A Blog About Anything & Everything.
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 :-)
Monday, April 6, 2026
Ernest Hemmingway
Repost
Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ernest Hemmingway was quite a character. He had four wives. He was an avid fisherman and went on a safari in Africa which nearly killed him when his plane crashed. He had permanent residences in Cuba and Key West, Florida.
My interest in Hemmingway was aroused when we toured his home in Key West. The tour guides weren't stuffy and seemed to share pretty much the ironic stories that made this man unique.
As you tour his house in Key West you will come across a garden with a beautiful china basin filled with water in which many dozens of cats drink from. Well it turns out it actually is the urinal from the first 'Sloppy Joe's Bar'. He took it home for his garden.
The other story involves the pool. His second wife Pauline, whom he married in 1927, had it built as a surprise for him when he returned home. None the too pleased he admonished her spending habits. He declared that she might as well take every cent he has. Supposedly Ernest took a penny from his pocket and handed to her.
If you tour the home today you will see that very penny now embedded in the concrete around the pool. Pauline had put it there as a bit of spiteful humor for his lack of gratefulness.
In 1959 he moved to Ketchum, Idaho where he committed suicide less then two years later in 1961.
My interest in Hemmingway was aroused when we toured his home in Key West. The tour guides weren't stuffy and seemed to share pretty much the ironic stories that made this man unique.
As you tour his house in Key West you will come across a garden with a beautiful china basin filled with water in which many dozens of cats drink from. Well it turns out it actually is the urinal from the first 'Sloppy Joe's Bar'. He took it home for his garden.
The other story involves the pool. His second wife Pauline, whom he married in 1927, had it built as a surprise for him when he returned home. None the too pleased he admonished her spending habits. He declared that she might as well take every cent he has. Supposedly Ernest took a penny from his pocket and handed to her.
If you tour the home today you will see that very penny now embedded in the concrete around the pool. Pauline had put it there as a bit of spiteful humor for his lack of gratefulness.
In 1959 he moved to Ketchum, Idaho where he committed suicide less then two years later in 1961.
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Easter Reminds Me Of Our Greatest Loss
Repost
If we had a second chance would things turn out differently?
While many celebrate Jesus's resurrection as a day of joy I find only sadness for what could have been. Sadness for what still remains in this world in how we treat one another.
While many celebrate Jesus's resurrection as a day of joy I find only sadness for what could have been. Sadness for what still remains in this world in how we treat one another.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Fäaschtbänkler - Humpa Humpa
Repost
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.
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, April 3, 2026
Soldiers Are Willing To Die For Their Country
Repost
However notice how few are ever quoted as saying they are willing to kill for their country?
All battles come from hell
It changes people on both sides forever.
However notice how few are ever quoted as saying they are willing to kill for their country?
All battles come from hell
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Is Your Router A Public WiFi Hotspot?
Repost
Everyone should check their router to be sure they are password protected. When I look at my mobile devices two wireless networks come up besides my own. One is the neighbor's to my left. The other to my right. Fortunately they both are password protected. Is yours?
By password I don't mean the factory default password. Everyone knows those.
Don't Allow Yourself To Become Your Neighbor's Hotspot
Intruders can do all kinds of legal and illegal stuff. Eat up massive amounts of bandwidth charged to your account which also slows down your connections. All of which appears as you are the responsible one doing whatever they actually are. Even having access to anything shared on your computer within your own personal network.
Why would a neighbor pay for internet access if your providing one free to them?
Here's how to create a password.
(1) Open your internet browser.
(2) Type in the URL address http://192.168.0.1 << This is the one most routers use & login.
(3) From there I cannot help you as each router may be different. In my case they call it 'pre-shared key' under the manual wireless settings. If you don't know how, pay or get a trusted someone's help.
