Sunday, March 9, 2025

Idiots of the Month: Trump and Musk- Hurting Millions, Dismantling our country every day

 SO MUCH WINNING... Not.  Trump and Musk are the idiots of the month ( and obviously daily, based on what they did every day for just one week alone in February).- They've successfully been dismantling our country every day. Hurting an unlimited number of people - from federal employees, to farmers, educators, construction trades, auto and home industries, food safety, our entire health system and so much more. Below are the links to all the highlights of stupidity from just one week as a sample.  


Idiots of the Month: Trump and Musk- Hurting Millions, Dismantling our country every day   (CLICK Headlines to go to stories)

Feb 17, 2025

Feb 18, 2025

  • ·         Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions    -  Republicans are weighing billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, threatening health care coverage for some of the 80 million U.S. adults and children enrolled in the safety net program

·         Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to taxpayer data at IRS: AP sources

·          ·         Trump nominates Ed Martin, an ally who defended Jan. 6 rioters, to stay as top DC federal prosecutor

FEB 19, 2025

FEB 20

FEB 21 

·         DELAYED TAX RETURNS As the Trump administration moves forward with reportedly firing over 6,000 employees at the Internal Revenue Service, tax policy experts and Democratic lawmakers are warning most Americans to brace for the negative consequences to come.

·        IRS layoffs could hurt revenue collection and foil efforts to go after rich tax dodgers, experts say

 

·        Huge cuts in National Institutes of Health research funding go before a federal judge

·        Kids’ disability rights cases stalled as Trump began to overhaul Education Department

 

·        Trump administration halts legal aid for migrant children, leaving some to navigate courts alone

·         Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisis

The Trump administration’s proposal to cut half of federal workers at the nation’s housing agency is targeting employees who support disaster recovery, rental subsidies, discrimination investigations and first-time homebuyers, according to two documents obtained by The Associated Press

FEB 24

 

FEB 25

FEB 27

FEB 28, 2025

·         Trump’s permanent USAID cuts slam humanitarian programs worldwide

·          

·          These assholes Fired Meteorologists WHO KEEP US SAFE.Hundreds of weather forecasters fired in latest wave of DOGE cuts      Just fired by Musk and Trump -  There are about 375 probationary employees in the National Weather Service — where day-to-day forecasting and hazard warning is done.  

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Australian sheep shearer tackles gunman on Airplane before takeoff

A former South Australian sheep shearer said he was “never, never” concerned for his own safety when he tackled an alleged gun-wielding teen on a Jetstar flight this week, potentially saving lives in the process.
(Caption: Barry Clark was in seat 1C of a Jetstar flight bound for Sydney when he realised a teenager had entered the plane allegedly holding a gun. (7 News))

Australian Shearer tackled alleged gun-wielding teen

 March 7, 2025 ABC News AU

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A 17-year-old boy with a loaded shotgun boarded a plane at an Australian airport before being restrained by a pilot and two passengers, police said Friday.

The boy was disarmed and detained before police arrived on the scene Thursday at Avalon Airport in Victoria state.

Barry Clark, a passenger who tackled the suspect, said the boy had posed as a maintenance worker and became agitated when questioned by a flight attendant at the plane’s entrance.

“I looked up and then within a second I saw the barrel of a shotgun and I thought to myself that ain’t a tool that should be on a plane,” Clark told Network 10 television.

“When I saw the complete gun I said: we’re in trouble here,” Clark said. “Then I saw it (move) towards her chest and so I thought, well, I’ve got to do something — this is all happening in a matter of seconds,” Clark added.

Passenger takes on suspect Clark, a former professional boxer and sheep shearer, said he snuck up behind the boy then pushed the gun and the flight attendant away in different directions so that she would not be hit if the gun discharged.

“I then proceeded to do what I had to do and just put him in a bit of a lock, got his hand and twisted it and put it up in his back, threw him to the floor and then put my knee in his back and held him in a position where he couldn’t get out,” Clark said.

Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid told reporters the boy from Ballarat in regional Victoria had climbed through a hole in the airport’s security fence before making his way to the plane’s stairs.

Reid credited Clark, the pilot and another passenger with restraining the boy.

“This would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers of that plane and Victoria Police really commend the bravery of those passengers who were able to overpower that male,” Reid said.

