Tag Archives: travel

It’s The Premise, Stupid

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In the political landscape of 1992, James Carville coined the memorable phrase “It’s the economy, stupid,” which became a pivotal campaign slogan. Inspired by his linguistic prowess, I aspire to craft an equally impactful statement in 2025, though the odds of achieving such widespread recognition may be slim. Nevertheless, hope springs eternal in the realm of memorable catchphrases.

Let me share an illustration I previously used, which remains relevant and insightful. While some time has passed since its initial presentation, the core message continues to resonate. Even if you’ve encountered this example before, a refresher can often reveal new perspectives or nuances that might have been overlooked.

On the cusp of legal adulthood, a 21-year-old embarks on a predictable rite of passage, venturing into a local bar with curiosity and youthful naivety. Eager to explore the newfound freedom of being able to legally consume alcohol, he decides to experience the atmosphere and get drunk, just to see what it’s like.

After several Scotch and sodas, he collapses, and his friend is tasked with escorting him home. A familiar scenario for many, he awakens the next morning, suffering from a pounding headache and overwhelming nausea – the dreaded consequences of excessive drinking.

Now when I heard this story, the teller really drew it out. I’ll save you the repetition. I’ll simply say that he gets drunk again on the following two evenings. However, he decides he does not like the hangover thing. So, each time he changes what he mixes with the soda.

After three days of heavy drinking, he realized the allure of intoxication was overshadowed by the brutal aftermath. Determined to solve this dilemma, he made a decisive choice to remove the source of his morning misery. Ergo, he decided to eliminate the common element.

Initially, I found the statement amusing, but upon deeper reflection, I recognized it as a poignant critique of political dysfunction. In modern urban landscapes, citizens repeatedly cycle through elected officials, believing each new leader will miraculously resolve complex systemic challenges.

The fundamental issue lies not with individual politicians, but with the shared ideological framework that underpins their collective approach. The prevailing political narrative fails to deliver meaningful solutions, instead creating a cycle of diminishing returns and increasing societal frustration. Each successive political iteration seems to compound the ineffectiveness of its predecessors, resulting in a progressively more dysfunctional system.

As urban centers continue to decline, a pattern emerges reminiscent of an individual’s struggle with addiction: recognizing the problem only when circumstances become dire. The ongoing exodus from major metropolitan areas signals a potential watershed moment for political understanding and urban transformation, challenging the long-established trajectory of population concentration that defined the industrial era.

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.

Horses as Pets

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I enjoy writing on a diverse range of topics. Since I haven’t encountered a prompt about horses before, I decided to explore the subject independently.

In the early 20th century, horses were the primary mode of transportation for most people, while only the affluent could afford automobiles. This was a stark contrast to the modern era, where cars have become ubiquitous and accessible to a wider range of the population.

Keeping horses has become a luxury that only the affluent can afford. For the majority of us, driving cars has become the more practical and accessible mode of transportation. However, some individuals may still need to rely on walking to get around.

In the future, if the environmental movement continues to gain momentum, the majority of people may have to rely on walking or using non-motorized forms of transportation, such as horses. Only the wealthiest individuals will likely have access to motorized vehicles.

I have never owned any horses, nor have I ridden any. The closest I’ve come was riding a motorcycle, though that is not very close to the experience of riding a horse.

Over the years, I have developed a strong interest in owning a small herd of horses, perhaps around six. This desire is not driven by any intention to race them or use them for practical purposes, but rather a personal fascination and appreciation for these majestic animals. The idea of caring for and interacting with horses on a regular basis holds a certain appeal, as I believe it could provide a sense of tranquility and connection with nature. While the responsibility of owning and maintaining a small stable of horses would be significant, the potential rewards in terms of personal fulfillment and enjoyment make it an enticing prospect that I have considered pursuing.

I would care for them regularly to ensure their well-being and provide them with a sense of purpose. Although they would be considered pets, I would shower them with affection and attention, treating them as beloved companions.

I adore horses and watching them gallop fills me with joy. I’ve had the pleasure of petting them before, and it seems they enjoy the interaction as much as I do.

