Deep Thoughts Vol 9

You can stop hiccups with a pinch of sugar under the tongue. No fooling.

“Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game and dumb enough to think it's important."  Eugene McCarthy 

I’ve been accused of being sardonic. I think that’s a form of wit but that may be only half right. 

Backyard decks have replaced front porches.  The decline of neighborliness.

Tariffs are a way to extract money from the general population and give it to oligarchs via tax policy.  You know this is true.

The 'Golden Years' should really be the 'Iron Years' since we gradually rust out.

"The Pulpit, The Press and The Novel are the greatest molders of public opinion and public morals."  Frank Norris 1902.  But today, church attendance is plummeting, journalism is on the cower and few people are readers. So public opinion and morality, at the mercy of demagogues, are on the same downward trajectory.

Just finished book #8 of Caimh McDonnell's Dublin Trilogy. Now hoping to get to the Beach Boys' 20th annual farewell tour.

You might have noticed this post makes this series a triple-trilogy. I hear you saying 'enough already' but I am determined to stay one ahead Caimh. And in these times, these things practically write themselves, so there you go.

Some good coping advice for these times. "Get a colonoscopy. Forgive yourself, be nicer to people, order the good wine."  Scott Galloway  (Not so enthusiastic about the colonoscopy part)

“What I’m feeling is moral shame: To watch the loss of your nation’s honor is embarrassing and painful.”  David Brooks

The Twins lineup stands pat from 2024, except for replacements at 1st base & outfield, tho new guys are downgrades in my opinion. This is a lineup that tanked dramatically at last season end. All the other American League Central teams look improved so I see the Twins right there challenging the Sox for last.

With all the drama around Twins on/off television rights I was worried I’d be forced back to radio days for my baseball fix. Now, with Twins.tv I watch what has been so far essentially unwatchable baseball. e.g. seven overthrows of first base and counting by Twin's pitchers. Seven!

Would you believe it is 34 years since the Twins’ World Series win?  Kirby’s number.

SNAP (aka food stamps) is on the cutting board. Three-fourths of SNAP recipients live below the poverty line ($26,000/yr for a family of 3). Two-thirds are elderly, children or disabled. Families in rural America depend on SNAP more than cities. The irony is that in the communities that grow our food, many cannot afford healthy meals.

"Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?" Joseph Welch, at Army-McCarthy Hearings 1954

"Memory sustains man in the world of life."   Samuel David Luzzatto

I find joy when immersed in Lutheran congregational hymn singing.

I wish for you the sailor's prayer: Fair winds and a following sea.

There is no need for FEMA. That is, until there it is in your backyard.

The most highly praised books are rarely read. The fat classics almost never.

"There's nothing like eavesdropping to show you that the world outside your head is different from the world inside your head."  Thornton Wilder

I have reached the point that when I drop something, I stop and ponder whether I really need it.

If you were facing the maw of oblivion what piece of wisdom would you leave behind? 

Remember the last time you experienced frisson? What caused it?

How does discarding civil servants, veteran programs, educators, artists, scientists, students, medical researchers, doctors, food and drug safety inspectors, FEMA, Head Start, SNAP, Voice of America, PBS, AmeriCorps, immigrants, National Parks, trade relationships, universities, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, World Health Organization, stock market, allies, NATO ... provide value to our country?

Every generation wishes a better life for their children & grandchildren. Will that promise hold? I worry for my grandchildren's future.

Read more novels. You will gain empathy, much needed in this world. And you will go to places and experience cultures you likely never otherwise would.

Back on my bike, a major concern is crossing intersections with cars turning right while looking left. Had that near-run-thing with a school bus just the other day. Now I also have to worry about eBikes on the trails whizzing past me at 30mph.

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, April 30, 1975.

Garage sales are great fun unless they happen to be your own.

Electrical engineering is the study of how to get the rocks to do math. Beleaguered EE student.

These new-fangled gas cans are impossible to pour from if you have arthritic hands. Time for a solar mower. My consolation is these product designers someday too will be old.

I think ice cream may be nature’s most perfect food. Perhaps augmented with apple pie.

If you had any doubt we live in unusual time, Congress redefines time: “Each day for the remainder of the first session of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency declared by the President on February 1, 2025.”  The gambit removes the ability for any House members to use an expedited process to force a vote on repealing the tariffs.

Adding to my vocabulary. History washing.

A poll of US scientists finds 75% are considering relocating to Canada or Europe. Other countries are in recruiting mode.

Time to pony-up and help keep your favorite non-profit afloat.

Copyright ©  2025  Dave Hoplin