Author Archives: bfrhodes99

8.7% COLA

Posted in Abuse of Power, Biden, Cable TV, Controllers, Deceit, Elections, FOC, Going Green, Lawyers and Representation, Price of Oil, Retirement by

Just received a message that the Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustment will be almost 9%. I don’t know if that’s a record but it’s the biggest in recent history.

Still, it doesn’t truly represent the real increase of living. Consider my grocery cost rarely went more than $125 per visit to the store. Nowadays, it’s over 200. My gas bill has doubled and the only reason my TV watching hasn’t gone through the roof is tha I no longer have cable.

When Biden keeps driving the up costs faster than he drives up Social Security payments, he’s not helping anyone relying on Social Security for a living. Even more, the cost goes up day by day. The COLAs go up once a year. As such, even if the COLAs were accurate, they would always be a year behind.

Then why should he care? I doubt he is concerned about the price of a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas. He likely could care less about how much bread it costs for a loaf of bread. His last concern is how much change it costs us for the changes he’s made.

Of course he does care about our votes, but only just before election days. On the other hand, should he lose any more of his mental facilities, it will all be over for him anyway. The dems can only conceal so much.

A Horrid Nightmare!

Posted in Lawyers and Representation by

Last night I had a horrible nightmare. I dreamed I was back in the Marines, a gunnery sergeant in an infantry company headed to Camp Lejeune. Worse, I would have to drink that contaminated water for more than a year.

It must have been one of those horrible commercials. That’ll teach me to fall asleep with the TV on. I have always had a fear of having to trudge around in the mud. It’s why I went into the airwing.

By the way, I did get close enough to those who did trudge through the mud to have the utmost respect for them. That seems far more than those who choose to speak the foreign language of legalese. I hate it when anyone likes to jump on the chance to take advantage of a very unfortunate situation.

Maybe it would be a good idea if it would be required for all lawyers to report their profits from tort settlements. That way they would get all the disrespect they deserve.

One might say they are just helping those wronged. Yet take their reward from them and see how much help they are to anyone. Look at all the good they did during the tobacco suits. I wonder just how much of that money ended up in the hands of lawyers and their friends, the politicians verses those actually harmed by tobacco.

As far as I’m concerned, it is a nightmare worse than the one I had. When I awoke, the horror depated.

Rev. 3:20

Posted in Christian values by

Most of us within the borders of the USA are familiar with the passage from the last book in the Bible. Moreover, we know John quoted the Lord Jesus Himself.

To jar a few memories, let me quote the first verse of the familiar translation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” I will not quote the full passage here. My hope is that you all will read it from your own Bible and maybe a little more.

The reason I bring it up is that I heard a sermon on it recently. Now let me see. The first time I heard the passage I think was in the first grade. I have read and heard it many times since. Every time, I think I completely understand it. Yet, every time, it seems I understand it a little more.

Consider if a pastor were to invite himself to my house for diner. Many would be glad at the chance. They may have large impressive homes and they would love the chance to show off their “humble abode.”

Me. Not so much. My abode really is humble. It is small and not well kept. He and his wife would have difficulty finding a place to turn around. Moreover, our little 900 sq ft house has but two chairs in the small living room.

Needless-to-say, I would quickly suggest a nice restaurant instead. Naturally, I’d pick up the tab. It would be better for him; much better for me.

Then again, with good weather, maybe we could eat in the back yard. The hitch there is that he just might not care for my cooking.

Now. What does this have to do with Rev. 3:20. To me, it should be obvious. Yet, I just realized it. I feel the same way about the Lord Jesus as about the pastor.

I don’t want Jesus in my heart. Look at the mess He would see. I would be so, so embarrassed! Yet, He spoke those words and when Jesus speaks, his words are intentionally and with full understanding. He knows the mess in my heart. He even knew what it would be before He spoke those words known now throughout the world.

Oddly, when he did, he did not exclude me…or you. NOW THAT’S AMAZING! When he spoke He included me. Now just why would the most most powerful and most notable person ever to walk the earth want to dine with me? Why would he prefer the filth of my heart to the finest restaurant?

As unreasonable as that seems, it’s true. The Lord Jesus does not lie.

I guess I should get used to His seeing the worst part of me. Maybe better, I need to let him start cleaning things up. That would better, far better.

Now, as for inviting the preacher to dine. I wonder if he likes the Outback Restaurant. I ate there a few times. I suspect a pastor, as most, would prefer it to my little table.

