Democrats

I used to be a Democrat. Believed in their programs and philosophy. No more. What a mess certain Democratically controlled cities have become. Especially Portland and NY.

I suppose I'm more of an Independent now. I reject the confusion and impotence of our present administration. I am not crazy about Joe Biden. The only female VP possibility I believe stands above the rest is Susan Rice. Biden would be better off asking Barack to be his running mate.

I am baffled by the popularity of AOC, who opens her mouth and sounds foolish. Her squad may be short term, as two members are being strongly challenged in reelection bids.

I think it is sad, but predictable, that Chinese-Americans are being assailed even though they had nothing to do with this pandemic. I also believe Antifa has used Black Lives Matter for its own anarchist agenda.

Dentist

I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. They took my temp, told me to fill out two sheets outside. They would call me when ready. No one was allowed in the waiting room. After answering dozens of questions about every aspect of my health, using my own pen, wearing mask and gloves, I got the call.

The female worker led me inside for x-rays. Then a dentist went over the results, telling me I needed a crown on one tooth. He left.

The woman handed me a scraper, told me I had 15 minutes to clean my own teeth. This is the new normal. I did the best I could. After finishing, I asked what to do about the plaque on the paper towel next to me. I was told that's my problem. Just remove it from the premises. They did give me a toothbrush and small tube of tooth paste.

Masks

Now we in Jersey are required to wear masks unless we can social distance. Seriously, considering all those I see without masks congregating in parks and in front of businesses, how is that going to be enforced? If no one is around and I'm exercise walking, I will drop my mask to my neck. I don't want to breathe in carbon dioxide all day, which can harm my lungs.

The bigger issue is the minority of people, mostly young and oblivious, who have been ignoring all warnings. Why should I have to pay for their recklessness?

Last week libraries and gyms were supposed to open. None of them are open with 90 degrees all week. Meanwhile, casinos and tattoo parlors are open. Nothing makes sense anymore.

Tacvisor

My Tacvisor finally was delivered. I saw the ad on TV. This sunlight blocker to be attached to your car visor was made by Bell & Howell, who used to make movie cameras.

For a long time it was out of stock. At $19.98 it seemed like a bargain. There's this one hill near me, in the morning the sun is brutal. It goes up a narrow two way street and several times I was literally blinded and had to pull over. I called their customer service number and after an excruciating 20 minute wait, the rep came on told me it was sent out that day. Six days later, the driver tossed it in front of my door.

I read the instructions, attached it on the first try and dared that sun to attack. So far, on a few occasions, at dusk, it has done the job. Now I want to see it perform at 8am as I drive up that hill into blazing sunlight.

Printer Madness

My printer has had a nervous breakdown. A few days ago it would not print from my laptop. So now I have a Geek Squad guy coming over tomorrow. But this afernoon, I turned on my laptop in the living room and suddenly it began printing out coupons I tried to access.. The same coupon, over and over. Then it printed out all the stored up documents. I couldn't stop it. I hit cancel, but that only worked temporarily.

I should be happy, but I'm condused Then I keep getting the message, scan to computer no longer activated. I don't remember deactivating it.

Figuring I needed a new printer, I spent $170 at Staples for a later model HP Envy. I will tell the tech to uninstall my Kodak printer from my other laptop, the one where after 12 sheets I run oiut of ink. I want him to connect my new printer with that laptop even though I hardly ever print anything from there.

I am losing control of my devices.

Marching

I have to say it upsets me when protest marchers block major highways. What happens if an ambulance or police car has to get through? Or if a pregnant woman is being driven to the hospital by an already nervous father? No possible way they can turn back.

Despite denials by blacks, most of the looting was done by locals, organized gangs using sophisticated methods. Many of the stores were owned by minorities. The looters could care less. Nor did they give a damn about another black man killed by cops.

How can anyone not be disgusted by the destruction? Guliani claims none of this would have happened if he were mayor. I won't dispute that.

As far as that 75 year old man who was pushed by two cops, fell backwards and injured his head, what was he doing even approaching riot police in full gear and hyped up? Unless you're lost or suffering and need an ambulance, you do not approach cops. They are not your buddies.

35mm film

I was going through old 35mm photos I took years ago before digital and man were they much clearer than my digital shots.
I did some checking sand found several places including Walmart that still send out 35mm film. B&H photo in NY still sells it, so you figure they develop it.
The sad part is several years ago I tossed out hundreds of undeveloped film because I simply could not afford the process. I still have a bucket full of them and plan to gradually get those developed if that is still possible. It will be interesting to see what is on those rolls.
One thing that jumped out as I went through thousands of shots--I really did travel around to all sorts of events with my camera, something I've cut back on. There's a whole history in those boxes of photos.