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.

The Keating Five

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I am sure that the Democrats would love for us all to forget this chapter in American history. I would hope that those of us that know, especially those of us that remember first hand will never let them forget it. Let us keep reminding them on a regular basis. We do not want this memory to fade away.

We should have learned some important lessons, and we ought not to forget them. First, heroes do not always make good senators. Second, just because a man is a good pilot does not automatically make him a good representative or senator. Third, it also does not insure their honesty or integrity.

John Glenn was a hero and an astronaut. John McCain was a notable figure from Vietnam. However, the two of them, along with Alan Cranston, Dennis DeConcini, and Donald Riegle, hatched a financial plot that rocked the financial fodations of the country to the point that we no longer have savings and loans. There is no doubt in my mind that they should have all gone to prison. The three non-heroes did, but not for long. My best guess is that they didn’t want to incarcerate a war hero and an astronaut. If it were all revealed, my guess is that none of them would have spent another day inn the Senate.

They interfered with investigations involving large savings and loan establishments, which eventually collapsed. Conveniently, Glenn and McCain were cleared and served no time. My money is on the fact that their hero status kept them out of prison. Well, there may have been some conversation and some bribery going on. That part we will never know. I can’t even hazard a good guess. However, I wouldn’t doubt for a minute that large sums of money exchanged hands.

The net result is that the Savings and Loans went the way of the dodo bird, which, for the most part forced us all to go to banks for doing all of our savings and receiving all of our loans. This was something of a windfall for the banks, especially since the savings and loan establishments were the primary compilation for the banks. When this all happened, I had to move my checking account from my savings and loan to a bank, which was not at all happy with. My S & L just went away. They never asked what I wanted. I don’t think they wanted to know.

And, the Keating five. Well I don’t think they cared either.

It would seem the feds just can’t resist the urge to get their mitts into the financial institutions and cause mismanagement every couple of decades. And it’s us that suffer. Those in government that mess things up never pay the costs.

Neither Glenn nor McCain did either.

Humana; Just Plain Wasteful

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Food waste is a persistent concern that weighs heavily on my conscience. Today, I discovered a thawed frozen meal in my car, a frustrating reminder of my unintentional negligence. The irony of an unfrozen “frozen” dinner is not lost on me, and the situation feels both perplexing and disheartening.

Frustrated, I reluctantly discarded the forgotten item. Had I discovered it earlier, I could have salvaged and consumed it. The previous night’s freezing temperatures suggested it might still be edible. I distinctly remembered seeing it fall from the grocery bag and mentally noted to rescue it, but somehow failed to follow through.

In a moment of self-reflection, I acknowledged my forgetfulness and offered a sincere apology to God for being wasteful. The irony of relying on mental notes struck me—they’re as desirable as a thawed microwave meal that once held promise. My frustration simmered beneath the surface, a reminder of my own fallibility.

After discarding the spoiled frozen meal, I retrieved the mail. Amidst the stack of unsolicited papers, a Humana insurance brochure caught my eye. I recalled the challenging period when my wife was 63, and our monthly health insurance premium approached $1,000 due to Obama Care.

Throughout the year, I diligently paid Humana twelve full insurance premiums, yet not a single claim was filed. These payments were mandated by law, not a voluntary choice. When the year concluded, I found myself searching for alternative insurance coverage after Humana abruptly terminated my policy. The experience left me frustrated and feeling cheated. I vividly recall paying ten thousand dollars for essentially nothing, receiving only a dismissive farewell from the company.

Dismissing the Humana correspondence, I swiftly discarded the unnecessary paper, recognizing its irrelevance and considering both the document and its postage a futile expenditure of resources.

My silence feels like a futile resistance against their misguided persistence. Despite knowing they won’t listen, their relentless pursuit seems tragically wasteful—consuming resources and paper in a fruitless attempt to reach me. Their determination remains blind to the environmental cost of their unheeded communications.

