On April 3rd, my son and I attended a concert by The Breakers, a tribute band to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. My son and I are diehard Tom Petty fans – me from when they hit the airways in 1976, and my son through parent-to-child musical osmosis.
The Breakers concert was my first tribute band experience, and to be honest, my expectations were low. I envisioned a cheap and costume-themed knockoff of what I consider to be one of the best Rock and Roll bands of all time. For me, the night was more about spending time with my son than the show itself.
The Breakers started the show with Love Is a Long Road from Tom’s 1989 solo album, Full Moon Fever. That song was an interesting choice because it’s not a Tom Petty “hit, ” and non-Petty enthusiasts might even consider it a deep cut. The Breakers performed a blazing rendition of the song, and when they finished, my son and I just looked at one another, each of us with a “holy shit” expression on our faces.
The Breakers went on to perform brilliantly and passionately. Their musicianship was jaw-droppingly good, and you sensed they were true fans of the band they were paying homage to. Their performance was joyful and soulful with zero pretense. The songs were not “cookie-cutter” versions of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker albums. There were elements of creativity and artistry in every song they delivered that evening.
At times, I felt myself getting emotional watching and listening to the band play—I’m not sure why. Perhaps that’s the power and mystery of true art—it touches us in ways we can’t put a finger on. Or maybe a spiritually communal experience occurs when the musicians on stage and the fans in attendance connect emotionally through mutual love and respect—in this case, love and respect of Tom and his musical genius.
If you’re a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, see The Breakers, you won’t be disappointed.
Most of us don’t get to choose the last thing we hear before dying. The grim reaper doesn’t give a shit about playlists or our affinity for the sound of waves crashing or birds singing.
The man in the blue blazer’s final breath came at 12:46 PM to the shitty sounds of stylized Jazz, and a Bluetooth-wearing mortgage lender yelling, “It’s 2008 all over again!”
With his elbows on the table and bowed head, he looked like any other Barnes and Noble Cafe customer – bewitched by books and coffee. Sure, his posture might have seemed “a little off” to the passersby, but not enough to alert the reference librarian or the pimply-faced adolescent behind the Cafe’s counter.
People don’t care about one another the way they used to. Most of us drift through our day in cell phone-induced trances, grossly unobservant of the world 3 feet beyond the nose on our faces. And so, the man in the blue blazer sat dead and unbothered for nearly eight hours (and one shift change) until a nudge from the Cafe’s manager caused him to fall and strike his head with a sickening biological splat, like a dropped bowling ball wrapped in salami.
Bill and Susie are wiping down the espresso machine when their pale, shell-shocked manager shuffles towards them.
“What’s up, boss? Are you OK?”
The question startles the manager from his stupor. He looks at Bill and says flatly, “He’s dead.”
“Who’s dead?” Bill and Susie chime in unison, causing Susie to laugh and blurt out, “Jinx on you!” while pointing and smiling at Bill demurely, “You owe me a coke, dude!” – Susie’s been crushing on Bill for months and can’t figure out why he hasn’t picked up on her willingness.
Their manager raises his arm slowly and points towards the Cafe’s seating area. Bill and Susie look wide-eyed at one another and dash from behind the counter. Susie sees the man lying on his back, turns immediately on her heel, and heads towards the front of the store, yelling, “Call 911, call 911!”
“Jesus Christ, boss, what happened?”
The manager’s voice is unsure and thready, “I told him we were closing, and that he needed to complete any purchases. When he didn’t respond, I touched him on the shoulder, and he fell.” His voice rattles with panic, “He must have been dead already; I mean, he never even tried to break his fall.”
The manager falls quiet before whispering, “His lips are so blue.” Bill looks at the lifeless body in front of them, turns toward his boss, and acknowledges softly, “So fucking blue.”
“You know, he looks familiar, boss. Not as a customer, but from out there,” Bill nods over his shoulder towards the storefront windows and the world beyond. He brushes by his manager and kneels next to the body. “He’s dead for sure,” and then shockingly reaches into the man’s blazer.
The manager directs a rage-filled whisper at Bill, “What the fuck are you doing? Are you crazy? The police are on their way!”
“I know – I just want to check his driver’s license. I know this guy, boss.”
“Who gives a fuck if you know him? Leave him alone! Wait for the police, for Christ’s sake.”
The manager’s head is on a swivel, his darting eyes surveying the store for straggling customers and police. The last thing he needs is for his manager to hear about a Barnes and Noble employee mugging a dead man.
Bill opens the wallet. A folded piece of paper falls out. Without thinking, he puts it in his pocket and rummages for the dead man’s driver’s license.
