Can anyone argue? Prices have obscenely shot up at the same time as quality has declined. Simultaneously in the same period of time, the number of millionaires has tripled.

Addressing quality first, luxury is in a death spiral. Price hikes have been steeper than inflation. What’s worse? You decide. It’s your money.

Re new millionaires, the rich have gotten richer in the U.S. There were 7.64 million millionaires in 2,000. By 2023, that number had tripled.

There will even be a trillionaire sitting at the right hand of President Trump come January 20.

Are we in trouble? You better believe it!

I am an American who loves guacamole. Many do. It soon will be a luxury item. Trump’s immigration and tariff plans will raise the prices you see at stores.

Syracuse graduate and great college and professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony is on the candidate list for the Basketball Hall of Fame.

He will make it!

Syracuse needs another Carmelo Anthony. Even another Jim Boeheim.

The basketball team sucks. Simply stated. Needs to be said. It begins with the coaching. I was against Adrian Autry succeeding Boeheim. Did not think he had it. I was correct. He does not. He has some good players, but cannot get the team to work together effectively. Each week a disaster.

Yesterday the proof of the pudding. Maryland buried, embarrassed and excuse me, crapped all over Syracuse. National TV. The game played at Barclays in New York City. Syracuse was down 43-17 at half time. Lost 87-60.

Syracuse had 21 turnovers. Six in the first 7 minutes. The handwriting was on the wall.

I cannot share one redeeming Syracuse factor. There were none.

Lets switch to the football team.

Syracuse had an excellent year. A 9-3 record. Ranked #21 nationally. Selected for a decent bowl. The Holiday Bowl on December 27. Its opponent though unranked ended the season 8-4. A good game in the making. Expected to be close. Syracuse a mere 2.5 point favorite. Till a day or two ago. Now a 13.5 point favorite.

What disaster befell Washington State? The transfer portal. Twenty two players and five coaches have opted to move on and signed onto the transfer portal. To be precise, only 4 coaches. The head coach’s contract ran out and Washington State did not wish to renew it. Washington State can withdraw from the game. It will have to pay a penalty. If it stays in and lets the bench take a beating, it will receive a hefty payment from the Holiday Bowl.

So far Washington State appears to have decided to play. Money talks!

As I was opposed to Autry, I was and am opposed to the transfer portal. College players get paid for playing now. Not a mere college expense free ride. The transfer portal is a money maker for the players.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2021 in another screwed up decision said college players could be compensated for the use of their names, images, likeness, and endorse products. Almost like professional players! That is why these college kids jump from one school to another. They make big bucks! Room, board and tuition chicken feed. The money paid through booster gifts and contracts with companies significant. Six figures in many instances.

It hit Washington State the wrong way this week. Player loyalty and school spirit means nothing. I can’t blame the players and coaches, however. The opportunity to make big bucks is available quickly and easily. All legal. I oppose the concept of transfer portal and believe it should be abolished. However as long as it is there, the players should take advantage of it.

I have a bet on the game. Places me in a quandary. The bet is with Steve’s twin brother who is an Alaskan salmon fisherman and Washington State supporter. He suggested we bet the game. We don’t have the money these kids are getting today to participate in a transfer portal so our bet is a mere $1.

How can I lose? Washington State will be fielding its third string team. I want to be fair about it. I have decide to give points. The spread has gone from Syracuse favored by 2.5 points to 13.5. Fisherman brother you just got 13.5 points from me. If Washington State wins, I will be happy to pay the buck to you!

Enjoy your Monday!

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