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...