'Smartphones' are able to connect to WiFi as a alternative connection
Don't Allow Yourself To Become Your Neighbor's Hotspot
Intruders can do all kinds of legal and illegal stuff. Eat up massive amounts of bandwidth charged to your account which also slows down your connections. All of which appears as you are the responsible one doing whatever they actually are. Even having access to anything shared on your computer within your own personal network.
Here's how to create a password.
(1) Open your internet browser.
(2) Type in the URL address http://192.168.0.1 << This is the one most routers use & login.
(3) From there I cannot help you as each router may be different. In my case they call it 'pre-shared key' under the manual wireless settings. If you don't know how, pay or get a trusted someone's help.
'Smartphones' are able to connect to WiFi as a alternative connection
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Earth Lives Don't Mean Squat In The Big Picture
Repost
This is for all you religious types who think some old guy is sitting on a throne judging and worrying about what happens on this single planet every hour compared to it's overall micro existence in time.
I may not know how this all works. I am certain however mankind is extremely egotistical thinking our existence matters one way or the other to the universe as a whole. We should focus all our energy on sustaining one another in every way possible rather then at each other's throats for whatever short time we have been allotted.
This is for all you religious types who think some old guy is sitting on a throne judging and worrying about what happens on this single planet every hour compared to it's overall micro existence in time.
I may not know how this all works. I am certain however mankind is extremely egotistical thinking our existence matters one way or the other to the universe as a whole. We should focus all our energy on sustaining one another in every way possible rather then at each other's throats for whatever short time we have been allotted.
It's apparent the universe in the past has gotten (and will continue to get) along perfectly fine with or without us.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Was Virgin Mary Sexually Assaulted By God?
Repost
If so--does this mean God gets a pass?
"Nobody is going to believe you anyway."
Looks like this has always been a problem for women.
Why start now?
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.
"Nobody is going to believe you anyway."
Looks like this has always been a problem for women.
Why start now?
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.
Monday, March 30, 2026
Hard To Believe There Was Once A Time...
Repost
Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Harry Reid proposed renaming part of a bipartisan bill to speed government approvals of drugs and increase medical research after the vice president’s son Beau Biden, who died of cancer.
December 2016
NOTE: This was passed and approved before Donald came into office.
(Although he likes to take credit for such things)
Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Harry Reid proposed renaming part of a bipartisan bill to speed government approvals of drugs and increase medical research after the vice president’s son Beau Biden, who died of cancer.
NOTE: This was passed and approved before Donald came into office.
(Although he likes to take credit for such things)
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Academy Award Winner Kevin Spacey Addresses the Oxford Union
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
January 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Friday, March 27, 2026
Civics Lessons No Longer Being Taught?
Repost
There can be no better example of failure by the American schools then that when comes to teaching civics classes. Apparently most of the people in United States (including it's politicians) have little clue how voting works. It seems nearly everyone believes in instant results This is especially true of our paranoid president who has the impression there is some sort of con going on if all the results are not made official with 24 hours.
Hopefully these two links will help educate some folks who never paid attention in Civics Class, never had one, missed a semester in high school or dropped out before 9th grade.
Why it takes so long to get election night results
Kicking civics out of class and taking it to the streets
IN SUMMARY
Vote tabulators from one end of this country to the other are not in on some giant scheme to defraud voters. Frankly it takes a sick mind to think all these people are reprehensible and untrustworthy as some of the candidates they're required to certify for office.
To my way of thinking there are two kinds of people bitching when it comes to this vote counting controversy. Those who are guilty themselves of what they claim others to be. The other too dumb to know any better.
There can be no better example of failure by the American schools then that when comes to teaching civics classes. Apparently most of the people in United States (including it's politicians) have little clue how voting works. It seems nearly everyone believes in instant results This is especially true of our paranoid president who has the impression there is some sort of con going on if all the results are not made official with 24 hours.
Hopefully these two links will help educate some folks who never paid attention in Civics Class, never had one, missed a semester in high school or dropped out before 9th grade.
