Apparent Election Outlook

 There is a lot that has been said about the undesirable qualities of both presidential candidates for this upcoming election.  I do not intend to get into the details, but we are in the exact same circumstance with the candidates as we were in 2020.  Regardless of the outcome, we will be stuck with the aftermath of whichever new president gains the Whitehouse.  I will be candid.  I prefer Donald Trump over Biden any day.  Trump may be crass and tactless, but he is a shrewd businessman that knows what needs to be done in order to stabilize the U.S. economy.  I believe he also has a better grasp on dealing with dictators such as Putin across the globe.  Joe Biden's foreign policy of "appeasement" has weakened the standing of the United States on the international stage and we have become a laughingstock instead of a respected and feared country.  Under Donald Trump in his 2016 term, we had a stronger military, no dictators threatening their neighbors, and no terrorist groups controlling international shipping routes.  All of this, in spite of opposition from democrats and members of his own party. 

By contrast, Joe Biden's 2020 term has ignited wars between Russia and Ukraine, and Hamas and Israel, all due to the general weakness of the Biden administration.  To make matters worse, funds to assist Ukraine have been funneled to the country slowly, rather than give Ukraine enough weapons to adequately defend themselves - something we could have done from day one.  This allows Putin to literally get away with murdering Ukrainians and even his own people.  None of this is even mentioning the economic costs on the global economy.  This war may not have even started at all had Trump remained in office.  

I am no economist.  But it is obvious that the U.S. economy is doing much worse under Biden than it was under Trump.  You only need to look as far as gasoline, grocery, and housing prices to see the difference between now and 2016.  Ironically, the fact that the democrats are pushing so hard against Trump, will be the ultimate reason for him getting elected, were that to happen.  It is certainly the primary reason that I am supporting Trump.  The Democrats are so obviously and blatantly abusing their power against a political opponent.  If they can do that against Trump, then what is going to stop them from doing the same exact things to the average citizen like me or you.   That is a question that we must all ask ourselves as we approach the November election.  Until next time, reach anyway.  

Ecology Card game review

 Ecology is a 4 player card game.  I was able to play the game a few times recently, and I found it to be very entertaining and fun.  Especially if you like animals and ecosystems or how nature interacts with itself.  Some good things about the game are that it is enjoyably competitive, while at the same time educational about ecosystems and ecologies.  The game even goes as far as to detail the interactions that specific popular animals have with each other such as salmon and polar bears.  The purpose of the game is to create and maintain your own ecologies for points.  That being said the competitive aspect arises when other players are able to destroy key aspects of your created ecology.  Therefore, you have to try and factor in sabotage as you attempt to garner points in stable ecological interactions.  

As far as playing this game with dyslexia and fine motor skills, it is very possible to overcome dyslexia so long as you have a good memory for pictures and can connect actions to the pictures.  I have this capability.  If you do not, then this game is probably not something that you could play on your own.  As for fine motor skills, you may end up needing some assistance in handling the cards as they are as flimsy and difficult to handle as regular playing cards.  

Overall, I do not recommend playing this game if you are not comfortable with extreme competitive playstyles.  However, you do not have to play in a cutthroat style if you don't want to.  The game ends when either nobody plays any cards at all, or when someone reaches 12 total points.  The biggest downside of this game would be that the point system is very wonky.  Rather than having the points as 1,2,3,4 in ascending order, various cards are given the point value of 0.25,0.5,0.75, etc.  I would recommend that the game is played with a calculator or with close monitoring of points in play per player regardless of whether or not you are keen with numbers. 

I was able to purchase this game on ETSY for $25 while it was on sale.  The game is also available on amazon in addition to its various expansions.  I would highly recommend this game for people who want to casually learn more about ecologies and for people who like competitive card games.  I really had fun playing this game, and I am glad that I was able to get it as a gift for my father.  Remember, keep having fun, and keep reaching anyway until next time. 

