The Slip & Slide

The other day when I wrote about things that make me laugh, I did leave a big one out that I did remember. When the kids were young, we frequently went to see the local team, The Memphis Chicks.

During our time at the ballpark, we were fortunate to witness several exceptional talents, including the remarkable pitcher David Cone. From the moment I first saw him play, I was convinced he was destined for a stellar career in the major leagues.

If my memory is correct, we attended a baseball game, eagerly anticipating David Cone’s pitching performance. His reputation on the mound drew us to the stadium, hoping to witness his skill and precision in action.

In the midst of a typical Memphis downpour, the groundskeepers swiftly unfurled the protective tarp across the baseball diamond. Somewhere around the fourth inning, Cone, with a burst of playful energy, took a running start and dramatically slid across the rain-soaked tarp, creating a moment of unexpected levity during the weather delay.

As the thunderous applause erupted, he rose triumphantly, arms raised in a victorious gesture. Suddenly, the umpires burst onto the scene, their stern expressions cutting through the celebration, swiftly guiding him away from the tarp with sharp, authoritative gestures.

As the umpires retreated, Cone glanced over his shoulder, then back at the tarp. Suddenly, he sprinted toward the plastic covering, sliding with even more enthusiasm than before. Drenched from head to toe, he was clearly reveling in the moment until the umpires charged after him, shouting and gesturing emphatically.

David Cone’s daring slides captivated the crowd, each one more audacious than the last. Despite the umpires’ apparent frustration, their reactions seemed suspiciously choreographed, as if part of an unspoken performance. His bold maneuvers, while technically questionable, were executed with such flair that even the officials appeared more bemused than truly angry. The electric atmosphere of those moments was infectious, stirring a vicarious thrill that some spectators likely yearned to join the spectacle, to feel the rush of defying convention on the baseball diamond.

I vividly recall the event, certain that a recording must exist somewhere. Upon returning home, the scene unfolded on television with an almost choreographed precision. Despite extensive online research, I couldn’t definitively verify Cone’s involvement. If anyone has concrete information, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

Seeking insights on the potential pricing of tarps and exploring a modest revenue opportunity through slide-based services.

Who’s the Real Loser?

Is it likely that the federal government will adopt Signal as a secure communication platform in the future?

If you are the one in charge of finding a secure messaging system for your corporation, are you going to chose Signal.

If Trump harbored animosity toward Signal, his actions could potentially inflict significant damage on the organization.

Signal’s credibility seems irreparably damaged, leaving little reason for users to maintain trust in the platform.

Morning Rituals?

I rarely do anything in the morning. All my life, I worked nights. Unless there is a specific reason, I don’t do mornings and neither does my wife. Now that we are retired, we have that option.

Unfortunately, there are things for which I much awake early, a doctor appointment or to have my car serviced for instance. I might be able to get someone to take my car to have it serviced but I must always be present during my doctor appointments.

I have always felt it was unfair that the world would make those of us working at night bend our schedule to the world’s schedule. I mean, if I must go in at 8 or 9, that is the middle of my sleeping time. Then to make matters worse, if I get done around noon, I don’t even have the option of trying to recover the sleep I missed. By the time I get a chance to catch up on my sleep, I’m about to fall over in my tracks before getting home.

Daily writing prompt
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

This is How I Would Do It

They were concerned about one leak. This would have been my method. The first four attacks would be small and leaked. They would have known the hour, the minute I would strike.

Twice more, I would telegraph strikes but keep my planes on the ground. Then, without warning, without so much as a hint, I I would strike at an odd time very fast and very hard.

Uncertainty and strategic disruption have long been tactical tools in warfare. During my time in Vietnam, the enemy employed psychological methods designed to unsettle and destabilize our forces. This approach of maintaining unpredictability is a time-honored technique aimed at undermining an opponent’s confidence and operational effectiveness. If I were in a position of authority, I would ensure that those causing shipping disruptions would be permanently neutralized through comprehensive strategic intervention.

Achieving victory in conflict transcends mere body counts. Strategic manipulation often involves subtle pawns, carefully positioned to serve a larger purpose. A seemingly innocuous reporter might be more instrumental than they appear, potentially operating as an intentional asset in a complex tactical landscape.

A Revelation of Stupidity

I must admit that I did not hear who the questioner was. She was apparently a member of a congressional committee with an obvious bias. The person being questioned was apparently being considered to head the Social Security Administration.

The question was something to the effect of: Do you intend to decrease the amount being paid to each recipient by a third, or decrease the number of recipients by a third?

In the first place, she ignored the third and most probable choice, neither. Secondly, she was taking part in the false mantra being pushed that Republican want to cut Social Security for any living, breathing current recipient.

With the asking of the question, she seems to have revealed her stupidity. Then again, it might have been the question she drew from the hat. Or maybe the ranking member assigned it to her. If she had objected, she might have been told, someone has to ask it.

I’m Afraid That Age & Reality is Catching up With Me

It’s getting more difficult for me to think of the words I want to say. Sometimes it forces me to abandon the way I want to say things. I am now 78 and even with the help of the computer, I am afraid it is getting time for me cease writing posts.

My guess is that there are those that will be glad to hear it. I am not sure exactly when I will write my last message to my readers, but I can’t imagine it will be much more than a month. Much more than that, it will likely be mandatory. It is taking me longer each time I sit down to write something.

