A Blog About Anything & Everything.
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Money Is Exactly Like Religion
Repost From 2015
For true adherents both are dependent on little more then the belief in them. Faith is all that is required. It's most certainly the case when it comes to money. How else can it be explained why investors continue to pour tons of money into companies bringing in oodles of money but still claim they aren't making any?If these companies shares weren't publicly traded on the market these loses could never exist on their own. It's only the faith in the buying public that allows them to continue. It's one hell of a game. A game that would cease to exist and will for any company whom the traders no longer believe in good faith they could receive a return on their investment through the trading of shares on them. Or perhaps these companies are just exploiting every damn loophole in national & international laws to evade taxes.
Either way this a very unsound way for investing, reaping taxes or building a strong international economy. At some point there will come a time a whole bunch of people will lose money when the music stops. Several or all of these could financially collapse at anytime once investors lose faith in their ability to make money from any one or more of them.
Either way this a very unsound way for investing, reaping taxes or building a strong international economy. At some point there will come a time a whole bunch of people will lose money when the music stops. Several or all of these could financially collapse at anytime once investors lose faith in their ability to make money from any one or more of them.
Friday, November 21, 2025
Modern Weapons Of Destruction (REPOST)
Don't have enough to worry about?
The EMP Bomb
It Ain't An iPad
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)
Ray Gun (Currently We Have A Few In Afghanistan)
Never Content Until We Totally Screw Up Our Planet
Here's The Granddaddy Of All Worrisome Scientific Projects..
HAARP - Nature Modification Weapon
It Ain't An iPad
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)
Ray Gun (Currently We Have A Few In Afghanistan)
Never Content Until We Totally Screw Up Our Planet
Here's The Granddaddy Of All Worrisome Scientific Projects..
HAARP - Nature Modification Weapon
Thursday, November 20, 2025
10 Unforgettable Moments | The West Wing
Will there ever be one like it again?
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Everyone's Ephemeral
Repost
What if I told you the actual percentage of people who will die at some point is 100%?
I suppose that comes as no surprise, but according to this table there about 80 ways to check out. This table seems to imply no one dies from getting old. Great news for those who don't want to die from old age, eh?
With that said, why do some people act like they are special and death will never happen to them? That they are immune in some way. Do they not realize that nearly 8 in 10 people will not make it to 65 and beyond?
Would it not be better to live their lives as if this day could be their last?
If society would adapt this attitude it would go a long way in ending greed, indifference to others and all the other things that short sightedness implies.
There was never a building built. A fortune made. A business established. A government formed. A people conquered in battle nor a human that has not perished.
I think a lot of people need to recognize that today is tomorrows yesterdays.
What if I told you the actual percentage of people who will die at some point is 100%?I suppose that comes as no surprise, but according to this table there about 80 ways to check out. This table seems to imply no one dies from getting old. Great news for those who don't want to die from old age, eh?
With that said, why do some people act like they are special and death will never happen to them? That they are immune in some way. Do they not realize that nearly 8 in 10 people will not make it to 65 and beyond?
Would it not be better to live their lives as if this day could be their last?
If society would adapt this attitude it would go a long way in ending greed, indifference to others and all the other things that short sightedness implies.
There was never a building built. A fortune made. A business established. A government formed. A people conquered in battle nor a human that has not perished.
I think a lot of people need to recognize that today is tomorrows yesterdays.
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
How To Look Beautiful (Humor)
Repost
A husband and wife are shopping in their local supermarket. The husband picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart. "What do you think you're doing?" asks the wife. "They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans" he replies.
"Put them back, we can't afford them" demands the wife, they carry on shopping.
A few aisles farther on, the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket. "What do you think you're doing?" asks the husband.
"It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful," replies the wife...Her husband retorts: "So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price."
"Put them back, we can't afford them" demands the wife, they carry on shopping.
A few aisles farther on, the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket. "What do you think you're doing?" asks the husband.
"It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful," replies the wife...Her husband retorts: "So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price."
The Farmers & The Dead Mule (HUMOR)
Repost
Curtis &Leroy saw an ad in the Starkville Daily News Newspaper in Starkville, MS. and bought a mule for $100.
The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day.
The next morning the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry, fellows, I have some bad news, the mule died last night."
Curtis &Leroy replied, "Well, then just give us our money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
They said, "OK then, just bring us the dead mule."
The farmer asked, "What in the world ya'll gonna do with a dead mule?"
Curtis said, "We gonna raffle him off."
The farmer said, "You can't raffle off a dead mule!"
Leroy said, "We shore can! Heck, we don't hafta tell nobody he's dead!"
A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis &Leroy at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and asked.
"What'd you fellers ever do with that dead mule?"
They said,"We raffled him off like we said we wuz gonna do."
Leroy said,"Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer two dollars apiece and made a profit of $898."
The farmer said,"My Lord, didn't anyone complain?"
Curtis said, "Well, the feller who won got upset. So we gave him his two dollars back."
Curtis &Leroy saw an ad in the Starkville Daily News Newspaper in Starkville, MS. and bought a mule for $100.
The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day.
The next morning the farmer drove up and said, "Sorry, fellows, I have some bad news, the mule died last night."
Curtis &Leroy replied, "Well, then just give us our money back."
The farmer said, "Can't do that. I went and spent it already."
They said, "OK then, just bring us the dead mule."
The farmer asked, "What in the world ya'll gonna do with a dead mule?"
Curtis said, "We gonna raffle him off."
The farmer said, "You can't raffle off a dead mule!"
Leroy said, "We shore can! Heck, we don't hafta tell nobody he's dead!"
A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis &Leroy at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and asked.
"What'd you fellers ever do with that dead mule?"
They said,"We raffled him off like we said we wuz gonna do."
Leroy said,"Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer two dollars apiece and made a profit of $898."
The farmer said,"My Lord, didn't anyone complain?"
Curtis said, "Well, the feller who won got upset. So we gave him his two dollars back."
Monday, November 17, 2025
Who's Accountable For Loss Of USA Jobs?
Repost
The short answer isn't bad trade deals but rather American consumers themselves.
In spring of 2016 a poll was conducted which showed Americans prefer low prices to items 'Made in the USA' . Oh wow, who would have guessed !
Who Needs A Poll?
I can tell you from the many years my wife once worked in retail this is absolute fact. Among the many departments she once worked in at the former Wanamaker's department store was costume & fine jewelry. Clothing was another. In each and every case she'd ring up many more sales on the cheaper imported items then those higher priced American goods. So which one do you think the store was more likely to reorder stock from?
We can complain as the day is long, but fact is supply and demand will always reign king. Back in the days when Toyota and Honda were selling their cars for $2,500 Chevy, Chrysler and Ford were selling theirs for upwards of $4,000. Because Americans took the cheapest route shouldn't be any wonder why the Detroit motor industry has eventually become what it is today.
We Vote With Our Wallets
We can scream, holler and demand of our politicians to mess with these trade deals all we want, but the fact is none of us would be in this mess if it weren't for we ourselves and our buying habits. Americans rather fill their walk in closets with cheap clothes they only wear three or four times rather then American made clothes they could wear numerous times over many years. Even though smartphones can last for years most buy a new one every year. Our dumps are filled with items we've thrown out although they could have been used much longer.
If we really are sincere about bringing jobs back to the United States it first has to start with us being willing to pay for higher priced American goods. No politician can change this reality if Americans aren't willing themselves. As far as I'm concerned unless/until consumers are willing American jobs are not coming back like they once were. Dream on.
