Random Notes from a Crank

This political cartoon by Jeff Stahler is a good summation of this presidential administration, especially with the answer of "disaster." 

 

GoComics.com

The only time I've listened to Olivia Rodrigo's music is when she was on Saturday Night Live, but I'm heartened by her all-women musical festival that will give all of its profits to Planned Parenthood: "Olivia Rodrigo Stands against Trump as She Raises Money for Planned Parenthood after Defunding." 

It'll be interesting to see who wins the Democratic nomination for running for the Senate seat for Maine: "Graham Platter Just Dropped Out. Here's Who Could Replace Him." 

I don't really care that much about who gets the nomination. I just want Susan Collins defeated. 

It's revealing how one party, the Democrats,  responds to rape allegations compared to the other party, the GOP. 

Speaking of rapists, President Adolf has to pay E. Jean Carroll: "Judge Order $5 Million Trump Judgment Be Released to E. Jean Carroll." 

Random Notes from a Crank

I discovered a new (to me) cocktail that I'm taking a shine to. It's called the Baltimore Bang. 

I'm a huge fan of bourbon, of course. But I also love apricots. The current recipe includes 1 oz. of lemon juice, so I may experiment doing without the lemon juice to bring out more of the apricot flavor. 

But I'm also a fan of the classic Manhattan cocktail. 

I was recently alarmed by the high prices for blueberries. I was in my local supermarket, and a carton was over seven bucks. 

Apparently, there are a number of factors why they are so high right now: climate change, the lack of migrant workers, and shipping problems. This article from 2025 explains it all: "Why Your Blueberries Are Suddenly So Expensive." 

Also, a more recent article in Business Insider cites the Iran War as a major factor for higher grocery prices across the board.

And the New York Times has an article on just that issue because, as an expert says in the article, "Berries are often the first category where consumers notice fuel inflation. When fuel prices rise, those costs move through the supply chain almost immediately." 

Read all about in "Where Might the Iran War Hit Your Grocery Bill? Start with Raspberries."  

Other significant factors are President Adolf's stupid tariffs, a weak US dollar, and a lack of migrant workers to pick produce. 

The political cartoonist usually isn't this blunt with his work, but I like it. 

Jeff Stahler 4/9/26 GoComics.com

In what is great news, the dictator Orban lost his election to remain Prime Minister of Hungary: "Orban, Beacon to the Right, Concedes Defeat in Hungary Election." 

And the new PM Magyar plans to get back on the right footing and stop the propaganda machine that Orban created: "Hungarian Election Winner Magyar Vows to Rebuild EU Relationship after Stunning Defeat of Orban."