Amazing what 'AI' can do!
A Blog About Anything & Everything.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
Government Screwing Over 70 Million On Social Security
Repulicans hated this program from day one.
Newt Gingrich once said.. "We need to let it wither on the vine". So it seems nothing will ever chnage with them. This is another way of trying to bury Social Security.
2060: Security Agencies Perplexed By Cryptic Communications
Repost
It's the year 2060. Intelligence agencies are dumbfounded by communication exchanges they've uncovered. Intelligence officers said they've never come across anything like this in over the last 50 years.
Although they've been privy to millions of terabytes of online data exchanges for decades this one has them stumped.
Despite winning court cases forcing electronic manufacturers into cooperating, they too said they could be of no use either. A team of archeologists has now been called in. The hopes are they may be of use decrypting what appears to experts to be some sort of ancient longhand way of expressing words. Some scholars suggested perhaps in the past fourth graders might have used this type of parchment to make spitballs as a rudimentary form of communication.
Officials are asking for the public's help. Anyone who can figure out the following released text needs to call authorities as soon as possible. It could be a threat to our national security.
It's the year 2060. Intelligence agencies are dumbfounded by communication exchanges they've uncovered. Intelligence officers said they've never come across anything like this in over the last 50 years.
Although they've been privy to millions of terabytes of online data exchanges for decades this one has them stumped.
Despite winning court cases forcing electronic manufacturers into cooperating, they too said they could be of no use either. A team of archeologists has now been called in. The hopes are they may be of use decrypting what appears to experts to be some sort of ancient longhand way of expressing words. Some scholars suggested perhaps in the past fourth graders might have used this type of parchment to make spitballs as a rudimentary form of communication.
Officials are asking for the public's help. Anyone who can figure out the following released text needs to call authorities as soon as possible. It could be a threat to our national security.
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Strange Behavior Of Electrons
Repost
My Comments 
This is some real Nikola Tesla stuff. Nikola spent his life trying to find a way of distributing electricity without wires. While this may not solve that problem on a large scale it certainly demonstrates it's possible at a micro level.
See the thing about electricity is no one fully understands what it is to this day. Sure we can move electrons from one place to another, but we still don't understand exactly what electromagnetic force is. We know it's effects and have used it for all the electronics in use today. Things like our appliances and so forth.
One of the greatest inventions is the MRI scanner. We know electromagnetism can move electrons. In the case of MRI imaging we are using electrons to create magnetic fields. Yet no one understands exactly what a EMF is. This discovery now further deeps the quantum mystery how EMF is able to do what it does and exactly what it is.
Being familiar with electronics I'm not quite sure what scientist find so amazing Anyone who works with electronics understands the capacitors we use build a charge on one plate. At some point (depending on frequency and charge) the other plate discharges without any electrons passing between the surfaces. Inductor coils (transformers) work the same way. Maybe I'm missing something. Is it because they've archived this using direct current since both capacitors and inductors only work in alternating currents?
They stated "electrons are caught mysteriously disappearing". Something which would not happen with inductors nor capacitors using direct current. So if scientists claim electrons can be made to appear and disappear under those conditions--this is really something.
We all understand how electrons and protons can influence magnetic forces. What remains to be discovered if neither existed would there still remain a potential magnetic force. One which could in of itself bring material into existence. If so--could it be physical existence is nothing more then an expression of intense magnetic forces condensing to form mass as we know it?
Although the word quantum has been used it seems to me this goes back to the very basic fact we know nothing of magnetic forces. We can create them and use them but still can't explain them. Quantum seems like a nice word to throw around these days whenever we can't explain these magnetic forces even though we've known about them for thousands of years. But hey--whatever floats your boat.
In the end when you cut to the chase--quantum is really a nice catchall intellectual word used by baffled scientists in avoidance to having to explain "conundrums" they may never figure out.
Makes it sound a lot more professional doesn't it :-)
Electrons are caught mysteriously disappearing and reappearing in atoms in breakthrough that could lead to the 'next generation of electronics'
Harry Pettit | Daily Mail
Harry Pettit | Daily Mail
This is some real Nikola Tesla stuff. Nikola spent his life trying to find a way of distributing electricity without wires. While this may not solve that problem on a large scale it certainly demonstrates it's possible at a micro level.
See the thing about electricity is no one fully understands what it is to this day. Sure we can move electrons from one place to another, but we still don't understand exactly what electromagnetic force is. We know it's effects and have used it for all the electronics in use today. Things like our appliances and so forth.
One of the greatest inventions is the MRI scanner. We know electromagnetism can move electrons. In the case of MRI imaging we are using electrons to create magnetic fields. Yet no one understands exactly what a EMF is. This discovery now further deeps the quantum mystery how EMF is able to do what it does and exactly what it is.
Being familiar with electronics I'm not quite sure what scientist find so amazing Anyone who works with electronics understands the capacitors we use build a charge on one plate. At some point (depending on frequency and charge) the other plate discharges without any electrons passing between the surfaces. Inductor coils (transformers) work the same way. Maybe I'm missing something. Is it because they've archived this using direct current since both capacitors and inductors only work in alternating currents?
They stated "electrons are caught mysteriously disappearing". Something which would not happen with inductors nor capacitors using direct current. So if scientists claim electrons can be made to appear and disappear under those conditions--this is really something.
We all understand how electrons and protons can influence magnetic forces. What remains to be discovered if neither existed would there still remain a potential magnetic force. One which could in of itself bring material into existence. If so--could it be physical existence is nothing more then an expression of intense magnetic forces condensing to form mass as we know it?
Although the word quantum has been used it seems to me this goes back to the very basic fact we know nothing of magnetic forces. We can create them and use them but still can't explain them. Quantum seems like a nice word to throw around these days whenever we can't explain these magnetic forces even though we've known about them for thousands of years. But hey--whatever floats your boat.
In the end when you cut to the chase--quantum is really a nice catchall intellectual word used by baffled scientists in avoidance to having to explain "conundrums" they may never figure out.
