Tag Archives: life

What Makes me Laugh?

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Unexpected bursts of laughter punctuate my days, catching me off guard with their spontaneous delight. Initially reluctant to explore this writing prompt, I soon realized that these unscripted moments of joy are the most precious—emerging suddenly, transforming ordinary instances into memorable snapshots of pure, unadulterated happiness.

However, these are usually also the ones I can’t think of at the moment. It is good that God has given us humor to allow us to cope. One day near the end of Marine boot camp, I started laughing. The guy next to me cautioned me that I would suffer if I were caught, and he was right. However, I replied, “I have to laugh. If I don’t, I’ll cry.”

I guess God gave us both laughing and crying as coping mechanisms. For the time being, though, I’ll forego my comments on crying as the prompt was for laughing. Besides, we Marines never, never cry.

Children bring us laughter, right? And at the most unexpected times. I can remember the first time my 1-year-old son tasted a lemon; then fussed when we took it from him. Of course we immediately gave it back and he ate it. Never figured on that one.

Pets are divine comedians, sent to brighten our lives with unbridled joy. My loyal canine companion found pure bliss in pursuing oversized rubber spheres, a mere $2.99 investment that yielded endless entertainment. Despite his valiant efforts to conquer the unwieldy orb, his teeth never quite found purchase. Inevitably, after an exhausting pursuit, he would manage to pop the ball, while we dissolved into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Those three dollars were a masterful purchase, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a memory of pure, unadulterated happiness.

Cats possess an enchanting fascination with strings, their playful nature coming alive as they track the elusive movement. Watching their determination intensify when the string disappears beneath furniture is a delightful spectacle of feline curiosity. Their love for boxes transcends size – from sprawling cardboard containers to tiny packages – each becomes an irresistible playground. Even when logic suggests a box is too small, cats will ingeniously contort themselves to fit, defying physical constraints with remarkable flexibility. Perhaps most amusing is their laser pointer pursuit, where they leap and bound with wild abandon, scaling walls in an epic chase against an unattainable light, embodying pure, unbridled joy.

Yet, as I reflect on those moments, memories dance across my mind, bringing forth a warm, nostalgic smile.

The act of writing brought unexpected joy, punctuating my reflective moments with subtle grins. Each carefully crafted word seemed to unlock memories and emotions, transforming my initial hesitation into a meaningful exploration of thought and experience. thus, I can say, even the prompt brought a smile, if not an outburst of laughter.

3 Questions About my New I-phone

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I recently purchased an iPhone 14 from T-Mobile and quickly discovered several intriguing features that piqued my curiosity. Initially, I noticed a small tab near the volume buttons and wondered about its purpose. A couple days ago, a voicemail from my sister arrived, which caught my attention because the phone had remained silent during the incoming call. These unexpected details prompted me to explore the device’s functionality more closely.

Frustration mounted as I navigated through the labyrinthine settings, certain I had accidentally silenced my phone’s ringer. Despite my systematic search, the elusive mute option remained hidden. Determined, I dialed my number three consecutive times, each call connecting flawlessly, yet not a single sound emerged from the device.

Now I had three questions: the little tab, how I muted the ringer and how in the world I was going to get the thing turned back on before throwing the thing through the nearest wall.

My determination was put to the test as I meticulously searched for nearly ninety minutes before reluctantly reaching out to the local T-Mobile store. To my amusement, my call not only solved my problem but also brought unexpected joy to the customer service representative. Her laughter, palpable even through the phone, suggested a shared moment of understanding, as she revealed she had experienced a similar situation herself.

She clarified everything with her response. The indicator tab functioned as a switch, and when displaying red, it signaled that the ringer was deactivated—exactly as I had observed on my device.

I’m thoroughly impressed with this phone. Despite a few minor quirks I’m still navigating, it significantly outperforms my previous device. The innovative concept behind the switch is particularly compelling, and I commend the design team’s creative approach. My only reservation is the level of secrecy surrounding it.

