Author Archives: bfrhodes99

The Impossible?

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Forevermore, Old Joe will be known as the president who was good at proclaiming the impossible; for example, he said it was impossible to seal the border.

Forevermore, President Trump will be known for being the president who was good at doing the impossible; for example sealing the border.

Achieving the seemingly impossible begins with unwavering determination and a genuine willingness to attempt what others deem unattainable. Those who shrink from challenges rarely break through barriers, while those who courageously step forward, even with uncertain prospects, create pathways to extraordinary accomplishments. True progress emerges from the first sincere and committed attempt, transforming the improbable into reality through persistent effort and belief.

The problem with Old Joe’s efforts was that they were designed to fail. The problem with Old Joe’s efforts was that they weren’t nearly honest.

There’s a Big Hole in That Theory

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A recent article highlighted U-Haul’s significant one-way rental volume, reporting approximately 2.5 million rentals. While the specifics were not explicitly detailed, these rentals likely represent a mix of individuals and families relocating. Assuming an average of 4-7 people per rental vehicle, this figure suggests substantial population movement. However, the article did not specify the time frame, leaving uncertainty about whether these rentals occurred over a week, month, or year.

The article speculated that people were relocating to states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee for improved weather conditions. However, the climate in these destinations is not significantly more favorable compared to New York or New Jersey, making such a long-distance move seem less compelling based solely on meteorological factors.

The big hole in the theory is California, the state where most people are leaving. It is also the state with the best weather.

Nine of the top ten states experiencing significant growth predominantly supported the Republican candidate in the recent election, while simultaneously, nine out of ten moving trucks were departing from predominantly Democratic states, suggesting a potential correlation between political preferences.

That appears to me that it’s not so much about the weather, unless we’re considering whether the state is controlled by Republicans or Democrats.

Considered Aluminum?

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In the current financial landscape, a persistent chorus of voices advocates for investing in precious metals, particularly gold and silver. This ubiquitous advice prompts a critical examination of the underlying motivations. When confronted with such recommendations, a natural skepticism emerges: What drives these persistent promoters? Their fervent marketing suggests an ulterior motive beyond altruistic financial guidance. The underlying suspicion is that these advocates are primarily interested in inflating the market value of their own gold holdings, strategically seeking to offload their assets at a premium price. Their aggressive marketing tactics raise questions about the true value and potential of these investments, inviting potential investors to look beyond the surface-level sales pitch and critically assess the genuine merit of precious metal investments.

Despite my initial uncertainty, rational thinking revealed the underlying mechanism. The true motivation isn’t simply selling gold, but profiting from the transaction itself. Each gold sale or purchase generates income for intermediaries, with earnings fluctuating based on transaction volume. Regardless of intent, every gold or silver exchange involves paying a commission to an agent, embedded within the process.

The prevalence of transaction fees is a common aspect of financial markets. When investing in stocks, investors typically pay brokerage commissions. Similarly, gold brokers have a vested interest in facilitating gold transactions, as their revenue depends on sales volume. Just as real estate agents earn a percentage from property sales, these intermediaries are motivated to encourage buying and selling activity within their respective markets.

Unlike real estate transactions, which occur frequently, purchasing gold as an investment is relatively uncommon. While many people eventually acquire gold jewelry, such as rings, they typically do so for personal adornment rather than financial strategy.

So, the other day, after drinking my Diet Pepsi, which I prefer over Diet Coke, I tossed the can in the trash. I stopped. I thought. “Just what was the value of that can?”

Realizing the cumulative cost of my soda habit, I quickly calculated that I’ve been casually discarding nearly two cents with each beverage. While the amount seems trivial, it represents a pattern of unnecessary waste. Over time, these small increments add up, revealing an inefficient approach to consuming a product I regularly enjoy.

In the 1970s, collecting aluminum cans became a popular trend among environmentally conscious individuals and those seeking to earn extra cash. However, as recycling became more mainstream and the economic incentive diminished, the practice gradually lost its appeal. Today, the once-enthusiastic can collectors have largely moved on, finding the time-consuming process of gathering, storing, and transporting cans less attractive, especially given the bulky nature of aluminum recyclables and the minimal financial return.

