tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9680592147583292572024-03-18T19:53:35.876-04:00Cranky old manTHE CRANKY OLD MAN
Random thoughts and stuff from a cranky old man. Humor (maybe)and satire, mostly stuff from a confused head.
I intend for this blog to be non-political. If I offer a political statement, rebuttals are permitted, however this blog is not for the unsolicited political opinions of others and as such those comments will be deleted and not published.
Thank you.joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.comBlogger3151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-45254517565675788282024-03-13T22:03:00.001-04:002024-03-13T22:03:58.928-04:00She Needs A Deerstalker Hat and A Meerschaum Pipe I Tell Ya!<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She Needs A Deerstalker Hat and A Meerschaum
Pipe I Tell Ya!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NPm9z-6vX-0GOLetW_utSY4kfd-EtlFj_JADcuYfN0MS93sIipSHOJCuGxGo9jaDTAdgVfTJI7u13EtOvPX-1y5Wens6kYSXH5JtLT3jE9ms12vjBoMKr9R4B2VzozL20erN6fWnhR5JI37Kfm5f7685bYUhJ7MsinjrgUC8KX9uKW5ofGbn0tr1/s320/Sherlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="320" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NPm9z-6vX-0GOLetW_utSY4kfd-EtlFj_JADcuYfN0MS93sIipSHOJCuGxGo9jaDTAdgVfTJI7u13EtOvPX-1y5Wens6kYSXH5JtLT3jE9ms12vjBoMKr9R4B2VzozL20erN6fWnhR5JI37Kfm5f7685bYUhJ7MsinjrgUC8KX9uKW5ofGbn0tr1/w402-h197/Sherlock.jpg" width="402" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mrs. C once again has demonstrated her
Sherlockian talent of clue spotting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today while she was at work, I had to
fill out an on-line form for an oral Surgery appointment… (</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bad tooth, no biggie</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.) The site to fill out the form was sent to
my phone, so I had to fill it out on my phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yes I probably could have forwarded it
to my computer except I can’t</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the questions was for the phone
number of my emergency contact…Mrs. C of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Problem was, her number is on my contact list
which is on my phone which I was using to fill out the form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No
I don’t know her actual number, I call her by telling the phone to “Call
Karen, Mobile!"</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">OK, that’s it, no
more explanation’s in parenthesis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, in order to find the number, I
thought maybe it would be on our landline phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well,
it used to be on the phone…ok now that is the last one</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
picked up the phone and looked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently
they don't put it on the receiver anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had to dig out the number from a
list in my wallet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Later this night, Mrs. C comes to bed
and glances at the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Did you use the
phone today?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“WHAT?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Did you use the
phone today?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Because the cord
was moved.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Holy crap!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked it up to look for our number which
is not there to fill out a dental form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How does the cord get moved more than an iota or two from that?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Apparently it
does, because I could tell.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So, I guess if I
came home with lipstick on my collar you would spot it.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Yes, but I might
not care!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">That’s Mrs. C. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does not miss a trick and also can put me
in my place without skipping a beat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At least she didn’t call me a JERK! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(<i>She has been known to call me that from time to time</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(<i>Oops, I forgot)</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(<i>Maybe I am a Jerk!)</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-62940580903013014462024-02-26T14:05:00.002-05:002024-02-26T14:05:52.245-05:00MY CAR IS POSSESSED<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MY CAR IS POSSESSED<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYodru0aPxbvtW37KzC_t7GW7xSHzB-JgH7cJW7ZiQk0eLDybrrqlVMYO7PtzXq5fzJFeGT_do5LwxzbW5B4YHLykUQHHUB8rkVDtr1fWH5y2IySgFRJM-Ay7bMyqYFTZQEM-vmtlKsDydgiWjyes-sKwgP-j1pDHkC39db9h6lnLQRILM882r_xD1/s260/possessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="260" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYodru0aPxbvtW37KzC_t7GW7xSHzB-JgH7cJW7ZiQk0eLDybrrqlVMYO7PtzXq5fzJFeGT_do5LwxzbW5B4YHLykUQHHUB8rkVDtr1fWH5y2IySgFRJM-Ay7bMyqYFTZQEM-vmtlKsDydgiWjyes-sKwgP-j1pDHkC39db9h6lnLQRILM882r_xD1/w320-h239/possessed.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My 2017
Honda HRV (Harvey) is possessed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
repossessed, it is paid for, but possessed by some unknown force.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How is it
possessed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the only owner, so it is not as if some
previous Nere-do-well left it with some bad karma, or someone died a horrible
death and the soul has not left Harvey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
possessed it is.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last month I
left for a 4-mile drive to out local recycle center, Fort Grumpy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, Mrs. C thinks I should get a job there too</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) I recycle once a week, carefully separating
glass, plastic and cans, cardboard boxes, and paper into separate containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure all this stuff ends up in the
same land fill (</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">several
engineering experts in the field have confirmed this</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) but I still feel like I am doing
something good for the environment once a week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the way
to Ft. G. I pulled out my driver’s license and stuck it up under my sun visor. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJZWbhUiLqayxy59CpbhZxmqXJ0zExrthuxfMcfoQeektJz_0hmZjsUdogII64BxBMjWi-fjHprDO541S_lRlbhx05V8zBLzZ3pedXzQmfw7JpOwD-4XSflRQSxjU-8-u72d-6I3suTrUHtyxLA_b5SCEO9pAtYiD_S9juU8GvJPrAN3gz_uPXqUH/s853/Ghost3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJZWbhUiLqayxy59CpbhZxmqXJ0zExrthuxfMcfoQeektJz_0hmZjsUdogII64BxBMjWi-fjHprDO541S_lRlbhx05V8zBLzZ3pedXzQmfw7JpOwD-4XSflRQSxjU-8-u72d-6I3suTrUHtyxLA_b5SCEO9pAtYiD_S9juU8GvJPrAN3gz_uPXqUH/s320/Ghost3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our Ft. G. Grumps demand proof of residency to
drop off recyclables, they are very thorough in ensuring some non-town resident
cannot drop their stuff off on our center, so proof of residency is
demanded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put it in my visor ahead of
time to be “soup-nazi” prepared for the Grumps…they will yell!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Half way to
the center I glanced up at my visor and the license was not there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What the Hell!
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I pulled
over and looked on the floor, the seats and even under the front seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How does a plastic license slip out of the visor and disappear without
my even noticing?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I looked all
over and nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove back home for
a more thorough search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After tearing
everything in the front seat apart without finding the license I turned to the
back…as if a piece of plastic could slip out of a visor, fly out over the front
seat and land on the floor in the back without my noticing a thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found it
on the floor almost under the back seat and slightly buried under assorted
trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impossible, and yet there it was.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjUpFeCK8FR9JGKMq-aScrrQ1LRXPaB-ar89gP1LIjAO-ZUzjwfl7Rmtb4-v9q6MyAMjyb4DyKgrO2i4wiVq2P8v6xUsoAXMe3jIw4PeKzEjHPxNolvkEsm4DLTtl7ppEFu8WX5D6YXFLE2Jcd7rUWTLBwtvdU8QuWkeVteXH52E_1kVSEr1fnGb9/s640/ghost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="640" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjUpFeCK8FR9JGKMq-aScrrQ1LRXPaB-ar89gP1LIjAO-ZUzjwfl7Rmtb4-v9q6MyAMjyb4DyKgrO2i4wiVq2P8v6xUsoAXMe3jIw4PeKzEjHPxNolvkEsm4DLTtl7ppEFu8WX5D6YXFLE2Jcd7rUWTLBwtvdU8QuWkeVteXH52E_1kVSEr1fnGb9/w332-h316/ghost1.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Still hard to find...partially buried</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today I left
for Fort Grumpy and once again stuck my ID firmly in the visor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again half way to the center I looked up
at the visor and …<b>WTF!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I Pulled
over to check quickly and once again nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I Drove home and checked all through the front driver and passenger side
and again nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked the back
seats and there was the license.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Directly
behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnkOeunG2kAwO_kovd4YGqWp87WkJOyJrrwFLUuVoBVwjkodJ3zH0GyOHNoMId5lWHbxjW96YlQKhkeaPMzgbVtrZTye76IEjwv5z5PXnN_1XmImlcv9-z5cnbJoPDp8idhsJYUEMwy7L4izuHTJ4Xgx22_yRw1P1FFjmIUKuDxx0wy3mmyW23G26/s640/Ghost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnkOeunG2kAwO_kovd4YGqWp87WkJOyJrrwFLUuVoBVwjkodJ3zH0GyOHNoMId5lWHbxjW96YlQKhkeaPMzgbVtrZTye76IEjwv5z5PXnN_1XmImlcv9-z5cnbJoPDp8idhsJYUEMwy7L4izuHTJ4Xgx22_yRw1P1FFjmIUKuDxx0wy3mmyW23G26/s320/Ghost2.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, without
any moving of the visor, without hitting any bumps, the license somehow flew
out of the visor, over my shoulder, and landed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>behind the driver seat and I did not feel or
see a thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The car is
possessed I tell you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-2562971201464200062024-02-16T17:05:00.002-05:002024-02-16T17:05:47.231-05:00Random Observations<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Random Observations<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM0rEF31y8TeqGzj_9BOf6iNkq-kbtgmprwV6v3qppf6ln6xVnhOnRpVmNYJYj6QgeHNu0lz2eWp7pwAdIZppVJtSwn92kcob4P5ByQUXd7zu-01yP0UGo0ud65XCSmWOW68YmvdXbHs1_Rl6h4PTsRZQb3Kp0c8QYGvYLbGmTSoX33wLnOF4pj2C/s253/observe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="253" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM0rEF31y8TeqGzj_9BOf6iNkq-kbtgmprwV6v3qppf6ln6xVnhOnRpVmNYJYj6QgeHNu0lz2eWp7pwAdIZppVJtSwn92kcob4P5ByQUXd7zu-01yP0UGo0ud65XCSmWOW68YmvdXbHs1_Rl6h4PTsRZQb3Kp0c8QYGvYLbGmTSoX33wLnOF4pj2C/w306-h241/observe.png" width="306" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Shopping
with Mrs. Cranky after a painful visit with our tax accountant and I made
several random observations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">ONE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">We bought a
bathtub mat and some Gorilla Glue at Lowes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We paid via self-check-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hate self-check-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand at the
supermarket when all 4 to 6 check-outs are busy, but…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">At Lowes on
a week day at 11:30 the whole giant store had about 5 shoppers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the self-check-out there was only Mrs. C
and myself, and a Lowes employee to make sure we didn’t steal anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, as it always seems to me, we also
had to ask said Lowes employee a question about the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It was nice
she was there to assist, but when it is so slow, why not just have a cash
register for the employee to do an old fashion check out instead of standing
there watching?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">TWO:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Later we
passed a green gas station, “Fuel 4.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“What the
hell is a Fuel 4 gas station?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Why, who
cares?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Just is
that a national brand? Is it individually owned? Whose gas is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean all the big oil stations advertise their
gas is the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does Fuel 4 have
special cleaning stuff, what is the octane, where does it come from?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“What do
you care, you don’t know the difference anyway?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t
know, it is just weird, I never heard of “Fuel 4.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“You’re
weird…and a jerk.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">THREE:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is an
observation, why are parking lot spaces so important?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. C made about three laps around the lot
looking for the closest space.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“What the
hell, just pick a space, you’ve passed up three spaces already!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s
windy, I want to get closer.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“You have
got to be kidding…windy? Have you seen the price of gas? Time is money, gas is
money, pick a damn space!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Just
shutty! Jerk.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">FOUR:</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">In the
supermarket some people still are wearing a face mask…well two people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think those things ever worked for
Covid, but I wore them so as to not be accused of killing Grandma. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe those two were on chemo or had a reason
to be extra careful, no skin off my teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, one person still did not have the mask over their nose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might as well tattoo <b><i>“I am really
stupid”</i></b> across your forehead!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">FIVE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, this had
me remembering, as my final random observation, when the supermarkets had arrows
in the lanes directing only one way shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the time I thought that was stupid and said so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was severely chastised for that opinion and
told that the arrows assured the 6-foot Covid rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seemed to me that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pushing through floating Covid death breath
from behind someone would be not less dangerous than crossing through it in a two-way
traffic lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I let it go back during
the Covid scare. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One-way two-way…stupid
but what could it hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I will now, several
years later, finally get it out of my system,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Those one-way
supermarket shopping lanes were really freaking STUPID!!</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Boy that felt good.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s all
the observations I’ve got for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think I’d best just listen to Mrs. C and Shutty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-7837583341773572392024-02-14T11:50:00.001-05:002024-02-14T11:50:44.934-05:00MRS. C OUTDOES HERSELF<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MRS. C OUTDOES HERSELF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYqicN3Usr7OvhH3HaqZ3wl-6lp20j7gs1f1aV6wEeKOVssJpSKBLVhYzs0YlseXZKq3A6MYyepObXmOx54GjhWPjDx3BVo6Fw2J_UqGOkXkfVvfldIFPXrhaFP_aB9XRM4OWPwxnBRHMgx_6j7ODyGNQ3tAGKGtJn2rHegZAtIJJFengabo9MWCJ/s225/RS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYqicN3Usr7OvhH3HaqZ3wl-6lp20j7gs1f1aV6wEeKOVssJpSKBLVhYzs0YlseXZKq3A6MYyepObXmOx54GjhWPjDx3BVo6Fw2J_UqGOkXkfVvfldIFPXrhaFP_aB9XRM4OWPwxnBRHMgx_6j7ODyGNQ3tAGKGtJn2rHegZAtIJJFengabo9MWCJ/w292-h292/RS.jpg" width="292" /></a></b></div><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Happy
Valentines Day, or as some call it, </span><b style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Hallmark Holiday Scam Day</b><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today, Mrs.
