This Man Made $2.3 Billion on Monday
by Tom Metcalf | Bloomberg Business
by Tom Metcalf | Bloomberg Business
How else could anyone explain this?
There is no way in hell anyone could work so hard as to deserve this kind of wealth.
A Blog About Anything & Everything.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Life's One Great Big Illusion
Repost From 2015
My Comments About The Article Above Life is one big imaginary board game.
How else could anyone explain this?
There is no way in hell anyone could work so hard as to deserve this kind of wealth.
How else could anyone explain this?
There is no way in hell anyone could work so hard as to deserve this kind of wealth.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Stocks-- Most Americans Don't Benefit From Record Highs
Repost From 2018
When it comes to stocks they're not a great way to measure American incomes I'll explain why.
Only about 54% of Americans are invested in them through their retirements plans (like the 401's), mutual funds, pensions and so forth. Meaning some 46% are foreign owned. So when the stock market does well nearly half of it's wealth benefits investors in other countries.
92% of stocks are owned by 20% of the wealthiest investors. This means 80% are left to divvy 8% of the remaining wealth between themselves throughout the world. Since only 54% are American investors it appears not as many as we're lead to believe are benefiting.
Therefore I conclude the stock market does very little to benefit the average smuck unless they're in upper management receiving a profit sharing plan.
A Word About 401K Plans
In 2018 employees were allowed to contribute up to $18,500 a year. To my way of thinking workers are giving a good chunk back to the corporations. These companies can use this tax free money right now, On the other hand employees have only a piece of paper with numbers on it until they can start withdrawing their money at retirement. A lot can go wrong between now and then.
In my case I chose to keep my money, pay taxes on it now instead of later. Then using it to pay down ahead on my 30 year mortgage while setting some aside in FDIC insured savings accounts. The average return on of the S&P between 1973 and 2016 was 11.69%. That's all fine and dandy but when you're 70 1/2 and are forced to start taking money out (paying taxes on it) better hope it isn't a year stocks take a tumble or if tax rates should go up over what they are now.
Here's how I benefited on the mortgage alone.
My original 30 year mortgage was around 10%. Compounded over 30 years it would have totaled 315.92%. Divided evenly over 30 years it would have averaged 10.53%. Even if the average S&P' returns were 11.69% it wouldn't have included the fees I'd end up paying. Plus I wouldn't be able to get at my money to do what I did.
After a few years I refinanced the remaining balance on my mortgage at 6%. Instead of keeping the extra $700 I saved monthly I put in on the new mortgage. Hence being able to pay it off 10 years before retirement rather then still be paying on it for 8 years into my I retirement. Since it was paid off 10 years before I retired I was able to then use a chunk of that former mortgage payment for savings. Besides, who wants to pay a mortgage or ever escalating rents when they're on a fixed income if they can buy a house early enough?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Maybe someone is comfortable with a finance company holding their deed over them for 30 years while they gamble on the stock market. I wasn't. After I wised up I rolled over what ever little I had of my 401K into a no fee, no risk FDIC insured IRA savings account years ago. Good I did or it would have taken a shellacking in 2008. This along with some regular savings. This doesn't mean I'm well off by any means but it sure beats allowing others to manipulate what little assets I've accumulated.
When it comes to stocks they're not a great way to measure American incomes I'll explain why.
Only about 54% of Americans are invested in them through their retirements plans (like the 401's), mutual funds, pensions and so forth. Meaning some 46% are foreign owned. So when the stock market does well nearly half of it's wealth benefits investors in other countries.
92% of stocks are owned by 20% of the wealthiest investors. This means 80% are left to divvy 8% of the remaining wealth between themselves throughout the world. Since only 54% are American investors it appears not as many as we're lead to believe are benefiting.
Therefore I conclude the stock market does very little to benefit the average smuck unless they're in upper management receiving a profit sharing plan.
A Word About 401K Plans
In 2018 employees were allowed to contribute up to $18,500 a year. To my way of thinking workers are giving a good chunk back to the corporations. These companies can use this tax free money right now, On the other hand employees have only a piece of paper with numbers on it until they can start withdrawing their money at retirement. A lot can go wrong between now and then.
In my case I chose to keep my money, pay taxes on it now instead of later. Then using it to pay down ahead on my 30 year mortgage while setting some aside in FDIC insured savings accounts. The average return on of the S&P between 1973 and 2016 was 11.69%. That's all fine and dandy but when you're 70 1/2 and are forced to start taking money out (paying taxes on it) better hope it isn't a year stocks take a tumble or if tax rates should go up over what they are now.
Here's how I benefited on the mortgage alone.
My original 30 year mortgage was around 10%. Compounded over 30 years it would have totaled 315.92%. Divided evenly over 30 years it would have averaged 10.53%. Even if the average S&P' returns were 11.69% it wouldn't have included the fees I'd end up paying. Plus I wouldn't be able to get at my money to do what I did.
After a few years I refinanced the remaining balance on my mortgage at 6%. Instead of keeping the extra $700 I saved monthly I put in on the new mortgage. Hence being able to pay it off 10 years before retirement rather then still be paying on it for 8 years into my I retirement. Since it was paid off 10 years before I retired I was able to then use a chunk of that former mortgage payment for savings. Besides, who wants to pay a mortgage or ever escalating rents when they're on a fixed income if they can buy a house early enough?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Maybe someone is comfortable with a finance company holding their deed over them for 30 years while they gamble on the stock market. I wasn't. After I wised up I rolled over what ever little I had of my 401K into a no fee, no risk FDIC insured IRA savings account years ago. Good I did or it would have taken a shellacking in 2008. This along with some regular savings. This doesn't mean I'm well off by any means but it sure beats allowing others to manipulate what little assets I've accumulated.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Talking Heads Drive Me Crazy When...
Repost
.. conservatives constantly repeat over and over again what "those on the left" are thinking. Same goes for those on the left regarding those to the right and what they are thinking. I'm positive both sides have more then a adequate supply of hot air to speak for themselves.
Here a few clichรฉs that should immediately cause people to disregard anything said after spouting the following....It should be no wonder why most of those appearing on TV and the politicians themselves have law degrees. There's lots of tricks one can use in a debate. What each has in common is they are meant to belittle one's opponent. One of the most important lessons taught in schools of law is how to diminish an opponent's creditability.