In spring of 2016 a poll was conducted which showed Americans prefer low prices to items 'Made in the USA' . Oh wow, who would have guessed !
Who Needs A Poll?
I can tell you from the many years my wife once worked in retail this is absolute fact. Among the many departments she once worked in at the former Wanamaker's department store was costume & fine jewelry. Clothing was another. In each and every case she'd ring up many more sales on the cheaper imported items then those higher priced American goods. So which one do you think the store was more likely to reorder stock from?
We can complain as the day is long, but fact is supply and demand will always reign king. Back in the days when Toyota and Honda were selling their cars for $2,500 Chevy, Chrysler and Ford were selling theirs for upwards of $4,000. Because Americans took the cheapest route shouldn't be any wonder why the Detroit motor industry has eventually become what it is today.
We Vote With Our Wallets
We can scream, holler and demand of our politicians to mess with these trade deals all we want, but the fact is none of us would be in this mess if it weren't for we ourselves and our buying habits. Americans rather fill their walk in closets with cheap clothes they only wear three or four times rather then American made clothes they could wear numerous times over many years. Even though smartphones can last for years most buy a new one every year. Our dumps are filled with items we've thrown out although they could have been used much longer.
If we really are sincere about bringing jobs back to the United States it first has to start with us being willing to pay for higher priced American goods. No politician can change this reality if Americans aren't willing themselves. As far as I'm concerned unless/until consumers are willing American jobs are not coming back like they once were. Dream on.
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Some Of Our Favorite TV Shows Went Poof
Repost From September 2016
Each week I compile a list of shows we want to watch. In a few weeks new and returning shows will begin airing. Looking over my list the following won't be coming back. By nature I hate change. I know we liked these but not sure which of the new ones are going to be worth watching. You almost dread becoming attached to any of these new ones realizing another whole batch of these will be cancelled no matter how fond you grow of them after only a few episodes.
Syfy has become the slasher channel for tweens. History channel has become home to pickers, pawn stars and a couple of goofy alien programs that ask more questions then it answers. About all USA airs is reruns and WWE. It seems the majority of cable channels owned by the major networks don't know what to do with them. Instead they park their old reruns and other shows which wouldn't even meet the standards for free channel access by local cable companies.
I'm still brooding over the loss of 'The West Wing', 'Boston Legal', 'Stargate' and several other extremely well written shows. Networks today don't want to invest the money for educated writers who not only entertain but are well versed in the background of scripts they create. Looking back over my list there was something which could be learned from them because there was some sort of background substance in them.
In other words any show which might cause people to think a little bit has been replaced by inexpensive so-called reality and competition shows.
The kind of programming that requires neither writing skills nor cause anyone to get a headache from having to think too much. << Putting it kindly
Each week I compile a list of shows we want to watch. In a few weeks new and returning shows will begin airing. Looking over my list the following won't be coming back. By nature I hate change. I know we liked these but not sure which of the new ones are going to be worth watching. You almost dread becoming attached to any of these new ones realizing another whole batch of these will be cancelled no matter how fond you grow of them after only a few episodes.
Syfy has become the slasher channel for tweens. History channel has become home to pickers, pawn stars and a couple of goofy alien programs that ask more questions then it answers. About all USA airs is reruns and WWE. It seems the majority of cable channels owned by the major networks don't know what to do with them. Instead they park their old reruns and other shows which wouldn't even meet the standards for free channel access by local cable companies.
I'm still brooding over the loss of 'The West Wing', 'Boston Legal', 'Stargate' and several other extremely well written shows. Networks today don't want to invest the money for educated writers who not only entertain but are well versed in the background of scripts they create. Looking back over my list there was something which could be learned from them because there was some sort of background substance in them.
In other words any show which might cause people to think a little bit has been replaced by inexpensive so-called reality and competition shows.
The kind of programming that requires neither writing skills nor cause anyone to get a headache from having to think too much. << Putting it kindly
Friday, November 14, 2025
Some Quick Thoughts I Have
Repost from 2017 (Redited)
*** FOX News and it's business channel constantly whine about the mainstream media. Here's a flash--they are part of mainstream media. They along with such well-known websites as Breitbart, National Review, HotAir, Red State, The Daily Caller Drudge Report among dozens of others. Same goes for the bloviators on conservative talk radio programs. The cast includes Limbaugh, Hannity, Ingraham, O'Reilly and Savage--to name a few. I don't know how much more mainstream any of them could get.
*** All we ever hear is how broke government is getting. It doesn't matter whether it's at the federal, state, county, school districts or local level--they all claim the same. Could the reason be the largest segment of taxpayers--the middle class--has experienced a steady decline in earnings year after year. Even more so when adjusted for inflation. In about every part of the country we are seeing a explosion in the number of warehouse and service jobs paying $11-$15 an hour. Gone are the vast numbers of well paying industrial jobs. We could debate all day why this is so--but it won't change the fact less pay means less revenue for government.
*** Unfunded mandates--When the government receives less revenue it comes up with all kinds of creative schemes. One of the ugliest are these unfunded mandates. To put it simply--when the government wants to do things it can't afford it forces someone else to come up with a way to pay for it. And if they don't--imposes fines. Agencies seeing their budgets cut come up with a all kinds of new unfunded mandates. Ones which require permits along with the accompanying payment of fees for them to offset their declining incomes..
*** Tax cuts--ain't no such beast. Currently the United States is trillions in the hole. I often said I can't afford any more tax breaks. No truer will it be with whatever scheme they come up with in Washington. Whatever they come up with you best believe it will amount to little more the rearranging the deck chairs on the 'Titanic'.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
HUMOR: Annual Dementia Test (Repost)
It's that time of year to take our annual test.
Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert.
If you don't use it, you lose it!
Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence.
Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not. The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.
Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert.
If you don't use it, you lose it!
Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence.
Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not. The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.
OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.
1. What do you put in a toaster?
Answer: "bread." If you said "toast," give up now and do something else.
Try not to hurt yourself.
2. Say "silk " five times. Now spell "silk." What do cows drink?
Answer: Cows drink water. If you said "milk," don't attempt the next question.
Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading a more appropriate literature such as UFO World.
However, if you said "water", proceed to question 3.
3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?
Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said
"green bricks," why the hell are you still reading these???
4. It's twenty years ago, and a plane is flying at 20,000 feet over Germany (If you will recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany.)
Anyway, during the flight, two engines fail. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure.
Unfortunately the engine fails before he can do so and the plane fatally crashes smack in the middle of "no man's land" between East Germany and West Germany.
Where would you bury the survivors? East Germany, West Germany, or no man's land"?
Answer: You don't bury survivors.
If you said ANYTHING else, you're a dunce and you must stop.
If you said, "You don't bury survivors", proceed to the next question.
5. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus and nine people get on. In Swenson, two people get off and four get on. In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on. In Swansea, three people get off and five people get on . In Carmarthen, six people get off and three get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven.
What was the name of the bus driver?
Answer: Oh, for crying out loud!
Don't you remember your own name?
It was YOU!!
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
LV Environment Bad Now.. You think?
Repost
The good ole' days!
I've been reading the local negative concerns regarding the quality of our parks, air and water. In my mind the glass is much more full then empty.
I certainly am aware with the huge growth in our neighboring suburbs there are environmental concerns that need be addressed. However, let use take a look back into just 62 years or so (over my lifetime) and see if we are less or more environmental sound.
