Life Is A Beach

Was... 

Two years ago I leased a Jupiter Beach community townhouse / condominium. It has always been my dream to live at the beach. Some would say that living a few miles away is still living at the beach. However, there is nothing like walking a few yards and being at the beach. Yes, seeing the ocean, hearing the waves from your balcony and living the ocean breeze; heaven. Probably as close as I will ever get, but that is another story.  

I mistakenly thought my dream could continue, even knowing there would be modest rent increase year-to-year.  Shift happens caused by the current inflationary greed. No one could have predicted the hyper-inflation that is occurring or the crazy real-estate market that has emerged here in South Florida.  

A monthly rent of $2500 for the last two years was justifiable especially taking into account the amenities. A new community pool next door to my unit and did I mention the ocean. Having the place meant that retirement was not going to be a 100% option, but even being there part time was worth it.  Beside, I do love to work.   

Typical Day At The Pool

I endeavored to be the ideal tenant, always paying the rent one month is advance, taking care of all repairs, building two sets of custom-built barn doors and a complete "California" style closet re-do. Much more. 

I made friends, had home dinner parties, swam, sun bathed in my one piece, and took daily walks on the beach. There were holiday pool parties that I attended and dinners out with my neighbors at local restaurants. Rhonda was accepted. I think, liked.

This was the place where I cooked and hosted holiday parties for my family. This was for the first time in over 10 years due to circumstance at my other home.  

My lease came up for renewal in June; this month.  I started the renewal process back in March but could not lock down the next year's monthly rent. I hate drama. I was told there would be a 45% rent increase to which I reluctantly agreed. However, before that could be signed by the owner, I received another notice that, she wanted $4600 monthly to renew. A whopping 85% increase - Out of logical reach. And, I was told, "Oh by the way, I am going to list it for sale and this rate will only be month-to-month". Lease in Florida of less than 7 months require sales tax (7%) and other restrictions.  

The appraised value two years ago was $320,000 for this nearly oceanfront 1,283 sq. ft. 2/2. The owner wants $899,900 now. As to its condition - Two years ago some of the basic modernization was done.  As a project, I completed the modernization at my own expense hoping that would garner a longer stay at a continued reasonable rent.  Not. (see last photo)

Dinner Party With Neighbors
Thank you Milton and Debby, Vivian and Ralph,
 Pat and Adam, and not in photo Vivian and Ed,
and Monica and Randy.

I think I have been granted a one month extension ($3,000) to the end of July as long as it does not sell before any the new owners demand occupancy; unlikely.  I have a lot to pack / store. My photography, furniture I purchased and built, table settings, wine, wall mounted TVs, and a complete Echo/Alexa controlled lighting system.  What can i say, I am a geek. 

Not to worry, I am not homeless even though current economic realities will likely make many homeless. My truth is that the problem that precipitated the separate living place is not alleviated and now may never be. My leverage is gone. A wonderful dream of two years is coming to an end.  

This was Rhonda's transition home - I am sad and feel that this is movement in the wrong direction.  

Anyone interested in "Beachfront Property" and having a wonderful tenant? I am sure that the owner would be open to offers below her asking; an appreciating asset.  

What's next - I don't know.  Life Is (was) A Beach.

My Decorating - The Living / Dining Area Open Space

  

     

Feminine Differential - Putting An Outfit Together

 

Men seldom, if ever, think about pulling an outfit together. Maybe about 10 minutes before going out as they stare at one pair of khaki pants and decide on a white or black polo shirt. Choosing shoes easy - The only pair of dress shoes you own are brown loafers. Good to go!

By contrast we agonize to make sure the shoes match the bottoms, and the top works with the skirt/pants. I have been know to try four or five outfits just to find the one that I feel good wearing that night. Sometimes involving a change of lingerie knowing a black bra will not work with a sheer white top.  Is there a VPL? Must change panties too. Also, I never know how an outfits will look until I have on the shoes; my routine.

