7 Brutal Ways Trump Cuts Hurt Everyday Americans

Robert Reich

The former Labor Secretary summed it up as "chainsaw-induced chaos.

I have been affected.  The Government agency that helped with my $2,200 copay for my wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) eye injections has been eliminated. I have been told by my doctor that the copay will go to over $2000 per injection. This is after the insurance pays their part. This is beyond what I can afford each month. I am done.  

Google AI: Here are the facts on this treatment: Overall, the cost of wet AMD treatment can range from $8,814 to $23,400 per year, and even $32,491 to $70,200 after three years of treatment. (I have been under treatment for two years using Eylea.)

Filing my taxes this year was limited with IRS filing tools being problematic. Last year it was so simple and straight forward. This year, although I have e-filed and authorized payment, for over two months now there is no verification of acceptance and my ACH payment has not been taken out of my bank. Calling the IRS just drops my call to a busy signal.   

How about you?  How do you feel about food safety?  How about flying with not as many air traffic controllers?  Are we better off today than we were a year ago? 

Mercedes Club Weekend Event - Car Museum

 

Two weekends ago my Mercedes Club visited the Grey Motorsports Museum in Jupiter FL. What a treat with 43,000 sq feet of classic and vintage cars from the early 1900s to a classic '65 GTO, ++, New and vintage Corvettes a plenty and fully restored 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevys. I did not count all the cars, however, my best guess between 35 and 50.

That floor is really that shiny and clean

Growing up I had a '65 Impala 327 and a '69 SS396 Chevelle. The museum had a '64 SS Impala convertible 409, and a '69 SS396 Chevelle. What a nostalgic walk down memory lane.

This is not just a storage facility, it is a true museum, Wall facades depicting streets and stores of the period for the car being displayed. Downstairs and upstairs restaurant quality bars with walls lined with racing trophies.

Johnny C Grey, the former Funny Car and Pro Stock driver raced competitively in various arenas. A businessman from Artesia, NM, he joined the professional racing ranks in 1993, and claimed his first win in 2011.Gray has been racing in various forms of motorsports for nearly half a century; he began drag racing in the early 1990s, climbing the ladder from the National Hot Rod Association's Competition Eliminator division to Pro Stock and later, the Funny Car category with Don Schumacher Racing. Gray retired in 2013 to support the Pro Stock efforts of his son, Shane, and grandson, Tanner. Tanner went on to win the NHRA Pro Stock title in 2018 before moving on to stock car racing, (Wikipedia)

We had the Museum curator, Craig, answer question all morning during our over two hour visit. He is not just a car enthusiast himself, but a master mechanic and machinist that keeps all the cars in running condition. Yes, drivable on any day. Other than the track cars, all are registered, licensed and are driven regularly. Craig even makes parts that are obsolete to keep the the older vintage cars roadworthy. What a dream job!

 

White After Memorial Day...

Google AI:  The tradition of reserving white for the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day stems from the wealthy who wore white during the summer and then transitioned to darker, more formal attire as the season changed. However, with the increasing fluidity of fashion and the move towards more casual and comfortable styles, the "no white after Labor Day" rule has largely fallen into disuse. 

So, do you have your outfit picked out?

 

Memorial Day '25

 

Let us never forget.

Many have made the ultimate sacrificed defending our freedoms. 

 We all have a responsibility and a part in preserving them! 

Political Cartoons 5-25-2025

 

Who I Am

 

I love A Success Story - Kai Schreiber

Liev Schreiber shows his support for his trans daughter: ‘Kai is such a fighter’

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

Published 10:18 AM EDT, Fri May 9, 2025

Kai Schreiber and Liev Schreiber

CNN

 — 

Liev Schreiber is opening up about his 16-year-old daughter, Kai, who is transgender.

The “Ray Donovan” star talked to Variety about the teen joining him and his wife, Taylor, for the Ali Forney Center’s A Place at the Table Gala being held Friday night in New York City. The center provides housing and support for homeless LGBTQ youth. The goal of the event is to “make a lasting impact and continue our mission to uplift and empower young people in need,” according to the center’s social media.