Back when I was growing up, Allentown had a central city coal fired steam heat plant installed which heated many buildings downtown. As far as efficiency, well efficiency wasn't exactly something high on the scale of priorities. In the winter many streets didn't need plowing. The heat emanating from those steam pipes beneath melted a great number of blocks around Hamilton Street.
The way a city heating customer adjusted their heat was by raising or lowering a window. What's a thermostat?
The central steam plant was installed in 1888 and was in use till 1968. It was located at 23 South Hall Street. It was "coal" fired and had no pollution equipment what-so-ever.
Those who were not served by city heat mainly relied on coal. Trains delivering coal from up North would arrive at various coal storage yards throughout the city to unload. From there coal trucks plied the streets delivering coal down the chutes into 1,000's of basement coal bins.
The remaining cinders (coal ash) after the city burnt them were stored to later be spread on city streets in the winter. Just about every homeowner as well saved buckets of coal to put on their sidewalks. Before the snow throwers, shovelers used coal ash to finish the job on driveways.
I grew up on SW 27th street at the foot of S. Mtn. What we had out in front of our house was a dirt road. All of them were over there were at one time. In the winter coal cinders (ash) was used on them.
In the summer the city would come once or twice and spray oil on the roadways to keep the dust down. That's right, good old black petroleum muck with a good dose of used crankcase oil mixed in.
We open burned the trash and the leaves too!
Let's talk about water & sewer. We had a cistern where rainwater from the roof would flow into it from our downspouts. Now we chose to boil all our drinking water and were just fine. The neighbor in back didn't. As a result they wound up with a case of worms and on another occasion boils on their skin. Rather then boil water their solution was bleach. Gallons and gallons monthly they added to their water.
Then there's the sewer side. What sewer? Before septic tanks many of these homes just dug a big hole. In it they would throw rocks and then trench it out at the top as an overflow. You knew when it was full when the overflow trench leached up and emerged from below. Some would call honeydippers to come scoop them out. Others just hand dug a new hole somewhere else on their property. Few had concrete septic tanks.
In some other outlying areas those fortunate enough to live closer to the creeks and streams just ran a waste pipe from their toilets into them. Never mind farmer Joe downstream probably tapped into this same creek for his family's water supply. Still there were others who had wells were not too far down from someone else's septic field.
Oh by the way we too had a coal furnace.
Allentown, just like many other communities used to own the city garbage trucks. Allentown's trucks ended up on Allentown's Basin Street where the city incinerator would then burn the garbage they collected. Many cities around here had them as well. These trucks would back up to a hole in the second floor and dump into the flames below. As a kid, when I looked into the roaring fire below I thought it was hell. Nope, no chimney pollution equipment here either.
Now let's focus on the burgs. Just North of Allentown in areas like Bath, Whitehall, Cementon, etc. we had lots and lots of cement plants. You knew where they were because entire towns were coated in cement dust. Further North Coal dust was the order of the day.
Lest we forget good old New Jersey zinc down in Center Valley or it's smelting operations up in Palmerton. All of the above which either blew in the wind or were washed downstream.
The steel plant in Bethlehem used 100,000's gallons a water a day. Think about the three or four thousand workers that used the toilet facilities etc. Then perhaps one of you local historians out there may be able to find where Bethlehem's Steels' water treatment facility was located.
I say this in jest because I don't think they had one. But one thing I am certain, if you ask anyone who lived in Hellertown down by the old coke plant, the air wasn't sweet!
Also in the burgs at one time we had tons of farms. As a kid we'd swim in a creek in Macungie. It didn't even occur to us just upstream there was a cow pasture until our feet sank in cow poop two feet deep at the bottom. Talk about your nitrogen levels, but the sunnies (fish) just seemed to thrive in it.
Art (my friend) doubted that it was poop. He insisted rather optimistically that it was mud. It took Dave to scoop up a couple of handfuls from the bottom and heave them at us to make us conclude.. yep that's poop alright!
The area also had a number of pig farms as well that sold to the former A&B meats. Things weren't too sweet down wind from the numerous chicken & turkey farms either! Especially in Spring when farmers used to "spread" their fields.
Then there were the many area orchards that were spraying DDT into the air. Thusly the runoff from them into area creeks.
The state highway department for years used "agent orange" to kill the weeds alongside the local highways. Hey who knew!
CONCLUSIONS Fortunately for us we had far fewer people then today. If we hadn't made the environmental progress we did, one can only imagine. Because of water lines and sewers, pollution equipment and the de-industrialization we fare much better then just 60 short years ago.
Can we use some more tweaking? Absolutely.
But if today's generation thinks this area was pristine and needs to be restored to what it once was, they are quite misinformed. While all is not perfect, it's certainly not an immediate crises.
Sometimes this valley just needs us old farts around to explain things.
The good ole' days!
I've been reading the local negative concerns regarding the quality of our parks, air and water. In my mind the glass is much more full then empty.
I certainly am aware with the huge growth in our neighboring suburbs there are environmental concerns that need be addressed. However, let use take a look back into just 62 years or so (over my lifetime) and see if we are less or more environmental sound.
Back when I was growing up, Allentown had a central city coal fired steam heat plant installed which heated many buildings downtown. As far as efficiency, well efficiency wasn't exactly something high on the scale of priorities. In the winter many streets didn't need plowing. The heat emanating from those steam pipes beneath melted a great number of blocks around Hamilton Street.
The way a city heating customer adjusted their heat was by raising or lowering a window. What's a thermostat?
The central steam plant was installed in 1888 and was in use till 1968. It was located at 23 South Hall Street. It was "coal" fired and had no pollution equipment what-so-ever.
Those who were not served by city heat mainly relied on coal. Trains delivering coal from up North would arrive at various coal storage yards throughout the city to unload. From there coal trucks plied the streets delivering coal down the chutes into 1,000's of basement coal bins.
The remaining cinders (coal ash) after the city burnt them were stored to later be spread on city streets in the winter. Just about every homeowner as well saved buckets of coal to put on their sidewalks. Before the snow throwers, shovelers used coal ash to finish the job on driveways.
I grew up on SW 27th street at the foot of S. Mtn. What we had out in front of our house was a dirt road. All of them were over there were at one time. In the winter coal cinders (ash) was used on them.
In the summer the city would come once or twice and spray oil on the roadways to keep the dust down. That's right, good old black petroleum muck with a good dose of used crankcase oil mixed in.We open burned the trash and the leaves too!
Let's talk about water & sewer. We had a cistern where rainwater from the roof would flow into it from our downspouts. Now we chose to boil all our drinking water and were just fine. The neighbor in back didn't. As a result they wound up with a case of worms and on another occasion boils on their skin. Rather then boil water their solution was bleach. Gallons and gallons monthly they added to their water.
Then there's the sewer side. What sewer? Before septic tanks many of these homes just dug a big hole. In it they would throw rocks and then trench it out at the top as an overflow. You knew when it was full when the overflow trench leached up and emerged from below. Some would call honeydippers to come scoop them out. Others just hand dug a new hole somewhere else on their property. Few had concrete septic tanks.
In some other outlying areas those fortunate enough to live closer to the creeks and streams just ran a waste pipe from their toilets into them. Never mind farmer Joe downstream probably tapped into this same creek for his family's water supply. Still there were others who had wells were not too far down from someone else's septic field.
Oh by the way we too had a coal furnace.
Allentown, just like many other communities used to own the city garbage trucks. Allentown's trucks ended up on Allentown's Basin Street where the city incinerator would then burn the garbage they collected. Many cities around here had them as well. These trucks would back up to a hole in the second floor and dump into the flames below. As a kid, when I looked into the roaring fire below I thought it was hell. Nope, no chimney pollution equipment here either.
