UPDATE: McConnell allowed a vote today and the funding was authorized.

I do want to point out that it’s the Republicans holding up the funding. As you might have guessed!

Okay, maybe a lot. You almost have to be, to last this long as a blogger. I have a million mosaic pieces in my head that may or may not suggest a bigger picture. Right now, I am a little bit fixated on making enough money by the end of the year to buy a “new” (three year old) car.

I started out looking at hybrid cars, but after doing a cost-benefit analysis, I decided against it (new batteries can cost as much as $4000 to install). The Ford Focus caught my eye — everyone who reviewed them talked about how much fun they are to drive. (Plus, I figured my dead father might give me points for finally getting an American car.)

But then I started to spot them around the neighborhood and they’re a lot smaller than I thought. So I started to look at Toyotas and Hondas. I considered Camrys (it would be nice to have a car that doesn’t bounce like a tractor) but I really like the Accords and the CRVs. I have researched the hell out of them and decided (theoretically, you understand, since I have no money) on the 2016 CRV. Hondas have a lot of safety features I like, and they’re cute! (Just in case, I bought a lottery ticket today. You never know. )

Any of you have any advice, suggestions, car stories?

Why does the White House have any say at all? This isn’t privileged information.

Oh, I didn’t see that big black cloud hanging over me
And when the rain came down, I was nearly drowned
I didn’t know the mess I was in.

The Traveling Wilburys:

Sinead O’Connor:

The 5th Dimension: