Category Archives: Uncategorized

On The Other Hand

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Let’s say I want to go to Little Rock. I live here in Desoto County so, if I fly, it will take me about half an hour to get to Memphis International, assuming traffic isn’t too bad. Because I need to arrive 2 hours in advance, I leave my home 2 1/2 hours before departure time. Also, I need to really go through the old checklist and make sure I don’t forget anything. There’s no turning around to get anything.

On the other hand, I can just drive to Little Rock, which takes about 2 hours. I have my own car when I get there, I don’t have to take off my shoes and I don’t have the limits on luggage. I have no parking costs either. Moreover, I get to leave on my own schedule.

It does make me wonder, how many people fly from Memphis to Little Rock, or to Fort Smith for that matter. I really can drive from Memphis to Fort Smith (about 300 miles) in about 4 hours, much more comfortably than I can fly.

How Quickly We Forget

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I really don’t understand why, as a nation, we forget things so quickly. After 9/11 we all claimed we would never forget it. Yet, nowadays, many don’t know many of the aspects. If we did remember, we would not let people in this country so quickly. Old Joe and his staff actually aid people into this country they know are a danger to us. And yet, Kamal almost got half the votes in this country.

Nonetheless, tariffs is what really prompted me to sit here in front of my keyboard. Oddly, it is the conservatives that are so quick to forget the reason for tariffs. I listen to the radio and I hear people talk about tariffs without reference to the real reason for them. They speak as if Trump has no reason for Tariffs.

Look, I am not one in favor of tariffs. I like free trade. However, sometimes free trade doesn’t work. There are, if you will think back real reasons for tariffs. China, in particular gave us real reasons. They were dumping steel and and aluminum on the market. The Chinese government was financially aiding their steel and aluminum industry to drive their cost down. It about destroyed our steel and aluminum industry. Remember, when they called the steel belt the the rust belt? Our steel industry today is still not as it was.

This put our country in a very precarious situation. If, all of a sudden, China stopped selling us aluminum and steel, just how would we make things, you know, like tanks and planes? We could again make steel and aluminum but it would take years, maybe decades to get everything geared up again. Things such as that don’t restart at the flip of a switch.

Some products we make need to be protected. We need to send a message to all other nations, “We will not become dependent on others for things for any reason.”

Moreover, most other nations don’t have our laws and regulations. Mexico does not have the laws concerning labor and environment. Hence, it is easy for them to build things at a lower cost. Also, instead of the pollution in the US, they have the worse pollution in Mexico. By the way, have you noticed what the smog is like in China lately. Have you noted the child and/or slave labor in China lately. It is there, you know. We have laws against that here. It gives China an unfair advantage.

By the way, did anyone notice the way the French and English government help in the development of the Airbus planes… or the supersonic plane. Odd the way the Airbus planes are built, parts in England, parts in France.

In some cases, we must not only compete with the other national industry, but also the other governments. I suppose that our government could provide help for our industries. However, there are names for that you know. It is called communism. In Germany, during WWII, it was Nazism. For many, many decades, we fought against it. Many men gave their lives to keep it out of this country. Now, of course, the dems have a different attitude toward it. They welcome it. They encourage it. They fight those who fight against it.

Going back to the tariff thing. When other nations refuse to compete fairly, when they openly use their government to help in defeating our industry, then it is time to use tariffs, before it becomes too late to be effective.

Finally, we do need to make sure we can still make steel, aluminum and meds in our own country. We should never have to go begging to other countries, especially our enemy, for them. That makes us weak and venerable.

Odd Timing

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Just last night, I saw a doe and buck just off the road grazing. They hardly moved as I drove by.

When I first moved down here (about 4 decades ago), we used to see them regular and in groups. Not so much these days. I guess the population is beginning to drive them away. It is a shame. I enjoy watching them, especially when they have one or two young ones with them.

There are still enough of them we need to keep an eye out for them, although I do believe the deer are becoming wise to the autos.

On the other hand, if you want to count the squirls, I see them about every day. I have to be ready to hit the brake. The things get out in the middle of the street. Then when they see me coming, they stop and can’t figure out which way to go whilst I wait for them to make up their minds.

Obviously, we do see birds now and then. I have even seen the squirls chase the birds or visa versa.

Regardless, I would like to be able to watch the deer now and then. Unfortunately, there was nowhere for me to pull the car over. Besides, I think if I had stopped, it would have scared them off.

Daily writing prompt
Do you ever see wild animals?
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Doesn’t Everyone?

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At least I thought so.

Thanksgiving: turkey and dressing

Christmas: Ham, sometimes turkey and dressing or both

Forth of July : Fried chicken

Whatever the meat, it must include mashed potatoes and gravy. In the case of 4th of July, a good potato salad will also work especially if a picnic.

no bout a doubt it. Those are the absolute rules. No excuses

Daily writing prompt
Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?
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If Only It Were So

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It would mean I could put in a longer work day and retire far earlier. It would mean I could have also spent more time with the family. Splitting the extra time between work and family would certainly be the obvious big advantages. However, if you think about it there are many side benefits.

I would guess half of my 900 sq ft house is devoted to sleeping. I could use that space in other ways. It would effectively double the useful space in my home. On the other hand, I could make do with a a smaller home.

Oddly, it might do away wit the need for a home altogether. It might be a little inconvenient, but if I don’t have to have a place to sleep, then I would not need any more than a place to keep my things. That might be a simple 100 sq feet.

Much of what we buy and have is so that we have a nice comfy place to lay our head.

My aside, that would put a lot of mattress makers out of work.

Daily writing prompt
If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?
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Powers of Persuasion

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No doubt about it. Anyone sitting in front of a mic or camera is given some powers of persuasion. As they speak, it is often difficult to determine what they believe and what they are simply advertising. Indeed, I suspect that most of the time it is both.

So, they use their powers of persuasion to encourage people to gamble. They endeavor to persuade one and all how wonderful it will be when you “invest” a few dollars, you will win so much money. They say, not only can you win, but you will have fun at it.

I am a Christian. However, even if I weren’t, my conscience would never permit me do such a thing. I suppose I am a leftover from the old days, when we were taught that gambling was a bad thing. In my day, I was taught that only bad people risked hard earned money. Not only that, other people’s experience taught me that winning is rare, especially lotteries.

It’s suddenly different these days it seems. This even though it can lead to divorce and even criminal results. Odd as you might think, some people do write the check without the money in the bank, in hopes that the money won will cover it. And though they might not mean to, those who use their power of persuasion to talk the weak into gambling away the house note, or even the entire paycheck encourage this behavior. Then, the gambler can’t figure out why they are being pulled over by that nice policeman, even though he didn’t speed. Then the next thing he knows, he is cuffed and on the way to jail for writing hot checks.

It does happen. I have seen it. My ethics keep me from being specific, but I assure you, it happens. It is a shame that when they make the ads, they aren’t required to also report those who have gotten in trouble, listening and following the advice in the ads.

Unfortunately, even that still will not stop the compulsive gamblers, but at least they will be forewarned. It is not only common, but more common than most realize. I can remind one and all of a case in the news. They guy gambled away his whole paycheck at the casino. Then he wrote a hot check to Kroger for groceries so he could put off explaining what he did to his wife. A short time later, he was chased by police and climbed the Hernando Desoto Bridge to avoid the police. Yep, that tied up traffic an hour or two.

And yet, Tennessee advertises how much fun it is to buy lotto tickets. The Memphis city radio and TV stations advertise the casinos in Tunica. They do this with completely clear consciences.

Revisiting the CEO Principle

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I can’t remember how long ago it was, but many years ago, I posted what I call the CEO principle. Some might actually remember it. I suspect most have not read it. For that reason, I will briefly review it.

You know when you go to the store and buy that gizmo wrapped in that really wonderful bubble wrap. When you get home, you go to work in the effort to remove the blister wrap. I’ve got to believe that they spent a lot of time and money engineering how to enclose those wonderful gizmos in that wrap. Invariably, one thing you must remember, never use a knife to remove the wrap. First, it is not very effective. Second, you might actually hurt yourself. I have no idea how much validity there is to it but I have heard of people cutting off a finger while trying to break into the things.

I really doubt that, but I can believe that some have cut themselves pretty good. So, if you are going to use a knife, be sure to have plenty of bandages. It might also be a good idea to have someone around to apply the bandages. Make sure whoever it is, is not so squeamish.

Now, what does this all have to do with my CEO principle? Simple. If the CEO of the company that makes those wonderful gizmos actually used the product, off the shelf, they would not be wrapped as they are.

I get it. I know why they do it that way. There are thieves out there that will steal the gizmos by the dozens. The blister wrap is something of an antitheft system, to make sure that the product is complete when you get it home.

The principle not only applies to the way that it is wrapped, but also how they are made. Did you ever try to put one of those pieces of furniture together with those “Easy instructions?” Yep. You know exactly what I mean, that is, unless you are one of those who can afford to have the furniture delivered completely assimbled.

My electric lawn more almost escaped the CEO principle. It is real nice and works good. Not only that, it is easy to use. However, I almost have to use a prybar to remove the charged battery from the charger. No way does the CEO have to do that. He has someone else do it. Well, that is not totally fair. I bought it 5 years ago. They might have fixed it by now, though I hold out little hope. The battery slides in and out of the mower easy. Why not the charger?

