Author Archives: bfrhodes99

Speaking Badly of the Dead?

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If I heard it once, I have heard it a thousand times, we should not speak badly of the dead. Recently, I have been thinking this over. Maybe that isn’t so much a cut and dry rule. I mean must we never speak badly of Hitler?

The left loves to compare anyone they disagree with as a Hitler. The dems love to speak badly of Washington and Jefferson. If so, why can’t I speak badly of Jackson, a true racist who indirectly but intentionally killed unknown hundreds of American Indians by ordering them from their homes and onto the Trail of Tears.

I guess Stalin is off limits, though he killed millions, just to solidify his power base. What about Manson, who killed Sharon Tate. You know very well that I can build a list of monsters, living and dead who have caused the death of millions. Then, I guess, once a person steps out into infinity, they are hands off, unless they were patriotic Republicans.

While we must be cautious about posthumous criticism, we cannot allow historical atrocities to be forgotten or absolved simply because their perpetrators have died. Accountability and remembrance serve as crucial tools for understanding human nature and preventing future injustices.

Biblical narratives often candidly expose the moral failings of even its most revered figures, revealing the humanity and imperfections of its central characters through unflinching accounts of their transgressions.

Three Wise Men? Maybe.

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It never fails to amaze me how people insist on there being three wise men who visited Jesus on the night of his birth. It shows how tradition can be so misleading.

The biblical narrative of Jesus’s birth reveals nuanced details often misunderstood in popular depictions. Scripture clearly indicates that shepherds were the first to visit the newborn Jesus on the night of his birth, while the wise men arrived later at a house, not the stable. Though traditional nativity scenes frequently portray three wise men, the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their exact number. The actual count could have been two, three, or potentially even twenty travelers who journeyed to pay homage to the child.

Biblical scholars and nativity scene artists often depict an inaccurate representation of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. According to scriptural accounts, the magi did not arrive at the stable where Jesus was born, but rather visited him later in a house, when he was likely a young child. Please read it yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

If we go by the Scripture, which we should, the wise men might have visited as much as two years after Jesus’ birth and likely at least a month later. It may have taken a month or more to move from the manger to a house. Moreover, Matthew calls Jesus a child, not a baby.

Many scholars suggest the visit occurred when Jesus was around one to two years old, based on King Herod’s decree to kill male children under two. While the exact age remains uncertain, it seems most likely that Jesus was slightly older than a toddler. Matthew’s gospel implies he was no longer an infant, as the term “baby” was not used to describe him at this point.

Periodically, I find myself compelled to address this topic, recognizing that not everyone is fully informed. Though some may question its significance, I believe the matter is crucial. Subtle misquotations can be particularly misleading, as even a slight distortion of context or a few misplaced words can fundamentally alter understanding. I’ve often contemplated whether the narrative of the wise men truly belongs within the traditional Christmas narrative, given the potential for misinterpretation.

I Suppose This Is Cheating

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I don’t think this is really a direct reply, and I hope you’ll forgive me. You see, it was actually a loaner while my engine was being rebuilt. If I remember correctly, it was a 1970 or 1971 Dodge Sportsman van with a V8.

Over the years, I unsuccessfully sought that specific vehicle. Today’s luxury vans and minivans differ greatly, and the rising prices have made such a model unattainable for me.

Visibility was excellent. Large windows provided clear views at stop signs, making traffic monitoring effortless.

Later, I had a VW van that had many advantages but really lacked power and air conditioning. I could have lived without the power, and while living in California, I could have lived without the AC. However, the small engine came with reliability problems. Also, it didn’t have sufficient heating on cold nights.

I will say this for the VW van: Put chains on it, and it would go through ten inches of snow. I know; I did it.

Now if they would just put a V8 in something like that VW and keep it basic. Somehow, I don’t think that is going to happen.

Things to Remember

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It’s never the right time to do the wrong thing

Almost all temporary solutions become permanent

Stuff has a tendency to accumulate, sometimes multiplies

Money does not fix everything, but, sometimes it comes in handy. It might not be such a good idea to give it to casinos.

Perhaps I should remember this one. You can easily find those willing to tell you what to think. It is a little more difficult to find those wanting to hear what you think.

Potato Soup a la Diet Pepsi

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Don’t know if the term is correct. I know it is not a good idea.

As a devoted fan of Campbell’s soups, I’ve always had a soft spot for their cream of potato variety. On this particular occasion, my hunger led me to prepare the soup with my signature touch: crumbling crisp saltine crackers into the steaming bowl and accompanying the meal with a refreshing Diet Pepsi, which I started to poured directly into the creamy mixture.

Now, you might ask why I did that. Well, I’ll tell you, I have not the foggiest idea. I had poured an ounce or two before I realized my blunder.

For those wondering if it improved the taste, let me say this: I would not recommend it. However, it was tolerable. Moreover, I will go well out of my way to make sure I do not repeat it. Not only did it ruin the soup, but I also lost part of my soda.

Oh well. As they say, it all ends up in the same place anyway.

