Thoughts for the Day, November 5, 2021: Looking forward to a relaxing weekend

Ted Lasso – Pilot – Script Pipeline

Leah and I started watching “Ted Lasso” after dinner.  I am really enjoying it.

The following was a text message I received yesterday from one of the followers of my blog in response to Jim Haveman’s comments about the Benton Harbor water crisis.

Tom, great commentary, to say there are challenges, is an understatement.  I wonder what the pipes are made of in the more affluent areas, maybe they are lead too?  As you allude to with the lead pipes in various areas in Michigan, it’s an example of politics today. Fix the damn pipes!  Done, move on to the next issue and fix it. Results!  If they fear fraud, in our elections, fix it, instead of promoting it, if your side doesn’t win.  Time to start winning with policy vs prophecy, results vs rhetoric, for the people, instead of the party (ideology)and working together vs being divided.  Sounds simple, to be respectful, kind and work towards the many things we have in common, but that doesn’t seem to be popular these days.  I feel better now that I got that out and I’m moving on.  Next!

I couldn’t agree more.

After weeks of marathon meetings, hundreds of public comments and sometimes heated debate, Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission advanced on Thursday the last of its maps for consideration. The final products include three U.S. House, three state House and three state Senate maps that set the district lines for 13 congressional races, 110 House seats and 38 Senate seats. The maps from the 2018 voter-approved 13-member commission — which includes four Republicans, four Democrats and four non-affiliated members — mark the first time Michigan’s voting maps were redrawn by an independent body. In past redistricting cycles, the maps were drawn by the party in power every 10 years, resulting in maps that were drawn to favor one party over another.

Per the NY Times, the Labor Department reported Friday that payrolls in October jumped by 531,000, the best showing since July. The gains were reflected in a broad variety of fields, led by restaurants and bars, as well as factories, offices, and warehouses.  The good news resulted in a 200 plus increase in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.  The DJIA is at record levels this week.

Owning an 80+ year old home offers some serious challenges some days.  This week was a perfect example. Our basement sewer drain backed up this week, one day prior to me Roto Rooter showing up for their annual appointment to clear the drain.  Workers from Belfor Company were here today to take care of the damage.  Our leaf guard gutter system is working so well that when it rains hard the water does not have enough space to drain into the gutters.  As a result, it flows over the gutter and down the outside of the house which causes water to seep into the basement.  Our basement is in shambles right now. 

Have a great weekend.

Stay safe.  Wash your hands regularly.  Schedule your vaccine and booster.  Wear your mask.  Social distance.

Orchid of the Day:  Belfor Company for responding so quickly to our floor drain backup

Onion of the Day:  The Detroit Pistons for starting the season 1-8 in their first 9 games.  Bummer

Quote of the Day: No quote today