Sports Betting

I am old enough to remember when sports betting was relegated to bookies and casinos.  Now, thanks to an ever increasing number of online betting companies, it is an intrinsic part of most sporting events.

Bringing in revenue for governments, broadcasting companies, investors and sports leagues, it is widely available and actively encouraged.  More than betting on the outcome of a game or match, one can bet on what will happen on the next play or on the game stats for any given player; in other words, fans can bet on every aspect of their favorite sports.  Furthermore, newcomers are enticed with free money in their account to get them started (i.e. hooked).

While many fans might be able to participate without consequence, I suspect a significant percentage become addicted to the thrill of an occasional win and end up losing money that should go to more important obligations in their life; of course, betting company ads always include a number to call for those who succumb to such unfortunate tendencies.  Meanwhile, those who invest in the gambling services profit handsomely.

Trump's Facade Cracks

Just a few weeks ago, King Trump was confidently on his way to dictatorship.  Now, following a series of judicial decisions, especially related to unlawful tariffs, the misuse of National Guard troops and his cruel approach to deportations, he appears far from omnipotent.

His promise to end the Russia-Ukranian War in 24 hours has blown up in his face, his choice for Secretary of HHS is under bipartisan fire for his total lack of competence, he has angered his base by calling the Epstein saga a Democratic hoax and his overall approval rating has fallen below 40%.  Worried about a "Blue Wave" in next year's midterms, Republican Senators and Congressmen are finally beginning to demonstrate an inkling of courage.

Of course, Trump is putting his faith in the Supreme Court which has previously declared that Presidents are immune from prosecution for official duties.  But they have yet to rule that Presidents may ignore the Constitution or the Rule of Law and we will soon learn whether they are truly independent or openly aligned with Trump's personal agenda. 

Florida ends School Vaccine Mandate

Today, Florida's lunatic Surgeon General announced that vaccine mandates will be eliminated in the State's public schools.  In his words, parents and their God will make that decision.

Once again, mysticism Trumps science (pun intended).  Following the histrionics of RFK Jr., Governor Ron DeSantis has unleashed the risk of deadly, preventable disease on the children of his realm, no doubt looking to please his Dear Leader in Washington (as he did with the fiasco of Alligator Alcatraz).

A slew of lawsuits from professional medical organizations is certain to follow but the word is out for those who favor religion over science:  "Send your kids to school; no vaccination records necessary." Will responsible Republican lawmakers come to the rescue?  Don't hold your breath. 

Conservation & Extinction

Ignoring the central message of the Jurassic Park films, some "enterprising" scientists are focusing on efforts to bring back extinct species.  In my opinion, this is an unwise and inappropriate endeavor, whether the extinction occurred at the hands of humans or not.

Once we gave up our nomadic lifestyle and turned to cultivation and domestication (both about 10,000 years ago), humans have had a significant effect on the health of other animal populations.  Of course, this negative impact greatly increased during the Industrial and Technologic Revolutions as pollution and widespread development destroyed ecosystems.  Rather than reversing extinction, a natural component of evolution, we should concentrate on protecting those species that still exist; reducing our population, cutting back on personal consumption, greatly limiting pollution and protecting natural habitat are the primary tools.  Nature will heal herself if we get out of her way.

Then again, we have an American President and Administration who are anti-science; they deny climate change, are cutting back (if not eliminating) federal support for green energy industries and even talk of renewing the use of coal in power plants.  Unless we reverse the political climate, the extinction of our own species will be greatly accelerated.

Fueling Obesity

As the scourge of obesity continues to grip America and while many seek access to modern weight loss drugs, the fast food industry appears to be undermining efforts to address the problem.  TV ads depict giant, multilayered sandwiches, usually served with an equal amount of calories in the form of French fries, onion rings or other side courses.  Similar ads entice customers to fried chicken outlets, all-you-can-eat-buffets and "fast casual restaurants."

Unfortunately, fast food is utilized most heavily by low income citizens, the same group that is most prone to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

While there is little chance that such advertising will be outlawed someday, one would hope that the fast food industry might shift their emphasis toward more appropriate portions of reasonably healthy food.  But the fact that they are currently proclaiming "More calories per dollar!" seems to suggest that such a change is not likely to occur. 