Makes it sound a lot more professional doesn't it :-)
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Recommended Reading
Repost
Here's several recent books I finished reading. Perhaps you might enjoy them as well.
Here's several recent books I finished reading. Perhaps you might enjoy them as well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Here's The Greenest Option For Unused Medicine
Repost
"....researchers at the University of Michigan, writing this week in Environmental Science and Technology, say they've determined that trashing drugs, paradoxically, may be the most environmentally-friendly option...
...Drugs collected by take-back programs are incinerated, which means none of the medicines themselves enter the environment. But the programs produce much greater emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants than either flushing or trashing...."
Trash Can May Be Greenest
Option For Unused Drugs
by Ted Burnham | NPR
Option For Unused Drugs
by Ted Burnham | NPR
...Drugs collected by take-back programs are incinerated, which means none of the medicines themselves enter the environment. But the programs produce much greater emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants than either flushing or trashing...."
Monday, May 18, 2026
A Bigger Lehigh Valley Isn't Better (Repost)
When bigger isn't better
For decades we've had it drummed into our heads growth will make the Lehigh Valley a better place to live. This has always defied my reasoning. We construct more buildings. More people come. More people means build more buildings in a never ending circle.
Initially transplants located here to enjoy the rich rural scenery and enjoy a lower paced life style then the one they left behind. Many purchased single homes away from the hustle and bustle. A few years later dozens of homes popped up around them no longer offering the tranquil settings they once enjoyed.
Soon larger highways were needed. Larger highways with better accessibility began to attract larger business. Shortly thereafter industrial parks began to spring up around them. More industrial parks attracted more people. More people needed more homes.
More people meant more stores. More stores meant ever more traffic headaches and yes more people too.
As result the Lehigh Valley has become nearly identical to what many tried to escape from. Five miles outside of town where farm fields once were plowed there are now townhouses, apartments and single homes spread twenty feet apart in ever increasing numbers. One industrial park after another is continuously being built. Accident prone highways are now jammed at rush hours despite the ever continuous expansion of them.
Quality Over Quantity
Allentown once attracted 10,000's to Hamilton Street long before we had these humongous eyesores built downtown. If you look at today's pedestrian traffic on Hamilton Street it should become obvious to everyone no matter how many or how tall you build them new people arriving here are going to fill up more of what's left of former farmers' fields before considering a visit to downtown.
One would think with all this fabulous growth schools and local government funding would benefit. Instead both are faced with ever increasing budget deficits. Despite the figures we've been told, do people feel safer then they did before all this growth no matter the area?
In short all this growth nonsense is a bunch of hooey in my view. All one need do is look at who's promoting and benefiting from it.
We had all we needed. Trains, farm orchards, amusement parks, etc.
It wasn't as though we lived in the dark ages.
Initially transplants located here to enjoy the rich rural scenery and enjoy a lower paced life style then the one they left behind. Many purchased single homes away from the hustle and bustle. A few years later dozens of homes popped up around them no longer offering the tranquil settings they once enjoyed.
Soon larger highways were needed. Larger highways with better accessibility began to attract larger business. Shortly thereafter industrial parks began to spring up around them. More industrial parks attracted more people. More people needed more homes.
More people meant more stores. More stores meant ever more traffic headaches and yes more people too.
As result the Lehigh Valley has become nearly identical to what many tried to escape from. Five miles outside of town where farm fields once were plowed there are now townhouses, apartments and single homes spread twenty feet apart in ever increasing numbers. One industrial park after another is continuously being built. Accident prone highways are now jammed at rush hours despite the ever continuous expansion of them.
Quality Over Quantity
Allentown once attracted 10,000's to Hamilton Street long before we had these humongous eyesores built downtown. If you look at today's pedestrian traffic on Hamilton Street it should become obvious to everyone no matter how many or how tall you build them new people arriving here are going to fill up more of what's left of former farmers' fields before considering a visit to downtown.
One would think with all this fabulous growth schools and local government funding would benefit. Instead both are faced with ever increasing budget deficits. Despite the figures we've been told, do people feel safer then they did before all this growth no matter the area?
In short all this growth nonsense is a bunch of hooey in my view. All one need do is look at who's promoting and benefiting from it.
We had all we needed. Trains, farm orchards, amusement parks, etc.
It wasn't as though we lived in the dark ages.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Lovely Evening In Allentown
We can now finally leave our windows open when we sleep. This was just before 1:00 AM this morning (05/17/2026)...
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Peter Santenello | Inside Wealthy Arkansas
BENTONVILLE Arkansas is known for many things, but a thriving economy with a massive population boom usually isn’t one of them. Today we’re heading into Northwest Arkansas, one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, to get on the ground with the locals and see what all the buzz is about.
Friday, May 15, 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.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Something I Noticed About Electric Consumption
Rep[ost
Over the hot spell I noticed that my electrical voltage dropped back to around 115 volts in the day. At night it returned to around 120 volts. Now it may seem like 4.17%. isn't a big deal, but consider this. The average 10,000 air conditioner uses from 8 to 10 amperes. The wattage (that which you pay for in your electric bill) used is between 960 watts and 1,200 watts to power this size air conditioner when voltage is at 120 volts. However at 115 volts the power consumed then becomes between 920 watts and 1,150 watts. (Power=Voltage x Current).
When the utility company reduces power the wattage that you are billed is reduced accordingly. This on the surface seems fair since I am getting less I am therefore paying less. However here's the rub. At 115 volts you are getting only 9,583 BTU's worth of cooling out of the 10,000 BTU's the air conditioner was designed to deliver. OK, so you say what's the problem with that, the AC will run 4.17% longer to get to where it needs to go. NOT SO!
I don't want to get all technical, but the fact of the matter is that electric motors lose efficiency (horsepower) when their voltages are reduced. This isn't in direct proportion to the 4.17% we are discussing. It exceeds that.
Air conditioners lose further efficiency in another way. Again without getting all technical. There is a certain amount of refrigerant allowed to flow between the high side (condensation coil) and the low side (evaporation coil). If this flow is reduced (by less horsepower coming from the compressor motor) there is further reduction in an AC's cooling efficiency in most home units.
