2026 Daily - 02/21/2026 - scattergun blitzkreig..

 I hesitated to use the word blitzkreig as it reminds us of the Nazi's and all the horrors that came with them. Scattergun may be a term also disturbing. However - today it seems we are experiencing in the political world a blitzkrieg of scattergun assaults on the usual, the normal, the historic, and what is right vs wrong.

In the past year of the 2nd reign of Trump he has done soo many things. I would say some are good, some bad, some constructive, some destructive. These things have all happened so fast after years of what some thought was the logjam deadlock of Congress and so - LETS GET THINGS DONE....!!!

Then many wonder - where have been the checks and balances on what has been done and what yet is going to be done? Will we go to war without a US Constitutionally legal Declaration of War? Will tarrifs remain effectively in force since the Executive may ignore the Supreme Court? And can a slow moving Congress move to help fix things?

The tarrifs seem to be OFF as of yesterday because it was a form of taxation without appropriate representation. What will happen before or after the possible War on Iran? Then there are issue related to public health and science. And of course the police state appearance (and reality!!!) of ICE and immigrants. 

What is right in the listing of the previous paragraph? What is wrong? Who can enforce the right against the wrong? For instance - is it legal for our military to obey an order to make war without a Congressional declaration? What will be the response of the Suprime Court if an illegal war is begun and there are deaths and destruction? Who will resurrect and rebuild that which cannot be brought back to life and function!?

I think some think that the blustering and bullying is a lot of talk... and that at the last fateful minute some things will not be done. The idea that one person's whims makes war by either tarrifs or guns is not what the Constitutional system is about. The Constitution is about thoughtful and proper deliberations before monumental actions that are either hard to or cannot be undone. Taxes can be returned. Dead soldiers only come back in body bags.

2026 Daily - 02/20/2026 - my problems? - Sensitive ME!!!!

And away we go..... In addition to my being insensitive... and yet very sensitive... I don't listen to enough music. I don't go to museums and when there I don't get it as well as others do...  Oh well....

Its aboiut 9:30am -- after Rotary, after some reels from Facebook... which included music, images, recipes, psychology, etc... I'm feeling good. Soon Steve will be here (it is too cold, he thinks, for the park) and then David Roos for lunch at Ding How (dumplings???). And more!

There is a note in my email scheduled to go about helping at CBH... who knows? It is short, to the point, I hope clear, and maybe a go.

Tomorrow - a trip to Quiote Winery .. for wine, sculptures, WITH Sarah. Her idea/plan. NICE!

I've worked out a bit this week... I need to strengthen my left arm... which was injured and which has a torn tendon. I need compensating musculature.

=========pause=======

Nice lunch w/David Foos... I look forward to lunching w/him again -- after his and my travels..

PERHAPS .... I have a misconception of myself... Maybe I am sensitive and appear sensitive ... so being spiritual is likely even though I have said and thought -- I am more intellectual than spiritual... There is my MeyersBriggs which is:  ENFJ = Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging - SO SENSITIVITY shows on that test!!!!

I'VE GOT TO RETHINK ME....!!!!

2026 Daily - 02/19/2026 - addition - Social Media

 It is just a touch of a beginning... it is just after midnight on the 19th... I am going to sleep soon .. at the moment I am listening to Biko by Peter Gabriel ... on Playing for Change.........!!!!

A THOUGHT -- on a world-wide level social media publishing is a potential power for good... as was pamphlateering was during the American Revolution ... and also in England (coffee house era) and France (Revolutions...). SO -- is all the energy being directed towards controlling social media a mask for suppressing the possible 21st Century RevolutionS that might develop? And the BASIC QUESTION(s) - what is good? what is right? what is JUST? What is humane and compassionate? What are the POSITIVES that the world needs....wants... and what are NEGATIVES... and who wants what?

==========NOW, in regular morning hous -- 7:45am and beyond===========

at services on zoom... 

last night, now -- rain. should be better in late morning and afternoon.  Adrianna comes today - after Foxie time... and some mess. Not a lot... 

