Category Archives: Uncategorized

It’s Only Natural

Posted in Advertising, Christian values, Lawyers and Representation, Uncategorized by

Those that have read my posts will know that I like poking at advertisements, especially the ones on TV. I feel they mostly are directed at those who have difficulty resoning, Moreover, they are frequently very repetitious… to the point I have been known to change channels. Then of course, I find something better on the other channel and I don’t switch back. It’s only natural. Why should I have to put up with bad advertising if the need doesn’t exist.

I do have another aspect of advertising to which I object. (You notice how I avoided ending the sentence with a preposition for those grammar fanatics. I used, “to which I object” instead of as most would use the, “object to.”)

Regardless, it would seem the new craze is, “contains only natural ingredients,” “Contains no drugs,” and so forth. I see right through the ruse and I hope others do as well. I mean, where did drugs come from in the first place but things found in nature. Penicillin started when a doctor discovered bread mold killed bacteria. By the way, I think everyone knows that mold on bread is very natural. I don’t suggest a person with an infection should use it on that cut though.

Lead is natural. It is an element found in nature. Many years ago we outlawed it in gas and paint. Though natural, it can cause bad problems. Mercury is natural. We used to use it a lot in thermometers and mining for gold. They even put the stuff in children’s toys. Not so much anymore. If it is used in mining gold, it is only with extreme caution. Mostly we use the electronic thermometers, far from occurring natually.

Many modern things in today’s society allow us to avoid the old natural stuff and that is a good thing. In the past, it was quite common for kids to suffer lead poisoning. Nowadays, we are replacing the lights containing led with the not natural L.E.D.s (Smaller, safer and much lasts much longer) We have better paint, longer lasting paint that is lead free. Even the autos are having to run on lead-free diets. Better for all. Even the cars are lasting longer.

I understand the concept of natural meds. Really I do. Still we must be careful. Just because something is completely natural, it does not mean necessarily that it is better or even safer.

My advice is to face all ads with speculation. Just because something is advertised on TV, it does not naturally follow that it is good, better or best. At 73, I have learned that lesson more than once.

Just trying to save y’ll the pain of finding stuff out on your own. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to straighten out those advertisers a little. I really don’t like deceit anywhere I see it.

Nothing New Here

Posted in Uncategorized by
Daily writing prompt
Why do you blog?
View all responses

Actually, I’ve answered this one years ago. Maybe it won’t hurt to revisit it. Who knows. It might even help.

I guess it all started when I asked my son for suggestions on how I might increase the sales of my books. a month or so later, he pointed me to this site. Sounded like a good idea so I logged on and got set up. Of course the purpose was originally to bring people to my books and occasionally I still use it for this purpose. If your are interested in looking at my selection of more than 35, check my home page. There is a complete list there as well as instructions on how to order them.

However, I don’t think I would attract many readers if all I wrote about was – what I wrote. Not knowing anything else, I just started writing about that which is important to me, which includes many things in many subjects.

It was sort of one of those contradictory things. I knew I wouldn’t get a huge following but I hoped I did. In the world politics, I hoped to point out errors that people make, Democrat or Republican. I have written a few things bad about Republicans and I have written many things bad about Democrats. The problem, of course is that I need to stand on a mountain with a 5000 watt sound system but all I have is a valley with a megaphone. That is better than I had before.

I like to write about dumb commercials, regardless of where I find them. If you have read my posts for a while, you will be well of aware of them, like the almost nude woman in a magazine…advertising shoes. I suspect, if they could have, they would have had the woman pose nude… that is, if they thought it would sell shoes. Of course, if they paid enough, they would have a line of women waiting for the chance to get their face before the public.

I think, by far, the most important thing I write about is Christianity. When all is said and done, it is the most important thing — period. I guess many get tired of hearing me on this subject but if I get through to 1 or 2 a year, I consider it well worth the effort. This is especially true if somehow one of those people I get though to becines another Billy Graham. I hope I have not set my hopes too high. It is the nature of Christianity. We spread the great news and God does the rest.

