How in the World Did We Learn to Talk?

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I guess the experts tell us that talking started a long time ago, before we knew about nouns and verbs. Now how did that happen? I mean, when I started the fifth grade, my teacher stood in front of the class and said, “A noun is a person place or thing.”

So, how was it that I learned to talk, probably about the age of two. Oddly, I stated using nouns and verbs the way I was supposed to and it would be years yet before I would know what a noun or verb is.

My guess is the talking came first. I suspect not many Romans knew what nouns and verbs were. Nonetheless, they communicated well. Many people today are still reading their writings.

Someone, someday decided to come up with some names for words and rules on how to use them. Truth is, I have no earthly idea when that happened.

Somehow, for, perhaps hundreds of years, we got along without the rules. How can that be? How did we manage to survive without the rules. I wonder if we need them now.

Is it really necessary to know what a dangling participle is? Do we really need to know what an adjective phrase is? Really, for thousands of years we got by without knowing about any of it.

What’s more, 3 and 4-year-olds communicate pretty well without knowing about the existence of parts of speech. Now how is it that they do that?

I am not saying that we don’t need to know some of that. However, I do believe there is too much emphasis placed on it. I mean it is possible for a person to know a lot and not know anything.

The day that Abe Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address, another man spoke for a long time. He was considered to be an expert orator. Yet, today, few if any know his name or what he said.

I don’t know what he said, but he talked for 2 hours and his name was Edward Everett. He was very well educated. You can verify it by looking his name up on the internet. He had credentials as long as my arm, maybe a little longer. I think Abe knew a whole lot more.

A Word About Judgement

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I saw an episode of Blue Bloods on TV a while ago. It is one of the few shows that is worth watching these days. Sometimes, they have things on there that will make a person think, and such is the case in this old episode.

The commissioner said (paraphrased) We judge ourselves by our motives, our hopes and desires. We are judged by others by our last failure or mistake.

I don’t know if it was said by anyone else or anywhere else. However, it has haunted my thinking process since I heard it. It is of particular interest to me at this time because I am in the midst of making some serious decisions.

I am open to your opinion on the matter. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of the forest, all we can see is trees. Motives and desires mean little if we make the wrong decision.

The Beginning to a Glorious Plan

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Many of us celebrate Christmas and then we go on our way. Frankly, we often forget that the birth of Jesus is only the beginning. In truth there was much work, and suffering ahead before the plan was complete.

Indeed, on the cross about 33 years later Jesus, from the cross, says, “It is finished.” And then 3 days later, he arose from the grave. The plan was laid down before the planet was spoken into existence.

As a newborn baby, he became all human while remaining all God. How can this be, you ask? I don’t know. It is but one of the many miracles that was part of the plan. You see, it had to be that way. It is why God did it that way.

While with us, He was an example, a teacher, a miracle worker, but all this time, he knew his primary mission was still ahead of him. He knew the pain and suffering he would go through certainly at least by the time He was 12.

He knew what the “Good” people in the leadership of the Jews would do and why. He knew Judas would betray him. He knew how the religious leaders would pronounce false judgment on Him in an illegal trial and turn Him over to the Romans.

You see, He knew it was part of the plan. He actually took part in the plan. Even before God said, “Let there be Light,” He knew the pain and suffering he would go through, which is far more than any of us can comprehend.

He knew about the Roman judgment. He knew He would die on a cross made of wood. It was not a surprise to Him. The people taunted, “others he saved. Himself he cannot save.” The thing is, the people didn’t understand, He could step down off the cross, but that was not the plan, you see. He knew his mission was to die on the cross; and, of course, the taunting just added to the suffering. You see, it would have been so tempting for Him to just step down off he cross and say, “See. I can do it.” It would have been very impressive but he would not have saved us by doing that.

You see, it was the plan, from the beginning it was the plan and He steadfastly was determined to see the plan through. And so it was, He died, He was buried and then, 3 days later, he rose from the dead.

Now, you ask, why would He do such a thing. He didn’t have to. He could have come to earth as a king and rule here forever. However, that was not the plan.

The plan from the beginning of the planning to the end of the execution was for one and only one reason. It was all to provide a way to save mankind.

What did we do to deserve such an act by Jesus? Nothing. Not a thing. He did it because He knew our punishment was eternal death in hell. So He stepped in and took our punishment totally and completely because He wanted to for our sakes. Such love goes well beyond human comprehension.