As you can see when the power company drops back just 5 volts AC's suffer. The compressor motor not only produces disportionately less horsepower, in turn delivers less refrigerant at lower differential pressures then it does when voltages are at 120 volts (where it was designed to run most efficiently). This results in less cooling even if it runs 4.17% longer.
It may very well be that power companies need to protect their grid with 'brownouts'. But it doesn't hurt their bottom line either if customers are using more electric then they would have otherwise at 120 volts. Summertime also is usually the time they shut down turbines for maintenance. Maybe this helps pay for that, eh?
Over the hot spell I noticed that my electrical voltage dropped back to around 115 volts in the day. At night it returned to around 120 volts. Now it may seem like 4.17%. isn't a big deal, but consider this. The average 10,000 air conditioner uses from 8 to 10 amperes. The wattage (that which you pay for in your electric bill) used is between 960 watts and 1,200 watts to power this size air conditioner when voltage is at 120 volts. However at 115 volts the power consumed then becomes between 920 watts and 1,150 watts. (Power=Voltage x Current).
When the utility company reduces power the wattage that you are billed is reduced accordingly. This on the surface seems fair since I am getting less I am therefore paying less. However here's the rub. At 115 volts you are getting only 9,583 BTU's worth of cooling out of the 10,000 BTU's the air conditioner was designed to deliver. OK, so you say what's the problem with that, the AC will run 4.17% longer to get to where it needs to go. NOT SO!
I don't want to get all technical, but the fact of the matter is that electric motors lose efficiency (horsepower) when their voltages are reduced. This isn't in direct proportion to the 4.17% we are discussing. It exceeds that.
Air conditioners lose further efficiency in another way. Again without getting all technical. There is a certain amount of refrigerant allowed to flow between the high side (condensation coil) and the low side (evaporation coil). If this flow is reduced (by less horsepower coming from the compressor motor) there is further reduction in an AC's cooling efficiency in most home units.
As you can see when the power company drops back just 5 volts AC's suffer. The compressor motor not only produces disportionately less horsepower, in turn delivers less refrigerant at lower differential pressures then it does when voltages are at 120 volts (where it was designed to run most efficiently). This results in less cooling even if it runs 4.17% longer.
It may very well be that power companies need to protect their grid with 'brownouts'. But it doesn't hurt their bottom line either if customers are using more electric then they would have otherwise at 120 volts. Summertime also is usually the time they shut down turbines for maintenance. Maybe this helps pay for that, eh?
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Hillbilly Hunters Joke
Repost
Two hillbilly hunters got a pilot to fly them into the far north for elk hunting. They were quite successful in their venture, and bagged six big bulls. The pilot came back as arranged to pick them up.
They started loading their gear into the plane, including the six elk. But the pilot objected he said, “The plane can take out only four of your elk. You will have to leave two behind.”
One of the hunters pushed forward, “Hey, last year our pilot let us take out six elk. It was the same model plane, same weather conditions, and everything. What’s with this? We want you to allow us to fly out just like last year.
Reluctantly the pilot finally permitted them to put all six elk aboard and the men all climbed in with their gear. But when they attempted to take off and fly out of the valley, the little plane could not make it. They crashed in the wilderness.
Climbing out of the wreckage, one hillbilly said to the other, “Do you know where we are?”
“I think so,” replied the other hillbilly. “Yep! I think this is about 100 yards further along than where we crashed last year!”
Two hillbilly hunters got a pilot to fly them into the far north for elk hunting. They were quite successful in their venture, and bagged six big bulls. The pilot came back as arranged to pick them up.
They started loading their gear into the plane, including the six elk. But the pilot objected he said, “The plane can take out only four of your elk. You will have to leave two behind.”
One of the hunters pushed forward, “Hey, last year our pilot let us take out six elk. It was the same model plane, same weather conditions, and everything. What’s with this? We want you to allow us to fly out just like last year.
Reluctantly the pilot finally permitted them to put all six elk aboard and the men all climbed in with their gear. But when they attempted to take off and fly out of the valley, the little plane could not make it. They crashed in the wilderness.
Climbing out of the wreckage, one hillbilly said to the other, “Do you know where we are?”
“I think so,” replied the other hillbilly. “Yep! I think this is about 100 yards further along than where we crashed last year!”
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Cable TV News Training Video
Repost
The way i understand it this is required viewing before being awarded a degree in 'Broadcast Journalism' from most colleges.
The way i understand it this is required viewing before being awarded a degree in 'Broadcast Journalism' from most colleges.
Monday, May 11, 2026
Yin Yang And Everything In-Between
Repost
The opposites of Yin/Yang could be defined in several ways. In science as electrons/protons. In politics conservatives/liberals. In biblical terms good/evil. The colors of black/white. However in this world nothing is simple. One force that does remain constant between the two is balance. Newton's 3rd law states "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." This is the premise I will build on.
Since the beginning evil or goodness has tried to overcome the other. For every steadfast believer in liberalism there is another who will match them on the conservative side. All mankind's problems begin when one becomes radicalized into disbelieving components can coexist in-between I'll give you a few examples.What each have in common is intolerance of the other as if this world only consisted two dimensionally. All problems arise when one extreme force meets the other. Scientifically speaking if we took the electrical energy on one side of a generator and crossed it with the other the resultant force would create a damaging short circuit. However when passing the current through an intelligently designed device it then produces something useful. In other words by eliminating the extremes to either side a good outcome can be produced.
Unfortunately there will always extremists in this world. It's just the way this world is and always has been at it's core. The question we each need ask ourselves are we the Yin, the Yang or somewhere in-between composed of both? Do we want to live our lives as extremists or doing something useful in-between the two?
Nothing Is Just A or B
Not all cops or those interrogated are innocent.
Not all religious beliefs are righteous.
Neither political party can completely represent their members views..
There are women/men and those in between.
