Cruise began in Seattle on October 13.  We arrive in Miami tomorrow.  However, while almost everyone else leaves the ship, we remain for another two weeks. About the presidential election in three days, I'm nervous.  The thought of Donald Trump winning and the USA losing Democracy is a feeling I've never had before.  Polls show a close race.  How close?   Go to 538  and also get concerned.  You can scroll down to track what is happening in the Senate and House races...and also moan, if you're a Democrat. Something new has been added this year, which might not be available in future years,   IT IS NOW LEGAL FOR U.S. CITIZENS TO GAMBLE ON WHO WILL WIN .   The odds seem to be set at 48-52, meaning no matter who you vote for, if you bet $50, you will win $48, plus get back the $50.  This could change. What happened? The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates financial contracts that bet on events, had consi...

Tomorrow begins Ramadan.  For those who don't know what is Ramadan, I will on Sunday provide some history.  As such, there was hope for peace in the Gaza Strip by the end of today.  Apparently,   not going to happen , for both the Hamas and Israel are not backing off on must requirements.  While both have their points, I think the biggest source of irritation is PM Netanyahu, who wants to totally obliterate any future terrorism against Israel.  Even a long cease fire will threaten his leadership. What about aid to Ukraine?  Well, still no progress in the House.  However,  looks like something will be worked out by March 22 , when the Republicans again play brinksmanship about closing down the Federal government. Tonight is when you need to spring forward, that is, this is Spring, so you must set your clock forward an hour.  Which means you will have one less hour of sleep.  Why we continue to do this back and forth every year remain...

  It is Friday in Japan, so this must still be Thursday in the USA.  I've bypassed anything linked to Covid for weeks because it is not newsworthy enough these days.  However, thought I'd touch on it today.  First, though, a few other topics: It is becoming clear what new Speaker Mike Johnson and his Republican House will be doing, for they are now cherry-picking topics to support their priorities, while insisting that the budget be balanced with cuts to the IRS now, and social programs later, to pay for necessary expenditures.  Both the White House and the Senate scoff at this tactic.   Read the details . If you've lost track of Donald Trump's assorted indictments and court trials,  here is a summary . As I erroneously indicated that the U.S. ended daylight savings time this past weekend, here is the correct information.  When you go to bed  this coming Saturday night , the nation at 2AM falls back one hour on Sunday, November 5, meanin...