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Three Hours a Day

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During a brief moment of leisure, I idly flipped through television channels when a compelling speaker caught my attention. His articulate commentary was not only insightful but also delivered with an engaging style. Though I cannot recall the specific C-Span channel, the presenter’s words resonated with clarity and a certain captivating charm.

I lingered, captivated by the broadcaster’s passionate monologue, and soon discovered I wasn’t alone in my fascination. His radio presence grew exponentially, ultimately reaching over six hundred stations and broadcasting three hours daily. Rush Limbaugh’s profound impact on national discourse remains undeniable, a legacy so significant that his name resonates instantly, even after his passing. The immediate recognition in listeners’ minds speaks volumes about his enduring influence on American media and political conversation.

Now, the networks are full of programs similar, but still unlike the one and only Rush. I’m not going to name all the programs. It would take so long. Besides you already know them. Even if you’re an advocacy of Bush’s point of view, you can’t deny his affect on today’s society and the many broadcasters who follow his leadership. Oddly, one of his followers even successfully competes with Sunday Night Football.

Still, there are a few who have also left their mark with much shorter programs. Consider Paul Harvey. Years after he has left us, people will instantly recognize the two words he made famous: “Good day.”

The idea has sparked my imagination. Imagine hosting a concise, three-minute daily show that could potentially catapult me to unexpected fame, even at this stage of life. Despite not considering myself particularly articulate or possessing a naturally smooth radio voice. I figure all I need is just a three minute spot on TV each day.

Modern news broadcasts have devolved into a spectacle of fragmented attention, where substantive reporting is marginalized. Within a typical thirty-minute program, commercial interruptions consume a third of the airtime, while meteorological updates and sports coverage claim another third. The remaining sliver—a mere five minutes—is allocated to actual news content, leaving viewers with a superficial understanding of current events.

In just three minutes, my innovative news program would distill the day’s most critical information, delivering a concise, comprehensive update that keeps viewers perfectly informed without wasting their time. I mean, do we really need ten minutes to find out if we will need a coat or umbrella?

In the cacophony of modern media, I confront a stark reality: entertainment trumps information. While listening to the radio, I heard a news segment devoted to Cher’s appearance on Saturday Night Live—a trivial detail that seemingly captivates the masses. My aspiration for concise, meaningful news appears doomed. The public’s appetite craves celebrity gossip, rendering substantive reporting nearly irrelevant. The hunger for superficial entertainment overshadows my idea for three minutes of real news.

Rush understood that a successful news program requires more than just reporting facts. By infusing entertainment into his broadcasts, he transformed traditional news delivery and captivated audiences. This innovative approach likely contributed significantly to his remarkable professional achievements.

News must be entertaining. If not, it will fail.

The answer: A Newspaper

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The question: What is black & white and read all over.

Okay. It’s an old joke in reverse, sort of Jeopardy style.

it’s sort of a segway into my subject matter, newspapers and how drastically they have changed in just a short time.

Throughout my youth, newspapers never appealed to me. Reading was not my strong suit, and broadsheets were particularly challenging. The oversized pages seemed designed to frustrate readers like myself. Despite having long arms, I struggled to manage the unwieldy sheets. My typical approach involved spreading the newspaper on the floor and scanning for interesting articles. Inevitably, I would encounter the dreaded “continued on page…” instruction, only to discover that the remaining text could have easily been accommodated on the previous page. These layout choices only reinforced my disinterest in newspaper reading.

They couldn’t deceive me. I quickly understood their strategy. The goal was to divert my attention from the main content to the page filled with advertisements. The publication’s revenue primarily came from advertising, not the actual articles. Regardless of their tactics, it added to the irritation of the oversized pages.

My brother shared insights into the unique reading culture of New Yorkers during their subway commutes. He explained the skillful art of newspaper folding, a technique that allows passengers to navigate cramped spaces while reading without inconveniencing fellow travelers. By the time they arrived at their destination, most subway riders had thoroughly consumed the day’s news, making them remarkably well-informed about current events.

In the digital age, journalism has undergone a profound transformation. Traditional print newspapers have evolved, migrating from physical pages to vibrant online platforms. Readers now consume news through smartphones, tablets, and digital devices, maintaining their reading habits while in transit. Despite the technological shift, the fundamental human tendency to remain absorbed in personal digital worlds persists, with commuters still largely disconnected from their immediate surroundings.