Ancient religion describes life's travel through karma as a circle (much like the Yin/Yang symbol you see here) . You leave at the top. Travel through the circle ending up on the opposite side from which you started. That religion is trying to tell people not to pick up too much karma (Yin or Yang) on the way back to the beginning of our journey. At the same time warning us if we cut our life short (because of extremism) along the way we've not completed life's journey. Whether someone wishes to believe or not, it's still good advice.
Maybe they were on to something. Ever notice how all the galaxies, planets and suns are all circular?
The opposites of Yin/Yang could be defined in several ways. In science as electrons/protons. In politics conservatives/liberals. In biblical terms good/evil. The colors of black/white. However in this world nothing is simple. One force that does remain constant between the two is balance. Newton's 3rd law states "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." This is the premise I will build on.
Since the beginning evil or goodness has tried to overcome the other. For every steadfast believer in liberalism there is another who will match them on the conservative side. All mankind's problems begin when one becomes radicalized into disbelieving components can coexist in-between I'll give you a few examples.What each have in common is intolerance of the other as if this world only consisted two dimensionally. All problems arise when one extreme force meets the other. Scientifically speaking if we took the electrical energy on one side of a generator and crossed it with the other the resultant force would create a damaging short circuit. However when passing the current through an intelligently designed device it then produces something useful. In other words by eliminating the extremes to either side a good outcome can be produced.
Unfortunately there will always extremists in this world. It's just the way this world is and always has been at it's core. The question we each need ask ourselves are we the Yin, the Yang or somewhere in-between composed of both? Do we want to live our lives as extremists or doing something useful in-between the two?
Nothing Is Just A or B
Not all cops or those interrogated are innocent.
Not all religious beliefs are righteous.
Neither political party can completely represent their members views..
There are women/men and those in between.
Ancient religion describes life's travel through karma as a circle (much like the Yin/Yang symbol you see here) . You leave at the top. Travel through the circle ending up on the opposite side from which you started. That religion is trying to tell people not to pick up too much karma (Yin or Yang) on the way back to the beginning of our journey. At the same time warning us if we cut our life short (because of extremism) along the way we've not completed life's journey. Whether someone wishes to believe or not, it's still good advice.
Maybe they were on to something. Ever notice how all the galaxies, planets and suns are all circular?
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Friday, May 8, 2026
iPad Prototype From The 60's
Repost
When I was a teen this is what we considered an iPad. It didn't need recharging, but it did need a certain amount of skill to operate.
:-)
When I was a teen this is what we considered an iPad. It didn't need recharging, but it did need a certain amount of skill to operate.
:-)
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Shhh Be Quiet.. You'll Wake Up The Whales!
Repost
"This occurred on March 30, 2012 while the Disney Magic was pulling out of Port Canaveral and the Disney Fantasy was sitting in Port waiting for its Maiden Voyage the next day."
"This occurred on March 30, 2012 while the Disney Magic was pulling out of Port Canaveral and the Disney Fantasy was sitting in Port waiting for its Maiden Voyage the next day."
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Distant Galaxies Mess With Our Lives
Repost
The implications of what these energetic particles are capable of doing is enormous. Especially if they are able to alter DNA as implied in this video. I also find it rather astounding the knowledge these scientists have acquired. Much of which I have never heard of before. I'm learning new stuff everyday.
The implications of what these energetic particles are capable of doing is enormous. Especially if they are able to alter DNA as implied in this video. I also find it rather astounding the knowledge these scientists have acquired. Much of which I have never heard of before. I'm learning new stuff everyday.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
I'm All For Improving Infrastructure But...
Repost From 2021
This is excessive to my way of thinking.
It's my sincere hope this infrastructure bill passed by the senate will be used to fix deteriorating structures. They need it a lot more then NYC's never ending excessive billion dollar projects. If NYC and the rest of the country can't maintain what we already have why are we forever shoveling more money into new ones?
This is excessive to my way of thinking.
It's my sincere hope this infrastructure bill passed by the senate will be used to fix deteriorating structures. They need it a lot more then NYC's never ending excessive billion dollar projects. If NYC and the rest of the country can't maintain what we already have why are we forever shoveling more money into new ones?
Monday, May 4, 2026
Big Medicare Change We Were Never Told
I may be screwed out of $1,000's because of this change I was never notified. My PART B for the last 6 years always covered my nebulizer drugs completely. My drug store never fills a prescription with prior approval from Medicare (which it did). Now I find out they haven't sent payments for the last 3 months for my drugs even though I pay $6,600 a year when you factor in my supplemental policy costs. Nor can I find a single item of information of what those dosages limits are they claim to impose. Do they even know themselves?
Thanks Dr. OZ for your medicare improvements.
What the hell am I suppose to do about my COPD.. DIE?
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Who Made God?
Repost
Simple question it is not. Scientist and theologians pretty much agree on this explanation which falls short. They both point out creation was formed containing both time, matter and energy. The problem is we get bogged down with this word existence. Existence is where we live. Existence itself is a product of this intelligent force. Not the other way around. Hence why labeled the creator of all "things".
Imagine if you will someone creates the most intelligent computer in the world. One that never existed before. It then sets out to discover it's creator by whatever limited means were given to it. Would it one day be able to become coequal. Perhaps it's possible over time it might be able to somewhat comprehend it's maker. Even become a close companion, but it's impossible for me to imagine it becoming human. Look, I enjoy the Story of Pinocchio as much as anybody, but really?
I think realistically this is the fix us humans find ourselves in. Just perhaps even the "creator" itself. Could it be possible this creator found itself wondering the very same thing. "Where did I come from"? Since the "eye cannot see itself" just suppose he/she/it set all this in motion hoping we'll come up with an answer. Could this be the motivation behind all of this?
It's been said "God" is complete and has all the answers. Does he/she/it? Hellva assumption from how little we understand. Lonely alone not knowing would be a hellva motivating factor for going to all this fuss. Perhaps we have a lot more in common then anyone's willing to believe. Not just curiosity but possible vulnerability as well in the not knowing.