Being a woman is not easy, especially when choosing an outfit. 

I get e-mails from Pinterest, sometimes several a day and will usually go to their "Pins you might like" tag. Wow, does their algorism have me identified perfectly -  Scary. The above photo was today's recommendations. It made me think of the tan cargo pants I have from Venus and the white sleeveless light sweater I got from Amazon - "SheIn Women's Mock Neck Short Cap Sleeve Sweater Vest Casual Solid Pullover Top". Oh no, what shoes to choose? Maybe the Nine West - Ezra Pointy Toe Pumps.

This is a real put-together-look. 

In my world of ESCAPES , this is one of the fun parts of the Feminine Differential. "I Enjoy Being a Girl."  I think that is a song.  

   

  

   

I am Proud 2022...

 

June 28 - The International LGBT+ Pride Day is celebrated. Public Pride Celebrations are organized for visibility to make the fight for equality and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender known.

  
Be Visible!  Be Proud! 

America's Sad Day

Justice Thomas: SCOTUS ‘should reconsider’ contraception, same-sex marriage rulings

Democrats warned that the court would seek to undo other constitutional rights if it overturned Roe v. Wade, as it did on Friday.

Anita Hill testifying in 1991

MY Notes: In October 1991, then Appeals Court Judge Thomas, was put through very contentious nomination proceedings. Toward the end a credible Anita Hill lodged sexual harassment allegations against Thomas.  Before an all male Senate Judiciary Committee, the preceding got ugly. Ultimately he was  confirmed to the SCOTUS. I believe that the abortion decision and his further threats to American rights are Thomas' "angry man F-You" moment. Point of reference; then Senator Joe Biden was the chair of the Judiciary Committee at that time.   

Today, a 61% majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% think abortion should be illegal in all or most cases. Pew Research Center survey.

America, as we know it, is being changed by a dangerous and a radical conservative minority.  VOTE! 

___________________

Justice Clarence Thomas argued in a concurring opinion released on Friday that the Supreme Court “should reconsider” its past rulings codifying rights to contraception access, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.  

The sweeping suggestion from the current court’s longest-serving justice came in the concurring opinion he authored in response to the court’s ruling revoking the constitutional right to abortion, also released on Friday.

In his concurring opinion, Thomas — an appointee of President George H.W. Bush — wrote that the justices “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell” — referring to three cases having to do with Americans’ fundamental privacy, due process and equal protection rights.

[Interesting how he seemed to ignore "Loving v. Virginia 1967", in which the Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.]

CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, former federal prosecutor, on Roe v. Wade:

Never before have they taken away a right. 

The court’s liberal wing — Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan — echoed those concerns in a dissenting opinion released on Friday, writing that “no one should be confident that this majority is done with its work.”

“The first problem with the majority’s account comes from [Thomas’] concurrence — which makes clear he is not with the program,” Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan wrote, adding: “At least one Justice is planning to use the ticket of today’s decision again and again and again.”

Read the whole article at Politico

Political Week In Review 6-26-2022

Our 18.5 Cent Reality

According to Forbes:

The impact of a federal gas tax holiday would be extremely modest. On average, a driver in the US uses about 600 gallons of gasoline annually. Suspending the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal levy would save a typical driver less than $10-a-month. To put it another way, the federal tax represents about 3% of the cost of $5-a-gallon gasoline."

My bet is that within a week the oil companies will raise the price by more than that amount.  Laughing all the way to the bank. 

Greedy bastards:  Shell’s profits were 280 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2021. ExxonMobil made $23 billion in total profits in 2021.  Where did the profit go?  Exploration, cost adjustments at the pump, job creation cleaning the environment? it was used to buy back stock while the two alone cut 14,000 jobs. Also giving executives and CEOs $394 million in compensation bonuses—a nearly $45 million increase since 2020.   (These Top 5 Oil Companies Just Raked In $35 Billion While Americans Pay More at the Pump)

So is inflation Joe Biden's fault?  Where I fault Biden and Harris in that there was no action quickly and decisively to protect the American consumer. The 18.5 Tax Holiday is a good example of "too-little-too-late". And, don't get started on the baby formula mess. Inaction breeds contempt. Sadly, these two are toast, with two and a half years to go.  