Somehow, I suspect I am not the only one with feelings towards Humana. Perhaps we are losing trees by the thousands in similar efforts to reach similar former customers. Do you think the tree huggers care? I sincerely doubt it. They have no hope to gain any political gain from it.

In Reference to Previous Post

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During the time Old Joe occupied the Oval Office, fentanyl deaths kept increasing. Old Joe and most of his comrades cared not one iota.

Since Old Joe left the White House, fentanyl deaths have been decreasing; and all the liberal press does is complain about the drug-carrying boats being destroyed. (Sort of makes me wonder how many relatives they have lost to drug overdose.)

Just a few minutes ago, I heard about an agreement with China to stop exporting “poison” . Glad to hear that. I wonder how Old Joe feels about it. I wonder if a member of the press will ask him. I wonder if he knows about it.

Will Harris be questioned about the China drug agreement, given her continual presidential ambitions? This seems crucial question to pose to all federal candidates.

During his campaign and presidency, Donald Trump addressed the opioid crisis and drug-related fatalities, proposing various strategies to combat the epidemic. His approach and policy implementations have been well-documented, providing clear insight into his stance on addressing drug-related deaths in the United States.

Why Pro Trump

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When Trump announced his presidential run, I was skeptical. His character seemed questionable, and his pro-choice stance typically would have been enough to make me oppose him.

As I examined the candidates’ positions, my perspective gradually shifted. His resolute approach to border security particularly resonated with me, aligning closely with my own views. Among the contenders, only he and one other candidate shared my stance. Though Senator Cruz remained my preference, especially regarding his pro-life position, I found myself increasingly drawn to the alternative candidate’s platform.

Reflecting on Trump’s account of his personal experience, I found his explanation initially convincing, yet lingering skepticism persisted. His past behavior and language further undermined my trust. In retrospect, I often contemplate whether Ted Cruz might have been a more suitable presidential candidate. Ultimately, the full truth remains elusive, and we may never fully know.

In the face of a polarizing election, my initial choice felt stripped away. Confronted with Trump, a relatively unknown quantity, and Clinton, whose public persona was exhaustively familiar, I felt politically cornered. As the campaign unfolded, my perspective subtly shifted. Trump’s candidacy began to resonate more strongly, while the alternative grew less appealing. Though momentarily tempted to protest by writing in my own name, I ultimately found myself gravitating toward a clearer electoral stance.

During the election, I found myself strongly aligned with Trump’s rhetoric, yet I harbored deep reservations about his character and credibility.

Throughout my years of observation, I’ve consistently maintained that individuals advocating for pro-life positions tend to demonstrate greater authenticity and moral courage. In today’s complex social landscape, embracing a pro-choice stance has become a convenient and socially acceptable narrative, which I characterize as fundamentally endorsing a culture of termination. The genuine commitment to protecting innocent life requires a deeper ethical stance and personal conviction.

Trump’s unwavering commitment to the pro-life movement demonstrated a principled position that demanded respect. His apparent sincerity on this issue suggested a deeper integrity that could potentially extend to other aspects of his political platform. By taking a clear and potentially unpopular stance, he showed a willingness to stand by his convictions, which was noteworthy in the complex landscape of all the political discourse.

Looking back, it was clearly true. No other modern president can claim such close adherence to his promises. While he couldn’t completely follow them all, it is not for lack of effort, even to the point of pushing the Constitution to the very edge. Also, this was not without opposition, even from Republicans. Might I remind one and all of the number one rino giving the thumbs-down during the effort to withdraw Obama Care. (I was never a fan Sen. McCain, who was the only Republican member of the Keating five & should have gone to jail)

President Trump is the only modern day president who enforced immigration laws, which were already on the books. He did this though there are even Republicans who opposed his actions. This likely was one of the main reasons he was elected. The Republicans only paid lip service to it and the democrats openly refused to enforce those legal laws. During the primary, he and Cruz were the only two that spoke of enforcing the law. All the rest of the Republican candidates got all mushy mouthed when asked about it.