There is, however, one major difference that I wish were the same. Back then, in that day, they printed the truth. The quality of delivery is a great deal better, while the quality of the reporting has suffered horribly.

Is It Admission?

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The recent NBC advertising campaign has captured my attention, though I approach their claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. Advertising often presents a carefully curated narrative that may not entirely align with reality. Companies frequently highlight perceived strengths while strategically obscuring potential weaknesses. For example, a brand might emphasize reliability or customer choice, even when their actual practices fall short of these proclaimed ideals. This discrepancy between marketing messaging and genuine customer experience is a common strategy in the competitive world of corporate communication.

Recent NBC ads seem to be admitting their news division might not have been factually accurate and they promise to do better in the future in the ad. Of course, as the the old indium says, the proof is in the pudding. More precisely, will their record in the future be accurate or will they continue to provide one sided dribble?

The carefully constructed language of advertisements often raises suspicions about their authenticity, as they appear hesitant to confront the full truth of their historical context, instead choosing to obscure or downplay past realities with strategic phrasing.

Their willingness to venture independently speaks volumes about their potential. While I maintain a healthy skepticism and won’t blindly accept everything they present, I’m open to giving them a fair opportunity to demonstrate their credibility. My hope is that they will maintain transparency and provide a genuinely balanced perspective.

Their response will reveal their integrity. If they merely echo the prevailing narrative without critical examination, it will become clear that the advertisement is another deceptive attempt, further eroding any potential trust in them or their reporting.

Most Remarkable

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In the annals of maritime history, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains a poignant reminder of nature’s unforgiving power. Fifty years have passed since the legendary freighter succumbed to Lake Superior’s treacherous waters, a tragedy immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad. Though time may have dimmed memories, the ship’s dramatic sinking continues to captivate those who learn of its final, fateful voyage.

Stumbling upon an unexpected article during an unrelated research session, memories of a distant event and its accompanying melody flooded back. The passage of time became strikingly apparent, and the details within the piece struck me as both remarkable and astonishing, casting the past in a new, remarkable light.

In the century preceding this account, six thousand documented incidents were recorded, a statistic that initially seemed implausible. Despite initial skepticism about potential numerical errors, the reported figure remained consistent. Notably, since the referenced event, no further occurrences have been observed. This is is reported on YouTube, PBS News Room by Anna Nawaz.

Gordon Lightfoot, the renowned Canadian folk singer-songwriter, potentially transcended the realm of musical artistry through his legendary ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Beyond his celebrated musical contributions, his haunting narrative about the tragic shipwreck might have raised maritime safety awareness and commemorated the lives lost in one of the Great Lakes’ most infamous maritime disasters. His song not only preserved historical memory but potentially influenced maritime safety protocols and public consciousness about the dangers of nautical travel. The profound impact of his musical storytelling extends far beyond mere entertainment, potentially serving as a memorial, a cautionary tale, and a tribute to the brave sailors who faced nature’s unforgiving power. Lightfoot’s artistic narrative transformed a tragic maritime incident into a lasting cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with generations, highlighting the potential of music to document, remember, and potentially prevent future tragedies.

And, at the time, I just liked the song.

Don’t Drive Through Memphis Unless I Have to

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On Friday, my wife and I sat in my car while stationary. We were not in a parking lot but on a five-lane road. The other four lanes were creeping along southward. My electric Nissan just sat there for three or four minutes.

And folks wonder why I don’t drive in Memphis unless I have to. It wasn’t always like that. The five-lane highway used to be two lanes, and the traffic moved along quite nicely. If this kind of progress continues, no one will be able to drive anywhere at all.

What I anticipated would be a brief one-hour road time stretched to over two. The constant vigilance required was exhausting, as surrounding drivers seemed poised to modify my vehicle the moment my attention wavered. Navigating these conditions continuously would undoubtedly strain one’s mental resilience, potentially causing long-term psychological challenges.

Urban sprawl has reached a critical point, with neighboring suburbs experiencing similar challenges. The mounting traffic congestion is compounded by an influx of drivers with diverse and often problematic commuting behaviors. In hindsight, relocating immediately upon retirement would have been a prudent decision. Now, I’m concerned that the window of opportunity for a strategic move has narrowed significantly.

