I Wonder Why

I keep seeing these commercials. These trucks go waltzing through the snow leaving tracks weaving left and right. The unusual thing is that when the wheels turn left, all 4 turn left. When they turn right, they all turn right, which creates some unusual tracks.

Many times I have thought about making vehicles like this. It might make parallel parking easier, or harder. As I think it over, it seems to me that control of such steering might be difficult. I would suspect it would need some practice, maybe a lot.

Still, I really like the idea. I find it very intriguing. It looks to me like a solution looking for a problem. And so it is, I started thinking about it, which irritates my wife.

None the less, I can’t think of anything I would use it for. I haven’t parallel parked in fifty years. Moreover, I am still wondering if it would help even in that.

It is why I wonder why. Perhaps, maybe, if there is someone out there that has one of these vehicles, can you please provide a comment telling me the last time you used it, other than when you tried it out. Just curious.

#2 Rule Concerning Corruption

One of the first things an infantryman learns is fire control. This is true from the lowly private right up to near the top. Consider the lieutenant who, instead of calling “On my command fire,” calls out “Fire on my command.” In the second case, the men would likely never hear anything past “fire.” Not only do the right commands need to be given at the right time, but also in the right way.

In the above example, the position was given away too early, causing the loss of the battle. Now, consider: I fire a few times toward where I suspect the enemy to be. Instantly, hundreds, perhaps thousands of shots are fired in return. Guess what? I now know where the enemy is, and I also have a much better idea of their strength as well.

It is something of a cat and mouse game played out on the battlefield over and over. It seems that they are lessons learned continually. A probe here and the info is gathered. In two seconds, those mistakenly let the little bit of info out and they realize the messed up big time. However, it is too late. As they say, the cat is out of the bag.

Now, you ask, “What in the world does that have to do with corruption?” Consider the probing that Elon Musk and his associates are doing. If no one objects, then the corruption remains difficult to find. However, given the large volleys in reply to the mild probes, it really looks like there may be much concealed.

The rule: If you have something to hide, it’s best to remain calm and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to it. Overreacting to minor inquiries can make the situation seem more suspicious than it needs to be. The key is to respond in a natural, unassuming manner that doesn’t raise any red flags.

And so it is, they reacted in mass and their guilt is casual to the most obvious observer. I mean, by now, is there not any doubt in anyone’s mind?

The Relation Between Computers & Time

The other day, I went into the drugstore to drop off a prescription. The wait was not long, as there were only two people in front of me. It took just a couple of minutes for them to be helped. I thought that it was too good to be true.

It was. The instant I got up to the counter, the man said he’d be right with me. It was a lie. Three more times while I waited close to ten minutes, he repeated the platitude. One time he repeated it after I waved the paper and said that all I wanted to do was drop it off.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but it seems to me that computers seem to be slowing things down, and not just a little. It ought not to be like that.

I used to make my living repairing computers. When they first started making their way into stores, I welcomed it. It seemed a way to allow the clerks to spend more time helping customers.

Anyone who has been around for a few decades will tell you that it is not at all the way it used to be. At 78, I now check out, bag, and take my own groceries to my car. Granted, it likely does decrease what I pay a little, but what the computer has done is decrease the service. I can’t even get any of the old-fashioned treatment, even if I am willing to pay.

It seems to me that when people see someone approaching who appears to be near eighty, they might go out of their way to help, even if just a little. It might be better than walking away the instant they see the person approaching. They might even offer to take the person’s groceries to their car for a small fee.

If current trends continue, we may find ourselves in a situation where we have to grind our own wheat and prepare our own meat, rather than relying on convenient, pre-processed options.

So much for the personal touch.

Ought to be a Law

All radio and TV advertisements should be shelved by law after one year, or even earlier, to prevent audience fatigue and ensure a fresh and engaging advertising landscape. However, there should be an exception made for the iconic Hershey’s Kisses Christmas commercial, which has become a beloved holiday tradition. This timeless ad, featuring the playful Hershey’s kisses ringing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” should be granted a permanent exemption from the one-year rule, as it has become an integral part of the festive season for many viewers.

Perhaps the irritating ones should be removed from the situation after a period of three months. This could suggest that certain individuals or behaviors that are causing frustration or annoyance should be addressed and potentially resolved or removed from the environment after a reasonable amount of time has passed. It might also encourage less annoying ads.

Fear of Prison

When criminals become afraid of prison, crime will decrease.

The degree to which criminals fear prison is the primary determining factor in the decrease of the rate of crime.

You don’t believe me? Enforce the death penalty for premeditated murder every other year and see which years people are murdered. Enforce the death penalty for distribution of fentanyl and see how quickly the distribution comes to a virtual stop.

Okay. As much as I like the idea, that will never happen. For that reason, we will never completely rid the country of fentanyl or, for that matter, any major part of the nation.

Just remember, laws that have no teeth will also have no effect.

It’s Not Who but What?

As Elon Musk continues to uncover the dark underbelly of waste and corruption, the dems can’t seem to stop yapping about him, while the long-suffering voters and taxpayers are left scratching their heads in bewilderment at the sheer audacity of the blatant waste and flagrant corruption on display.

The Unknown Men

Ah, those PRETENDERS in red and white? Clearly, they were a bunch of amateurs who stumbled into the wrong stadium. I mean, who do they think they are, the real Chiefs? Everyone knows you can’t forget how to play championship-level football in a fortnight. Maybe the pretenders should stick to playing dress-up and leave the real gridiron action to the pros.

Two Reasons, Same Decision

It appears that the President has decided to implement tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in order to protect the domestic industry and its workers. While the reasoning behind this decision is not entirely clear, the aim seems to be to support American jobs and businesses in these sectors.

Our strategic position is a matter of national security. In the event of war, ensuring access to critical resources like steel and aluminum is crucial for our ability to manufacture the tanks, planes, and other military equipment needed to prevail. Our past success in defeating Germany was largely due to our capacity for mass production of these vital assets. Maintaining this industrial capability is essential for safeguarding our nation’s defense.

Nonetheless, let’s put both these reasons aside for a moment. Instead, let’s examine the concept of a monopoly. The typical approach to establishing a monopoly is by aggressively lowering prices to drive all competitors out of the market.

If China had any desire to do such a thing to the US, it would never happen as long as the competition was industry to industry; steel factory against steel factory. However, when the Chinese government helps to finance Chinese steel factories, it makes it impossible for the American factories to compete.

Then, when the American plants cease to operate and the US no longer has skilled steel workers, China can charge whatever it wants. Moreover, if China decides to wage war against us, we will be completely at their mercy. The Chinese government is not known for its mercy.

Maintaining a strong steel and aluminum industry is not an option. It is absolutely essential; that is, unless we do not mind learning Chinese.

As for me, I prefer American English.