Sydney-bound Jetstar Airways Flight 610 was carrying about 150 people and no one was hurt, police said. The flight was cancelled.

The boy has been charged with multiple offenses including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, orchestrating a bomb hoax and possessing a firearm, a police statement said. He was remanded in custody to appear in a children’s court on a date to be determined.

Friday, March 7, 2025

"Ghosts of Ireland on a Medium's Vacation" by Rob Gutro Official Book Trailer

I'm excited to share my BRAND NEW book trailer for "Ghosts of Ireland on a Medium's Vacation" by Rob Gutro. Come with me on my trip through Ireland where I encountered many ghosts who had their stories to tell. I journeyed all around Ireland. Use the book as a haunted tour guide. Available on Amazon (paperback, audio, ebook).

WATCH: https://youtu.be/vNTIwei7Iow



Thursday, March 6, 2025

NEW FINDINGS: Ocean warming 4 times faster than in 1980s — and likely to accelerate

Oceans are heating up more quickly than they were 40 years ago. Why Should you care? Because warmer seas increase sea level. HOW? When water heats up, it expands in volume, a phenomenon called thermal expansion; as the oceans absorb heat from the atmosphere due to climate change, the expanding water causes the sea level to rise. 

On a Personal note: As a scientist, I've studied climate change and global warming, and I've seen firsthand the effects of a warming planet. From melting glaciers and ice caps to stronger atmospheric pressure systems, stronger El Nino and La Nina events, more intense tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons), more droughts, more flooding, sea level rise and warming ocean temperatures. In the latest study, scientists found global oceans are warming 4 times faster than in 1980s.  When oceans warm, Sea Levels Rise- and Coastal areas are more prone to flooding.

 Today's blog is about those findings.

(Flooded City Dock in downtown Annapolis. (Courtesy of Sveinn Storm))

Ocean warming 4 times faster than in 1980s — and likely to accelerate in coming decades

LIVE SCIENCE, JANUARY 30, 2025

Earth's oceans are getting warmer at an accelerating rate, researchers find — indicating that climate change is speeding up too.

The scientists found that ocean warming has more than quadrupled over the past 40 years and is likely to accelerate even faster in the future. The researchers published their findings in a new study published Tuesday (Jan. 28) in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

The rate of sea surface temperature warming has risen from 0.1 degrees Fahrenheit (0.06 degrees Celsius) per decade in the 1980s to 0.5 F (0.27 C) per decade today. The team's modeling suggests that this amount of accelerated warming will occur again in the next two decades and accelerate by an even greater margin if we don't address the causes of climate change and move away from fossil fuels, according to the study.

Study lead author Christopher Merchant, a professor in ocean and Earth observation at the University of Reading, U.K., said the oceans generally dictate the pace for global warming as a whole because they are Earth's main heat sink and absorb heat from the atmosphere. This means if ocean warming is accelerating, then it's a sign that climate change is accelerating too.

"Nature might do something different next, but on current trends, the world is warming faster than we have been used to," Merchant told Live Science in an email. "That means all the impacts are coming at us faster."

Global warming drives rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities, fuels more extreme weather and dries out land, compromising our ability to grow food. Scientists have warned that unchecked climate change will bring untold suffering to billions of people while driving a third of Earth's species to extinction.



Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Study Confirms 13 Simple Things To Do To Live Longer

 We're always trying to feel better and here are 13 ways you can, and they will also help you live longer. Take a look at the list and see how you're doing. I've been doing about 11 of them, and I work out daily (it only takes 15-20 minutes). If you have aches and pains, exercise in some way. It helps. I would also add "Adopt a pet" - because the unconditional love you share with a dog or cat makes us feel better, too. Here's the article on the other ways.

13 Simple Resolutions To Make If You Want To Live Longer

 Make it your goal this year to improve your longevity. Here's how to do it, according to experts. 

 


By Nicole Pajer Dec 31, 2024,
Huff post

Study Confirms Being Grateful May Help You Live Longe

Jumping in a pool of icy water, for instance, has been linked to improved mental health and resilience to stress. Singing-bowl sound healing may reduce tension and ease symptoms of depression. And acupuncture, which is constantly being studied, has shown promise in everything from reducing allergies to boosting fertility. Give one of these some consideration and talk to your doctor about it.

