Author Archives: bfrhodes99

Who Cares?

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If I may, I would like to subtitle this Ignorance and Apathy.

Eons ago, a little exaggerated, I asked a programmer if he could teach me a little bit about Algol, a high level, structured programing language. He became thoughtful. He said that it would be difficult to do that. He said that in order to learn one part of the language, I would have to learn another part first. In order to understand that part, I would have to learn the other part first. It seems, in order to learn it, I would have to learn it all at once.

Since that day, I have been trained and I am very proficient at it. As I look back over what the programmer said, he was right. If I were to teach the language, I would have to teach it kind of all at once. I sort of guess that is why not too many people use Algol for programming. On the other hand, it is a very powerful language. I have heard that some people can almost write the whole body of the program in one line. Well, I must admit I am not that good but I can see how others could.

So. Here I am, I’ve written two big paragraphs and neither is about my subject matter. The reason is this. The subject is somewhat like Algol. I am having difficulty knowing where to start. There are 3 different places I need to start first. In order for me to start at point 1, I need to say some things about 2 and 3. In order to start at point 3, I need to say some things about 1 and 2. The word ‘conundrum’ does come to mind.

Let’s start with what you know, the little story where the old professor tells one of his students, “The problem with this world is that the youth is ignorant and apathetic.”

The young student shrugs and replies, “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Okay. Ha, ha. Funny. I suspect you’ve heard it before. I’ve heard it a few times too. I do hope you liked it if it was the first time you heard it.

As with most of us conservatives, I have been trying to categorize democrats. I don’t know. It would seem that most fall into one of three categories. 1] The ignorant. 2] The Apathetic. 3] Both.

There are those that believed Old Joe was not feeble. There are those who didn’t care. Then there were those that didn’t know and didn’t care.

I suppose my categorizations might not be totally right. There might be those who might say, “Who cares?” There are those who do take that attitude, you know.

You look at the border. Some see the the rush of aliens across and don’t care. Some don’t believe there is a danger from the aliens. Some are completely oblivious to all the danger it causes.

This is of course, in spite of all the rapes and human trafficking that is going on. This in spite of the abuse of children that is happening. They turn their heads and pretend they know not of it.

When Old Joe gave the order begin the retreat in Afghanistan, some didn’t care about the deaths that resulted and the deserting of American citizens and friends left behind to fend for themselves.

We know that our women’s rights group care about women, but in this case, they pulled their heads in like the proverbial turtle and kept their noisy yaps zipped. This of course resulted in the torture and death of women that we liberated, befriended and educated. You can make up your mind. Were they unaware or were they apathetic. Or, on the other hand, could it be because the leadership of the dems told them to hold their complaints.

The dems complain, very loudly I might say, that Trump is apathetic to the poor aliens that are just seeking a better life. In truth, they were the ones apathetic to those that were killed or raped on the way to the US. Was it that they were ignorant to the criminal elements making their fortunes off of the pain and suffering of the aliens.

Could it be that the dems are completely ignorant to the death from the drugs made by the Chinese and distributed by the cartels. or is that they just don’t care.

When Obama pulled our forces out of Iraq, over a million were killed. Most if those tortured and killed called themselves Christian. Then when the dems were told, they said, “I don’t care!” Well, I guess some said, “I don’t believe it,” even though it was in the news for days. Now, that is apathy.

Before they start complaining about Trump being apathetic, I think it is about time to take a good look at the deaths and suffering in their own history. It’s time they look around and see what they are doing. It is time for them to stop being drastically apathetic.

It is time for them to stop saying, “I don’t care.”

Not in the News

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You can determine a lot of bias in the news, TV, Radio or printed by what is not being reported. My example which calls out loud to one and to all. A rare hurricane hit North Carolina and devastated the area. Huge sections of interstate 40 have been washed away. Power stations have been destroyed and people are living in tents. Yet, do you hear any news on it.

Naturally, if it were in California, as some disasters have occurred, or in New York… Yes it would be plastered all over the front page and it would be the leading stories on TV and radio. Indeed, the last hurricane to hit NY, NY carried front page news for weeks. Moreover, the government funds were rushed in there before the first 24 hours.

