Need Health Insurance? Sign Up Today

Were you laid off from work in the last year?

Are you scrambling to get health insurance now that you're unemployed?

Experts say the number of uninsured people have risen during the pandemic and now the Biden administration has taken action.

Today marks the first day for signing up for the Affordable Care Act. Government insurance markets will be available until May 15th in most states.

Thanks to Biden who ordered that the program reopened, people who don't have coverage but recently developed a health problem will have an option for action.

Note: Any coverage purchased will start the first day of the following month.

If you need financial help the government will buy coverage in the marketplaces for you, depending on your income.

Interested?

The federal government operates a call center to offer assistance and can connect people to local help for selecting a plan.

Those who make 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for assistance with premium payments in the form of tax credits.

If you're not happy with your current coverage, this enrollment period is an opportunity to improve your situation.

Coping With Stress: We All Need a Relief Valve

What do you do to relieve stress?

Eat?

Drink alcohol?

Do drugs?

What gets you through the day?

We've all been prisoners - to some extent - of the pandemic. As if life itself wasn't stressful enough we're now forcefully confronted with our mortality.

The answer to meeting the increased challenges is having a relief valve.

I remember a few decades ago when screaming in a clinical setting was considered a popular trend for coping with stress. It was called Gestalt Therapy, and as far as I know is still practiced today.

I'm not endorsing this approach to dealing with stress, but it's worth sharing it as one alternative.

I think a hobby - or better yet - hobbies are a better way to deal with the woes of the world.

Take knitting for example. I remember when Ram football legend Roosevelt "Rosey" Grier, took up knitting and suddenly made it okay for men across America to indulge in the craft.

The point is, like a pressure cooker, there has to be a release valve, or we go off the "deep end" and do stupid and bad things to ourselves and others.

There's countless options from reading, writing, exercising, making crafts, playing games, etc. al.

The trick is finding a hobby(s) that meets your unique interests. If you're one of those people that already has hobbies then you know what I mean.

Getting into that "happy place" can be a life saver. 

I'll Take 10 Shares of LeBron James To Go With My 20 Shares of Michael Jordan's

I pulled out my albums of sports trading cards the other day when I heard about what's happening on Wall Street.

There's a big trend in sports collectibles that's grabbed the attention of sophisticated investors as well as smart traders, transforming card collecting from a fusty hobby into a major investment market.

According to CNN Business industry insiders know their business is benefiting from a broader market euphoria. But they don't think the boom in demand is generating a price bubble.

Instead the experts are saying the cards are now part of our culture.

But what made the difference? Why now after decades of sports collectibles piling up in collectors homes?

The short answer is the trading card renaissance was spurred by the pandemic. Stuck at home without live sports games, people began raiding their attics and basements and digging up old cards.

Overnight, trading cards were everywhere, boosted by celebrity endorsers ranging from Mark Wahlberg to Steve Aokio and Rersy co-founder Gary Vaynerchuk.

Investment professionals, flush with cash following unprecedented stimulus measures from governments and central banks has caused prices to spike.

Funds are being created. Investors are pooling their resources, causing the cards to become a viable asset.

The bottom line is everyday buyers can purchase a small stake in a LeBron James or Michael Jordan.

The big difference between cards and stock is nobody loves stock. I'm not ready to sell my top cards because I simply don't want to part with them.

It's amazing watching the cards go up in value like never before. If you're a sports collector willing to part with top cards, now is the time to do it.

Senate Republicans Are Stuck

What does the man in the photo have in common with Senate Republicans?

Here's the situation; Senate Republicans are stuck.

When it comes to convicting Trump for his attempted coup they've super glued themselves into an uncomfortable corner.

With no chance for a "Road to Damascus" moment they are stuck in a quagmire of their own making.  

With the exception of the already established Trump puppets, Senate Republicans who wish they could vote to convict Trump are stuck. They have to acquit him because of their prior vote on the constitutionality of the trial before it even began.

Even though it's a sticky situation, one Republican senator has come out mid-trial (after viewing graphic films of the Capitol insurrection) and indicated he's changed his mind and will vote to convict.