Today - time for a workout... light full body again -- a rehearsal... and brunch (maybe potatoes w/cheese or soup and cheese or ceriel and cheese/sardines) and dinner (turkey sandwich w/pea soup)

AND - just sent a draft note off for advice to a couple of friends.

=========pause======at about 10am===========

The addition issue is THE issue... Alcohol beats marijuana, once upon a time.

Supporting the legalization of drugs is a very difficult assertion... since there ARE terrible things that have happened to people who take drugs... Who use, abuse, don't know what they are doing/taking. Yes - information is important and when laws make drugs illegal it becomes difficult for users to know what they are getting. Reglulations and standardized tesing and authentic information is THE ANSWER...  When it comes to Social Media -- well?? Calling it an addiction puts a terrible label on it which cannot be asnwered except by suppression.

2026 Daily - 02/18/2026 - almost no post....

 Just posted yesterdays.... and now at 11:30PM I am writing here... as I watdch a Kelly Boesch reel.... They are fascinating!!

In any case -- today was ok... Made a LEO for Sarah and I, worked out!, met w/friends for Spain from Portugal, watched some Prime Suspect - I have one last season to watch. Went to R. Stein's class and R. Brownstein's.. OY........ Sent invites for Passover... and got several responses. No NO's... early yet. 

Pergola is about up and complete. Tomorrow may be the final day... It will include going to services, a workout (w/some video), maybe lunch or breakfast out, and a reheasal....

2026 Daily - 02/17/2026 - Oyvey AI

 (ahh... one month to St. Paddy's Day -- and I think I will be in Spain..?)

AI, AI, AI...

What will happen as AI is more developed? What do science fiction depictions have to say? What does Elon Musk have to say... And what do I think?

Star Trek, Star Wars .... still lots of people doing stuff, directing stuff, etc... But cooking? Done. What about construction? What about farming? What about ART/creativity?

Elon says --- social unrest is on the horizon with the advent of superintelligent AI.

I say -- probably!!! My concern is what do people do when they don't have to do anything to produce food, shelter, and clothing? An answer is... be creative - but do we all have that capability? And besides -- people are experimenting with AI making art, music, etc..  Be productive - but all is produced. SO - CONSUME?? Not a prospect into an infinite future. There is only, really a finite amount of resources to consume. SURE - recycling could help. SURE - AI could REDISTRIBUTE wealth and resources in an objectively rational way... HOWEVER -- the "regulation" being called for is - perhaps - suited to the interests of those who already have an oversized slice of the pie, so to speak... SO while their needs are less than their resources... they still want to protect themselves and what is theirs... OY!!!!

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2026 Daily - 02/16/2026 - Israel, Palestinians, etc.. What a conumbrum?

 SO - thinking ... thinking... thinking ... and reading a little here and there.... I am not comprehensively informed but I have feelings, thoughts, and objective as well as subjective ways of analyzing things. Probably NOT unique to me but seemingly so since sometimes it is hard to talk about certain things or find people with whom one can talk!

SO - today -- it occurred to me that Facts On The Ground are very very real and important. First such fact occurred to me years and years ago ... about Israel and that was we Jews were there and inhabiting The Land and We were The Facts on the ground. That continues to be very true. There are additional layers to that - our indigenous-ness, Biblical promises, involuntary exile by Romans and others, a haven in a world of anti-semetic hate... and more. SO - Israel is the home of Jews!

Another group has some Facts On The Ground, too. That group is generally called The Palestinians and while a way of thinking says there never was a people called Palestinians... the FACT is -- there is such a group now. Their history may be shorter and maybe they have a long history that is denied to them but they ARE!

SO - what is to be done? What will happen? What is the future? A thought I have had for a long long time is that the great history of us Jews and our longing for our land through the milleniums... is now something beginning, developing .. for The Palestinians. IF they continue into the future as a group .. and there is reason to believe they will/can .. (why not?) - then how long before their yearnings need/will be realized? With the help of The One True G-d -- which we Jews share with Christians and Muslims and others.