I like to write about what I call the CEO affect. (Chief Executive Officer) I mean, there are a lot of products where it is obvious the CEOs don’t use the product. They certainly don’t open the packaging. This covers it all from plastic blister wraps, to instructions, to reliability, to customer support. Well, I guess it wouldn’t include customer support. If he doesn’t like something he would not have to deal with people whose 2nd language is English and of course, they know nothing about the product. If the CEO has a problem, he just goes to the dumb engineer and fires him.

I like to talk about restaurants. When I like them, I write about that. When they are not so good, I write about that. I have a list of about 3 or 4 restaurants that I simply no longer go to. I have a list of dozens that I go back to frequently. On of the biggest mistakes many restaurant managements make is that more and better ads will make up for low quality food and service. Oddly, I have gone into big restaurants where the service was much faster than McDonald’s and I have gone to places where it is less expensive and better.

Naturally, my posts don’t always help the good places. I wrote a very good word for Abbay’s and the only people who read it were in India. Sorry to say, I don’t think Abbay’s employees noted much of a gain in their evening crowd.

I do have hopes that one day the owners of some of these places will read my posts and start fixing things. I mean I do like do like Big Mac’s. I just don’t like waiting 15 minutes to get them…and then waiting another 10 minutes for the drinks. Neither do I like doing battle with a fancy ketchup dispenser when other methods would work so much better. (I wonder if the CEO of McDonald’s has to deal with those things. While I’m at it, let’s ask if if the current CEO of Wendy’s has to wait for three employees to finish their conversation before taking his order. I don’t like kiosks, but I neither have to wait for them to take my order nor do I have to wait behind ten cars.

I guess the drive throughs go hand and hand with the world of fast food. First, drive throughs take priority over counter service. McDonald’s will keep it’s drive through open if it means shutting everything else down. I suspect many other fast food places will as well. The one place that noted is not that way, they have big drive-though lines but I never have had to wait much at the counter. Also, the food is brought out promptly and accurately.

The really bad thing about drive throughs I don’t understand, while people like me go into a place and place our orders, a line of cars with idling engines belch green house gases into the atmosphere and those going green outfits never say a word. And me… me…. I just sit here and shake my head.

My best guess, you just might find those going green people right in the drive through lines with the rest of them. By the way, did you know you can get a pizza at a drive through. That’s right. One night we were going to order a pizza to take home. They had the counter closed and the drive through open. How do they even do that?

Well, it is nice for those who do not like traipsing through the rain or putting up with the noon day sun. All they need do is SHOUT their order into a… whatever, and in a while, they will have your order ready, that is, unless they gave you a Dr. Pepper instead of a Diet Coke.

This is not restricted to restaurants. It’s banks, prescriptions, in a round about way, groceries. The country has gone drive through crazy. I guess pedestrians must just go hungry.

Certainly, I love to pick on our neighbors to the north. I love to say that every time they mess up, the value of my home goes up and it is true. I live 12 miles from the Memphis airport but I can’t remember the last time I’ve been in Memphis. They no longer have anything I need or want.

However, the facetious remarks are made to encourage them to straighten out the mess they have created for themselves. It would not only help them but me as well. The stupidity seems to be spilling over to the south, to the north, and to west, and to the east. May I remind one and all that Shelby County schools had very close to the worst reading scores in Tennessee. With scores that bad, it’s not the kids. It’s the schools. It is why people are moving south. It is why people in Memphis are sneaking people into Desoto County schools, which is illegal.

Of course, I can’t prove it, but I suspect that there are more U-Hauls going south across that state line than north. I also suspect that it is costing some of those folks a lot of money to give up their Memphis homes.

Well, I do write on other things, but I suspect that is most of the reason I blog. I wonder if those guys north of the state line ever pay any attention to me. It just might do them a little good.

I don’t think they do. I don’t think they will. I’ll let you figure out why.