There's no finer example then the scene in this film...
I am also acutely aware when I see these kind of debates in the media because of my experiences on this blog. 99% of the comments I get aren't about debating what I posted but rather personal attacks regarding my creditability. I block almost all of them. Hence why anyone coming to this blog will see so few of them.
The media makes a ton of money off this kind of discourse. It rarely serves to inform anyone. Rather it only serves to incite anger and further divisiveness. If they get a ratings boost when they do these type of debating antics they'll make more programs like them Which equates to more income for them.
I fail to see how this makes this country a better place when they air this kind of trash.
CLICK HERE or on the picture for more information from PBS-- "Wrath of the talking heads: How the ‘Outrage Industry’ affects politics"
.. conservatives constantly repeat over and over again what "those on the left" are thinking. Same goes for those on the left regarding those to the right and what they are thinking. I'm positive both sides have more then a adequate supply of hot air to speak for themselves.
Here a few clichรฉs that should immediately cause people to disregard anything said after spouting the following....It should be no wonder why most of those appearing on TV and the politicians themselves have law degrees. There's lots of tricks one can use in a debate. What each has in common is they are meant to belittle one's opponent. One of the most important lessons taught in schools of law is how to diminish an opponent's creditability.
I am also acutely aware when I see these kind of debates in the media because of my experiences on this blog. 99% of the comments I get aren't about debating what I posted but rather personal attacks regarding my creditability. I block almost all of them. Hence why anyone coming to this blog will see so few of them.
The media makes a ton of money off this kind of discourse. It rarely serves to inform anyone. Rather it only serves to incite anger and further divisiveness. If they get a ratings boost when they do these type of debating antics they'll make more programs like them Which equates to more income for them.
I fail to see how this makes this country a better place when they air this kind of trash.
CLICK HERE or on the picture for more information from PBS-- "Wrath of the talking heads: How the ‘Outrage Industry’ affects politics"
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Subcontracting GOTTEN WAY OUT HAND
Repost From 2016
In today's world."outsourcing" has become the name of the game.
Whether the words used are freelancing or outsourcing both mean the same thing. Companies no longer see themselves responsible for providing workers with a means for a steady income Nor necessarily for the quality work performed by the jobber they sent either. Chances are whatever goods or services a unsatisfied customer complains about will be told to take it up with the jobber the seller outsourced with.
This post was inspired when I came across this bit of information I wasn't aware of. According to THIS NEWS STORY (WFMZ) a car hit a pole knocking down wires. The piece goes on to say, "First responders and residents soon learned from a PPL representative on scene that PPL Electric Utilities just enacted new guidelines in which the company no longer responds to nor repairs downed lines... Instead, the company uses subcontractors to do repairs." << YOU SAY WHAT!
Broken Down Into Pieces
Today consumers can purchase generated electric separately from a handful of companies that don't know even what a generator looks like. Remember when PPL did it all. They owned mines, generators, buildings and employed all the workers needed (linemen included). If it weren't for PPL there wouldn't be a Lake Wallenpaupack. Over the years they (like other utilities) have split up the business into several divisions. Some which were sold off, including the lake. It was taken over by 'Talen Energy' on June 1, 2015. Then in order to comply with regulations Talen announced in the fall it would sell it to yet another energy company listed in Bermuda. They just took over ownership on April 1, 2016.
It's All A Facade
Even I could open a phone company by scraping some of the money off the top I wouldn't need to know a damn thing. I could hire an accountant, sales person, contract with a wholesale communications provider, hang a shingle outside and I'm good to go. The same way I could start doing online sales. Take an order, sign with a credit provider, some firm in China (who'll send the orders out) and again I'm good to go. Neither which would be much different then what these investor formed companies are doing these days.
What we have here is overhead receiving the rewards for the work borne on those who are skilled and doing the actual work. Sorry but I liked it better when we did things the other way. In the days workers took pride in representing the company, it's reputation and were actually employed fulltime by them. In return respected and compensated accordingly.
When companies only did one or two things very well.Because they didn't have their eggs scattered in two dozen places, they had to!
The problem today is too few give a crap. Why should they when companies can simply rent people, buildings and offices enabling them to easily pack up and leave. When workers aren't under threat of losing a permanent fulltime job or benefits they never were hired for or had in the first place. Now that's some recipe.
Speaking Of Jobs:
"The Truth About Temp Labor" (March 2014)
Some may call this progress.
Me, not so much.
In today's world."outsourcing" has become the name of the game.
Whether the words used are freelancing or outsourcing both mean the same thing. Companies no longer see themselves responsible for providing workers with a means for a steady income Nor necessarily for the quality work performed by the jobber they sent either. Chances are whatever goods or services a unsatisfied customer complains about will be told to take it up with the jobber the seller outsourced with.
This post was inspired when I came across this bit of information I wasn't aware of. According to THIS NEWS STORY (WFMZ) a car hit a pole knocking down wires. The piece goes on to say, "First responders and residents soon learned from a PPL representative on scene that PPL Electric Utilities just enacted new guidelines in which the company no longer responds to nor repairs downed lines... Instead, the company uses subcontractors to do repairs." << YOU SAY WHAT!
Broken Down Into Pieces
Today consumers can purchase generated electric separately from a handful of companies that don't know even what a generator looks like. Remember when PPL did it all. They owned mines, generators, buildings and employed all the workers needed (linemen included). If it weren't for PPL there wouldn't be a Lake Wallenpaupack. Over the years they (like other utilities) have split up the business into several divisions. Some which were sold off, including the lake. It was taken over by 'Talen Energy' on June 1, 2015. Then in order to comply with regulations Talen announced in the fall it would sell it to yet another energy company listed in Bermuda. They just took over ownership on April 1, 2016.
It's All A Facade
Even I could open a phone company by scraping some of the money off the top I wouldn't need to know a damn thing. I could hire an accountant, sales person, contract with a wholesale communications provider, hang a shingle outside and I'm good to go. The same way I could start doing online sales. Take an order, sign with a credit provider, some firm in China (who'll send the orders out) and again I'm good to go. Neither which would be much different then what these investor formed companies are doing these days.
