The U.S. House finally passed the   $95 billion war/humanitarian needs aid bill   for Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific (mainly Taiwan).  The Senate will act on this package Tuesday and President Joe Biden will sign it.  Speaker Mike Johnson (right) is using something novel, bipartisanship,  fiercely condemned by Republican loyalists.  More Republicans opposed the legislation, 112, with 101 in support, plus 210 Democrats.  Who gains?  Defense contractors, those countries and Joe Biden.  Who loses?  Donald Trump.   This budget victory is a sign that the Trump effect is weakening. About Trump and his hush money criminal trial in New York, various  viral trails of interest .  Keep in mind that the media attention is about a sex scandal, but the  real matter has to do with hiding information, keeping an issue hidden from voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election .  This illegal ploy worked, for Trump's narrow victory over Hillary Clinton would probably have been reversed if this bit o

There is no port large enough to handle cruise ships in Kailua-Kona, so the Pride of American is moored a mile or so out, and you need to ride a tender to shore. Had an excellent lunch with the usual assortment of drinks. We chose not to go to shore, for   we were here on the Seabourn Odyssey only a few months ago , so here are a couple of photos from that experience. Went to dinner at Jefferson's, the ship's French restaurant.  Had an excellent escargot with endive salad. The main entré consisted of rack of lamb and Steak Rossini. The piece of foie gras over the steak was really large, and fabulous. Closed with ice cream, Irish Coffee and cognac. But all that led up to my birthday cake.  I turned 83 today. We were supersaturated with food and drinks, so gave the cake to a family sitting close to us.  The young boy was thrilled. Went to see comedian Tom Foss in the Hollywood Theater. Then went dancing with Jessica Louise on her guitar in Pink's Champagne Bar. This morning,