Sometimes I Wonder About Ads Actors & Models

Posted in Advertising by

I was waiting in a doctor’s office many winters ago and looking in magazine. I came across a large photo ad of a woman. The ad had little in the way of words and the woman had little in the way of clothing.

I laughed and covered the few words and showed the photo to my wife. Then, I asked her what she thought the ad was about. She shrugged and I uncovered the few words. She laughed too when she realized the ad was about shoes.

Nowadays, I think back over the ad. I wonder how many shoes it sold, how much the ad costs, and how much the model was paid. Then again, I look at things in ways no one else does. My wife will attest to it. My biggest question was and is, did the woman even know what she was advertising?

Such is the case in many modern day ads with scantily dressed women striking well-planned posses. Sometimes they act as if they are trying to lose what little clothing they have. The question comes to my mind, does the woman really know that she’s advertising a little magic pill?

Sometimes I wonder, if you ask the woman what the ad is for, could she say? For that matter can the photographer?

It is amazing what these ad people can do. Coca-Cola put a bunch of people on the side of a mountain and convinced the world that they would like teach the world to sing. The ad became reqested causing a problem for the stations. If they just played the ad on request, they would provide free advertising. Wonder if anyone foresaw that.

Here’s the real kicker. Only a small handful of people were recorded the song. We never got to hear all those folks on the hill. I wonder if they knew it. I wonder if they even knew the words, though I imagine they did.

Such is the case from time to time. I imagine the director of a new commercial finds a good looking dancer to jump around and mouth the words as we never see the real singers.

Maybe we need a truth in advertising law. Any time the models aren’t the ones we hear, a disclaimer should be flashed on the screen. Also all models should be told ahead of time what they will be advertising. It’s only fair. If they are going to put words in their mouths, they really should know what the words are.

Moreover, if we are to believe the words, or the poses, at least those presenting them should know what they are advertising, even if they don’t believe them…that is even if they know them to be false…that is…even if they know them to be lies.

Or, in the case of the one selling shoes, no matter how little clothing she is wearing.

Representative Cheney Does Not Represent

Posted in Abuse of Power, Biden, Cancel Culture, Christian values, Communist Takover, Controllers, Deceit, Impeachment, Lawyers and Representation, Liz Cheney, Lobbyists, Politcal Opinion, Socialists by

I think this becomes casual to the most obvious observer when you consider the margin by which she is being voted out of office. Therefore, I submit that her seat on the current kangaroo hearing on January 6 is illegitimate.

She claims to represent her constitutes while all the time, her representation is of of her colleague dems. Moreover, she makes no effort to deny it.

If there were such thing as recalls of representatives, she would already be gone. Then again, maybe not. With the fear of an immediate loss of her job, she wouldn’t have done the things she’s done. Her idiocy would have been far more apparent to her.

Now, the only question that remains is what she will do come January. She might write books that no one will read. I don’t know, but she might go into practicing law. Certainly, she likely needs a lot of practice. She might join all those others who practice legal bribery; that is those who lobby for wealth. I’m sure there are many dems that will help her to get set up in that endeavor.

Wait a minute. Maybe I need to apologize somewhat. I’ve written over thirty books and hardly anyone has read them. On the other hand, millions of her book will be printed, purchased, distributed to warehouses and just sit there. It is one of the most common ways to bribe dishonest representatives. And it works quite successfully.

A Thought

Posted in Abuse of Power, Biden, Cancel Culture, Christian values, Communist Takover, Kamala Harris, Lawyers and Representation, Newsome, Obama, Pelosi, Planned Parenthood, Politcal Opinion, Religion, Reporters, Salvation, Schools, The Squad, United Nations by

Most of us, even non-Christians know that the tribulation will soon follow the rapture. Some of the best known scholars have some disagreement on the timing but I do believe I’m in good company by saying that soon after Jesus removes His own, the worst 7 years on this planet will soon follow.

Personally, I suspect that it won’t be instantaneous, though it well may be. Admittedly, I’m speculating a tad.

The following question assumes that the tribulation soon follows the rapture. It is logical. Just what might happen if all of a sudden, there are no more Christians in the world? With no Godly people in the governments just what could be expected. With no Godly teachers in our schools, what would be taught? With no Godly businessmen or lawyers, what can be expected.

Don’t you suppose the criminals would run wild as criminals would be running law enforcement? What can be expected when the demon possessed are in charge? Can we really expect anything less than tribulation.