What we have here is overhead receiving the rewards for the work borne on those who are skilled and doing the actual work. Sorry but I liked it better when we did things the other way. In the days workers took pride in representing the company, it's reputation and were actually employed fulltime by them. In return respected and compensated accordingly.
When companies only did one or two things very well.Because they didn't have their eggs scattered in two dozen places, they had to!
The problem today is too few give a crap. Why should they when companies can simply rent people, buildings and offices enabling them to easily pack up and leave. When workers aren't under threat of losing a permanent fulltime job or benefits they never were hired for or had in the first place. Now that's some recipe.
"The Truth About Temp Labor" (March 2014)
Some may call this progress.
Me, not so much.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
U.S. Senate Doesn't "Represent" Democracy Very Well
Repost From 2021
Certainly not the larger half of "The Will Of The People" as Mitch McConell would try having us believe.
minipost.com
U.S. Senate representation is deeply undemocratic—
and cannot be changed
"But, according to the calculation of Ian Millhiser, writing for Vox, if you add up the population of states and assign half to each of their two senators, “the Democratic half of the Senate represents 41,549,808 more people than the Republican half.”
If a state has two senators from the same party, he assigns that state’s population number to that party. If a state has one senator from each party, he assigns half the population to each party."
Think of this another way. Delaware has a population of around 974,000 people. California has around 39,510,000 people. Yet both receive representation by two members each in the senate. Call this a constitutional flaw if you will.
As you can see AOC is justified complaining. Mitch and the republicans know full well they represent about 41 1/2 million fewer of the population then democrats in the senate. This is one of the reasons conservatives of all stripes continually bash AOC. Her continued outspokenness makes them uncomfortable as hell. She shakes things up they'd rather not have exposed.
Now learn about the filibuster
This is how they killed the bill AOC was talking about
Certainly not the larger half of "The Will Of The People" as Mitch McConell would try having us believe.
Call me radical, but I do not believe a minority of Senators should be able to block voting rights for millions of people.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 23, 2021
But I guess I’m just from that far-left school of thought that legislation should pass when a majority of legislators vote for it https://t.co/NTtk28BwRs
U.S. Senate representation is deeply undemocratic—
and cannot be changed
If a state has two senators from the same party, he assigns that state’s population number to that party. If a state has one senator from each party, he assigns half the population to each party."
Think of this another way. Delaware has a population of around 974,000 people. California has around 39,510,000 people. Yet both receive representation by two members each in the senate. Call this a constitutional flaw if you will.
As you can see AOC is justified complaining. Mitch and the republicans know full well they represent about 41 1/2 million fewer of the population then democrats in the senate. This is one of the reasons conservatives of all stripes continually bash AOC. Her continued outspokenness makes them uncomfortable as hell. She shakes things up they'd rather not have exposed.
I understand we are not a "direct democracy" but rather suppose to be a "representative democracy". But we aren't truly a "representative democracy" in it's purest form either. Something to keep in mind next time Mitch claims he's only "representing the will of the American people". Well some of them maybe... not the majority he'd have us believe.
This is how they killed the bill AOC was talking about
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
55 Corporations Avoided $8.5 Billion In Federal Taxes
Repost From 2021
nypost.com
Dozens of America’s biggest companies paid no federal income taxes last year
"26 of them haven’t paid a penny in federal income tax in the three years since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reform bill was signed into law in 2017... In fact, 52 of those firms — including household names such as Nike, FedEx and Dish Network — ended up pocketing federal tax rebates worth a collective $3.5 billion"
Every time a Republican president gets into office (except Geo. H.W. Bush) the same thing happens. Ronald Reagan, tax cuts. Geo. W Bush, tax cuts. Trump, Tax cuts. Each promise these will more then make up for themselves. With GDP growth will come a influx of tax money. Yet as anyone can plainly see it never does.
Instead when the budget goes to pot it's up to Democrats try and bring the revenue back in. At this point Republicans then accuse Democrats of tax and spend. We've seen this time and again. Like riding on the same carousel round and round it never seems to get old. Republicans break the bank. Democrats fix it. Then Republicans break it again.. on and on it goes.
Dozens of America’s biggest companies paid no federal income taxes last year
Every time a Republican president gets into office (except Geo. H.W. Bush) the same thing happens. Ronald Reagan, tax cuts. Geo. W Bush, tax cuts. Trump, Tax cuts. Each promise these will more then make up for themselves. With GDP growth will come a influx of tax money. Yet as anyone can plainly see it never does.
Instead when the budget goes to pot it's up to Democrats try and bring the revenue back in. At this point Republicans then accuse Democrats of tax and spend. We've seen this time and again. Like riding on the same carousel round and round it never seems to get old. Republicans break the bank. Democrats fix it. Then Republicans break it again.. on and on it goes.
So here we are again. The federal budget is in a landslide. Republicans call for cuts mostly in social services and infrastructure. Now the post office too. When this happens federal state funding is reduced. This in turn trickles down to local governments. Who then in turn increase their taxes on all of us.
Some may argue well if corporations are forced to pay higher taxes they will just increase their prices. True, but they can only do it on their customers. The wealthier will buy more from them. The poorer less likely to do so (capitalism at work for raising revenue). States and cities on the other hand suffering lower federal funds will impose tax increases on all their citizens across the board rich or poor (socialistic taxation).
Rather then increasing taxes directly on the wealthy do so more indirectly by closing the loopholes corporations get away with. Obviously the wealthy are going to spend a lot more money thus paying more in taxes on the larger amount of goods they buy then the average worker.
This avoids the age old argument in congress against taxing the wealthy. Perhaps making it less toxic in order to reach some sort bipartisan agreement that won't upset either of their voters as otherwise would. Although I'm quite certain it would be a call-to-arms for corporate lobbyists who'd be the main obstacle to overcome.
This leaves the money changers to be later dealt with. That's a much heftier lift best left to discuss another time.
Monday, February 2, 2026
Artificial Intelligence A Threat Or Blessing?