Challenges

        Today's blog post will be about my experiences that I've had while traveling.  Specifically, concerning having my disability exposed to the public.  I want to start off by saying that I would probably prefer to travel more if I didn't have a disability that was so visible and physically restrictive.  Even after years of dealing with my disability, it is still difficult and often awkward to have to explain to others the nature of my challenges.  I have had the opportunity throughout my life to have more exposure to traveling than others who share my condition.  This is possible because of the extensive support that my family has extended towards me as an effort to have me included in family excursions.  Almost every time, this means that there is more work required on their part, of which I am appreciative.  I am very fortunate to have a family who is not only willing, but actually wants to do that for someone like me. 

Due to their inclusion, I have a much greater appreciation for the opportunities that life has presented me despite my many handicaps.  There are many others in various other countries with disability that have it much much worse than those in the United States.  Most particularly that of third world countries.  This perspective that I've been given has led me to feel more of a responsibility to try and live my life in such a way that allows me to pay it forward to people who I am able to help.  I want to be able to help others who are disabled to achieve their goals, even if the help that I have to offer is only effective in a small way.  

I am glad because I realized that no matter the situation, I can always make the next day better one day at a time.  The difficulties wont go away, but even knowing that, I don't have to let individual circumstances control who I am or what I do.  I would like to encourage anybody who is struggling with a significant debilitating challenge, to find something that they enjoy and to find a way to turn their challenges to their advantage.  We should all try our best to help others.  By doing so we can help ourselves.  Until next time, reach anyway.  

Current State of the 2024 Presidential Race

 Today's post will be about the current state of the presidential race and what it seems to be indicating for the future of the country.  Regardless of the outcome, I want to cover my thoughts on what the real threats to democracy entail.  Many people misunderstand this country, and fail to recognize that we are not and never have been a true democracy.  Beginning with the current state of the presidential race itself, the primaries have unofficially come to a close and both parties are waiting to announce their official presidential candidates.  The current president, Joe Biden, will be the democrat nominee, and Donald Trump will the the republican candidate.  Barring any extreme and unforeseen circumstances, they will be facing off against one another in the 2024 November election.  

There are currently many projections, rumors, and polls based on different criteria's dependent upon the organizations releasing these information.  Although some of the information is interesting anecdotal evidence, I don't put much stock in any of these so called "reports".  Especially since they have been wrong in the past.  There is no doubt that they will be wrong again in some way or another, based on recent history.  In my opinion, the only poll that really matters in an election year is taken on election day.  That is the only time during an election year that we get any truly solid data.  

Anybody who claims to know what the future outcome of the 2024 presidential election is either ignorant or lying.  At best these claims are educated guesses.  That being said, Its my personal opinion that Trump will come out on top due to Joe Biden's widespread unpopularity.  Given the fact that he is the incumbent president, he will probably lose against Donald Trump this year.  Either way, it is likely that some sort of unrest will erupt as a result of the elections this year, regardless of who wins.  

As far as the "threats" to democracy that the media brings to attention, it is my opinion that there are no true credible threats to democracy at this time.  The media, and their supporters, seem to want to raise unrest. Donald Trump is not an affront to democracy.  Even if you don't like the man, you cant reasonably think that he will force his way to dictatorship.  There have been unconstitutional efforts to keep Trump off of the ballots with bogus and unfounded charges.  These accusations and movements to politically eliminate an opponent from running is more of a threat to democracy that the man himself.  The fight over Americas democracy is ironic considering that we are a constitutional republic.  We do not directly represent ourselves to vote for the affairs of the country, but elect others to do so on our behalf.  In theory they accurately represent our interest and concerns, however we don't take into account the corruptibility of the individual in such matters towards greed or some other vice.  