I am beginning to take another look at the idea. Every day, I drive right near a recycling place. If I can get close to what they said on the internet, it very well may be worth my while.

Recognizing the untapped potential of discarded aluminum cans, I’ve developed a strategic approach to resource conservation and potential financial gain. These lightweight metal containers, often overlooked, represent a promising investment opportunity. By carefully collecting and storing these cans, I’m transforming everyday waste into a speculative asset that could appreciate in value as global aluminum markets fluctuate.

I’ve already acquired these items directly, bypassing any broker fees. I’ve observed online that aluminum prices are rising significantly, potentially not as dramatically as gold, but since I’m purchasing it regardless….

Surprise; It Worked!

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While Candidate Trump was campaigning, he promised to make all Epstein files public. As soon as he became president, it seems he put that on the back burner.

The Democrats couldn’t stop themselves. They had to take the bait. Then, in a matter of months, President Trump’s original promise is coming to pass. By almost unanimous vote in Congress, the files must be released by law.

Just shows to go, when our president says the sky is blue, the dems will say it’s purple or green, maybe. And whether intentional or not, the ploy did work. The promise is being fulfilled.

The irony: I wonder if the Democrats even know it.

I does make wonder if it would work if Pres Trump came out in favor of gun control. Do you think that the dems would come out in favor of the second amendment? Not likely. That psychology does have its limits.

Observation

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I guess this means that the governor, former democrat VP candidate is no longer considering a run for president. And so many dems were so looking forward to supporting him and voting for him too. Guess they will have to find someone else.

How could all this happen to such an honest, nice guy?

Failure After Failure

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I guess I’m only remotely an expert. When I see a TV show I don’t like, I don’t watch it. Nowadays, I don’t watch so many new shows. As near as I can tell, there aren’t so many successful new shows. Moreover, some of the former successful shows are losing their audience as they too, lower their standards.

The timeless adage, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” resonates far beyond the stables. Though I lack firsthand equestrian experience, the wisdom of this proverb rings true through countless conversations with those who understand horses intimately. My knowledge may be secondhand, but the insight remains profound—some truths cannot be forced, whether in horsemanship or in life.

Nonetheless, the country is full of TV show experts, millions of them. If they do not like the show, they will not watch it. You see the correlation? If the horse isn’t thirsty, it won’t drink. If they try to force-feed us garbage, all they will get is failure after failure.

As discerning viewers, we must raise our standards for entertainment. The latest series, promising an intriguing premise of a hemophobic physician, sparked initial curiosity with its unconventional narrative hook.

Unexpectedly, the narrative failed to disclose the sexual orientation of two characters, which could have provided valuable context and saved me time during the brief viewing.

The producers seemed aware that their content would likely be dismissed if viewers perceived it as another attempt to push the unwelcome material upon them. They certainly didn’t include it in their advertising.

Will the show succeed? I don’t know. As I said, I’m not an expert. I guess it depends on how well they can sell their product and how many people are willing to tolerate it.

Television has undergone remarkable technological advancements, with displays and audio systems reaching unprecedented levels of clarity and sophistication. However, the creative content and programming have seemingly deteriorated, offering increasingly shallow and uninspired entertainment. Until the industry prioritizes meaningful storytelling and quality production, I’ll continue to find satisfaction in classic shows that demonstrate genuine artistic merit.

The Methuselah Question

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In the annals of an extraordinary life, a man’s journey spanned an astonishing nine centuries. While many might gloss over such a remarkable narrative, I’ve found myself deeply contemplating its profound implications. This extraordinary longevity presents a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities, inviting deeper reflection on the human experience.

Imagine encountering a narrative that stretches the boundaries of human existence, revealing the possibility of a lifespan spanning nearly a millennium. The prospect of experiencing ten complete lifetimes within a single journey is both exhilarating and mind-bending, offering a glimpse into a realm of existence far beyond our current comprehension.

While technology offers clear advantages, we often neglect its potential pitfalls. Let’s first explore the notable benefits before examining the broader implications.

