Bidenomics, Inflation, Moral Decay and the Cost Of Living

Posted By on June 26, 2024

Have you noticed that food, housing and energy aren’t the only things that have gone up in the three-plus years of President Biden and his Bidenomics (heavy government spending AND regulation — especially on energy)?

Insurance costs - WSJ

Recent reports have also detailed how insurance rates and property taxes have risen and are rising … by hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year.

And how about Fast Food!?!? 

Fast Food prices 2024

I’m not sure about you … but incomes for most of us are not keep up with the pace of this kind of inflation … onWhy Trump top of the previous year’s inflation

Complaining aside, it makes sense to take a different tack and steer a different course come November 2024.

A person on X.com shared a “Why I Will Vote For Trump” graphic and it sums up most of the issues bothering at least half the country. If the economy, crime and the lack of a secure southern border isn’t enough, perhaps the radically changing values that most Americans just assumed were sacrosanct  until Progressive DEMs seized control of the Democratic Party.

Personally I’ve watch our society decay from within for decades, but the recent changes have been nothing but shocking. I was once entertained by George Orwell’s dystopian novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” … but now I feel as if I’m living it!

It has often seemed like a cliché, but this year it really does appear to be “the most important election of our lifetime” (see Brave AI chime in below).

Income to live in each state

The most important election in our lifetime

The concept of the most important election in our lifetime is a recurring theme in modern politics. Many politicians, analysts, and citizens alike have described various elections as the most crucial in recent history. However, it’s essential to examine the context and significance of each election to understand why they are considered so vital.

Structural Factors

One reason why elections are deemed crucial is the structural context in which they take place. The United States’ two-party system, combined with its first-past-the-post electoral system, can lead to high stakes and intense polarization. This setup can make elections feel more consequential than they would in other systems.

Polarization and Expectations

The increasing polarization of American politics has also contributed to the perception that elections are more important than ever. When politicians and citizens are deeply divided, the outcome of an election can have a significant impact on the direction of the country. This polarization can lead to high expectations and a sense of urgency around election outcomes.

Recent Examples

Several recent elections have been described as the most important in our lifetime. The 2020 presidential election, for instance, was marked by unprecedented mobilization and high stakes. The election was seen as a referendum on the presidency of Donald Trump and the direction of the country. The 2022 midterm elections also received significant attention, with many considering them a crucial test of the country’s political landscape.

The 2024 Election

The 2024 presidential election is likely to be another highly consequential election. With the country still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing issues like climate change, economic inequality, and social justice, the next election will have significant implications for the country’s future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most important election in our lifetime is a subjective concept that depends on individual perspectives and the context of the election. While some may argue that certain elections are more significant than others, it’s essential to consider the structural factors, polarization, and expectations surrounding each election to understand why they are considered crucial. The 2024 election is likely to be another highly important election, and it’s essential for citizens to engage in the democratic process and make their voices heard.

*** Brave AI-generated answer.

WordPress 6.5.5 security update and database backups

Posted By on June 25, 2024

Nothing like holding your breath while updating overdue Linux versions and WordPress to start the day. Whew … all is still well with a couple servers and WordPress installs. Good to feel like things are up-to-date.

Archive: Summertime with Oma and Bompa – 2024 edition

Posted By on June 25, 2024

This content is restricted.

Music Monday: Wings and “Band On The Run”

Posted By on June 24, 2024

The Bridge - Band on the RunAfter starting this Music Monday post, I realized the song “Band On The Run” has been mentioned a couple of times before. Once with Paul McCartney’s band Wings … and the other Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers

Nevertheless, the song caught my ear when on SiriusXM’s station The Bridge, so I’ll include it again for the summer of 2024. 
 

  Band on The Run (remastered)
        — Paul McCartney & Wings

Lyrics …

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Retirement: The question has been asked a lot lately.