So, Where’s the Key?

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I will save you the whys and wherefores, but I like to do most of my shopping late, as late as I can.

So, tonight, I sat out on getting mostly groceries. However, I did have some other things in mind, specifically socks for one. I sat out a little after nine this evening. Conveniently, I was able to gather most of my stuff quickly, being as the Walmart was not really that crowded. Well, I did have a few run-ins. I ran into two folks twice on my way to get cat-food. Honest, the woman did run right in front of me.

I told her she had the right idea. “Moving targets are always more difficult to hit.” She gave me a polite smile but I don’t think she liked my humor. Either that or she didn’t like having to dodge my buggy.

At any rate, I soon had almost everything I was after. Knowing it was getting close to closing time, I did something I rarely do. I asked directions. The guy in the Walmart vest, had an expression that I was suspicious of. Reluctantly, he pointed and said, “Right over there.” Then he added, “But they are locked up.”

I looked down at the floor for a while then back up at him. “Please tell me you have the key.”

Suffice it to say, I drove home with a completed shopping list, but for one thing. It was the main thing I was after. Now, forgive me. I will need to wear the same socks two days straight.

One more thing. When I go back tomorrow, I’ll need to make sure to check to see if the man with keys is there before going any further. If I have to wait for them, I promise, I will be going elsewhere.

Be advised, theft does have costs besides the monetary ones.

Also, if you plan on getting socks at Walmart, I suggest you go before 5:00 PM

Little afterthought. Maybe the keeper of the key should be required to post some kind of indication, “The key is in.” I mean, why go in there specially for socks only to find out the keeper of the key is not there.

Do You Have 20 Minutes?

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The reason I ask that is it is how long it took me to buy a stamp.

I no longer do much business with the USPS. I have little reason to. Well, I was somewhat compelled to use their services. It was either get the stamp and let Medicare pay the bill or not get the stamp and pay a thousand-dollar bill myself.

I will not keep you in suspense. I did get the stamp and I did mail the letter, eventually.

In the past, purchasing stamps was a swift and straightforward process: you could enter a post office, approach a vending machine, and quickly obtain your stamps, typically within a minute or two, even with mobility challenges.

I anticipated this outcome, but the lack of vending machines surprised me. A single, multipurpose machine handling everything from letters to packages stood before me, with a line of five people waiting to use it.

The crowded service counter buzzed with tension, four employees working amid a serpentine queue of six impatient customers. I stood at the threshold, recognizing instantly that any choice I made would lead to an unsatisfactory outcome.

As I waited in line for the machine, I couldn’t help but notice the adjacent queue seemed to inch forward slightly quicker. Torn between impatience and commitment, I weighed my options: abandon my current spot after investing ten minutes or maintain my position with stubborn determination.

I stood there, staring at the complex contraption before me, its cryptic instructions mocking my attempts to understand its operation. In that moment, I realized my odds of successfully navigating this machine were slimmer than my chances of becoming the next lunar explorer.

I gazed at the postal queue, contemplating whether personally delivering the document would be more efficient. The line had dwindled to three customers, with an equal number of postal workers behind the counter. At least the self-service machine stood mercifully unoccupied.

The line dwindled until only I remained, with two clerks still stationed behind the counter. A growing unease settled over me as the possibility of leaving unstamped became increasingly likely, my anxiety mounting with each passing moment.

I stood at the counter, patience wearing thin as the line crawled forward. Two employees worked behind the register, but the crowd seemed to move at a glacial pace. A glimmer of hope sparked when one customer departed, only to be extinguished as a staff member simultaneously vanished from view. Sensing my mounting frustration, a nearby worker offered a placating smile and assured me someone would assist me momentarily. I couldn’t help but sardonically wonder about the legal implications of such a vague promise, knowing full well that her casual reassurance carried no binding weight.