We will remember. 

Carry On...

 

Choosing Our Battles

Poll Finds How Most Americans Feel About Transgender Athletes

A followup to to my  "I Do Not Like This Success Story" November 13, 2021

From the Washington Post:

The poll, conducted May 4 through 17 among 1,503 people across the United States, finds 55 percent of Americans opposed to allowing transgender women and girls to compete with other women and girls in high school sports and 58 percent opposed to it for college and professional sports. About 3 in 10 Americans said transgender women and girls should be allowed to compete at each of those levels, while an additional 15 percent have no opinion.

However, while familiarity with and tolerance for transgender people are on the rise, tolerance of transgender athletes is not - at least according to a recent poll. 

The Washington Post published a poll that suggested most of the United States is not in favor of allowing transgender female athletes to compete against other women at the professional, college and high school level.

Swimming-FINA votes to restrict transgender participation in elite women's competition

Lia Thomas

Amid the controversy over Lia Thomas' presence in women's swimming, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has made a final ruling on Thomas and all transgender swimmers moving forward.

On Sunday, the swimming world governing body voted to restrict the participation of transgender athletes in elite women's swimming competitions. FINA pledged to establish an "open" category in some events as part of their new policy.

According to the Toronto Sun, under the new policy, male-to-female transgender athletes can now only participate in women's swimming if they prove to FINA's satisfaction that they have not undergone "any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 (of puberty) or before age 12."

Per the report, the vote passed with a 71-percent majority among the 152 nations that make up the federation's membership. 

Given the heated nature of the debate, the reaction has been extremely split:

FINA president Husain Al-Musallam cited a desire to "protect competitive fairness" in the decision. He said that FINA remains determined to welcome every athlete, which is why they will create the "open category" to give transgender athletes the opportunity to continue competing.

“We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete, but we also have to protect competitive fairness at our events, especially the women’s category at FINA competitions,” Al-Musallam said.

“FINA will always welcome every athlete. The creation of an open category will mean that everybody has the opportunity to compete at an elite level. This has not been done before, so FINA will need to lead the way. I want all athletes to feel included in being able to develop ideas during this process.”

Further from CNN: Three-time Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead-Makar stated "As an Olympic champion and as a civil rights lawyer, I can assure you that there is nothing fair about transgender woman Lia Thomas competing for the University of Pennsylvania in NCAA swimming. Worse, her domination of the 'women's sports' category is doing nothing to engender greater empathy for inclusive practices throughout society for the trans community."

See also - World swimming bans transgender athletes from women’s events

_______________

MY Note: This precludes Lia Thomas from The Olympic Trials and The Olympic Games, competing in the woman's division. I am not happy with this decision because it is discormontory; a knee-jerk reaction. With that said, this was a battle we were going to lose. It hurts the whole community and especially young transgender athletes who just want to be part of a youth team. This was a trickle-down bad optic.  I still contend that her actions are selfish.  

 

Feminine Differential - Make-Overs

 

Irina, 51 Years Old, Painter

Some before/after photos are remarkable. I found this one on Pinterest and it highlight the difference a stylist and wardrobe consultant can make. This one originates from Boredpanda. Many of us have the typical male "do-it-your-self" attitude, however sometimes a professional makeup consultation and wardrobe consultant can make a world of difference.  Many store provides their services for free.  A great "escape" adventure.    

________________

30 Incredible Transformations That Show How Ordinary People Can Dramatically Improve Their Looks (New Pics)

BY Rokas Laurinavičius and Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Konstantin Bogomolov is a very brave stylist — he agrees to completely transform people's looks. It doesn't matter if a young man or an elderly woman comes to him, if they want changes, he and his team are ready to deliver them.