C out did herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generally, for any
card giving occasion, Mrs. C gets me two cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One is comical, the other mushy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today she outdid herself and I got two comicals and a mushy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is
totally unnecessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Given my relationship history, a simple posted note saying, <b><i>“I don’t expect to be leaving you
in the immediate future!”</i></b> would make my day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instead, she
spent $21 on cards (</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Used
to be $3.99 a card, but I made the mistake of checking the current price on the
back of the cards… yikes</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">!)
instead of said sticky note.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I mean it’s
her money so…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In addition
to the cards, she also managed to find a copy of the High School English writing
book that I recently found out was using a Cranky Old Man blog as a homework
assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must have taken an extra
effort to find a used copy as it is not available new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Very cool;
thanks Mrs. C. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The Book</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnBsuQUPawNwDRRrKc-yC7_TWpb_5pFxR5Bcb8v-xsz7PBn4gn3rt_x4squ4b0lBAC7r-cvPFLe99Sq_9-XcGSSwKbXMCVyPdK2Pl_M8ZHglbt7sLFsVYSykSbmU_xGZ6nWztoMeGIow4Iif7gWHPwQpEKPfn3BT8G669SlFXJjArRv38Hc4wHvPY/s853/SB!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnBsuQUPawNwDRRrKc-yC7_TWpb_5pFxR5Bcb8v-xsz7PBn4gn3rt_x4squ4b0lBAC7r-cvPFLe99Sq_9-XcGSSwKbXMCVyPdK2Pl_M8ZHglbt7sLFsVYSykSbmU_xGZ6nWztoMeGIow4Iif7gWHPwQpEKPfn3BT8G669SlFXJjArRv38Hc4wHvPY/w288-h384/SB!.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq68P7daWT2-gwuJY-oF2kZC-mJxIscnOi4eH9ojjM2dUE06jBA2nautJ4E5ck8m_0EEKBVp9W199G2x65mGeX0jlq1ZRxcG7cXD03YJOB7uqdKKKTYzIIJwUjNQSYGU2FiDA6CovxPYnAZSRRrcN5WJSTd3s-WSERlwrUlisiHuFyMzW7ApgNAm4/s853/sb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMq68P7daWT2-gwuJY-oF2kZC-mJxIscnOi4eH9ojjM2dUE06jBA2nautJ4E5ck8m_0EEKBVp9W199G2x65mGeX0jlq1ZRxcG7cXD03YJOB7uqdKKKTYzIIJwUjNQSYGU2FiDA6CovxPYnAZSRRrcN5WJSTd3s-WSERlwrUlisiHuFyMzW7ApgNAm4/w288-h384/sb2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"> The Homework assignment</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9B1sRzNf_gYCuSbMANE4kdwL0GakfjEmxFmzAUAIl567zJ8ST1kvOKXPNy7MdC1gc_sqEjbw_7UY1QyGYhkat5yMrijRgTfD5QWu5P8MchuBOpNDU0cafz02WKYgSS3TqSrpGlnPxFE7K7aGkpJvZpSO2nbcLSyrseMXXzszrDqhgI7b6-Y0LQtO/s853/sb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9B1sRzNf_gYCuSbMANE4kdwL0GakfjEmxFmzAUAIl567zJ8ST1kvOKXPNy7MdC1gc_sqEjbw_7UY1QyGYhkat5yMrijRgTfD5QWu5P8MchuBOpNDU0cafz02WKYgSS3TqSrpGlnPxFE7K7aGkpJvZpSO2nbcLSyrseMXXzszrDqhgI7b6-Y0LQtO/w308-h410/sb3.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />As someone who hated homework assignments I am delighted to have become one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p>In exchange,
I got Mrs. C ONE mushy card, and a box of candy.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I got a Russell Stover assortment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once got her a
Whitman's Sampler and found out the Whitman's was a trigger from a past bad
Valentines Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been instructed
to always get Russell Stover (RS for right stuff) and not Whitman's Sampler (WS
for wrong stuff).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RS/WS, Mrs. C’s instructions
insure even I get it correct.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We also have
reservations to a Fancy Smancy restaurant tonight, that should at least equal extra
two cards if not the thoughtful book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Happy
Valentines Day Mrs. C. and thanks for not planning to leave me in the near future!
(As far as I know anyway.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-52622587934300548662024-02-09T20:36:00.000-05:002024-02-09T20:36:08.704-05:00CONTACT - Seance with the famous<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">CONTACT
- Seance with the famous<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">CONTACT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifl5IvFJjP9MX_Xmn1OOtnCVFt9nPf95jhc7nmoenKoM68Du1Zzr_pn0Lqmu8S9WM8iUewEE9DvC-AC8vFMAyBPY4GHGSNcoUfEAx08vSS3rblrjGKMJXfrNsQb9aU_fS8rnUDuFjSvdwiu6l4w8ymV8hrthAifx6KezmWFVnJhZ7O5a8cs-YsJxgS/s318/seance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifl5IvFJjP9MX_Xmn1OOtnCVFt9nPf95jhc7nmoenKoM68Du1Zzr_pn0Lqmu8S9WM8iUewEE9DvC-AC8vFMAyBPY4GHGSNcoUfEAx08vSS3rblrjGKMJXfrNsQb9aU_fS8rnUDuFjSvdwiu6l4w8ymV8hrthAifx6KezmWFVnJhZ7O5a8cs-YsJxgS/w392-h196/seance.jpg" width="392" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">This is a post from
2011, perhaps read by 7 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
think it is funny, although in these days of people seeking to be offended, it
might be inappropriate. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">But then I’m old and I don’t
care.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">I recently attended a
séance with a local psychic. I was skeptical at the start, but it
must have been real, no one could have made this stuff up. This
psychic specialized in contacting famous people. She talked to
several icons, here is a sample:</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"> “George
Washington, is that you George?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Yes it’s me, would I
lie?”</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“George, why did you
chop down that tree?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Actually my old man did
it, Mom was pissed. He gave me a buck and I took the rap for him.”</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“What? So you
lied?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Whatever.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"> “Damn, hey, it’s
Steve Irwin. He’s mumbling, I’m not sure what he is saying, what’s
that Steve, speak up.”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“A sting ray? Crikey, a
fucking sting ray?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“FDR, FDR over
here. Any words for the living?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Yes! Jonas, what took
you so freaking long?”* <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Wow, I have Abe
Lincoln, any questions for the Abe?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Ask him did he have any
regrets.”</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Abe, any regrets?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Yes, I think I should
have just said 87 years. That and honestly, I should have skipped
the show.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Marco Polo, is it you?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Yes it’s
me. Damn I explored Asia for 24 years, practically invented the
modern map, and what am I famous for? That annoying flipping kids
swimming pool game!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“JFK! Mr. President is
there anything the USA could have done for you?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Don’t ask!”</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“What is JFK junior so
angry about?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Oh, he’s pissed at
Sinatra. Every time he sees him, Sinatra starts singing ‘Come Fly
with Me’<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frank; Frank it’s not that funny!”</span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Oh my Lord, it’s Jesus
Christ! Jesus, Jesus, are you planning a comeback?”</span></i><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">“Yes, and this time
things will be different. Warn everyone, when I come back don’t
cross me!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">*</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;">(The vaccine guy…took me
a while, and I wrote it.)</span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-73828158432091525842024-02-04T21:44:00.000-05:002024-02-05T11:50:10.826-05:00QR CODES<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">QR CODES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmpv9Z-WxhSLQztYNqax7DIqsxLUJU9ZFt_dW6nBjW74EPzed9oyk5PV2_aqrs6yDAyTxwyvHxn9Ao1WnPT6sCmmlJCnxvWwgXcq93u-I3i4rIev18g02lUoup3oqddYu5rOjTprKznHnvkkvIrIMP2zaASHFT7Bh83Veh61oXNSoKzhjsYZWkcSi/s224/QR%20Code.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmpv9Z-WxhSLQztYNqax7DIqsxLUJU9ZFt_dW6nBjW74EPzed9oyk5PV2_aqrs6yDAyTxwyvHxn9Ao1WnPT6sCmmlJCnxvWwgXcq93u-I3i4rIev18g02lUoup3oqddYu5rOjTprKznHnvkkvIrIMP2zaASHFT7Bh83Veh61oXNSoKzhjsYZWkcSi/s1600/QR%20Code.png" width="224" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Does anyone
out there over the age of 50 know what the heck these postage stamp looking
things are?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please enlighten me if you
do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">QR Code…stands
for Quick something.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I mean I
sort of get it, I don’t live under a rock, but what good are they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve apparently been around for a few years,
but it is only recently that I stopped smacking them on my screens thinking it
was a bug or something.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It seems
that now, instead of typing in <b><i>WWW.blahblahblah</i></b> to take you to a
web site, or simply double clicking the blue printed site to take you to their
page; you point your phone at the QR Code and boom you are there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess young
people like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always have their
phone at the ready, they love their phones and they love anything new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Me, I don’t
get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not seem to me, to be
any easier to point my phone at a QR Code </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">(and then what, take a picture, just aim it? I’m not really
sure)</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> than to double
click a web site or even type it in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I often see
on TV, survey requests to vote for anything from your favorite political
candidate, to which soap you prefer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“We’re
taking a survey folks, do you A. Vote Republican B. Vote Democrat C. Not sure;
or D. Plan to leave the country. Simply use your phone and the QR Code in the
corner to choose.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Once again,
I’m not sure what to do with my phone, just point, snap a pic, or whatever, but if
I do choose to vote, I have around 11 seconds to find my phone, find the QR
Code and…too late it is gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell, I could
have easily typed in the site and voted, but I am QR Code challenged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">What do I do
if the QR Code is offered on my computer? Do I use my phone again? I can’t
point my computer at it! (Or can I? Is their some new magical technology I don’t
know about?) And, If I see the code on my computer, I want to bring up the site
on my computer, not my phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I
missing something?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is
another thing about the QR Code I don’t like: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t
trust them!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It has taken
me several computer infections to learn to look at the source before opening a site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I get an offer for a free 80 inch TV, I
check the site before clicking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">WWW.iownyourcomputer.ru</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> is probably I site I should not
click on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t screen a QR Code </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">(or can I? maybe young people know
how.)</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the QR Code is legit, but there is a
dust speck on my screen which takes me accidentally to a secret government site
and next day the FBI comes knocking at my door.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I fear the
time is coming where use of the QR Code will be the only option.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Is paranoia
a sign of oncoming dementia?<o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-55647930317672335422024-02-01T18:54:00.000-05:002024-02-01T18:54:13.841-05:00A Million Dollar Idea<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A Million Dollar Idea<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSfxsw1fPhV8zm2vRTlvjGqC6BS1LEjNAKAiG4wi7D569Bn9uKkcUqdZD_5BNm8GpSKEoBA4jc1LZoTiqElmWFeiGogy-JMfD8kJFD7fzYulAxlBBBdQCvtR9grN74AL2VBQhGkqRdtNWqseQebA341VRLNlKEG_YxpV_JnFVmzTrwRcKKaylcoKJ/s273/dollar%20sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="273" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSfxsw1fPhV8zm2vRTlvjGqC6BS1LEjNAKAiG4wi7D569Bn9uKkcUqdZD_5BNm8GpSKEoBA4jc1LZoTiqElmWFeiGogy-JMfD8kJFD7fzYulAxlBBBdQCvtR9grN74AL2VBQhGkqRdtNWqseQebA341VRLNlKEG_YxpV_JnFVmzTrwRcKKaylcoKJ/s1600/dollar%20sign.png" width="273" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have a million-dollar
idea, but I am too lazy to develop it, so you can have it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This idea is
not only worth a lot of money, but it will help to at least slow down many
obnoxious street protesters whose shenanigans are plastered all over the news
every night.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Make money
and have annoying people shut the front door, what is this idea?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Copywrite!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Years ago,
some numnutz copywrote the <i>“Happy Birthday”</i> song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For years you would almost never hear this
song on movies, TV or radio because some clown had the idea to copywrite it and