Then, as I said before, I did get my stamp and it was mailed. Next time, I will bring my tent and camping equipment. I suggest you do the same.

Just What Makes Federal Employees Special?

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On a crisp September morning, I arrived at my workplace, ready to start another day. It was a routine occurrence, much like the countless previous workdays I had experienced over the past twelve years.

My manager requested my presence, which was not entirely unexpected. Occasionally, they assigned me special tasks or sought clarification on my work. While not an uncommon occurrence, I approached the meeting with an open mind, ready to address any questions or concerns.

How-some-ever, this time the situation was distinct. Following a brief discussion, I departed the premises, never to return.

I was confused and disappointed to learn that I was among the twenty percent of employees who were let go that day. Despite my hard work and dedication, the decision did not seem to make sense. As I left the premises, I was informed that the company had undergone a significant restructuring, resulting in layoffs across all departments, including maintenance, sales, and software support. Given the size of the organization, this was a substantial reduction in workforce.

They acknowledged their mistake in letting me go and offered to rehire me. They admitted they were aware that my contributions were more extensive than they had realized. While it was a difficult decision, I ultimately chose to decline their offer. There is no need to delve into the specifics.

The point is this: What is so special about federal employees that they should be immune from being fired? I mean, I got fired. Why should a federal employee who has their feet on their desk be immune?

Why shouldn’t federal employees be required to provide periodic accounting? If they are not performing their duties, why can’t they be terminated? If their absence would not be missed, why shouldn’t they be provided with their severance package?

Just why are government employees better than those of us drawing a civilian paycheck?

Computers Fix Everything

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Many moons ago, more than I care to admit, I used to subscribe to PC Magazine. It had interesting and useful articles. Additionally, I enjoyed the letters to the editor. I was reading through them one day when the letter writer included a picture from an ad in the previous edition. Unfortunately, I cannot recall the witty body of the letter, but the picture was of a person removing their new computer from a box. The unusual part was that the monitor displayed the standard Windows screen.

It is the sort of thing most of us wouldn’t even notice. As I looked up a while ago, I noticed another unlikely picture. The proverbial computer expert pressed the keyboard twice. Instantly, the screen started showing all sorts of pertinent information.

I spent decades in the computer industry. I have personally known dozens of people who could do some truly amazing things with computers.

Sorry, folks. It does not work that way. Most experts these days use a mouse or touch screen for the most part. Keyboards are still used extensively, but the idea of doing everything by pressing two keys is still a long way in the future. I suspect we are closer to new computers working while still in the box.

I understand. Television shows often have time restrictions that lead to representations rather than reality. For example, when a character knocks on a door in a TV show, it takes only two seconds for the door to open. In reality, it takes me longer than that just to get out of my chair. I hope that if the police ever come knocking on my door, they will wait more than the two seconds typically depicted on television.

The point is, computers are still a far cry from the omniscient, all-powerful overlords we’ve been led to believe. Let’s not get too carried away and start bowing down to our silicon-based overlords just yet. Even the most tech-savvy among us are still limited to the constraints of their creations, try as they might to convince us otherwise.

May I Share an Airport Safety Idea?

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I’ve been thinking again. I apologize. But actually, it’s a thought that I’ve been continually turning over in my mind. The thought keeps coming back to my forethoughts every time a large airplane runs off the end of a runway while landing. This is especially true when a lot of people die, as in the recent case of a plane running into a wall, killing all but two.

I saw the video many times, which was far too many times. I apologize. I keep thinking there must be an easy, inexpensive way to allow disabled planes to crash land relatively safely.

Unfortunately, I am not an engineer. I am limited to simple thoughts of common sense.

The miracle on the Hudson resulted in a safe water landing with few injuries, the greatest danger being the plane sinking before everyone exited.

The water was very cold but the rescue boats arrived quickly. Most passengers stepped from the plane to the wing and then onto the boats.

