Life in the Idiocracy + Back to the Future II dystopia is more alarming by the day. The "Big Bullshit Bill" passed the House...please let it fail in the Senate. In more personal news, the guys are here hooking up the new boiler. The Kitty is terrified. The Beagles are okay with it. I can't wait to take a shower.

Finished grades. Monday my wrist pain was terrible, but with less computer time, it is a lot better. We had our gas meter updated and they discovered carbon monoxide was not venting from the boiler and hot water heater, so tomorrow we are getting a new system. I'm pleased that it isn't the middle of winter, but we are in an unseasonably cold snap. This is the least of my worries, of course. What is disturbing? The actions of the alarmingly fascist regime and the idiots among us who are in oblivion (or, grudging admission, possibly cheering?).

Immersed in grading. I am having a carpal tunnel flare, which sucks. The news is more outrageous everyday. What a bunch of corrupt, racist idiots are running this administration. They are the least common denominator. It is embarrassing. However -- the new Pope gives me hope.

Recent absurdities mean I am itching to draw some rude satire. Alas, it will have to keep for a while longer. My last class for Spring 2025 semester was today and grades are due May 18. I've been having a flare in my right wrist. No fun. Hope it holds up OK.

Semester's end is rapidly approaching. Spring is here. In coming days, I will have time to write here. Yay.

Disgusting as it is, the administration's march toward fascist dictatorship is not a big surprise (although the speed is a surprise). What is a surprise, sort of, is the deep ignorance of the administration's supporters. They believe every word of right wing media and every lie told by the administration and its idiot cult members in Congress. It is so clear that educators have failed miserably in teaching civics. It's very disturbing to witness what is going on in this nation.

 Recently, I noticed two memes on Facebook that made me laugh (because otherwise, I'd cry): 

• My wife bought a garden gnome. I named it "Kristi" because it's hollow, artificial and my dog is terrified of it. 
• Witnessing this administration is like being tied to a chair and being forced to watch a toddler play with a loaded gun. 

The first bullet is really too nice to be about the evil dog murderer.

 I noticed something disturbing in one of my undergraduate classes before Spring break, and this week confirmed it. There is a chilly atmosphere. The students are afraid to share their thoughts. Participation and engagement are always challenging to generate in class, and this nasty and incompetent administration is stifling it even more. Jerks.

Resist. We will not be silenced. We will not be bullied. We will win because good always wins over evil, and because incompetent loser idiots cannot accomplish anything.

In other news, Spring break is over. Not that it matters; all I did was work.

 It's quite astonishing to discover that someone actually takes pride in being amoral scum.

And of course there is this self-righteous animal abusing dog murderer, who also celebrates being scum. 

What an administration full of losers!

 My disdain for the direction the USA is heading grows daily. What's happening is alarming. Those in charge are scum. I have so many things to write, but unfortunately, there is no time.

 Today is the 23rd anniversary of this blog and the seventh anniversary of Uncle Bud's death. Last night I had a dream with a "glimpse" of my father and Sam. I suspect the reason, which I won't share right now, or maybe ever.

 Everyday I want to write here, but I don't make the time. My classes are going really well, but otherwise -- especially nationally -- it is sh*t. Reading the comments on local television and newspaper sites is demoralizing. Who are these cretins? Scary.

 I am not surprised by the appalling behavior of the new / old administration, but it is still awful to contemplate. Idiocracy + authoritarianism is a terrible combination.

 I have had many ideas for things to write here, but have I? No. Semester started a week ago, and I am teaching Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. I am not crazy about that schedule, but I'll make it work. Classes are good so far.

 Well I have accomplished nothing personal over break, and I have only 12 days left! Bob turned 65 on Sunday. And...today is the third anniversary of my father's death. 😢😢😢