Tag Archives: travel

Is It Okay to Be a Little Bit Jealous?

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I am not a car race fan but, whilst looking for news, I happened to note an electric car race. Just had to look at it a while. As the cars negotiated the circuit, the camera caught an image of a bunch of boats moored nearby.

There were 2 things I noticed. The boats were huge. Likely many were over 200 feet, I’m sure. Also, there were so many in there, I simply couldn’t figure any way they could get them in or out.

One more thing I noticed, the race was taking place in Monoco, though that was of little importance to me at the time. Still, just why was it that so many yachts parked there. Were their owners there or for that matter even in the same hemisphere. Some folks who have boats like to display them for the sake of pride. Their pride, my jealousy.

I cannot imagine what it cost to tie one of those boats up for just one day. Yet, they, most of them, have no reason for their boats to be there.

It doesn’t stop there. Just to own and operate a monster like that cost in excess of a million a year. Of course, if the owner wants to take a tour around the world, you’ll need to add diesel cost to that.

I take in all that and I think of the tenth Commandment. I can’t help it. I must ask, is it okay for me to be just a little jealous.

Maybe, while one of these owners is off doing something else somewhere else, why can’t he let me take a 1 hour cruise. That way, I would be able to say I was on a 100 foot boat for one hour. Where was I going? Does it matter?

Maybe what I need to do is make sure I get stranded in a rowboat in the path of one of those monsters. Aren’t they required to rescue me. Then, I could have a ride on the boat, right.

They could take me to the nearest land and I would be sure to thank them very much. I would certainly make sure to complement them on how nice the boat looks. I think I would also be obligated to tell them how big and impressive their yacht is. I mean they were nice enough to rescue me. I wouldn’t even care that my rowboat was in splinters after the slight collision.

Oh, well. Who wants to go to sea where there is nothing but water to see anyway.

So here I am. Just a little jealous. Yet may I take this time to remind one and all of the story Jesus told of Lazarus and the rich man. For a time Lazarus did suffer. However, in the end, it was the rich man who begged for mercy.

I am certainly not saying every man with a super yacht is going to spend eternity in Hell. However, those who don’t accept Jesus as their savior, will be in the same boat, figuratively as the rich man in the story.

Now. I wonder. Does anyone out there know someone who knows someone? I’d settle for something about 75 feet.

Incidentally, I checked. There are about 5000 yachts of 100 feet or more. I suppose they just have to have them. And, by themselves, they just might cause the seas to rise, at least an inch or two.

Some People Just Can’t Think Beyond Their Nose

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As the official objective observer of Memphis, I can’t help but think those guys who live north of me can’t seem to go a day without shooting themselves in the foot.

The city government seems to intentionally be driving residents and businesses out of town with taxes and substandard schools. It would seem they are also getting help in their endeavor by the criminal element.

Surely some have already left. Others are standing ready as soon as they are ready and able.

Then, just today, I see a story about people breaking into cars in FedEx parking lots.

Please, please let me explain, warn and caution those who occupy homes north of me. If the Memphis city government and the criminals of Memphis succeed in combining their efforts at driving FedEx out of Memphis….

Stop. Please stop and think just what will happen when FedEx pulls up the anchor, some other location will greatly benefit. Memphis will have a huge problem. People will be wanting to leave by the thousands but the value of their houses will plummet.

That wonderful beautiful home you just bought will become an anchor holding you in place because, guess what. No one will buy that house at half what you paid for it.

Nearly thirty thousand Memphians will either have to leave or find some other way of making a living. Those thirty thousand spend a lot of their earnings in Memphis and the surrounding area. Apartments would be vacated decreasing rental revenues. Sales of many businesses will plumet. When you consider many of those businesses are already on the brink of shutting down already, it might be the final straw. That, in turn will cause more job losses.

Let’s not overlook the big thing concerning the city. Sales tax will drop. Real estate revenues will take a huge hit. Conceivably, the snowball effect just might be the thought no one wants to think. Yet, they better, lest it become a reality, not just a nightmare.

Consider, please? Memphis has roughly 500 thousand residents. I would guess no more than a third bring home a paycheck, many from city and county. You simply cannot cut out 30 thousand of those checks without rocking city and county governments bunches.

Actually, it would like send tremors out into Desoto and Crittendon Counties too. Many FedEx employees live in Mississippi and Arkansas.