We can safely assume is there's not a old grey bearded guy sitting on a throne fretting over every little detail of some 7 billion peoples' lives currently living on Earth. The proof lies in the fact millions upon millions have killed each other since leaving the womb... NOTHING. Governments and their leaders find no favor (despite what you heard). Storms, fire, earthquakes meteor impacts... NADA either.
We need to take a logical approach. One which assumes God isn't coming in a flaming chariot with a booming voice. If indeed this intelligence lies beyond "our existence" we need to focus on it's goals. If our purpose is for the creatior to greater understand itself it's seems to me we best align ourselves with that if we wish to remain useful.
Simple question it is not. Scientist and theologians pretty much agree on this explanation which falls short. They both point out creation was formed containing both time, matter and energy. The problem is we get bogged down with this word existence. Existence is where we live. Existence itself is a product of this intelligent force. Not the other way around. Hence why labeled the creator of all "things".
Imagine if you will someone creates the most intelligent computer in the world. One that never existed before. It then sets out to discover it's creator by whatever limited means were given to it. Would it one day be able to become coequal. Perhaps it's possible over time it might be able to somewhat comprehend it's maker. Even become a close companion, but it's impossible for me to imagine it becoming human. Look, I enjoy the Story of Pinocchio as much as anybody, but really?
I think realistically this is the fix us humans find ourselves in. Just perhaps even the "creator" itself. Could it be possible this creator found itself wondering the very same thing. "Where did I come from"? Since the "eye cannot see itself" just suppose he/she/it set all this in motion hoping we'll come up with an answer. Could this be the motivation behind all of this?
It's been said "God" is complete and has all the answers. Does he/she/it? Hellva assumption from how little we understand. Lonely alone not knowing would be a hellva motivating factor for going to all this fuss. Perhaps we have a lot more in common then anyone's willing to believe. Not just curiosity but possible vulnerability as well in the not knowing.
We can safely assume is there's not a old grey bearded guy sitting on a throne fretting over every little detail of some 7 billion peoples' lives currently living on Earth. The proof lies in the fact millions upon millions have killed each other since leaving the womb... NOTHING. Governments and their leaders find no favor (despite what you heard). Storms, fire, earthquakes meteor impacts... NADA either.
We need to take a logical approach. One which assumes God isn't coming in a flaming chariot with a booming voice. If indeed this intelligence lies beyond "our existence" we need to focus on it's goals. If our purpose is for the creatior to greater understand itself it's seems to me we best align ourselves with that if we wish to remain useful.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Cable TV, The Hidden Tax
It isn't one that the government imposed.
Reposted From: January 11, 2012
According to NPR: If there's one thing worse then being forced to pay the government, it is being forced to pay corporations.
You wonder why TV is lousy?
It's because networks get paid even when sponsors aren't buying what their selling. Each network owns several cable channels. It's a package deal. Cable company's are forced to take them all or none. In our area that would mean losing channels 3, 6, 29, 17 and 10 out of Philly.
Take for example NBC/Universal (GE). They own the Weather Channel, CNBC, MSNBC, SyFy, USA, A&E, Lifetime, History, Bravo, Telmundo, ShopNBC, NBC10 Philadelphia to list a few.
ABC-- Disney Channel, ABC 6 Philadelphia, ESPN, Soap, Lifetime, Family channel to name but a few.
In years past if no one watched a lousy program on one of their channels, they didn't attract sponsors. Today they don't have to. They're being paid either way. Don't blame the cable companies for not selling à la carte. If there is a blame to be placed, put it on the U.S. government that allows network owners to do this to consumers.
If federal regulations would require networks to sell à la carte, I'm certain TV quality would improve. Even if we only had half the channels that now exist.
Yeah, like that's even a question!
Reposted From: January 11, 2012
According to NPR: If there's one thing worse then being forced to pay the government, it is being forced to pay corporations.
You wonder why TV is lousy?
It's because networks get paid even when sponsors aren't buying what their selling. Each network owns several cable channels. It's a package deal. Cable company's are forced to take them all or none. In our area that would mean losing channels 3, 6, 29, 17 and 10 out of Philly.
Take for example NBC/Universal (GE). They own the Weather Channel, CNBC, MSNBC, SyFy, USA, A&E, Lifetime, History, Bravo, Telmundo, ShopNBC, NBC10 Philadelphia to list a few.
ABC-- Disney Channel, ABC 6 Philadelphia, ESPN, Soap, Lifetime, Family channel to name but a few.
In years past if no one watched a lousy program on one of their channels, they didn't attract sponsors. Today they don't have to. They're being paid either way. Don't blame the cable companies for not selling à la carte. If there is a blame to be placed, put it on the U.S. government that allows network owners to do this to consumers.
If federal regulations would require networks to sell à la carte, I'm certain TV quality would improve. Even if we only had half the channels that now exist.
TV makes money because..
(a) They have great programs?
OR
(b) Great lobbyists?
(a) They have great programs?
OR
(b) Great lobbyists?
Yeah, like that's even a question!
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Companies Don't Have To Bring Money Back From Overseas
Repost
It really makes me wonder how Americans are so easily duped. Who cares about corporate taxes. If rates are higher-- no problem. It's all quite simple really.
Suppose a American company's separately registered foreign subsidiary leaves a billion dollars overseas. It's American counterpart needs five hundred million dollars here in the states. All they have to do to bring it here is borrow the money from themselves in that country. There are several advantages (besides being able to move money home tax free).
First is why bother with seeking bank approvals. Their foreign enterprise is able to loan it to themselves at lower rates then banks domestically could regardless the risk. Thus shareholders are benefited by below market rates. Secondly repayment of the loan's interest (to themselves) enables them to deduct this from their taxes here in the United States. If taxes go up all they need to is increase the interest rate they charge themselves. This scheme works whether a company has many shareholders or is wholly owned by a wealthy individual. Thus there is a incentive to continue leaving some of their loot in other countries.
The only reason any company might move their money back here is if the tax rates become higher overseas. What happens in the future remains to be seen. Some countries have already responded by lowering their corporate taxes to match ours. I wouldn't expect a huge surge suddenly to begin washing up on the shores of the U.S.