While the idea of owning horses may seem appealing, the practical realities of providing for their needs on a limited income can present significant challenges. Maintaining a horse requires substantial financial resources to cover expenses such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and other necessities. Given the constraints of living on Social Security, it may be prudent to explore more feasible hobbies or activities that align with your current financial situation and lifestyle.

Maybe when I get to heaven, God will let me have a few horses. I think that would be nice.

You’ll Be Happy to Know…

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I just drove my Nissan EV about a mile down the road to purchase a new tire for about $150. The old tire had a nail in it, and with the bead not sealed, I had no way to air it up.

Therefore, I drove the car on a completely flat tire. I had no choice. The car did not even come with a spare tire, not even a small one. Even if I had a spare, I had no jack. After this experience, I will get a jack. Naturally, I could have called a tow truck, for about $40 or $45. The tire was ruined anyway, so I simply drove it to the garage.

I am sure Nissan would have rather been the one to make the sale, but that would have meant driving over ten times as far. That would have been ten times as bad. It would have made me twenty times as nervous.

The one thing that irks me the most is that the old tire had only 3,000 miles on it. That’s just not right to throw away a practically new tire because of one small hole in it. In the old days, I would have patched it and kept going. Before that, I could have just put a tube in it and it would have been good to go.

I know they make all these so-called improvements to tires just to sell more tires and then charge four times as much for them. It’s what they call a conspiracy. We all know it. Most are just afraid to admit it. There are nails on the road just for those who try to expose the plot.

Nonetheless, let us hope and pray that if you have a car without a spare, you do not have a flat tire on a Saturday night a hundred miles away from an open garage. It just might happen, you know.

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.)

Windshield Defrosters Wanted

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I went out to get in my car this morning and saw an 1/8 of an inch of ice. (Now I wonder where that came from) As I worked on the ice, I was reminded of something I was told that they do in Alaska.

First, they winterized their cars. They have a heater under the battery and engine block. That way when they turn the key to start the car it won’t just sit there and look at you. I was also told that a heater is also in the cabin to keep the vinyl from cracking. Just going on 2nd hand info. Sounds good to me.

Of course the heaters aren’t much good unless they have some electricity. Therefore, most of the businesses have outlets to plug the cars into. So you get out of your car and plug it into the outlet. When you get back to your car when it’s 2 or 3 below 0, you will still have an operating car, and maybe not so cold in the cabin.

Alright. Here in the Midsouth, we don’t need all that stuff, but it would be nice. The two main things I’m concerned about having a clear windshield and a reasonably warm cabin. Is that too much to expect?

Those restaurants that had the plugins would likely have maybe a bigger drawing. All that would be needed is a small heating element in the cooling system and a little pump to circulate the fluid. The fan is already there. It would just need a little electricity to run it. I suspect the whole thing could work off a twelve volt outlet. I mean, all we need is a little heat.

Okay. If that’s too much, let’s do this. A small heating pad, like the ones you buy when your hip is sore. It would need to be about as long as the window is wide and it would have to be well insulated. Finally, it need only be heated to 50 degrees. That would be enough to prevent the window from icing over. Ice melts above 32 degrees.

You put the pad over the window and plug it in before leaving the car. Upon return, you come out to a nice clear windshield. Well, either that or a missing pad. I suspect some people would be prone to take them.

Not all solutions are perfect.

EV Update

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It has been well over a year now since I purchased my Nissan EV. So far my experience has been very good, though my 200 mile max range does have its frustrations. I would strongly urge, if you do a lot of driving, get a car with at least 300 mile maximum range.

As a little reminder, 200 mile max range is misleading. They suggest that you not normally charge it past 80% to make the batteries last longer. Also you should get it recharged on or before it goes below 10%. This really only gives you a 70% range, effectively, that 200 mile range becomes 140 miles.

Generally, this is not a problem for me as I rarely go more than 10 miles on any one trip. Mostly the 200 mile range is fine for me. However, there are times I need to go a distance of over 50 miles. In such cases, I rent a regular car.