Then I look at what the dems are doing today and there is but one conclusion I can come to. It would seem we are already in pursuit of that time. The foundations are being set.

If you should be one of those left behind after the rapture, don’t be surprised if things turn very bad vary fast. It is foretold. You have been foretold. There will be no one to blame but yourselves.

Rules of the Road

Posted in Abuse of Power, Adam Schiff, Biden, Border wall, Cancel Culture, Christian values, Communism, Communist Takover, Controllers, Elections, Fantasy, FOC, Going Green, Gun Safety, January 6, Kamala Harris, Lawyers and Representation, Liberals, Nadler, News media, Our Legal Systems, Pelosi, Politally Correct, Socialists, The Clintons, The Squad, Unions by

My wife’s grandfather used to patrol the highways of Arkansas mainly looking for truckers who operated outside the rules of the road.

In general, he didn’t spend much time in Ft. Smith, he did occasionally write a citation there. One day, a few months before retiring, he stopped a woman for driving the wrong way on a one way street.

After very politely explaining the dangers of her actions, she pointed at a nearby by sign. It seems they changed the proper direction without notifying him. After a quick courteous apology, he tipped his hat and wished her a good day.

It all started many years ago. They made a road, painted a line down the middle of it, assigned a speed limit and expected us to follow the rules. The rules and the roads have become more complex but we are still expected to follow the rules. Certainly, we are expected to drive the right direction on a one way road.

Sometimes, in spite of all our best efforts, we make mistakes. If we are fortunate we and all others drive away safely, but not always. Sometimes, people are hurt. Sometimes vehicles and properties are damaged. Worst, sometimes people are killed.

It is why we are given warnings and tickets for running red lights. Sometimes, we get tickets. We don’t like it but we can’t imagine the alternative. Without enforced rules of the road, driving wouldn’t be safe for any person unless they are driving a tank.

It is easy to see for driving. However, it is even more so for for ordinances, laws and regulations. However, if they aren’t enforced, it is the same as highways without enforcement. There are many who would simply ignore them.

If we don’t incarnate those who steal, we encourage theft. If we don’t imprison those who hurt and kill, then we will have assaults and murders. The one thing just follows the other. It would be nice to be able to live in a world without prisons but such an effort will most certainly result in a would of fears and nightmares. It is why our founding fathers built prisons.

They figured it out a long time ago. Life is far better with the criminals behind big walls. It may or may not help the criminals but it certainly improves society.

Moreover, like the police car to the speeder, the enforced law decreases the tendency to steal or kill.

It does make a person with a brain wonder wny the FOCs, aka democrats, openly allow, even encourage the breaking of laws. Perhaps, maybe, just possibly, it is by design. If they destroy our society, they believe they can rebuild it the way they want it, which is not the way we want it.

The way we want it is the elected are the servants and we the electors rule. The way they want it is they are the royalty and we are the servants. If you listen to their speakers closely, they will actually say so.

If they have things their way, the rules, all the rules will benefit them. You notice, already, many of the rules that we live under, Congress doesn’t. They are special. They are the royalty.

Auto Safety

Posted in Head Lights, Personal True Stories by

In the late 70s, I was driving home in the early morning. A policeman pulled me over. The city is known for strict speed law enforcement so I was driving a tad under the limit. So, as you can imagine, I was curious about the reason.

The officer told me my left headlight was out. Now, I was even more curious. I just repaced it 2 days prior. I tried to be as respectful as possible but asked if I could check for myself. He didn’t seem to mind so I checked. Apparently a rock took it out.

The old sealed beam lights went bad in a microsecond after the air gets to the filiment. Sure enough, 2 days after the light was installed, it was was useless. The officer politely issued a warning and the next day, I replaced it.

In this case, I was thankful the officer stopped me. The light needed replacing.

Even so, the manufacturers made me angry. The sealed beam light was the standard of the day. However, they were very susceptible to even very small objects. I wondered why they never put a plastic sheet over it for protection. A little 1 penny piece of clear plastic would have kept my car safe; not to mention that it would have saved me eleven dollars and the 10 minutes it took took to again make the car safe.

It would appear that safety is not so much in the forefront of the minds of auto engineers. I’m sure most all of us have some examples of poor engineering that cause safety problems on cars. I think it is intentional in some cases.

Consider running lights today on modern cars. To replace a headlight on a modern auto, it takes half a day at a local mechanic and over $100. I know. I’ve had mine replaced… 3 times. The last time, I drove the car for over 2 months with 1 headlight. I didn’t much like paying the $110, but time waa a big factor. I had to wait from 8 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. It is sort-of why I waited so long.

