The Hotter Than July (or is it Ju-lay?) Edition
At the end of a schvitzing month
The July weather has been crazy here at the lake — temps ranging from the 50s to the 90s; rain and high humidity followed by absolutely delightful days.
And speaking of wild swings — how ‘bout that Presidential contest?
Oh… and did I mention we also experienced an earthquake? 2.8 on the Richter scale, which is more of an earth-fart than a quake, but still.
Politics first, then the usual personal self-deprecation.
Fraud Immunity (July 2, 2024)
The SCOTUS issued a ruling re: presidential immunity which certainly appears to provide Trump yet another free teat upon which to suckle.
The Clash of the Frightens (July 8, 2024)
This one is notable, if only because it’s the first time Facebook removed one of my posts: “It looks like you tried to get likes, follows, shares or video views in a misleading way.” Well, isn’t that the whole point of social media? I appealed the decision and was supposed to hear back within 4 days. Still waiting…
Be Careful What You Wish For (July 22, 2024)
I find the argument amusing that Harris has gotten a pass here and should have participated in an “open” nomination process. Regardless of what one thinks of her as a candidate (and I think she has the potential to eviscerate Trump with a properly-focused campaign), there’s nothing “open” about the primary processes on either side of the aisle. Yes, Biden staged a “comeback” in South Carolina back in 2020, but that was because Clyburn threw his weight behind Joe — not due to the “will of the people.” (And I admire Biden’s leadership while also believing he needed to step aside.) In any event — it’s thrown Trump and the GOP for a loop and I fervently hope they can’t recover from this turn of events. My favorite online quip about all this was that God spared Trump from the bullet so that he could lose the election to a Black woman.
Already Discounted (July 25, 2024)
Back when Trump “wrote” books, he used ghostwriters. Now that he’s been ghosted by any actual co-authors, he’s moved into producing picture books. Shouldn’t this one be printed on heavy cardboard pages, or on vinyl to survive being dropped in the tub during bathtime?
Come Crazed and Cursing (July 29, 2024)
You may have noticed I have a preference for puns or wordplay of some kind to serve as titles for these posts. I was trying to work the word “praise” into this one, and thankfully my extensive knowledge of Bible verses (courtesy of the Google) unearthed James 3:10 — “Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing.” I’m more of an Old Testament sort, personally.
Now, then — for the merely rambunctious:
Hair, There and Everywhere (July 11, 2024)
My Big Idea over the last year was to write a book of all-new humor essays, with punning titles riffed from various Beatles tunes. I generated folders full of first and second drafts and then… just couldn’t pull it all together. But a few of them seemed worthy of release into the internet ether, so here’s one for your (hoped-for) enjoyment.
Here Comes the Son (July 21, 2024)
And here’s another one from that same project — this started out to be about our son, but I got jealous of all the attention I was giving him and so halfway through turned the spotlight back on myself.
So, there’s the riddle that was July wrapped in a mystery inside an enema… er, enigma. I’m looking forward to August: a combination of fun stuff (a visit to NYC to see the US Open Tennis and take in a Broadway show), a party celebrating our lake association’s 75th anniversary, and a week where Carol will be out of town visiting a friend — which will provide me ample opportunity to make up excuses for not focusing on writing.
Be well!
JB