Non-Scientific Healthcare

The recommendations of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the CDC, the FDA and other federal healthcare agencies have always been based on scientific evidence, whether related to lifestyle choices or the latest cancer therapies.  Now, thanks to King Trump and RFK Jr., they are the product of personal beliefs, politics and cost-saving efforts.

The current crisis at the CDC is just the latest threat to the health of Americans, altering science-based recommendations regarding the availability and prescription of vaccines, an area in which RFK Jr. has long spread false information.  Of course, poor and uneducated citizens are most vulnerable to rumors and conspiracy theories; meanwhile, Kennedy has pocketed millions based on his anti-vaccine campaign.

The Republicans who confirmed RFK Jr. as the Secretary of HHS, despite that campaign and his complete lack of qualifications, are responsible for the current crisis.  Senator Cassidy of Louisiana, the chair of that committee and himself a pediatrician, is primarily accountable for this crime against America.  Kennedy must be removed from his post before many unnecessary deaths occur and trust in the recommendations of our healthcare agencies further erodes. 

Losing Touch

Throughout our lives, we make hundreds of friends: neighbors, classmates, teammates, colleagues, trainees and those individuals who we meet serendipitously at social events.  Unfortunately, over the years, we lose touch with most of them.

Except for those who use the "shotgun approach" via social media (which results in ongoing superficial relationships) most of us end up staying in touch with only a handful of close, long-term friends.  Even these individuals may only be contacted a few times each year, primarily on birthdays and holidays.

Of course, our modern, mobile society is at least partly responsible for this phenomenon as home town relationships fall victim to economic opportunities elsewhere.  But I suspect it reflects the evolution of human culture in general, especially the loss of interdependence among family and community members.  Nevertheless, I believe it is important to regularly connect with old friends; after all, we have, at least in part, been shaped by those relationships.

See also:  Old Friends 

Feeding the Narcissist

Two days ago, King Trump arranged for a Cabinet meeting at which the members praised him effusively for his superb leadership.  As they demeaned themselves on camera, one mentioned his beautiful face on banners across Washington, D.C., while another proclaimed that Our Dear Leader has done more to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize than any President in U.S. history.  Meanwhile, Trump looked on passively, soaking in the praise like a bloated sponge.

Of course, no one mentioned the failed peace talks with Putin, Trump's fondness for dictators, his fickle and destructive tariffs, his cruel treatment of immigrants, his overt racism, his ongoing revenge tour, his plan to send National Guard troops into large, Democratic cities or his constant grifting.  They know that any criticism or well-intended suggestions might put them on his hit list.

Praise is the life blood of our Narcissist-in-Chief.  Nothing else truly matters. 

The Nature of Penance

Raised in the Catholic Church, I learned that penance was a litany of prayers assigned by a priest to atone for "sins" that were confessed, whether you were age 6 or 60.  But I later discovered that engaging in penance is a rather common human behavior, triggered by guilt.

Indeed, penance is an act of self-punishment for real or perceived wrongdoing.  This may be due to failed relationships (usually with a family member, lover or close friend), hidden affairs, mistreatment of colleagues or other similar behavior.  Penance may come in the form of excessive exercise, compulsive good deeds, a decision to forego rewarding and pleasurable activities or the choice to withdrawal from established social circles.

Unfortunately, the self-imposed penance rarely erases the underlying guilt and counseling is likely to be far more effective for penitents.  Convincing oneself of that fact, however, is difficult at best.

See also:  Guilt 

Driving toward Jupiter

Since running into a deer and smashing up our vehicle two years ago, my wife and I avoid driving after sunset or before sunrise.  Nevertheless, facing a 6-hour drive in the hot sun, I decided to set our early from Hays, Kansas.  That proved to be a rewarding decision.

A thumb-nail moon and bright Jupiter gleamed in the eastern sky and, twenty minutes later, a spectacular red dawn stretched across the horizon.  As the sun began to rise, the celestial bodies disappeared and the temperature increased.