Posted By on June 23, 2024

Brenda and I have been asked several times recently … are you retired?” The most recent for me was at my yearly wellness physical by my PCP.  I’m not really sure how to answer the question since there hasn’t really been a definitive “we are retiring” moment for either of Cassette Deck Funnyus.

I “work from home” in my office nearly everyday just as I have ever since COVID-19 when the pandemic prevented sales people from visiting customers. During that time it became increasingly difficult to handle the printing side of the business, but really it has been years since I made cold calls. I’ve done little to solicit new customers for either the printing and publishing side, or the “web hosting” side of Consolidated Printing and Publishing Co.

On the other hand, I still answer the phone, handle what I can remotely and outsource whatever printing comes in as needed. I still file sales tax returns, yearly tax returns and keep the business in good standing. Come to think about it … this is exactly what I imagined doing as retirement approaches. Nowadays I spend the majority of the day focused on investing and trading, keeping the servers up-to-date, invoicing and handling the dwindling number of existing customers’ needs who remain. I still enjoy talking with customers I’ve known for decades and find that I look forward to the weekday mornings (financial market openings) rather than the weekend mornings (home and yard chores). In fact, I feel less productive and guilty if I’m not trading stocks, writing call options, attending conference calls or webinars, etc … or am taking too much time away from “the office” (ie. trips in the winter).  Hm … so am I retired?  I don’t think so … at least not yet. 😊 

Brenda is equally on the fence regarding the did you retire question?” She stopped working due to her hip with every intention to go back (probably should have applied for medical leave — oh well). Then after surgery, stretched out the rehab and enjoyed taking some extra time in Florida.

We’ve now both hit the 65 years old milestone, which means out of pocket health insurance has given way to Medicare — we’ve opted to start with a Medicare Advantage plan since it seemed like a continuation of our existing health insurance that we’d recently become “way too familiar with.” Although our FRA Social Security is still a couple more years away, having buttoned up the health insurance worries that we had when under 65 was a big relief, especially with Brenda’s ongoing osteoporosis concerns and treatment.

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Voicemail, Caller ID, the campaign season and local area codes

Posted By on June 22, 2024

As the election season nears, the calls and text messages to my cellphone ramp up in earnest. My voicemail message for the past couple of years has been one that indicates that I no longer pickup calls from unknown callers — I don’t mind callers leaving me a message, but have grown tired of solicitations, surveys and campaign donation requests.

  The current voicemail message on my iPhone 7 Plus | 2024

For friends, family and business clients, I enjoy and appreciate staying in touch. I gladly will add them to my contact list so that caller ID indicates who is calling. A recent WSJ A-HED article brought to light a debate regarding texting first to ask if someone minds getting a phone call. Oh … how the world is changing.

Graphic answer phone gif

For some people, there is nothing more delightful than the surprise ringing of a phone that signals someone is thinking about them. For others, there is nothing ruder, more intrusive or panic-inducing than an unannounced call. You are out of your mind—and possibly not in their life—if you’re not sending them a text first.

Phone-call etiquette has never been more complicated. Family members, co-workers, spouses and friends can’t agree on whether it’s OK to call someone without first alerting them via text that you plan to call.

LINK to article

That said, I do still look at calls and area codes and spotted a new one from my area that I’ve not noticed before — a 283 area code. Now it has been out a while, but don’t have any contacts with it as of yet. Still it overlays southwestern Ohio and will likely be one that I’ll need to remember in the future. I’m having a déjà vu moment from Thinking emojiwhen we lived/worked in north eastern Ohio when 216 area code added the 330 and then 440 area codes.

Current 2024 Area Codes in Ohio Early 1952 Ohio area codes

The region now vs the four original numbering plan areas of Ohio

Tech Friday: Holding off on an iPad Air and Brydge keyboard

Posted By on June 21, 2024

Brydge Max+ prototype

Last month I seriously considered upgrading my iPad to the Apple iPad Air … but really wanted the newest Brydge MAX+ Keyboard … which is currently unavailable (signed up for the “notify me” list though).