Repost
First off before viewing the video I have a few thoughts. Don't I always :-)
First off before viewing the video I have a few thoughts. Don't I always :-)
I've stated before there is no such thing artificial intelligence. Intelligence.is simply what it is. There can be nothing artificial about it. Either things already in existence await our discovery or they do not. These cannot be created naturally or by any other means. New information can be increased and stored in whatever vessel it may so happen to occupy whether it involves humans or not Either way there's obviously nothing artificial going on here when it comes to the evolutional advancement of knowledge.
Of concern is.. will we have a place in the future if machines advance so far as to having no further dependency upon their makers. Will we become aware of such a point as to when machines, unbeknownst to us, taken over? After reaching a higher state will they be endowed with empathy for lower beings such as ourselves or having no need of it?
These are things of concern for development engineers going forward. With that, take a look at the video. See what you think.
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Death By Auto-Tune
Repost
Hard to know what is real anymore even when they're in concerts. Believe it or not I usually can tell the difference. Mostly because I have this same software which can do this on my computer.
Hard to know what is real anymore even when they're in concerts. Believe it or not I usually can tell the difference. Mostly because I have this same software which can do this on my computer.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
Washington D.C.- One Of America's Largest Retirement Communities
Repost
Aug 7, 2023
Soon to be headquarters for some of our nation's largest billonaires
What could go wrong?
Soon to be headquarters for some of our nation's largest billonaires
What could go wrong?
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Health Care: America vs. The World
Repost
PBS NewsHour (04/21/2021)
Hat's off to PBS for another well researched report. They reported both the good and bad.
Hat's off to PBS for another well researched report. They reported both the good and bad.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
What's Your Dream?
Repost
On April 4th, 1968 at 7:05 p.m. central time,
Dr. King's life was cut short by an assassin's bullet
#DreamStillLives
On April 4th, 1968 at 7:05 p.m. central time,
Dr. King's life was cut short by an assassin's bullet
#DreamStillLives
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Cursive Handwriting: Extinct As The Dodo Bird
Repost From 2013
As unbelievable as it sounds, many schools are no longer teaching kids to write in cursive. OK, so maybe it's not that unbelievable for a lot of younger folks, but it sure was shocking for me to learn of this.
"ABC5 KSTP (Minnesota)"
~ ~ ~ Let me start off my commentary with a little bit of my family history. My dad who was born in 1900 grew up on a farm about 4 miles to the West of Lehighton, Pennsylvania. He attended a one room school house with about 15 other kids that were of all ages. They either rode horses or walked to school. Conditions at the school required they help gather firewood to heat the school. Sweep out the school or even help with repairs. The older kids were required to tutor the younger kids in the grades below them while the teacher worked with older kids then they. 9th grade was considered the equivalent to today's H.S. graduation. So by the time he was about 14 or 15 he was done with his education and ready to go to work on the farm.
Keep in mind my dad finished his education way back in 1915. Yet when I went to school in the 50's and 60's he was able to help me with fractions, square root and some very basic algebra. And yes he knew how to write in longhand (cursive writing). Isn't it amazing with only 9 years education, despite the numerous chores that kids don't have to do at today's schools, he was still able to learn what kids are not being taught in many of today's schools.
How was it possible that my dad's one teacher back in the early 1900's could teach all 9 grade levels of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and history. This while seeing to it that the wood necessary to heat the room was supplied and the stove was stoked. The room and outhouse was cleaned and maintained. That the horses waiting outside were watered and fed during the day. You mean to tell me with the millions of dollar$ that we spend every year for a whole host of administrative experts, teacher assistants, day care, custodians, cafeteria workers, transportation and who knows what the hell else, we can't find the time to teach something so basic as handwriting?
You've got to be kidding!
Handwriting becoming a lost art as fewer schools teach cursive
By Diane D'Amico, Staff Writer | Press Of Atlantic City
By Diane D'Amico, Staff Writer | Press Of Atlantic City
Cursive handwriting being erased from public schools
By T. Rees Shapiro | The Washington Post
By T. Rees Shapiro | The Washington Post
The New Script for Teaching Handwriting Is No Script at All
By Valerie Buerlein | The Wall Street Journal
By Valerie Buerlein | The Wall Street Journal
Keep in mind my dad finished his education way back in 1915. Yet when I went to school in the 50's and 60's he was able to help me with fractions, square root and some very basic algebra. And yes he knew how to write in longhand (cursive writing). Isn't it amazing with only 9 years education, despite the numerous chores that kids don't have to do at today's schools, he was still able to learn what kids are not being taught in many of today's schools.
How was it possible that my dad's one teacher back in the early 1900's could teach all 9 grade levels of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and history. This while seeing to it that the wood necessary to heat the room was supplied and the stove was stoked. The room and outhouse was cleaned and maintained. That the horses waiting outside were watered and fed during the day. You mean to tell me with the millions of dollar$ that we spend every year for a whole host of administrative experts, teacher assistants, day care, custodians, cafeteria workers, transportation and who knows what the hell else, we can't find the time to teach something so basic as handwriting?
Monday, January 26, 2026
I Think I Am, Therefore I Am.. Not Necessarily
Repost
Philosopher John Searle addresses consciousness as a biological phenomenon
Chasing Our Own Tails The statement "I think, therefore I am" could be said to be awareness of oneself. Awareness is nothing more then a product of consciousness. Since without consciousness (in a unconscious state) there can be no such self awareness it can be said we don't exist unto ourselves under these conditions. However a person outside of our self is still consciously aware of our being while we are lay in a state of unconscious. So this doesn't mean that we don't exist, right? But where do we exist? In their consciousness not in our own under these conditions. So now we've become dependant on someone other then ourselves or what we call 'collective consciousness" for our continued existence.
Let's Take This All The Way To The Top In the beginning there could exist no self awareness nor consciousness within the creator since both are products of biological conditions (humans). In order to bring about conscious awareness the creator (God) would have to first create humans. However in order to do that the creator would have to first develop a plan. A plan which of course would require self awareness that it/she/he existed in the first place. All which at first seems could only come about after the creation of humans, not before. Seems we're in a paradoxical catch-22 situation, no?