No doubt, ancient man paid more attention to the night sky than most modern humans.  After all, we have our atomic clocks and digital calendars to keep track of the seasons.  Then there are those who lean toward religious mysticism; in their case, the spectacle above invites unwelcome questions.

See also:  Night Vision 

Trump Prepares for 2028

Imbued with a sense of omnipotence, King Trump appears to have set his sights on the 2028 Election (or lack thereof).  This week, he questioned the reliability of both mail-in voting and voting machines, based solely on the opinion of Vladimir Putin.

Having pardoned the January 6 criminals, Trump remains fixated on the 2020 election and the injustice that he perceives.  He has appointed his own Weaponization Czar to attack those who have prosecuted or accused him in the past; of course, that revenge agent is working closely with the Attorney General who is in Trump's pocket on every issue.  Then there is the threat of militarizing our cities (especially in Blue States); this will come in handy when American citizens begin to revolt.  Finally, our King assumes the right to control every aspect of our society, from private corporations to museums.

In his mind, I suspect that Trump intends to stay in office in 2028; the Supreme Court may even facilitate that plan.  Trump wants to be America's Putin.  No elections necessary. 

Ignoring Anti-Science Policies

Having devoted decades to scientific research in the development of their products and services, it seems unlikely that American corporations will derail their agenda in response to the anti-science policies of the Trump Administration.  Expensive, long-term commitments to medical research, environmental science, technologic advancement, pollution control and, most recently, climate science, cannot be derailed by relatively brief swings in the political environment.

While this is reassuring, the anti-science rhetoric of Trump's stooges will certainly have an effect on the uneducated public, resulting in unnecessary health complications, a reduced commitment to protecting our natural environment and to excessive personal consumption.

Of course, while corporations can ignore anti-science policies, none of us can or should ignore the Administration's attacks on our Democracy, on our personal freedoms and on social justice.  Our response to those threats may require a revolution.

 

Trump's Peace Summit

Yesterday, seeking the Nobel Peace Prize, King Trump flew his 747 to Alaska to meet with his "good friend," Vladimir Putin.  He hoped that his "Art of the Deal" skills would convince Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the Ukrainian-Russian War.  That did not work; Putin clearly had no intention of bowing to Trump's personal aspirations.

We will soon learn if our King will thus impose the promised "severe repercussions" that might include the sale of U.S. weapons to Ukraine as well as devastating sanctions on the Russian Government.  Unless he stands to benefit in some way, I doubt he will follow through.  

King Trump is not focused on the Ukrainian people.  He cares only about himself and whatever praise he might garner from his peace-making efforts. Sharing the red carpet with a war criminal did not help his cause. 

Hurricane Coverage

As Hurricane Erin churns toward North America, the Weather Channel is providing non-stop coverage.  It is, after all, the first Atlantic hurricane of 2025 and there is nothing more marketable in their area of expertise.

In my opinion, the Weather Channel does a great job when it comes to educating the public about all forms of severe weather, including safety precautions, preparations and the forecast itself.  As one who has long been interested in the science of weather, I appreciate their knowledge and enthusiasm.

On the other hand, hurricanes seem to bring out their need to deliver updates every 15 minutes and, should the storm threaten coastal communities, to report from the scene, standing in the wind and rain while insisting that the public evacuate for their own safety.  A mixed message at best.

See:  Hurricane Stuntmen and Cantore Season 

Sitting in the Heat

I prefer to be outdoors as much as possible but, if there is one weather condition that tends to keep me indoors, it is excessive heat.  On such days, I engage in my outdoor chores and activities early in the morning, when it is still relatively cool.  Nevertheless, I am inclined to sample all forms of weather (except severe storms), at least for a while.

Here along the Front Range, due to the dry air, one can comfortably sit in the shade up into the low 90s F; once the temperature reaches the upper 90s or above, comfort is but a dream.  Even a steady breeze has no cooling effect; rather, it can feel like a blast furnace.  Of course, birding is out of the question; indeed, on this afternoon's vigil, I did not observe a single bird though a few twitters arose from the shrub line.