Just one. The Lone Ranger among the hapless group of stuck Republicans, who are 'keeping their powder dry" in servile silence, apparently has a conscience. A rare attribute in Washington DC.

A quick true story

A Louisiana man glued a paper cup to his face yesterday in a bid to show the heavy-duty adhesive Gorilla Glue wasn't as sticky as a recent viral video claimed.

Asked why he did such an idiotic thing the man said, "I thought I could lick it off, kind of moisten it and pull it right off, but that didn't work though." 

The comparison

The Senate Republicans who voted that the trial was unconstitutional are stuck with that procedural dodge to avoid Trump's wrath.

The man with the cup glued to his mug had it surgically removed in what doctors said was a "painful peeling process."

The lone Republican who dared break ranks is going to go through a painful political process pushed by Trump minions.

But...

in both cases there will be healing.

Another Trump 'Perfect Call' Prompts Criminal Probe in Georgia

Now there's two states that are investigating Trump for criminal offenses.

Remember Trump's first "perfect call" last year when he tried to extort the Ukrainian president to dig up dirt on Joe Biden?

It looks like Trump didn't learn his lesson the first time (thanks to a Senate that was populated by jellyfish).

Georgia joins New York in filing a criminal investigation into Trump's activities - in this case a phone call that was far from "perfect."

The investigation by Fulton County prosecutors is looking into a damning phone call that Trump made to the Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, while he was still president in which Trump begged him to "find" the votes to reverse Joe Biden's victory.

According to The New York Times there are several allegations ranging from false statements to "any involvement in violence or threats related to the election's administration."

In addition, Raffensperger's office has opened a separate investigation into the phone call.

Stay tuned.

This is going to be a bigger story than Trump's second impeachment.

More importantly, he may actually be convicted, unlike the impeachment trial with it's predetermined outcome.

Blursday Blather and the Same Old S**T

Another Blursday.

Another impeachment.

When it starts to feel like Groundhog Day every day it's time to take a break. Time to drop out, and get off the hamster wheel.

So, I'm cancelling today. 

There's nothing new under the sun. The same story that's been plaguing the planet - the pandemic - is a daily challenge to stay alive.

Trump is still headline news although he's no longer the president. And not just for the impeachment hearings that start today, but for all the other court cases he faces now as a civilian.

Racism is still rampant. Anti-Semitism still lurks in every corner of our society. 

White grievance politics still fuel militia groups and other wackos like QAnon followers.

Most Americans have no respect for the "other side" as division is a driving force that fuels hatred throughout the country.

No.

I'm letting this day pass without recognition. I'm going to focus on a peaceful day without the same old shit.

You might try doing the same.

Meet The Newly Revived 'No Nothing Party'

Once upon a time in American history there was a group called The Know Nothing Party - a nativist  political party which operated nationwide in 1855.

The Know Nothing Party was xenophobic and known for its crazy conspiracy theories. It's roots trace back to 1853 when a group of cretins formed a secret society known as the Order of the Star Spangled Banner.

Later it was renamed the Know Nothing Party. There was an initiation rite called "Seeing Sam" and members had to be pureblooded pedigree of Protestant Anglo-Saxon stock. Catholics were outright rejected.

Like most secret societies the members weren't allowed to talk about their secret society. If asked anything by outsiders, they would respond with, "I know nothing."

 UPDATE

They're back! 

The 21st century has seen a revival of the Know Nothings among conservatives.

Like their predecessors, xenophobia is one of the hallmarks of the modern day Republicans who have chosen to believe in conspiracies' - think QAnon - and white supremacy is rampant among their followers.

Terms like "fake news" is the modern equivalent of "Know Nothing" when it comes to factual occurrences.

Like the original party, the new "Know Nothings" are spread out across the nation and are poisoning political discourse today.

What's left of the GOP had better find it's identity again as members are flocking to the new game in town where facts and racism are constant talking points.

Super Bowl LV Sacrifices: The Gods of Football Demand a Show

We all know what's going to happen tomorrow.

We've seen the show must go on attitude in every holiday last year, regardless of the consequences. Over 450,000 Americans have died from the deadly virus which is still raging throughout the country.