demand a fee for every time anyone wanted to use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now; people
could still sing it at local birthday parties, possibly illegally, but who
would know, but any media use would have to pay to play.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Paris Hilton
has a copywrite on the phrase <i>“That’s Hot.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John McEnroe
owns <i>“You cannot be serious!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mr. T owns <i>“I
Pity the Fool!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And someone actually
owns <i>“You’re Fired!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I Pity the
fool TV producer who thinks that’s hot to say you can not be serious…he would
probably hear from his boss, “Your Fired!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I suggest
these other phrases also need to be copywritten:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hey hey,
ho ho, Blah Blah Blah has got to go!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“No
Justice, no peace!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“One
two three four, we don’t want your Blah Blah Blah!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This would
not stop protestors from their clever chants any more than people stopped
singing “Happy Birthday” at private parties, but the nightly news shows could
not broadcast the annoying chants without paying me </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(or whoever steals my idea</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">), and finally, these bobble heads
would have to invent a protest chant that was clever and not 60 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There it is,
my million-dollar idea that also helps keep ass-hats off the evening news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can have it, I’m too lazy and at my age would
not know what to do with all that money.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hey hey, ho
ho, copywrite and make some dough!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You are
welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-72426729117298832682024-01-24T19:03:00.004-05:002024-01-24T19:17:14.249-05:00TEENAGERS<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">TEENAGERS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE9L8GZ4uzZrkUEqv5WcHEj-rNXdE21O2myxOvdV5U82XFz4rWJ5ElKcshf4hV7SWD7qbPrmlxe19nXHKwSBR4KtY6xBmtUHRcV8pF7_ixyG0euLAf2zpkG195-47FwKje7XEBWyw0a-x-wW24r2dZhYR44gBJ0Xcl0xT3bVAxmT0EJ3UQ1ivNVWW/s525/teen.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="348" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE9L8GZ4uzZrkUEqv5WcHEj-rNXdE21O2myxOvdV5U82XFz4rWJ5ElKcshf4hV7SWD7qbPrmlxe19nXHKwSBR4KtY6xBmtUHRcV8pF7_ixyG0euLAf2zpkG195-47FwKje7XEBWyw0a-x-wW24r2dZhYR44gBJ0Xcl0xT3bVAxmT0EJ3UQ1ivNVWW/w252-h380/teen.png" width="252" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I just
finished talking to my son about children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has two heading smack dab into teenage years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parenting is not easy, but being a parent to
a teenager is brutal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Newborns are
tough, you get little sleep and you worry about every hiccup burp and poop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you love them like you never thought you
could love and they love right back as without you they cannot exist.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Toddlers are
the best, they keep you on your toes, but nothing is as cute as a toddler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even puppies are not as cute as a toddler,
though this age is very similar to the puppy stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">From toddler
to a growing school age child, their growth both physical and mental is
astounding and pure joy to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Pre-teen is
still about the same except they may actually start to question your rules and
reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Then there
are teenagers. <b>UGH!!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Horrible
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Horrible for
the teen as they go through so many changes in size, ideas, and <b>HORMONES</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">They are
confused and they question everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">As teenagers
they realize that parents are not always right, and this realization has them
questioning a parent’s <b>EVERY</b> belief and rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are very difficult years for the
teenager.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I hated most of my
teenage years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Then again, the
only thing more difficult than being a teenager, is having a teenager!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">My son’s theory
is that without these years, parents would never want to see their children
grow up and leave, and children would never want to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Your teen
may yell at you, <i>“I wish I had never been born”</i> and you might just have
the same thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I mean you
still love them, you still worry about them, but maybe you are ready to love
and worry about them from a distance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It is an age
where they are upset because you worry so much and want to control them, but
also get upset and think you just don’t care, if you don’t worry and don’t try
to control them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Neither
child or parent can win the teen years, you just have to try and survive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">My son did raise
an interesting point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if he
is correct or not, I don’t know the Bible well enough, but his point was,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t
think the Bible has anything about Jesus as a teen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was born, he learned a trade as any obedient
child of those times, and next thing, he was walking on water and curing
lepers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing about his teen years. The
Bible ignores his teen years. I think EVEN JESUS was horrible as a teen!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Actually,
looking back, my four teens were pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We did not fight too much and I enjoyed a lot about those years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime they try and tell me stories of
antics I never knew about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stop them
in their tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“As long
as you survived, I don’t want to know about it!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ll bet
Jesus tipped a few cows, told a few lies, and skipped out of a few Hebrew classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Please just k</span>eep these stories out of the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to know about that either.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">For more, see my manual for <b><i>"Raising A Teenager"</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://joeh-crankyoldman.blogspot.com/2018/11/raising-teenager.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://joeh-crankyoldman.blogspot.com/2018/11/raising-teenager.html</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-32058601096497958292024-01-18T23:52:00.000-05:002024-01-19T09:49:38.795-05:00Mrs. C Gets a Snow Day<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C Gets a Snow Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6SY63WRH67tpcKTQnh3ezUJCODL1xZ33_nK_acpu67li88ll6cIgnticQrf1-R4gDhQ6MhUVdCNFyEyRJjExplhwCNeFH-Vuixyh0uPTE-adERogSddqKblDMSSvjyQOA6eRbsk4b8A9qq2iT64ehwqKXHXqlHYHaHvinyTnk6-VEqRUGa-iYUtF/s273/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6SY63WRH67tpcKTQnh3ezUJCODL1xZ33_nK_acpu67li88ll6cIgnticQrf1-R4gDhQ6MhUVdCNFyEyRJjExplhwCNeFH-Vuixyh0uPTE-adERogSddqKblDMSSvjyQOA6eRbsk4b8A9qq2iT64ehwqKXHXqlHYHaHvinyTnk6-VEqRUGa-iYUtF/w224-h332/snow.jpg" width="224" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C just
found out her 7 am job has been cancelled due to snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She works part time at a local theater and a
rare morning graduation event was postponed a week.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C was
practically giddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has been nursing
a cold and really did not feel like getting up early for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, she could have called in sick,
except she can’t…some sort of stupid work ethic in her DNA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Her
excitement reminded me of school days when snow started to fall in the evening
before a big assignment was due.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could I
postpone working on the assignment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
had been handed out two weeks ago, so I still had time to start…well kind of…but
with the snow I could procrastinate even more!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The wise
move of course would be to start and finish the assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, I closed
my books and watched the snow almost blot out the street light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No way we would have school, except our
district was proud of how they could stay open when others closed…but this was
a blizzard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The next
morning, I was up early to hear if school was cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local show, <i>“Rambling with Gambling”</i>
called out closings every fifteen minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Here are
the closings, “Don Bosco Prep</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> (always the first, I think the school was on a large hill) <i>Rahway,
East Orange, All New York City</i> (Holy crap, NYC never closes this is a good
sign) <i>Newark, Piscataway, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Brunswick Hell all
the Brunswick’s…on and on until finally</i> <b>WESTFIELD!!!</b>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back to bed,
plenty of time to shovel, and plenty of time for that assignment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I loved the
snow, especially on school days.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-58854227418266780792024-01-17T11:32:00.000-05:002024-01-17T11:32:42.692-05:00I Can’t Sweep<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I Can’t Sweep<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziXbRpr5IWMihuGtU4kjcTJvCbfMiZRAKM6pFQVVEnkC5YiKsjCLxeGb77ofuin5OEb_e9W0GGRk39IRON_lJpGr1X3tHDfOW2uvHD-BDmhzPLOMyKGLLJTDLj5kTnTmF-mZTGY7lRtLW0AddH6m95sfZRkg03eagNSd6nS-hbvndeL9qMSeZ2oG-/s275/salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziXbRpr5IWMihuGtU4kjcTJvCbfMiZRAKM6pFQVVEnkC5YiKsjCLxeGb77ofuin5OEb_e9W0GGRk39IRON_lJpGr1X3tHDfOW2uvHD-BDmhzPLOMyKGLLJTDLj5kTnTmF-mZTGY7lRtLW0AddH6m95sfZRkg03eagNSd6nS-hbvndeL9qMSeZ2oG-/w349-h232/salt.jpg" width="349" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Not a typo, apparently,
I can’t sweep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jersey had
it’s first snow in several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost
two inches of white stuff which got the weather people excited and the Home
Owners Association in full gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Streets
were plowed as the first flakes were falling, and paths salted and resalted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have a
feeling the crew hired by the HOA gets paid by the hour and they are starving
for a Winter payday.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is nice
that all this stuff is taken care of, at least our stupid high monthly fee gets
us something besides signs all over telling us what not to do, but do they have
to shovel salt on our covered front entrance?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No snow gets
passed our entrance roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no
ice where there is no snow, but the salt does get tracked into and throughout
the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hence the
salt must be swept away from this area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday,
before we were having dinner, I took it on myself to complete this chore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When done I made sure to take credit from
Mrs. C for taking charge. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“They salted
the entrance again, but I swept it away.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was expecting
an, <b>“Oh, thanks, I hate it when the salt gets tracked inside.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instead, I
got, <b>“Did you use the outside broom?”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Did you
use the broom from the garage?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“No! I
used the broom from the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
have had to stomp in the cold 30 yards to the garage to get that broom, all to
go swish, swish, done!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The
inside broom is for inside only!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“A broom
is a frickin broom, there is no harm to your damn inside broom!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There is
an inside broom for inside and an outside broom for the outside, don’t use the
inside broom for outside!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Go check
your inside broom, if you can show me any issue with me using it outside, I’ll
buy another G-Damn broom!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That’s
not the point.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Taking a
different tack, <i>“When was the last time you used the inside broom, as we
have the electric sweeper thing?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t know.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Guess.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Maybe
two years.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I rest
