steinharterm

I can’t stand the news any more

I start my day looking at the news, both online and by reading the NYTimes, when I am home to get the physical paper (i still enjoy that), These days it just gets me upset. For a while it was just the first section, with all the incredible things coming from the White House. NowContinue reading “I can’t stand the news any more”

What If We Get It Right?

I just finished this wonderful book by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. It caught my eye late last year given the vital importance of the impact of climate change, and all the hand-wringing over it. I bought a copy for my son, for Christmas. Last month, the President of Island Institute (Island Institute) sent me a copy,Continue reading “What If We Get It Right?”

I can’t work with her!

…and she can’t work with me. And we have learned that this is okay. Let me explain… Shortly after we were married we bought a house. Like many a young couple we thought getting a ‘fixer-upper’ would be a good investment and good fun for us. It was a good investment. It was not fun.Continue reading “I can’t work with her!”

You think this is funny?

I had dinner with an old friend recently. Inevitably the subject of Trump came up, and I shook my head at the most recent noises out of the asshole’s mouth, about taking over a couple of independent countries – Panama and Greenland. My friend said he thought it was all just funny, not even aContinue reading “You think this is funny?”

4 dogs

The above photo is of my wife (thankfully she never reads my blog so won’t yell at me for posting her photo) and two of our four dogs. During Thanksgiving we adopted a new pup, Gracie. She’s the black and white one – maybe some corgi, maybe some jack russell, who knows, who cares. SheContinue reading “4 dogs”

What is conservatism?

I was speaking with a friend of mine (who is still a friend) who asserted that he was planning to vote for Donald Trump “because he’s a conservative.” I decided not to explore what he meant by that but I ponder it now, assisted by Heather Cox Richardson’s book “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the StateContinue reading “What is conservatism?”

Why people vote for Trump

I am not voting for Donald Trump for President. I didn’t last time and wouldn’t consider it this time, for many reasons. I like nothing about this man. My reasons for not voting for Trump are not the subject of this post, however. I do know people who are voting for him and so IContinue reading “Why people vote for Trump”

Finally!

I turned 65 last month. I am now eligible for Medicare. Rather than being depressed about aging, I am thrilled. I cancelled my $1400/month Obamacare bill from Connecticare and signed up for medicare immediately. It’s crazy that in this country you have to wait until you are 65 to get reasonably priced (certainly not free)Continue reading “Finally!”

I think she’ll win

I read an article in the Economist recently about how Kamala Harris is an excellent candidate, but questioned whether she can govern well. It worried over her experience with international affairs, her track record with the economy and immigration, etc. I have thought about this and there are some valid points. I then thought someContinue reading “I think she’ll win”

Best Retirement Gig Ever

My youngest child is an outdoors-minded kid. Actually, all of my four children love the outdoors, which is rewarding for us all, but this one is ALWAYS outdoors. He’s not had an indoor job since he graduated from college (is that an indoor job?). Like everyone in my family, he loves Maine, especially the littleContinue reading “Best Retirement Gig Ever”