In America the Super Bowl is bigger than Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Valentines Day combined. 

It's sure to be another super spreader event.

Despite warnings from health experts to follow COVID guidelines for safety, many Americans would rather gather for social events, and just take a chance no one will get infected.

Holidays may have changed outwardly during the pandemic, but what goes on in our homes and communities is a different story.

The Gods of Football must be appeased. 

The money mongers of football know that fans will be sacrificed.

 It's a price both team owners and ardent fans are willing to take. 

Watching fans of every political persuasion dressed up in team colors is like viewing pigskin acolytes attending quarters while the greedy gods sell memorabilia during breaks in the action.

And the show goes on... the 21st Century version of Football Fans for Life... and Death.

A Conversation With Butters: My Dog Really Had a Lot To Say Today

Most pet owners agree that their animals can talk.

The rest of the human race thinks those pet owners are light in the frontal lobe.

Who cares?

Now I can get on with sharing what my dog (whose a miniature Italian Greyhound) Butters had to say this morning.

On politics

Butters: I'm giving Joe Biden high marks for reintroducing animals into The White House. I love their story, especially Major's. He's a rescue dog. Champ has been a member of the family since 2008.

Dave: It sure was nice seeing the centuries-old-tradition of having a First Pet restored.

Congress is proof that dogs are smarter than politicians. You can put every breed of dog in one room - as long as there's food and water - and they'll get along.

It's not so with the pathetic packs of politicians in The House and the Senate.

On People in General

Butters: When a dog roams around in public barking at humans they capture it and take it to an animal shelter to be evaluated.

But when extremist humans disrupt gatherings of any kind with vicious lies and threats to kill others who don't believe like them, they can hide behind the First Amendment.

Dave: So you think humans are all hypocrites?

Butters: No doubt about it. 

On Religion

Butters: Dogs are more holy than humans.

Dave: I'm going to challenge that pal. What's your proof?

Butters: Spell dog backwards! That's right. GOD. Coincidence? I think not.

On Society

Butters: I really wonder how humans walk and chew gum some time. The crazy things they do. 

Did you hear about that rapper who had a $23 million dollar diamond implanted on his forehead?

Dave: Well... 

Butters: Or, that guy who got his entire body tattooed?

Dave: Well...

Butters: Or, that guy who lived in an airport for four months before being caught?

Dave: Okay. I got your point. But dogs can be weird too, so don't get all high and mighty with me, or I won't share my leftovers with you.

That's it for today folks. Butters and I may be back again to explore this crazy world we all live in.

Conspiracy Media and Goons Are Being held Accountable: Smartmatic Sues Fox, Giuliani, Powell for $2.7 Billion

This should be interesting.

Some accountability is finally coming for conspiracy wackos who falsely claimed the presidential election was stolen from Trump.

Smartmatic had enough of the lies being spread by Fox News (three hosts: Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo, and Jeanine Pirro) Rudy Giuliani, and Sidney Powell, and have decided to fight back. 

The voting technology company has filed a $2.7 billion lawsuit TODAY to hold them all accountable for waging a "disinformation campaign" that jeopardized the company's very survival.

The lawsuit, filed in New York state court, says the plaintiffs "needed a villain" because they believed the election was stolen, and purposely misled the public.

Hopefully Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit is just the tip of the iceberg against the extreme right's BIG LIE.

Stay tuned.

Getting High Has a New Meaning Now With Hemp Made and Powered Plane

What's that in the sky?

Is it Superman? 

A UFO? 

No.

It's the world's first airplane made from hemp, and powered by hemp oil.

The construction of this new high flyer makes more sense than most people realize. 

The reason is that hemp is 10 times stronger than steel. 

In addition, hemp is lighter than traditional aerospace materials (such as aluminum and fiberglass) so it requires less fuel to reach a high altitude. 

Kudos to Hempearth, a Canadian cannabis firm for their innovative use of hemp in aviation. 

Stay tuned for the high flyer's first flight which is set to take place at The Wright Brother's Memorial in Kitty Hawk North Carolina - the birthplace of aviation.