So, I looked at the video of the plane running into a wall and considered, wouldn’t it have been nice if there had been a pond nearby? Nothing very deep, perhaps four or five feet, possibly as much as ten. As I say, I’m not an engineer, so it would take some engineering and maybe some tests. They might even ask a test pilot to land a plane or two in the pond to gather some data to work with.

Ideally, the pond should be emptied or at least lowered after the plane stops. This would make it easier to rescue the passengers. If everything worked properly, there would be no need to hurry. The plane is not going to sink in one or two feet of water. A side benefit is that the risk of fire is greatly reduced. If there is a fire, water could be instantly sprayed from the sides of the pond.

I don’t think the plane would ever be reusable, but I believe that every passenger would be able to leisurely walk off the plane.

As for the expense, not all airports would need a pond. Besides, just how expensive is a pond that is about a thousand feet long and five hundred feet wide?

Who knows? It might actually add some looks to the airport.

Actually, it need not be right at the airport. Maybe as much as a mile away. It would be safer for regular air traffic. And, here’s the side benefit: It would draw the water birds away from the runways.

I suppose it could also be stocked with fish or even used as a fish farm. If it was never used in an emergency, it might still pay for itself.

it is just a thought. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if anyone stole it. Especially if it saved a few lives. I mean, even if it is designed for big planes, it could be used for small planes as well. It’s better to ditch that little Cessna in that pond than in that apartment building.

(Or Beach Craft, or Piper or whatever.)

A Spin on Going Green

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While in the Marines, I was stationed in Japan for a while. It was the first place I saw an on demand water heater. I still think the one I had there was better than the one I have now. I don’t know, but I have suspicions it has to do with laws and lawyers. If wrong, please enlighten me.

Another thing I was exposed to was a compact washing machine. I loved it. It had two chambers. One side was the usual agitator. The other side was for spin.

Considering I was without dryer, this was really nifty. After 30 minutes of spinning, the clothes were almost dry. A couple of hours on the line and they were fine. In a pinch, an iron would do fine.

As I said, it was a compact washer, but it was far better than the one I have now. It was faster. It got the clothes cleaner and, as I said, it dried better.

I have been keeping my eye open for one here in the states. I even thought about having someone from my old unit buy one and send it to me.

The thing that puzzles me, why hasn’t some going green outfit decide to import them. Not only do the little things use less power, but, with that spinner, it would not take as much energy to dry the clothes.

Well, of course, they might not sell so well. Their appearance isn’t impressive. Then, too, it does take a few seconds to move the clothes from the agitator to the spinner. However, every time you do it, you can pat yourself on the back for saving all that energy.

Actually, I have a relatively new conventional washer that I am very disappointed with. It likes to walk during the spin cycle. If I could buy one of the little compact washers, I’d buy it in a minute. As for the one I have…. I would gladly give it back to the manufacturer, Whirlpool.

Who Cares?

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If I may, I would like to subtitle this Ignorance and Apathy.

Eons ago, a little exaggerated, I asked a programmer if he could teach me a little bit about Algol, a high level, structured programing language. He became thoughtful. He said that it would be difficult to do that. He said that in order to learn one part of the language, I would have to learn another part first. In order to understand that part, I would have to learn the other part first. It seems, in order to learn it, I would have to learn it all at once.

Since that day, I have been trained and I am very proficient at it. As I look back over what the programmer said, he was right. If I were to teach the language, I would have to teach it kind of all at once. I sort of guess that is why not too many people use Algol for programming. On the other hand, it is a very powerful language. I have heard that some people can almost write the whole body of the program in one line. Well, I must admit I am not that good but I can see how others could.

So. Here I am, I’ve written two big paragraphs and neither is about my subject matter. The reason is this. The subject is somewhat like Algol. I am having difficulty knowing where to start. There are 3 different places I need to start first. In order for me to start at point 1, I need to say some things about 2 and 3. In order to start at point 3, I need to say some things about 1 and 2. The word ‘conundrum’ does come to mind.