(Image: This guy chose coffee over alcohol. But you can choose herbal tea, cocoa, or anything else!)

1. Give a sober month a try. Recent data has not worked out in alcohol’s favor. The World Health Organization has stated that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.” Perhaps it’s worth considering starting your new year off with a booze break by trying Dry January. It’s a good time to tune in to your body and see how you feel without drinking ― and it just may inspire you to become more of a mindful drinker in the future.

2. Try a new wellness habit. Acupuncture, sound baths, cold plunging ... these alternative treatments might seem “out there,” but there is some scientific support for these trends (the ones doctors and people with medical certifications are talking about, of course ― not the crazy things that influencers are DIYing on TikTok).

(Photo: Schedule social time, even if it's at an event! L to R: Tom, Jim, Rob)

3. Schedule more social time. Perhaps your idea of unwinding is takeout on your couch, which is great. But in 2025, make a point to get back to your social life, too. “Maintaining strong social connections is a critical determinant of longevity,” said Shoshana Ungerleider, a board-certified internal medicine physician and producer and host of the “Before We Go” and “TED Health” podcasts.

Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation have health effects comparable to those of smoking 15 cigarettes per day. “Meaningful relationships with family, friends and community members foster emotional support and a sense of belonging, which are integral to both mental and physical health,” Ungerleider said.


4. Make gratitude more of a priority.
Inflation, politics, work stress... There may be plenty to complain about, but when is the last time you made a point to focus on what you’re grateful for?    
Developing a gratitude practice can be as simple as naming or writing down one or two things you are grateful for each day, said Janet Bayramyan, a psychotherapist and owner of Road to Wellness Therapy.  “This helps to change your physical and brain chemistry to boost more serotonin, a natural chemical that affects mood,” she said. “Sharing gratitude helps us get through even the darkest of days, as it forces us to find anything and everything that is a blessing in our lives.”

(Photo: Tyler, Cody and Dash on a dog walk- which is beneficial to you, too)

5. Walk a little more than you did this year. Exercise doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym or do intense workouts every day. Small, consistent activities like taking the stairs can add up.  

One simple step to take is to boost your step count. Need a few ideas for sneaking in more steps? Park farther away in a parking lot, march in place while watching TV and go to the bathroom at work that’s not the closest one to your desk.

6. Try a few minutes of meditation. “Studies show that managing stress helps to regulate cortisol levels and decrease inflammation, to name a few,” said Kristen Reed, an award-winning board certified registered nurse and nationally certified health and wellness coach.

Lower stress, she added, correlates to a lower risk for disease and a health span that aligns with your lifespan ― meaning you are healthy up until your last days. Study after study has shown that when it comes to reducing stress, meditation gets a gold star. And even a few minutes a day can help.

7. Eat more gut-friendly foods. Probiotics are constantly being studied, with some research linking them to a reduced risk of conditions such as heart disease. “Probiotics may improve the gut microbiome by stimulating growth and activity of healthy bacteria in the gut,” said Dawn Menning, a registered dietitian and program director for digital health at the pre-diabetes maintenance platform Nutu App. “Researchers are beginning to understand how microbiomes can have an impact on health issues like enhancing immune function, improving digestion and reducing certain diseases.”

(Photo: This hot guy made sure he brought a water bottle on a hike. Remember to drink water!) 

8. Drink more water. Staying well-hydrated has been linked to a reduced risk of developing chronic conditions, better overall health and a longer life. It’s so important that Dr. Dama Cohen, co-author of “Quench,” deemed proper hydration “the single most important step you can take to treat and prevent chronic disease.”

Two of her biggest tips in the H₂O department? Commit to starting your day with a big glass of water (you can add a pinch of sea salt and lemon for extra hydration) and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables ― think watermelon, cucumbers and lettuce.

9. Diversify your plate.  According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 1 in 10 adults eats enough fruit and vegetables, Menning said.

Sneak veggies into your morning omelet, say yes to the side salad and add chopped veggies into pasta sauce as a way to work in more vegetables. “Focus on eating more minimally processed foods, especially plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes,” Menning suggested.