=====after pause - during which I wrote a second draft relative to service at CBH========

What is my worth? What do I mean to people? What do I want? What do I do?? In other words: WHO AM I?? 

I continue to ask that question and continue to wonder and not be decisive. OY!!!!

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2026 Daily - 02/15/2026

 well... it is 9AM now so I'm getting a early start on this blog... My Daily...

BLOG = web based Log --- for me, for this -- essentially a diary. 

What has been happening and what is planned... AND maybe - how I feel... Certainly how/what I am thinking about...

This morning I awoke with Sarah's dog Foxie sleeping on the floor in my bedroom. I would like Foxie to be more of a hugger... but she is how she is and she is a bit better at allowing herself to be petted. I guess she could be described as stand-offish... reticent... somewhat fearful (she was a rescue and may have had some abuse or neglect early on).  She is basically calm and quiet and she lays around a lot and well - BUT she has high energy when she can show it. She is mostly a working dog -- an Australian Cattle Herding Dog.... And she could do that! Anyway - we took a walk after her 8am breakfast. I do not know when/where she does her "business" ...All's well... 

After my breakfast I may take her to run at Stonegate and then bring her home and then I will go back and workout ... upper body, too!! My left arm needs some help, strengthening... And I need to start off light. I will try watching the 5th season of Prime Suspect... though I have to be online for that... weird... All other seasons are downloadable!

Today I will try to clean in house for a full hour -- maybe two half-hours... to make up for some previous missed days. Weight is heading down a bit. That is good. Knees - a bit sore.

What do I want to do about Dana!!! Logistics... is an issue. Equality is important to her as it is to me. As for my COMFORT... Aren't I rather comfortable now... alone? Yes -- I would like to do things with someone .. .travel, dinner, etc. etc.. There is TOUCH!!! Talk is all good ... AHHHhhhh... what to do? I am, I think/guess, afraid of getting hurt. I can wonder about hurting the other person -- but I can and have gotten hurt and while it has not been horrible, terrible,... etc... I regret not having maintained certain relationships ... for certain reasons .. and I blame myself - for not acting right, for not making good judgements, good choices... etc etc..Yes - UNCERTAINTY is basically fundamental in life... SO - I can and do and have to live with that!

SO - what about the Pence Gala thing? I could ask Dana. Who else, besides Lori who is busyish that day, might I ask? OY!!!!

==pause - maybe more later===========

AND now it is about 11pm .. end of day...

Watched a bunch of tv - though did take Foxie on a couple of walks.  And I know Foxie has found someplace in back for "business".

And BIGGY -- I would say -- I texted an invite to Dana inviting her to my house/Pence things ... We shall see. IF I don't hear back soon... I will call....  Of course...

SO - TV SHOW learning/teaching: Prime Suspect.

I've already noted the idea that when we work to learn something and study and think ... we conclude TODAY ... but more info may lead to a more accurate conclusion.

Today's season .. FIVE ... we all live in an imperfect world where we get imperfection. To wit -- police using criminals to contain crime activities... In other words - police fascilitating crimes for favorites. Not for money necessarily but for peace in certain parts of the community!

And on the personal level ... what was special about Prime Suspect was Jane who was a hard drinker and a sexual/sensual assertive person.

Good night!

2026 Daily - 02/14/2026

 almost didn't post... just remembered and finally got up ... it is about 11:30pm...

Today - went to services, lifted Torah ... may have aggravated arm. I certainly need to workout and try strengthening the arm.

Got Foxie... and when back in Davis -- walked to Stonegate (and back) and she ran in the dog area with a few other dogs... FOXIE is FAST!!!!

Watched an episode and a half of Prime Suspect. The 5th season must be watched online (with commercials).... the 6th and 7th are downloaded.... to my tablet...

Foxie got on my bed... then got off and she is sleeping in her bed in my bedroom. She has gone out in my new back yard... and I wonder where she did what... ????

And I upgraded my new bed order... SO now I have to get the current "new" bed returned... after I sleep on my old bed ...as an interim thing. 