What Came 1st Can't Be Lesser Then What Came After Scripture tells us the eye cannot see it's own self. Therefore it follows conscious awareness only exist as a reflection. That makes this "I think, therefore I am" nothing more then a reflection of something far larger going that cannot not possibly be understood by the human mind. If the only tool we have is our mind and it is operating within itself, it cannot possibly hope to understand what's truly going on through intellectual musings within it's own limited perimeters.. Back to that old catch 22 again, eh?
It is said everything that exist lay within all things that don't. The latter being far greater. Some lean on faith for what they cannot understand. Some simply block out anything they don't understand or care to think about. Still others make up things and declare them truths for what they can't comprehend. Each are much like the unconscious person I mentioned above.
There is yet another way to approach this (since no one can understand through one's human faculties). For the sake of definition I will call it 'taking a stance'. If one simply takes a stance (position) that the universe (and all the people in it both good and evil) is what it is and accepts that, one becomes more attune (one with it). Some religious philosophers called it surrendering to 'God's Will'. I'd rather think of it as leaving one's ego behind. Another way of saying it is 'going with the flow'.
All Our Troubles Begin With the 'Ego'
You Can't Beat The System 
The human 'ego' tries to beguile us into thinking we are lazy, surrendering or uncaring when we resist our inclinations to 'change the world'. Whenever human reasoning gives into the temptation to change the world, what results is conflict with others. Things like wars and social bickering with those who's minds will never adapt to our own views no matter how much we argue. Simply put our world and the universe is what it is. Accept the world for what it is or die trying to make it what we think it should be. Either way the world will be much the same way it was when we came into it as it will be when we leave it.
The short and long of it is, enjoy the ride while it last. Whoever or whatever the creator is/was or what ever evolves is larger then we who are only temporary reflections of that. To do otherwise would be like a shadow (reflection in a mirror) trying to outwit that which is standing before it.
Chasing Our Own Tails
It is said everything that exist lay within all things that don't. The latter being far greater. Some lean on faith for what they cannot understand. Some simply block out anything they don't understand or care to think about. Still others make up things and declare them truths for what they can't comprehend. Each are much like the unconscious person I mentioned above.
There is yet another way to approach this (since no one can understand through one's human faculties). For the sake of definition I will call it 'taking a stance'. If one simply takes a stance (position) that the universe (and all the people in it both good and evil) is what it is and accepts that, one becomes more attune (one with it). Some religious philosophers called it surrendering to 'God's Will'. I'd rather think of it as leaving one's ego behind. Another way of saying it is 'going with the flow'.
You Can't Beat The System
The short and long of it is, enjoy the ride while it last. Whoever or whatever the creator is/was or what ever evolves is larger then we who are only temporary reflections of that. To do otherwise would be like a shadow (reflection in a mirror) trying to outwit that which is standing before it.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026
What The Radicals On The Left Still Believe
Repost
Pretty crazy ideas, eh?
The right to a decent home.
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) March 27, 2019
The right to adequate medical care.
The right to a good education.
This is FDR’s ‘Second Bill of Rights’ we’re still fighting for today. pic.twitter.com/gXs42SjhfQ
Pretty crazy ideas, eh?
Thursday, January 22, 2026
"Tigre Stone" Road Printer
Repost
I imagine tourist who visit the Netherlands are impressed with the ornate brick roads, but how do they construct them?
The answer is by using the electrically powered Vanku "Tigre Stone" road printing machine.
This certainly is a lot more ergonomically advantageous then working on one's knees.
I imagine tourist who visit the Netherlands are impressed with the ornate brick roads, but how do they construct them?
The answer is by using the electrically powered Vanku "Tigre Stone" road printing machine.
This certainly is a lot more ergonomically advantageous then working on one's knees.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Do We Exist ? (Part 2)
Repost
I'm following up on a post I made back on August 27, 2014 entitled "Do We Exist? Although a long time coming this a follow up to it. Mostly because I'm tired of political postings for the time being. The premise I'm building on is the possibly we and the universe could be nothing more then a simulation much like some of our computer driven software we humans have already devised.
"Descartes claimed that he could definitively prove he existed, by concluding. “I think therefore I am". I read a lot of his work but don't think this proves a thing.
Just what if we humans devised a sophisticated software program in which the computer too believed itself to be capable of independent thought? Given whatever was encoded it could well have concluded itself to be conscious of itself having no other references other then whatever limitations programmers had given it to work with.
But wait you say. How about I punch you in he mouth, will you not feel pain? Well yeah if that was part of the software program. Today's programmers could easily make a computer respond to pressure, heat or just about any stimuli we wanted it to. Which then the question arises, What is reality? Yeah good question!
Ray Kurzweil - Are We Living in a Simulation?
A whole lot more on this subject can be found here, "The Holographic Universe"
If a computer were programmed sophisticated enough it too might begin to question who was it's creator. Of course that would be impossible if it (or we) were programmed with limitations. Today's fear is one day artificial intelligence might supersede us. Our own creator might have had those same concerns. Therefore if we live in a simulation it would be impossible to discover what true reality is.
I'm following up on a post I made back on August 27, 2014 entitled "Do We Exist? Although a long time coming this a follow up to it. Mostly because I'm tired of political postings for the time being. The premise I'm building on is the possibly we and the universe could be nothing more then a simulation much like some of our computer driven software we humans have already devised.
"Descartes claimed that he could definitively prove he existed, by concluding. “I think therefore I am". I read a lot of his work but don't think this proves a thing.
Just what if we humans devised a sophisticated software program in which the computer too believed itself to be capable of independent thought? Given whatever was encoded it could well have concluded itself to be conscious of itself having no other references other then whatever limitations programmers had given it to work with.
But wait you say. How about I punch you in he mouth, will you not feel pain? Well yeah if that was part of the software program. Today's programmers could easily make a computer respond to pressure, heat or just about any stimuli we wanted it to. Which then the question arises, What is reality? Yeah good question!
A whole lot more on this subject can be found here, "The Holographic Universe"
If a computer were programmed sophisticated enough it too might begin to question who was it's creator. Of course that would be impossible if it (or we) were programmed with limitations. Today's fear is one day artificial intelligence might supersede us. Our own creator might have had those same concerns. Therefore if we live in a simulation it would be impossible to discover what true reality is.
Monday, January 19, 2026
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!