Don't Believe Punxsutawney Phil - Climate Warming Has Changed Everything

This morning I watched (with my usual skeptical attitude) that overstuffed rodent Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his hole and claim we're getting six more weeks of  winter.

The famous groundhog made his appearance at 7:25 a.m. EST via a livestreamed event because of COVID-19 restrictions.

This is going to be hard for some people to read but... Punxsutawney Phil is wrong!

One of the reasons I know this is a much younger (and more alert) groundhog, Staten Island Chuck, contradicted Phil and called for an early spring this morning.

The other reason is self-explanatory: there's no way that an overweight groundhog can predict the weather with Global Warming changing everything almost daily.

Meteorologists and TV weather forecasters are lucky if they actually predict the weekly weather report. Six weeks out? Forget about it.

If, by some chance (a real tiny one) Phil turns out to be right, then he needs to be livestreamed daily in lieu of incompetent scientists and weather forecasters on TV.

I'm flexible.

National Mall Overran By Snowball Hurling Hooligans

They're calling it an assault on the National Mall as snowball wielding hooligans' fling frozen projectiles at one another.

The snowball assault began shortly after a massive winter storm. Capitol Hill police managed to keep the rioters confined to the National Mall and away from government buildings.

Authorities took no chances and called out the National Guard in case the snowball-throwing extremists decided to slip-and-slide towards the Capitol Building.

 There were no reports of injuries this morning, despite thousands of frozen hardballs hurtling through the frosty air since daybreak.

A spokesman for one of the organized groups - SnowAnon - said he was there with his peeps to protect any Trumpies that might show up and be attacked by the mostly peaceful group - AntiFroze - of revelers who were building snowmen and throwing snowballs.

There will be further updates on this seriously snowy situation, so stay tuned.

A 21st Century Tale: The Con Man and the IRS

While Trump has been marshaling his minions at Mar-a-Lago (and nursing his enormous ego) in an attempt to be a king-maker for the Republican Party, the wheels of justice have been turning.

A judge has ruled against him. His lawyers have to turn over all the records and paperwork they've been trying to hide about one of his properties.

They have until Feb. 3rd to hand over the records and communications from Trump's real estate company, under penalty of law.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued six subpoenas since August. All were stonewalled by Trump lawyers.

The siege ended when a New York state Supreme Court Justice, Arthur Engoron, ruled that Trump's claims of attorney-client privilege were hogwash, and it was time to move on.

The focus of James' investigation is an appraisal of property on 212 acres outside New York City. The probe is looking at a suspicious $21 million dollar tax deduction the Trump company claimed in 2015.

But that's not all that's being investigated regarding the Trump Organization.

Investigators have been going over his banking records for more than a year. Records that may reveal big time fraud and money laundering.

I like to remind people how the infamous gangster Al Capone - who murdered countless people - went to prison for cheating on his taxes. 

So Don the Con's political future is more clouded than many believe at this time. The tax man cometh and when he does... 

One thing is for sure, it's going to be difficult to run for POTUS again in 2024 when Trump's an inmate in a federal prison.

To keep himself busy behind bars, the disgraced ex-president could start a 3rd Party. I suggest calling it the BAD LOSER COALITION. 

US Space Force Rolls Out New Motto: 'Going Where Everyone Else Has Gone Before'

The US Air Force never liked the idea.

When Trump created another military branch - the US Space Force - eyeballs in the Pentagon rolled.

What the hell do we need a space force for members throughout the military and Congress wondered? 

There was never a satisfactory explanation other than Diaper Don likes military uniforms and he wanted to see new one's made up under his supervision.

The draft dodging cretin wanted to create his own military for reasons psychiatrists are still puzzling over.

Breaking News

The Space Force unveiled a rank structure Friday for it's officers and enlisted personnel, and guess what?

The rank structure is the same as the Air Force rank structure. Raise your hand if you're surprised.

The Mission

The Space Force's stated mission is to defend machinery and commerce in the vastness of space.

It's also reasonable to suggest that the newly minted space force will be our first line of defense in the case of an alien invasion. 

It's a nice thought, but in reality any advanced species that decides to visit our planet - for whatever reasons - is sure to vaporize our fledgling star fleet.