Recovery in the mountains of N. C. will take years. The support for the highways and bridges will have to be made before they actually start on the roadways and bridges. Just getting to these places is going to be a challenge. I would guess roads will have to be built to let the builders get to the sites.

I would guess that most of the power will be restored in most places in a month or two from now. I would suspect it will be longer to restore the houses. I mean these people did not build near the coast where they might expect a hurricane. They worst they are supposed to have is a snow storm or an occasional landslide from a rainstorm. Their insurance on the homes and businesses will likely not pay for much of it. I mean, who in N. C. would carry hurricane insurance.

The people in NY, NY built where they should expect storms, right on the coast. Moreover they did not need to deal with having to move megatons of dirt to rebuild the roads.

The people in NY, NY are pretty well back to normal thanks to moneys coming from Kansas and Oregon and the OK state. Pretty much from the rest of the country.

It is obvious why the news media pays so much attention to NY, NY instead of N. C. NY, NY is not only in their back yard, but they share common politics. I mean, do you suppose that the NY Times would have covered the Damage in NY, NY if it were a thousand miles away? Do you suppose they would have covered it if the area was solid red?

The proof is in the action. They spent a lot of news print on NY, NY and hardly a thing on N. C.

Well there is one other thing that might explain it. They might have had a problem getting the reporters into N. C. The reporters might have a problem phoning in the story. Also, they might have a problem finding a hotel room, or, for that matter a hotel.

Festinating Question

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Never before given it any thought. Blue is my favorite color, especially royal blue. That would go good with silver, if possible. Yellow might not be the best color but it is bright, eye catching. It does kind of make a statement. But what to pair it with? With white it wouldn’t show up well. Not too keen on looking liking like a bunch of bees in black and yellow.

As for mascot, I would like the regal eagle but that has already been taken. How about raging wolves? I think I like that and I don’t think anyone has yet chosen it, though I might be wrong,.

Do you suppose they would let me get away with black and white stripes? Maybe not? Still I wonder if there is a rule against it.

Well, it is my dream world, right? I want Regal Eagles and red, white and blue. If anyone complains, too bad.

Daily writing prompt
If you started a sports team, what would the colors and mascot be?
View all responses

Tempting, Isn’t It?

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The lottery is hanging around the billion dollar mark again. Well, the truth is you won’t get a billion dollars if you win, least wise not at once. If you take it at once, it will only be half a billion minus taxes.

Still, half a billion dollars minus taxes sounds irresistible. I wonder just how many are buy the tickets, maybe a dozen at once. The logic, of course, some one is going to win. Might as well be me.

Well, there is one other thing to consider. Two, three, or maybe four might hit it. Even so, a third or a quarter billion ain’t nothing to sneeze at.

It is true, money can’t solve all problems. However, I don’t know about you, but it could sure make a bunch of mine disappear. If I won, I wouldn’t turn it down.

But alas, it won’t be me. It won’t be me because I’ll not give those people running the lottery my hard earned money. I know someone will win; if not this time, the next time. However, I am also realistic enough to know that the dollars I would spend on a lottery ticker will never return to me. Not in part, certainly not in full.

Out of all the thousands that risk the bet, the vast number will lose. I happen to know, I won’t be among them.

Death Row

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To the vile convicted criminals on death row, Old Joe rushes to their rescue.

To the innocent unborn that are at risk, Old Joe won’t take a step in their cry for a reprieve.

Just shows to go how the dems keep getting things backward.

EV Update

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It has been well over a year now since I purchased my Nissan EV. So far my experience has been very good, though my 200 mile max range does have its frustrations. I would strongly urge, if you do a lot of driving, get a car with at least 300 mile maximum range.

As a little reminder, 200 mile max range is misleading. They suggest that you not normally charge it past 80% to make the batteries last longer. Also you should get it recharged on or before it goes below 10%. This really only gives you a 70% range, effectively, that 200 mile range becomes 140 miles.