my case.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You have
no case, just use the right broom in the right place.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I get
the scissor thing, one for outside, one for kitchen and one just for paper…well
I don’t really get it, but I can deal with it, but this broom thing is beyond
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Just don’t
use the inside broom on the outside.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Fine,
can we just eat now?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Which are
the inside knives and forks?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You’re a
jerk!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PB (post
blog)</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> We are
expecting snow again in two days, HOA salted the front again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I’ll use the outside broom. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-34445299476544874412024-01-11T19:15:00.000-05:002024-01-11T19:15:16.434-05:00I AM Outraged!<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I AM Outraged!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, not
really outraged, just curious.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last week I
submitted a post about phones and received a curious comment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Anonymous</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://joeh-crankyoldman.blogspot.com/2024/01/hold-phone.html?showComment=1704892929106#c648326303173325030"><span style="color: #cc6611;">January 10, 2024 at 8:22 AM</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Oh my god I saw your blog on how to feel young in my
English book. I got three questions for homework because of you, this is so
sadge </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">😔😔😔</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Reply</span></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=968059214758329257&postID=648326303173325030" target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Delete</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Replies</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">My first thought was WTF? Why was my post “How To Feel
Young” in an English book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t even
think it was a particularly good post. I asked:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 63.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='width:33.6pt;height:33.6pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img border="0" height="45" src="file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_8" width="45" /><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508"><span style="color: #cc6611;">joeh</span></a></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://joeh-crankyoldman.blogspot.com/2024/01/hold-phone.html?showComment=1704908973103#c8032762168864223061"><span style="color: #cc6611;">January 10, 2024 at 12:49 PM</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">??English book? What book?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=968059214758329257&postID=8032762168864223061" target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Delete</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I received this reply<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Anonymous</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://joeh-crankyoldman.blogspot.com/2024/01/hold-phone.html?showComment=1704980047907#c7419380205758507314"><span style="color: #cc6611;">January 11, 2024 at 8:34 AM</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Fire
and ice 2, it’s a school English book, they used one of your blogs for a
comprehension<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=968059214758329257&postID=7419380205758507314" target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Delete</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 99.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=968059214758329257&postID=3158324676366884663" target="_self"><span style="color: #cc6611;">Delete</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now I had to wonder, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">First - Don’t they have to get an OK from me to use my
stuff?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Second - Did they use my post to inspire young minds, or as
an example of how not to write.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Third - Am I entitled to royalties?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I Googled this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The only copy I could find was on Amazon, used for $74.15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">That pretty much rules out royalties, and for $74.15 I don’t
need to know if it was used to inspire young minds, or as an example of how not
to write.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Now my only question is what the hell does SADGE mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked it up and I still don’t know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Somehow a post on How To Feel Young, has made me feel
really old!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F9F9F9; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-3231174924738708282024-01-06T11:34:00.000-05:002024-01-06T11:34:05.437-05:00HOLD THE PHONE<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HOLD THE PHONE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUhoPFrqwQNDGvaCBPxxLA0JgVMqGmnbHeuynOSi8BbW_sM8-oTky9oduOQNFAj9KB3UgB9nRny4TRH4uwRm17AvQhW7EMuKgTdMTOCKtpChjTzcmfbkjrfX3f2yhzYpn9mjvzZtTRNPUpkOFMUrgy6HY5QiDXKl1fykGJsapD0exkagyCzWQVgA1/s260/telephone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUhoPFrqwQNDGvaCBPxxLA0JgVMqGmnbHeuynOSi8BbW_sM8-oTky9oduOQNFAj9KB3UgB9nRny4TRH4uwRm17AvQhW7EMuKgTdMTOCKtpChjTzcmfbkjrfX3f2yhzYpn9mjvzZtTRNPUpkOFMUrgy6HY5QiDXKl1fykGJsapD0exkagyCzWQVgA1/w239-h320/telephone.jpg" width="239" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other
day I was half way to the grocery store to pick up three or four items when I
realized I had forgotten my cell phone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">OH THE
HORRORS!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if I got
lost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I ran out of gas? What if
I needed to ask Mrs. C a question? What if…?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I mean the
store was 15 minutes away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only needed
about 5 minutes to get my items and head home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew my way to the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
a full tank of gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing I
needed to ask Mrs. C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did I need my
phone?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Still, I came
back to the house and retrieved my phone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Silly
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I thought so
too, and yet I had to have that phone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Made me
think of the old days and phones.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our family
phone was upstairs outside Mom and Dad’s bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today when your
phone rings, you check to see who it is and if you want to take the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you let it go 4 rings the person can leave
a message if they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back in the
day if the phone wrang it was assumed to be important and you always picked it
up…well, someone always eventually picked it up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“TELEPHONE!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“SOMEONE
GET THAT!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>I’M
BUSY</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’LL GET
IT!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’M
COMING, I’M COMING!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you did
not answer, it would just keep </span><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bringing.</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the other
side would be:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where are
they?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I know they
must be home.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Come on,
come on answer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I hope
nothing is wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Maybe I
should call the police.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“HELLO!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where have
you been?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you
failed to answer the phone after the customary wait of 25 </span><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Brings </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">you’d better be prepared for an excuse
when you next ran into the caller!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If the call
was from long distance, like another town you had to talk fast…time was money.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If the call
was from your Aunt cross the country you had to talk really loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, you didn’t have to, but you just did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If the call
was from your brother’s girlfriend you knew:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bri…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’LL GET
IT!” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That was the
clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow you just knew if the call
was from a girl.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Always
followed by Dad:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“DON’T
BE TOO LONG, I’M EXPECTING A CALL.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pop was
always expecting a call, but he never answered the phone, that was for the kids.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When cell
phones first came out, this was something I don’t miss hearing when I was on my
daily train commute:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“HEY,
HOW ARE YOU? GUESS WHERE I AM CALLING FROM!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The ensuing
conversation, also overly loud, was 15 minutes about how cool it was to be
calling from the train. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway,
phones and phone etiquette has surely changed and I can just not go anywhere
without my phone, which is also my camera, and my access to news, and watching
sports, and an encyclopedia, and has proof of my driver’s license, car
registration, vaccine doses, passport, and all the codes I need to get in my
house, open the garage door and access my bank account.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It no longer
goes </span><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bring</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It plays a different song depending on who is calling.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I kind of
miss the old phone, but there is a lot less yelling!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-63908201657200119802023-12-29T13:33:00.000-05:002023-12-29T13:33:22.577-05:00Famous Living People I Admire<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Famous Living People I Admire<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is that
time of year where we remember all those famous people who have recently passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have lost some good people for sure, but I
choose to honor those famous people who are still with us and hopefully will be
with us for a long while.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">FAMOUS LIVING PEOPLE WHOM I ADMIRE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am a bit
cautious with this list as many people who I have admired in the past have
turned out to be complete asshats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
notably Bill Cosby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep in mind that any
of these most admirable persons may have a private persona that is the antithesis
of deserving admiration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I start
with sports, a category notorious for its share of jerk-weeds:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Aaron Judge</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – Beyond being a great athlete and a
Yankee, Judge just seems like a stand-up guy </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(and he stands up at six foot seven).</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Always a smile, never a bad word about anyone. Judge often plays catch
with kids in the stands between innings, he never shows up the pitcher after
hitting a bomb of a homerun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He strikes
me as a polite, friendly, gentle giant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fbc-bupPzcU-2IbBjV2f81PRFZ5R0ar7Jm8IpTmrkwYA1VaB8E4nSGnXHgHfgUeBfOvAZjDYSOo1ufH38gmK0Rjl2FtG2nxGaSjvwp6WQfHp61Pmm0E_-ASRoNLX4ngW2X2okaB27tsV-0FX6d5gBOfx9FbhPvAmuyGxhj-qu2d-FegxA6mIBKst/s298/judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Fbc-bupPzcU-2IbBjV2f81PRFZ5R0ar7Jm8IpTmrkwYA1VaB8E4nSGnXHgHfgUeBfOvAZjDYSOo1ufH38gmK0Rjl2FtG2nxGaSjvwp6WQfHp61Pmm0E_-ASRoNLX4ngW2X2okaB27tsV-0FX6d5gBOfx9FbhPvAmuyGxhj-qu2d-FegxA6mIBKst/w306-h326/judge.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shaquile
O’Neal </span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">– Another huge
person of an athlete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Retired as one of
basketballs greats, he is successful in business, is very humorous, managing to
poke fun at himself in commercials while still maintaining dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He owns up
to mistakes in life, and just seems to have good head on his massive shoulders.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Google “Shaq
quotes” to get a feel for this guy…examples:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“I’m a
combination of the Terminator and Bambi.”</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“If I were a