Sadly, this is human nature.  You don't have to go very far back in history to find extreme examples.  Even as far as this year, the red herring of Trump, is being used to distract the people from the real problems that the country is facing.  Problems that have been brought up by none other than the myriad of incumbent politicians.  The corrupt body of our government is the real threat to the stability of our country.  I have hopes for the future, but it is our personal responsibility to do what we can to educate ourselves to make the best decisions that we feel is appropriate.  We must be sure to do our own research.  I would encourage all people to be careful about what they advocate for, especially if it is something parroted by the "traditional media".  Remember, until next time, reach anyway. 

Why work can occasionally be fun

 Work is often not very fun at all.  Work is filled with things that have to get done.  Whether it has to do with employment, physical health, or day to day chores around the house, work has the potential to be fun.  Work can be tiresome and draining but, if you have a job that is fulfilling, or a specific passion, the burden of having to complete a project that needs to be done is decreased.  

If there is a project that needs to be done around the house, the work necessary to complete it can also be a part of the fun if we let it.  We must let having a positive and fun attitude be a part of our mindset when we work.  I happen to do a lot of work for volunteer organizations, where the work itself is not fun, but the interactions with the people that I work with make the whole experience enjoyable.  This is because we are all united and working together for a specific cause.  Having true camaraderie with the people that you work with helps to decrease the sense of difficulty and burden.  I am not saying that this will be the case every time and in every situation - that would be highly unlikely and unreasonable.  However, if you are passionate about the work that you are doing, this camaraderie becomes more likely.  

I have found in the past that working to maintain this specific mindset has improved my own personal outlook on like as a whole, as well as my mental and physical health.  Therefore, my overall life has become more fulfilling and joyful all because I made an effort to seek work that I was passionate about, and camaraderie with the people that I work with.  

Whether if its chores, employment, exercise, or volunteer work, these things can all be enjoyable to us.  I would encourage everybody, regardless of their situation, to find something that brings them joy.  If you don't have that, then perhaps it is time to start looking for it.  Doing so will allow you to have a more fun filled and fulfilling life, even when the difficult times come, and even when working hard.  Until next time, reach anyways. 

Emotional Resiliency and the ability to Adapt

 Today's post will be on what it means to adapt and overcome unforeseen challenges.  I want to talk about what this means for me, and what it could mean for others with various circumstances.  I like to use the phrase "reaching anyway".  Why do I like to use that phrase? because it encompasses my overall attitude and disposition towards life in general.  Most especially towards challenges, whether large or small.  I make sure to keep this attitude whenever I make personal mistakes as well.  

I have found that having this attitude helps me to be positive whenever challenges arise because of other people or perhaps just because of life's general challenges.  As everybody knows, there isn't a single person on the earth who does not have challenges of some sort that they have to deal with.  Whether they be rich or poor, educated or uneducated, African or European or American, we all have individual problems and challenges specific to our own lives.  

My intention is not to compare who has it better or worse. I won't be comparing apples to oranges.  Rather, I want to say that no matter your personal circumstances, we should try to reach anyway.  In other words, try to make tomorrow better than it was today, and try to make today better than it was yesterday.  Ultimately, no matter the external influences we have control over how we react to every individual circumstance.  Some things are definitely harder than others.  What may be easy for one person can be a great challenge for another.   Therefore, it is important to try and give each other the benefit of the doubt.  We don't know what is going on in each individuals life.  Circumstances from day to day vary depending on the person.  

Often, the person we are harshest towards is ourselves.  Whenever we make a mistake, we tend to beat ourselves up about it.  I would encourage myself to do what I could to fix my own mistakes that I make from day to day.  I think that everybody should do this, and then move on from it, reaching anyways.  Adapt your goals and aspirations when necessary to be within your reach.  That is a part of what it means to reach anyway.  

In closing, I would like to encourage anyone who has challenges to make an attainable short term goal and do it in a manner that prevents you from becoming overwhelmed with all that needs to be done.  Doing so will allow you to have joy, even if you are in the midst of a difficult circumstance.  As always, remember to reach anyway.  If anyone has some thoughts that they would like to share, be sure to leave a comment to the post.  If you have any topics that you would like me to cover next time, be sure to let me know.  