Well, at least, for what it is worth, I did last long enough to help get another old man into the Oval Office. I likely didn’t help him that much, but I like to think I was contributing much more than I did. I also like to think I didn’t hurt the effort.

If nothing else, I would like to leave any atheist with this challenge, assuming they all have the courage. It is what I call the three prayer challenge. Three times, once a day, pray this prayer. “If you are real, God, tell me.” Of course, if the atheist is right, they have nought to fear. On the other hand, if he or she does get a reply, it just might change your life forever. That, for sure is why it takes real courage to participate in the challenge. If you receive a reply, then you will need to make a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, your atheist days will be over, which is why it is a real challenge.

I say this so that you take this challenge now, before you become to old, you know, like me. I have already made my decision. However, you really want to make sure you take the challenge before age and reality catch up with you. You don’t want to wait until you are too old to make the decision.

Don’t tell me, you don’t have the time, 2 seconds a day. I think it is the fear, not time, which stands in the way. And if you get an answer, that means there is a God. It becomes indisputable. My best guess, you won’t do it. You are afraid you will get an answer.

Well, as you read this, you can already see, I am sure that I am beginning to ramble a little. Still, you get the idea.

Two Facts of Life

Sometimes, what appears to be a far-fetched conspiracy theory might actually be a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered.

Paranoia can be a rational response when genuine threats exist, revealing that not all suspicions are mere delusions.

It would be unwise to categorically reject all conspiracy theories without careful examination. Furthermore, we should remain open to the possibility that genuine threats of violence may exist, with potential perpetrators harboring malicious intent and the means to carry out their dark designs.

The prolonged secrecy surrounding government documents inevitably raises questions about the authenticity and completeness of the information ultimately revealed. When critical evidence remains concealed for decades and then emerges with significant portions mysteriously absent, it naturally undermines public trust and invites skepticism about the true narrative.

I hold strong skepticism towards government actions, particularly those associated with the Democratic Party, and I am inclined to believe in various conspiracy theories that challenge the official narratives presented by political institutions.

Speculation has long surrounded President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s potential foreknowledge of the impending Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, with various historical theories suggesting he might have been aware of imminent danger. However, despite decades of research and debate, the complete truth remains elusive, leaving this historical mystery unresolved.

And so it is, there is another conspiracy theory added to the stack. Let’s face it: there are those who would rather have us speculate than know the facts.

Schumer Says He will not Step Down

Which means he is within an inch of stepping down unless something somehow in some way comes to his rescue.

The bad part is that he just might be replaced by someone worse, if you can believe it. It is uncharacteristic of the dems to never back off so much as an inch.

Yeah. I would expect you can expect his announcement within a week, or no more than two. It is sort of the pattern, is it not?

In Defense of Memphis & Shelby County Schools

Tennessee is intervening in the local education system following the Memphis school district’s systemic failures, with Shelby County assuming administrative control of the city’s educational institutions.

If the original intention had been realized, the outcome might have been favorable. Unfortunately, the city’s intervention in county school administration has led to a dramatic decline in educational quality. What was once a top-performing school system has now become the state’s lowest-ranked, a transformation that occurred with remarkable speed.

School administrators are attempting to support the MSCS System, though their efforts seem unlikely to yield positive results. Despite my skepticism, I acknowledge the possibility of being mistaken.

However, as I see it, those in charge of defending the system do have significant motivation. They do stand a chance of losing all the power they have managed to accumulate. Worse, if the state intervenes and transforms it into a model system, it will expose their incompetence. Well, it might also reveal a lack of desire to create an effective system. That would be difficult for the democratic leaders in the school to defend. THAT might have national, or at least regional problems for the dems.

Now, in defense of the system, I do have a good suggestion: Before the state takes over, make the school system work.

Despite the potential for meaningful education reform, political realities and established relationships with teacher unions make significant changes unlikely.

It Is Enough to Drive the Loony Sane

And by the way, I am sure it will keep an army of psychologists and psychiatrist all properly confused for the next hundred years and maybe a little longer.

The thought occurred to me to carry the last post a little further; you know the one about being unique. You ask one teen why he is wearing a ring through his nose, and he will say, “Because all my friends are doing it.” It is an act of conformity, and if the parent says no, the teen will immediately go into the rant they had planned well in advance.

In the suburban landscape, a few miles beyond the familiar horizon, a teenage son returns home, his nose adorned with a gleaming ring. His parents exchange bewildered glances as he declares his desire for individuality. Ironically, the very accessory he believes sets him apart is ubiquitous among his peers, who cling to this symbol of rebellion with such fervor that they would sooner sacrifice a limb than part with their piercing.

In one case, it is pro-conformity, and in the other case, it’s the desire to be different. Oh, by the way, it’s more than jewelry. At least half the reason the Beatles were such a big success was because someone convinced the world of teens that they were the best singing group ever. And danger lurks for those non-conformists who found them to be making irritating noise to a beat.

In our youth, we were swept up in the fervent pursuit of the latest cultural trends. Every new record, fashion item, toy, and novelty seemed essential to our very existence. Remember those quirky painted rocks, crudely adorned with misaligned facial features, that somehow captured our collective imagination? The excitement of acquiring these ephemeral treasures was an integral part of our shared experience, driving us to constantly seek out the next big thing.

While the text appears to explore the concept of uniqueness, I’m uncertain if that aligns with the original intent. I apologize if I’ve misinterpreted the intention.