Envision a life spanning centuries, where time becomes an ally in mastering intricate skills. With such an extended existence, even the most mundane tasks like driving a nail straight would become second nature. Skilled artisans could elevate craftsmanship to unprecedented levels, constructing architectural marvels with unparalleled precision and artistry. The vast expanse of time might allow for intellectual pursuits once deemed impossible, such as committing entire literary canons to memory. However, this prolonged existence would also introduce fierce competition, transforming career aspirations into generational marathons. Imagine the challenge of becoming a quarterback when competitors have centuries of practice and refinement, making the path to success an arduous and potentially insurmountable journey.

The specter of lifelong impairment looms larger when contemplating extended longevity. A mere eight decades of existence pales in comparison to centuries of potential mobility constraints. Imagine being tethered to a wheelchair for seven centuries, where temporary setbacks transform into profound, enduring challenges.

As I near the twilight of my years, I ponder the challenges faced by ancient figures like Methuselah, wondering about the physical trials and endurance that accompanied such a remarkably long life.

As I near the end of my eighth decade, a tapestry of memories unfurls before me—some cherished, others weighted with the quiet ache of roads not taken. Each passing day brings unexpected echoes of past choices, casting long shadows of reflection and regret.

Memories weigh heavily, like ancient stones carried through decades. What haunting fragments did Methuselah accumulate across his impossibly long life? I reflect on my own journey, the memories that slip away unnoticed, while the ones that torment persist with stubborn clarity. Time becomes a selective archivist, preserving my pain and obscuring my peace.

I’ve heard how hypnotists help people remember. I wonder if they can help me forget.

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
View all responses

War?

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The question has been repeatedly asked. They keep asking, “Is it legal?”

I do not know the official stance, but may I reply? Maduro has been waging a chemical war against us. He has killed thousands. The US has countered with conventional weapons. Maduro has lost! Though the war might continue for a short time, for him, it is over and he has lost. It has come to a sudden end. Now he will be at the mercy of the American justice.

No one will ask me for a suggestion, but I have one. Give the murderer a choice: Guantanamo Bay or the South Pole.

I appreciate NBC News for being the sole broadcast network to cover this story, while other networks remained silent. Their reporting brought an important issue to light that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. This selective coverage raises intriguing questions about media transparency and potential motivations behind editorial decisions – whether stemming from oversight or deliberate choice. If possible, maybe both.

But What’s It For?

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Years ago, I bought one of those TI calculators that does everything. Many might not remember them, but it had a card reader and was really slick. I really used it a lot. I even wrote about a dozen programs that, at the time, were pretty useful.

It came with several magnetic strips that allowed it to do a lot of things I didn’t understand. I suspect if I had a math degree, it would make a lot of sense to me. But, I suppose it was like I was a kid set loose in a toy store and I hadn’t a clue as to how to play.

Well, I guess that’s not so, but I can’t come up with a better analogy. For instance, let me explain this one card. I loaded it and followed the instructions. Before I knew it, I was finding integrals—and I didn’t even know what an integral was.

I knew I had figured out something useful. I just had no idea what it was useful for. I mean, someone went through a lot of effort to write that little program. So it must have been something important to someone.

I launched a two-part mission. Firstly, I was determined to find out what an integral is. I actually succeeded at that, though it wasn’t so easy. Secondly, I wanted to know how it would be useful. For this, I am a total failure.

Having worked around computers for much of my life, I became familiar with some people who had math degrees. That’s right. They were very familiar with exactly what an integral is. However, when I asked them what an integral is useful for, you would think I was prying to find some important national secret.

Okay. Another bad analogy, but I am sure you understand my point. Apparently, not everyone knows what an integral is useful for. Moreover, those who do know aren’t talking, at least not with me.

Who knows? Maybe, if I could find out how to use integrals, I might have become a millionaire. I mean, I had a machine that could calculate them by just pushing a few of the right buttons. However, I lost out. Alas, I was denied the millions because I could never figure out what they were for.

Just off hand, anyone out there need some integrals. I can sell you some, cheap.

Isaiah 5:20

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Many years ago, I was, shall we say, encouraged to give to United Way. Well, let’s come out and say it: There was some serious arm-twisting going on, and I did suspect I might lose my job over it. The reason given to me was that someone in the company hierarchy decided they wanted 100% participation, and I wasn’t participating.