(Photo: Ben Cohen as a fireman. Nothing to do with the article, but it's here to keep you reading!) 

10. Kick your phone out of your bedroom. “Most people don’t get enough sleep, and there are endless distractions that can impact keeping your sleep-wake cycle consistent,” said Beth Charbonneau, a psychologist in College Park, Maryland.

She suggested a calming bedtime routine and setting alarms to remind you to start winding down before you want to be asleep. “Go old-school and get an alarm clock so you can leave your phone out of the bedroom.”

New research says smartphones may not actually make enough blue light to disrupt our sleep, but doom scrolling in the wee hours of the night can certainly keep you up. Banishing your phone from your room just may help you hit those seven to nine recommended hours of Zzzs per night ― which, of course, helps you live longer.

11. Prioritize sexual pleasure. “Most people think of lovemaking as a luxury, something to save for last on the to-do list, if they get around to it at all,” said Courtney Fae Long, a sexuality expert. She stressed that prioritizing pleasure has been linked to everything from improved happiness, health, confidence, creativity and even productivity in the workplace. “I encourage people to start by scheduling Pleasure Dates, at least once per week,” Fae Long said. “They can be done with or without a partner.”

(Photo: Tyler says to eat healthy stuff)

12. Reduce your sugar intake where possible. “Excess sugar consumption is linked to chronic inflammation, obesity and increased risk of diseases like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” said Rania Batayneh, a nutritionist and author. One study found a link between a diet rich in vitamins and minerals ― and with minimal added sugar ― and a younger biological age at the cellular level.

“One of the best ways to reduce your sugar intake is to avoid packaged foods and stick to whole foods,” said Angie Kalousek-Ebrahimi, senior director of Lifestyle Medicin. Instead of quitting sweets altogether, allow yourself to have healthier options, such as dark chocolate every other day,.

13. Go to your routine doctors’ appointments. When was the last time you had a mole check at the dermatologist? Your annual physical? Visited the dentist? Are you up to date on your teeth cleanings? January of a new year is a great time to call your doctors’ offices and check in and schedule any appointments you are due for.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

'Pee-Wee Herman' Star Paul Reubens Comes Out As Gay In Posthumous Documentary/ and his "Big Holiday" movie in 2016

I have always loved Pee Wee Herman. In a new posthumous documentary, he revealed he was gay. That was a surprise to me. I was also surprised to learn that in 2016 he made a third film called “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.” I found the trailer on-line and it looks as fun as the first "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" film. I need to see it! -I also loved his role in the 1999 Superhero comedy movie Mystery Men (which is explained in the blog). Today's blog is about the new documentary on Paul Rubens (Pee Wee's alter ego) and his career, with the movie trailer at the end!

 

'Pee-Wee Herman' Star Paul Reubens Comes Out As Gay In Posthumous Documentary 
"I was secretive about my sexuality even to my friends," Reubens revealed in the new documentary "Pee-wee as Himself."
Huff Post, January 26, 2025

Reubens’ success as Pee-wee was undeniable. Throughout the 1980s, the character became a fixture on late night television, landing the star his Emmy-winning children’s show, “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” and two hit films. (A third, far less celebrated Pee-wee film came out in 2016, years after Reubens’ career collapsed following his 1991 arrest for indecent exposure.)

Though he refused to be public about his sexuality during his career, the actor told Wolf he had “many, many secret relationships” amid the height of his fame. Despite refusing to come out as gay during his lifetime, Ruebens decided to make his sexuality public in the posthumous documentary, which is crafted from 40 hours of interviews done prior to his death at the age of 70 in 2023 due to acute hypoxic respiratory failure.

The star, who was also fighting two forms of cancer and kept his diagnosis private during the last years of his life, told Wolf how working on “Pee-wee as Himself” gave him a chance to shape his own legacy after years of scandal, speculation and gossip.

“More than anything, the reason I wanted to make a documentary was for people to see who I really am, and how painful and dreadful it was to be labeled something I wasn’t,” he told the filmmaker. “To be labeled a pariah; to have people be scared of you, or untrusting.”

In 1985, the stage show’s wild success led to the character’s first full-length film, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton in his feature directorial debut. The movie, which sent Pee-wee on a cross-country journey to find his stolen red bicycle, was a critical and financial success and went on to achieve cult film status. 