Like a Room Full of Kids

Posted in Christian values, Confessions, Deceit, Lawyers and Representation, responsibility & irresponsibility, Uncategorized by

After a tragic event, I prefer to hold my comments to myself for a week or two. Frequently, if I jump too early, I end up eating my words.

Tonight, I have decided to say a few words about the tragedy in Hawaii. I thought about writing immediately after but I am glad I waited for things to unfold. The one thing I noticed is that it was similar to walking into a room full of kids where something was spilled causing substantial damage. When I ask who did it, the kids, in chorus say, loudly, “Not me.”

Ever since the disaster a great deal of time has been wasted pointing fingers. This one says this and that one says that. I guess none of those fellas was in the Marines. They wouldn’t have done that. It is very shameful behavior by them all.

As I see it, someone squandered a good opportunity. If one would have raised his hand and said, “It’s my fault and I apologize. I didn’t see it coming and I should have. I assure you, I will not make that mistake again and I need to do what I can to see to it that we recover as much as we can as quickly as we can. After, in the aftermath, we need to take a good hard look at what happened and, in as much as possible, make sure that it is never repeated.”

I suspect that any man (or woman) who said that would have the full attention and the loyalty of his friends and constituents. In general, people don’t like it when people mess things up. Even more, they will generally respect the man who owns it.

I learned it day one in boot camp, don’t make mistakes and when you do, admit to them. It seems a little contradictory. It effectively goes against the natural behavior, but it is the most important thing a leader can do. It’s kind important for the followers too. It is hard to face up to our shortcomings, but those who attempt deception will pay the price, especially when it is so obvious.

A Difficult Question

Posted in Entertainment, Fantasy, Uncategorized by
Daily writing prompt
What TV shows did you watch as a kid?
View all responses

I was born in 1947. It was not that long after the TV started becoming prominent in the homes. Now I am supposed to remember TV when I was 5 and 6? Well, actually, I do remember a few shows. Oddly, Amos and Andy was one of them. The whole family loved it. I even remember a few of the characters, a couple of their names. If you ask me to say something about any specific story plots, forget it.

Once I was half way through my sixth year, I remember a few more. Superman, Bennie and Cecil the seasick sea serpent. Of course I watched Superman. I think about every kid back then wouldn’t miss the show. I was one of those kids running around with a towel hanging off my neck and pretending to fly.

I guess Disneyland was one of my favorites. I remember very well each of the three part series of Davey Crockett. I also remember the theme song remained on the Hit Parade for, well it seemed months. I got the impression that those who had to sing the song each week got tired of coming up with new ways to present it. (if you don’t know of what I speak, Google “Your Hit Parade”)

But Disneyland wasn’t tied down to just one thing. There were the nature shows, the cartoons, Peter Pan and who knows what all. It really wasn’t like just one show. It seemed a little different each week and we all made sure to watch it.

Cartoons were prevalent. About 4 or 5 everyday, there were a bunch of them, Popeye, Felix the Cat. Sorry, just can’t remember them all. None of them were the likes of Spungebob Square Pants. I have no idea what kids today see in that thing.

Saturday morning was the best time for cartoons. There was Mighty Mouse, a variety of cartoons from Warner Brothers. Loved Speedy Gonzalez. Really got upset when they started targeting him because he was seen as racial. Roadrunner was and is one of my favorites. That poor coyote just couldn’t ever win. So many times, he ended up splatting at the bottom of that canyon. Loved those expressions those artist put on that poor guy when he realized he’d been had again. Then there was Tweedy Bird and Sylvester. Who would ever think such a small little bird could always cause such damage to that that big bad kitty cat.

As I aged a little, my interests turned to the westerns. Must have been dozens of them, most by Warner Brothers. The later ones, Gunsmoke, High Chaparral and Bonanza just never had my interest much. I mean they were dramas that were placed in the old west days, but they were not real westerns. I mean most of the plots would have fit right in today, with a few minor changes. By the way, don’t much care for most dramas, modern, ancient, or western. Have to hand it to that composer though; the one who wrote the Bonanza. It’s a great piece of music.