The Definition of ‘Tips’

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During the short duration of the pandemic, it would seem the definition as well as the customs of ‘tips’ have changed. Don’t get me wrong. I do believe there are segments of our society who have and should receive tips. However, regardless, tips are not earned simply by being present. By past customs, tips were based on quality of service, not on the quality of the product. For instance, quality of food can not be effected significantly by a waitress.

As we exited the pandemic, it seems they had some success in changing that. Repeatedly, I have entered restaurants lately where tips are expected, regardless of the quality of service or even if there were services rendered. Even more, they want to collect tips before any service at all. How is it that I am supposed to base the tip on quality of service under such conditions, that is, unless I am somehow able to predict the future.

Maybe some ought to be aware that, before the pandemic, a 20% tip was pretty rare. It certainly was not the norm of the day. Nowadays, expectations start at 20% and go up and up. I have no idea how that happened. Many of us are not made of money. 20% tips just might mean a family of 4 or 5 will be eating at home, which will only reduce tip income even more. However, it certainly does not stop there.

My wife and I survive almost totally on Social Security and I am sure there are those who are worse off than we are. Should we be expected to pay 20%, or even 10% when we have to virtually beg for reasonable service. (In one case, we had to wait 30 minutes after getting out meal to get a knife and fork to eat it with. Is there maybe a reason that waitress not get any gratuity?) Should we tip at all when the only service rendered is nothing more than a beverage.

Then too, what about the family with sudden unexpected expenses. There may be medical and or hospital expenses. Just as a reminder, colleges cost can make a poor man out of almost any father. Regardless of the reason, are we going to expect the people with temporary setbacks to continue to tip at a rate of 20%.

Regardless, as I remember it, tips are not mandatory, at least not normally. Some restaurants have actually made the tip part of the bill. Incidentally, I never went to such a place nor will you ever find me in such a place, even should I suddenly become a millionaire. I still maintain that, no matter what, tips should never be mandatory. It does go contrary to my belief that a tip should be voluntary and dependent the quality of service.

I suspect those restaurants will not miss me. There do seem to be many who are willing and able to meet and exceed the new expectations. Just don’t include me amongst them. I would hope and guess that many others would take my stance. I would trust that no one would try to alter that.

And, yes I am cheap. To separate me from my money, you will have to earn it.

Bridges

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Recently, stories have been released in the news on bridges Locally, they say they will replace the current 4 lane bridge with a new one, expected to cost a billion dollars. I do hope to live long enough to see just how much the cost over runs will be. If I were a betting man, I’d have to put my bet on at least 1.3 billion. Invariably all government projects take 30% more than planned.

Truth be told, I think it is planned that way. I’ll let you speculate why. I have my own guesses.

One thing I do find interesting is that I did have some difficulty determining how many lanes it will have. Let’s face it, what is the point of replacing a 4 lane bridge with a 4 lane bridge. It seems to me it would simply be better to put the bridge somewhere else.

After some searching on the web, I found where they said they “hope” to make it at least 6 lanes. I have two concerns about that. Is it 6 lanes or not. More importantly, they will likely start pouring concrete soon. I would hope they have their minds made up by then.

As something as a secondary thought. Even if they are going to a 6 lane bridge, wouldn’t it be better to put it somewhere else? That way, 6 lanes are added instead of 2.

Even if the idea is to cease use of the old bridge, putting the bridge elsewhere removes the need of demolition of the old bridge. Well, the demolition isn’t likely that much anyway, just a couple of few million. I am sure the government can afford it.

Switching attention east. Just a simple straightforward suggestion on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. If they commenced tunneling, they might have been almost done now. Right now, I would guess they are over a month away from starting the foundation of the bridge.

On another note, it is really difficult for a ship to run into a tunnel.

That Which is Cultured

Posted in Abuse of Power, Controllers, Crime, Education, FOC, law enforcement, Liberals, Our Legal Systems, Politally Correct, Politcal Opinion, Reporters by

In general, we know that, that which is cultured grows. That which is not cultured might still grow, but not as much.

Take the farmer and his corn. He plants it, fertilizes it, waters it. He removes weeds and pests. He watches for molds and when it comes time, if all goes well, he’ll harvest a bumper crop.

The farmer is not the only one that cultures. Cultures are used for vaccines and to identify illnesses. You go into a doctor with a really bad sore throat. He might take a swab to your throat and soon, after he runs a culture, he’ll hopefully be able to give you a shot in your backside and send you home to heal.

