Day: February 2, 2025πŸ’Ύ

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Do politicians really matter as much as the news makes them appear to matter πŸ—žοΈ

There is so much news about the changes that the Trump administration is planning to implement on his second term. But I struggle to understand how much it will impact ordinary life. If you aren’t watching the news like a hawk, would you ever know who is in the White House currently?

Since I moved to suburban office from the downtown of the Capital City of New York State, I am so much more isolated from all the day-to-day workings of politics despite regularly having meetings downtown and walking laps in the Plaza before and after work. But I don’t follow the news nearly as closely, as I don’t need to. And it actually feels a lot better.

Truth is much in our lives is not defined by the politicians but our every day choices. Days don’t matter much. Weeks somewhat more, as do years. But decades matter much more. Trump is going to be there four more years, and while he can move the needle on the trajectory of society, his impact on history and our every day lives is marginal at best.

The news media gets rich selling advertising. They get viewers by trying to tell a compelling story, viewers who in turn watch the messages of advertisers. But you need not be imprisoned by the news media and all the drama. Turn it off and focus more on what you find beautiful, interesting and useful in your own life.

SVGZ Graphic: Declaring_it_is_the_policy_of_the_United_States_that_a_nuclear_Islamic_Republic_of_Iran_is_not_accep
SVGZ Graphic: Coal Miners in Pennsylvania

Two degrees Ground Hog Day 🐻

I think it got down to negative four or so last night, coldest night of this winter and coldest so far. It’s quite possible we have colder nights in next few weeks but then inevitably by second half month things won’t be as cold as spring is coming, with average highs expected to be in forties come March.

Not as cold inside, as I turned up the heat up to 55 degrees last night before bed, ♨️ not that the furnace ever caught up but it kept it at 52 or 53, which is warmer then the 50 degrees I keep my drafty old apartment most of the winter. I’m warming up Big Red πŸ›» a bit before going to Walmart and maybe the grocery store to shop before the crowds. πŸ‘ͺ Letting the truck warm up good before heading out as it runs like shit in the cold and it’s terrible for the engine. Started up easy I drove out to parents house yesterday even though the solar panel is snow and ice covered.

I figure its best to have heat up a bit higher on extreme cold nights πŸŒƒ to ensure I have no issues with the pipes in my apartment, and I always open the cabinets under sink and nearby to be safe. I’ve been here 18 years now, and never had any issues except during the ice storm in 2008,Β  when I didn’t have any power or heat for three nights. I prefer to keep the temperature colder not just save money but it makes the electric blanket even more cozy. I also have an inexpensive electric space heater, but I only use that very rarely. Most of the time when I’m home, I’m either in the kitchen cooking 🍳 or in bed reading, using my phone, πŸ“± or sleeping. πŸ’€

SVGZ Graphic: When Columbus Day Falls in the 21st Century