I'm just going to come out and say it...the idea of a Space Force is ridiculous and everyone but Trump knew it and knows it today.

I'd be embarrassed walking around with a uniform that had a patch that was ripped off from Star Trek uniforms.

The Space Force also recently revealed their latest motto; "Going Where Everyone Else Has Gone Before."

It's back-up motto is "Semper Supra," which means "Always Above."

Prior to that, under Trump, the motto was "Oderint dum metuant," which means "Let them hate so long as they fear."

I guess we're stuck with this new useless appendage to our military structure.

The new space force will be so busy dodging tons of space trash that I doubt they'll have much time to protect satellites.

The Fight To Be Civil To One Another Loses Ground Every Day

Congress is a battleground where truth versus lies is being fought daily.

When you have lawmakers still pushing The Big Lie that the election was stolen, it encourages every extremist in the country to pursue the falsehood, and add other conspiracy theories to the national conversation.

The Democrats are pushing back and calling out their GOP colleagues for perpetuating conspiracy theories - some of which are threatening the lives of top Democrats.  

The result is all efforts to be civil - Biden's call for unity - Republican and Democrat - are doomed to failure. Compromise is a choose-off in Congress these days.

There's no longer an assumption of lawmakers agreeing to serve the country first, and their political aspirations second. 

It's a pity. Civility goes a long way towards problem solving. With it comes compromise, the first step to successfully passing laws that benefit all Americans.

I'm not saying there's no hope. There's always hope as long as there's people who are willing to do the right thing for our country. 

They're out there. We just need to elect lawmakers who really care about democracy, and who won't spend their time trying to divide the country with conspiracy theories.

It all starts at the grass roots level where truth matters, along with civility and respect. In other words America, political candidates should be vetted before entering the arena.

Congress Must Deal With 'The Enemy Within'

How would you like to work with someone who hates you so much that they've publicly stated it and called for your death?

Members of Congress are now faced with that very threat.

House Minority Leader, Kevin McCarthy, is trying to walk a fine line between allowing one of his members to get away with threatening other members, and the House Speaker, and not taking too drastic measures against Marjorie Taylor Greene - a newcomer to the House.

There's also a sense of fear among many House members who are against other members bringing guns onto the House Floor. They are also concerned for their safety when they leave the Capitol.

Homeland Security and the FBI have issued a rare threat notice to the public, warning against domestic terrorists who follow Trump and are ready to kill for him.

What's the chance that McCarthy will do the right thing and censor (at the very least) Greene? I'd say it's a mute point today as McCarthy is visiting ex-tyrant Trump at his palace in Florida.

McCarthy is at Mar-a-Lago kissing the ring and asking forgiveness for daring to say Trump was responsible days after the coup attempt at the Capitol. 

How crazy is Greene? Check this viral video out as she stalks and harasses a student who was at the Parkland School massacre.

If Trump tells him to leave Greene alone, McCarthy will comply like a sheared sheep.

So where does that leave the rest of the members in the House?

If the Republicans are going to shield fanatic's like Green, Democrats are going to have to take more preventive measures to protect themselves.

There's one more reason why I find Green's shocking rhetoric contemptable - she was elected DESPITE her hate-filled rants and association with QAnon. Neither was a secret. 

What the hell is the matter with people who support someone whose obviously crazy?

QAnon Finds a Safe Harbor With Fox News

Fox News has been embracing conspiracy theories even before Trump slunk into office in 2016.

But the far right TV station has doubled down on fake news and conspiracies' and is now fully endorsing QAnon.

That's right. Full-on crazy is the new Fox motto coined after Trump was kicked out of the White House. 

Leading the way in defending the cult are Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham who have taken it upon themselves to promote the extremist agenda and make excuses for QAnon members who stormed the nation's capitol in a failed coup attempt.

In a display of sheer stupidity and Trump worship, Carlson denounced QAnon critics as a "mob of censors, hysterics and Jacobin destroyers, all working on behalf of entrenched power to take control of everything."

