What I think

 at the end of another year. We are racing towards something, but what, no one knows. I don't think last year was all that bad and can only hope the new year will be better.

 So prices are continuing to go up. Big business is still making lame excuses. The bottom line is greed but now I think it is more evil. The president is saying prices should be going down and since big business suffers from TDS they are continuing to raise prices. Problem is, it is everywhere. You can't just go somewhere else. You have to buy food.  Note to stores;  giving a 20 cent discount on a product that you have already raised the price by 50% on is not a sale.

 We have been into 4 stores that have said they have no pennies. I have seen signs saying exact change or no pennies, one had cash payers being told they had no pennies, and one could not make exact change and we had to eat the 4 cents. Now I know most people don't pay with cash but probably enough that stores are going to make some money by not making exact change. Also, I have not seen stores changing pricing from. 99 to an even dollar. But there are pennies they were last minted in Nov this year. So there is no excuse for stores not to have them or for them not changing their pricing. Just another way for big business to scam consumers.

 Apparently Portland has decided that the Christmas tree that is placed every year in 'Portland's Living Room' will now be referred to as the tree. That is more inclusive. Which just means they are going to alienate a large portion of the population in favor of people who do not care, who trash the city or shouldn't be here at all. It was a tree before someone cut it down and dragged it to one of the ugliest city I have every seen and now it is a symbol of all that is wrong with that city.

 The government has decided that professions like teaching and nursing are non professional. Who knows who or why someone would make this decision. As these are just 2 professions that are actually needed on daily by people I think that those still paying out the ridiculous loans they had to take out should non grade their loans. They were promised are professional degree but now do not have one so why should they pay for one. Apparently the government offers programs whereby people who owe more taxes than actual money they make can have the tax amount decreased, I heard an advertisement for a debt relief agency where the guy admits he didn't know what he was doing and got behind in his taxes and because he was stupid the government rewarded him by reducing his debt by 99% There is something so wrong with all of this.

 is telling their employees how to make the customer experience better by telling them when to smile and when to ask to help. What will actually help the customer experience is walking into a stoked store with no employees standing around in groups of 3 chatting or pushing a full u boat into customers. Employees should be available for the customer to find and ask for help and the employee should be able to help them. And the checkers don't need to ask if I found what I wanted because odds are I didn't and if I say that they will just say 'ok.  Costumer service is lost on the businesses who should be providing it.

 allowed to rule the country. There is no money for snap benefits. The emergency fund will not fund the program. This will not help to end the shut down. Only prolong it. Not sure why the whiners of the country seem to get what they want and the people who do their jobs and follow the rules get nothing.

 you are demanding the wrong thing. Demand that your party vote to open the government. Demand that people get off public assistant. Demand business to move into the state so people can get decent jobs. You and yours have made this mess and you need to demand it be fixed

 No kings protests are not peaceful if you have to use tear gas. And we have never had a king and don't now. Paying school board members when you don't have money for staff and supplies is ridiculous. The governor, as bad as she is, was legally elected. Not by me but since it was legal she stays until people wise up and vote her out. Recalls never work anyway.

 of the country. I think very little of the government of this government. I like it better than what we could have had. 100% tariff is ridiculous. Mostly because Americans are whiny people and, while they say they want manufacturing back in this country and the economy to improve, they do not want to do anything for it. Companies in this country are greedy and have consistently raised prices for years. Even tho  tariffs have been delayed they have raised prices. And another country having a military base in this country is anti american. Especially a muslim country. We do have bases in other countries but we also have to defend those countries.

 don't help them. OR is pro crime pro criminal, pro illegal.  They are anti American and working class. Things have only gotten worse and people keep voting for the same so I say let them really see what the 'same' gets them.

 no one stopped him or told him not to. Free speech was not violated. The people who pay him didn't like him and punished him.   What is the problem with that?

 until he was gotten. Taken away by someone who did not agree with what he said. A coward. Probably was given participation trophies all his life and was never made to live let alone face reality. I, also, did not know that people could actually celebrate someone's murder. I have little regard for most people but this level of hatred is beyond comprehension.

children, the elderly and animals says a lot about you, society and culture.  Every time I see a homeless elderly person, watch an ill mannered child, see what they are being taught in school and see green spaces that house animals ripped up for more empty shopping center or over priced housing; I am convinced that as a people a society and a culture we have failed.

 OR is so concerned about the condition of out roads that they are raising taxes and fees. Taxes and fees you have no choice but to pay. Taxes many people can not afford. How many road projects do you drive by and there is one guy working and at least 3 others standing around.? I say lower taxes and fire the 3 people standing around.

 I have been worried about not hearing from a friend today I prayed she would call. She did. Amen

 Summer is rapidly leaving and I don't think I did much with it. I did not even make a list of things I wanted to do. I didn't finish last years list either so I guess I could have used that one. I was thinking this am on my walk that life is like summer. You get to the end of summer and wonder where it went and went you get older you wonder what you did with your life. Did you do anything from your list. Like summer it is lovely and beautiful but then....