Recently, as a nation, we have been culturing something else. Liberalism, communism, thieves, killers and mostly controllers. For those who have not read my prior posts, controllers are people who seek control of people, places or countries. Those controllers who are not stopped, seek world control.

They go by different names, kings, rulers, senators, and representatives. Most who are in the House hope to become senators. Those in the Senate hope to become president. They seek control, not for the benefit of the nation, but for themselves and their friends.

In their efforts to gain control, they will frequently culture the worst part of society.

Oddly, when voters vote for a culture (controllers), those voters seem surprised. I mean, it is what they voted for. Why should they be surprised when it is what they get.

Think. The farmer is not surprised at his crop of corn. Why should we be surprised when we culture communism. The doctor is not surprised when his culture grows staff infection? Why should anyone be surprised after culturing crime, when we find our streets full of thieves and killers?

Really, it shouldn’t be a surprise. We put power hungry leaders in charge. Why is it that we should be surprised when they abuse that power?

I Love This Question

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Define camping.

One time I went to Lake Elsinore and slept in a tent. I suspect many would not call this camping. I did as tell my sister about the leftover milk. I don’t like wasting food. She laughed and told me not to worry about it. Next morning, it was froze solid. Come to think of it, I was pretty cold too.

Many times we went to Irvine Park. At that time, it was bordering on wilderness. They had nice camp stoves there. I don’t think that qualifies as camping, but it was kinda close.

I suppose it might count when we camped during Marine training, but that was not for enjoyment. It was the first time I found out just how dark a place can get without the sun.

I went to Korea for a week and lived in a tent. I think that was about as cold as I have been in my life. I really have a hard time understanding how people can live there.

Never did go camping in a trailer or motor home. Don’t really consider that camping anyway. Still, I wouldn’t mind trying it out a few times. I’d be happy with something 20-25 feet.

In a somewhat related subject, my drill instructor passed this little bit of wisdom to us. “Never own more than you can carry on your back.” You have no idea how many times I wished I would have paid attention to that.

I’m not saying I should carry all I own on my back, but I think a pickup and camper would have worked. Over time I have realized, the more I got, the more I have to take care of and the more it costs.

Perhaps, in a way, we would all be better off camping throughout our lives. I am sure there are many who’ll quickly disagree with me. However, when we reach a point when our stuff owns us instead of us owning it, maybe we have too much stuff. To be sure, the last few years, I have learned my house owns me. I am pinned to it and I must consider many things before going on a two day trip. No such thing as just going. That grass won’t mow itself. At my age, it is getting more difficult. I will likely soon start paying someone. I won’t be able to ignore it.

Maybe we have reached a point where we would be better off just camping.

Daily writing prompt
Have you ever been camping?
View all responses

It’s a Shame I Don’t Have a Spare Dollar or 2

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Back in the 60s or 70s McDonald’s without doubt had the fastest service. It was simple why. They cooked it all in advance. While the customer put his money on the counter, the employee put the order in a bag or on a tray.

No matter how long the line got, it moved right along. Waiting time was minimal.

Okay, sometimes the food wasn’t piping hot, but it was good and, let’s face it. it’s where we went when we were in a hurry and we didn’t want to pay so much.

I have no idea the reason or who’s idea it was but McDonald’s decided to change. Now those that go there wait, and wait. More, the food is not so hot. Literally, it is luke warm, at best.

I guess that many followed McDonald’s, but I wonder just how many would like the old way.

So. If I had a spare dollar or 2 to spare, maybe I could start a restaurant based on the methods of the old McDonald’s. I am sure many of the folks would stay with the new McDonald’s but maybe I could make a living off the old methods.

That way, when someone wants to wait, they could go to McDonald’s. When a person wants their food in a hurry, they could come to my restaurant.

Incidentally, I would not have those ridiculous ketchup machines that never, ever work. Also, forget going through the drive through. There would be none. I would insist you come in and say hello. As you might expect, I would provide faster service than the drive through anyway.

It does make me wonder just a little. Just how many would leave the new McDonald’s model to go to the old model.

By the way. I don’t have any name for my old idea. Maybe I could solicit a few.

Now What?

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Sometimes things happen in real life that just can’t be imagined. I guess the one thing in my lifetime that I found unbelievable was that planes were actually running into buildings, on purpose. Really airplanes could be used as weapons for killing people, thousands?

