Life in the White House, December 2018

Lottery with a bullet

It may have finally come to pass where it is time to monetize the mass shootings in America. It's time to hold a lottery. A pool for when and where the next mass shooting will be.

This is a pool where one can parlay their predictions into millions of potential dollars. The money raised can go to the NRA or to other gun loving lobbying groups

Some suggested categories for people to gamble on may include:

The date
The state
The sex of the shooter (a gimme!)
The race (can be tricky)
Age of the shooter
Did the shooter have a prior conviction of domestic violence
The population of the place where the shooting occurred.
The time of day
How many were killed
The ages of those killed. (youngest, oldest)
Were any of the victims pregnant?
Did any good guys with guns try and stop the shooter
Did the shooter die before being captured?
Did the shooter take his own life?
Was the shooter captured alive?
Was the shooter offered Burger King or other fast food by the police force?
How many wounded?
How many permanently disfigured
How many victims had GoFundMe accounts opened to pay for their medical bills?
How many victims had GoFundMe accounts to pay for their funerals?
How many members of congress posted a tweet that said, "Thoughts and prayers are with the victims."
How many hours it took the president to do the same
Did the president do the same?
How many cable news presenters said it was "Too Soon" to talk about gun control
How many cable news presenters tried to politicize the shooting less than three hours after it happened

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. Why not add your own?

Come on America, put your bullets where your wallet is. Make this happen. Make it great!

If I had a billion dollars

Lottery fever is happening across the United States this week. No one picked all the powerball numbers on Saturday night so the 900 million dollar jackpot goes up to 1.3 billion dollars.

I had no numbers in Saturday's drawing. My $10 idiot tax is paid.

So the dreaming big begins again until the next drawing. Aside from take care of my son's needs for the rest of his life I have modest billion dollar goals. My Wife would live in the lifestyle she would desire. Charitable trusts would be established.

What would I do with a Ferrari or Rolls Royce? Seriously, too much maintenance. Even if you can afford that car you need a full time mechanic to look after the fleet.

I'd probably get a modest Mazda. A vehicle that would not draw attention to myself.

Ah who am I kidding?

But, if this is the extravagant purchase, it would be cooler than hookers and blow. Still have no idea how to change the oil. Or if there's anyone in the area who knows how to fix the damn thing.

That car would not be a daily driver either, so I'd need a home to garage it. I figure a three car garage would be best for my needs. Or something like this. Maybe find property with a pool, a pool table, or a koi pond. Solid gold fixtures are not necessary. I saw a house in the area with a bowling alley, is that too much? How much property is too much? Sure, the audio/video system would be awesome. I'm 51 though, how big should my wine cellar be? I can't drink like I'm 32 anymore.

Ah, to have the problems a billion dollars brings.

Jürgen's Boys

So proud of the U.S. Men's Soccer Team, even after their defeat by Belgium today. They worked hard today, and in every game this World Cup, but even that is not enough.

The team lacked an attack, possession time and timely scoring, which is exactly what Belgium did to win. Tim Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves, which shattered the old record. Without him, the match never would have went to extra time and it would have been a lopsided defeat. Truly a performance in goal for the ages.

This team displayed a lot of grit though, lesser teams would have given up when they were down two goals in extra time, not this one. They fought, got a goal back and nearly pulled out the tying goal late. Not meant to be. Not enough polish to get through. Fair play to Belgium, who seem to have a penchant for late, dramatic goal scoring during their run this tournament. Best of luck to them against Argentina.

As for the U.S. Team something to build on for 2018. Klinsmann and his staff have some tweaking to do. A few players are likely to leave, Tim Howard will most likely step aside for Brad Guzan, and some attack needs to be developed.

No idea if this team, this World Cup is going to increase the interest in soccer here. I've heard all the jokes for the past 12 years about how boring soccer is, they have not changed. The fan base though, is on the upswing. If you were watching this match and not freaking out in joy and the potential of belief during the last ten minutes of this game, you have no soul. How can that not grab your attention and make you want more?

Invention

Second Amendment Kleenex. Each sheet is imprinted with the second amendment. To be handed out at the funerals of victims of mass shootings.

First, do no harm

Just over a day after Obama's reelection and the sun rose, as it always has, and will for the next few million years.

We're still here. The Tu-44 tank lines have not showed up on Broad Street. The Dow Jones dropped a bit yesterday but few mentioned how much it has recovered in the last four years.

Canada and their Socialist ways, has not launched an invasion. The Molson Rebellion failed as Americans went to craft brew. Sweden and Norway have not begun airstrikes, but more Americans may be selling stocks and investing, secretly, in the Kroner.

A fiscal cliff awaits, as politicians will begin to once again posture and obstruct. Will they have learned their lesson and stop diminishing rape?

Our troops are still in Afghanistan, our mercenaries in Iraq. Drones in Yemen and in backyards in Idaho.

Our rural and urban areas remain divided in affiliations, as much, if not more than four years ago.

The media will continue to report what Donald Trump tweets as fact. Social media will not solve this nation's problems, but randomized capitalization in Facebook comments will continue.

The NHL season may or may not happen.

Thankfully, Josh Mandel remains Treasurer of the State of Ohio. Due to redistricting, my new congresswoman is Joyce Beatty. It is what it is.

The sun will set tonight.