painter, you’d be calling me Shaqcasso.”</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.75pt; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6D3W5HP8IXvlJFYs5WSJ7yrtx18LZlChgVzD_V8DXvon89ojR-UZ3ziVVVRkUx28JfS0oNdHreGer8V8kfufO116zjYuICI8nFqF8BbAMaASDs_orzctrOShwESP_VT9Y6mUdL93NFwdKzdNeOHOLvvmJgBdtUX2z9cOhNIRxW5mHJfnSM5tlmMh/s246/Shaq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="205" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6D3W5HP8IXvlJFYs5WSJ7yrtx18LZlChgVzD_V8DXvon89ojR-UZ3ziVVVRkUx28JfS0oNdHreGer8V8kfufO116zjYuICI8nFqF8BbAMaASDs_orzctrOShwESP_VT9Y6mUdL93NFwdKzdNeOHOLvvmJgBdtUX2z9cOhNIRxW5mHJfnSM5tlmMh/w283-h339/Shaq.jpg" width="283" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; letter-spacing: .25pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Riley Gaines</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> – This young lady is reviled by many for her
stance on transgender athletes. After
spending 15+years becoming an elite swimmer, she has taken a stand against six
foot four men taking hormones and declaring themselves as women to defeat real
women. It is not just the unfair advantage
these trans athletes may have, Riley also objects to their locker room presence…yes,
these “women” still are very much male below the waist.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anyway, right, or wrong, whatever your
position on the subject, this young lady is courageous regardless of attempts
to cancel her or even cause bodily harm for her opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also real cute. (</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A sexist would say!)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p6tI6eokbMLsplKVhuNUu1Sc0QgOa1yoR6zagm8g-cz6XnXlxDQaPDBz251X_X1BY8U-pe9J3lBi0JHYicK-AcDLT_p7nSEvO92bklz-dR1uCHAF_iabp6q5wXx0eeESUKkFT6I3JEBpKsRw2jAs4DLIfo0L6700KDUbxdgscbmpqglxAg6OGTby/s300/riley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p6tI6eokbMLsplKVhuNUu1Sc0QgOa1yoR6zagm8g-cz6XnXlxDQaPDBz251X_X1BY8U-pe9J3lBi0JHYicK-AcDLT_p7nSEvO92bklz-dR1uCHAF_iabp6q5wXx0eeESUKkFT6I3JEBpKsRw2jAs4DLIfo0L6700KDUbxdgscbmpqglxAg6OGTby/w418-h234/riley.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tough to find
anyone in politics, but I found two:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Robert Kennedy
Jr.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – Much aligned for his position on vaccines,
because apparently challenging science is despicable, even though the
definition of science:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;">The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the
physical and natural world through observation, </span><span class="aranob"><a data-ved="2ahUKEwjkue2VlbWDAxUbQjABHSFxDkEQyecJegQIDhAK" href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=594457451&q=experimentation&si=ALGXSlauYMaQ41mj_O9hyXg0i1XkMPk9lU-YG22rAIEpu2424x0zON_4a9a4c_s3nBobonX1JJGD1G_8qb0UdLWb0iubSAMPHgs33TyES-rhDCYjud6BHw6mQLQ1hbKuUcKOKVHOr08G&expnd=1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); color: inherit; outline: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">experimentation</span></a></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained.</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pretty
much requires questioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“A fact is
anything that has not yet been disproved.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Anyway,
he is willing to go against the grain of his own party, seeks to unite, not divide,
and if not for his creaky voice condition might be a successful candidate for President.
Plus, I just like the guy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEiDUJ1llljTVDvhDhzqbM-MoCGQsrCVKiMl3RpkxgSN7VaHXY38XkAf_GAiDsuAvK6h_P7marb64n8cQqDLX2B3AJq_1ypuOWXUxaS1RcLVvDwvBqraat-sQeJdXVx2MgKugPS5hKDrhLnpJt0euUw53EXVAY-XdkLNtjvZn3KJ0GNvGG_yMZBGo/s275/RFK%20Jr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEiDUJ1llljTVDvhDhzqbM-MoCGQsrCVKiMl3RpkxgSN7VaHXY38XkAf_GAiDsuAvK6h_P7marb64n8cQqDLX2B3AJq_1ypuOWXUxaS1RcLVvDwvBqraat-sQeJdXVx2MgKugPS5hKDrhLnpJt0euUw53EXVAY-XdkLNtjvZn3KJ0GNvGG_yMZBGo/w346-h230/RFK%20Jr.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br /><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Senator John Kennedy</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – Love his down-home country wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He can cut an opponent off at the knees
without them even realizing it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just a
sampling:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"If
you believe that tax policy has nothing to do with the economy, you're pretty
much like a rock -- only dumber."<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"My
attitude is if you hate cops just because they're cops, then the next time you
get in trouble, call a crackhead. That's the way I feel about it."<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQjCPjSbYpaCVkJ6qiqBnZIBzTMxtbJKfnWGfJmwmWOm7t3dXt6moUe-fJLL64W3VJC1n-IAHOZH-iQJMjKciJJwyYO3T-CI8gEBffO8dARC-U34_iJW9avr3NbwEjjX4w9awZGv-po6JS9vA72JMi64e_xGCkcItSGIm1_bo4GoHdkn99VGmZCg0/s252/John%20Kennedy%20la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="200" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQjCPjSbYpaCVkJ6qiqBnZIBzTMxtbJKfnWGfJmwmWOm7t3dXt6moUe-fJLL64W3VJC1n-IAHOZH-iQJMjKciJJwyYO3T-CI8gEBffO8dARC-U34_iJW9avr3NbwEjjX4w9awZGv-po6JS9vA72JMi64e_xGCkcItSGIm1_bo4GoHdkn99VGmZCg0/w257-h324/John%20Kennedy%20la.jpg" width="257" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></strong><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Entertainment:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dolly
Parton</span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – That’s all I have in this category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who does not love Dolly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Super talented and classy in her own country over-the-top
non-classy way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seems to not let her
fame get in the way of ever changing from the same old big-hearted Dolly.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I don’t
mind being called a dumb blonde, cause I know I’m not dumb, and I know I’m not
blonde!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><i></i></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5qeFBomNmT4YWXwGNcn-qCXYv0mF52Lo1hvDJvo7Y6_1anVxNLI89PvwtghNAA28p0qW_FU6Ech7AeLNR0tcSTIHyTX_T5drk6II9Nz6qcezCGRcDh89O2qN5E3-XgNhSeOOZXDotGnxX_Cd1kjiRtKRKkPT5cZD4Z2PjMwcMyJz_PZoXh3w1HkJ/s275/Dolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5qeFBomNmT4YWXwGNcn-qCXYv0mF52Lo1hvDJvo7Y6_1anVxNLI89PvwtghNAA28p0qW_FU6Ech7AeLNR0tcSTIHyTX_T5drk6II9Nz6qcezCGRcDh89O2qN5E3-XgNhSeOOZXDotGnxX_Cd1kjiRtKRKkPT5cZD4Z2PjMwcMyJz_PZoXh3w1HkJ/w314-h209/Dolly.jpg" width="314" /></a></i></strong></div><strong><i><br /><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></strong><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Philosopher
– <o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tyrus</span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – This ex pro
wrestler, body guard turned Fox News philosopher is often spot on with opinions
in an always humorous way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you
probably do not know of him…your loss.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly4nfbJPysMcoNbESf0o-c3CAuILg8ZrNcSsJKv4w9VJgi2uBKlDp5LMYvuaWtR-A0TqImJv7fSp9I_pWEk9wRQbOLSpMOTxF6pSXV6aT1RkFJCl18jczig2l7ZJTb3kG3XjuWXp5D0AZKkwmj3Dsx5b0ipXVcwoDiBTHnVUt_NbVt-VXT8MKz8yE/s276/tyrus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhly4nfbJPysMcoNbESf0o-c3CAuILg8ZrNcSsJKv4w9VJgi2uBKlDp5LMYvuaWtR-A0TqImJv7fSp9I_pWEk9wRQbOLSpMOTxF6pSXV6aT1RkFJCl18jczig2l7ZJTb3kG3XjuWXp5D0AZKkwmj3Dsx5b0ipXVcwoDiBTHnVUt_NbVt-VXT8MKz8yE/w347-h230/tyrus.jpg" width="347" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></strong><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">World
Leader – <o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- This
choice may turn out to be the next Cosby, but so far I admire his courage,
conviction and love for his country and people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With
Russia heading for Kiev promising to rule the country and eliminate Volodymyr,
he was offered safe passage out of Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His response, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I need ammunition, not a ride!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNqZHFuUAeCi-c5znjs_oCfYXDxj8rduK-XjZSmvWPX-bjSva6we_xv4-JmffIhDdpct1MSfF8M5UMSMm0PsM_r3Iq3tsidaDpE5bBELyVfgmXA2A4xA4V0wzcsbYIWMe-v6lzz6f73O5pNUOJwDi97McOxsP3KHQ5Hiz8eV4CAUmTiaWa5HB0W04/s300/Volodymyr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNqZHFuUAeCi-c5znjs_oCfYXDxj8rduK-XjZSmvWPX-bjSva6we_xv4-JmffIhDdpct1MSfF8M5UMSMm0PsM_r3Iq3tsidaDpE5bBELyVfgmXA2A4xA4V0wzcsbYIWMe-v6lzz6f73O5pNUOJwDi97McOxsP3KHQ5Hiz8eV4CAUmTiaWa5HB0W04/s1600/Volodymyr.jpg" width="300" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Actors:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Still
looking!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Happy New Year everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Philosopher- Tyrus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">World Leader - <span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Actor – NONE<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-81264637218654302172023-12-13T18:03:00.002-05:002023-12-14T12:36:26.235-05:00Tommy Devito<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy Devito<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3DIl-q8SyG5D-8e09QnzjwIqwTAfAt4RGDhyhE5JzCycIJCiaPX3b2FraGDOwzrFe-Qc8yCnJ81zijHYg1DaxDLoOb_lLjET7bAhTRt17MZ3sUSCeuGfpJpoiNu5VF2636qzxc711Zm7FvTrw8-cL-zezSKGp34NNQIBPRJVHvDPIJWJ_aOILjfX/s275/Ehhh%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3DIl-q8SyG5D-8e09QnzjwIqwTAfAt4RGDhyhE5JzCycIJCiaPX3b2FraGDOwzrFe-Qc8yCnJ81zijHYg1DaxDLoOb_lLjET7bAhTRt17MZ3sUSCeuGfpJpoiNu5VF2636qzxc711Zm7FvTrw8-cL-zezSKGp34NNQIBPRJVHvDPIJWJ_aOILjfX/w419-h279/Ehhh%203.jpg" width="419" /></a></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My plan has
been to only post once a month or so, but this story is too good to wait.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Non-Sports
fans can go now, but you will miss a real feel-good story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New York
Giants Football team is having a less than successful season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their number one quarterback was injured early
in the season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Their number
two QB was injured soon after.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Enter number
three QB, Tommy Devito.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy was an
undrafted pick who was on the scrub team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Typically, in this situation, the scrub QB would finish a game for the
number two and the team would find a new back-up for the next game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The number
three Qb’s job is to hand the ball off, not make mistakes and then disappear.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(This is
my uneducated estimation of situation, probably totally off base, but bear with
me.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is not
like a number three QB is a bum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just
that being a QB in the NFL is such a demanding position that only elite
athletes make it to the back up position, the number three guy plays patsy for
the defense team in practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy Devito
is a Jersey kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not some bum that
just happened to get a contract as a number three sub, anyone who makes the sub
team in the NFL is an elite athlete, but few undrafted players, as talented as
they may be, ever make it big, especially at the quarterback position.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy was a
big High School NJ star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In College, he started
for Syracuse, a division 1 school for several seasons, and finished at Illinois with some very impressive stats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tommy
is not a stiff athlete, but apparently, he does not have the metrics of most pro
quarterback candidates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well Tommy Devito
has won three games in a row for a very mediocre team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has done it by not making stupid mistakes,
passing with great accuracy, running the ball with surprising skill and understanding
and adjusting to a complicated Pro Football system that usually takes a top
rank rookie a year or more to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What does
Tommy have that has made him successful (</span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 107%;">for now at least</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) is he is
Jersey tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy lives and
grew up 10 minutes from Giant Stadium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is Jersey Italian tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have married into a Jersey tough family, so I have some experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a special kind of tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family is huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sundays are Italian gravy dinners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect is demanded…let us just say they are
special people, and Tommy Devito is the stereotypical Jersey Italian tough.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He lives at
home, well yeah, who else could make dinner like his Italian mom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy has
fast become a New Jersey favorite of this New Jersey team…yes, the New York
Giants play in New Jersey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In his first
win as a giant QB, after a touchdown pass, Tommy made a NJ Italian hand signal
that means…well it can mean many things depending on the situation, much like