LEGOs!!

 Today's post will center on one of my most favorite personal pastimes: LEGOs!  I have enjoyed building with LEGOs since I was a little kid.  I can remember the first LEGO set I ever got was when I was 9 years old.  It was a gift that was given to me for Christmas that year.  It was one of the earliest versions of the Mos Eisley Cantina Star Wars set.  I also remember that one of the main reasons my parents got me this gift, was because my older brother Samuel was getting frustrated at me for getting into his LEGOs - I just thought that they were so cool!  So, he told my mom to make it so that I had my own LEGOs to play with.  That way it wouldn't be an issue for him anymore. 

Most of the original set that I received is long lost, but I still have a couple of the mini-figures.  Since then, I have been gifted many different LEGO sets as well as purchased several myself.  Even though I am now 30 years old, I am still purchasing LEGOs because I find joy in tinkering with and collecting them.  My passion will probably continue to an extent throughout the remainder of my life.  Tinkering with LEGOs also helped me to develop my fine motor skills which has been a lifelong personal struggle for me. 

LEGOs have also enabled me to create positive bonds with my siblings while growing up, as well as my nieces and nephews.  To end, I would like to say that a few of my most favorite LEGO sets over the years are the Viking fortress, medieval, and star wars sets.  I would like to encourage everyone who reads this (even the adults) to find a hobby that brings them at least a portion of joy.  Preferably something simple and cheap, but if you have the time and the money, then the options are limitless.  Having hobbies that bring you joy, help you to feel as if there is true meaning in your life.  I have enjoyed this hobby greatly, and plan to continue to do so for as long as I can.  

There is no reason that we as individuals can't have hobbies - even if they seem childish or unnecessary at times. 

Political primary conclusions

 I know that technically, the primaries are not over yet, but for all intents and purposes we can safely say that Trump has the republican nomination nailed down.  Unless something unexpected happens, which is seeming less and less likely with every passing day.  Trump has been confirmed as the republican party nominee and the democratic party is pretending that Biden is their official nominee.  I believe that this is a farce that they are purporting as the truth.  Something is bound to happen at their next convention, where someone else will be selected as their presidential nominee.  This is just because it is clear to anyone with any intelligence, that president Biden does not contain the mental capacity to run the country.  

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with Biden's politics, he will not be able to win this upcoming presidential election without resorting to fraudulent methods.  So, if I were a democrat, I would be figuring ways to get Biden to step aside as soon as possible.  That way a more competent democratic candidate could take his place.  

On the republican side of things, Nikki Haley is getting absolutely smashed by Donald Trump and some of her largest donors - such as the coke brothers organization - are now withdrawing from funding her campaign.  The fact that she couldn't recall basic components of U.S. history is likely the largest reason for her defeat.  Even U.S. immigrants need to have a basic knowledge of U.S. history.  I feel that any responsible citizen would not want a president who is unfamiliar with the country's history - especially key parts such as the civil war.  

The federal court cases against Trump are falling apart one by one.  These cases would have disqualified him from presidential candidacy had they any merit, which they clearly do not.  Given the fact that the supreme court just delayed the biggest cases against Trump until after the presidential election takes place, really puts a wrench in the democrats plans to defame and disqualify him.  So, it will be rather interesting to see the next thing that they try to do to Trump.  I don't know what it will be, but I am sure that they will try to do more underhanded tactics as they have proven to do again and again.  

Educational Disparity

 Today's post will be on the importance of education, what it is, and the different forms that education can take.  Particularly, when you have multiple disabilities, like I do, it can make traditional forms of education extremely difficult to acquire.  I have experienced first hand the challenges that come with this due to my severe dyslexia, dysgraphia, fine motor skill deficiency, ADHD, Hight Functioning Autism (HFA), and cerebral palsy.  I do not say these things to complain, rather, I mention them in order to highlight the reasons why traditional education is perhaps not the best rout for myself and handicapped individuals.  

