Author: Jack
I retired in 2008 and so I have more time now to devote to several of my interests The blog here is mainly for my interests in some current events but may have the occasional rant on other subjects. I have also decided to keep my genealogy posts and book reviews here instead of 2 additional blogs (and so simplify my life a little).

Power is a choice. Choose wisely.

Power is a choice. Choose wisely.

Posted on by Jack

Several months ago I wrote that Republican Senators could, if they chose, be key votes in a different context. See Republicans can choose power.

The same applies now when it seems likely that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe vs Wade. And a bill will be before the Senate to protect abortion rights.

There are people who feel strongly on both sides of this issue. Think clearly and choose wisely. Should religious beliefs of some people restrict the rights of others?

Congress is broken

Congress is broken

Posted on by Jack

About 6 or 7 years ago I wrote several posts on Congress being broken and the need to fix Congress so our government can once again help the American people or govern effectively. If you agree if might be worth your time of read or at least skim those posts,

Do you agree with the proposals in these posts or the books and website referenced?

January 6 Committee to Investigate the Attack on the U.S. Capitol

January 6 Committee to Investigate the Attack on the U.S. Capitol

Posted on by Jack

The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol does have a website at https://january6th.house.gov/. They do keep some information suitable for public release there but it does not have as much as I’d like to see.
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Save money and build your wealth

Save money and build your wealth

Posted on by Jack

A finance book that does a great job for the young as well as the old. I am a bit on the older side of the age spectrum (RetiredGuy) and so I paid bit more attention to the Investing part. But there is also a good part on Saving for the younger adults.
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Jack Bogle saves investors trillions of dollars

Jack Bogle saves investors trillions of dollars

Posted on by Jack

Who would want to read this book?  Maybe you would if you are interested in Jack Bogle, Vanguard, investing, money, or any combination of those things.  Those listed are all related and this book is  great explanation of how.

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George Soros: A Life In Full

George Soros: A Life In Full

Posted on by Jack

A different sort of biography and I think one that works well for the subject. The book is a series of essays from people who know various aspects of his life well.

The book is George Soros: A Life In Full. It is edited by Peter L. W. Osnos and published by the Harvard Business Review Press. It is scheduled for publication on March 8. I thank Netgalley for the chance to read it before publication.
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Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians

Temporary Protected Status for Ukrainians

Posted on by Jack

As of this morning there is no mention of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians on the TPS website.

It seems to me that the united states has granted that status to many counties where there has been war or other disasters. I hope Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorka or President Biden will tell us if this is something they will approve or why not.

The people of Ukraine are facing a major disaster and it would be nice to know if they are eligible.

Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

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Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the third book in a series featuring FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Dr. Nora Kelly. Having read the first two, I was eager to try the third.
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No excuse absentee voting in PA

No excuse absentee voting in PA

Posted on by Jack

A Pennsylvania Court ruled that the state’s law which allowed no excuse absentee voting violates the state constitution and a constitutional amendment would be needed to modify the voting law. The state law was passed in 2019 by the Republican-controlled legislature with overwhelming Republican support. The lawsuit arguing that the law was unconstitutional was brought by Republican lawmakers. That was a quick change of heart.

Our local NPR station WHYY explains the whole sad situation is an article beginning this way.

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How low can they go ??

How low can they go ??

Posted on by Jack

The official stance of the Republican Party is now that the January 6 committee is persecuting “ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse”. Do these look like ordinary citizens to you?


Picture and credit from It’s only the beginning of the Capitol terror hunt

You may want to watch the whole video. It is long but it gives a good idea on what the present Republican Party considers “legitimate political discourse”.

The plan to get away with the Jan 6 insurrrection

The plan to get away with the Jan 6 insurrrection

Posted on by Jack

I’ve already written about Republicans and the national disgrace of the Jan. 6 insurrection ( see A national disgrace or 6 disgraces.)

The plan seems to be to run out the clock. Important witnesses on the Republican side are defying subpoenas and refusing to cooperate in the investigation into the insurrection. The Republicans hoped to take back the House and kill any investigation.

But the Jan 6 commission seems to be moving along without their help and producing evidence to help convict some of the players. So in case this happens and Donald Trump is re-elected President, he might pardon these criminals.

Something you might want to consider when you vote. I know it is awhile down the road but maybe you should start thinking about this;

Score: Fishermen 1, Putin 1 Trump 0

Score: Fishermen 1, Putin 1 Trump 0

Posted on by Jack

Irish fisherman stood up to Putin and the fishermen won. So the score is Fishermen 1 and Putin 0.

The former Present Donald Trump never got up the courage to stand-up to Putin. Perhaps the best example is the Trump – Putin Summit in 2018. So Putin 1, Trump 0 on that one. There are other examples but that is the one I found most surprising. So our former President seems to be much less courageous than an Irish fisherman.

So if we are keeping score, it is Fishermen 1, Putin 1 Trump 0. I probably could add a few more wins to the Putin column at the expense of the former President but the point is made.

33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Financial Life

33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Financial Life

Posted on by Jack

Short and simple, it offers good financial advice. It is easy to make mistakes which will just ruin your financial life. The full title is 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Your Financial Life.

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