Susie comes running from the front of the store, out of breath, “Betty called 911. Bill, what are you doing?”
Bill holds up the license and smiles, “Ted Diamond. 22 Fairview Lane,” before slipping it back into the card slot and sliding the wallet into the breast pocket of the blazer.
A police cruiser glides quietly into the nearly empty parking lot, splashing the storefront in blue and red lights. Car doors slam, and a few seconds later, the reference librarian directs two officers toward the Cafe.
As the officer approaches, Bill looks at Susie and shoves his hands into his pockets nervously, only to discover the piece of paper that fell from the wallet. He looks up and realizes there’s no time to put it back. His fingers draw the paper into his sweaty palm, and he squeezes tightly, digging his fingernails into it.
“I’m Officer Jacobson, and this is Officer Tyler.” Can someone tell me what happened? Bill’s boss offers an outstretched hand to the officer, “Hi, I’m Jack Bellinger, the manager. I found the gentleman about 15 minutes ago. He was sitting at a table, and I nudged him when he didn’t respond to me — then he fell off his chair. I’m pretty sure he’s dead.”
There’s a commotion at the front of the store as the EMTs come rushing in. They begin chest compressions and CPR immediately, checking intermittently for breathing and a pulse. It’s not long before futility settles heavily on their shoulders.
The Cafe manager is off to the side, nodding and speaking with the officers in hushed tones. The EMTs wheel the man in the blue blazer slowly out the front of the store with no sense of urgency. His story ends officially in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble.
Bill pulls the folded and crumpled paper from his pocket.
“What’s that?” Susie whispers.
“A note. It fell out of the dead guy’s wallet when I was looking for his license – I didn’t have time to put it back.” A look of guilt and shame fell over Bill’s face.
“What’s in it?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t read it.”
Susie puts her arm around Bill’s waist and slow-walks him to the Cafe’s kitchen. Bill brushes aside poppy seeds and crumbs from the counter, unfolds the paper, and smooths it out with both hands.
Dear Mary,
I know what you’re doing and who you’re doing it with.
A barista?
How pathetically proletarian.
It’s over. We’re done. You’re DONE!
Ted
Susie steps back slowly from the counter and stares at the back of Bill’s head, his damp, thick curls resting on his shoulders. She watches him slowly take a cigarette lighter from his pocket. In a dream-like sequence, he walks to the sink, holds the note by the corner, and lights it on fire. Then he pulls a sandwich bag of little white pills from his other pocket, empties the bag into the sink, and washes them down the drain.
In December 2024, after more than 35 years, I stopped working as a technical writer.
I hesitated to call myself “retired” because I wasn’t sure that was true. I felt burned out but didn’t know whether the burnout would last. Maybe I just needed some time.
A month or so after I stopped working, I published a collection of essays, poems, and short stories I’d worked on for years in my spare time. That was fun. I worked with an editor, learned about self-publishing, and published my book on Amazon. The entire endeavor took a few months.
After that, I did a lot of sitting around—so much so that I considered reentering the workforce. I even took a few interviews.
Retirement taught me what I already knew: I’m not a “project guy.”
I don’t have a workshop in my basement, I don’t tinker with cars, I’m not a hobbyist in any sense, and I’m about as “handy” as Captain Hook. So, retirement became a bit of a vacuum for me – a lot of time with nothing to fill it with.
To make things worse, my wife retired shortly after me, and it turns out that she is a “project guy (or gal).”
Unlike me, my wife finds things to do every day. She’s in constant motion – organizing the basement, digging in the garden, putting up bird feeders. I’d be sitting on the couch, watching the news or Sports Center, and I’d look up and see my energetic wife in the yard, weeding, feeding, and seeding with purpose.
I felt like a lazy lump. She’d come in from the outside with a smile on her face and say, “It’s a beautiful day out there,” not necessarily wanting me to join her but wanting me to at least get off my ass.
Caring for our dog Pepsi kept us both busy during those early months of retirement. We spent a lot of time and energy helping Pepsi navigate illnesses and old age until that dreadful day when we had to put her down. It was a tough time for both of us. I’m thankful I was retired when all of that went down.
Though I miss Pepsi immensely and miss the joy of k9 companionship in general, it was freeing not to have that 24/7 responsibility for the first time in 12 years. But after a few months, I began to think it would be nice to have a dog again, leading me to Rover.
Rover is a pet-sitting, boarding, and walking service.
I thought to myself, “I love dogs, I know I’d be good at this, it’s going to get me off my butt, and we have a pretty good setup logistically (large, enclosed back yard with two dog-loving people who are home all the time).