Sunday, January 18, 2026
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
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Here's Where Rap Got It Roots From
Repost
Here's one of the early rappers- Jimmy Dean
Joe Casey died June 22, 2012. He was a square dance caller for 62 years throughout New England and New York.
Bet many of ya didn't know anything about the roots of rap did cha?
:-)
Friday, January 16, 2026
Another Pyramids Theory
Repost
This video has over 15 million views. Looks like I'm not the only one who found it interesting. I came across it when I was researching the contents of granite stone. The type of stone widely used by ancient builders. I discovered usually 50% of it is composed of quartz. Was it because of it's piezoelectric properties? And that's what led me to this...
Makes you wonder doesn't it?
This video has over 15 million views. Looks like I'm not the only one who found it interesting. I came across it when I was researching the contents of granite stone. The type of stone widely used by ancient builders. I discovered usually 50% of it is composed of quartz. Was it because of it's piezoelectric properties? And that's what led me to this...
Makes you wonder doesn't it?
Thursday, January 15, 2026
My Opinion Of Computer Self Driving Cars
Repost
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Trump Says We Absolutly Need Greenland
Greenland is 2,500 to 3,100 miles away from Russia depending on the specific points in each territory. If only we had something closer, like let's say 90 miles?
Maybe use satellite observations?
Wonder Why People Want Medicare For All?
Repost
I agree. I've never been happier since I'm on Medicare. My past experience with private insurance sucked!
I agree. I've never been happier since I'm on Medicare. My past experience with private insurance sucked!
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
How Big Is The Ocean?
Repost
Before I watched the following video it brought back a memory of mine. When we went on our first cruise we had to fly to Puerto Rico over the Atlantic Ocean.
As we flew at 30,000+ feet I stared out the cabin window for at least an hour trying to catch a glimpse of something below.
At some 6 miles above the Earth one can see 100's of square miles of surface below. One would think I'd have spotted at least one vessel. Perhaps a small plot of land. SOMETHING? ANYTHING? NADA!
My perception of just how huge and remote this Earth can be changed that morning. My imagination wandered into thoughts of the near impossibility for rescue in this remote area if one were to be run into trouble even if the plane were to survive the impact. This wasn't fear, but more like 'wow we sure are in the middle of nowhere'. Throughout my life there's been a tree, a street or building. There's no way one could orient themselves when there's nothing to orient to. There's something new and weird about being humbled by the sheer vastness of it all.
I did this same kind of observation aboard the ship some 11 decks above sea level. Except for occasionally spotting a passing ship I saw nothing. For me personally when it comes to the size of the sea I have a much greater appreciation of it then I did before that trip.
I was left with an sensation of how small we are in all of this vastness of this the Earth we call home. It also showed me how dependant we all are on familiar surroundings. So as you can see this wasn't just some trip, but also an opportunity to reflect, absorb and add to my experience in this life and the weirdness that ensues when we're removed from our everyday environment.
So when it comes to the question how big is the ocean, these thoughts best describe my personal sense of it.
Scott Gass
Video Courtesy "TED Ed"
As we flew at 30,000+ feet I stared out the cabin window for at least an hour trying to catch a glimpse of something below.
At some 6 miles above the Earth one can see 100's of square miles of surface below. One would think I'd have spotted at least one vessel. Perhaps a small plot of land. SOMETHING? ANYTHING? NADA!
My perception of just how huge and remote this Earth can be changed that morning. My imagination wandered into thoughts of the near impossibility for rescue in this remote area if one were to be run into trouble even if the plane were to survive the impact. This wasn't fear, but more like 'wow we sure are in the middle of nowhere'. Throughout my life there's been a tree, a street or building. There's no way one could orient themselves when there's nothing to orient to. There's something new and weird about being humbled by the sheer vastness of it all.
I did this same kind of observation aboard the ship some 11 decks above sea level. Except for occasionally spotting a passing ship I saw nothing. For me personally when it comes to the size of the sea I have a much greater appreciation of it then I did before that trip.
I was left with an sensation of how small we are in all of this vastness of this the Earth we call home. It also showed me how dependant we all are on familiar surroundings. So as you can see this wasn't just some trip, but also an opportunity to reflect, absorb and add to my experience in this life and the weirdness that ensues when we're removed from our everyday environment.
So when it comes to the question how big is the ocean, these thoughts best describe my personal sense of it.
Video Courtesy "TED Ed"
Monday, January 12, 2026
News Flash: It's Cold Out
Repost
No matter whether it's CNN, WFMZ, WPIX, FOX, MSNBC, WPHL, WPVI, WCAU, WTXF, KYW, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC or any other radio, TV station or newspaper they all report over and over again it's cold.
I kinda figured that out on my own.
Not only that but it was dark out too.
Why aren't they reporting that!!
Every night and day it's the same thing no matter where I turn, for 20 minutes out of the hour we get the weather. Here's something I come to learn over the years, In the Winter it gets cold. Sometimes it even snows. Imagine that!
The reason I turn on the news is to get news... not the weather. Yeah I'm kind of funny that way.
Take your typical newscast. About 10 minutes of each half hour is filled with ads. Another 5 minutes of sports. 5 minutes of puff pieces and at least 5 minutes of weather. That leaves only 5 minutes for actual news. Sometimes even most of those five minutes are eaten up byreporters news celebrities freezing their tooshies off next to a salt pile or along side the snowiest street they come across..
It takes 4 years in college, lots of luck and another 10 years to land a job in a major news market. This cost TV stations a lot of money. May I suggest instead TV producers give a couple of homeless people a camera and a microphone and let them report on the weather. They have far more experience and expertise when it comes to reporting on homeless shelters and street reporting in the Winter anyway. After all they're the real experts when it comes to this, no?
Better yet, maybe the newscasts should be cancelled like the schools and businesses since they obviously don't have intentions of reporting the news in bad weather anyway.
Never mind.
Last night after channel surfing I already cancelled them by turning off the TV and going to bed. It was a better use of my time :-)
No matter whether it's CNN, WFMZ, WPIX, FOX, MSNBC, WPHL, WPVI, WCAU, WTXF, KYW, MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC or any other radio, TV station or newspaper they all report over and over again it's cold.