Bogomolov's website says he started "developing a new direction of image design" in the '90s. "Immediately it aroused great interest, both in society and the media. The time and authority that Konstantin gained in this field have confirmed the practicability and relevance of the chosen direction." His professional experience includes writing articles and handling photo stories for fashion magazines, producing TV programs about style and fashion, working as an image consultant in beauty salons, cooperating with model agencies, preparing fashion shows, and of course, developing style for individual clients.

Konstantin calls himself the number one stylist in Latvia. Is he really? Take a look at his clientele before and after their makeovers and you tell us!

Check out all the amazing transformation photos at Boredpanda. 

A Brave Women - Vivian Jenna Wilson

Elon Musk’s Trans Child Vivian Jenna Wilson, Requests A Legal Name Change – Wants To Cut Ties With Billionaire Dad

At least one of Elon Musk’s children had already requested a surname change from the Los Angeles County Superior Court. And this is speaking about how his trans child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, wants to cut all ties with the wealthiest person in the world.

Vivian Jenna Wilson

We are speaking about his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. The billionaire’s daughter had her 18th birthday on the 17th of April. She requested a legal name change on 18th of April, just a day after her birthday.

Vivian Jenna Wilson is born as a boy, and her name is Xavier Musk. She decides to transition into a girl and looks to officialize this, now when she is 18.

I no longer live with or desire to be associated to my biological father in any way, shape, or form,” she claims in the legal statement.

Wilson says that the reason for this request is her gender identity, obviously not accepted by her father, and the controversial character of Elon Musk.

The billionaire has 5 children with the writer Justine Wilson. Vivian is just one of Elon’s children that is in her teens. When Musk divorced Justine Wilson back in 2008 he had some ‘free time’ where he experimented and was going out with several women, among which the defamation trial popular Amber Heard. Luckily he did not have any children or any deeper relationship with her, so he got out of it easily.

CNN reported this story as well: Musk has also said on Twitter that he is leaning toward supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 presidential election. DeSantis recently pushed for and signed legislation, known by critics as the Don't Say Gay law, to limit discussions of homosexuality and trans issues in the state's public schools.

Summer 2022 - The Official Fashion Look

It must be summer when a girl's heart turns to Lilly.  This past Sunday I was in Palm Beach and found that I had caught the tale-end of the Pink Retreat 2022. There were over 450 Lilly lovers in for the weekend. The street was awash in pink and green. The Worth Avenue Lilly store was full of the shoppers and there was three adorable little girls, all under 10, wearing Lilly sundresses.  Mom was matching of course.

I purchased the above "Nevie Off-The-Shoulder Top" from the official "Lilly Retreat" store and felt I was doing my homage to the Lilly cult. Yes, in Palm Beach, you see Lilly every day and not just on the first days of summer. 

The Lilly Scallop shorts I purchased many years ago and the Lilly gold wedges were purchase, off season, from a discount site last fall. I love the heels-with-shorts look. 

I guess on a cruise or anywhere in around Palm Beach, Lilly is the outfit of choice.  Lilly is the official outfit of summer.  

New Texas Republican Platform...

Opposes All Efforts to Validate Transgender Identity.

By Mary Papenfuss Jun 19, 2022

In a giant step into the dark ages, the newly adopted platform of the Texas Republican Party now officially declares that homosexuality is an “abnormal choice.”

The shocking platform, voted on by 5,100 delegates and alternates Saturday at the party’s biennial convention in Houston, also affirms Texas Republicans’ opposition to “all efforts to validate transgender identity” ― and calls for a ban on any gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy, for anyone under the age of 21.

Yet the platform supports debunked and dangerous conversion therapy — which it terms “Reintegrative Therapy” — to turn members of the LGBTQ community into heterosexuals and eliminate “unwanted same-sex attraction.”