I’ve been a Rover rep since January 2025, providing mainly boarding services, but I’ve also walked a few dogs.
Rover allows me to set my schedule, so I can block off weeks or months at a time in case I do suddenly become a project guy (unlikely) or if my wife and I decide to take a vacation, all while putting some spending money in my pocket.
Rover helped fill the hole Pepsi’s death left in my heart with an opportunity for K9 companionship while providing a service to pet owners looking for a warm, safe, and loving environment for their pets.
Honestly, it’s been a win-win.
So far, my clients include a loveable and playful hound mix named Cooper, a quiet and reserved basset/shepherd mix named Rene, a timid lab mix named Millie, a gentle geriatric bulldog named Tucker, and an enthusiastic, boundlessly energetic, and inquisitive German Short Haired pointer named Birdie.
I’ve had several Meet and Greets that have resulted in bookings through the Summer.
Each dog has its own personality, and it’s been a joyful experience watching them adjust to me and learning how to adjust to them. All of the dogs I’ve boarded so far have acclimated fairly quickly—they become comfortable in a day or two.
Our house feels more like a home with a dog on the couch or sunning themselves on the back patio.
I’m sensitive to the fact that every dog that an owner drops off is probably feeling some anxiety, at least initially. My wife and I do our best to give the dogs the space to explore our house and become comfortable with new and unfamiliar surroundings. I try to keep the house quiet (maybe some soft music).
I’m discovering that when a dog is comfortable with where they are, they become comfortable with me, and that’s when I can begin building trust by going on walks, sitting together on the couch, or playing fetch in the backyard.
When it’s time for my K9 guests to leave, I feel a tinge of sadness, but mostly, I’m happy that I could provide them with a loving and welcoming place to stay while their owners are away.
Every pet owner I’ve dealt with has been great. I provide daily updates with videos and pictures and converse with them over the Rover app.
Being a Rover rep has been an emotionally uplifting experience while providing a much-needed distraction from the chaos in our country and the world.
Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.
Query 1: Do DOGE employees have access to classified information, and do they have access to the social security data of private citizens? Who oversees DOGE to make sure they are not breaking laws or violating privacy rights of US citizens?
DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employees have reportedly gained access to classified information and sensitive data, including Social Security records, through various federal systems. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency regarding how DOGE staff are vetted and monitored before being granted such access.
Regarding Social Security data, DOGE has been accused of accessing sensitive information, such as names, birth dates, and earnings, as part of an anti-fraud initiative. This has sparked legal challenges and privacy concerns, with unions and advocacy groups seeking court intervention to block DOGE’s access.
Oversight of DOGE appears to be limited, as it operates under the Trump administration’s directives to streamline government operations. However, lawsuits and congressional inquiries have been initiated to address potential violations of privacy rights and ensure compliance with laws like the Privacy Act of 1974.
The situation has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in DOGE’s operations.
Query 2: Please provide a detailed list of the erroneous information posted on the DOGE wall of receipts.
The “wall of receipts” from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been criticized for containing numerous inaccuracies and misleading claims.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the errors:
Overstated Contract Values:
A contract listed as an $8 billion savings for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was actually worth only $8 million.
A $232 million savings claim for the Social Security Administration turned out to be a much smaller $560,000 project.
Duplicate Listings:
A $650 million USAID contract was listed three times, inflating the savings.
A single $25 million Department of Agriculture contract was quadruple-counted, resulting in a false claim of $100 million in savings.
Misrepresentation of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs):
DOGE included BPAs, which are catalogs of potential purchases rather than actual spending, as canceled contracts. This exaggerated the savings by at least $1 billion.
Credit Lines Misrepresented as Savings:
Some contracts, like the ICE contract mentioned earlier, were credit lines that might never have been fully utilized.
Savings from Previous Administrations:
Certain cuts, such as a $1.9 billion reduction at the Treasury Department, occurred under President Biden’s administration but were claimed by DOGE.
Errors in Real Estate Savings:
DOGE attributed $144.6 million to real estate savings without providing supporting details, making independent verification difficult.
Deleted Claims:
After scrutiny, DOGE removed its top five savings claims, including the ICE and USAID contracts, but did not adjust the total savings figure, which continued to grow without explanation.
These errors have raised significant questions about the credibility of DOGE’s claims and the methodology behind their calculations.
Query 3: Please list the “mistake firings” that DOGE made and the potential impact those firings had on America’s national security.
DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has faced significant criticism for its mistake firings, which have had serious implications for America’s national security. Here are some notable examples:
Mistake Firings
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA):
DOGE mistakenly fired hundreds of employees working on nuclear weapons programs, including those responsible for reassembling warheads. These roles require the highest levels of clearance and expertise.