Let’s start with what you know, the little story where the old professor tells one of his students, “The problem with this world is that the youth is ignorant and apathetic.”

The young student shrugs and replies, “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Okay. Ha, ha. Funny. I suspect you’ve heard it before. I’ve heard it a few times too. I do hope you liked it if it was the first time you heard it.

As with most of us conservatives, I have been trying to categorize democrats. I don’t know. It would seem that most fall into one of three categories. 1] The ignorant. 2] The Apathetic. 3] Both.

There are those that believed Old Joe was not feeble. There are those who didn’t care. Then there were those that didn’t know and didn’t care.

I suppose my categorizations might not be totally right. There might be those who might say, “Who cares?” There are those who do take that attitude, you know.

You look at the border. Some see the the rush of aliens across and don’t care. Some don’t believe there is a danger from the aliens. Some are completely oblivious to all the danger it causes.

This is of course, in spite of all the rapes and human trafficking that is going on. This in spite of the abuse of children that is happening. They turn their heads and pretend they know not of it.

When Old Joe gave the order begin the retreat in Afghanistan, some didn’t care about the deaths that resulted and the deserting of American citizens and friends left behind to fend for themselves.

We know that our women’s rights group care about women, but in this case, they pulled their heads in like the proverbial turtle and kept their noisy yaps zipped. This of course resulted in the torture and death of women that we liberated, befriended and educated. You can make up your mind. Were they unaware or were they apathetic. Or, on the other hand, could it be because the leadership of the dems told them to hold their complaints.

The dems complain, very loudly I might say, that Trump is apathetic to the poor aliens that are just seeking a better life. In truth, they were the ones apathetic to those that were killed or raped on the way to the US. Was it that they were ignorant to the criminal elements making their fortunes off of the pain and suffering of the aliens.

Could it be that the dems are completely ignorant to the death from the drugs made by the Chinese and distributed by the cartels. or is that they just don’t care.

When Obama pulled our forces out of Iraq, over a million were killed. Most if those tortured and killed called themselves Christian. Then when the dems were told, they said, “I don’t care!” Well, I guess some said, “I don’t believe it,” even though it was in the news for days. Now, that is apathy.

Before they start complaining about Trump being apathetic, I think it is about time to take a good look at the deaths and suffering in their own history. It’s time they look around and see what they are doing. It is time for them to stop being drastically apathetic.

It is time for them to stop saying, “I don’t care.”

Anonymous Source

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Any time someone quotes an anonymous source, it should not be believed. The tragedy is when someone bases a source on someone quoting an anonymous source. It is put forward as truth but it has no more validity than the original source.

So. Trump appoints Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and immediately we hear quotes on anonymous sources. Soon after we hear quotes on the quotes and then more quotes based on those quotes. For all we know, they are all based on lies.

The fact is, we know not who originally said it or for that matter, if the quote was totally made up in the first place. I can’t say it’s all a lie. However, truth is, they can’t say it’s the truth.

It is the problem with trying a person in the court of public opinion. Nothing has any solid evidence and no one is giving evidence under oath. No one is obligated to tell the truth and no one will suffer a penalty should it all be proved a lie. No one will own up to the responsibility.

If you think it can’t happen, they said over and over that they had proof that Trump colluded with Russia for three years. in fact that impeached him over it. Not a word of it was ever proven. Not only was it eventually proved a lie, but no one ever paid for the lie. Moreover, there are people who still believe the lie, even now that it has been fully exposed.

The dems and the press tells lies on purpose without remorse or fear of retribution. Then the press quotes the lies, quoting the original lie as truth. Then the dem politicians quote the lies spread by the press. Then when the smoke clears, a man’s reputation is smeared forever and the original liar walks away unharmed.

It’s not right. For that reason, I suggest you don’t believe anonymous sources, no matter how much you want to. If you do believe the lies, then you are taking part in the lie.