The platform spells out other positions explicitly opposed to the LGBTQ community under its section on “Homosexuality and Gender Issues.” It opposes offering any special protections for members of the LGBTQ community, and renounces penalties for those who discriminate against the community.

Delegates at the convention were peppered with flyers attacking the LGBTQ community, including one warning: “Beware of the Homosexual Agenda.”

The LGBTQ community is the new laser focus of the right-wing in the increasingly hostile ― and violent ― culture wars. Earlier this month, Idaho police arrested 31 members of the Patriot Front hate group who were crammed into a U-Haul truck wearing riot gear as they were heading to disrupt a Pride event in downtown Coeur D’Alene.

In other platform issues, party delegates voted to support barring the teaching of sex and sexuality in schools while calling on Texas schools to teach the “dignity of the preborn human” and that life begins at fertilization.

Delegates also declared Joe Biden’s presidential election victory illegitimate.

_________________

Are you mad as hell yet? What is it going to take?  

Treason - Addendum to Political Week In Review 6-19-2022

Legal expert lays out 5 factors that would nail Trump

My Note: In case you missed this interview on MSNBC this morning I am going to include the link and content.  This is serious stuff and the points are clear; We all watched in horror as the event unfolded. .Now we are learning what happened inside the White House. I broke out the five points for clarity. 

What is the definition of treason in the United States?

Definition Treason:

(Article III, Section 3, Clause 1) Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

During an appearance on MSNBC on Sunday morning with host Katie Phang, former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner explained that there is more than enough evidence for the Department of Justice to charge Donald Trump with treason.

Going well beyond calls for the former president to be charged with criminal conspiracy as many legal experts have called for, Kirschner said there is ample evidence that Trump "declared war" on the U.S.

"You said he's guilty. Donald Trump is guilty of treason. Some people have said maybe that's a little too far to, Glenn. Tell us why it's not," host Phang prompted.

"I don't think it's hyperbole and here's why, Katie," he replied. "Five quick data points that I think demonstrate Donald Trump levied war against the United States, that's the very definition of treason; whoever owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them, the United States, is guilty of treason."

• He recruited the Proud Boys and others, 'stand back and stand by, await before their orders 
  
  
• He set the date for the Capitol attack, 'come to DC January 6th, will be wild.' 
  
  
• He deployed them, and he gave the order: 'go to the Capitol, fight like hell or you won't have a country anymore,' go stop the certification."He used the word 'steal', which is helpful because it helps expose his corrupt intent," 
  
  
• He then sat in the White House dining room for three hours, watching the attack with people streaming in begging him to call off his attack dogs and he wouldn't. And we know they asked him to send reinforcements to the Capitol to defend the people who were under attack and he refused. Mike Pence finally had to give the order to send reinforcements, an order he made that he didn't have the authority to give... 
  
  
• And now we know Donald Trump also sided with the supporters, saying maybe Mike Pence should be hanged.

"Katie, if what I just described is not levying war against the United States, against the democratic process, then what is?"

Political Week In Review 6-19-2022

 

Be Good...

 Etsy

Musical Interlude - I Enjoy Being a Girl

I Enjoy Being a Girl

Pat Suzuki

Google Lyrics

 I'm a girl and by me that's only great

I am proud that my silhouette is curvy

That I walk with a sweet and girlish gait

With my hips kind of swivelly and swervey

---- 

I'm strictly a female female

And my future I hope will be

In the home of a brave and free male

Who'll enjoy being a guy, having a girl like me

A Bully At Work

A Presidential Preview - DeSantis (Part 2)

Published in the Naples Daily News: 

Written by Chris Persaud, Palm Beach Post June 10, 2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Florida’s coronavirus death toll rose faster in the past week than any other state... 

Federal data shows the state added 262 victims since the state Health Department’s last COVID-19 report published June 3. That’s the highest seven-day increase since mid-April, but lower than most weeks. Immunity from vaccinations and prior infections, along with new antiviral treatments, have helped stop severe illness.