In order to receive that salvation, we must totally accept that salvation. To accept that Salvation we must recognize our need for that salvation and we must turn from the desire to sin to the desire to follow Jesus.

If we recognize our sin and turn to Jesus and then accept Jesus as our only salvation, The Holy Spirit will put his seal on us, which no one can remove. It insures eternal life with God and no one can change it. Indeed, if someone could change it, it would not be eternal life, would it?

If you can’t see the benefit in that deal, I simply have no idea what might be standing in the way of the most important decision you will ever will make.

By the way, you might want to tell others about it too. You know. Friends, neighbors and relatives. You might even tell your enemies about it. It just might make that enemy into a friend.

And just one more thing. It will make Jesus very happy too.

May I Suggest a Project

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It seems these college kids are always looking for projects. Maybe I can suggest one. If I had the resources, I might even try it myself. It is in a field that is somewhat curious to me.

Consider, every day, twenty-four hours a day, on multiple channels, commercials, that is advertisements are being broadcast. There must be tens of thousands each day; millions each month.

In addition they are varied. There are folks trying to sell cars and food. Food is a big one. First there are those trying to sell the food itself. Then there are those who are inviting you to a restaurant of may various types, many claiming to have the best burgers in the world.

They advertise travel hotels, motels and travel. Some cities and states like to invite us to their wonderful shops and diverse attractions.

Some might include alcoholic beverages in the category of food but I don’t. It should be researched separately. Personally, I would never classify it with food.

Some might classify gambling with entertainment. Now that’s a stretch. However, if you insist, there is a lot of advertising of gambling. Maybe you’d prefer to use the more acceptable terminology, gaming. Amounts to the same thing.

Some of those advertising offer something real and useful in return for your money. Some, maybe not so much. They can be said to be a carry over from the old days of the medicine men and the snake oil, though both the snake oil and the medicine men have a different more deceptive cover.

I would love to see a spreadsheet with graphs to represent how much money was spent on what is spent advertising, especially alcohol and “gaming.” On the other hand, maybe there are those who would rather none of us know.

They made it illegal to advertise tobacco. However, alcohol, far more dangerous and costly, no limitations whatsoever.

An Expensive Lesson

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I just read that one of our own F/A 18’s was shot down by our own cruiser USS Gettysburg. According to MSM news, both crew members ejected and were recovered safely.

Still, it was a good lesson, though expensive. We now absolutely know our ships can shoot down aircraft, should they really need to.

Just the same, those crewmen would have likely preferred to avoid the distinguishment of being one of the few being shot down by friendly fire.

I would really like to lay this at the feet of Old Joe, but I can’t do that. I would more likely say it is the fault of one of his admirals… You know, the ones selected more by gender and race than ability.

Nonetheless, I hope Trump can get get things straightened out before we go into a real shooting war. I mean, we’re going to have a tough time winning the way when we help the enemy with friendly fire.

Agin’ the Rules?

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Some say it is against the rules for Ukraine to kill Russian soldiers in Russia. However, I guess it is perfectly okay to kill Ukrainian soldiers, and civilians in Ukraine.

Of course, the rules are always in favor of the Russians, even in the Olympics. How-some-ever, more than gold medals are involved here in this attempt to take over a smaller nation, which we agreed to protect, in case you forgot.

The Great Deception

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According to  David Zalubowski (AP), more than a hundred kids with illnesses were put on a United Airline flight from Denver to Denver. Of all things, they were deceiving the kids, saying it was a flight to the North Pole. When they returned, they had a hanger made up like the North Pole and the kids visited a man who was pretending to be Santa Clause.

This deceit was carried out many other places, according to Mr.  David Zalubowski. So that you get the story straight, you might read his story directly, lest you not believe me at

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/air-travel/flight-takes-kids-to-visit-santa-at-north-pole-scene-in-transformed-denver-airport-hangar/ar-AA1vSLtg

Honestly, thanks to United and the the great deceit crew. They deserve a lot of recognition from all of us.

And by the way, I hope David Zalubowski won’t mind me repeating part of his article, with a little distortion.

When You See a Rat…

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One thing I have learned over the years is that if you see a rat, you have an infestation. Invariably, if you do nothing, you will start seeing the rest.

Best thing to do, get a couple of big tom cats. In a while, you’ll stop seeing rats or rat signs. I’m not trying to say that one thing has anything to do with the other, but I kind of expect it does.