the “Happy Day’s” Fonsie <b>“Ehhhhh!”</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LKTVHY6SqQ7eN02MBAyrajes4ETafK_Coi_skKqrW40RJ8X7mya3Jy0m5pPX66AS-i7oLyqqIY7bodBCvEtAB_nsA4P9iKpOMoB9Unsjnjeam_GHhvLz2eKrM2QiW5Z1k01ZIU-IU1naD8-8dyuGRi-gYcMnTKrmO2WWgAJTYUuivnC_7GDDikw-/s299/Ehhhh%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LKTVHY6SqQ7eN02MBAyrajes4ETafK_Coi_skKqrW40RJ8X7mya3Jy0m5pPX66AS-i7oLyqqIY7bodBCvEtAB_nsA4P9iKpOMoB9Unsjnjeam_GHhvLz2eKrM2QiW5Z1k01ZIU-IU1naD8-8dyuGRi-gYcMnTKrmO2WWgAJTYUuivnC_7GDDikw-/w378-h212/Ehhhh%202.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Now after every TD, the whole stadium
gives the hand signal <b>“Ehhhhh!”<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE-G1ZFL5QgU5Stn4EAJJL0WkLD26_hDprdCFebl2SjAWdOZyZYKUtfq1zq-sm8bt6fJQwOaTUt0Hj2dt-UDg_kHp6X0EVTBLB2dK7ayzccJMUlQAdLAln8nPlZKa8Ypty5aNeujFbPJ8BDC7ZxyCzvGl_KF_5smcvb9eQkymOvGp9S_0gtj0te1B/s300/Ehhh%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE-G1ZFL5QgU5Stn4EAJJL0WkLD26_hDprdCFebl2SjAWdOZyZYKUtfq1zq-sm8bt6fJQwOaTUt0Hj2dt-UDg_kHp6X0EVTBLB2dK7ayzccJMUlQAdLAln8nPlZKa8Ypty5aNeujFbPJ8BDC7ZxyCzvGl_KF_5smcvb9eQkymOvGp9S_0gtj0te1B/w379-h212/Ehhh%201.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His success
so far is not just on his undeniable talent, but also on his coolness under
extreme pressure that is just part of his Jersey culture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy enters
the field to the theme song of “The Soprano’s.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0HlY3bRI53/">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0HlY3bRI53/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The New York
Giants will probably not make the playoffs this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tommy Devito
will probably not make it in the league beyond a backup position in years to
come, but for now he is the only fun sport thing happening in the New York area.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In a sports
world full of prima donnas, it is refreshing to find a lunch pail Jersey kid
make it for a while in his own home town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will success spoil Tommy Devito?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I doubt it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for his
success is the reason it will not go to his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He is New
Jersey Italian tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is bringing the
Sunday gravy* to the NFL.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">*</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gravy is tomato sauce with meat for
anyone not Italian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Took me a while to
learn</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-1674060036823340202023-12-12T12:59:00.000-05:002023-12-12T12:59:59.844-05:00Steakhouse Rules<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Steakhouse Rules<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OuUsqnF9X4FY2XRVDGeza_Oc7Quih_clnHMNv61YYY6mbWcFRseOreWB5sMRfPcWPyWIa-6w2sesrm4bM3fW2pec0qg2gRPG5_Hx5K6dwf4-XekwT4X_GqYIcWM067t88hJ9wUycJZAYoXhXBj21IInjTdTPlRCsPujP_hWq_6E7D53TKQ9ye-eM/s300/steakhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OuUsqnF9X4FY2XRVDGeza_Oc7Quih_clnHMNv61YYY6mbWcFRseOreWB5sMRfPcWPyWIa-6w2sesrm4bM3fW2pec0qg2gRPG5_Hx5K6dwf4-XekwT4X_GqYIcWM067t88hJ9wUycJZAYoXhXBj21IInjTdTPlRCsPujP_hWq_6E7D53TKQ9ye-eM/w380-h213/steakhouse.jpg" width="380" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Every once
in a while, I get sucked into one of those internet tutorials on how to live
your life correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“TEN WAYS
TO KEEP OFF THE FAT”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“NINE
THINGS TO NEVER SAY TO A WOMAN”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“EIGHT THINGS
TO ALWAYS TEACH YOUR DOG”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You get the
idea: Some recent journalism grad is given the task to suddenly become an
expert on a subject and then impart their great insight on the rest of us
cretins.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Generally, I
get a laugh of these lesson for life from an expert who is just getting started
out on life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This recent one however
brought out my best Cranky self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8 EDIQUETTE MISTAKES EVERYONE MAKES
AT A STEAKHOUSE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These rules
were for eating at a fancy $65 or more a plate Steakhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I am not sure I have ever eaten at a $65 or
more a plate restaurant, but I figured just in case, I should know the rules.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is what
some genius culinary/etiquette expert came up with, I am sure they spent many
hours of research.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Dousing
your steak with steak sauce: If the chef wanted the steak slathered in sauce it
would come that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>HMMM, at $65
a plate, I’m not sure I give a rat’s backside how the chef wants me to eat MY
steak!<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Cutting
the steak all at once: Cut one bite at a time, pointy finger on top of the
knife, put down the knife, switch hands with the fork then eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>Who knew that style points counted when
eating steak, I guess there is something to be said for not eating like a cave man, but don’t
tell me how to hold a knife </i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(actually I think I do hold my knife that way)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> and shifting my fork for every bite
is a waste of motion.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Do not
eat every-last bite, leave something on your plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Etiquette says if you leave a small piece, it
shows you were completely satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>What
if I’m not completely satisfied without finishing all of my plate? Why do I give
a gosh darn if the chef and staff think I wasn’t satisfied? Furthermore, after
years of being told “</i></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Clean your plate, Joe!” </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and feeling guilty for the starving
children in China</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I’m
going to still listen to Mom. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4. When done
don’t leave your napkin on the table, fold it neatly and leave it on your seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>NO! I’m a rebel damn it!!<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how good, do not chew on the steak
bone, use your utensils<b><i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not only will I chew if I want,</span> but I’m asking for a doggie bag to take that $65 bone home!<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not spit out chewy pieces in your napkin, place
them discreetly in the corner of your plate. <b><i>For $65 there should not be
ANY chewy pieces, gristle, or excess fat! I will dispose of bad pieces how the
hell I feel like…and then complain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, actually, never complain to
people that are handling your food.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Order you steak well done if that is how you
like it, but medium to medium rare is how the chef prefers as this is the juiciest
and most flavorful setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>Medium
is my preference, but I really do not need anyone’s approval to order how it is
cooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to pay $65 for dried
flavorless steak, take my money, make it well done and suck it up! <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">AS an
aside for those that think it is macho to order steak rare and then chew
forever before painfully gulping down each bite; it is OK to order medium or
even medium well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">See, I can make rules too.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dress properly, many of the best restaurants require
a specific dress code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>I don’t
think there are many restaurants that are strict about dress these days, but I did
like the old coat and tie days, so I can live with this rule.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Too
summarize, for rules 1-7 <b><i>pffffffft</i></b><i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I was going to say “Fuck You” but I have
mellowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mostly I don’t
need to worry for now; it should take several more years of inflation for
Outback to be selling $65 steaks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-32051293438573026772023-11-25T22:43:00.000-05:002023-11-25T22:43:52.848-05:00Will Someone Please Explain<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Will Someone Please Explain<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Am I binary, or non-binary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems like neither is a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How does one become their “authentic
self?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is anyone’s self not
authentic?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When did <i>“you guys”</i> become <b>“you
guyses?”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When did <i>“literally”</i> become an emphasis
word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He is <i>literally</i> a dentist” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why don’t people just say <b>“He is a
dentist”?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not like it is unbelievable
for a person to be a dentist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know two
dentists who are <i>literally</i> my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think it is <i>literally</i> STUPID! To use literally to describe a
normal situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While I am at it, <i>actually </i>is
just a stupid as <i>literally </i>and used pretty much the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“He is actually a dentist” </i><b>STUPID!!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How do people say things like <i>“He
is not a rocket surgeon”</i> and not be corrected… actually DRIVES ME NUTS…literally.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When did the answer to any question
suddenly begin with <b>“So.”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“How much did your new car cost?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So, I paid $28,000.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People used to just say “$28,000” what
the heck is the <b>“So”</b> for?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why is it suddenly so damn important
to be <i>“vulnerable”</i> in a relationship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I prefer to be comfortably in a relationship, not vulnerable!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How come marriage counselors even
exist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have NEVER met a couple who
went to a marriage counselor that did not get divorced within two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage counselor’s success record by my
experience is 0-27.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If someone tells you they are seeing a
marriage counselor, just direct them to a lawyer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why don’t we get rid of daylight
savings time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we even have time
zones?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is 0800 in New York, it
should also be 0800 in Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
might take a while to get used to daylight being different times depending
where you live, but at least everyone would know what time it is everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why does the Government ruin my TV
shows at night by testing their <i>“Emergency Broadcasting system?</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always seems to work; and what happens to
all those people who are not watching TV when an emergency arises?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shouldn’t they just send a text to everyone?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why isn’t there one single good thing
that comes from global warming?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why can’t I solve crossword puzzles on
the weekend?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why does anyone under 35 use the word “like”
at least once in every sentence when speaking?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why do some people think stuttering while
searching for a word makes them sound intelligent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just spit it out professor smarty-pants!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why do we need one more Willy Wonka movie?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why do people brag about not doing
stuff?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“I never watching TV. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t use that stupid Face thing or the
Tweety thing”</i> As if it makes them a better person?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why do people say, <i>“Smile, it could
be worse!”</i> Has that EVER made a person feel better?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why am I so cranky?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All of the above!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-28888366492494461122023-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:002023-11-07T00:01:00.332-05:00My Wife Is A Witch<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My Wife Is A Witch<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My wife is a
witch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a scary Halloween witch, but apparently,
she can cast spells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Let me
explain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Monday
nights we are in a bowling league.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
team is not particularly good, but without my spell casting wife we would be
close to the basement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Last place)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several
