I know I had it easy -- I had absolutely no responsibility for shoveling, I was able to work remotely, I did not have to worry about walking a dog and my house was toasty warm all day.  I know others were not as lucky as me.

Recently, while being with  my grandchildren, my two-year-old granddaughter, Taylor, spontaneously walked up to me, hugged me and kissed me and said, “I wuv you gandma.” I interpreted her words to mean, “I love you grandma.” Her very young and free expression of love caused me to take a moment and think about love. 

Yesterday’s blog by Gotham's webmaster covered how appeals to partisans polarization earns clicks and cash.  With a big speech coming up in two days, why not offer up some inspiration to encourage some appropriate reflection?  Avid reader know I enjoy creating playlists with a purpose or theme.  I immediately thought about three playlists that offer songs with messages.

IMHO, political polarization is profitable. That may sound strange, but it’s true. The more divided people become, the more money certain groups make. News companies know that anger keeps people watching. Social media platforms know that outrage gets clicks, shares, and comments. Politicians know that strong emotions bring donations and loyal voters. Calm, balanced conversations don’t spread as fast. But arguments do. The louder and more extreme the message, the more attention it gets. And attention means money.

Claustrophobia is defined as an intense, irrational fear of enclosed or confined spaces, often triggering anxiety, or panic attack attacks, which can occur in places like elevators, tunnels, or crowded areas. I must admit that I am a sufferer of claustrophobia and recently I had reason to undergo a PET scan. 

We tried to get a reservation for Valentine’s Day’s dinner at one of our favorite “special occasions” restaurants only to learn that others had the same idea and we were placed on the waiting list. So we made a backup reservation at its sister restaurant — which we had never tried.As we waited in vain for a spot off the waitlist, apprehension grew over our destiny for dinner. Would it be special for a special occasion?Casting fate to the winds, we resigned ourselves to our second choice — hoping for the best.

For those that know me, you are aware that my practice lies solely in Social Security Disability claims.  Many people confuse Social Security Retirement funds with the Social Security Disability funds programs.  They are mainly distinct.  For those of you have heard the news lately of a shortcoming in benefits in the coming years, here is some good news for the disabled benefits program: SSDI Fund Update 2025-2026: The Unexpected Stability in a Shaky System

Regardless of what "it" is, I enjoy the challenge of figuring it out.  Complicated twists and turns grab my attention and just smolder in my brain until I can start seeing around the corners.  With full candor, it does not always work.  But I always enjoy the challenge.