Now let's focus on the burgs. Just North of Allentown in areas like Bath, Whitehall, Cementon, etc. we had lots and lots of cement plants. You knew where they were because entire towns were coated in cement dust. Further North Coal dust was the order of the day.Lest we forget good old New Jersey zinc down in Center Valley or it's smelting operations up in Palmerton. All of the above which either blew in the wind or were washed downstream.
The steel plant in Bethlehem used 100,000's gallons a water a day. Think about the three or four thousand workers that used the toilet facilities etc. Then perhaps one of you local historians out there may be able to find where Bethlehem's Steels' water treatment facility was located.I say this in jest because I don't think they had one. But one thing I am certain, if you ask anyone who lived in Hellertown down by the old coke plant, the air wasn't sweet!
Also in the burgs at one time we had tons of farms. As a kid we'd swim in a creek in Macungie. It didn't even occur to us just upstream there was a cow pasture until our feet sank in cow poop two feet deep at the bottom. Talk about your nitrogen levels, but the sunnies (fish) just seemed to thrive in it.Art (my friend) doubted that it was poop. He insisted rather optimistically that it was mud. It took Dave to scoop up a couple of handfuls from the bottom and heave them at us to make us conclude.. yep that's poop alright!
The area also had a number of pig farms as well that sold to the former A&B meats. Things weren't too sweet down wind from the numerous chicken & turkey farms either! Especially in Spring when farmers used to "spread" their fields.
Then there were the many area orchards that were spraying DDT into the air. Thusly the runoff from them into area creeks.
The state highway department for years used "agent orange" to kill the weeds alongside the local highways. Hey who knew!
Can we use some more tweaking? Absolutely.
But if today's generation thinks this area was pristine and needs to be restored to what it once was, they are quite misinformed. While all is not perfect, it's certainly not an immediate crises.
Sometimes this valley just needs us old farts around to explain things.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Cautionary Tale Concerning Rehabilitating Inmates
Repost
According to Wikipedia, "On 1 April (1924), Hitler was sentenced to five years' imprisonment at Landsberg Prison. There, he received friendly treatment from the guards, and he was allowed mail from supporters and regular visits by party comrades.
The Bavarian Supreme Court issued a pardon, and he was released from jail on 20 December 1924, against the state prosecutor's objections...
While at Landsberg, Hitler dictated most of the first volume of Mein Kampf (My Struggle; originally entitled Four and a Half Years of Struggle against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice) to his deputy, Rudolf Hess."
According to Wikipedia, "On 1 April (1924), Hitler was sentenced to five years' imprisonment at Landsberg Prison. There, he received friendly treatment from the guards, and he was allowed mail from supporters and regular visits by party comrades.
The Bavarian Supreme Court issued a pardon, and he was released from jail on 20 December 1924, against the state prosecutor's objections...
While at Landsberg, Hitler dictated most of the first volume of Mein Kampf (My Struggle; originally entitled Four and a Half Years of Struggle against Lies, Stupidity, and Cowardice) to his deputy, Rudolf Hess."
Monday, November 10, 2025
Raven Rock Pennsylvania's 'Underground Pentagon'
Repost
Wonder if these folks got my reservations for this place since I never received my evacuation pass. Maybe it got lost in the mail. Never mind I'll call them. Say, what's the phone number for this place, anybody know?
Wonder if these folks got my reservations for this place since I never received my evacuation pass. Maybe it got lost in the mail. Never mind I'll call them. Say, what's the phone number for this place, anybody know?
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Movie Recomendation | What Dreams May Come (1998)
Certainly one of Robin's best performances.
Friday, November 7, 2025
About Apartments' Heating Efficiency
Repost
There's been an argument made regarding how apartments are more efficient to heat then homes. Years ago (in the 70's) the wife & I helped manage and did maintenance involving four apartment complexes. One was in Salisbury Township, another in Catasauqua and two more in Bethlehem. These totaled about 400 units. All of them were either electric forced air or electric baseboard heating.
I'm here to tell you that in many ways (per square foot) these apartments were less efficient then many of the newer single homes of that day. The reason is they were designed knowing renters would be paying for their own electric. When the builders constructed the apartments they did so in the least expensive way.
The insulation, doors and windows used were far from the most efficient available at the time. In three of those complexes' buildings they didn't use insulation between the walls of adjacent units. This meant there was additional costs to someone living next to a empty or someone living next to an occupant who ran their heat (or air conditioning) at a lower setting then their own. Yes there were fire walls, but they were only installed on every other unit. In one case the firewalls didn't even extend beyond the units up to the commons attic roof. This created a draft (summer & winter) from one end of the building to the other end across the top of their ceilings.
It may be true that some apartment complexes may be more efficient then single homes, but that's not always the case per square foot. Some friends we had at the time owned homes several times larger who's heating bills ran lower then some of our single bedroom apartments. Not only because of the way the buildings were constructed, but also because the homes didn't rely on electric heat (which is the most expensive form of heat).
In my particular case the owners built these apartment complexes as cheap as possible then sold them right after to another group of investors. Then leased them from the new owners for the next 5 years (gaming the tax advantages). They were never built to last over the long haul for the new investors nor with tenants utility costs in mind. The point is, don't buy into what some promoters of urban growth tell you regarding apartments always being of greater efficiency.
What one should also keep in mind is the thermodynamics. It always cost more to cool upper level units more then lower ones. Heat rises. The higher the number of stories a apartment is located, the more it will cost to cool it. Which means sometimes it will cost more to cool a 4th floor apartment then it would to cool an average two story single home.
This is an example of another kind of myth that urban proponents constantly perpetuate against single home ownership which tends to aggravate me.
There's been an argument made regarding how apartments are more efficient to heat then homes. Years ago (in the 70's) the wife & I helped manage and did maintenance involving four apartment complexes. One was in Salisbury Township, another in Catasauqua and two more in Bethlehem. These totaled about 400 units. All of them were either electric forced air or electric baseboard heating.
I'm here to tell you that in many ways (per square foot) these apartments were less efficient then many of the newer single homes of that day. The reason is they were designed knowing renters would be paying for their own electric. When the builders constructed the apartments they did so in the least expensive way.
The insulation, doors and windows used were far from the most efficient available at the time. In three of those complexes' buildings they didn't use insulation between the walls of adjacent units. This meant there was additional costs to someone living next to a empty or someone living next to an occupant who ran their heat (or air conditioning) at a lower setting then their own. Yes there were fire walls, but they were only installed on every other unit. In one case the firewalls didn't even extend beyond the units up to the commons attic roof. This created a draft (summer & winter) from one end of the building to the other end across the top of their ceilings.
It may be true that some apartment complexes may be more efficient then single homes, but that's not always the case per square foot. Some friends we had at the time owned homes several times larger who's heating bills ran lower then some of our single bedroom apartments. Not only because of the way the buildings were constructed, but also because the homes didn't rely on electric heat (which is the most expensive form of heat).
In my particular case the owners built these apartment complexes as cheap as possible then sold them right after to another group of investors. Then leased them from the new owners for the next 5 years (gaming the tax advantages). They were never built to last over the long haul for the new investors nor with tenants utility costs in mind. The point is, don't buy into what some promoters of urban growth tell you regarding apartments always being of greater efficiency.
What one should also keep in mind is the thermodynamics. It always cost more to cool upper level units more then lower ones. Heat rises. The higher the number of stories a apartment is located, the more it will cost to cool it. Which means sometimes it will cost more to cool a 4th floor apartment then it would to cool an average two story single home.
