Category: Uncategorized

Hubris and the Wizard of Oz

The word is a noun meaning Excessive pride or self-confidence. Used in a sentence: Hubris leads to the downfall of many celebrities and politicians.

That is what we saw at the RNC displayed by Donald Trump. His words four years ago, “I alone can fix it” is still his opinion of himself.

His supporters are blindly supporting his view of himself.

“Empires always have the hubris to think they are indestructible, when in fact they are always unsustainable.” Marianne Williamson, former presidential candidate

“The silent killer of all great men and women of achievement – particularly men, I don’t know why, maybe it’s the testosterone – I think it’s narcissism. Even more than hubris. And for women, too. Narcissism is the killer.” Conservative James Woods, actor, producer of both movie and television programs

“Incumbent White House parties have won 10 of the last 18 presidential elections; the odds are tight, but they favor Obama in 2012. And so gloomy Democrats, check your despair; gleeful Republicans, watch the hubris.” Jon Meacham, author and former Newsweek editor

“We live in a world in which data convey authority. But authority has a way of descending to certitude, and certitude begets hubris.” Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winning American conservative journalist, editor, and columnist.

The Wizard of Oz was not all powerful nor is Donald Trump. Trump has not fixed violent rioters in Portland, Oregon or Kenosha, Wisconsin. The corona virus continues to spread with about 900 new deaths daily. The economy is in shambles with 1 million new unemployment claims weekly. “Justice for all” has become a slogan not a reality.

The president is a blustering bully similar to the Wizard.

First Day of Reopening – Westfield Topanga Mall

I was surprised to see so many cars parked in the northside Owensmouth garage.  It was a hot day.  I took a walk around the lower level.  At least one half of all the stores were closed.  Target and Macy’s was open but Nordstrom’s was closed.  H&M had all the mannequins undressed and there were stacked boxes of merchandise so I guess they will not be re-opening.  Jimmy Choo’s had no merchandise on the shelves which probably means they too are closing.  Some stores had notification of their planned openings and others posted on the doors they would be opening soon. Of course all the eateries and cholatiers were closed.    

This is not my video but definitely tells the story.

Donald Trump is a Prevaricator

It is obvious to most of us that Donald Trump repeatedly stretches the truth and is a deceiver and trickster. What do you call someone who does that? The answer is prevaricator. He is Pinocchio live.

The Free Dictionary definition of prevaricator – a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly, liar, Beguiler, cheater, deceiver, trickster, slicker, cheat – someone who leads you to believe something that is not true.

But to be fair I decided to check Merriam-Webster that offered almost the same word for word definition but provided these synonyms

Synonyms for prevaricator

Hitler led the German people into a war because the sycophants were mesmerized. I fear the same thing can happen here in America.

Cry-babies just Can’t Handle the Stress of Staying Healthy

“Waah, it’s not fair. I want to go out and shop. I don’t care who it hurts.”

Los Angeles County on Saturday reported 81 new deaths related to COVID-19, the county’s highest one-day death toll from the disease by far. In the last week, deaths among L.A. County residents have roughly doubled and now stand at more than 570. This was reported in all the local newspapers.

Meanwhile just 40 miles away in Orange county California (really part of metropolitan Los Angeles) a group of more than 100 protesters converged on Huntington Beach on Friday in a demonstration against California’s coronavirus stay-at-home rules, part of a series of national demonstrations organized by conservative groups. One demonstrator carried a “Live Free or Die” banner and another reading “Defy Fascist Lockdown.”

I guess cry babies are just that. Do these people wash their hands after using the toilet?

Lions Nap in the middle of a Road

In Kruger National Park, South Africa, lions have been photographed sleeping on roads and wild dogs have been filmed playing on golf courses while the country is in lockdown.

Richard Sowry, a park ranger, spotted a group of sleeping lions in the middle of the road during a patrol on Wednesday. The park explained the lions are normally found in Kempiana Contractual Park, which is closed to tourists, but appear to be making the most of the quiet streets, taking a nap near one of the park’s entrance gates, near a camp that can accommodate dozens of visitors.

Source for this is Newsweek magazine.

U.S. Jobless Claims Top 20 Million Since Start of Shutdowns

New jobless claims reported today totaled 5.2 million filings for this past week. That brings the total seeking aid in a month of coronavirus-related shutdowns to 22 million workers and showing a broad shock for the U.S. labor market.

This graph shows the unemployment claims is off the chart. Notice where the unemployment rate was during the Great Recession. The graph goes to 6 million initial claims showing how disastrous the situation is now.

Thursday’s report also showed 12 million Americans received unemployment payments in the week ended April 4, a record. That is up from 7.4 million the prior week, which exceeded the highest level set in the 2007-2009 recession.

The maximum benefit in California is $450 per week.  An additional $600 will be added to that amount thanks to the CARES act passed by congress regardless of the California unemployment benefit.  It’s anticipated that the additional payments will last four months.  If your salary was $40,000 per year your weekly benefit is $385.  To qualify for the $450 benefit your annual income must have beeen at least $50,000 per year for the past year. Incidentally CARES stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security.

Who is to blame?