It really makes me wonder how Americans are so easily duped. Who cares about corporate taxes. If rates are higher-- no problem. It's all quite simple really.
Suppose a American company's separately registered foreign subsidiary leaves a billion dollars overseas. It's American counterpart needs five hundred million dollars here in the states. All they have to do to bring it here is borrow the money from themselves in that country. There are several advantages (besides being able to move money home tax free).
First is why bother with seeking bank approvals. Their foreign enterprise is able to loan it to themselves at lower rates then banks domestically could regardless the risk. Thus shareholders are benefited by below market rates. Secondly repayment of the loan's interest (to themselves) enables them to deduct this from their taxes here in the United States. If taxes go up all they need to is increase the interest rate they charge themselves. This scheme works whether a company has many shareholders or is wholly owned by a wealthy individual. Thus there is a incentive to continue leaving some of their loot in other countries.
The only reason any company might move their money back here is if the tax rates become higher overseas. What happens in the future remains to be seen. Some countries have already responded by lowering their corporate taxes to match ours. I wouldn't expect a huge surge suddenly to begin washing up on the shores of the U.S.
Monday, April 27, 2026
The Twisted Story Of The Asylum That Inspired Stranger Things: Pennhurst State School
Pennhurst State School held nearly 3,000 people in facilities designed for 500. In 1913, Pennsylvania declared disabled people "unfit for citizenship" and "a menace to the peace." They built Pennhurst to hide them. For sixty years, no camera ever got inside. Children were tied to beds. Adults lived in cribs. Residents who could speak when they arrived lost that ability after years inside. Then in 1968, a journalist named Bill Baldini walked through the gates with a film crew—and what he recorded changed American law forever.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Friday, April 24, 2026
Internet Privacy.. What Privacy?
Repost
Then there's "Facial Recognition Software." It was first used in 2007. Now a number of police departments in American cities have purchased this same software searching the sidewalks and streets.
It is also being used on a number of red light cameras to positively identify who was driving the car when they issue traffic violation tickets..
(video courtesy Jesse Hirsh)
Keep in mind if the good guys can get their hands on this kind of software, so can the bad guys.
I can tell you from experience that YouTube has been using this for the last 4 years or so. Every time I upload a video, YouTube gleans it for copywrite infringement. The same is also true for audio tracks as well. A few years ago I loaded about 5 of my completely original sound canvas midi synthesizer generated musical sequences and 3 of them got tagged for infringement. While this did not result in me losing my channel.. I was warned. I then removed them.
What does all this imply?
Then there's "Facial Recognition Software." It was first used in 2007. Now a number of police departments in American cities have purchased this same software searching the sidewalks and streets.
It is also being used on a number of red light cameras to positively identify who was driving the car when they issue traffic violation tickets..
(video courtesy Jesse Hirsh)
Keep in mind if the good guys can get their hands on this kind of software, so can the bad guys.
I can tell you from experience that YouTube has been using this for the last 4 years or so. Every time I upload a video, YouTube gleans it for copywrite infringement. The same is also true for audio tracks as well. A few years ago I loaded about 5 of my completely original sound canvas midi synthesizer generated musical sequences and 3 of them got tagged for infringement. While this did not result in me losing my channel.. I was warned. I then removed them.
What does all this imply?
Thursday, April 23, 2026
I Think The Stock Market Is Rigged
Repost From 2022
nypost.com
Dow soars for 2nd straight day — climbs more than 800 points
"Stocks rose sharply in morning trading on Wall Street Tuesday and clawed back more of the ground they lost in a miserable several weeks."
Sucker's game
We were told previously share values went down because of rising interest rates. Then yesterday went up because of "rising interest rates". Here's what I think. The stock market is for suckers. The big boys can do algorithm based flash computer trades. The average sucker doesn't stand a chance. By the time the average schmuck tries to sell off shares the big boys already unloaded them. Thus the big boys always get to sell off high while the little guy, waiting in line, is forced to sell lower then they intended.
Dow soars for 2nd straight day — climbs more than 800 points
Sucker's game
We were told previously share values went down because of rising interest rates. Then yesterday went up because of "rising interest rates". Here's what I think. The stock market is for suckers. The big boys can do algorithm based flash computer trades. The average sucker doesn't stand a chance. By the time the average schmuck tries to sell off shares the big boys already unloaded them. Thus the big boys always get to sell off high while the little guy, waiting in line, is forced to sell lower then they intended.
At least in blackjack everyone knows how the rules are stacked against them. In the stock market don't expect brokers to educate the average Joe Blow. Plus brokers make money win, lose or draw on each trade.
Here's how the house always wins..
Still think you can match wits with the rich boys computer programs?
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
HUMOR: The Traffic Cop. The Husband. The Wife.
Repost
A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, " I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir."
The driver says, "Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating."
Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: "Now don't be silly dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control."
As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, "Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?"
The wife smiles demurely and says, "You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did."
As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, "Damit, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?"
The officer frowns and says, "And I notice that you're not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine." The driver says, "Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket."
The wife says, "Now, dear, you know very well that you didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you're driving."
And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, "WHY DON'T YOU SHUT UP!"
The officer looks over at the woman and asks, "Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?"
Only when he's been drinking."
A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, " I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir."The driver says, "Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating."
Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: "Now don't be silly dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control."
As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, "Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?"
The wife smiles demurely and says, "You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did."
As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, "Damit, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?"
The officer frowns and says, "And I notice that you're not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine." The driver says, "Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket."
The wife says, "Now, dear, you know very well that you didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you're driving."
And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, "WHY DON'T YOU SHUT UP!"
The officer looks over at the woman and asks, "Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?"
Only when he's been drinking."
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The Bible Forbids...
The old testaments speak of a God that is demanding, vengeful, requires sacrifice, speaks of punishment by death and wars. The new testaments speak of an all forgiving God. One that is in total opposition to the other. How can you have one that is so diametrically opposed to the other and speak of the same God?