Now why would I say such a disgusting thing? Well, look around. Have you noticed the rats (dems) have startwd squeaking, scurrying around and heading for the saltwater. Clearly, rats don’t like the seawater, but they prefer it to the alternative.

It would seem to be that the word has gotten around, Trump means business. Even though he is not yet in office, They realize the jig is up. Even the media is starting to try to eat their words, though a little too late.

The Fantastic 401k (and things like it)

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I don’t remember when I got my first 401k but it had to be a long time ago. So, maybe you can gain from what I learned. There are many things I learned from many different aspects. However, there are two things I need to say before I go into it.

First and foremost, it is quite plausible that you can benefit from the plans. Actually, both my wife and I have. However, it is in spite of the system rather than because of it.

Second, all expertise I have, or at least for the most part, is from the college of hard knocks. You just may benefit from it.

Now, the first and most important thing I need to say is that there are real possibilities of losses. I know. They do caution you about this before you sign on the dotted line. However, what they don’t tell you is that once you take out a 401k agreement, you have, in essence have agreed to help hold up the stock market.

Let me explain. Over the years, the stock market took nose dives and leveled off. Then it gradually started going back up. Why shouldn’t it go that way. People like me were underwriting the stock market. We kept our money in, which, as you can imagine, helped the stock market to hold it’s value.

It would appear that the feds have discovered a way to keep the market from crashing, the 401ks. In case you haven’t noticed, it works. Though the market has threatened, it has never crashed since the 401k. Aren’t we all having fun playing Atlas holding the financial world on our shoulders.

Now why is it that we are doing this? Is it out of the goodness of our heart? Of course not. We keep our money in the accounts for two reasons, which the gov was careful to put in there. First, there is a penalty, a substantial one, which they make sure we know about. It is about the same as a threat, you know.

However, if that is not enough, the IRS will take a chunk too. Naturally, the amount is dependent is on a number of things. What tax bracket you’re in, how much you withdraw, and how many tax dodges your accountant can come up with.

So. If you lose your job, then you lose your car, then you lose your house, you make sure to keep that money in the account to keep from paying the penalties. It’s okay. You can buy a good tent with what you get from your wife’s wedding ring.

Okay. I’m am painting an extreme picture. However, it is to get your attention. I just want to get through to you that once you put a dollar or two in the system, it can be difficult to get it out, no matter how much you need it. The Feds don’t really care how much Tiny Tim needs that expensive operation, you see.

They do want you to keep it in there. Imagine if you will, the stock market takes a dive. The next day, all those with 401ks pull their dollars out and the market collapses faster than the Trade Center Towers.

I know. A bad comparison. I realize it. However, I won’t apologize. It could have nearly the same results. May I remind you, people were throwing themselves from buildings in the great depression too.

The point is this, before you set up your 401k account, be aware as to what might happen. It will be difficult to get it back out… and you might want it back out.

Secondly, be aware that your money just might be going to finance things you really don’t like. For instance. you might be one of those who now has a bad taste in your mouth out of what Disney has been doing. For sure I do. And, right now, I have money behind that outfit and I don’t like it one bit. However, I can’t do a thing about it, that is, unless I am willing to take a big loss. Too bad for me. I should have thought about that before I put my money in the account. I cannot tie an instruction on my money, this dollar must not go to Disney.

Then too, a little over a year ago, I decided to buy a new electric car. I could have paid cash for it, if I took the money out of my account. However, the instant I did that, I would have had to make a big check out to Uncle Sam, specifically, to IRS. So, instead, I am paying 9% interest on the car loan for 8 years. Now isn’t that neat. I have all that money sitting there in an account and I can’t pay cash for a car.

They want you to keep your money in that 401k, don’t you know. (They) being the federal government.

Remember, I am not making suggestions. I am just letting you take advantage of my mistakes.

I’m Still Waiting

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It’s been well over a week since Brian Thompson, United Healthcare CEO was killed. He was shot to death with a gun. That’s right, he was shot. Much has been said about it. Much has been said about the man that likely did it.

However, not one word has been said about gun control. Always, and I mean always before, from the time some one was shot to the time they talked about gun control was about a microsecond. (Okay. I exaggerated. It was just over a millisecond.)

I wonder why in this case, not one word was said about gun control. I wonder what is different. I honestly don’t know.