Schreiber revealed that his daughter never actually came out to him and her mother, actress Naomi Watts, as trans.

“Kai was always who Kai is. But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns,” he said. “To be honest with you, it didn’t feel like that big of a deal to me only because Kai had been so feminine for so long.”

He had words of praise for his daughter, who has modeled for Valentino.

“Kai is such a fighter,” he said. “It’s important that she goes, ‘Hey, I am trans,’ and, ‘Look at me.’”

When asked if he had any advice for other parents with trans children, Schreiber said, “I don’t know the answer for your kid.”

“I don’t know what it’s like for you to be a trans dad. I don’t know how you were brought up,” he said. “I don’t know what religion you encountered or what your spirituality is. And for me to tell you what I think about my kid feels like an overstep.”

He then added, “I guess if I would say anything to someone who’s having trouble with their trans teen or their adolescent trans kid it’s ‘Teenagers are a headache. They’re hard.’”

“It doesn’t matter whether they’re trans or not because you’ll come out of this,” he said. “But a trans teen is going to be a teen. They’re such a pain so much of the time, and Kai is as feisty and outspoken as they come.”

Schreiber said he tries not to “dwell” on the current political climate, which includes the Supreme Court recently ruling that the Trump administration can enforce a ban on transgender service members in the military.

“To some degree, I feel like I don’t want to overcook that fear or that anxiety,” the actor said. “There’s enough in the world to be anxious and afraid about.”

In the Beginning

 

What to do with Polka Dot Pants?

 And not look like you are wearing PJs... 

By the pool on a Florida spring day. 

A few evening ago I was in my local mall checking on my Soma work schedule. Recently I have take off a few medical days. Talbots is right next door and I saw the side zip polka Dot pants shown above. My Polka Dot obsession is legendary in my mall shops, so how could I resist?

The problem is; I have Soma Cool Nights PJs that have Polka Dot pants. It is hard not thinking I am getting ready for bed with polka dot pants. FYI: the Soma Cool Nights PJ brand is the best. Sexy - can be. Functional and comfortable - absolutely.

I have several casual events upcoming, so will give the above combinations a try.  Pinterest has many suggestions and inspired the above layout that is almost completely out of my closet. My photos is also a fun alternative look. 

The pants - Talbots Chatham Ankle Pants - Garden Dot.  Almost all sold out online, but maybe still available on store sales rack, 40% off.

Talbots Chatham Ankle Pants

Barbie's foot...

 Why does it matter that Barbie is on her tiptoes?

Despite the design of the Barbie doll's foot evolving over the years, her association with the impossible arch has endured.  Watch the CNN Video

Have They No Sense of Decency?

Some action are to egregious to ignore

My Note:  The Palm Beach County School System has been bullied into changing its policies. Although they are making an effort to dissuade us into thinking  "values and commitment have not changed", the facts of the changes will be evident. I am not blaming the school system. Taking care of kids must be a priority. Loosing 300 million for low income students aid was untannable. Much of this money was to go for free breakfasts and lunches for low income students. Possibly the child's only meals of the day. 

The School System's logos states "Educate. Affirm. Inspire". With the change in policy it is the "Affirm" part that will suffer. The Bullies will rule until we stop them. "Where is the humanity"? 

_________________

The School District Of Palm Beach County's public statement: 

The School District remains committed to supporting all students and staff and to providing a high-quality education in a respectful and supportive environment. That commitment has not changed.

In response to recent directives from the U.S. and Florida Departments of Education, the Palm Beach County School Board was required to take emergency action to update certain District policies. Compliance with these directives is necessary to protect approximately $300 million in federal funding that supports essential services for our students. This includes funding to support students from low-income families, services for students with disabilities, free breakfast and lunch programs, professional development for teachers, and more.