Not to be out done, Ingraham tried to spin a web of lies after Biden's PR person Jen Psaki announced that the National Security Council (NSC) is going to determine "how the government can share information" on efforts to "prevent radicalization" and "disrupt domestic terrorism.

Ingraham, in one of her patented rants, claimed the NSC was going to crack down on conservatives in general. 

Both Ingraham and Carlson claim there's no way to target threats from violent extremist ideologies like QAnon without targeting conservatives.

What the two lying hosts don't seem to realize is that they're lumping domestic terrorists with conservatives - all in the same room. Equal partners in crime. 

I don't think that's the message the Republican Party wants to send out right now - but I could be wrong.

I'm Already Missing The Dog and Pony Show at WH Briefings

Let's be honest.

One of the best entertainment acts in Washington DC for the last four years is gone.

Press briefings during the Trump Administration were more than just simple Dog and Pony show - they were full-fledged circus's with four ringmasters who served up lies, and who were all allergic to facts.

Everyone has a favorite ringmaster. Mine was  Sean Spicer. He was the first. I loved watching him get red in the face and turn on the press like a rabid hyena. 

His opening act became a classic when he claimed Trump had the largest audience to witness an inauguration of any president, and then doctored a photo to make it appear like there was a massive crowd. He lasted 182 days.

Act two was Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the daughter of Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. 

She quickly earned a reputation for lying and snarling at the same time.

She's  best remembered for not holding daily press briefings, setting three records for the longest streak between formal briefings: 41, 42 and 94 days. The latter ended when she left office. She lasted 340 days on the job.

Who can forget Stephanie Grisham? (I almost did here)

She followed Sanders and took the WH podium in July 2019. 

Her moment of infamy came when she was criticized for describing the botched execution of Joseph Rudolph Wood III as "peaceful" after other witnesses said he was gasping for air.

"There was no gasping of air," she told the assembled media, "There was snoring." It was shortly after this that she quit giving briefings and Trump took over.

 
She still retained her title up until April 7, 2020 when Kayleigh McEnany assumed the role.

It soon became apparent McEnany was the best gaslighter and liar of all the circus acts that went before her. 

She enthusiastically backed Trump's conspiracy theories. The worst one was when she said that voting by mail had a "high propensity for voter fraud," furthering Trump's attempts to steal the election.

             Side Acts Worth Mentioning

When Sean Spicer resigned in July 2017, Trump appointed Anthony Scaramucci as the new communications director. Less than two weeks later he was removed from the office.

Kellyanne Conway - who coined the infamous phrase "alternate facts" was Trump's Senior Counselor who often appeared on TV talk shows defending his every action and word. 

Midway through 2020, Conway suddenly resigned from her job.

It turned out that her vigorous defense of Trump and her husband George's loathing of him was breaking up the family.

George was heavily involved with The Lincoln Project, a group dedicated to getting Trump out of office. Kellyanne and he declared a truce for their 16-year old daughter's sake.

For a while there, I admit a guilty pleasure watching the clowns Trump had speaking on his behalf. They each had a flair, but the one thing they were united on was that Trump was the Main Ringmaster.

I wish Joe Biden's selection, Jen Psaki, good luck restoring the WH Press Secretary job's reputation. Give me boring, as long as the truth is being told.

The Supremes Are Back With a List of Hot Cases Today

Judge Dave is here...

Order in the court!

Order in the court!

The wheels of justice are rolling again in the aftermath of a coup attempt by Trump and his minions, and a hotly contested presidential election.

Today's Big News 

The Supremes are BACK TODAY, and they have a list of cases to adjudicate, but the one I find the most interesting is the one on Trump's tax returns.

I'm guessing it's in the top three cases to immediately try. The other two are abortion and immigration. 

UPDATE 7:00 PST 1/25

Supreme Court dismisses emolument cases against Trump

There's another case coming down the road that involves Trump breaking emoluments laws.

Also, on the calendar are cases dealing with affirmative action and voting rights.

One thing to keep in mind, the composition of the Supreme Court is now split 6-3 along ideological lines and the conservatives are sure to unite on key cases.

Justice for all? Or, Justice tainted with partisanship? We'll just have to see what the future holds.

COURT DISMISSED!