There are many things that I am capable of doing, and I have many talents.  I have an excellent memory and recall for specific topics like history, politics, music, and other social sciences.  I also have an acute awareness of the moods of people around me.  My background has helped me to have an appreciation for the acquisition of knowledge, and I am grateful for the efforts that have been given in an attempt to improve the education of the disabled.  However, I still think that the United States educational system is falling short in this regard.  Although handicap persons are now afforded the right to public education, this was not always the case, and that education is often lackluster and lacking in quality.  I don't say this to disparage the special education professionals, as there are many good teachers out there.  However, these professionals are underfunded, under supported, and often not given priority for their unique logistical problems.  

The United States education system is overall, underfunded.  This doesn't change the fact that this issue is most acute in the special education system.  I don't claim to know what the answers are, just that none of them will be easy.  Having been a student, I do believe that we as a society still need to build up the quality of our public education, giving handicapped individuals the ability to contribute to society in a meaningful way.  This may sound harsh, but it is my opinion that not all people with disabilities are capable of contributing to society in a financial sense.  I am by no means saying that we should get rid of those people, but I am saying that we ought to acknowledge that there are certain disabilities that mean that people who have them wont be able to contribute to the workforce.  

I would argue, that because of the attitude against handicapped individuals, we ought to reassess what it means to be a contributing member of society.  The fact of the matter is that some people will not be able to ever financially support themselves.  These people should still be taken care of and still can have skills, opinions, and connection that can contribute to the society as a whole. For handicapped people like me, who actually can contribute financially, and want to do so, getting an education is still nearly impossible.  Having taken college courses, and been on the Idaho government disability advisory panel, I understand these challenges and difficulties in terms of state time and resources.  

All of that being said, people with handicaps such as myself are being thrust into a system that was never successfully designed to accommodate them in the first place. Therefore, I would recommend that methods of education for those with disabilities be reassessed to create a model that is similar to that of European nations.  To allow handicapped people to be put to work, and given educational opportunities based off of what they can do, rather than focusing on accommodating our "deficiencies".  The requirement of a high school diploma for certain jobs is simply not necessary and a at times, a bit much.  

Dominion Board Game Review

 One of the most enjoyable games that I've played has been Dominion.  Dominion is a deck building game where you try to build your deck so that you can purchase more points than your opponents.  There are a lot of different cards that you can purchase that can help you in this pursuit.  

Every game has the possibility to be different as there are lots of different cards that you can have for a single game.  This makes it so that you have to strategize according to which cards are available in your particular game.  I really like this game because there are multiple ending scenarios that you can attempt.  The best thing to do is to purposefully end the game when you are ahead, but it can be quite risky to do so because somebody could trigger a certain scenario before you can, or get points faster than you were expecting. 

This game is also good for me personally because even though I cant read the card descriptions, there are distinct pictures on every card. If you have a good memory like me, you can just memorize what each individual card does.  Even if you cant remember, you could always ask another player what a specific card does, without necessarily revealing your strategy.  All of the cards in the game are always face up, so there is no need for secrecy.  

The game ends when three of the piles of cards available have been depleted, or whenever someone takes all of the point cards.  The game times vary, depending on who you are playing with and what specific cards are in play.  The speed at which the players take their turns also come into account.  You earn points by buying the point cards. All card that you purchase remain in your deck, so you have to time your point purchases carefully otherwise you they might fill your deck and block you from doing things later on.  

Overall, I found that this game is very doable for someone who cant read such as myself.  I found this game to be accessible to those with motor skill handicaps as well.  The game is recommended with about 4 players.  I would highly recommend this game to anybody that likes strategy games, and plays competitively.  This game almost never gets boring.