The others in the family liked Bonanza but when it came on, I generally found something else to do.

Finally, there was the private eye era. 77 sunset strip, Hawaiian Eye and so forth. Sorry. Just can’t remember them all. It did seem there were a couple on each of the networks.

I guess the private eye thing continued on to this day but it’s not nearly the same. It seems every time they come up with a good genera they just can’t wait to ruin it. I mean, the purpose of the show is entertainment. It really isn’t so good if it doesn’t entertain, regardless of what Hollywood or the critics think.

Consider, who would have ever considered a movie about a suave British agent doing the impossible with ridiculous gadgets? But it succeeded to the point it was copied, even on TV. Remember Man From Uncle and Get Smart? If you are less than 30, maybe not.

It seems that, these days, the folks producing shows are more interested in furthering the liberal agenda. If they entertain someone, it is totally by accident.

Some People Are So Gullible They Believe Anyone

Posted in AARP, Abuse of Power, Biden, Cancel Culture, CDC, Christian values, Communist Takover, Controllers, Crazy Nuts, Elections, Going Green, gun control, Immigration, January 6, Lawyers and Representation, Nadler, News Anchors, News media, Obama, Obama Care, Pelosi, Plutocrat, Politally Correct, Politcal Opinion, Psaki, Religion, Social Media, The Squad, Truth, Uncategorized by

You take for instance the idle worshiper. He actually feels that that rock is going to help him. He goes to it for advice consolation and of course in offering of gifts.

On the other hand, there are those who believe the government (AKA democrats) will take care of all their needs. Oddly, some feel that it is all owed to them. All they have to do is keep those dems in office and all will go well. Hence, they will do lie, cheat and defraud to insure that they have Big brother in there to provide for them their handout. For those that have some reasoning left, that only lasts until they have their dictatorship set up. Then it will be the dems who will be doing all the receiving. Those that voted them in will have absolutely no say, no money, no food, and, of course, no medical.

It does all seem to be sort of the same thing. However, the fact is that the rock might be more helpful. It isn’t trying to control what you do, what you say or what you think, which is the desire of the dems.

Lest anyone get the wrong idea that I am encouraging rock worship, I am just saying, rocks are less dangerous. They have no desire to take over and rule the world, like Lenin, like Mao, and yes, like Hitler.

Some People Like Noise

Posted in Electric Automobiles, Going Green, Uncategorized by

Don’t know why but it is so true. When I had my BMW motorcycle, I liked the smooth quiet ride. In fact there were times it was just a bit too quiet. I’d pull up to a light and I reached down and touch the head just to make sure it was still running.

On the other hand, you have those that like the sound of a Harley Davidson. Some will actually put non-standard parts on them just so we can hear them as they go by. Well, actually we hear them as they approach and long after they leave.

It is the same as with cars. It sometime put the policeman in something of a quandary. He knows that hot rod is far too noisy to be legal but just how does he prove it. Many times, he lets it go for that reason. I guess all police should carry a device around with them that can measure the noise, but that is difficult.

Then you have the man who likes his Cadillac that just purrs silently along. Then again, it has the horses that are, what’s the word, silently standing by in case they are called upon. I guess we could call the power understated, though I’m not sure that’s the right expression either.

Although I can understand the man that enjoys the throaty sound of the big Harley engine, I’m kind of one of those that would just as soon not have to listen to it. I suppose there is a safety factor to it. If I hear the motor coming, I am more likely to know it’s there. I mean, if you can’t see that Harley in your blind spot, the noise can make a real difference.

One day I saw an article that all electric cars ought to be required to make some noise, for the blind pedestrian. The idea was, the blind person, if he hears the motor is less likely to step out in front of the car.