I kinda figured that out on my own.
Not only that but it was dark out too.
Why aren't they reporting that!!
Every night and day it's the same thing no matter where I turn, for 20 minutes out of the hour we get the weather. Here's something I come to learn over the years, In the Winter it gets cold. Sometimes it even snows. Imagine that!
The reason I turn on the news is to get news... not the weather. Yeah I'm kind of funny that way.
Take your typical newscast. About 10 minutes of each half hour is filled with ads. Another 5 minutes of sports. 5 minutes of puff pieces and at least 5 minutes of weather. That leaves only 5 minutes for actual news. Sometimes even most of those five minutes are eaten up by
It takes 4 years in college, lots of luck and another 10 years to land a job in a major news market. This cost TV stations a lot of money. May I suggest instead TV producers give a couple of homeless people a camera and a microphone and let them report on the weather. They have far more experience and expertise when it comes to reporting on homeless shelters and street reporting in the Winter anyway. After all they're the real experts when it comes to this, no?
Better yet, maybe the newscasts should be cancelled like the schools and businesses since they obviously don't have intentions of reporting the news in bad weather anyway.
Never mind.
Last night after channel surfing I already cancelled them by turning off the TV and going to bed. It was a better use of my time :-)
Sunday, January 11, 2026
HUMOR: How To Avoid The Flu
Repost
~OR~
My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass beats one in the ass!"
Eat right. Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C.
Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day, and go for a swim.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.
Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible.
Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.
Get plenty of rest.
Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day, and go for a swim.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Wash your hands often. If you can't wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around.
Get lots of fresh air. Open doors & windows whenever possible.
Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.
Get plenty of rest.
~OR~
Take your doctor's approach.
Think about it... When you go for a shot, what do they do first? They clean your arm with alcohol...Why? Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS.
So.......
I walk to the liquor store. (exercise)
I put lime in my Corona...(fruit)
Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio..(fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh....(eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)
The way I see it... If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!
Think about it... When you go for a shot, what do they do first? They clean your arm with alcohol...Why? Because Alcohol KILLS GERMS.
So.......
I walk to the liquor store. (exercise)
I put lime in my Corona...(fruit)Celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies)
Drink outdoors on the bar patio..(fresh air)
Tell jokes, laugh....(eliminate stress)
Then pass out. (rest)
The way I see it... If you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can't get you!
My grandmother always said, "A shot in the glass beats one in the ass!"
Saturday, January 10, 2026
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?
Friday, January 9, 2026
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
#askthewhitehouse: Immigration Reform (Obama Adminstration)
Repost From 2019
Unlike Trump's Twitter feeds the Obama administration once hosted podcasts where people were allowed to interact with the White House directly. This one was on December 11, 2013 where Vice President Joe Biden and Cecilia Muรฑoz, the President's Domestic Policy Advisor, answered questions about immigration reform live via Skype. I think this one will give us a idea where Joe Biden stood on immigration.
We've all seen Trump speak a million times with reporters and at his rallies. How refreshing it would be to see him do one of these. My how times have changed!
If anyone's interested the Obama White House on YouTube still maintains a large archive.
Senate Passage: The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of eight senators known as the "Gang of Eight" and passed the Senate on June 27, 2013, with a 68–32 vote. House Outcome: The Republican-led House of Representatives, under Speaker John Boehner, declined to bring the bill to a vote. It ultimately expired at the end of the 113th Congress.
Unlike Trump's Twitter feeds the Obama administration once hosted podcasts where people were allowed to interact with the White House directly. This one was on December 11, 2013 where Vice President Joe Biden and Cecilia Muรฑoz, the President's Domestic Policy Advisor, answered questions about immigration reform live via Skype. I think this one will give us a idea where Joe Biden stood on immigration.
We've all seen Trump speak a million times with reporters and at his rallies. How refreshing it would be to see him do one of these. My how times have changed!
If anyone's interested the Obama White House on YouTube still maintains a large archive.
Senate Passage: The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of eight senators known as the "Gang of Eight" and passed the Senate on June 27, 2013, with a 68–32 vote. House Outcome: The Republican-led House of Representatives, under Speaker John Boehner, declined to bring the bill to a vote. It ultimately expired at the end of the 113th Congress.
Capitalism On Steroids
Repost
A bunch are calling for unrestricted capitalism. Some on the other side have an over abundance of socialist ideas. Here's the way I see it. Why can't we have something in between these two extremes. For instance, here's a few ideas... I could go on but I'm sure many readers didn't bother reading this far. Suffice it to say it's come to the point of ridiculous between the rich, poor and what remains of the middle class. We can either standby and watch the few accumulate ALL the marbles or somewhat level the playing field. My point of view is no human is so valuable they deserve 100,000's the worth then those who labor under them. There's no justification this. It's flat out capitalism allowed to run amuck.
Who Is Gonna Fix This?
Don't think for a second it'll come from a change of heart by those at the top of the food chain. They'll keep feeding guilt on those below them on which to feast that somehow they are being envious, greedy, unpatriotic or even socialists for questioning why they deserve part of what these fat cats feel entitled to. I'm not encouraging rebellion nor anger. All I'm simply asking is people get out and vote for people like Bernie Sanders and others this November. Candidates who see through this facade and will make the changes necessary before we all end up living in tents working 60 hours a week. (That's not an exaggeration for many).
Pissed Off?
THEN
Here's The Disgusting Thing...
I'll bet 90% never read this whole post.
99.99% won't leave a comment.
A bunch are calling for unrestricted capitalism. Some on the other side have an over abundance of socialist ideas. Here's the way I see it. Why can't we have something in between these two extremes. For instance, here's a few ideas... I could go on but I'm sure many readers didn't bother reading this far. Suffice it to say it's come to the point of ridiculous between the rich, poor and what remains of the middle class. We can either standby and watch the few accumulate ALL the marbles or somewhat level the playing field. My point of view is no human is so valuable they deserve 100,000's the worth then those who labor under them. There's no justification this. It's flat out capitalism allowed to run amuck.
Who Is Gonna Fix This?