Reubens later starred in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” a CBS children’s program that ran from 1986 to 1991. The show was peppered with former Groundlings stars, including Phil Hartman and Lynne Marie Stewart, and existed as a sort of otherworldly Pee-wee dreamscape, complete with talking appliances and furniture, puppets interacting with human characters, and quirky clay animation.

But as the show was wrapping up, Reubens’ career came to a standstill. In 1991, he was arrested in Florida for masturbating in an adult movie theater, spawning a litany of jokes on late-night shows. Many of Reubens’ famous friends, including Cyndi Lauper and Zsa Zsa Gabor, spoke out in his defense, but Reubens largely retreated from public life, save for a few non-Pee-wee roles throughout the rest of the ’90s.

MOVIE TRAILER: "Pee Wee's Big Holiday" : https://youtu.be/Quo-Oen1wkY?si=gUBhNUHAXmPfMV-2

He played a few small roles in big films, including “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Batman Returns” in 1992. He tiptoed back into public appearances to promote “Mystery Men,” a 1999 comedy where Reubens played an amateur superhero with flatulence so pungent it makes people faint. Over the years, Reubens appeared on a number of television shows as well, including “30 Rock,” “Reno 911,” “Portlandia” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”

(Photo: Heroes of "Mystery Men" from 1999. Paul Rubens is 3rd from the right)

After years of dormancy (and another misdemeanor charge concerning his vintage erotica collection in 2002), Reubens brought the Pee-wee character back to the stage in 2010 with runs in Los Angeles and New York. 

Six years later in 2016, “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” directed by John Lee and produced by Judd Apatow, premiered on Netflix to largely positive reviews.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Pet medium Rob Gutro discusses how his abilities began on the Witching Hour podcast

 If you didn't see this (excerpt) part of my interview with the witching hours, I explained how and when my abilities came about and about Buzz.

To learn how your pets communicate from the afterlife read the "Pets and the #Afterlife" series of books by Rob Gutro VIDEO: https://youtu.be/_eIdBDb4L0A?si=x4dwFRJOxSHSzARS

The Film WICKED was "Wicked Amazing" (Bonus: 2 background video shorts)

 Last week, our friends Marissa and Aaron invited us over to watch the film "Wicked" which we saw as a live performance at the Kennedy Center years ago. The movie was INCREDIBLE. Today's blog includes the trailer, and 2 Amazing  Background videos  (singing live on set and auditions)!!

MY TAKE ON IT:  It's part 1 of 2 (the latter will be out November 2025), and it's a MUST-SEE. I'm an emotional guy, so of course several parts brought me to tears. However, Tom isn't as emotional, and even he teared up. The music, the acting, the scenery, the characters - Brilliant!!! There also seems to be a lot of scenes that were not performed on stage (as each performance would likely have been 5 hours instead of 2, live). So, those are likely the chapters in the book we didn't know of before. The villains are not someone you expect them to be, and you'll find yourself cheering and respect Elphaba more than any other character. It was brilliant. 


As one person wrote: Outstanding movie.  5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Ariana reminds me of Reese Witherspoon in this film. She was perfect for the part. Elphaba's voice is perfect.

MOVIE TRAILER:

LINK TO THIS TRAILER: https://youtu.be/5omDWGdDmJ8?si=8w1vjHZUAvq_sntt

ABOUT THE FILM: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

4 MIN VIDEO:  Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's Wicked Auditions | Wicked

Link to video below: https://youtu.be/mzCtanadzNk?si=vHH4TI1iqAsVUuGA


SINGING LIVE 4 MIN VIDEO: Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo Singing Live On Wicked Set VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKvTTvhhG2A&t=149s

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Idiots of the Week: Fired Trump supporters begging for their jobs

This week's idiots are 3 videos about Trump supporters fired and begging trump for their jobs. Trump said he would cuts thousands of government jobs. It was in "Project 2025," which he denied and you paid no attention to. Too bad. If you choose to be stupid, ignorant and remain uninformed, this is Karma. Actions have consequences. No sympathy. Zero. 

Watch This Trump Voter get FIRED BY ELON MUSK!

Former IRS worker who supported President Trump speaks out after being laid off


Man votes for Trump, Wife gets Deported