Euphemism

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A gentler, more diplomatic term used in place of a direct or potentially offensive phrase, typically employed when discussing sensitive, uncomfortable, or taboo subjects.

For example, use “undocumented migrant” instead of the improper term “illegal alien.” Woe to the news person who uses the incorrect word, or politician. Old Joe made the mistake, and they brought him out in microseconds to make the apology and correction. Can’t have the leader of the dems using such terms.

Democrat rhetoric often employs euphemisms to subtly mislead, presenting distortions as implied truths.

Something a Little Different, Please?

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As the evening radio crackled with another traffic report, I caught the familiar refrain of a roadway collision: “Accident on Goodman Road and Interstate-55.” The precise location blurred in my mind—was it at the intersection or along the highway? Such announcements have become so routine that they barely register as noteworthy anymore, a sobering reflection on road safety and daily commuter risks.

I rarely comment on local issues, but the situation at this interchange has become unbearable. The frequency of daily accidents is alarming, with collisions occurring with such regularity that it seems this might be the most dangerous intersection in Mississippi. The consistent pattern of crashes demands immediate attention and intervention from local transportation authorities.

At Interstate 55’s junction near Goodman Road, the highway configuration is notable. Southbound traffic flows through three lanes, with three lanes concluding at or adjacent to the Goodman Road overpass. The northbound direction features six expansive lanes, providing substantial capacity for travelers moving in that direction.

The Goodman Road bridge spans seven lanes, with one dedicated to eastbound left-turning vehicles, somewhat facilitating smooth traffic flow and efficient transportation. Much of the traffic turns north towards the hospital or the Lowes store. To help, the one lane splits into two.

The intersection’s complexity stems from its proximity to multiple major destinations. Surrounding the junction are two shopping centers to the north and another sizeable retail complex to the southeast, with a large hospital positioned to the northeast. These locations generate significant traffic congestion. Drivers navigate multiple turning patterns: some aim to head south on Highway 55, others seek to access Walmart via Goodman Road eastbound. Conversely, northbound travelers on 55 may need to transition to Goodman Road’s eastern route, while those bound for the hospital must strategically cross multiple lanes to make a timely left turn.

The interchange’s intricate design forces drivers to navigate multiple lane crossings, often catching unfamiliar motorists off guard. Many travelers may not anticipate the complexity of the roadway ahead, potentially leading to confusion and increased risk of traffic disruptions.

The complexity of daily travel is heightened by the necessity of crossing the interstate, a challenge that impacts numerous motorists. My personal experience illustrates this inconvenience: my medical provider is located on the opposite side of the highway, and nearly every destination requires navigating this infrastructural barrier. I am sure I am far from the only one with this problem.

The daily commute transforms into a nightmare as rush hour descends. What begins as a manageable journey quickly deteriorates into a traffic standstill. By late afternoon, Interstate 55’s three southbound exit lanes funneling onto Goodman Road become a sea of motionless vehicles. Most evenings, the interchange resembles a parking lot, trapping drivers in an endless, frustrating gridlock. Vehicles on the bridge remain stranded, unable to exit due to massive backups extending in both directions. By 5 PM, the southbound exit lanes stretch into a serpentine line of brake lights, extending one to two miles, testing even the most patient drivers’ resolve.

A persistent issue has been unfolding before my eyes, and I find myself questioning whether others recognize its significance. The extent of apparent indifference is startling, leading me to suspect this neglect might be deliberate. As the familiar saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind” seems to be the prevailing attitude. Despite the problem’s escalating nature, there appears to be a troubling absence of proposed solutions or meaningful discourse addressing its underlying complexities.

My words might seem futile, but if shared, they could gradually propel our solution forward, much like the slow crawl of rush-hour traffic inching toward its destination.

Yup

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We have seven cats. No, they aren’t wild animals. They are too tame. If I sit down for ten minutes, three or four find places on me to make themselves comfortable. The thing is, I wanted them to get used to staying outside more. So, I started feeding them out on the front porch. One day, I checked on them after putting their dinner out. Amongst them was an adult raccoon. The surprise was that all of them seemed to get along. No one, even the raccoon, seemed to mind sharing. I never figured a raccoon would do that.

Needless to say, the cats now are back to eating indoors. As for the racoon, he’s found somewhere else to eat. Hopefully, he’ll not return.

Just What it Means?

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Persistent telemarketing calls about Medicare have become a daily nuisance, bombarding me with about three unsolicited pitches each day. Unlike other product advertisements, these Medicare-related calls seem to dominate my phone’s incoming traffic, completely overshadowing potential solicitations for vehicles or miscellaneous products.

The unsolicited calls from potential home buyers have ceased, leaving me with an uncanny ability to anticipate the caller’s intent before the phone even rings.

Just now, I got another one of those calls. It made me ask myself, “What does that mean?” Someone, somewhere must be planning to make money from the call. Logic says, even if they succeed one out of a hundred calls, someone must be making some real money making those calls. Just how? I mean, to hear their spiel, they are only calling to help me. You and I know that’s a lie. They are making money, and that is their design. If they provide help, it is purely accidental.

That tells me there is a lot of money involved for someone. But who?