This is an example of another kind of myth that urban proponents constantly perpetuate against single home ownership which tends to aggravate me.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Some Mind Blowing Scientific Stuff
Repost
All the a articles below are from 'Extreme Tech.com'
Is our universe a hologram?-- "Basically, if true, this means that the universe as we know it may be the result of processes happening on some other surface or plane."
COMMENT:
I always kind of thought the whole world was full of shit.
Looks like I may have vastly underestimated.
Is there a ocean 400 miles beneath our feet that could fill our oceans three times over?-- "This discovery suggests that Earth’s surface water actually came from within, as part of a “whole-Earth water cycle,” rather than the prevailing theory of icy comets striking Earth billions of years ago... We’re not talking about some kind of water reserve that can be reached in the same way as an oil well. The deepest a human borehole has ever gone is just 12km, about half way through the Earth’s crust , and we had to stop because geothermal energy was melting the drill bit."
COMMENT:
Pssst.. don't tell 'Nestle Waters'.
Astronauts find living organisms clinging to the International Space Station-- "During a spacewalk intended to clean the International Space Station, Russian astronauts took samples from the exterior of the station for a routine analysis... they found that living organisms were clinging to outside of the ISS. The astronauts identified the organisms as sea plankton that likely originated from Earth, but the team couldn’t find a concrete explanation as to how these organisms made it all the way up to the space station or how they managed to survive."
COMMENT:
Damn hitch hikers free loading on taxpayers' dime !
IBM cracks open a new era of computing with brain-like chip: 4096 cores, 1 million neurons, 5.4 billion transistors-- "The chip, called TrueNorth, consists of 1 million programmable neurons and 256 million programmable synapses across 4096 individual neurosynaptic cores... the human brain.. total power consumption is around 20 watts. A modern silicon chip, despite having features that are almost on the same tiny scale as biological neurons and synapses, can consume thousands or millions times more energy to perform the same task as a human brain."
COMMENT:
Looks like there's still hope for me after all.
Scientists work out how create matter from light-- "Physicists in England claim they have discovered how to create matter from light, by smashing together individual massless photons."
COMMENT: Hope they never figure out a weapon making matter work in reverse. Biblically speaking it also reminds me how many times it was stated "God" is light. It also seems to support the theory matter can never been created nor destroyed. Transformed perhaps?
The downside of warp drives-- "NASA researchers recently revisited the Alcubierre warp drive and concluded that its power requirements were not as impossible as once thought. However, a new analysis from the University of Sydney claims that using a warp drive of this design comes with a drawback. Specifically, it could cause cataclysmic explosions at your destination... To see how the Alcubierre drive could devastate an entire star system, you have to know a little about how it would work.."
COMMENT: Are your sure?
That's not how it played out in 'Star-Trek'. Maybe their dilithium crystal warp drives weren't based on the "Alcubierre warp drive".
* Star-Trek's talking computer seems so yesterday
* "Phasers" are today's lasers as well.
* Star-Trek's "transponders" were nothing more then flip phones far less capable of what's possible with our everyday use of smartphones today.
If scientists today support the theory they can now "create matter from light, by smashing together individual massless photons" I wouldn't count out Star-Trek's' "Photon Torpedoes" either.
Therefore neither should we be too quick to dismiss the possibility of "warp drives" coming into existence one day w/o devastating an entire star system as assumed by today's scientists.
What seemed to be yesterday's science fiction has become in many ways today's reality. Who's to say what may be possible?
All the a articles below are from 'Extreme Tech.com'
Is our universe a hologram?-- "Basically, if true, this means that the universe as we know it may be the result of processes happening on some other surface or plane."
I always kind of thought the whole world was full of shit.
Looks like I may have vastly underestimated.
Is there a ocean 400 miles beneath our feet that could fill our oceans three times over?-- "This discovery suggests that Earth’s surface water actually came from within, as part of a “whole-Earth water cycle,” rather than the prevailing theory of icy comets striking Earth billions of years ago... We’re not talking about some kind of water reserve that can be reached in the same way as an oil well. The deepest a human borehole has ever gone is just 12km, about half way through the Earth’s crust , and we had to stop because geothermal energy was melting the drill bit."
Pssst.. don't tell 'Nestle Waters'.
Astronauts find living organisms clinging to the International Space Station-- "During a spacewalk intended to clean the International Space Station, Russian astronauts took samples from the exterior of the station for a routine analysis... they found that living organisms were clinging to outside of the ISS. The astronauts identified the organisms as sea plankton that likely originated from Earth, but the team couldn’t find a concrete explanation as to how these organisms made it all the way up to the space station or how they managed to survive."
Damn hitch hikers free loading on taxpayers' dime !
IBM cracks open a new era of computing with brain-like chip: 4096 cores, 1 million neurons, 5.4 billion transistors-- "The chip, called TrueNorth, consists of 1 million programmable neurons and 256 million programmable synapses across 4096 individual neurosynaptic cores... the human brain.. total power consumption is around 20 watts. A modern silicon chip, despite having features that are almost on the same tiny scale as biological neurons and synapses, can consume thousands or millions times more energy to perform the same task as a human brain."
Looks like there's still hope for me after all.
Scientists work out how create matter from light-- "Physicists in England claim they have discovered how to create matter from light, by smashing together individual massless photons."
The downside of warp drives-- "NASA researchers recently revisited the Alcubierre warp drive and concluded that its power requirements were not as impossible as once thought. However, a new analysis from the University of Sydney claims that using a warp drive of this design comes with a drawback. Specifically, it could cause cataclysmic explosions at your destination... To see how the Alcubierre drive could devastate an entire star system, you have to know a little about how it would work.."
That's not how it played out in 'Star-Trek'. Maybe their dilithium crystal warp drives weren't based on the "Alcubierre warp drive".
* Star-Trek's talking computer seems so yesterday
* "Phasers" are today's lasers as well.
* Star-Trek's "transponders" were nothing more then flip phones far less capable of what's possible with our everyday use of smartphones today.
If scientists today support the theory they can now "create matter from light, by smashing together individual massless photons" I wouldn't count out Star-Trek's' "Photon Torpedoes" either.
Therefore neither should we be too quick to dismiss the possibility of "warp drives" coming into existence one day w/o devastating an entire star system as assumed by today's scientists.
What seemed to be yesterday's science fiction has become in many ways today's reality. Who's to say what may be possible?
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Older Men Scam
Repost
Women often receive warnings about protecting themselves at the mall and in dark parking lots, etc. This is the first warning I have seen for men. I wanted to pass it on in case you haven't heard about it.
A 'heads up' for those men who may be regular customers at Lowe's, Home Depot, Costco, or even Wal-Mart. This one caught me totally by surprise.
Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.
Here's how the scam works;
Two nice looking, college-age girls will come over to your car or truck as you are packing your purchases into your vehicle. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. (It's impossible not to look).
When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' but instead ask for a ride to McDonald's.
You agree and they climb into the vehicle. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.
I had my wallet stolen May 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, again on the 17th, 20th, 24th, and the 29th.
Also June 1st, 4th, 5th, twice on the 16th & 17th, July 3rd and very likely again this upcoming weekend.
So tell your friends to be careful. What a horrible way to take advantage of us older men. Warn your friends to be vigilant.
So please, send this on to all the older men that you know and warn them to be on the lookout for this scam.
Women often receive warnings about protecting themselves at the mall and in dark parking lots, etc. This is the first warning I have seen for men. I wanted to pass it on in case you haven't heard about it.