 All these figures are from the internet and may or may not be accurate The violent crime rate in the US is 359.1 per 100000 people DC  745 per 100000 people 429.3 in New Yore and 741 in Portland Do I think the Feds should clean up states messes? No But if you won't and your violent crime rate is more than the national average somebody has got to do it. And government officials ordering people to defy the feds should be removed from office.

 WE found a couple of real Barbie dolls at Dollar Tree. The were just kind of randomly around the store so we asked how much they were. These are just basic dolls. $7. We did not purchase. Exact same dolls at Walmart $5.98.  Dollar Tree has lost touch with its customer base. Seriously, $1.75 for the one time use toys the sell, ridiculous.

 for continuing to vote for a tax and waste government. Now some of them want to raise gas taxes an vehicle registration fees to support a government depart that clearly needs some house cleaning.

The other day while walking the dog we passed a runner. We said hello and the dog barked at the runner apologized. Why? For running, for the dog barking? Does she just say it automatically when something happens even if it wasn't her fault? It happens all the time. People apologize for walking  next to you in the aisle at the grocery store.  Apologize if you have done something to apologize for, otherwise, keep moving.

 or you tube content for anything other than politics I do not want to hear your political views on anything. If you push them out to me I will stop watching.

for natural disasters? No one. Guess you could scream at mother nature or God but that is not helpful. Nor, is blaming a weather man or a politician. Blame takes away energy you could be spent productively helping the situation. 

 Apparently, there are people who find it hard to celebrate their country. They literally hate where they live, they protest against it, talk bad about its' people., sponge off it. I guess they don't realise that this is one of the other countries where they can get away with that.

 can loose 199,000 subscribers and still have higher than expected revenue then I am paying way too much. The only way to solve this problem is to cut rates a lot. I am sure they would still make more than enough  money.

 yesterday. Was buying dog food. I have bought the same dog food for the same price for several weeks Yesterday there was a price reduction sign on it. The price was the same as it has been for weeks. Do people actually fall for these tactics? Several items were marked the same way. Price was the same but a reduction tag was on it. Some others had prices that were reduced by 20 cents. Do people think this is ok? Prices have gone up on most things by at least 50% over the last several years and now stores mark it down .20 and your supposed to think its a deal. Are people stupid? 

 So  Israel bombed Iran and Iran bombed them back. And now Israel wants help. I don't think so. They had to know what would happen and now they need to clean up their own mess. Ice raids are going to ruin the economy? How. If you are illegal you can not legally work so they are not adding to the economy. So, I guess, ice raid will help in that the drain on public funds will end.

 So Trump used Musk to get votes; maybe. Did he need to? Don't think so. And is Musk the type to let himself get used? NO.  A peaceful protest is one where people have a permit the walk on the sidewalks with sigs and chanting. People will listen to that. A non peaceful protest involves the protesters destroying property, causing mayhem and hurting people. To the news casters who had their report say the protest is peaceful while showing cars on fire, you aught to loose your license to broadcast. Threatening the people who are trying to control this because the people who should be controlling this refuse to is just wrong.

 want to make a trade agreement with the US? A  A country with whiny weak people who can not even handle the smallest of trials. A country with a weak government who will not stand up for the country and do what is best rather that cater to the whiny people.

 still doing testing on animals? What is wrong with them? Leave the animals alone. Since you are doing the testing for people do the testing o on people and see how far that gets.

 is getting federal funding why do they say they are viewer supported and constantly asking for donations? I think PBS is one thing the government can stop wasting tax payer money  on.

 Does what limited sense people have go out the window when the vote? Why do they vote for tax increases that give you nothing. I assume these are all repeople who aren't actually going to have to pay the taxes. If you spend money don't you want some return for it. And then you have the people who bitch and moan about they way government runs and then votes for the exact same thing. Why are people stupid.

 So, Oregon wants to form an advisory board to figure out how to stop dangerous human animal interaction; like cars hitting animals. Not sure you need to waste time on this one. Stop ripping up animal habitats so they don't have to go near people who do not give a rip about them.

 more for goods made in the US. No, I doubt it. People want cheap and fast. And they can always buy another cheap something if the first one breaks. Maybe if US made and foreign made were the same price some people would look for the made in USA tag but many would not bother. 

 I have an have had no problems with them. My thought is; if I can buy cheap stuff from China from China and pay less why would I go to a big box store to buy more expensive stuff from China?   It would keep the big box store in business but that is not my job. If the big box store can't offer me better stuff than cheap stuff made in China for a decent price why should I support them? It does keep people employed but again it is the companies responsibility to keep employees in their business. If they would rather keep the CEOs pockets lined instead of paying employees so that they can offer customer service to their customers, well that's on the CEOs.

 for new game apps. Games where a fish has no water and if you wind the fish lives but the advertisement only shows making bad moves and the fish dies. Is that fun? There is one were people are freezing and you have to make the right choices for them to get warm but the advertisement shows choosing paint instead of a door. Also, fun? Yes, it is a game and they are cartoons but seriously have we come so far that is is fun to loose a game so the fish drowns?