Therefore how does it make sense for Christianity to include both when one predates the other and is in total opposition?
The God of the new testament is all forgiving and loving of his children
Let's hope all that old testament nonsense is just that. As for me, I'd rather choose to believe in the latter.What say you?
Monday, April 20, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Saturday Morning TV Was For Kids (Videos)
Once upon a time when network execs had a minimal amount of brains they figured out there was a lot of loot to be made from programming for kids. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be now ?
Video Courtesy: Johnnyboy792
Friday, April 17, 2026
Aircraft Hits Four Buildings
Repost
This is tough to see. It just shows the dangers of attending these events.
Amazing photo below shows great detail.
The pilot at low level had no control over his aircraft.
It narrowly misses a crowd gathered for the air show and slams into four buildings.
One can only imagine the horror of the occupants inside those buildings.
No one was killed, but it probably scared the crap out of them.
This is tough to see. It just shows the dangers of attending these events.
Amazing photo below shows great detail.
The pilot at low level had no control over his aircraft.
It narrowly misses a crowd gathered for the air show and slams into four buildings.
One can only imagine the horror of the occupants inside those buildings.
No one was killed, but it probably scared the crap out of them.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Remember The Days Of Home Deliveries Before Amazon?
Repost
Remember the 50's when home deliveries were the norm?
To list a few of the 'hucksters': Charlie Chips, Bond Bread, Fuller Brush, Jewel Tea (Hellicks), Ice Cream (Good Humor/Mr. Frostie), Produce (Grim's), Milk (Freeman/LV Dairy), Egg, etc.
Why even in those days, the insurance man would come for your monthly payments. Doctors made home visits. And the paper boy would put the paper inside your door!
Some cynical types point out that today you can now buy drugs outside your front door. :)
I question myself whether this was actually somewhat more fuel efficient in the fact that these 'hucksters' would go only a few feet at a time and shut off their engines. Today we pop in the car and drive a couple of miles for these same items. At any rate, it did provide a decent independent job as a means to make a living for what many may now consider undereducated individuals who lacked other skills. Hey we can't all sing or play sports!
I wonder if someone could provide these kind of services today whether it might work out for them?
Remember the 50's when home deliveries were the norm?
To list a few of the 'hucksters': Charlie Chips, Bond Bread, Fuller Brush, Jewel Tea (Hellicks), Ice Cream (Good Humor/Mr. Frostie), Produce (Grim's), Milk (Freeman/LV Dairy), Egg, etc.
Why even in those days, the insurance man would come for your monthly payments. Doctors made home visits. And the paper boy would put the paper inside your door!
Some cynical types point out that today you can now buy drugs outside your front door. :)
I question myself whether this was actually somewhat more fuel efficient in the fact that these 'hucksters' would go only a few feet at a time and shut off their engines. Today we pop in the car and drive a couple of miles for these same items. At any rate, it did provide a decent independent job as a means to make a living for what many may now consider undereducated individuals who lacked other skills. Hey we can't all sing or play sports!
I wonder if someone could provide these kind of services today whether it might work out for them?
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Medicare Déjà vu
Reposted From: April 5, 2010
Same ole' same ole' stuff
Part 2
The same song they're singing against "Healthcare" today.
President John F. Kennedy wanted Medicare, but Dr. Edward Annis opposed single payer health care for the elderly.
The night after JFK held the Medicare rally in Madison Square Garden, the AMA rented the empty Garden for Dr. Annis to deliver his rebuttal, opposing "socialized" medicine for the elderly.
Same ole' same ole' stuff
JFK Madison Square Garden (May 1962)
"A Rally of 3 Generations"
"A Rally of 3 Generations"
Part 1
Part 2
The same song they're singing against "Healthcare" today.
President John F. Kennedy wanted Medicare, but Dr. Edward Annis opposed single payer health care for the elderly.
The night after JFK held the Medicare rally in Madison Square Garden, the AMA rented the empty Garden for Dr. Annis to deliver his rebuttal, opposing "socialized" medicine for the elderly.
"What we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history."
~George Bernard Shaw~
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Musical Number From NBC's 2012 Pregame Super Bowl Show
Repost
How many of these NBC star's can you remember?
How many shows can you name each were on?
How many shows can you name each were on?
Monday, April 13, 2026
Putin Must Be Laughing His Ass Off
Repost From January 2018 (Still Applies)
Here you have congress investigating it's own most trusted investigating agencies and each other.
One half of the politicians trying to destroy the other half to get to see whoruins runs the country.
Downsizing the State Department while most times at odds with the President.
The news media poisoning the waters of public opinion better then the Russian news agency TASS could ever hope to achieve in it's wildest dreams.
Government planning on spending trillion$ more then what created our huge deficits each year for decades. This even before slashing taxes.
The U.S. creating new endless wars with other countries Russia can befriend and make a ton of loot selling arms to use against us.
Putin doesn't have to lift a finger creating division. We do a much better job of it on ourselves. He can sit back and watch us cower over illegals, N. Korea, terrorists, endless wars, and people of all stripes fearing one another within for dozens of reasons. To name a few. Things like job losses, ethnic differences, gender, economic inequalities and more importantly the ever increasing distrust of our own government quite possibly more then his.
Wrapping This Up
A lot has happened to people's attitudes since the end of WWII. About the only thing "united" about the United States is it's name only. The thing that unites people is when they feel threatened. Unfortunately power brokers in this country have exploited this to their advantage. Far too many people it's seems are ignorant of the fact they are being used as pawns.
One could lay blame on Putin, Trump, congress, the media or business leaders. In reality fault lies in each individual who refuses to see the whole is made up by the sum of it's parts. Continuing not to accept our commonality means soon we'll be left with none.
Like it or not...
We're all stuck here together in the fishbowl we all call Earth
What we make of it is up to us.
Here you have congress investigating it's own most trusted investigating agencies and each other.
One half of the politicians trying to destroy the other half to get to see who
Downsizing the State Department while most times at odds with the President.
The news media poisoning the waters of public opinion better then the Russian news agency TASS could ever hope to achieve in it's wildest dreams.
Government planning on spending trillion$ more then what created our huge deficits each year for decades. This even before slashing taxes.
The U.S. creating new endless wars with other countries Russia can befriend and make a ton of loot selling arms to use against us.
Putin doesn't have to lift a finger creating division. We do a much better job of it on ourselves. He can sit back and watch us cower over illegals, N. Korea, terrorists, endless wars, and people of all stripes fearing one another within for dozens of reasons. To name a few. Things like job losses, ethnic differences, gender, economic inequalities and more importantly the ever increasing distrust of our own government quite possibly more then his.
Wrapping This Up
A lot has happened to people's attitudes since the end of WWII. About the only thing "united" about the United States is it's name only. The thing that unites people is when they feel threatened. Unfortunately power brokers in this country have exploited this to their advantage. Far too many people it's seems are ignorant of the fact they are being used as pawns.
One could lay blame on Putin, Trump, congress, the media or business leaders. In reality fault lies in each individual who refuses to see the whole is made up by the sum of it's parts. Continuing not to accept our commonality means soon we'll be left with none.
We're all stuck here together in the fishbowl we all call Earth
What we make of it is up to us.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Amateur Hour - Sparks | The Midnight Special
I saw these guys at the 'Roxy Theater' in Northampton way back when.
Friday, April 10, 2026
ID Theft Tips
Repost
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" in the signature space.
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check-processing channels will not have access to it.
4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks, (DUH!). You can add it if it is necessary. However, if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
6. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for keys (and they all seem to do that now), do not turn the "keys" in. Take them with you and destroy them. Those little cards have on them all of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration dates. Someone with a card reader, or employee of the hotel, can access all that information with no problem whatsoever.
- - - - -
Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case ID theft happens to you or someone you know:
1. You should cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). However, here is what is perhaps most important of all.
3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet and contents being stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" in the signature space.
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check-processing channels will not have access to it.
4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks, (DUH!). You can add it if it is necessary. However, if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
6. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for keys (and they all seem to do that now), do not turn the "keys" in. Take them with you and destroy them. Those little cards have on them all of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration dates. Someone with a card reader, or employee of the hotel, can access all that information with no problem whatsoever.
Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case ID theft happens to you or someone you know:
1. You should cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). However, here is what is perhaps most important of all.
3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security Number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet and contents being stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Slaveowners Got Reparations
Repost
New York Times
When Slaveowners Got Reparations "On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill emancipating enslaved people in Washington, the end of a long struggle. But to ease slaveowners’ pain, the District of Columbia Emancipation Act paid those loyal to the Union up to $300 for every enslaved person freed."... Enslaved African-Americans got nothing..
I wasn't aware of this. Musta slept through that day's history class.
When Slaveowners Got Reparations
I wasn't aware of this. Musta slept through that day's history class.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Historical Video: Regulation Will Destroy Capitalism
Repost
Richard Whitney, President of the N.Y Stock Exchange, warns the risks to capitalism by government regulators because of the the National Securities Exchange Act.
Almost 4 years before he was sent to Sing Sing for embezzlement.
Richard Whitney, President of the N.Y Stock Exchange, warns the risks to capitalism by government regulators because of the the National Securities Exchange Act.
Almost 4 years before he was sent to Sing Sing for embezzlement.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Common Sense Test
Repost
Most of them seem like trick questions to me.
Course it may seem they are only because I may be lacking common sense :-)
Let's see how well you do.
Hard to believe I once passed an Army intelligence test. Course they were looking forsuckers volunteers to snoop out where Vietcong troops were hiding in those days. Fortunately they gave me this test before I signed the enlistment papers. The way I figured it future wouldn't be looking bright after taking that test if I went ahead with it. Especially since they said I'd most likely become a radio operator which goes along with that. I decided instead to take my chances and wait out the lottery drawings for the draft. Turned out my number was 265. The list that year stopped at 150. I've been losing lottery drawings ever since, but still consider myself fortunate. So many of my friends from high school were not :-(
A bit of a weird story. One of the guys at work was a radio operator during Vietnam. He had a second guy who would always go with him on advance patrol. He said the radio batteries were so damn heavy to carry in the hot jungles so he took them out of his radio to make his load lighter. Then one day they came under attack. He jumped to one side of the path while his companion (carrying the much needed extra batteries) jumped to the other. After some arguing he said toss me your batteries. They other guy replied, what batteries? I thought you had them in your radio. He said no, I left them on the chopper. Turns out so did this other guy. Oh shit. Several days later they came across some Marines having lunch. When they weren't looking he took one set of theirs so he wouldn't get disciplined praying he wouldn't run into them again.
Most of them seem like trick questions to me.
Course it may seem they are only because I may be lacking common sense :-)
Let's see how well you do.
Hard to believe I once passed an Army intelligence test. Course they were looking for
A bit of a weird story. One of the guys at work was a radio operator during Vietnam. He had a second guy who would always go with him on advance patrol. He said the radio batteries were so damn heavy to carry in the hot jungles so he took them out of his radio to make his load lighter. Then one day they came under attack. He jumped to one side of the path while his companion (carrying the much needed extra batteries) jumped to the other. After some arguing he said toss me your batteries. They other guy replied, what batteries? I thought you had them in your radio. He said no, I left them on the chopper. Turns out so did this other guy. Oh shit. Several days later they came across some Marines having lunch. When they weren't looking he took one set of theirs so he wouldn't get disciplined praying he wouldn't run into them again.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Useful Pi Information You Can Use For Your Calculations
Pi's more common number is, 3.1415
Pi is unique because it never reaches a conclusion of exactness no matter how far you calculate it.
I'm not going to pretend to have a handle on this. However The New York Times had this good write up a few years ago .
Maybe this music video will help
I'm certain a lot of people may doubt my numbers. I'd really appreciate someone doing the math to verify my accuracy. Here's an excellent site that provides several formulas for calculating Pi
Please get back to me when you're done.
Thanks & you're welcome :-)
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