weeks ago, we were about to be shut out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Zero points out of seven possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were doing ok in the final of three games when the opposing teams
anchor went on a tear and threw five strikes in a row. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His hot
streak cut our lead to two pins and he had one more throw while were finished.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On his final
throw he needed to only hit 1 pin to defeat us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(I know
someone out there is thinking “one pin? You are leading by 2 pins?"</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You probably
don’t know scoring in bowling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With 2
working strikes, one pin on the last throw will add up to 3 additional pins.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C lean
over to me and said, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>“He could throw a gutter ball!”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This dude
had not missed a rack all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
just thrown 5 straight strikes, and The Witch suggested he could throw the ball
in the gutter and hit nothing?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His last
throw was pulled to the left started to curve and plopped into the gutter at
the last second just missing the only pin needed to win the game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sue the first
bowler on our team overheard Mrs. C’s call and could not hold back,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You’re a
witch!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, it
could just be one of those things, stuff does happen…except tonight she struck
again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our first
game came down to the last frame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. C finished a more than respectable 158 game after missing a tough tenth frame
spare attempt giving us a 5-pin lead with no more frames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">Unfortunately</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, Lori, the other team’s final bowler was faced with a simple
single pin spare on her last frame.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">If she makes the spare,
it would pretty much assure, they would win the game for 2 points.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lori is a
very good bowler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not seen her
miss a simple middle of the alley single pin spare in like…ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As she lined
up her shot, Mrs. C whispered, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“She could
miss it you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lori could not believe it as her ball rolled by that single pin by
less than an eyelash.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was
tempted to tell her it was not her fault, but stayed silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t want
to mess with the witch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-50979369923387870252023-10-03T09:48:00.000-04:002023-10-03T09:48:33.414-04:00Do You Have a Temperature?<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do You Have a Temperature?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqG5Z-CzlHykLO_bxrReAIYWWD7qgY4O2OfkQkOtZBzI2IdPiIR1mbQonLXzxQRKvX60tlZVRDNW5l4gJvYbYg2smoScct7TuG6lG57MAG0zxGxCrZdi9RNe6KE5hC8PGggpTawlIOmaPvEOachhtD2M3XMSeSfAWy-aa5mpq-Pw-AOTJWAE35_Eo/s275/thermometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqG5Z-CzlHykLO_bxrReAIYWWD7qgY4O2OfkQkOtZBzI2IdPiIR1mbQonLXzxQRKvX60tlZVRDNW5l4gJvYbYg2smoScct7TuG6lG57MAG0zxGxCrZdi9RNe6KE5hC8PGggpTawlIOmaPvEOachhtD2M3XMSeSfAWy-aa5mpq-Pw-AOTJWAE35_Eo/w361-h240/thermometer.jpg" width="361" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the
first question asked when you are feeling poorly?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Is it
Covid?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ok these
days that is the first question, but after that it is, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Do you
have a temperature?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a
test for Covid, taking your temperature is not so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back in the
day there were those mercury thermometers that only adults could read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were normal that thin metallic line
would stop at 98.8…every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ninety-nine;
you had a fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One-hundred you stayed
in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those thermometers were dead
accurate, and 98.8 was normal for almost the whole world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lately the
rules have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now normal body
temperature can be from 95 to 99.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
and why dd that change?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To make
things even worse, today’s thermometers all vary by two or more degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those forehead and ear things can beep at 95
degrees one day and 96.5 the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Normal body
temperature is a crap shoot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last week I
was feeling poorly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not Covid, I was
tested (</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not an animal</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just stuffy, congestion and I felt like a fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chills and sweating usually indicate a fever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, Mrs. C
brought out the forehead thermometer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Ninety-five
point 4, your fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Fine! Isn’t
a low temperature also bad?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It says
95-99 is a normal range.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“WTF!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Days later I
was over the stuffy nose and chest congestion but I really felt crappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. C took my temperature with a new under
the tongue electronic thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Ninety-eight
point five…normal.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What the
hell, how is 98.5 normal when the other day 95.4 was normal? If 95.4 is normal
then I am three degrees above normal! I need to stay home from school!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You don’t
go to school you old fool!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“See, I
am delirious from fever.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oh, your
fine, you can’t trust these new thermometers.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, there
you have it, one of the most trustworthy measures of your well-being no longer
has any measure of accuracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Makes me
wonder what the hell good were all those forehead tests to enter a building
during Covid. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
happened to those old mercury things that you had to shake down before using,
and the time under the tongue was measured by Mom’s, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“That should
be long enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These days
the hand on the forehead and <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t know,
feels kind of hot to me.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is more
accurate than that electronic crap. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BTW, this
morning feeling much better, 96.4. Is that normal?<o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-12619691880305428342023-09-22T10:48:00.001-04:002023-09-22T10:48:39.888-04:00DRESS CODE<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DRESS CODE<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I see there
is a big hoo-haw in the US Senate over the relaxing of a long-standing dress
code.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmUd6YHZzFo4Y6j-XuCGjl30ApCeNF3fSP6Cd_neKkwbV6KWD4et5oU_UqI8EZpqdtUVb-ks620vW795TLdyrmQ0-27pI0C2afr64Mt6-EODbF679pLMdU4DW-bDsA2o89fj5bh3YNVQRZBwjeVxh7zVnF4rjf9SO8n7pnJtKqseafsS_uS-T3SVZ/s259/fetterman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmUd6YHZzFo4Y6j-XuCGjl30ApCeNF3fSP6Cd_neKkwbV6KWD4et5oU_UqI8EZpqdtUVb-ks620vW795TLdyrmQ0-27pI0C2afr64Mt6-EODbF679pLMdU4DW-bDsA2o89fj5bh3YNVQRZBwjeVxh7zVnF4rjf9SO8n7pnJtKqseafsS_uS-T3SVZ/w358-h268/fetterman.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It brings me
back to my College Fraternity days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our
House had a dinner dress code which required a tie and jacket in the dinning
area during meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t recall for
sure, but I believe pants were also required.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This code
went back to the old days of snotty wealthy ass-hats being the only people who
went to college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 60’s, only two-thirds
of college young men were snotty wealthy ass-hats; still the dinner dress code
prevailed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course,
the other one-third, at least in our House, rebelled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Surprise, I
was one of the one-third.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit to
being an ass-hat, but I was not that snotty and was less wealthy than many others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is easy
to challenge a dress code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those days our house rebels would don wrinkled shirts matched with a clip-on gravy-stained poor
taste tie and a cheap ratty sports coat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dress codes
are a joke.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently I
attended our annual reunion with these now less snotty, less ass-hattery, many
still wealthy Fraternity Brothers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At our
Friday dinner, I wore a nice button-down shirt with a nice sports jacket and
tie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was over
dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was given
a friendly fraternity BOS (bag of s___) over my attire.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A dress code
like many laws or rules in society is just a “legal” way to enforce generally
accepted standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not need to
be strictly enforced except to subvert egregious behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Show up to a
function in your underwear and you may not be allowed entry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Sorry sir,
we require everyone to wear clothes…it is in our by-laws.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This rule
should not be needed, except there is always some jerk who cannot meet normal
minimal standards of decorum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The alternative
to a dress code is social banishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you dress like a clown, you get treated like a clown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are ignored, you are marginalized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Acceptable
attire can’t be legislated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any code can
be mocked, especially if it is antiquated, much like wearing a clip-on gravy-stained
tie back in the old fraternity days.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We don’t
have rules against picking your nose in public, that behavior is patrolled by the mutual disgust of your peers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
behavior or “dress” is unacceptable, society has ways of dealing with such
behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If an
elected US Senator chooses to legislate dressed like a clown, he should not be
stopped by any rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “rule” should
be unwritten common sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The consequence
of “weird“ behavior should be censure, lack of respect, ineffective legislating,
and ultimately a loss in the next election.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If a Senator
can legislate effectively and be reelected while dressing like Uncle Fester, it
is no gravy off my clip-on tie. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mtiFwRo1auwUHHFKCnFFrzV2emVpTGccHV-xmGjqkek99KSaLG8lyGG8Xa3wglqQYnJ1SPVzzkFPZcHjcGLPmxjZes7DlzaTKsFwOB69OLn_2AsfH8Q5dxMy3lMaY6xmbE5Vgf8pMcu_UXPrPBkhZ_xFZs2QUEQPEY3e_d-3kBm2OYRQU04GVecV/s241/fester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="241" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mtiFwRo1auwUHHFKCnFFrzV2emVpTGccHV-xmGjqkek99KSaLG8lyGG8Xa3wglqQYnJ1SPVzzkFPZcHjcGLPmxjZes7DlzaTKsFwOB69OLn_2AsfH8Q5dxMy3lMaY6xmbE5Vgf8pMcu_UXPrPBkhZ_xFZs2QUEQPEY3e_d-3kBm2OYRQU04GVecV/w269-h233/fester.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-42247817105226667382023-09-09T01:56:00.002-04:002023-09-09T11:52:29.456-04:00Cranky at a Concert<p> </p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cranky at a Concert<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixw_rKqE0Kk_AmvUaVv5ovUC-5bgSwWVljUa6koy5853MuhtPQVIUzE7mnTIM_iSJ67NS2h0SUmeoQCBFGH-zKAu4Z2g93MuLIjUmdd5j04KeTCSkDLtgz_vLsDePC07UT82U6_2inNmFsuMPzOiaaoJnSzbSE0ND-xXBUKWttnOGszRUEBtPLMxA/s259/tommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixw_rKqE0Kk_AmvUaVv5ovUC-5bgSwWVljUa6koy5853MuhtPQVIUzE7mnTIM_iSJ67NS2h0SUmeoQCBFGH-zKAu4Z2g93MuLIjUmdd5j04KeTCSkDLtgz_vLsDePC07UT82U6_2inNmFsuMPzOiaaoJnSzbSE0ND-xXBUKWttnOGszRUEBtPLMxA/w316-h237/tommy.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight, I
went to a concert with my friend Frog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The State Theater
in New Brunswick featured Tommy Emmanuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may not have ever heard of Tommy Emmanuel, but he an Australian who
is the BEST ACUSTIC GUITAR player in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can not even explain his unbelievable talents, but that is not the