The recent policy updates do not change the core values of respect and opportunity that are expected in our classrooms. They do not impact what is taught in classrooms, the educational opportunities available to students, or the School District’s ongoing commitment to anti-discrimination practices. Please note, an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (Policy 3.05) remains fully in place and prohibits discrimination in the School District. 

As part of the updates, the School Board also updated its policy on Small Business Enterprises (SBE) by adopting a comprehensive small business program into policy. This builds on practices the School District has followed since 2017 and maintains the support provided to small businesses by the School District. In addition, language referencing contracting preferences based on race/gender was removed from School Board policies. We also removed language that used race, ethnicity, and national origin as factors that give an advantage or disadvantage in employment, contracting, student placement, and District decision-making. Our goal is to ensure School Board policies remain aligned with local, state, and federal laws, practices and procedures.

These emergency policy changes are in effect for 90 days and must undergo a rulemaking process before becoming permanent. The values of fairness, opportunity, and respect for every student continue to guide our work.

Thank you for understanding the precarious situation we are in and rest assured that our values and commitment have not changed!

Thanks Rand Hock (Palm Beach County HRC) for including me in the School's less than reassuring communication.  

Political Cartoons 5-18-2025

 

Size Obsessed

Lawrence: It takes 'Trump-level stupidity' to beg for a $400M jet while advocating Medicaid cuts

Be Real in 25

 

Please Stop Wearing These 3 Things (at any age)

Capsule Wardrobe

by Courtney Carver
Jul 30, 2024

You’ve seen the articles answering questions like … “What should I stop wearing after 25?” or “What should stop wearing in my 40s or 50s?” or “Should a 70 year old woman wear leggings?” or “How should I dress according to my age?” Ugh! We are asking and answering the wrong questions. If we continue down that path we will forever be looking for external validation, seeking happiness and fulfillment outside of ourselves. It never satisfies so we have to keep seeking and seeking.

I’m not interested in offering you fashion tips or weighing in on the latest fashion trend (though I do have the perfect outfit recommendation at the end of this article). I genuinely don’t care about those things. If you want to wear skinny jeans or boyfriend jeans, scarves or belts, navy jackets, tennis shoes or other footwear, black, beige, nude, stripes, textures, or whatever silhouettes you are comfortable in, I’m happy for you. You can even put glitter in your hair and I will support that. You may have a classic style or minimalist style or have no idea what your personal style is. It’s all ok.

Spoiler Alert: You can (and should) wear whatever clothing you want.

The truth is you can wear anything you want at any age. So now that you aren’t mad at me for telling you what to keep in your closet or telling you that you have to dress any kind of way, I hope you’ll enjoy my recommendations for what not to wear in your life. I’ve learned so much from simplifying my closet and dressing with a small capsule wardrobe. While I’ve learned what best fits my body and my lifestyle, most of the lessons have nothing to do with clothing.

1. Stop wearing the guilt of your past.

2. Stop wearing the pressure to prove yourself.

3. Stop wearing the weight of other people’s expectations and judgements.

Read More... 

My Husband Became A Woman

Here's why I didn't leave': Many wives would have seen it as an unbearable betrayal. But when John, a university lecturer, told Barbara he wanted to live as Jane, she faced a shattering dilemma

By EMMA ELMS FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Published: 17:00 EDT, 13 November 2019 

The couple from Somerset explain how they maintained their relationship... 

Barbara and Jane Hamlin 

Most marriages hit a few bumps. But 72-year-old Barbara Hamlin has weathered one of the most challenging upheavals. 

Five years ago, her husband John had gender reassignment surgery to become Jane, now 71. Here, the couple from Somerset explain how they maintained their relationship...

A denim mini skirt, hotpants, a collection of women's lacy lingerie and a pair of black patent stilettos. My head was spinning as I rummaged through the bag I'd found at the back of our wardrobe.