Don't think for a second it'll come from a change of heart by those at the top of the food chain. They'll keep feeding guilt on those below them on which to feast that somehow they are being envious, greedy, unpatriotic or even socialists for questioning why they deserve part of what these fat cats feel entitled to. I'm not encouraging rebellion nor anger. All I'm simply asking is people get out and vote for people like Bernie Sanders and others this November. Candidates who see through this facade and will make the changes necessary before we all end up living in tents working 60 hours a week. (That's not an exaggeration for many).
Pissed Off?
THEN
Here's The Disgusting Thing...
I'll bet 90% never read this whole post.
99.99% won't leave a comment.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Why The World Is Going Crazy
Repost
A lot of food for thought. The way I see this all that was said can be defined with one word, "CHILL". Do things like fishing, music or what ever else brings peace to a troubled mind. The world has always been filled with troubles. It's when we become too attached trying to resolve these conflict arises.
Like the song says...
Sage Advice
Therein lies most of today's problems. Many people simply don't know when it's best to stand down. There are troubled souls living on this Earth who are nourished by hatred and anger. The more of it the stronger they become. The less they are fed, the less will be.
Each individual has the opportunity to decide for themselves which path they pursue. One emboldening discontent. The other insuring a way to a more peaceful existence. Both will most decidedly produce results for the actions each person resolves to take.
A lot of food for thought. The way I see this all that was said can be defined with one word, "CHILL". Do things like fishing, music or what ever else brings peace to a troubled mind. The world has always been filled with troubles. It's when we become too attached trying to resolve these conflict arises.
Sage Advice
Therein lies most of today's problems. Many people simply don't know when it's best to stand down. There are troubled souls living on this Earth who are nourished by hatred and anger. The more of it the stronger they become. The less they are fed, the less will be.
Each individual has the opportunity to decide for themselves which path they pursue. One emboldening discontent. The other insuring a way to a more peaceful existence. Both will most decidedly produce results for the actions each person resolves to take.
Monday, January 5, 2026
Senior Humor From The eMail Inbox
Repost
$5.37... That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher.
Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change
When the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount." I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.
I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet?
Senior citizen?
I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind?
As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, And there he was waiting with a smile. Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, Like I could be that easily distracted!
What am I now?
A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, hey?"
I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind! "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!" I turned and headed back to the truck.
I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.
That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. Then, a few other objects came into focus: The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten dough nut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.
Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, Relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, Only it was nowhere to be found. I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, And strode back into the restaurant one final time.
There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, And then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits. Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck.
Suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and rink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40 mph zone. Yessss, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast. As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket.
I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey. The good news was that I had successfully found my way home.
Notice the larger type?
That's for those of us who have trouble reading.
(By the way did I email you this already?)
$5.37... That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change
When the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount." I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.
I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet?
Senior citizen?
I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind?
As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me? I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, And there he was waiting with a smile. Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, Like I could be that easily distracted!
What am I now?
A toddler?
"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, hey?"
I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind! "Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!" I turned and headed back to the truck.
I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.
That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. Then, a few other objects came into focus: The car seat in the back seat. Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard. A partially eaten dough nut on the dashboard. Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.
Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, Relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, Only it was nowhere to be found. I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, And strode back into the restaurant one final time.
There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?" All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, And then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits. Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck.
Suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake." I took the food and rink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized. She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40 mph zone. Yessss, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast. As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket.
I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey. The good news was that I had successfully found my way home.
Notice the larger type?
That's for those of us who have trouble reading.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Remembering Some Of Those Busby Berkeley Musicals
Repost
I'm really impressed by music no matter which era. Seems to me we could do with far more musical movies then what is being produced today. If I had ever lived a previous life it probably was back in the 30's long before I was born into this life. Most certainly these bring me more pleasure then much I'm seeing around present day. These take me to my happy place. I often said when I die I hope to be taken to a place surrounded by all kinds of music day and night forever.Too big an ask?
BTW as a reminder: This blog is about near anything and everything. Not just opinions and piss me offs :-)
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Before you leave check out my other posts.
All too many times people arrive here seeking out a single post from whatever link led them here never taking the time to look at my other stuff. Some of these other posts might interest you as well.
I'm really impressed by music no matter which era. Seems to me we could do with far more musical movies then what is being produced today. If I had ever lived a previous life it probably was back in the 30's long before I was born into this life. Most certainly these bring me more pleasure then much I'm seeing around present day. These take me to my happy place. I often said when I die I hope to be taken to a place surrounded by all kinds of music day and night forever.Too big an ask?
BTW as a reminder: This blog is about near anything and everything. Not just opinions and piss me offs :-)
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Before you leave check out my other posts.
All too many times people arrive here seeking out a single post from whatever link led them here never taking the time to look at my other stuff. Some of these other posts might interest you as well.
Friday, January 2, 2026
Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole Warm Song For Cold January
Repost
Israel "IZ" Kaสปanoสปi Kamakawiwoสปole was a Hawaiian musician.
In January 2020 I posted, Ever Hear Of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole?. A documentary along with a 49 minute clip of his performances. He died at 38 from respiratory failure June 26, 1997. May God bless his beautiful soul.
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Israel "IZ" Kaสปanoสปi Kamakawiwoสปole was a Hawaiian musician.
In January 2020 I posted, Ever Hear Of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole?. A documentary along with a 49 minute clip of his performances. He died at 38 from respiratory failure June 26, 1997. May God bless his beautiful soul.
Check back often. Better yet subscribe. You never know what you'll find next on this blog. Entertainment, science, technology, humor, everything in between and more.
Thursday, January 1, 2026
My New Year Resolutions
Well actually I have only one resolution. The same one I had for the last ten years or so-- Not to make any. This for a couple of reasons. First off if I don't MAKE any I can't BREAK any. The second reason--I kind of figure after 77 years I ain't gonna change anyways. Why kid myself. I've always smoked, drank and sweared. Made it this far. So why not?
With that said-- here's to hoping 2026 will be a more compassionate caring and empathic world then the one we've experienced in 2025.
Happy New Year From LVCI
With that said-- here's to hoping 2026 will be a more compassionate caring and empathic world then the one we've experienced in 2025.
New Years eve With Guy Lombardo 1976-1977
Guy passed away on November 05, 1977 at 75 years old
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