection was difficult.  I went with the Dominican place, and it was quite good -- chicken, rice, beans, plantains, cake.  It was a bit heavy for lunch after no sleep, but I will be going back to try them all.  

Have to admit I sort of crashed when I got home -- went through some stuff, vacuumed, dusted, moved stuff around, but the lack of sleep definitely got to me.  I did have time to read this:

Annotated Report
Which was interesting, if sometime incomplete and a big mess.  I think they are largely correct, but candidates and the economy matter too, as the GOP will soon learn, I fear.

I am now 48, and while I hate birthdays and getting older and such... I cannot complain.  Life is good so far - health ok, good job, house looking better, good family and friends -- there are worse fates to befall people.  All I need is time, and maybe some more discipline to use the time I have...

Wake but not woke

 Here we are, 1:30 in the morning, I should be in bed, but I was catching up on stuff -- emails, articles, etc. -- and he we are.  I guess it is officially the dah before my birthday, which does not help.  As I so often say, I had older parents, and I know what comes next (and in my case, sooner), and that is... not good.  I hit the gym and did some extra cardio, and then gave it all back by hitting Jimmy John's for a $5.99 Cubano (acceptable luxury to me in this day and age) and a cherry cordial flurry from Doc's -- as I told my sister (who mocked my big-spending celebratory ways), I don't mind going a little crazy once in a while.  I know I should be a bit more accepting of birthdays, but the leopard cannot change it spots.

Red, White & Clueless - ESPN Video
Interesting.  I remember going to a World Cup as part of the Citizen Bee and being bored out of my mind.  Hell, I am bored every time I watch soccer, so see above comment.  I guess I forgot that we advanced and were a thing.  

States balk at the high price of Medicaid work requirements amid budget crunch - POLITICO

I read this article, and I immediately thought 1) States always complain about costs; and 2) If they had been doing this from day one, it would not be the crisis now, and we would all be better off.  I realize the party that robs Peter to pay Paul will have the support of Paul, but eventually you do run out of other peoples' money.  I will also note that if you removing workers through immigration enforcement, thi would be a golden time to put people into the workforce, no matter what...if that is what you wanted to do.

Dark Clouds

Here we are, not blogging...  I was busy doing things, like work and some SVDP stuff.  Our initiative to revitalize older conferences is going -- not exactly swimmingly -- and we have some ideas for new ministries that I am trying to foment.  I always say that every time I sent out an email it generates two, and while that is not exactly true, it is close enough.  Sigh.  And, dare I say, I am a little...depressed.  My birthday is upcoming, and we all know how I feel about getting older.  It is one thing to say goodbye to 47, and... well, I just don't like it.  The weather has been nice, and I have been walking at lunch to get some rays, which has helped, but...  I will note that there is nothing on the schedule (for now) and I have not had any restaurant tourism in a while, which leads me to think that I should try to cross a place off the list.  We also need some Pub Quiz.  I have been busy, as has been the team, but the summer is the time to travel and try new places.  Rah.

Sherrod Brown leads Jon Husted by 8 points in Ohio Senate race poll | Fox News
This is not good.  I am worried about Texas (Paxton will drain resources that could be used elsewhere, like OH) and Husted has not exactly been on the air.  Ramaswamy is, but given his wealth, there is little reason he should be outspent.  

‘Why are we talking about this?’: Democrats are furious that the Bidens won’t go away - POLITICO
This amuses me, as we really should not be surprised that the Bidens are re-inserting themselves into the political sphere.  I am not sure that it helps us, as with inflation and prices being what they are, there is little point of reminding everyone who was President the last time inflation was this high.  I am not sure how this ends, and the issue is that POTUS doesn't seem to know it, either.