my journal: various subjects, opinionating, CW at times
The title explains itself.
If you're interested in the ramblings of a middle-aged man with chronic conditions who, at times, sees things a little too clearly for his own good, then read on.
Sometimes I get political, but it won't be all the time.
I don't mind comments in general but if you're going to differ with what I write, that's fine--as long as you can explain your position clearly & reasonably. Rants, shouting & general incoherence will be ignored or flagged, depending on the situation. Try to remember that not everyone else in this world holds your beliefs.
Every so often I may post art or snapshots of projects I'm working on.
If you're still interested after reading all the above, great. (I do wonder at how much time you have on your hands, though)
The Most Well-Known Story about Rabbi Zusya* of Hanipol
On the last day of his life, Zusya was on his deathbed. He began to cry uncontrollably & his students and disciples tried hard to comfort him. They asked him, “Rabbi, why do you weep? You are almost as wise as Moses, you are almost as hospitable as Abraham, & surely heaven will judge you favorably.”
Zusya answered them: “It is true. When I get to heaven, I won’t worry so much if God asks me, ‘Zusya, why were you not more like Abraham?’ or ‘Zusya, why were you not more like Moses?’ I know I would be able to answer these questions. After all, I was not given the righteousness of Abraham or the faith of Moses but I tried to be both hospitable & thoughtful. But if God asks me ‘Zusya, why were you not more like Zusya?’, I will have no answer."
@slowdecline48 This hit kind of hard 😳
@slowdecline48
Wow
@unassumingEyes @mytwistedsoul 😄 Yeah, Jewish parables can be like that. One of these days I'll have to tell you about the gossip & the pillow...
soooo tiiirrrred... 🧟♂️😵
Now that the "polar vortex" is past, the usual 💩 is back for this time of year:
Am currently wondering whether how I feel right now is just allergies, or a cold or sinus infection.... "fml", as the kids say.
This is a few days late but I found it interesting:
I wonder why... Business as usual, or a consequence of how Musk is running the platform?
With the onset of my vestibular migraine/Meniére's/whateverthef***itis, I've had a certain thought more than once:
All my life, I knew that illness made you weak. Until I became chronic, I didn't know that illness could also make you stupid.
...well, phuck.
🤦🏼♂️
The prez is keeping one of his campaign promises, apparently. Oy vey.
This is incompetence on Trump's part...guess we shouldn't be surprised. A tariff is an economic tool that should not be used indiscriminately or as a bludgeon. There are situations where tariffs are justified, mostly for protection of fledgling domestic industries until they're developed enough to compete with their foreign equivalents. That is not the case here. Trump's hard-core base loves it, no doubt...no one with any knowledge of economics would consider this a good move.
This will restart the trade war with China, & likely start a new one with Mexico. (I dunno what Canada will do, as Trudeau's abdicated the throne) The CCP will impose tariffs in turn but selectively in order to hurt our exports while keeping their manufacturing safe, as they did during Trump's first term.
Also - tariffs are inflationary, especially when imposed for too long. JPow & co. know it, which is why the Federal Reserve has stopped reducing the official interest rate...depending on what happens this year & next, the Fed might even start ratcheting up the rate again.
My take: I think it's a good time to buy bonds now, & diversify in assets other than stocks & ETFs. The markets will continue to rise in the long run, but in 2025 & '26 I expect them to be fairly rocky. Unless you're a pro or exceptionally cool-headed, you might want to sit this one out.
...it might've even started already:
Time to make some herbal tea...
Tired & kinda sick today...not much appetite. It sucks cougar balls.