I’m sure by now, you get the idea. There is no purpose to go on, though I could for a long time. The reason that I am revisiting the post is that I realize it also applies to the government. Let’s face it. When Obama had that Obama care thing written up, he knew he would not ever need to use it. He knew his family would never need it, very likely to the 3rd and 4th generation. He knew that, when he or his family needs to see a doctor, they will be able to go to the doctor he wants to and he will not have to go on the internet and sign up for one of the plans. He will never have to pay a doctor, lab or hospital bill, EVER.

However, It does not stop there. All those idiots that call themselves democrats and voted for Obama care knew they would never have to deal with it as we do. I know that because the bill was originally written so that they would have all have to go through the same stuff. Then, suddenly, before it was passed, they found out and that was changed. So, it would appear that what is good for us is not good enough for them or theirs.

That is to say, they need not concern themselves with most of the stuff they force down our throats. Is there anyone out there that actually believes that the senators and representatives ever had to put up with all the stuff we did during the pandemic? Do you believe their kids have to take the shots before they can go to school? It is sort of the way things are done in government. The laws are intended for us, not them.

It does go beyond that. Nowadays, the laws do not apply to the dems, only the republicans. Moreover, they have lots of help from the media. There is not one law that they and their minions can’t break. On the other hand, if a republican walks within a mile of the Capitol building, he is picked up and thrown in prison. Then, by the way, he is denied a lawyer or speedy trial. Many of those that were imprisoned four years ago remain imprisoned, uncharged and without lawyers.

Worse yet, a republican need not do anything wrong to feel the sting of the dems and their media. If a man being nominated for a cabinet post is targeted, they simply dream up something from decades ago, so as to make it difficult to disprove. Never mind, true or not. He is indicted by the press and that is more than enough.

One thing I know about the CEO principle. Private or government, complaints are useless. I know. I tried. I don’t think I was the only one either. And… by the way… in case you haven’t noticed, I am still complaining, for what little good it does.

Consider, how the Keating five got off Scott free, though they were all guilty of banking corruption. They were never even charged. Google it, Keating Five scandal. Four dems and Senator John McCain were caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar and they all should have gone to prison. Instead, they did away with Savings and Loan system, forcing us to go to banks for our loans.

Moreover, if they had all been Republicans, they would have all gone to jail.

Some People Don’t Get It

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Some apparently don’t try.

I go to a place to eat. Only after entering am I told “drive through only.” Then some character who doesn’t work there almost laughs as he says, “The drive through is faster anyway.”

I suspect he was trying to anger me, which he did.

A. There was a long long line at the drive through.

B. Invariably, someone in the line would take 5 minutes, maybe 7, which I have learned by experience.

C. Most important, I wanted to eat in a dining room, not mt car.

It would have been nice if they would have put up a sign somewhere. You know, like the vacancy/no vacancy signs at motels. Then, they might realize that would cause them to lose business, which would be likely. So, instead, they wait until I stop, park, and walk all the way in with my bum ankle.

It was true. I was angry at the remark. However, I said nothing to the employees. It it was not their stupid remark. I did, however, curtly corrected the guy who made the remark, “Not true. Long line.” Then I left.

Now, the nice thing about this area. I don’t have to go back there for a while and I won’t.. Maybe, one day, when they notice fewer cars stopping there, they will decide to open the dinning room again. The question, will they get it open before they have to close it all down? I am sure I am not the only customer they have angered.

Then again, I can’t completely blame them. It’s sort of what happens when the federal government starts paying people for doing nothing, as Old Joe did.

The Rapture Is Near

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First a quick word about the rapture so you know what I’m writing about. In the Bible, in I Thessalonians 4, it is made clear. Quickly, in the twinkling of an eye, Jesus will return for His Church. Suddenly every person who was saved and is dead, will be brought to life and they will go up to meet Jesus. Then, quickly, those who are saved and remain alive, will be changed and also will go to be with Jesus.

Those who remain will go through the tribulation, a time of great misery, which will last for 7 years.

Now, read for yourself and it will become clear to you, all the signs are met. However, there is one more thing. The more we hear people scoff that it is not near, the more likely it is near. Some say it may yet be another two thousand years. Actually, that is true. It could be another four thousand years. I simply don’t know. No one knows but God.

However, it might also be in the next 2 minutes. If that be the case, it would be a wise thing not to put salvation off for 5 minutes. Indeed, even the scoffing is predicted as Jesus compared it to the way those of Noah’s time mocked Noah about the ark.

Once God sealed the door on ark and all but Noah and his family perished; once the rapture is over, all who remain will face the tribulation.