A 'heads up' for those men who may be regular customers at Lowe's, Home Depot, Costco, or even Wal-Mart. This one caught me totally by surprise.
Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.
Here's how the scam works;
Two nice looking, college-age girls will come over to your car or truck as you are packing your purchases into your vehicle. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. (It's impossible not to look).
When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' but instead ask for a ride to McDonald's.
You agree and they climb into the vehicle. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.
I had my wallet stolen May 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, again on the 17th, 20th, 24th, and the 29th.
Also June 1st, 4th, 5th, twice on the 16th & 17th, July 3rd and very likely again this upcoming weekend.
So tell your friends to be careful. What a horrible way to take advantage of us older men. Warn your friends to be vigilant.
So please, send this on to all the older men that you know and warn them to be on the lookout for this scam.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Current U.S. Policy
Repost From April 2019
This policy not only applies to foreign countries but towards one another within as well. The measure of a country or man isn't how apt they are at belittling others. Rather by rising to greatness despite not having to encumber others to achieve it.
This policy not only applies to foreign countries but towards one another within as well. The measure of a country or man isn't how apt they are at belittling others. Rather by rising to greatness despite not having to encumber others to achieve it.
Monday, November 3, 2025
What's In Your Food- High Fructose Corn Syrup
Repost From September 2009
OBESITY IN AMERICA
While it is a sweetener, it's primary purpose is to get you to consume more product. Manufacturers for years have known that "High Fructose Corn Syrup" increases your appetite cravings.
By adding this ingredient, no matter how much you eat you will feel less full then had it not been added as an ingredient.
Naturalists for years have spouted this and had very little scientific evidence to back them up. It is why I along with them think the reason for this out of control obesity problem in United States cannot be resolved till we lessen it's use.
It is used in most (but not all) of the following products...
Frozen Concentrated Juices
Soft Drinks
Yogurts
Salad Dressings
Ice Cream
Cereal
Certain Breads
Mustard
Syrups (Pancake, Fudge, etc)
Steak Sauce
Bakery Products
Puddings
Snacks (Nutrition Bars, Candy Bars, etc.)
Honey
Jelly
Ketchup
Crackers
Feed for Honey Bees
...and many others (List By Brand)
Fast Food chain restaurants are notorious for it's use. See: List Of Fast Foods Serving HFC
Now these nay saying naturalists may have their proof!
Quoted excerpts from:
"The brain may not be fooled by sugar substitutes"
* NOTE: The tests were done only with four artificial sweeteners: aspartame, acesulfame K, cyclamate and saccharin. These are "non-glucose" (non natural sugars) the HFC should be (in my opinion) considered as an implied outcome as well. Considering most HFC only contains 10% naturally occurring glucose and 90% non-naturally occurring fructose in the HFC 90. Also available is the HFC 55 formula.(They usually blend the two strengths to get the flavoring they desire)
Considering that every cell in the body can metabolize glucose and all fructose must be metabolized in the liver, one should be bear in mind of the possible consequences of continued ingestion of HFC.
Why The Continue Use?
(1) It makes you feel less full
(2) Sugar tariffs have created this as a cheaper alternative
(3) Manufactures are still allowed to call their products '100% Natural" and/or 'Organic' even when HFC is used
FURTHER READING- Wiki- High Fructose Corn Syrup
OBESITY IN AMERICA
While it is a sweetener, it's primary purpose is to get you to consume more product. Manufacturers for years have known that "High Fructose Corn Syrup" increases your appetite cravings.
By adding this ingredient, no matter how much you eat you will feel less full then had it not been added as an ingredient.
Naturalists for years have spouted this and had very little scientific evidence to back them up. It is why I along with them think the reason for this out of control obesity problem in United States cannot be resolved till we lessen it's use.
It is used in most (but not all) of the following products...
Frozen Concentrated Juices
Soft Drinks
Yogurts
Salad Dressings
Ice Cream
Cereal
Certain Breads
Mustard
Syrups (Pancake, Fudge, etc)
Steak Sauce
Bakery Products
Puddings
Snacks (Nutrition Bars, Candy Bars, etc.)
Honey
Jelly
Ketchup
Crackers
Feed for Honey Bees
...and many others (List By Brand)
Fast Food chain restaurants are notorious for it's use. See: List Of Fast Foods Serving HFC
Now these nay saying naturalists may have their proof!
"The brain may not be fooled by sugar substitutes"
* NOTE: The tests were done only with four artificial sweeteners: aspartame, acesulfame K, cyclamate and saccharin. These are "non-glucose" (non natural sugars) the HFC should be (in my opinion) considered as an implied outcome as well. Considering most HFC only contains 10% naturally occurring glucose and 90% non-naturally occurring fructose in the HFC 90. Also available is the HFC 55 formula.(They usually blend the two strengths to get the flavoring they desire)
Considering that every cell in the body can metabolize glucose and all fructose must be metabolized in the liver, one should be bear in mind of the possible consequences of continued ingestion of HFC.
Why The Continue Use?
(1) It makes you feel less full
(2) Sugar tariffs have created this as a cheaper alternative
(3) Manufactures are still allowed to call their products '100% Natural" and/or 'Organic' even when HFC is used
FURTHER READING- Wiki- High Fructose Corn Syrup
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Trip To A Tibetan Monastery
Reposted From: January 12, 2010
First you take the tram up to the start of the trail. 
Now follow the path.
A few more steps to go.
Finally in sight.
They say going down is always harder then going up.
I'd rather stay in town and hang out at this local Biker Bar instead!
Now follow the path.
A few more steps to go.
Finally in sight.
They say going down is always harder then going up.
I'd rather stay in town and hang out at this local Biker Bar instead!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Don't Forget Turn Clocks Ahead
Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday before bed.
That way you'll be 2 hours ahead of every one else.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Michael Jackson | What You Need To Know About Him
In this world of ugliness nothing stands out as a better example then what was done to Michael Jackson. Hence a good deal of my bitterness towards it both then and now in this current environment. It was bad then and even worse now.
Michael Jackson - The Most Philanthropic Popstar in History
Michael Jackson was Misunderstood and Attacked More Than Anyone
This post demonstrates the worse parts of the human race that I want no part in.
Michael Jackson was Misunderstood and Attacked More Than Anyone
This post demonstrates the worse parts of the human race that I want no part in.
Ya No' U'r A Redneck When..
Repost
You take your dog for a walk and you both use the same tree.
Your boat has not left the driveway in 15 years. 
The Salvation Army declines your furniture.
You come back from the dump with more than you took.
Your grandmother has 'ammo' on her Christmas list.
You keep flea and tick soap in the shower.
You have a rag for a gas cap.
Your house doesn't have curtains, but your truck does.
You wonde
r how service stations keep their rest-rooms so clean.
U have a complete set of salad bowls that all say 'Cool Whip'.
The biggest city you've ever been to is Wal-Mart.
Your working TV sits on top of your non-working TV.
You've used your ironing board as a buffet table.
You've used a toilet brush to scratch your back.
You missed your 5th grade graduation because you were on jury duty.
You think fast food is hitting a deer at 65
Thursday, October 30, 2025
TV Is Crappy These Days
Repost From November 2013
Except for about two dozen shows aired at various times throughout the year, TV has become about as entertaining as a power outage. It's a shame when I find infomercials for the old Carol Burnett Show or the Dean Martin roasts more amusing.