During the test drive of my electric, my timing was off. I was trying to get on the Interstate just as four cars were approaching in the right lane. Well, I hit the brake and decided to wait for the cars to go by. That courteous driver slowed, opening up a spot in front of him. That was nice of him but I was only doing about 30.

I guess that gave me a reason to step on it and see what it would do. Frankly, it was one of the reasons I bought the car. It took off like a shot, almost scared me. However, it made not one noise. I was expecting something. You know, even the Cadillacs make some noise when you step on them. I don’t know about Rolls Royces. Never did see one when the driver stepped on it. Certainly, even it would at least whisper.

With that Nissan, not a sound but the wind going by and the tires on the road. Not much of that. It was kind of like with the old BMW motorcycle. Other than the fact that it pinned my wife to the back seat, you’d not know there were any horses there.

By the way, there was no hesitation. Most cars would take a short time to drop down into passing gear when you gun them. I stomped on he accelerator and it accelerated, instantly.

I would suspect that, even if all else were equal, there are those who would not want an electric car. I mean, some folks just have to have the noise. In the future, somewhere along the line, maybe loud noise could be added to electric cars as an option, for those that just have to have the noise.

Just a Few Notes to my Readers

Posted in A few words of appreciation to my readers, A Little About me, Uncategorized by

One thing that has surprised me when I started this blog is that there are people all over the world that have read my posts and for that I thank you very much. I never imagined that people from India or Africa would want to read what I have written. Actually, I am a little surprised that people in the next county would want to read anything I wrote.

Sorry, sometimes I get a little wordy. Sometimes, that would be a big understatement. I try to stay short and to the point. I guess one reason that the posts are so long is that I am a person who likes to deal in examples. Many times, by the time I am done with the example, I’ve already exceeded my intentional length. On the other hand, I get on this keyboard and I just don’t know when to quit.

At any rate, the main purpose of this post is to thank my many readers. Word Press does provide me with some info on those who read my writing, sort of enough to make me curious. For instance, does that person in China know English or does Word Press provide a translation?

That individual who read one of my posts in Africa… Just what sort of person is he or she? Naturally, I do wonder about how people put up with my grammar mistakes. I really do proof read all my posts, sometimes four or five times. It just is, not only do I write poorly, but I edit even worse.

When I first started out, I was afraid people would find out too much about me. It sort of doesn’t bother me anymore. Among other things, not that many people read what I write. It is difficult to get a good idea of how many read a specific post but I would guess that, maybe in a few cases, it is 150. I don’t know, but I would suspect that what I write is passed on through whatever other means. Maybe I have been quoted a few times too. It’s okay. You need not even credit me. Well, that is the hope anyway. That might mean that, maybe 300 have read something I wrote.

That’s a little disappointing. I had hopes of reaching thousands.

When I first started out, I was given a choice. If I allowed advertisers, it would be free. If I paid a little, then there would not be any ads other than any I might put in. I guess most of you can figure which one I chose. I was afraid that some of the advertisers would object to what I wrote, especially GM. I don’t know if that would have happened. However, now GM has no say so over what I write.

Also, thankfully, Word Press has not sent me any notes about my political views. Then again, that might be subject to change the way things are going. It is very conceivable that they are receiving a little pressure from that woke crowd.

