Tag Archives: life

Missed my Chance at a Million

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I’ve developed an innovative personal hygiene product called the Sneeze Pad, a groundbreaking solution designed to enhance public health and personal safety. The concept features an elegantly simple design that can be easily manufactured, with potential for aesthetic refinement and customization. This practical invention addresses the growing need for immediate sneeze containment and could revolutionize personal protective equipment.

A compact, ergonomic protective shield designed for personal hygiene during respiratory events. Measuring approximately 3 by 4 inches, this innovative device features adjustable wrist straps for secure forearm attachment. The surface is covered with a specialized, adhesive-backed material treated with advanced antimicrobial agents. When a user experiences a sneeze or cough, they can direct respiratory droplets onto the pad, where the chemically treated fabric immediately captures and neutralizes potential pathogens, preventing their spread and maintaining a hygienic environment.

In the aftermath of the global health crisis, my innovative solution remains unrecognized. Despite its potential to save countless lives, the moment has passed. While pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and medical facilities capitalized on the pandemic’s urgency, my breakthrough idea sits unrealized. The opportunity for recognition and potential financial success has slipped away, leaving me with a sense of missed potential and unfulfilled promise.

On the other hand, the pharmaceutical companies are still making their fortunes off me. Since I took the vaccine, I’ve had at least three blood clots. So now I take this medication that makes my nose bleed. I do put up with the nose bleeds so I don’t have any more blood clots. Oh, and by the way, I pay almost a hundred dollars a month, this after Medicare and auxiliary insurance.

It appeared that nearly everyone prospered during the pandemic, except for those like myself who continued to struggle with lingering health complications. While some found opportunity and resilience, I couldn’t ignore the profound loss experienced by those who succumbed to the virus and the families left behind to grieve.

I’m Afraid That Age & Reality is Catching up With Me

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It’s getting more difficult for me to think of the words I want to say. Sometimes it forces me to abandon the way I want to say things. I am now 78 and even with the help of the computer, I am afraid it is getting time for me cease writing posts.

My guess is that there are those that will be glad to hear it. I am not sure exactly when I will write my last message to my readers, but I can’t imagine it will be much more than a month. Much more than that, it will likely be mandatory. It is taking me longer each time I sit down to write something.

Well, at least, for what it is worth, I did last long enough to help get another old man into the Oval Office. I likely didn’t help him that much, but I like to think I was contributing much more than I did. I also like to think I didn’t hurt the effort.

If nothing else, I would like to leave any atheist with this challenge, assuming they all have the courage. It is what I call the three prayer challenge. Three times, once a day, pray this prayer. “If you are real, God, tell me.” Of course, if the atheist is right, they have nought to fear. On the other hand, if he or she does get a reply, it just might change your life forever. That, for sure is why it takes real courage to participate in the challenge. If you receive a reply, then you will need to make a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, your atheist days will be over, which is why it is a real challenge.

I say this so that you take this challenge now, before you become to old, you know, like me. I have already made my decision. However, you really want to make sure you take the challenge before age and reality catch up with you. You don’t want to wait until you are too old to make the decision.

Don’t tell me, you don’t have the time, 2 seconds a day. I think it is the fear, not time, which stands in the way. And if you get an answer, that means there is a God. It becomes indisputable. My best guess, you won’t do it. You are afraid you will get an answer.

Well, as you read this, you can already see, I am sure that I am beginning to ramble a little. Still, you get the idea.

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.