Trump is constantly referred to as Hitler, this in light of all he has done for Israelis. No other president, whether he have a R or D after his name has hired more women in higher positions. No other president, except maybe Reagan & Kennedy, has done more to help our economy. Few have hurt in all of these categories as Old Joe. (For this reason Old Joe does not deserve to be called president, or even by his last name. Better to forget it completely)

President Trump has made a believer out of me.

Facts & Advertising

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Over the years, I’ve developed a keen ability to discern the underlying truths within advertisements, despite their carefully crafted attempts to obscure or manipulate the message.

A recent television advertisement caught my attention, showcasing a central air conditioning system with a tempting promise of potential savings. While the ad strategically highlighted a $4,500 cost reduction, it conveniently sidestepped discussing the initial investment required. This marketing approach is far from uncommon—companies often dangle impressive savings figures to distract from the substantial upfront expense. Notably, the advertisement carefully avoided revealing the original price, leaving viewers to wonder about the true financial commitment behind the glossy sales pitch.

When confronting sales tactics designed to obscure true costs, maintain a direct and focused approach. Clearly communicate your sole interest is in understanding the final, all-inclusive price. Salespeople often employ diversionary techniques, attempting to distract you with complex explanations or seemingly attractive savings. Whether in retail or automotive sales, their goal is to complicate your decision-making process. By consistently redirecting the conversation to the bottom-line figure, you can cut through manipulative strategies and make an informed purchasing choice. Remain calm, persistent, and unwavering in your request for transparent pricing.

Incidentally, I recently purchased an affordable 10,000 BTU window air conditioner for under $500 that effectively cools my entire 900 square foot Missouri home. The product advertisement claimed potential energy savings that could offset the unit’s cost multiple times over. Before investing in a more expensive system, I recommend exploring budget-friendly cooling options that can provide similar comfort while keeping more money in your pocket.

The big, expensive central unit runs more quietly and distributes cool air more effectively. If that is worth the extra cost, fine. Just want you to know what you are truly paying for.

Never Mind

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I developed an innovative approach to address air traffic control challenges, but the current system has been stabilized. My solution feels like repairing a roof during fair weather—seemingly unnecessary at the moment. However, I’m confident that future complications will arise, and when they do, I’ll be prepared with my carefully preserved strategy, ready to implement it at the critical moment.

Nostalgia, Humor & Feelin’s Too

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In the realm of television advertising, I’ve learned to discern quality beyond conventional tropes. This particular Amazon commercial defied expectations, eschewing typical marketing tactics. Instead of relying on youthful stereotypes, the ad featured three women in their early seventies, initially portrayed with a sense of melancholy and listlessness. Their subdued demeanor quickly transformed as one of them sparked an ingenious concept, challenging viewer assumptions about age and vitality.

The three glided down the snowy slope, their joyous laughter echoing through the crisp winter air. Caught up in their infectious delight, I found myself grinning from ear to ear, even without a word spoken. The scene was so captivating that I could easily replay it countless times, each viewing bringing the same sense of pure, unbridled happiness.

Despite my reservations about the Beatles, I must acknowledge that the selection of “In My Life” as the accompanying music was exceptionally fitting and poignant.

I’ll enthusiastically confess: after carefully listening to the recording, I’m thoroughly impressed. The music is not just good, but remarkably close to excellent. In fact, I’m seriously considering purchasing a copy. My motivation? My wife’s lifelong adoration of The Beatles has been a fascinating soundtrack to our five decades together.

I’ll likely display this alongside the iconic Coca-Cola commercial, featuring that memorable scene where a diverse crowd harmonizes about spreading global harmony. Please say you remember it. Was it that long ago. If you’re not familiar with it, I recommend searching online for a quick refresher.

I don’t know for sure you will be able. It was even before we were married. Maybe. Possibly. I hope.

Top One Percent

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The Democrats have a solution: “Raise the taxes on the top one percent.”

If the top 1% leave NY, NY they’ll need to tax top 2%.

As the city empties, financial obligations will cease. Yet, the final departing resident bears the responsibility of switching off all the lights, ensuring there is no bill to pay.