Quite some time before that, as a private in the Marines, I was told, if I didn’t participate on the United Way drive, I would go on mess duty, washing pots and pans. I didn’t like that idea. So I went along to get along.

I do not like the United Way. I do not like many of the organizations they support, but that is a different subject. It is a subject I could write on extensively. That, however, is not the subject I wish to dwell on. My complaint is the strong-arm tactics used to gain participation.

In the era preceding personal computing, I carefully composed a handwritten letter addressed to the senior executive overseeing the Memphis regional office.

I had no hope whatsoever that anyone would read it. To my surprise, I received a phone call. Well, I must give them credit for that, though I am sure there are a few things they did not think through completely.

Right off the bat, he offered me a simple solution: I give in to the demands, and they would return it to me by check right away. The company gets full participation, and I get to keep my money.

Think about it. What’s the problem? Who does it hurt? I hope you are more intelligent than the vice chairman who made that suggestion.

Essentially, what he suggested was dishonest. He was asking me to lie to the corporation for which I worked. He was asking me to lie to my colleagues. He was asking me to take part in the larger lie to the community that the company had 100% participation. Moreover, he was asking me to put my stamp of approval on the United Way, and that could not be farther from the truth.

They pressured me to validate organizations that, in my assessment, did not align with my moral standards or ethical principles. In essence they wanted me to call evil good.

The most significant challenge I faced was confronting the intimidating tactics employed against me, initially during my military service and subsequently in my corporate career. Such coercive methods represent a profound violation of professional and ethical standards, and must be unequivocally condemned.

Years later, the consequences of that pivotal moment remain unclear. Did my choice silently derail potential career advancement, subtly diminishing my professional trajectory? The uncertainty lingers—whether my principled stance resulted in overlooked promotions or unnoticed salary reductions, despite an expectation of recognition for integrity.

During a pivotal moment, my perspective shifted. In a conversation with the Vice Chairman that evening, an unexpected comment caught my attention. Though the catalyst remains unclear, he candidly stated that the Church’s fundamental purpose was to offer assistance to those in need, effectively reducing its role to that of another charitable organization.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody both compassion and evangelism. While charitable acts are a vital expression of our faith, our ultimate purpose is to share the transformative message of salvation through Jesus, guiding others toward a deeper understanding of God’s love and redemption.

Our mission transcends mere financial assistance. As the scripture reminds us, true transformation goes beyond monetary gifts—it’s about sharing the profound message of spiritual redemption and eternal hope that can fundamentally change a person’s life trajectory.

Charity serves a vital purpose in addressing immediate physical needs, yet true compassion extends far beyond material support. While alleviating physical suffering is crucial, the far more important transformation of human potential and spirit represents an even more profound form of care and connection.

The United States hosts nearly one million charitable organizations, each with its own mission and approach. However, not all nonprofits are created equal. Some operate with questionable ethics or misaligned priorities, potentially undermining the very causes they claim to support. Donors must exercise due diligence, understanding that financial contributions can inadvertently validate an organization’s methods and messaging.

Personal philanthropy should reflect individual values and comfort levels. When donating, it’s crucial to research organizations thoroughly and feel confident about their mission and financial transparency. Workplace giving campaigns can create uncomfortable dynamics, and employees should always feel empowered to make charitable contributions voluntarily, without feeling coerced or pressured.

Please permit me a story, which I was told to be true. A preacher was attending a a Christmas party where there was a lot of drinking. The host realized it was making the guests uncomfortable for the preacher to mingle without a drink.

At the social gathering, the host discreetly walked over to the preacher and offered a beverage. “Please take this,” he suggested kindly, “The other guests seem a bit uneasy seeing you without a drink. You don’t need to consume it—just holding a glass will help you blend in more comfortably.”

The preacher responded with conviction, “I cannot compromise my integrity by acting contrary to my teachings. Doing so would undermine my credibility and diminish the power of my message.”

Would it be right to preach against The United Way while, apparently giving to it. It would matter not as a witness that the United Way is returning the money to me. Indeed, it would make me appear worse if I was found out.

Better that we call the good, good; and evil, evil.