 When you hold the door for the person behind you shouldn't they take the door from you instead of just walking out while you are holding the door? If you are going out and someone is coming in you should hold your door so it doesn't swing back and hit them but shouldn't they then take the door from you? I always hold the door but some people could put out some effort  for themselves.

 People hoking their horn is a pet peeve of mine. What is the point. Why honk at the car in front of you just because he doesn't move as fast as you want him to. Don't you know that it is not safe to go as soon as the light turns green because the idiot with the red will probably not stop. And if he doesn't turn when you want maybe it is because you can not see the cars they way he can. Or what if there is car trouble you honking is not helpful. And horns are distracting. I bet you can figure out where I think you should put your car horn.

 grow a pair. At least pretend to be united. Do what you were elected to do. Get executive orders enacted to law, cut spending, taxes and the deficit, secure the borders, send illegals packing and give American business an even playing field with the rest of the world. You are just lucky voters are stupid otherwise most of you wouldn't have jobs.

have gone over the last 4 years. Not a fan of tariffs either but if other countries are going to charge us for sending products to them then we should charge other countries the same. Prices do not have to go up but big business will not take any kind of revenue cut even tho they have made tons off the price hikes. And, in fact, have chosen to raise prices even when there was no need to. Unlike recent price hikes it is hoped that tariffs will actually do some good; like bringing jobs and revenue to this country.

 I choose a Lenten challenge that I have done before. Unfortunately, it involves other people. I would like to say I made it a whole week before and failed the challenge, but, no, it was probably just hours. I went out into public where there are stupid, rude, inconsiderate people. Well, I guess I have to start over again. Good thing lent is 40 days.

 disrespectful behavior towards someone else reflects badly on you not on the person your rue mess was directed at.

 So, an acquaintance is in trouble. He asks for help. You give it. He asks for more and you give more. The more you give the more he wants. He is making no effort to get out of trouble so you invite him over to figure out a plan so he is out of trouble and you don't have to keep helping him. He is rude and disrespectful and you have had enough. Now, behaving like punks on a playground is not acceptable but,I would have tossed the user out too. And for those who are so disgusted by this event; the best way to help is to go help the use directly.

 this morning, there was a re[ort about a licensed teacher being charged with child abuse. Apparently, she had been investigated before and had the nerve to tell investigators that she could loose her teaching license and it would effect her ability to foster kids if they went on. Sadly, I wondered if anyone actually accepted that as a good excuse. The state is pro crime so ya just never know. She was charged later so I guess her teaching and fostering did not sway investigators. But, seriously, you would say something stupid like that. You would think you could abuse a child and still be allowed around children. It is a crazy world we livein.

 Today in the news from Wa, I think, a non citizen was sentences for trafficking non citizens into the country. He has been sentenced to 15 months and face deportation after that. Seems like a crime like that should carry a higher penalty.  And they are illegal, no citizen about it. Also, why do we have to keep paying for this dude why can't we just deport him now? And, a lot of federal workers are loosing their jobs. That is sad and unfortunate, but we all know the government is bloated. Seriously, does the assistant to the assistant to who even really need and assistant/ Apparently there are 40,000 federal workers  in Oregon and 10 percent lost their jobs. Sorry and all but dudes you had to know it was going to happen. Maybe, somehow the powers that be can soften the blow.

 The best way to hire anyone is anonymously.  Maybe it would be best to look at resumes with no names on them, because I would not hire someone named Maple Sugar,  and to interview over the phone. I would not hire someone with tons of tats, even if they were amazing. And maybe a voice distorter. These are the only way to truly hire the best person based on nothing but their qualifications. To hire someone based on government DEI requirements are not only wrong but racist.

 about a website that oncologists could refer their cancer patients to. Patients could get all the newest information from experts. But, isn't this what you are paying a doctor for? For him to give you all the latest info. Shouldn't you get the support you need from your health care provider not a website? 

 inauguration day turned out to be a cold sunny day. Guess mother nature is ok with what is going on. Will this change anything for most people? Maybe not. Prices will still be High, cooperate greed. Walmart might not get eggs, due to government restrictions and if they get them they will still be ridiculously expensive. Rent will still be high, despite ripping up every piece of green space and turning it in to hideous looking apartments. Homelessness will be high since all those new apartments will go to people who already trashed on area and have moved on to do the same elsewhere Am I happy with the changes that have happened today? Yes. I hope the government goes further and enacts those executive orders into laws that will be harder to over turn..

 is that odd. We only put it up a week or so before Christmas. And no one wants it to come down. It is not like we've had it up since Halloween like some people. The outdoor stuff came down on the first and I think I will take everything else down in the next couple of days.

 I heard some author say that the best way to become a writer is just to write. Duh. And a blog was a good way to start. I don't want to be a writer but ...So I am going to try to write something every week. Pretty much about what I always write about. The stupidity of the government, things I have read or things that have happened. Hopefully, nothing sad. I don't like to write about sad things. So, note to me, write.