Many of these firings were later rescinded, but the disruption caused confusion and delays.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):
DOGE laid off 130 employees from CISA, which plays a critical role in defending against cyber threats. This move weakened the agency’s ability to counter malicious cyber activities, particularly from adversaries like China.
Department of Agriculture:
Employees working on combating bird flu were mistakenly terminated. This error jeopardized efforts to control the outbreak and ensure food safety.
Veterans Affairs (VA):
DOGE planned to cut contracts and lay off workers essential for veterans’ healthcare, including those involved in sterility certification and air quality testing. These cuts risked compromising patient safety and care quality.
Potential Impact on National Security
Nuclear Security: The firings at NNSA undermined the systems securing the nation’s nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about the safety and readiness of these critical assets.
Cybersecurity: The loss of skilled personnel at CISA weakened the U.S.’s ability to defend against cyberattacks, leaving vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
Public Health: The termination of experts working on bird flu and food safety posed risks to public health and the agricultural sector.
Veterans’ Care: Cuts at the VA threatened the well-being of veterans and the operational integrity of healthcare facilities.
Query 4: Compare the dollar amount of savings from the cuts made by DOGE to the deficit increase expected from the proposed budget from the Republican Congress.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to have saved $105 billion through various measures like asset sales, contract cancellations, and fraud detection. Meanwhile, the proposed budget from the Republican Congress is expected to increase the deficit by $3 trillion over the next decade, primarily due to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts offset by $1.5 trillion in spending cuts.
In comparison, DOGE’s savings amount to just 3.5% of the projected deficit increase from the Republican budget. This stark contrast highlights the scale of the deficit challenge and the relatively modest impact of DOGE’s savings in addressing it.
My Input
Imagine the collective apoplectic outrage from MAGA morons had a democrat President hired a private citizen (like George Soros) with deep partisan ties to the democratic party and no expertise in government to go on a slash-and-burn operation, with no concern about the impact on individual privacy rights, national security, and the health and wellbeing of American citizens. That is happening today with Elon Musk’s inexperienced, incompetent, unaccountable, and callous DOGE team.
There is a right way to audit government agencies for waste, fraud, and abuse, and then there’s the DOGE way.
The right way is to rely on non-partisan Inspectors General (IGs), which serve as watchdogs investigating waste, fraud, and abuse within federal government agencies. Trump undermined the independence of IGs when he fired (without cause) 17 of them early in his presidency and replaced them with loyalists. Trump’s claim that it is standard practice for an incoming president to fire and replace IGs is a lie (shocking, I know).
IGs are meant to transcend political transitions.
DOGE is supposed to collaborate with IGs in their federal agency audits. The Treasury Department’s office of the IG has already raised concerns about the collaboration. It recently launched an audit to investigate DOGE’s access to federal systems and handling of sensitive data. This audit of DOGE by the Treasury Department IG was fueled by concerns about DOGE’s potential misuse of government resources and the lack of transparency in DOGE operations (as mentioned by Arty).
The anti-government sentiment that propels DOGE is so prevalent and infective with MAGA that millions of MAGA followers don’t seem to care about the truthfulness of DOGE claims, the damage to America’s national security, the human cost to our fellow citizens, or that DOGE has no oversight or accountability for their actions.
And finally, the cartoonish display from Elon Musk at CPAC with his chainsaw encapsulates the lack of empathy and the dangerous and Social Darwinistic direction America is heading.
When it comes to DOGE, let’s be courageous and call out the outrageous.
Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.
Query 1: What does it mean to “be an American”
The idea of “being an American” is deeply tied to the nation’s founding principles and values. While interpretations can vary, there are some core ideals that are often associated with the American identity:
Freedom and Liberty: The United States was founded on the belief in personal freedom, whether it’s freedom of speech, religion, or the press. The idea of individual liberty is enshrined in foundational documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Equality: The notion that “all men are created equal,” as stated in the Declaration of Independence, is a key American value. While the country has faced challenges in fully realizing this ideal, the principle of striving toward equality remains central.
Democracy: The U.S. stands for the right of its people to have a voice in their governance through elections and civic participation.
Opportunity and the American Dream: The belief in the possibility of upward mobility, where hard work and determination can lead to success, has long been part of America’s narrative.
Innovation and Individualism: Americans often value creativity, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of personal goals, reflecting a culture that celebrates independent thinking and innovation.
Diversity and Inclusion: Although the journey toward this ideal continues, the U.S. is seen as a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, and many celebrate the richness of its diversity.