My immediate conclusion was that my husband of eight years was having an affair. Heart thumping, imagination running wild, I kept putting the clothes back in the bag, hiding the bag, then pulling it out again and staring at the clothes in disbelief. I was desperate to know the truth — but as we were due to fly to Canada on holiday the next day, I told myself to bide my time.

Once we were there, as we lay in the dark in bed together, I blurted: 'So what's this bag of women's clothes I've found then?' John replied sheepishly: 'They were for me.'

To my astonishment, the 'other woman' was him. I was 49; John was 48. We'd been married for eight years. And yet, I'd never have imagined John could be into cross-dressing.

I'd been so afraid he was cheating that my overwhelming feeling was relief — not that I could have imagined then that it would eventually lead him to gender reassignment surgery.

Our married life was blissful before John's revelation.

Both primary school teachers in Somerset, we had met at work, and got together after he split up with his wife, the mother of his son and daughter. Then 40, I had split from my own first husband two years before.

Read all of this heartwarming story here...

After all, Jane and I are just ordinary people whose love transcends everything.

Jane is president of The Beaumont Society, the UK's biggest transgender support group (beaumontsociety.org.uk/partners).

My Evening In Polka Dots

 

Loft Dotted Ruched One Shoulder Top

I Love A Success Story - Ariel Nicholson Murtagh[

Model Ariel Nicholson Murtagh

Transgender models are changing the modeling industry, making it more inclusive.

 (See 12 more)

By Frank Olito

Ariel Nicholson became the first transgender model on the cover of US Vogue earlier this year. (2021)

Ariel Nicholson Murtagh (born January 23, 2001) is a New York-based model, writer, and LGBT rights activist. She was the first openly transgender model to walk in a Calvin Klein presentation and the first openly transgender women on the cover of Vogue. Her writing has appeared in Perfect Magazine, amongst other publications.(Wikipedia)

Nicholson, who is a writer, activist, and model, appeared on American Vogue's September issue. In the photo, she and a few other big-name models like Bella Hadid are seen sitting in the Vogue offices in New York. 

The history-making cover marked the first time a transgender person appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine. 

"I've been put in this box, 'trans model,'" Nicholson told Vogue. "Which is what I am — but that's not all that I am. Obviously, it's a big deal being the first trans woman on the cover of Vogue, but it's also hard to say exactly what kind of big deal it is when the effects are so intangible." 

She's also appeared on the cover of Italian Vogue and she was the first transgender model to walk in a Calvin Klein fashion show — she appeared in the Spring/Summer 2018 show while still a sophomore in high school.

Read her Vogue article "Ariel Nicholson on Finding Solace in Dressing Up and Coming of Age in Fashion"

Ever since I could speak, dressing up was my favorite pastime. I loved princess dresses, especially Belle’s from Beauty and the Beast. I would twirl around the living room, caressing the golden fabric, layers of tulle, and ribbons with glittering rose appliqués. When I watched Judy Garland sing in full Technicolor on our old flat-screen TV, I wore a Dorothy dress for a week straight with a stuffed Toto in tow.

‘I’m Being Kicked Out’

A Trans Military Commander Confronts Trump’s Ban

A Supreme Court ruling allows the military to ban transgender people from serving. Now, those service members are living with uncertainty.

Commander Emily Shilling

By Katherine Long
05/09/2025 05:15 PM EDT

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of President Donald Trump, clearing the path for the administration to move forward with its plan to ban transgender people from serving in the military. The plan would also remove current transgender service members as the lower courts continue to debate the legality of the ban.

The Supreme Court order is not a final ruling on the issue, but will remain in place as litigation proceeds.

Approximately how many service members will be impacted is unclear. Recent figures from the Defense Department reported 4,240 — or 0.2 percent — of about 2 million service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Data from previous years by advocacy groups has calculated the number to be much higher, at around 15,000.

Among those transgender service members is Commander Emily Shilling, who has served in the Navy for almost two decades. A naval aviator with over 60 combat missions under her belt, she is the lead plaintiff suing the administration to overturn the ban. Shilling told Women Rule that it’s her duty not only to follow lawful orders but to challenge those she believes to be unlawful.