Secondly, the ambient temperature has a large effect. Last autumn, I actually made a ten mile trip where the computer reported that I got 5.1 miles per KW Hour. It was because my speed was a relatively constant 45 MPH and the outdoor temp was about 65. I needed neither heat nor cooling.

So how does that figure in theory if I could always get that kind of milage? Yep. I ran the numbers. Almost 450 miles on one charge. Now I could live with that.

Most of the time, the mileage is between 2.5 and 3.5 miles per KW hour. Well, I’ll let you figure that one out. I don’t much want to. The hitch is… I have not a clue how that converts to miles per gallon.

Whatever, oddly, the cold seems to effect it more than the heat. My best guess, a lot of energy goes into defrosting the windshield. I’m working on that. I might start keeping a hair dryer in the car. That way I could heat the car as well as clarify my windows before I start the car.

Perhaps my most irritating discovery is that the FOBs are very expensive. I know. I tried to replace a lost one. You want to know, don’t ask. I asked about getting one on the internet. They said they didn’t always work. I interpreted that as, they will make sure it won’t. In other words, they have the monopoly on the things.

Might I suggest, make a third FOB a part of the contract. That does not just mean EVs but all makes and models that have FOBs. At any rate, either don’t lose the FOBs or don’t get a car that uses them. Hate to say it, but they really have the owner over a barrel. In the case of my Nissan, without the FOB, what I have is a big piece of steal. At least with my old Chevy, I can go back to using my key, which I did.

Nonetheless, I have not given up yet. I have found the FOBs on the internet for 80 dollars. All I need to do is find someone who will make an honest effort to connect the FOB and car.

By the way, if I knew about the FOB problem, I would not have bought the car. I don’t like anyone doing business like that with me.

On the positive side, I am very pleased with the wipers. This might seem a small thing, but I am rarely able to keep the same windshield wipers more that 3 or 4 months before they start streaking on me. I just had these replaced the other day and the original ones were holding up pretty well.

As far as the first year in wear and tear, it is as good as new. If I paid for a good detailing, it would be difficult to tell it from new. It could very easily out last me. Well, I guess that doesn’t say much. I am 78.

Albuquerque, NM

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Albuquerque, NM has to be one of the best kept secrets as a place to visit in the country. I would have never discovered it but I stayed there one time during one of my many trips back and forth on I-40. I stopped at a motel and looked out at the near distance and saw one of the most beautiful mountains I ever saw.

The sun, as usual was setting in the west and it set the mountain aglow, almost as if on fire. It seemed an impossible picture. If I had a couple million in my back pocket, I would love to buy a home near that mountain. I would love to see the vision of that mountain almost on a daily afternoon.

Unfortunately, between one thing and the other, I was never able to move there and likely never will.

By the way, later, I found out that the mountain, Sandia Peak, has a tram going to the top. So it is, you can enter the tram at about 5000 feet above sea level and get out about 10,000 feet above sea level (not exact numbers but pretty close.)

Indeed, most people don’t think of Albuquerque as being so high but it is. Fewer people think of it being at the base of such a huge mountain, but it is.

It is also somewhat odd. The west side of the mountain is just almost vertical while the east side is something of a gentle slope, where some folks actually ski. That’s right. You can ski in central New Mexico and the land there is magnificent.

Oddly, there are hiking trails on the west side that are marked out. As you can well imagine, some of the trails are more difficult than others. Moreover, if I could have, when I was younger, I would have loved to explore some of them. Of course, the problem was that, whenever I went through Albuquerque, I was always on my way through. I could never take the time to explore the mountain or the city.

Many times, I wished I had spent a week or two there. I regret I didn’t. However, I did take the tram to the top and back twice. Both times I had a sandwich and soda in the restaurant at the top. After, I hiked a little of the trail that goes along the ridge.

As I said, if I, could I would make that trip at least once a week. I would never tire of it one bit.

However, I must admit, if I moved there, I would likely have learn how to spell it. Quite frankly, I don’t know if I could ever manage that.