Immediately things were changed. The world of travel has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis.

Apparently, those piloting that ship that ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge did all they could to keep the ship from hitting the bridge, but the damage was still beyond any idea. Two days ago, ships passed back and forth under it. Today, what had been the bridge lies in a long heap, blocking sea traffic and thousands, if not millions are wondering just how they are going to get to where they need to go.

Being a person who prefers to think of the the practical aspects of a problem, I started thinking, What now?

l mean, it was a horrible thing. People died. However, immediately, there must be some thought of the future, short term and long.

I would guess getting that big barrier out of the way of the shipping is probably task one. Then maybe they need to think about the car traffic. Maybe they could find an old ferry boat or two to carry a small part of the traffic. Just how difficult would it be to put a floating bridge in.

Nonetheless, someone, or perhaps several someones will need to start long term plans. It’s well beyond my knowledge level, but whatever they plan should take into mind anything that happens might again happen. Decisions need to be made.

Perhaps plans can be made for barriers. Maybe they can choose a tunnel instead. Hard for a ship to run into a tunnel. On the other hand, the tunnel idea might take far too long.

Regardless, to someone, it is a big question, What now. I would guess, even now, there are those thinking of alternate routes.

Couldn’t Figure it Out

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Ordered a little, I guess you call it a wallet. I call it a credit card holder. When I got it, I couldn’t figure it out. As I put one of my cards in there, I was afraid I’d not get it out again. However, after about 30 minutes, I figured it out. It works great and has for quite a while, I guess about a year now.

I suppose it is designed to fit up to 8, but I never have more than 6, many of those are not credit cards. When I need one of the cards, I push a lever and up pops 3 cards, somewhat separated. Sorry, just cant think of the right word. Nonetheless, if I want my Kroger card, it is easy to separate if from the other 2. If I want one of the other 3 cards, I use the other lever.

It actually works faster than the wallet I was using and the other wallet was cracking and breaking the cards. The card easily goes back into the place designed for it. Once I figured it out, it works far better than I expected. Moreover, I have gotten a number of complements on it. Someone sees me get a card out and they say something like, “Wow. That’s neat.” I think maybe I should keep the name of web site handy for the next person that asks about it.

It has some side benefits. The cards are safe from hacking and I would suppose, they do provide some anti-theft advantages.

Just thought I’d pass it on to someone, maybe looking for a solution. Sorry, like all other wallets, it is not large enough for SS cards or Medicare cards. I figure one day, they will either make the cards smaller or the wallets bigger. They just might switch from paper to plastic as well, but not likely in my lifetime.

As mentioned, I got it through Amazon. I looked it up and it appears that they are still sold through Amazon and VM Fashion also has its own site. I don’t know. I might buy another, maybe two. The size is 3.74 x 2.56 x 0.59 inches, not much larger profile than the card itself. Also, as I checked, I noticed they had many other things along the same line. There might be a good gift among them.

Might I remind one and all, I do not get money for this blog site. I am not receiving anything in return for this post. It just is, when I see a good idea, I figure I should pass it on, for whatever good it might serve.

Good Idea From NY,NY

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That’s right surprised me too. Never thought they had any good ideas. They want to charge fees for people who drive in the busiest parts of the city.

However, it is a horrible idea for NY, NY. If you can’t figure out why, no sense explaining. On the other hand, it would be great for Desoto County. All those visiting from Shelby County should pay 5 dollars to enter Desoto County.

They are causing traffic jams and hazzardous situations. This requires more more fire department and police services. Not only that, they nearly double the wear & tear on the highways. Finally, they make it necessary to increase the building of highways.

You don’t like the idea. Why? Did you like the idea in NY, NY?

You say it’s different. How is that. If they do it one place why not the other.

Actually, in the long run, those visiting from Memphis help Desoto County. Ask those who run the restaurants in Desoto County and NY, NY. That will begin to explain it. Right now Desoto County is growing while Memphis is shrinking. If I remember right, NY,NY is shrinking too. Does NY, NY want to to increase the shrinking? If shrinking is the goal of NY, NY, they have a really good idea.

As the man said, the secret to real estate is location, location, location. Translation, access, safety and parking. Without those 3 things your plans, in real estate are doomed from the beginning. No one wants to drive 30 miles through heavy traffic to an unsafe area where there is non-existant or must be paid for.

Don’t ask me. Take one of those surveys y’ll like so much.