At least, as they continue their migration south, it will drive up my property values.

Can You Imagine With an Honest News Media

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According to recent polls, support for Trump appears to be declining among voters. And this with a media that admits being heavily biased against him. Pro Republicans in the media are rarer than he’s teeth. For those unaware, hens do have teeth.

In today’s media landscape, the scarcity of genuine, unbiased reporting undermines our ability to make well-informed choices. When journalistic integrity is compromised, the public is left navigating a complex world with distorted and incomplete perspectives. We need a media with at least twenty percent Republicans. Everyone knows it’s less than ten. Hence all reporting is from the democrat perspective.

EVs and Weather

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My Nissan electric vehicle typically achieves an energy efficiency ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. Ambient temperature significantly impact this performance, with efficiency potentially varying from as low as 1.7 to as high as 5 miles per kilowatt-hour depending on temperature and night or day.

The initial miles of a journey significantly impact overall efficiency. When starting in a sweltering vehicle, substantial energy is expended cooling the interior. Despite my car’s official 200-mile range rating, I’ve observed remarkable efficiency under optimal conditions. During mild days, around 70 degrees, I’ve achieved an impressive 5.2 miles per kilowatt-hour, effectively extending the potential range to nearly 300 miles. By minimizing climate control usage, the vehicle’s true range appears to surpass manufacturer specifications, potentially reaching just over 300 miles on a single charge.

My daily driving consists primarily of short, intermittent trips with frequent stops. To maximize fuel efficiency and comfort during summer, I’ve found that strategically parking in shaded areas with windows slightly lowered helps get the most out of every KWhour.

The inherent warmth generated by internal combustion engines remains an unparalleled comfort during cold weather, a benefit electric vehicles have yet to fully replicate. While electric cars continue to innovate, traditional gasoline-powered vehicles effortlessly provide instant cabin heating as a natural consequence of their mechanical process. Despite technological advancements, managing temperature in electric vehicles still presents challenges that drivers must strategically navigate.

If Only

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In moments of passionate conviction, I long to broadcast my message from towering peaks, my voice echoing across landscapes and reaching countless ears. Though such grand proclamation remains impossible, I recognize the power of personal connection. By sharing the facts overlooked by the the thousands with a handful of individuals, my words ripple perhaps to the very borders of the nation. Each listener becomes a messenger, carrying the message forward, and gradually, my words spread as the wind, eventually achieving the same goal.

I’ve repeatedly heard the argument that consumers ultimately bear the cost of import fees. While this perspective is valid, it overlooks a critical economic issue: when foreign countries flood the market with underpriced goods, traditional trade protections become ineffective. The steel and aluminum industries serve as prime examples, where international competitors, particularly China, have systematically undermined domestic manufacturing by selling products at artificially low prices.

With our steel and aluminum production crippled, the US has become the subservient to China. Moreover, if we can’t make stee, we have become reliant on other sources such as China. It is an old trick which has been used by monopolies within the US, oil, steel, railways, etc.With our steel and aluminum production crippled, the US has become subservient to China.

Moreover, if we can’t make steel, we have become reliant on other sources such as China. It is an old trick which has been used by monopolies within the US, such as oil, steel, and railways.

If China decides to become hostile, even in a cold war way, we would be totally at their mercy. We would quickly run out of the materials we need for planes, ships, or even missiles. Under such a situation, we may as well lower Old Glory and raise the white flag of surrender. They could quickly put us back in the Stone Age.

In light of these obvious facts, maybe paying a little more now instead of paying with our freedom later. Some of our industries must be protected. If only I could make that clear to one and all.

Some individuals seem indifferent to the economic implications, which raises questions about the motivations of those ardently advocating for tariff reduction.

Training Cats

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In the wake of our heartbreaking loss of two beloved canine companions to cancer, I discovered a calico cat seeking refuge in our storeroom. Recognizing our ongoing struggle with a persistent rat problem, I cautiously extended a gentle invitation to the feline, hoping she might become an unexpected ally in our household.