I learned long ago that reading in such conditions is futile.  Worse yet, napping, planned or not, just might be fatal.  But a brief sit in the shade expands one's appreciation for Nature's diversity and awesome power.  It is humbling to say the least. 

The Origins of Doubt

Young children instinctively trust and believe what their parents say; it is a trait associated with improved survival.  But once childhood myths explode, their level of trust begins to unravel.  Of course, this process accelerates during the teenage years when young people begin to think for themselves and more readily question the wisdom of their parents; under circumstances in which parents are excessively strict or controlling, there is often a reactionary element to this distrust as well.

Children raised in a milieu of mysticism (religious schooling, etc.) are initially sheltered from inconvenient truths but they must eventually function in our complex, science-based society.   Then again, guilt is a powerful human emotion and even many scientists retain religious convictions (however tenuous they may be).

While doubt is a threat to mysticism it is also an important control on the scientific method.  As we seek truth, we must continuously question the reliability of current scientific data and conclusions; if not, our knowledge is incomplete and potentially misleading.  Doubt is an essential tool in our journey toward truth.   

Life's Descent

At some point, we humans must admit that we are on the downhill side of life; the slide might be long and gradual or steep and short.  Of course, due to disease, accidents or violence, some enter the slide much earlier than most; in all cases, we are forced to acknowledge that our future is much shorter than our past.

While a healthy lifestyle might delay the process, we all eventually recognize the symptoms: weaker muscles, less energy and a diminished appetite among many others.  Some turn to a wide variety of supplements to slow aging but they are of dubious value; genetics and luck (good or bad) are the primary determinants.

Those of us who enter our seventies, eighties or beyond in decent health and still independent are very fortunate indeed.  Then again, Mother Nature has the final say and she often arrives unannounced. 

A Culture of Cruelty

King Trump, his cronies and his loyal Administration members are imposing a culture of cruelty across this country.  The incarceration of hard-working immigrants under inhumane conditions is the most egregious but their lack of concern for impoverished and disadvantaged American citizens is evident in almost all of their policies.

The withdrawal of Medicaid coverage, the defunding of child welfare programs and significant cuts in foreign aid all impose major hardships (with, in many cases, deadly results) on those who are most vulnerable.  White men in expensive suits appear on TV to justify this behavior but we all know that racism lies at the heart of their arguments.

Ironically, Republicans are more likely to wear their faith on their sleeves, touting their church affiliation while treating fellow human beings like disposable, lazy, criminal trash.  How Christian of them.  

Playing with Fire

Since our Columbia home is on the edge of campus, we can hear football practice from our backyard.  This afternoon, I heard coaches yelling, whistles blowing and fake crowd noise wafting toward our house.  By the way, the temperature was 92 degrees F and the humidity was stifling.

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. and is often due to strenuous activity on hot summer days, children being left in locked cars or, in the case of the elderly and poor, to lack of air conditioning.  One thus wonders why a college football team, possessing an indoor practice facility, needs to be outdoors on such an afternoon.

I suppose it fits with the macho image of football, giving up one's body for the glory of the school.  Though I suspect some precautions were taken, why not practice in the early am or evening?; perhaps even under the lights if necessary?  After all, toughness does not protect one from nature's wrath and at least a few heat-related, football practice deaths are reported in this country each year. 

Trump Blackmails America

Granted total immunity by the Supreme Court, King Trump has focused on his ability to acquire power and money.  Blackmailing corporations, law firms, universities, broadcasters and foreign countries has proved to be disturbingly successful.

Afraid to speak up and risk the wrath of their Supreme Leader, Republican Senators and Congressmen have remained silent, even as Trump illegally fires a host of government officials who report facts or results that reflect poorly on his Administration.  Meanwhile, his loyal Cabinet reverses policies that were in place to protect our health and environment.

Playing roulette with his ever-changing tariffs, the King keeps our economy off-balance, ensuring reliance on his personal whims.  While his Big Beautiful Bill withdraws Medicaid from millions of Americans, Trump has announced that he will spend 200 million dollars on a new banquet hall at the White House.  Wake up America!  Three more years of his self-centered reign will surely kill our Democracy.