Pricing

I was still tempted to order a new iPad, but decided my sluggish, older iPad and “slow to connect” Bluetooth original Brydge keyboard was still working (I probably use it more than my MacBook Air M2 — no regrets — and find the tablet far more useful for evening reading, etc.)

So I wait impatiently for the new Thinking emojikeyboard and contemplate opting for a used or discounted older iPad Air or maybe an older Pro, although I do like the improved storage, current generation chipset and brighter display for those days I would like to read outside. 

A problem with an Amazon order and toilet valve repair again

Posted By on June 19, 2024

Broken Toilet Valve

Amazon’s Prime shipping is still impressive and definitely beats spending time driving to the hardware or big box store to pick up a single item. Last week I had a exact Fluidmaster valve fail at the top of the stalk and decided to just order another (hoping it was just that one valve???) I probably could have contacted them about the previous order and “might” have received a replacement, but suspect that over a year was too long to bother with it. 

Fluidmaster valve

The quick replacement for $8.98 seemed fair and so placed the next day order with the intent to replace it before we picked up the granddaughers for their week with us. I was disappointed in seeing the rough handling crushed the Fluidmaster box through the “slightly padded” envelope packaging. I took the photo with the idea that I might need to replace (delay fixing) but was hoping that the plastic parts weren’t permanently damaged. So far so good after snapping things back together and replacing.

Perhaps my point in posting is two-fold:

  1. Fluidmaster needs to make a better valve. Failing in one-year is unacceptable.
  2. Amazon’s packaging needs to be a bit sturdier for plastic items like this. An envelople just won’t protect the valve where a small box might??? 

Books: “The Wide Wide Sea” by Hampton Sides

Posted By on June 18, 2024

The Wide Wide SeaWouldn’t you know, the book I’ve had on hold at the library became available last week … and our granddaughters are with us this week. Obviously there will be no time to read.

I did look through it and enjoyed the maps and read a little bit more about the controversy surrounding Captain James Cook and his Pacific Ocean exploration. He’s seen in a negative light these days, just as  is Christopher Columbus and other explorers from generations centuries ago. I’m not sure how to view things, except to understand we are a product of the time in which we live. 

Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to hopefully renewing “The Wide Wide Sea” by Hampton Sides for reading later this summer … or perhaps even as a winter read — shorter days and more indoor reading time. 😊 

Map 1 Map 2

Click maps for larger versions

Music Monday: AI finds Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”

Posted By on June 17, 2024

Perplexity LogoWhile exploring a little bit with anew found AI client … Perplexity.AI … I used it to find an oddity from the 1970s for Music Monday by asking:

What decade has the most influential music?

Based on the search results, there is no clear consensus on the most influential decade for music, as different decades are celebrated for their unique contributions and impact. However, the 1970s and 1980s emerge as strong contenders for the most influential decades according to the sources provided.

The 1970s

Several sources highlight the 1970s as a highly influential decade for music, citing the following reasons:

Diversity of rock subgenres flourished, including progressive rock (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd), hard rock (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC), and soft rock, as well as the rise of disco towards the end of the decade.

Emergence of punk rock (Ramones, Sex Pistols) and hip-hop, which would go on to become major genres.

Birth of electronic/synthesizer Lou Reed - Transformermusic with bands like Kraftwerk.

Consolidation of the “outlaw” country movement with artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings.

Many legendary artists produced some of their best and most influential albums, such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen.

The rest of the AI find is below the break, but for now I’ll highlight a musicians name I remember, Lou Reed, but his biggest hit that I had to listen to to remember. “Walk on the Wild Side” was the 5 song on Reed’s 1972 Transformer album and kind of forgotten by me. My point is that reading the AI researched info was that  it excluded the music I found memorable and enjoyed … and included some that I did not find high on my list from that decade? 
 

  Lou Read – “Walk on the Wild Side” | 1972

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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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