Even some of the shows I've watched for several seasons are becoming more dark. A few weeks ago 'Covert Affairs' featured a horrific torture scene much like 'The Mentalist' did during the same week. These like 'The Good Wife' no longer feature the 'good guys'. I'd given up on 'Burn Notice' long before it was cancelled because there were no longer any good guys on either side and became so gory it was no longer watchable either. Each of these are competing lately to be more malicious then the other.
Sitcoms with their canned laughter drives me crazy along with their zooming jiggling palsy like camera work.
I've just about totally have given up on so-called cable news altogether.Hosts news readers are spending time trying to make a fool of vice president Biden or bashing the oval office, past or present depending which flavor political party you favor. The good news is most of the viewers in the United States aren't even watching these B.S. artists. Take for example Bill O'Reilly. He consistently has the highest rated cable news show with around 3.5 million viewers. A little over 1% of the population of the United States. Shows like NCIS and 'Person Of Interest' draws between 13 million to 18.5 million viewers. So it's very obvious about 99% of the United States viewers don't give a flying fig what they are saying. So thank God they're not representative of what most Americans are thinking (although they'd like you to believe they are). They're like the side show carneys you see at the fair... all hats, no cattle!
Can't stomach C-span either much these days which is presently covering the Senate & House hearings. "Hearings"? That's a joke. They've become tribunals. Department heads are suppose to appear so members of Congress can respectively ask them questions in order achieve a better understanding of what kind of legislation is needed to fix problems. They are not there to be bashed, accused and demeaned. This by congressional members who have more dirt in their own closet then there is sand on a beach. Every time I see them I can't help but thinking of the saying, "he who is without sin.." .
Then there was the big award show of the week. The CMA's. I already knew I wasn't going to watch the same old tired predictable year after year (they all sound alike) country performers. Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, George Strait and so forth.
You could take any one of their hits and have the other perform them and who'd know the difference?
None of them have a unique style like the older country performers. To name a few, Dolly Parton, Dave Dudley, 'Whispering' Bill Anderson, Hank Williams Jr., Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash and so forth. These were vocalists who listeners would instantly recognize for their own distinctive vocalizations and style.
As if the so-called award show weren't phony enough there was the performance by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley who took cheap shots at the glitches with Healthcare Reform.
Before some criticize me for not having a sense of humor let me explain. The CMA's were handed out for 47 years and never in those past 46 years has it become political until this year. This is suppose to be about country crooners. Not about their political beliefs. It wasn't done to George Bush (1 or 2). Not to Bill Clinton. Not to any other administration. I don't give a damn how these yodelers feel about Washington politics. This so-calledfixed award show was suppose to be about country music and it's performers.
When news, comedy and entertainment shows (including SNL) take to political satire they inevitably piss off one side or the other. Entertainment is suppose to make people feel cheerful, not piss people off. Which is exactly what I find TV has become. More annoying then entertaining. Programs are interjecting their political hogwash more and more when all I'm trying to do is get away from that very kind of B.S.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The music entertainment industry has become one giant corporate controlled mega machine pumping out narrowly defined vocalists and musicians. The days when truly unique sounding artists like Little Richard, Elvis, The Beatles and countless others could walk in the front door are over. Rarely will you see a female singer with her pants on anymore. What's with that?
TV comedies no longer are filmed before a live audience. If they are, there are numerous retakes if they deviate from the script unlike the days of Red Skelton or Jack Benny.
Do me a favor. Watch American Idol, the X-factor and dozens of other shows where they flash to the audience. Look at their mouths. Are they screaming or just applauding? No shows including 'The View' and other day time shows are real. All use enhanced audience audio tracks with people screaming a cheering. PHONY.. BALONEY!
Do me another favor. Pay attention to what you're watching on TV. Whether it's a reality show, drama or comedy... is the main element dependent on creating entertainment at the expense to another character on the show? Each are becoming increasingly alienating towards it's other characters. Whether it's a show based on competition. A drama that kills/tortures the bad guy or a comedy that derives it humor from putting down someone else. They all have one thing in common. The alienation between two sets of groups or individuals.
Now think back to comedy shows like Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason and Carol Burnett. Or the highly charged politically balanced TV show 'All In The Family. What each had in common was they made fun of themselves. Not others.
Think back to the drama shows that didn't use graphic blood, guts, torture and killing to make their point. Shows like Murder She Wrote, Baretta, The Rockford Files, Columbo, McCloud, Kojack, McMillion & Wife and about a hundred of others. All of which were wildly successful without using blood stained tortured corpses, action packed explosions or machine gunning down the bad guys.
Are there shows left that I do enjoy?
Damn right there are!
Shows like the PBS's 'Masterpiece Theater" series which rely on writing excellent scripts rather then shoot em' ups. TNT's ' Rizzoli & Isles' who utilize levity. ABC's 'The Middle'. Anyone who's ever had to live from check to check and had kids can relate to that show. USA's 'Necessary Roughness' which takes us for a behind the scenes look (ripped from the headlines) at what is going on in today's world of sports teams. These to name few.
Which brings me to why I haven't blogged lately as much as I used to over the last few days It seems wherever I look people are more against things and other people rather then for them. Congress is against themselves. People are criticizing nearly everything and everyone else these days. "Gotcha" seems to be the hottest theme in today's social media and the news. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to source material for this blog that doesn't contain an element of that.
I look through 200 or 400 RSS feeds a day and visit a bunch of other internet sites. What I'm finding is either most of the material coming through is either fluff, self promotion or he said she said bickering. If the mood strikes me that something becomes available that promotes a positive aspect and outcome for others I will pass that along here. Right now I'm not seeing much of that coming through.
I want for this blog and myself to be a greater force for uniting and imparting useful information then what I've been able to come across over the last few days. If that requires fewer posts, so-be-it. But I felt a compulsion to share my views as to why I've not been around for a few days. There's no point joining the chorus around here lately bitching about things or one another. Besides throughout my entire life I've always changed course from where the rest of the fish are swimming. I pride myself on that.
Gee I can hardly wait to see what I will post next
How about You?
:-) pt>
Except for about two dozen shows aired at various times throughout the year, TV has become about as entertaining as a power outage. It's a shame when I find infomercials for the old Carol Burnett Show or the Dean Martin roasts more amusing.
Even some of the shows I've watched for several seasons are becoming more dark. A few weeks ago 'Covert Affairs' featured a horrific torture scene much like 'The Mentalist' did during the same week. These like 'The Good Wife' no longer feature the 'good guys'. I'd given up on 'Burn Notice' long before it was cancelled because there were no longer any good guys on either side and became so gory it was no longer watchable either. Each of these are competing lately to be more malicious then the other.
Sitcoms with their canned laughter drives me crazy along with their zooming jiggling palsy like camera work.
I've just about totally have given up on so-called cable news altogether.
Can't stomach C-span either much these days which is presently covering the Senate & House hearings. "Hearings"? That's a joke. They've become tribunals. Department heads are suppose to appear so members of Congress can respectively ask them questions in order achieve a better understanding of what kind of legislation is needed to fix problems. They are not there to be bashed, accused and demeaned. This by congressional members who have more dirt in their own closet then there is sand on a beach. Every time I see them I can't help but thinking of the saying, "he who is without sin.." .
You could take any one of their hits and have the other perform them and who'd know the difference?
None of them have a unique style like the older country performers. To name a few, Dolly Parton, Dave Dudley, 'Whispering' Bill Anderson, Hank Williams Jr., Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash and so forth. These were vocalists who listeners would instantly recognize for their own distinctive vocalizations and style.