Still, that’s more new victims counted in Florida than California (173) and New York (174), which posted the second- and third-most new deaths, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention said.

So what did The Florida's Governor do this week?

"Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reaches disgraceful new low in bullying Special Olympics" to the tune of a 27.5 million dollar fine for requiring vaccinations for participants.  

As reported by ABC News' Jay O'Brien, the Florida Department of Health sent a letter to Special Olympics International this week informing the organization that it would slap them with a fine of $27.5 million for violating Florida's rules against requiring vaccinations against COVID-19.

The Special Olympics International in a statement June 5, backed down. In response, the Special Olympics decided to rescind its requirements and told the state, "We don't want to fight, we want to play."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took credit for pushing the Special Olympics to back off during a Friday press briefing, notes O'Brien.

The vast majority of medical professionals and organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Mayo Clinic, advise the public to get the vaccine both to protect against the virus and to lessen serious symptoms of the virus.

Talbots Cute Paisley Top

 

Above is a cute Talbots top, RUFFLE SQUARE NECK TOP - PAISLEY.  Paisley is trimming and this met my new criteria of being reasonably priced after 30% off.  To go with the top, also 30% off, are the TALBOTS CHATHAM ANKLE PANTS - SOLID.

I did purchase the white pants for a close fit in 8 petite and the paisley top in small so it would sit close to the body. 

These two item will become wardrobe staples this summer.  Shop for wearability, style and cost.    

Perfect outfit for my MB Club event
Standing with my car. 

The Whole World Is.....

 

“You know, someone said that the world's a stage

And each must play a part”

Are You Lonesome Tonight - Song by Elvis Presley

Photo from my Mercedes Club back stage tour of the  Kravis Center; Palm Beach's performing arts center. What a fun escape with lunch after at Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina, a private yacht club / restaurant. 

Our group photo and view we had for lunch

I Love A Success Story - Mona Varonica Campbell

India’s first trans plus-size model walks from the ramp straight into the heart

By Binjal Shah
October 31, 2017

Mona Varonica Campbell

From walking the Lakme Fashion Week for designer Wendell Rodricks to being a makeup artist and grooming coach, Mona Varonica Campbell is loving the many hats she dons.

Mona Varonica Campbell is not just one person, but her own entire entourage. One moment she effortlessly channels her inner “Naomi Campbell” - high cheekbones, power stare et al - as she sashays down the ramp. The next, she is a rather sought after make-up artist, and her own gregarious publicist and manager.

Most endearingly though, she is also her own biggest fan.

At the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week, walking for designer Wendell Rodricks, as India's first trans plus-sized model, Mona hopes to open up a whole new demographic in the world of fashion.

Being famous before she was famous

Always somewhat of a fashionmonger, 28-year-old Mona entered the field open to pursuing any avenue and opportunity, and this go-getter attitude is what put her on the ramp. “I grew up studying the design sensibilities of one of my favourite designers Wendell Rodricks, and would often visit his store in Goa and just ogle at his work - the design, the cut and the fabric, no words! And he was one of the judges for the auditions. It was such an honour to be selected by him, and to walk for his line, no less. It’s a dream come true,” she says.

Mona may have gotten her ‘big break’ in the fashion industry only in September with the Lakme Fashion Week, but she feels her entire life has been building up to the moment. “I grew up drawing a lot of inspiration from models like Naomi Campbell and Ashley Graham, one of the leading global plus-size models,” she says.

Armed with a degree in fashion management from the London School of Fashion, Mona started her own makeup studio, Varonica Makeup Artistry, and worked with a host of celebrities and models, besides also specialising in bridal makeup.

Mona’s networking skills and inherent extrovert nature won her many friends and made her a regular fixture of the proverbial Page 3 fraternity. During this phase, she was invited to be the showstopper at a few fashion shows, including Faces of Africa branded by Suchir India, IFSC Fashion Week, and by several local designers. She also got the opportunity to groom students at a leading aviation company. An award for best make-up artist, and ranking as a name to reckon with in the South, this Hyderabad-based girl made her mark with sheer hard work determination.