I'm still wondering a bit about Dana...?? 

And I have to do something about the Pence thing. Mack is not taking tickets... Me a DATE???

And tomorrow - is a new day!

2026 Daily - 02/13/2026

Well - kind of a big day.... near end of the afternoon, day... met Dana - had some small plates... I had a mini-tini and she only had water. I was a bit stiff, unsure... which is where I am at... I think I am afraid of jumping in... She was nice, warm, intelligent, and a good kisser. I wonder what will be??!!!

Also today - early... I had a consultation, evaluation w/Dr. Freshman about arm. Conclusion... Leave it alone... MAYBE if I had come in earlier... some surgery - but now NO... Not really necessary to take risk and discomfort. Mostly arm is working AND I can lift Torah and workout... And all should be ok!

And that is that for now... I will make out some e-cards for daughters and I will see Sarah and her mom tomorrow and I'll get Foxy!! After services...

AOK!

2026 Daily - 02/12/2026

 WELL.... almost missed blogging today .. but here I am - before 9pm. 

Big thing was hearing about the Cantor Mission to Israel. Interesting sounding trip. Really. A little pricey... but of course - doable! I wish I had a partner so to avoid single-suppliment ... BUT -- will see....

Also today -- pergola is mostly up... and the end of the project is near. Looking good. I am happy!

And I bought chocolates from The Candy House ... for Dana, Sarah, maybe Amy, Susan, me... And one left over!

There was the initial meeting of the Davis Sings group... Alison, Dave, Steve, and me... Oct. 18th I think is the first suggested date. Rounds to be done ... other music to be chosen. Slides to be made. Venue to be secured.... etc. etc... Exciting.

Sent short thank you note to Ellen. Sent a note to Dana saying I was looking forward to meeting her. Tomorrow is the day for Dana -- Friday the 13th of February, 2026.

And that is all for now/today. 

2026 Daily - 02/11/2026

 Anti-semitism program this morning by AJC.... The best way to "solve" the problem has to do with Jews and non-Jews knowing/meeting each other. Such contact is the best indicator of a decrease in anti-semitism... YET -- does such contact also risk assimilation. And if we were to assimilate would that please the others and ultamitely would the issue go away when/if Jews go away...

I AM on track w/blogging - diary.. That is good. Did some cleanup around house yesterday as added to my dailies.. Thirty minutes, at least, of some effort. I'm about to leave for my elliptical workout... and then R. Stein's class.

=pause===

Just finished a Prime Suspect ... and some of the cops were CERTAIN as to who did the crime... but they were wrong!!! They had to adjust their conclusions... New info, new end! Who ever learns!! When do we ever learn.

2026 Daily - 02/10/2026 - mri, travel ideas, backyard. And smart peace!

 Just back from MRI of left arm. Might need surgery.... OY... At least I have not been aggravating it. Evaluation coming and then recommendation. Will see...

AND - I need to check about psa test soon.

And - had a nice walk w/Ava today. Both of us are free and not seeing anybody. Interesting. Next week will walk w/Foxy!

Backyard is not being worked today... and tomorrow may see some rain. AOK... It is about done. Roses in in back, lantana coming, trees planted, another rose bush or two due... AND the pergola needs its topping, etc. And stairs up to back area and some tree topping. Should be fine soon.

I purchased a bed yesterday... I may need to check it again before delivery, etc. It is one not too expensive but not top of line but I think ok... And I have to figure out getting the new one returned from Saatva. 

TAXES soon!!!!!

What travel plans will I make??? Croatia? Japan? India? China? Korea?

======================

No one is smart enough to end the many conflicts in the world as they were never well ended throughout history. Essentially - the people have to decide to stop fighting ... for others, for themselves, ... for reasons and for no good reasons. The people have to decide to Make Peace.. For as long as they can... which realistically historically geographically ... will only be for moments in time. Unless peace lasts long enough to become a HABIT....  At least - lets take a rest from the hate and violence and deprivations. Lets try sharing. SHARING!!!  There REALLY IS ENOUGH for everyone!