May I Have Two

Posted in Uncategorized by
Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite recipe?
View all responses
  1. Spaghetti: I’m not like most who like the meat sauce poured over the freshly heated spaghetti. First the spaghetti should be heated as usual. Then the meat sauce should be added. Then it should be simmered for at least 4 hours. It is even better if it then goes the fridge overnight and heated for an hour or two the next day. The meat sauce should contain tomato sauce, ground beef, onions, bell peppers… green and red, and just a little salt. Of course most like pepper too but I’m not keen on hot things. The idea of letting the spaghetti simmer in the sauce is that it permits the taste of the sauce to penetrate the spaghetti. I have never tried it, but the use of a slow cooker might be very good for this. Maybe 12 or 15 hours. I suspect that most find the thought of spaghetti made this way revolting. Well, if you like undone spaghetti with meat sauce poured over it, you will likely be able to get that most anywhere. If you want the taste of the meat sauce penetrating the spaghetti, you will likely have to make it yourself. I don’t know of many restaurants that make it the way I like it.
  2. I don’t know what to call this. You get two boneless chicken breast and bake for a while. Break the breast into pieces about ¾ inches long and put them into a pan. Add one small can of chunk pineapple, a quarter cup brown sugar. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. If you like you can add 1 sliced bell pepper. Simmer until hot. I imagine you could use fresh pineapple but if you do, you will need a little water or fruit juice, maybe lemon. Of course, the longer it simmers, the more the taste of the pineapples and brown sugar will penetrate the chicken. I think you will find that your kids will love it.
    Some will prefer the oven for a while instead of simmering. I’ve had it both ways but I don’t like to heat up the whole kitchen if I don’t have to.

By the way, I could hardly be called a good cook. I am not going to guarantee either recipe. However I do like both recipes and have eaten them many times. Well, unfortunately, the wife does not like onions so, either I do without or add them after cooking.

I don’t get to eat the spaghetti very much these days. It makes my sugar spike like crazy, even more than sugar. Have no idea why. One of greater problems of diabetes. Got to be very careful with food with noodles.

Memphis Drivers and Politics

Posted in Elections, Fear, Gambling, law enforcement, Memphis Drivers, Respect, Uncategorized by

If anyone moving into the Desoto County area were to ask me for advice, I’d tell them to watch out for Memphis drivers. You can tell them for the blue auto plates. They are apt to change lanes without warning. If they decide to, they will bypass you in the right lane and jump in front of you, even if there is no room. I am beginning to think it is a sport with them.
Another one of there tricks is to turn in front of you from a parking lot and then decide to do 10-15 miles under the speed limit. Then, of course, when you try to go around them, they go up to 5 to 10 miles over the limit.
The thing that brought this to mind tonight is that one of them just almost customized my almost new car. I was crossing the I-55 bridge going west. One of them came off the offramp and crossed three lanes. Oh he was signalling. It appeared he considered it gave him the right-of-way. I had to really hit the brakes in a hurry to keep from hitting him. Then, of all things, he decided to take his time.
That I-55 and 302 interchange has become somewhat dangerous. I would guess, most likely that guy was headed south to Tunica to give away some money. Makes me ever more happy that we shot down the gambling back a few decades. Invariably, it would have drawn a few more of the likes of this guy.
I mean, I don’t mind those from Memphis coming down here and spending there money. I just wish they would leave their driving habits north of the state line. We don’t need drivng like that anywhere, certainly not here!
There is but one more thing I need to say regarding this. Unfourtunately, many of those Memphis drivers are moving down here south of the state line. I guess, even they don’t like it so much up thre. I mean, it is good in a way. It does drive the value of my little house up. The problem is that they bring their driving habits with them and their politics. They are ruining things for those of us who have moved here to get away from the likes of them.
I mean, we don’t need the democrats ruining things down here the way they ruined things up there. We really don’t need the idea of boys going into girls restrooms or competing in girl’s sports. If they want to live in that kind of environment, they need to turn right back around and go back where they came from, where they will fit right in, where they can play bumper cars like the rest of them.

I’m adding this as an afterthought. I sure wished that before a Memphis driver could get a Mississippi license, they would be required to take a course on safe driving and pass a test to prove they learned it. Maybe it would decrease the movement south, but it would definitely make the roads safer.

Also, I’m beginning to think we need a requirement for forward view cameras on all cars. One of the reasons people change lanes unsafely is because they know if they are rear-ended, the other driver will be assumed to be the one at fault. Cameras would change that. Also, the retrofit cameras are not that expensive. It would save a lot of money in the courts. I mean, who is going to try to convince a jury that they didn’t run the red light when it is on video.