Blog draft April 20 26

Bits & Pieces

Weather: Well, well, well. My personal forecast for the year was pretty accurate. Less snow, a few cold snaps, but basically an easy winter season for the Chicago region. That has been true. It has not been true for many other regions. Boy howdy! Massive snow dumps, heavy winds and a lot of rain in other parts of the country. How much of this is due to global warming will be argued for years, but to me the connection is obvious. But don’t mind me. I’m not a weather forecaster, just an old bloke who has noted connections and trendlines for 80 years. I feel sorry for those who have been mightily disrupted this year by weather. I am very happy to live in Chicagoland this year. The weather has been just dandy. Easily managed.

Store Closures: On-line shopping is fast and convenient. But it does have a cost. Store fronts need foot traffic to stay in business. Shopping electronically reduces that traffic. Stores close, not because the business itself is failing, but efficiencies and cost saving must keep each storefront profitable.  Macy’s is doing fine. It just doesn't need as many stores now. Closing less profitable sites is good business while on-line business is cheaper to support and much more profitable.

Still, retailers need visibility that storefronts provide. That and there are still shoppers like me who need to feel the materials and appreciate the fit before buying something. I still need a store to shop in. Please don’t close all the malls or stores. They are still needed by many.

Pope Leo IXV: This Pope is very good. Knows world affairs, solidly foundational in theology, bold in leadership, and understanding of organization politics. He not only knows his way around, but he learns quickly that which he doesn’t know. He certainly has Trump’s number. He gets American politics. And he understands theater!! What he says is pure gold.

I am not Catholic but I have almost always respected and supported all popes in my lifetime. They have each offered solid guidance to understand the ways of the world. They have centered us in spiritual matters at the very same time. They provide balance and wisdom. The result is a reduction of our emotional reactions.

Life is not all facts. Feelings are part of our experience. Emotions have a life of their own. They need reality to temper them. Popes do that for us. It is wise to listen to them.

April 20, 2026

Remember the Epstein Files

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