Query 2: What are American Values on a global stage – what has America stood for internationally?
On the global stage, American values have often been associated with ideals such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and economic opportunity. These principles have shaped the nation’s foreign policy and international actions over the years. Here are some key aspects of what America has stood for internationally:
Promotion of Democracy: The U.S. has historically supported democratic movements and institutions worldwide, advocating for free and fair elections, rule of law, and accountable governance.
Human Rights Advocacy: America has often positioned itself as a defender of human rights, speaking out against oppression and supporting initiatives to protect individual freedoms and dignity.
Economic Leadership: Through institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. has played a significant role in shaping global economic policies, promoting free markets, and fostering international trade.
Global Security: The U.S. has been a key player in maintaining international security, often leading efforts to combat terrorism, prevent nuclear proliferation, and address global conflicts.
Humanitarian Aid: America has provided substantial humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters, health crises, and conflicts, reflecting its commitment to global welfare.
Cultural Influence: Through its media, technology, and cultural exports, the U.S. has shared its values and ideals, influencing global perceptions and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Can you explain how America promotes democracy internationally?
America promotes democracy internationally through a combination of diplomacy, aid, advocacy, and partnerships. Here’s how it generally operates:
Diplomatic Support: The U.S. provides diplomatic backing to nations transitioning to democracy or facing challenges in maintaining democratic systems. This can include offering guidance on structuring constitutions, electoral processes, and governance.
Economic and Technical Aid: Through organizations like USAID, America provides funding and technical assistance to support democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and free press initiatives in developing democracies.
Education and Training: The U.S. funds programs that educate citizens, journalists, and political leaders about the principles of democracy, human rights, and accountable governance.
Election Monitoring: By working with international bodies and sending observers, the U.S. promotes transparency in electoral processes, ensuring that elections are free, fair, and credible.
Sanctions and Incentives: The U.S. can impose sanctions on governments that undermine democracy or provide incentives for reforms that align with democratic values.
Global Partnerships: America collaborates with international organizations like the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and other allies to advocate for democracy on a global stage.
My Input
Arty articulates that “being American” transcends mere geography or ink on a birth certificate.
“Being American” comes with firmly formed and instilled principles and values crafted painstakingly by our forefathers – principles that we’ve fought for proudly at home and abroad, both individually and collectively – values that feel intrinsic to our identity.
Our forefathers didn’t conjure up the American system of government in a vacuum. They considered admonitions from two of the greatest thinkers in world history (Aristotle and Plato) who stated, “Inequality brings instability, and demagogues exploit free speech to install themselves as tyrants.”
Our forefathers were so concerned about the rise of tyranny that they devised a system of governmental checks and balances to prevent it from occurring on our shores. Today, we’re discovering that the system they devised is only as strong and viable as the humans who serve in it.
Donald Trump is the tyrant that our forefathers feared. He is “American” by birth and residence only. His actions, deeds, words, and values are ardently un-American and tyrannical.
With backing from his Russian BFF, Donald Trump is twisting our Democracy by the nuts into submission. He is hammering, bending, and malforming America into an ugly, extortionist, and oligarchic fiefdom.
Unless true Americans stand up to him and the congress of cowards who fear him (as well as the billionaire class that sustains him), the definition of what it means to be American will change forever.
We must not let that happen.
What makes America’s drift towards oligarchy and fascism so difficult for many to handle is that it involves the dissolution of our American identity.
Our parents and teachers taught us that America welcomes immigrants, detests fascism, and protects the vulnerable – and we were proud to be associated with these values – so much so that these values became our values – they defined who we were as individuals and as Americans.
I always viewed myself and most of my fellow citizens as kind, tolerant, and fair. My view changed almost overnight when America elected an unkind, intolerant, and unjust leader to represent our nation on the world stage.
The impact of the 2024 election felt seismic and personal all at once. And when I witness my fellow citizens support America’s shift towards fascism and authoritarianism enthusiastically, well, that’s been a fucking gut punch that I wasn’t ready for.
But I’ve absorbed it, and now I’m ready to move on.
I cannot love, respect, or maintain friendships with people who casually voted for a convicted felon and serial sexual abuser.
I cannot go back to the relationship I had with them before the election, knowing that they support the chaos, vindictiveness, cruelty, and anti-intellectualism going on around me.
What America do you want to live in?
That’s going to be decided in the next 2 to 3 years.
My Republican friends and family members seem unable (or unwilling) to contrast the Republican party of their past with what that party represents today. It’s a party that your father, mother, and younger self would never have supported years ago and it’s a party unworthy of your support today.
bendingtheneedle 