Monday Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Recently saw an article where a "money coach" bragged about how she was able to eliminate $300,000 in debt by just using a couple of common sense rules. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of "money coach" genius gets themselves into a $300,000 debt hole in the first place? Make a budget and spend less than you bring in. Now can I call myself a "money coach" too?..  I've seen it written that, "The purpose of [Darwin's] On the Origin of Species was not to introduce the concept of evolution; it was to debunk the concept of supernatural intelligence - the idea that the universe is the result of an idea." This always amuses me because today there are many smart people advocating for the concept that we are living in a simulation which is almost indistinguishable from the interpretation of the Bible of a Supreme  Being with a "Divine Plan." Always wonder if the people pushing the idea of a simulation get the irony... If Ayn Rand were to write Atlas Shrugged today the line probably would be "Who is Joe Rogan?" instead of "Who is John Galt?"... The TV ratings for the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Winter Olympics were down 43% over the last Winter Olympics in South Korea four years ago. I hope the TV ratings completely tank and NBC loses their shirts over their shilling for the Chinese Communists... If Spotify were to advertise themselves as "Now Streisand Free!" that should be worth thousands of new subscribers and a bump in stock price... Just an observation but the more automated / robotic stores become (self-checkouts, robotic stocking, etc.) the more security cameras will be put into place. Big Brother will increasingly be watching you... Also am amused that Charles Darwin's fundamental insight as a scientist was that variations were much more important than similarities. Today the Left is pushing an environment where you must think politically correctly and individuality in thought, speech and actions are frowned upon. You can say that Politically Correct speech and actions are in and of themselves anti-science...  Think if a 70's era performer, like a James Taylor or Gordon Lightfoot, came out in support of Joe Rogan they would probably get a bump in sales and streams on most platforms. I have to wonder though if some have come out in support of Rogan but it just wasn't publicized enough or if the story was buried by the media... Really don't like the title "money coach" though. I'd actually prefer the title of "Natural Philosopher" or "Director of Harlotry" much better... Think the Swedish based Spotify doesn't really care about washed up 70's acts. However, if ABBA were to voice a complaint then all bets are off... As always if this column has made you smile or think - don't be afraid to hit the like button. Also please subscribe (it's FREE) and share with your friends. Thanks in advance..