Kicking civics out of class and taking it to the streets
IN SUMMARY
Vote tabulators from one end of this country to the other are not in on some giant scheme to defraud voters. Frankly it takes a sick mind to think all these people are reprehensible and untrustworthy as some of the candidates they're required to certify for office.
To my way of thinking there are two kinds of people bitching when it comes to this vote counting controversy. Those who are guilty themselves of what they claim others to be. The other too dumb to know any better.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
5% Of Plastics Were Recycled
Repost From 2022
huffpost.com
Just 5% Of Plastics Were Recycled In The U.S. Last Year, And Things Are Only Getting Worse
"The study estimates the U.S. produced about 51 million tons of plastic waste in 2021, but just 2.4 million tons of that was reprocessed."
It's time to get real.
Most paper and glass is not recycled either. Other then plain brown corrugated cardboard and aluminum cans need be put out by American households. Everything else is needlessly costing our cities and we taxpayers unnecessary expenses.
Just 5% Of Plastics Were Recycled In The U.S.
It's time to get real.
Most paper and glass is not recycled either. Other then plain brown corrugated cardboard and aluminum cans need be put out by American households. Everything else is needlessly costing our cities and we taxpayers unnecessary expenses.
The alternative is require manufacturers to use only one type of plastic. Since this is never going to happen why not face the truth. Recycling has become a feel good nothingburger costing more then it's worth. One which is doing little to improve the environment.
Does anyone for one moment believe a bunch of workers are checking out the numbers on each piece of plastic they receive as it speeds past them on a belt.
I mean, come on, get real!
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
One Lawyer's View On Philanthropy
Repost
The United Way realized that it had never received a donation from the city's most successful lawyer. So a United Way volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office.
The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, 'Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don't give a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give something back to your community through the United Way ?'
The lawyer thinks for a minute and says, 'First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?'
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbles, 'Uh... no, I didn't know that.'
'Secondly,' says the lawyer, ' did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?
The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again. 'Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister's husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving Her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?'
The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says, 'I'm so sorry. I had no idea.'
And the lawyer says, 'So, if I didn't give a dime to any of them, what makes you think I'd even give a penny to you?
The United Way realized that it had never received a donation from the city's most successful lawyer. So a United Way volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office.
The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, 'Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don't give a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give something back to your community through the United Way ?'
The lawyer thinks for a minute and says, 'First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?'
Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbles, 'Uh... no, I didn't know that.'
'Secondly,' says the lawyer, ' did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?
The stricken United Way rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again. 'Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister's husband died in a dreadful car accident, leaving Her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?'
The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, says, 'I'm so sorry. I had no idea.'
And the lawyer says, 'So, if I didn't give a dime to any of them, what makes you think I'd even give a penny to you?
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
The Working Dead
A repost from Novwmbwr 2016
While many schlep to work everyday trying to eek out a few bucks some who have assumed room temperature long ago are making out much better.
According to 'Forbes' MJ grossed more then $1b since his death 6 years ago ($115m in 2014 alone). Elvis earned more since he died then the sum total of all he earned while still alive.
The article details 11 others who are doing quite well during their dirt naps.
Sure does make you wonder how it is dead people can earn vast amount$ more money then working stiffs doesn't it?
While many schlep to work everyday trying to eek out a few bucks some who have assumed room temperature long ago are making out much better.
According to 'Forbes' MJ grossed more then $1b since his death 6 years ago ($115m in 2014 alone). Elvis earned more since he died then the sum total of all he earned while still alive.
The article details 11 others who are doing quite well during their dirt naps.
Sure does make you wonder how it is dead people can earn vast amount$ more money then working stiffs doesn't it?
Monday, March 23, 2026
Was The United States Faking It's Wealth?
I've often said there is no such thing as money. If one accepts gold, a piece of paper or beads for trade things will move along just fine. Wealth is all in one's imagination. God didn't designate some value to an object, that's for sure. So did the United States fake it in the begining? Are they still faking it now?
As long as we have faith in some object of value in one or another thing life will move along just fine. If not... POOF!
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