Generally, this is not a problem for me as I rarely go more than 10 miles on any one trip. Mostly the 200 mile range is fine for me. However, there are times I need to go a distance of over 50 miles. In such cases, I rent a regular car.

Secondly, the ambient temperature has a large effect. Last autumn, I actually made a ten mile trip where the computer reported that I got 5.1 miles per KW Hour. It was because my speed was a relatively constant 45 MPH and the outdoor temp was about 65. I needed neither heat nor cooling.

So how does that figure in theory if I could always get that kind of milage? Yep. I ran the numbers. Almost 450 miles on one charge. Now I could live with that.

Most of the time, the mileage is between 2.5 and 3.5 miles per KW hour. Well, I’ll let you figure that one out. I don’t much want to. The hitch is… I have not a clue how that converts to miles per gallon.

Whatever, oddly, the cold seems to effect it more than the heat. My best guess, a lot of energy goes into defrosting the windshield. I’m working on that. I might start keeping a hair dryer in the car. That way I could heat the car as well as clarify my windows before I start the car.

Perhaps my most irritating discovery is that the FOBs are very expensive. I know. I tried to replace a lost one. You want to know, don’t ask. I asked about getting one on the internet. They said they didn’t always work. I interpreted that as, they will make sure it won’t. In other words, they have the monopoly on the things.

Might I suggest, make a third FOB a part of the contract. That does not just mean EVs but all makes and models that have FOBs. At any rate, either don’t lose the FOBs or don’t get a car that uses them. Hate to say it, but they really have the owner over a barrel. In the case of my Nissan, without the FOB, what I have is a big piece of steal. At least with my old Chevy, I can go back to using my key, which I did.

Nonetheless, I have not given up yet. I have found the FOBs on the internet for 80 dollars. All I need to do is find someone who will make an honest effort to connect the FOB and car.

By the way, if I knew about the FOB problem, I would not have bought the car. I don’t like anyone doing business like that with me.

On the positive side, I am very pleased with the wipers. This might seem a small thing, but I am rarely able to keep the same windshield wipers more that 3 or 4 months before they start streaking on me. I just had these replaced the other day and the original ones were holding up pretty well.

As far as the first year in wear and tear, it is as good as new. If I paid for a good detailing, it would be difficult to tell it from new. It could very easily out last me. Well, I guess that doesn’t say much. I am 78.

The Question of 2026

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As we know, the out party will generally pick up some seats in the House and sometimes in the Senate. So, come the election of 2026, we can expect the House and Senate to go pretty heavy to the dems.

How-some-ever, what happens if that doesn’t happen. What if the economy takes off, inflation goes down, (or at least stays steady) and peace breaks out all over the planet? It might happen, you know. Trump turned things around before. He might do it again.

Then as you can well imagine, the Republicans would pick up seats in the House and Senate.

The question that comes to mind, could the dems survive it? Would it be the death knell of the dems? I don’t know. It could be a complete breakdown and a new party and the reassociation of the party members.

Then again, the dems might learn their lesson and depart from their communists ways and come back to life. Only God knows.

How in the World Did We Learn to Talk?

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I guess the experts tell us that talking started a long time ago, before we knew about nouns and verbs. Now how did that happen? I mean, when I started the fifth grade, my teacher stood in front of the class and said, “A noun is a person place or thing.”

So, how was it that I learned to talk, probably about the age of two. Oddly, I stated using nouns and verbs the way I was supposed to and it would be years yet before I would know what a noun or verb is.

My guess is the talking came first. I suspect not many Romans knew what nouns and verbs were. Nonetheless, they communicated well. Many people today are still reading their writings.

Someone, someday decided to come up with some names for words and rules on how to use them. Truth is, I have no earthly idea when that happened.

Somehow, for, perhaps hundreds of years, we got along without the rules. How can that be? How did we manage to survive without the rules. I wonder if we need them now.

Is it really necessary to know what a dangling participle is? Do we really need to know what an adjective phrase is? Really, for thousands of years we got by without knowing about any of it.

What’s more, 3 and 4-year-olds communicate pretty well without knowing about the existence of parts of speech. Now how is it that they do that?