Trump unveiled the plan in an executive order on inauguration day. The basis for the order, which Trump also enacted during his first term, is the argument that gender dysphoria is incompatible with military service.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes — a Joe Biden appointee — blocked the move on March 18, but the ruling was subsequently paused by a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. A second judge, George W. Bush appointee U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, also blocked the order 10 days later.

The Supreme Court ruling was unveiled in a one-page order, with the three liberal judges dissenting. Neither side provided reasoning for their positions given it was an emergency appeal.

“I’m heartbroken,” said Shilling, who is president of SPARTA Pride, a nonprofit advocacy group for transgender service members.

Now, Shilling’s future, along with many other transgender service members, is riddled with uncertainty

Read Her Whole Interview...

People always say, “Thank you for your service,” and all I can ever say back is “No, thank you to the service for letting me serve.” I graduated college, I started working as an engineer, and I wanted some adventure. I wanted to do something that I felt meant something. When we were in Afghanistan, the thing that drove me was women’s rights. And I was very proud of what we were doing.

I’m heartbroken. I’ve watched something that I’ve dedicated so much energy and so much time to and so much love to. It was the honor of a lifetime to serve in the U.S. Navy, and I just hope that they live up to the sacrifice that we’ve made.

Political Cartoons 5-11-2025

 

Glasses...

 Etsy

A Few Days Off...

 

Today, Thursday May 8, I had eye surgery and have a second procedure schedule for next week.  I will be taking a few day off.  My sight has been getting progressively worse, over the past two years so hoping this will help.

 

Feminine Differential - Reebok High Top Sneakers

 Reebok Women's Freestyle Hi High Top Sneakers

We can all remember back to our first baby-steps into wearing something on the edge; "maybe feminine..."  We knew, but would the world recognize our ever so stealth effort? Yes, something to satisfy our desire to be feminine yet get way with no one noticing. More than likely we were only spoofing ourselves. 

I loved my Reebok Freestyle sneakers. I wore then all the time for casual. In the 80's all the girls were wearing them to the gym and they were so comfortable they caught on as everyday wear. I guess they were so popular as to still be available today.  It was the high top Velcro straps (2) that set them apart from the Reebok Princess Low Tops.  interesting that these were the first Women's aerobic workout shoe.  

Born the same year as Jane Fonda’s Workout—1982—these high-tops were the first designed by and for women and were beloved by aerobics dancers everywhere. And now they’re back! Style tip: wear with scrunchy socks, an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, and a side ponytail.

Amazon describes then this way still: HERITAGE REEBOK STYLE - Take a trip in the wayback machine to '80s style. Freestyle Hi women sneakers were the first fitness shoes made specifically for women and they remain a fashion icon [today].

I will never forget the evening I was shopping in the women's section of the Dillard's department store in Tampa. I saw a couple (man and woman) shopping together, both were wearing jeans and white Reebok Freestyle Hi Top sneakers. A glance and smile passed as we all recognized that we all were wearing the same style "women sneakers".  A moment.

What was your first foray into a "feminine Differential" item of clothing. Did you have the "I am on a secret stealth mission" feeling?  Please share.

 Reebok Princess Low Tops

  

How Much Will Our Bloved Shoes Cost?

 

Sunday I was in Bloomingdales and as always, did a pass through the shoe department. It had been a while. One of my favorite shoe brands is Sam Edelman of the previous duo, Sam and Libby. A few years back they has a boutique in my mall but now mainly see them sold at the big boxes; Bloomingdales and Macys. I believe last year's cost was some where in the $79.00 - $99.00 range. Today the  Hazel pump online and at Bloomingdales, $150.00. Same basic pump. That is quite a price jump, pre-tariff.  

So, looking to the future, I Googled the question: Do all shoes come from China?

Google: But it's worth pointing out the majority of shoes in the U.S. are imported. When you look at where they come from, the vast majority are from China, also from Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and fewer than from India. it is estimated that 70% of all shoes sold in the US comes from China. 

The Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), an industry organization with more than 500 members, including Walmart, Nike, Crocs and Steven Madden commented. Footwear imported from China is already being hit with upwards of 67% duties, the group said.

The consumer won’t be able to hide,” FDRA President and CEO Matt Priest said. “Even if it’s 10%, it’s death by a thousand cuts.”

What does all of this back-and-forth on the tariffs mean for the business we  love.  And what cost are we talking about at the retail level. Here is the math:

CNN: The first boats carrying Chinese goods with 145% tariffs are arriving in LA. Shipments are cut in half. Expect shortages soon

Met Gala '25 - Jordan Roth

And, my Met Gala  best "DRESSED" award goes to... 

The Met Gala never disappoints with at least one or more beautiful men in delightful gowns. What would you wear given the opportunity? 

Jordan Roth

Jordan Roth - Tucked away in a field of flowers in his custom Maison Valentino look.

 

Jordan Roth is a four time Tony award-winning producer, president of Jujamcyn Theaters, and New York City fashion icon. As president of Jujamcyn Theaters, Roth oversees five Broadway theatres, presenting some of the most influential and successful musicals and plays on Broadway including: Frozen at the St. James, Mean Girls at the August Wilson, Tony Award-winner Springsteen on Broadway at the Walter Kerr, and Tony Award-winner The Book of Mormon.

In 2018, Roth debuted his online animated comedy series, The Birds and the BS with Jordan Roth. The musical series, billed as, "a kids show for adults," addresses hot-button cultural topics with animated celebrity guests including Alan Cumming, Mandy Patinkin, Ana Gasteyer, Sutton Foster, Laura Benanti, and Billy Porter. In addition to his series Roth is an actor and producer known for his roles in Present Laughter (2017), Broadway Draft 2015 (2015) and I Think I Do (1997).

As a philanthropist, Roth combined his love of theatre with his passion for giving back by creating Givenik.com, a service allowing theatergoers to buy discounted tickets and give 5% of their ticket price to the charity of their choice. Givenik supports over 750 charitable organizations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, The Trevor Project, and many more.

Event Day - International Female Ride Day '25

International Female Ride Day '25

Saturday, the ride day was a washout. I rode up to Treasure Coast Harley, my local dealer, expecting many riders. Just as I pulled in, the rain started. Obviously the other riders had checked the radar before leaving home; I did not. In my defense, it was sunny and bright when I left. 

There were about six of us willing to wait out the spring shower. However, it did not stop drizzling for almost 2 hours. Some left, but I hung out, ate a hotdog (or two) and enjoyed talking with several other riders. Finally the the rain slowed, Florida sun out and I heading home. Once I got about two miles from the dealership, the streets were not even wet. The day was not a complete washout, I did get several good photos to mark the occasion. Enjoy...

I made the effort and the escape, even on a rainy day, was worth it.  As "ESCAPES" always are!

  

Political Cartoons 5-4-2025

 

I Am Just Me...

 

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY '25

 

JOIN US HERE FOR INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY!

My Note: I did this ride in last year - Fun!

Celebrate the power of women riders at our International Female Ride Day! Join us for a special day dedicated to all the incredible female motorcyclists out there. 

Free Limited Edition Gift:

Stop by to receive your exclusive gift to commemorate this empowering day. One per customer, while supplies last... so get here early!

Complimentary Lunch: 

Enjoy finger foods on us while you connect with fellow female riders.

Bling & Bingo: 

Bring your gal friends and have a great time. Capture the spirit of the day and create lasting memories.

Social Media Contest: 

Post your photo at our dealership and tag us for a chance to win a $250 gift card. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win big!* 

Opportunity Raffles for PRIZES*

Polotini GPL presents WIGSTOCK! - The Evening Event

 I did not wear a Wig or the Dress I had planned

See my post - Polotini GPL presents WIGSTOCK! 
For details