Should I buy the Kitchenaid standing mixer? is there a reliable, less expensive substitute?

I’ve been hesitant to buy because of the price and because of the lack of counter space.

I see cheaper alternatives on Amazon but don’t trust the reliability.

I hope to get some opinions to help decide if this a worthwhile investment and/or recommended alternatives.

Term limits: another way to kill off the government

I listened to Thom Hartman the other day and once again learned something I didn’t know.

Term limits do away with the ongoing presence of experienced and skilled legislators in government positions. That I knew—it’s pretty logical and I’ve always been against it. But there’s more that I didn’t know.

Most new representatives rely upon experienced members to show them the ropes—or where the bodies are buried so to speak. Imagine people like Bobert and MTG being the most experienced. The prospect is dismal.

The institutional memory of a government body is only as long as the experience of those serving. With term limits, the maximum experience of any legislator would be eight years.

The problem is exacerbated because lobbyists have no time limits and would remain in place as elected officials come and go. Only lobbyists would know where the bodies are buried giving them an advantage over the government and the people.

Scary.

Antifa Hoedown

I know you hate to click links but it’s the only way I can share it... unless you go directly to TikTok and search for Antifa Hoedown.



https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJEkXLQm/

2022

I am VERY worried about next year’s midterms already.

Gerrymandering, media propaganda (internet based especially) and Republican ownership of voting machines make for a steep hill to victory. It took a blue tsunami in 2020 to override these obstacles thanks in part to **. With him out of the picture the much lower expected turnout will be a lot less likely to overcome the ever increasing rigs.

A Republican controlled congress or Senate during Biden‘s presidency will bring further advancement by his administration to a screeching halt.

So unless something extraordinary happens, we are looking at a guarantee of two years of progress and then lots of uncertainty.

I hope for the extraordinary—that we come together and do some very hard work to focus ahead.

I know we were responsible for raising massive amounts of money here and elsewhere. I’m sure many continue to donate.

I wonder what others think as I hope and pray that Biden literally makes hay while the sun shines.

Postal Service decline experiences first hand

In the past few days, two creditors notified me payment was late for bills that I never received. I’m a stickler for paying bills fully and on time. As soon as I open an envelope, I set up an ebill pay and carefully discard the paid bill.

I know there are other payment options but managing multiple subscriptions and autopay accounts can easily get out of hand so I prefer billing by mail.

The problem with late-arriving bills is, of course, personal as it can potentially affect my credit. But I am more concerned that unprecedented poor service like this erodes confidence in yet another government agency leading others to choose alternatives to the Postal Service.

Normally I wouldn’t be as concerned but when the postmaster general is invested in a company that competes with the Postal Service it’s a problem.

I hope they dump him fast.

I just finished watching the documentary The Way I See It.

I’m sure many here have already seen it but it just brought a couple of thoughts to mind.

First some background: Pete Souza contrasts historic and intimate moments as a photographer for presidents Obama, Reagan and **.

In comparison to virtually unlimited free access during other administrations, Souza became alarmed and began speaking out because ** isolationist policies prevented capturing the photojournalistic history of his presidency. There are very few if any behind-the-scenes images of **.

The isolation affected us all. He isolated us—or tried to—from the world; and from each other. Isolation is a hallmark tactic of abusers. Hitler isolated himself and Germany from the rest of the world in order to commit heinous crimes against humanity. We were very much in similar grave danger had he gotten the office a second time.

He must be prevented from any further divisive/isolationist actions. He must never hold office again. He and his name should be shunned. Forever.

Bush is more "likeable" by associating with Democrats.

He was secluded after his term until he snuggled up to Michelle and became fast friends. Since, he’s not missed a chance to show up with Clinton and the Obamas at various events.

Most people I know don’t realize the damage he did and consider him to be quite likable. And of course the media never details his record.

Democrats are and have always been much more likable and talented. Today’s celebration attested to that once again. I don’t understand how our kindness, decency and talent don’t continually, overwhelmingly eclipse the negativity, malice and hate of Republicans.

McConnell 🤢🤮🤮🤮

I cannot unsee the heathens who crawled all over the balconies

where this is happening. It’s all surreal.