Season's bleatings

Here in Chicago which has or had a reputation for being wide open I couldn't tell you where the hookers are.

Neither can I but I suppose they're out there, somewhere, strolling along the boulevard in their mini-skirts and thigh-high boots.  Old stereotypes die hard.  As technology marches on the business model may have changed with streetwalkers being superseded by escort and "dating" services, coded personal ads on Craigslist, and email spam.  I am astounded  at the number of Asian and Russian beauties that want to meet little old me.

Uncle Ken's reference to Irma La Duce cracked me up.  I can't help but picture Benito Mussolini in drag with badly applied lipstick.

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The screen on my laptop finally crapped out.  The hinges were shot, only a couple of binder clips held it in place and the wires were flopping around.  Something must have failed in the wiring because the screen is now gray, with odd lines here and there.  The flatscreen monitor I use as a TV has a VGA input but that means I have to disconnect the monitor from my video source, a pain in the ass.  There are other cables (HDMI, DVI-D) that I can fiddle with but this is a good enough solution for now.  I'm also running the laptop's audio into the receiver so online movies sound a lot better; laptop speakers generally suck and I don't like earbuds all that much.

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I read the Mattis resignation letter and it was the most eloquent bit of writing I've seen in quite a while. completely slamming Trump without saying so directly and remaining polite and somewhat respectful.  And giving Trump more than two months notice in order to ensure a smooth transition was more than generous, I think.  Donnie is having none of it, of course.  In his latest fit of pique he has announced an acting Secretary of Defense to assume duties on the first of the year, little more than a week from today.  Combining this with the government shutdown means we could be facing a not-so Happy New Year.  Backing down on his Wall obsession will cost Trump his core supporters and I don't think he'll do that.  The mood of Congress is changing and it could be make or break time for all things Trumpian.  It would be funny if, after all this time, the results of the Mueller and other investigations would end up being nothing more than the frosting on the cake.

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Merry Christmas,  guys.