We Spoke To India’s First Plus-Size Trans Model About Inclusivity In Fashion

Political Week In Review 6-12-2022

Today's Week in Review is brought to you by the 2nd Amendment:

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. The first 10 amendments form the Bill of Rights 

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Atlantic Magazine - Don’t Forget the First Half of the Second Amendment -The amendment doesn’t prohibit gun regulations; it demands them. 

To listen to the gun lobby, the Second Amendment provides an absolute constitutional right for an individual to own an array of armaments and ammunition free from regulation by the state. These advocates select from the amendment’s text only what supports their individual-freedom view, but they ignore entirely the imperative that precedes, the framing device of the whole thing—to protect “the security of a free State.” Read in full, the text of the amendment is not a prohibition on gun regulations but, rather, a requirement of certain regulations necessary for protecting that security and freedom.

                                                      

...

Children today do not have this freedom from fear. Just to live in society and go to school, they must endure regular active-shooter drills, because the gun lobby has opposed any regulation that would keep weapons out of the hands of those whose activities remain legal up until the exact moment when they start shooting children and teachers. Proposals to make schools more like fortresses only add to the costs children bear rather than addressing the root constitutional problem—that insufficient regulation of guns impairs the liberties of all.

Protecting our freedom from fear does not mean that the government has complete authority to ban guns. To emphasize the amendment’s protections for security is not to abandon liberty. Rather, it is to recognize how excessive emphasis on the liberties of gun advocates undermines the many liberties of everyone else who seeks to live securely in a “free state.” The Second Amendment preserves a free state, not simply a security state.

____________________

 

How Far You Have Come

 

Music Interlude - Boys Who Want to Be Girls

 

THE WEEPIES

Deb Talan & Steve Tannen began writing together the night they met, and soon formed the iconic indie band The Weepies. On the strength of their distinctive songwriting and signature harmonies, The Weepies quietly sold more than one million records, with over 100 million streams on Spotify. They remain independent.

Rarely touring, The Weepies made 7 records over 10 years. Their original songs appear in more than 100 media placements including movies, TV shows, commercials, and educational programming for PBS Kids.

Best Drugstore Foundations - Because I'm Worth it.

While most of us are not shoppers at the expensive cosmetic counter of Bloomingdales, Saks, and Neiman Marcus, we still need a good foundation.  Remember the L’Oréal campaign to justify a higher price by saying "You Are Worth It". I have personally seen department store foundation in the range of  $80 to $100,  I nave never been a purchaser at that level.  

The “Because I'm Worth It” tagline originated in 1971 when L'Oreal needed to convince consumers to spend more on their products than then-competitor Clairol. Today, the slogan has been translated into 40 languages, and still represents the brand's image across the world

Early on I did use an expensive beard cover, however it only took a small amount and it lasted forever.  Thankfully that is not a issue any longer.  

CNN Underscored had a good post on the "21 best drugstore foundations under $20, according to makeup artists" Here is part of the article:

Whether it’s the best beauty tools under $25 or must-have drugstore beauty picks that stand up to far pricier counterparts, we’re no strangers to the fact that when it comes to makeup and beauty — spending more doesn’t always mean a better product.

Foundation, however, can be a bit tricky. Not only do you want a product that’s comfortable with ingredients that are beneficial for your skin, you want to be sure you’re finding an option in your exact shade, and that has the lasting power you need to make it through a full day.

“As with any foundation, I look for a texture that blends really easily, has a good density of pigment and that lasts on the skin without disappearing or sliding off,” shares London-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty editor Emma White Turle.