Rollercoasters & Me

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In my young youth (I know – redundant. Don’t care), we lived in Orange County and we went to Long Beach every 4th of July. Now why did we do that? They had the best fireworks in the area of course. By the way, they also had a nice beach, which we made sure to use until we were well worn out and tanned. It was a blast. Wouldn’t really mind doing it today, but I would suspect that it is too crowded. Nonetheless, there was, maybe is, a very nice amusement park that had lots of fun rides.

Back then, we didn’t have much money, same as now. Mostly, we just walked around. However, we did go on a few rides and through a few fun houses. Thinking back over it, it was more fun than Disneyland and far less expensive. I just didn’t know better then.

In the park, they had a rollercoaster they called the Cyclone. I was too young to ride it. They had one of those signs, “You must be this tall to ride,” or something like that. I longed so much to ride that roller coaster. It looked like so much fun.

Finally, one year I was tall enough. I rode the coaster and it was the last time I ever rode any coaster. There are people who rode that thing with their hands up in the air instead of holding on. Seemed strange to me. However, I guess it does make sense. If that thing went off the track, holding on wouldn’t help much. And by the way, since I rode it, I heard on the news that it did go off the track a couple of times.

Even now, I can remember getting in the coaster. The operator pushed a lever forward and we rolled forward a little. Then there was the clanking. We were pulled by a chain to the top of the first hill. I think it was about worst part. By the time we got to the top, it was a long ways down up there. I think this is when I discovered I have this fear of heights.

There was a bit of an allusion. I knew at the other side of the hill, the track continued but it didn’t look like it. I held on for dear life hoping against hope that the track did continue. I mean I knew it was there. I had watched it hundreds of times. Still, there was that allusion.

I understand why people go on roller coasters. I really do. Some folks love the feeling utter fear. The more they fear, the more they love it. Me, I think I will remain happy to keep my feet on the ground and watch.

Other rides, as the Matterhorn at Disneyland, I’ll ride. That is different. Rollercoasters, never again.

Note, when it got good and dark, we were all entertained by a great firework show. Then it seemed forever leaving Long Beach. For some reason, it seemed everyone else decided to leave same time we did.

And yes, you can call me coward. Yes, when I went to Nam as a Marine, I was afeared, but not as much as when I was on that rollercoaster.

Flight?

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Thousands of years ago, birds learned how to take flight. It took us many eons after. As the flies and bees were hovering around, man was still proud that he could go about 50 mph on wheels. And here’s something for you, we still don’t have a clue how a fly lands on the ceiling up-side-down. I’m not sure we will ever figure that one out and I am not sure that they even have brains. That is something of a blow to man’s ego.

Inadvertently, they discovered that the one most scary part of a pilot’s mission is the return to the carrier and putting his plane back down on the deck. This, of course, after years of practice. Can you imagine if we had to land upside down, you know, like the fly.

There is no telling how long man tried to copy the birds. Of course there are some images back from the middle ages. However, there were no photographs of anyone soaring through the sky. I suspect there were many instances of failure.

Some have suggested that before the original sin, man was able to fly. I don’t know. Don’t ask me to confirm that one way or the other. I wasn’t there. I don’t know anyone to ask. However, the Bible does say that Adam was given dominion over all the animals. The question arises, if Adam was to have dominion over the birds, how was that without him being able to fly?

You have no idea how many times that I have dreamed I could fly. You know the bad thing about that. I always wake up. I often wonder if flying would be anything like what it felt like in my dreams.

Wouldn’t it be slick to be able to go up to 5 or 10 thousand feet and look down on the world as the birds do? Now here’s a question. If I could fly, would I be able to land on a ceiling stay there up-side-down? Lacking the proper feet for the task, I think I might land and then immediately fall.

If we were able to fly, can you imagine if God had allowed us to continue to fly after Adam ate the fruit? It didn’t take a generation for the first killing. If we could fly, I’m not sure we would have lasted until the flood. The mid-air flights and murders would be very common.

If God took away our ability to fly, I don’t think that was all. To be sure, the Bible does say Adam had dominion. There is no telling what other abilities He originally provided.

My guess is, when we go to heaven, we again have these abilities again. Who knows? Maybe we will again fly like the birds, but without wings. Perhaps I will be able to even land on the ceiling.