Our Phones!

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The subtle tremor against my sternum stirs me from slumber. Logically, the smartphone nestled in my breast pocket is the source of the disturbance. Yet, in the stillness of the night, I’m perplexed by the unexpected interruption, wondering who could be reaching out at this hour.

Groggily, I fumble for my phone, its screen a blurry mess of light and shadow. With heavy-lidded eyes, I swipe to answer the call, mumbling “Hello?” three times before a human voice briefly breaks through the static. Suddenly, the voice morphs into a robotic recording, draining away any hope of meaningful communication. Resigned, I disconnect the call and sink back into my pillow, sleep beckoning once more.

Unsolicited advertisements intrude on my personal space, flagrantly disregarding my privacy. Unlike traditional media where advertisers fund the platform, I bear the full cost of my communication device, yet receive no compensation for these unwelcome interruptions. The disparity is stark: television and radio ads are subsidized by marketing budgets, while my personal phone becomes an unpaid billboard for corporate messaging.

Frustrated by the constant barrage of unwanted calls, I long for a platform to reach millions and share a crucial message: ignore these intrusive telemarketing attempts. If consumers collectively refused to engage, these disruptive businesses would quickly disappear, allowing us all to reclaim our peace and quiet. By simply hanging up and refusing to participate, we could silence these persistent interruptions and restore tranquility to our daily lives. The one and only reason they continue to persist is that sometimes they succeed.

During the period from late October to early December, unsolicited marketing intensifies, particularly targeting seniors like myself who are Medicare-eligible. These advertisers seem to have access to demographic information, though their targeting isn’t always precise. In one instance, I received a call claiming to offer thousands of dollars from Tennessee, despite living in Mississippi. Such blatantly false claims reveal the desperation and disregard these marketers have for potential customers, using the pattern of lies in hopes of our business.

Some corporate sharks swim in boardrooms, armed with MBAs instead of machetes or guns, plotting to extract every last penny from our wallets with surgical precision and spreadsheet finesse. Their weapons? Slick marketing, fine print, and a smile that says, “Trust me, this is totally in your best interest.”

And… They use the phones we pay for to do it.

Will the US Ever Become CA?

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At first glance, this scenario appears improbable, even unthinkable. Yet, a careful examination of California’s historical trajectory over the past several decades reveals an underlying inevitability that cannot be easily dismissed.

In my early childhood, my family relocated to California, initially settling near San Jose before moving to Garden Grove, a modest city south of Los Angeles. At that time, the population was barely fifty thousand, and Garden Grove High School stood alone as the sole secondary educational institution. As I approached my high school years, the city’s growth became evident, with four high schools emerging. Today, Garden Grove has expanded to a vibrant community of 172 thousand residents, reflecting the dynamic transformation of this Southern California suburb.

During my teenage years, a popular sentiment circulated: families would visit California for a vacation and ultimately choose to make it their permanent home. This notion wasn’t merely a baseless rumor; I personally witnessed numerous acquaintances who, after experiencing the state’s allure, decided to relocate and embrace the California lifestyle.

Its reputation speaks volumes, rendering further explanation unnecessary. A brief encounter would swiftly illuminate the circumstances, and I’ve already delved into the underlying details previously.

However, lately, people have started going the other way, rapidly, to the point they lost a U.S. representative. There was no way I could have imagined that just 5 years ago. I should have. I left the Golden State over 40 years ago. Although there is much I miss there, I have never regretted leaving the crowds and later, the political climate.

As I consider all I’ve observed, I am starting to see many parallels between CA and the US. Right now people come here and then stay. If not for immigration laws, there would be far more here. And eventually, it too would become crowded. It would lose many of those things that draw people here. Conceivably, all those who decided stay, might decide to leave as have those from California.

I mean, who wants to live in a country that is run by tyrants who call themselves communist? I don’t think I will live to see it. However, I am beginning to think my sons will. I’m beginning to think my generation will be the first generation to leave a worse country than we received. And, by the way, a worse and more dangerous world.

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.