L’Oréal Paris True Match 

Read more and see the full list

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My Favorite -  L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation with SPF 17

Here is the foundation I have been using for years. It goes on easily, provides all day coverage, and I get it a Walgreens for $8 to 10 dollars. There are many colors/shades and I use the N4 for all over coverage and C2 around my eyes and bridge of my nose; blended.   

CNN: "Turle calls this medium-coverage foundation 'pretty incredible” and 'one of the best on the market.' Jaikaran agrees, adding this satin-finish foundation to her list of all-around favorites. 'It’s really blendable and full coverage,' Turle explains, 'which can be hard to find in even pricier foundation options."

I guess, I'm Worth it.

What is your Favorite?

I Love A Success Story - Justin Lindsay

 Who is Justine Lindsay? NFL’s first openly trans cheerleader is smashing barriers

Justin Lindsay

The National Football League has hired 29-year-old Justin Lindsay, its first openly transgender cheerleader. Back in March, Lindsay announced on Instagram that she had created the TopCats, a cheerleading squad for the Carolina Panthers. She also came out as a transgender in the same post.

“Cats out of the bag you are the newest member of @topcats Carolina Panthers TopCats cheerleader as the first transgender female L. I want to thank the beautiful and talented dancers who helped me to share with the family and friends of TopCats alumni With you supported. Love and support. I wouldn’t have gotten to this moment in my life if it wasn’t for the support. You’re a special person I really cherish, on me too for my beautiful coach @chandalaelanouette Thank you for taking the leap of faith. Stay away from your legacy and many others. This is a moment I will never forget and I can’t wait to show you all what this girl has to bring. Thanks @topcats a dream come true,” she wrote in the post.

The NFL does not keep a record of its cheerleaders. However, Lindsay is believed to be the first openly transgender woman hired by the league. Talking about her Instagram post, Lindsay told BuzzFeed, “I was so scared. There are just some things you can’t post.”

The squad's director, Chandalae Lanouette, told BuzzFeed that Lindsay had disclosed that she is transgender on her application, but that all that mattered when forming the team was the cheerleader's incredible talent.

A Presidential Preview - DeSantis

In Florida Free Speech Will Get You Punished  

Ron DeSantis blocks funds for Tampa Bay Rays after team’s gun safety tweets

My Note: The First Amendment - One of those silly amendment we no longer need; except for the sacred Second Amendment.  Note: Corporations have First Amendment rights. As you read this substitute NIxon for DeSantis and the story will sound more familiar. Nixon was great with vendettas and punishing his enemies.  

Punishing the Tampa Bay Rays

The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has defended his veto of $35m in funding for a potential spring training site for the Tampa Bay Rays, after the Major League Baseball team used social media to raise awareness about gun violence after mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas.

Ron DeSantis

“I don’t support giving taxpayer dollars to professional sports stadiums,” DeSantis said on Friday, when asked about the veto of the sports complex funding.

“Companies are free to engage or not engage with whatever discourse they want, but clearly it’s inappropriate to be doing tax dollars for professional sports stadiums. It’s also inappropriate to subsidize political activism of a private corporation.”

On 26 May, in the wake of what they called “devastating events that took place in Uvalde, Buffalo and countless other communities across our nation”, the Rays said they would donate $50,000 to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and use their social media channels to offer facts about gun violence.

This follows DeSantis battle with Disney (Florida largest employer) that did not end well for Disney.

NY Times: Punishing Disney

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday [April 22] revoked Disney’s special tax and self-governing privileges in Florida, culminating an extraordinary clash between one of the Republican Party’s leading figures and a powerful company with deep historical ties to his state.

The move, which reverses a 55-year arrangement effectively allowing the company to self-govern its theme park complex, came after a weeks long battle with Disney that became a symbol of the country’s broader cultural fights over education, sexuality and identity.

The Florida standoff largely centered on an education law recently signed by Mr. DeSantis. That law, called the “Parental Rights in Education” measure — or, by its critics, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — prohibits classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in some elementary school grades.

‘Make America Florida’: DeSantis goes national with an eye toward White House