Over the years, I perfected a gentle approach to winning her trust. With small offerings of treats and tender petting, I gradually earned her trust, then her affection. My strategy proved remarkably effective, perhaps even more than I anticipated. Now, she greets me with such enthusiasm that whenever I settle into my chair, she eagerly leaps into my lap, seeking closeness and comfort.

Our unexpected journey into cat parenthood began when our feline friend’s expanding belly signaled an impending litter. Soon, our household welcomed a charming array of kittens: Goldie, a stunning gold and white beauty; Bridle, a spirited Broncos-themed companion; and the aptly named Gray and Blackie. Oh. How could I forget patches, the voistrous gray and white. She thinks she can talks and comes close to it. The veterinary bills quickly accumulated, leaving me both financially drained and certain that our feline family had reached its final count.

Over time, our efforts to domesticate the stray cats proved successful. A few gradually disappeared, and I choose to believe they discovered welcoming new families. Goldie, Blackie, and Brindle’s absence suggests they found more suitable environments, which brings me comfort. I prefer this optimistic narrative to considering less pleasant possibilities.

During my wildlife observations, I noticed an unexpected camaraderie between cats and a raccoon. Initially, I found myself intervening to protect the cats’ feeding area, but their calm demeanor surprised me. The raccoon seemed non-threatening, and the cats appeared remarkably tolerant, willingly sharing their meal with an unlikely visitor. This peaceful coexistence challenged my preconceived notions about inter-species interactions in the wild.

While I appreciate the diversity of wildlife, the prospect of a raccoon leaping into my personal space remains distinctly unappealing. Yet, I’m intrigued by the universal applicability of certain training techniques across various animal species, from nimble squirrels to other untamed creatures.

Hey, I’ve heard rumors that these techniques might work on people too. Who knows? It probably depends on the individual. What really gets me is when someone tries to manipulate another person like this. I think some folks might call it slavery, or maybe tyranny – even “soft tyranny” sometimes. Bottom line: be careful when strangers offer you stuff like food or favors. Always think twice before accepting anything from strangers, or even the government. Do we really want to be tamed or trained by those who reside in DC.

The Theory of Rain

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During my military service, I was assigned to Naval Air Station Memphis, located in Millington, Tennessee, a suburb north of Memphis. The region was notorious for its generally predictable weather patterns, particularly its tendency to rain at the most inconvenient times. My fellow service members and I frequently discussed the frustrating meteorological phenomenon where clear, sunny skies would suddenly give way to intermittent rainfall starting Friday afternoon and persisting through the weekend.

As a sergeant, my crisp class C dress uniform demanded immaculate presentation. That day, which had begun with brilliant sunshine, transformed into heavy rain just prior to time to secure. Approaching the exit, I paused, studying the rain through the window with a mixture of resignation and frustration. Experience had taught me the harsh reality of local weather patterns – this downpour would persist with stubborn determination.until I was in my car.

An attractive lance corporal approached from behind, her footsteps light and purposeful. She halted, a wry smile playing across her lips. “Don’t worry, sergeant,” she quipped, her tone laced with playful reassurance, “you aren’t made of sugar and you won’t melt.”

I gazed back at her, taken aback by her unexpected comment. With a hint of irritation, I responded, “My priority isn’t personal comfort. I’m focused on preserving the integrity of my uniform.”

The rain cascaded around her as she burst into laughter, stepping into the downpour with carefree abandon. Her practical work attire, unlike the dress uniforms, meant she cared little about the water’s impact on her clothing. An instant later, I abandoned the shelter of the building, stepping into the deluge. Within seconds, my clothes were drenched, clinging to my skin. Predictably, the rain ceased its assault the moment I settled into my car.

Actually, rain almost anywhere does seem to arrive at some of the most inconvenient times. This particular uniform was hardly the only one that was soaked, just maybe the more frustrating.

Nonetheless, over the years, I did come up with a theory about rain—one that held true even during the hard rains in Vietnam. You can only get so wet. After that, the excess simply falls off. As uncomfortable as it may be, it cannot cause real harm.

While I appreciate staying dry, I’m not alone in my sentiment. Recently, I learned the Marines have updated their regulations, now permitting personnel to carry umbrellas while in uniform. Such a practical change would have been welcome decades earlier, offering us marines much-needed protection from the elements during outdoor duties.