As if the so-called award show weren't phony enough there was the performance by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley who took cheap shots at the glitches with Healthcare Reform.
Before some criticize me for not having a sense of humor let me explain. The CMA's were handed out for 47 years and never in those past 46 years has it become political until this year. This is suppose to be about country crooners. Not about their political beliefs. It wasn't done to George Bush (1 or 2). Not to Bill Clinton. Not to any other administration. I don't give a damn how these yodelers feel about Washington politics. This so-called
When news, comedy and entertainment shows (including SNL) take to political satire they inevitably piss off one side or the other. Entertainment is suppose to make people feel cheerful, not piss people off. Which is exactly what I find TV has become. More annoying then entertaining. Programs are interjecting their political hogwash more and more when all I'm trying to do is get away from that very kind of B.S.
The music entertainment industry has become one giant corporate controlled mega machine pumping out narrowly defined vocalists and musicians. The days when truly unique sounding artists like Little Richard, Elvis, The Beatles and countless others could walk in the front door are over. Rarely will you see a female singer with her pants on anymore. What's with that?
TV comedies no longer are filmed before a live audience. If they are, there are numerous retakes if they deviate from the script unlike the days of Red Skelton or Jack Benny.
Do me a favor. Watch American Idol, the X-factor and dozens of other shows where they flash to the audience. Look at their mouths. Are they screaming or just applauding? No shows including 'The View' and other day time shows are real. All use enhanced audience audio tracks with people screaming a cheering. PHONY.. BALONEY!
Do me another favor. Pay attention to what you're watching on TV. Whether it's a reality show, drama or comedy... is the main element dependent on creating entertainment at the expense to another character on the show? Each are becoming increasingly alienating towards it's other characters. Whether it's a show based on competition. A drama that kills/tortures the bad guy or a comedy that derives it humor from putting down someone else. They all have one thing in common. The alienation between two sets of groups or individuals.
Now think back to comedy shows like Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason and Carol Burnett. Or the highly charged politically balanced TV show 'All In The Family. What each had in common was they made fun of themselves. Not others.
Think back to the drama shows that didn't use graphic blood, guts, torture and killing to make their point. Shows like Murder She Wrote, Baretta, The Rockford Files, Columbo, McCloud, Kojack, McMillion & Wife and about a hundred of others. All of which were wildly successful without using blood stained tortured corpses, action packed explosions or machine gunning down the bad guys.
Damn right there are!
Shows like the PBS's 'Masterpiece Theater" series which rely on writing excellent scripts rather then shoot em' ups. TNT's ' Rizzoli & Isles' who utilize levity. ABC's 'The Middle'. Anyone who's ever had to live from check to check and had kids can relate to that show. USA's 'Necessary Roughness' which takes us for a behind the scenes look (ripped from the headlines) at what is going on in today's world of sports teams. These to name few.
I look through 200 or 400 RSS feeds a day and visit a bunch of other internet sites. What I'm finding is either most of the material coming through is either fluff, self promotion or he said she said bickering. If the mood strikes me that something becomes available that promotes a positive aspect and outcome for others I will pass that along here. Right now I'm not seeing much of that coming through.
I want for this blog and myself to be a greater force for uniting and imparting useful information then what I've been able to come across over the last few days. If that requires fewer posts, so-be-it. But I felt a compulsion to share my views as to why I've not been around for a few days. There's no point joining the chorus around here lately bitching about things or one another. Besides throughout my entire life I've always changed course from where the rest of the fish are swimming. I pride myself on that.
How about You?
:-)
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
HUMOR: Now That I'm Older
Repost
Walking can add minutes to your life.
This enables you at 85 years old to spend
an additional 5 months in a nursing home
at $7000 per month.
My grandpa started walking
five miles a day when he was 60.
Now he's 97 years old and we
don't know where the hell he is.
I do have flabby thighs,
but fortunately my stomach covers them
I joined a health club last year ...
spent about 400 bucks.
Haven't lost a pound.
Apparently you have to go there.
This enables you at 85 years old to spend
an additional 5 months in a nursing home
at $7000 per month.
My grandpa started walking
five miles a day when he was 60.
Now he's 97 years old and we
don't know where the hell he is.
I do have flabby thighs,
but fortunately my stomach covers them
I joined a health club last year ...
spent about 400 bucks.
Haven't lost a pound.
Apparently you have to go there.
Monday, October 27, 2025
Imagine Your Medical Insurance Costing $4,363.57 A Month!
PoliticsGirl, also known as Leigh McGowan, continues to live with a rare, chronic, and potentially terminal lung/heart disease. For years, McGowan has described a difficult daily regimen to manage her illness, which includes: Sleeping with oxygen. Carrying a full suitcase of medical supplies when she travels. Taking medication every three hours, which requires alarms to remind her.
The "budget showdown 2025":
A political stalemate between House Republicans and Democrats over the federal budget.The conflict is driven by disagreements on spending levels and policy provisions, particularly regarding the extension of enhanced health insurance subsidies.
What's In Your Burger?
Reposted from: April 3, 2012
"Why are these hard-to-pronounce ingredients added to everything from a burger served in schools to veggie burgers in the frozen food aisle of the grocery store?"
What's Inside The 26-Ingredient
School Lunch Burger?
by Allison Aubrey | NPR
School Lunch Burger?
by Allison Aubrey | NPR
"Why are these hard-to-pronounce ingredients added to everything from a burger served in schools to veggie burgers in the frozen food aisle of the grocery store?"
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Allentown Flashbacks
Reposted From September 23, 2010
Excerpts from an article published in the Morning Call Sept. 15, 1999 by Jim Kelly
Do you remember these?
I'll add a few of my own.
Feel free to add your own to the list.
Excerpts from an article published in the Morning Call Sept. 15, 1999 by Jim Kelly
Do you remember these?
I'll add a few of my own.
Feel free to add your own to the list.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
15 Comments Since January 1, 2025
Gee ain't that swell. Now you know why I'm doing reposts. Why should I spend and hour or two researching with links things that are important to me if nobody gives a shit. I could say a lot more but what's the point?
The Ontario anti-tariff ad which led Trump to end trade talks with Canada
U.S. President Donald Trump said late Thursday that he was ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of a this television ad opposing U.S. tariffs and featuring the voice of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.Trump posted, “The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs.”“The ad was for $75,000,000. They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts,” Trump wrote on his social media site.
The Ontario anti-tariff ad which led Trump to end trade talks with Canada
Former US president Ronald Reagan FULL 1987 speech on tariffs and free trade
Any Comments?
Former US president Ronald Reagan FULL 1987 speech on tariffs and free trade
Any Comments?
Friday, October 24, 2025
My Opinion Of Computer Self Driving Cars
Repost From 2016
WHAT ARE YOU NUTZ !
Yeah sure there are a lot of people who shouldn't be driving who can't even walk straight, but... I could go on and on. If people are too stupid to drive or pay attention anymore and wish to rely on computers in the future to do all our thinking for us we've reached a very sorry point in our evolution.
I may be an old fart, but these contraptions seem, dangerous to me. I'm predicting they'll never replace human drivers.
If they do, heaven help us if we become so stupid as to not being able to make our own judgments on the road or with anything else for that matter.
Yeah sure there are a lot of people who shouldn't be driving who can't even walk straight, but... I could go on and on. If people are too stupid to drive or pay attention anymore and wish to rely on computers in the future to do all our thinking for us we've reached a very sorry point in our evolution.
If they do, heaven help us if we become so stupid as to not being able to make our own judgments on the road or with anything else for that matter.
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