The other running lights can be difficult to get at too. In my personal opinion, high maintenance equipment on cars should not be nearly impossible to repair, like brakes. It appears they go out of their way to make things difficult to repair. This, in a way, is a safety factor. I mean, do they really want us car owners putting off brake maintenance. Is this really what the auto makers want? Is it really what anyone wants?

One thing I do know. Light and brake maintenance is far more complex than it should be and probably not as much as the auto makers would like. Oddly, the government agencies overlooking such things don’t seem to mind it. They just don’t like it so much when I drive around with one headlight.

Jesus Died

Posted in Christian values, Uncategorized by

It is an easy thing to take for granted. On the other hand many argue He did not not die on the cross. And yet He was fully in control of the situation. At any moment, he could have said, “Enough. I don’t want to go through it.” And it would have stopped immediately.

The Bible says that people mocked him, saying He, He Cannot save. He could and He didn’t. Some ask why. It was the plan. Before the earth was formed, it was the plan.

Jesus knew he was going to die. He knew he would go through great pain. Today we speak of it and yet hardly give Him or the event a thought.

Then, there was that moment in time when Jesus asked the Father why He had forsaken Him.

Again, we ask why did Jesus ask such a thing. We ask how such a thing can be.

Then, when we really consider it all, we again ask why?

I wish I could fully understand it. I wish I could even halfway understand how his death saveed me, but it did and it does. Moreover, it makes it possible for all of us. His death, the shedding of His blood, changed everything.

This much I do know. It was absolutely necessary for my salvation and for the salvation of everyone. There is absolutely no other way a person can enter heaven. Don’t you think Jesus would have known if there was some other way? AND if there was, don’t you think He would have avoided the pain of the cross. AND, if there was no other way for Jesus, then there is no other way for us. If you think there is you are wrong. Sooner or later, you will realize this.

It is why He died. It is also why He arose again. For us the belief in one event is as important as the other. If you choose not to believe in His death and resurrection, then death, real separation from God and heaven awaits you.

He has died for you, to give you the choice for life. To ignore the choice is to choose death.

Unlike Jesus’s death, your death will be permanent and forever. That means that it will also be without hope.

[Football] & Helmets

Posted in Compromise, Fear, Medical/Dental, Respect by

A comedian once said that helmets will be required by law in all automobiles when they can be worn without messing up a woman’s hairdo. It is only humorous because there is an element of truth in it.

Some say it is because safety first that we have an overabundance of safety regs. That is simply not true. If it were truly safety first, we would drive autos that weighed 3 or 4 times as much at 20 mph. And, of course, we would all wear helmets.

The fact of the matter is that we are always compromising with safety. I rode my bicycle many miles, many hours. At that time, they didn’t even sell bicycle helmets. Fortunately for me, I survived all my accidents. Then again, unless I was going downhill, I couldn’t pedal much over 20 mph. With the 15 speeds these days, 50 and 60 mph is manageable. Certainly, at such speeds, it is certainly a good idea to wear helmets as well as other safety equipment. Rubbing a knee or elbow on asphalt at 60 mph could cause some serious abrasions.

After some time in football of no brain injuries, I noticed in the news that there was one recently. If I heard the news correctly, a quarterback had his head slammed against ground. He had pads and a helmet but but the injury apparently was still severe.

So, just how much more do we armor the players? How much more do we alter the rules of the game to protect the players?

The station I was watching suggested foam pads on the outside of the helmets. Certainly, one pad on the back of this helmet would have decreased the injury, might have even prevented it.

The station’s reporter said they use the pads in practice already and suggested maybe they use them during games.

The immediate question that comes to mind is, why not? Some of it might be pride. There is certainly some valid concern about weighing down the head with equipment rarely needed. Personally, I don’t know the proper compromise.

Of course, every time there’s an injury, we are reminded of the dangers. Every time there is a missed play, we are reminded that every piece of armor slows us…ever-so-slightly. In games of inches and seconds, the extra padding might be making a difference.

Personally, I would think, at the least, the players should have a choice. Perhaps, they should even be encouraged. It is not just a matter of cost. It is more important than the entertainment of sports.

To be sure sure, one very light piece of foam could have saved the loss of a quarterback, perhaps thousands of dollars for medical expenses and, perhaps, just maybe a man’s life.

On the other hand, let’s not make the players play from within big plastic bubbles. Remember, safety really is a compromise.