I am not saying that we don’t need to know some of that. However, I do believe there is too much emphasis placed on it. I mean it is possible for a person to know a lot and not know anything.

The day that Abe Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address, another man spoke for a long time. He was considered to be an expert orator. Yet, today, few if any know his name or what he said.

I don’t know what he said, but he talked for 2 hours and his name was Edward Everett. He was very well educated. You can verify it by looking his name up on the internet. He had credentials as long as my arm, maybe a little longer. I think Abe knew a whole lot more.

A Word About Judgement

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I saw an episode of Blue Bloods on TV a while ago. It is one of the few shows that is worth watching these days. Sometimes, they have things on there that will make a person think, and such is the case in this old episode.

The commissioner said (paraphrased) We judge ourselves by our motives, our hopes and desires. We are judged by others by our last failure or mistake.

I don’t know if it was said by anyone else or anywhere else. However, it has haunted my thinking process since I heard it. It is of particular interest to me at this time because I am in the midst of making some serious decisions.

I am open to your opinion on the matter. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of the forest, all we can see is trees. Motives and desires mean little if we make the wrong decision.

The Beginning to a Glorious Plan

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Many of us celebrate Christmas and then we go on our way. Frankly, we often forget that the birth of Jesus is only the beginning. In truth there was much work, and suffering ahead before the plan was complete.

Indeed, on the cross about 33 years later Jesus, from the cross, says, “It is finished.” And then 3 days later, he arose from the grave. The plan was laid down before the planet was spoken into existence.

As a newborn baby, he became all human while remaining all God. How can this be, you ask? I don’t know. It is but one of the many miracles that was part of the plan. You see, it had to be that way. It is why God did it that way.

While with us, He was an example, a teacher, a miracle worker, but all this time, he knew his primary mission was still ahead of him. He knew the pain and suffering he would go through certainly at least by the time He was 12.

He knew what the “Good” people in the leadership of the Jews would do and why. He knew Judas would betray him. He knew how the religious leaders would pronounce false judgment on Him in an illegal trial and turn Him over to the Romans.

You see, He knew it was part of the plan. He actually took part in the plan. Even before God said, “Let there be Light,” He knew the pain and suffering he would go through, which is far more than any of us can comprehend.

He knew about the Roman judgment. He knew He would die on a cross made of wood. It was not a surprise to Him. The people taunted, “others he saved. Himself he cannot save.” The thing is, the people didn’t understand, He could step down off the cross, but that was not the plan, you see. He knew his mission was to die on the cross; and, of course, the taunting just added to the suffering. You see, it would have been so tempting for Him to just step down off he cross and say, “See. I can do it.” It would have been very impressive but he would not have saved us by doing that.

You see, it was the plan, from the beginning it was the plan and He steadfastly was determined to see the plan through. And so it was, He died, He was buried and then, 3 days later, he rose from the dead.

Now, you ask, why would He do such a thing. He didn’t have to. He could have come to earth as a king and rule here forever. However, that was not the plan.

The plan from the beginning of the planning to the end of the execution was for one and only one reason. It was all to provide a way to save mankind.

What did we do to deserve such an act by Jesus? Nothing. Not a thing. He did it because He knew our punishment was eternal death in hell. So He stepped in and took our punishment totally and completely because He wanted to for our sakes. Such love goes well beyond human comprehension.

In order to receive that salvation, we must totally accept that salvation. To accept that Salvation we must recognize our need for that salvation and we must turn from the desire to sin to the desire to follow Jesus.

If we recognize our sin and turn to Jesus and then accept Jesus as our only salvation, The Holy Spirit will put his seal on us, which no one can remove. It insures eternal life with God and no one can change it. Indeed, if someone could change it, it would not be eternal life, would it?

If you can’t see the benefit in that deal, I simply have no idea what might be standing in the way of the most important decision you will ever will make.

By the way, you might want to tell others about it too. You know. Friends, neighbors and relatives. You might even tell your enemies about it. It just might make that enemy into a friend.

And just one more thing. It will make Jesus very happy too.