Trump’s SOTU: “The Golden Age of America is upon us”

Posted By on February 25, 2026

I was asked to submit something short for TheHustings right-column after President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address. It was long … but excellent. Pres Trump poinitngBelow is what I submitted:

President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union was a powerful showcase of America’s resurgence—booming economy, secure borders, and bold leadership that puts America First. He avoided directly scolding the Supreme Court Justices on tariffs, but had no issue chastising Democrats, stating “these people are crazy” and asking “how do you not stand up for that?”

Foreign policy weighed heavily, as all in Congress grasp the gravity of military action. Trump pledged to make peace where possible, but said he won’t hesitate to use force when necessary. It was an ominous warning, as he highlighted Iran’s killing of an estimated 32,000 civilian protesters amid their ongoing nuclear enrichment and weapons pursuit: “I will never allow that to happen.”

A few lines drew extended applause, but one on the threat of criminal illegals stood out: “The first duty of the U.S. government is to protect American citizens … not the illegal aliens.”

Trump’s speech featured extraordinary stagecraft in weaving honored guests throughout—Olympic champions, real heroes, everyday winners from his policies, and inspiring stories that brought the MAGA vision to life. He reflected on the dire economy and inflation under Biden, then expressed confidence that after one year of his policies, “our nation is back—it is indeed a turnaround for the ages.” The address was bold, honoring, positive, and convincing: “The Golden Age of America is upon us.”

Unique beach finds as the Delray Beach FL restoration continues

Posted By on February 24, 2026

Delray Beach Florida looking north 260222

The pumping of sand on Delray Beach continues and the progress has been impressive before the next cold front arrived early this week — another photo or two. Brenda and I continue our long exercise-oriented walks of 17-20 minute miles (for 8-9 miles) … depending on the conditions (tides and sand conditions determined our speed). Thankfully my foot is improving and Brenda’s new hip rehab is a thing of the past. Whew.

Squid Baby Squid

We are enjoying our time, the warm weather and the sun this year and are continually amazed at the new creatures we come across on our walks. First (above) was a tiny squid that was still alive and that washed up on the shoreline. I took a photo and then scooped it up and released it back in the ocean. It was the first squid dead or alive that we found on the beach in all the years we’ve been walking here.

Not to be outdone, the next day we came across an even more rare beach find: an ALIVE female argonauts – Paper Nautilus Octopus (see some Grok AI info below).   

Paper Nautilus Octopus

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It’s been 46 years: US Men’s Olympic Hockey Team Wins GOLD

Posted By on February 23, 2026

The U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team just pulled off something epic—they beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
AND … it was the first men’s hockey gold for the States since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” back in 1980. What a way to end the teams impressive performance (although Team Canada wasn’t bad either). 😉

USA Men's Hockey Win USA for the Win

This gold-medal showdown was intense from the drop of the puck. Matt Boldy got things rolling early, scoring just six minutes in to put the U.S. up 1-0. Canada fought back as Cale Makar tied it up with about 1:44 left in the second period. From there, it was a defensive slugfest through the third, with both goalies proving they belonged in the Olympics.

Then overtime hits, with the 3-on-3 first to score madness. Zach Werenski feeds a perfect pass and Jack Hughes puts the puck in the goal at 1:41 for the Americans. Pandemonium erupts and red, white and blue USA cheers fill the arena as the solemn faces of the Canadian fans indicate the outcome … even though the game could have gone either way. BUT … on this day, the U.S. found a way, even when they were outplayed in stretches. It’s not quite the underdog miracle of ’80, but it’s a new chapter for American hockey and a “new Golden Generation” as some are calling it.

Huge congrats to Team USA. They went unbeaten, took down the hockey powerhouse on the biggest stage, and gave us one of those moments we’ll be talking about for years. What a game, what a win! 🇺🇸🥇

Five Great European Trading Companies from 1740 – 1855

Posted By on February 22, 2026

Yes … I do love looking at maps AND learning more about history … especially sailing and shipping history from centuries ago. BrilliantMaps.com always posts something interesting to read and learn about. Hm .. Five of the Great European trading companies: 

European Trading routes 1740 - 1855

The map above shows the routes taken by 5 of the Great European trading companies between 1740 and 1855. Here’s a little bit more about each of them:

British East India Company (EIC)

Founded in 1600, the British East India Company grew from a trading company to a military and political power in its own right. By the early 1800s, the company controlled large areas of India and had more troops and ships than the British Army and Navy. Nearly 15% of Britain’s GDP was a result of the EIC’s activities. The company ceased operations in 1874.

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)

The Hudson’s Bay Company was a fur trading company that at one point controlled an area of over 7 million square kilometers of North America. In 1870, the company’s land was transferred to the Dominion of Canada in exchange for £300,000. The Hudson’s Bay Company continues to exist as a chain of department stores and remains North America’s oldest company.

Dutch East India Company (VOC)

Founded in 1602, the VOC was the largest Dutch trading company and operated for nearly two centuries before folding in 1799. The VOC established colonies in what is today South Africa, India, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, among many others. It was the first company to issue shares to the general public and served as a prototype for the modern corporation.

Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie (MCC)

The MCC was the primary Dutch participant in the transatlantic slave trade throughout the 18th century. Ships would sail from Europe to West Africa carrying trade goods, which would be traded for slaves. The slaves were then transported to colonies in the Caribbean and South America, where those who survived the journey were sold. The MCC made 114 such voyages.

Swedish East India Company (SOIC)

Founded in 1731, the Swedish East India Company sailed primarily between Gothenburg in Sweden and the trading city of Canton (now Guangzhou) in southern China, where they traded silver, iron, copper, and timber for goods primarily consisting of tea and ceramics. The company made 131 voyages before folding in 1813.

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Woodworking: Admiring Japanese Joinery Techniques [video]

Posted By on February 21, 2026

Several of these video clips pass my way on social media. I’ve always admired the intricate joinery by the skilled Japanese woodworkers who can make simple woodworking techniques look so easy and precise. It is not.

Happy Birthday Ellerie. Wishing you were here with us!

Posted By on February 21, 2026

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Two big retailers competing to be #1: Amazon vs Walmart

Posted By on February 20, 2026

Amazon ($AMZN) surpassed Walmart ($WMT) as king of “sales.”

It is amazing to me that the 1990s online bookseller had the staying power to over come years of no profit to become such a retail powerhouse 30 years later … not to mention so many other technology areas from streaming to a dominate cloud services provider. Visionary!

Amazon Warehouse

Amazon has surpassed Walmart as the world’s largest company, measured by sales, breaking Walmart’s 13-year streak at the top of the list.

Amazon posted $717 billion in sales in 2025. Walmart, the largest company in the world for more than a decade, recorded $713 billion in sales in 2025, the retailer announced Thursday.

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Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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