real subject of this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, as
usual, this post is about my lovely wife…Mrs. Cranky.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C for
want of better words, is a piece of work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She
currently works part time at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And a</span>s such, she is an expert in all things State
Theater Concerts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She did not
work this night; she is in Florida with a friend exploring Disney World for the
17<sup>th</sup> time…don’t even get me started. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, she
knew I would like to see Tommy E, and she got tickets for Frog and I months
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you so
much. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That was
great of you, but it seems that Mrs. C does not believe I am capable of
actually going to see a concert in the “Big City” (New Brunswick) by myself. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess she
thinks that even with Frog, who has a Doctorate in History (well almost…there
is still a thesis that needs to be submitted…is 55 years too late?) still
equals “by myself”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is what
I get:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Where are
you going to park? Don’t go to the lot that requires paying through a link from
a QR code, you’ll never figure that one out… </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">(OK, she is right about that)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> go to the Morris Parking lot where
you just get a ticket and pay on the way out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">OK.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“And to
get to that lot you need to…blah blah blah…”</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not
listening to her directions, because I’m going to just plug the address into
the car GPS anyway, but here comes the coo de gras. (</span><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">OK, I could look up the spelling of
that French term, but coo de gras will have to do)</span></i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She tells
me, <b>“When you pay for the parking, your validated ticket will give you 15
minutes to leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes there is a
delay from all the cars in the lot getting out, so you need to either get out
first, or delay and let the lot clear out so you can leave within the 15
minutes.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now that seemed
ridiculous to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if true and it
took more than 15 minutes to leave the lot, what would happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be stuck behind gates that would not
open and spend the night in New Brunswick? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As silly as
this seemes, thank you very much for sticking that thought in my head!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As much as I
enjoyed the concert, I had it in the back of my mind that we might not get out
of the lot within the 15-minute time frame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">THE
HORROR OF IT!!!</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stuck in a
parking lot, holding up other parkers, all because I didn’t either run like a
rabbit to beat the crowd, or delay long enough to let the lot clear out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OH, the shame if that would happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you
very much for putting that catastrophe in my head!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What did
happen?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the
concert there was a line in the lot to validate the parking ticket, then there
was a 5–10-minute delay to get to the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there, an attendant took the validated ticket, tore it up without
even looking at the validation time, and opened the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There was
no issue.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The lot was
not worried about anyone cheating them out of 15 minutes or more of parking
time, they just wanted to keep the line moving.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The concert
was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tommy Emmanual does things
with a guitar that should not be possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a
great time…except for that fear worm of being stranded in a parking lot that
only Mrs. C could plant in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And yet I
still love her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-40495145650656741892023-08-09T13:24:00.000-04:002023-08-09T13:24:40.708-04:00NAME THAT BIRD<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">NAME THAT BIRD<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zq6TbjlIPjRo5v33yVzCY_glQYUED7yeZVgZfz52aezanh5-LNsqTesD-7qWiIlc1ycyshr-uDh_HXNRjAQvAl2uZirHOlsA5Z1kpCUIv_tC6diCANuciNI-1Z42OoZ_3aHje7PrmSCVr3Tppg7DdjZGNL3bhSZ9hUIUrV-O_mGPoizi6YVmXamx/s309/Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Zq6TbjlIPjRo5v33yVzCY_glQYUED7yeZVgZfz52aezanh5-LNsqTesD-7qWiIlc1ycyshr-uDh_HXNRjAQvAl2uZirHOlsA5Z1kpCUIv_tC6diCANuciNI-1Z42OoZ_3aHje7PrmSCVr3Tppg7DdjZGNL3bhSZ9hUIUrV-O_mGPoizi6YVmXamx/w375-h198/Hawk.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I like to
think of myself as an amateur bird watcher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am not a “Birder,” one of those crazy people who hike through the
woods with shorts, a floppy hat and binoculars strapped around their necks
keeping track in a little book of every new bird they happen to spot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not one
of those people, though it would not take much to flip me…I’m just missing the
floppy hat and the little book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, I am
a bird watcher, not a “Birder.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got it
from my mom who always had a <i>“Birds of North America”</i> book handy in case
an unusual bird stopped by our yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last night I
was prepping the BBQ for dinner with my friend Frog who was visiting for one of
our periodic guitar butchery get togethers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I heard a
bird call of which I was not familiar.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Kee Aw
Scree…Kee Aw Scree!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Frog heard
it too and as he is another armature bird watcher whose mom had the same book;
he came running outside from the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What is
that?”</span></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> he inquired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You
heard it too.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yup.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Kee Aw
Scree…Kee Aw Scree!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There it
is again!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“It’s not
a song bird that’s for sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Definitely,
some kind of raptor.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Maybe.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I have
seen a small hawk around here from time to time.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ll bet
it’s an immature Sharp Shinned Hawk.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Could be,
or a Coopers, not much difference.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Kee Aw
Scree…Kee Aw Scree!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There it
is again, and it’s not moving, must be in a nest somewhere.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I pulled out
my phone, <i>“Siri, show me the call of a Sharp Shinned Hawk.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the
phone came, <b><i>“The Sharp Shinned Hawk makes a Kik Kik Kik call.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well, it’s
not a Sharped Shinned.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Kee Aw
Scree…Kee Aw Scree!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“There it
is again.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Kee Aw Scree…Kee Aw Scree! Wee, this is fun daddy!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hmm, it
is either some kind of small raptor, or your neighbor’s swing set needs some
WD40!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well,
that was exciting…how do you want your steak?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like I said,
I am an amateur bird watcher.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-8325819690067432472023-07-26T19:47:00.000-04:002023-07-26T19:47:38.688-04:00SHARK WEEK<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">SHARK WEEK<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginztBYoMa0EPSiFCo96Ob19c2xT39pz2-MHWGrJaJJg-84p21lhFCFvytynykCju-8TAOtxa9evhNsIuxJXqySg4D6miWrRLOlB62cm2Y3ABmNw5JUmNpY3VdNz9iR57dLzdzdPGk7sgU9xi7R6GvCrSihZxz7ELHOsC9Pxwg0TaNqy0IoO1EJ6IH/s275/sleeper%20shark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginztBYoMa0EPSiFCo96Ob19c2xT39pz2-MHWGrJaJJg-84p21lhFCFvytynykCju-8TAOtxa9evhNsIuxJXqySg4D6miWrRLOlB62cm2Y3ABmNw5JUmNpY3VdNz9iR57dLzdzdPGk7sgU9xi7R6GvCrSihZxz7ELHOsC9Pxwg0TaNqy0IoO1EJ6IH/w311-h207/sleeper%20shark.jpg" width="311" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">This week is
the 367 annual “Shark Week” on the Discovery channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I love shark
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharks are cool, scary, but
cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Apparently, according
to the “Shark Week” experts, shark’s reputation as man eaters is overdone and
sharks are really quite safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
chances of getting hit by lightening are 100 times greater than getting bit by
a shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, if you spent the
same amount of time swimming in shark infested water as you do out of the water
during thunder storms, those odds might be quite a bit different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, sharks
are cool and I enjoy learning about them on “Shark Week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do want to throw a penalty flag on some of
their episodes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">A common
thread to “Shark Week” segments is:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Sharks
are a valuable part of our eco-system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without sharks the oceans eco-balance would be disturbed and…we will all
die! </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">(some exaggeration on the all die part, but implied.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Because
our continued existence is dependent on sharks, it is incredibly
important that we study and learn more about sharks so we can protect their
population.” </i>(again some exaggeration, but implied,)<i style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Now I am not
throwing the penalty flag on protecting sharks or their importance in our
eco-system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a nephew who is a
marine biologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His wife is a marine biologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are both beyond brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Frog’s son is a marine
biologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is beyond brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am certain they would all tell me,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yes
Uncle Cranky, sharks are very important to the ocean ecology.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">See, I am
not arguing that, though it may be a tiny bit overblown, I am questioning how
these “Shark Week” experts study sharks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suspect they are more concerned with getting entertaining content for “Shark
Week” than they are in learning about and protecting sharks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">For instance,
I just watched an episode where the experts captured a Sleeper Shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, sleeper sharks live over 6000 feet deep,
and even though they live to be over 250 years old they are very rare to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">These experts
baited hooks and sank them to sleeper shark depths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They left the hooks overnight and returned
the next day where they were ecstatic to have caught an 8-footer (small for
sleeper sharks).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">They raved
about how important this catch was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
would take all the shark’s statistics, length weight etc., tag it and release
it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">EXPERTS:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“This is
an incredible opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To capture one
of these magnificent animals is super rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can tag it and later learn about its habits; where it feeds, how fast
it grows, all information which will help us to preserve the species and save
all humanity from extinction.”</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"> (They did not say that last part, but again, it was kind of
implied.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, here
is my problem with all this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Hooking a
large animal at 6000 feet deep and not pulling it up for a day must be very stressful
on that animal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems to me hauling
it up 6000 feet must not be good for the animal (do large fish get the bends?)
Finally, if it is so super rare to capture this animal, how valuable will
tagging it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean will it ever be
caught again to gather all that valuable information?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I say, if
you want to preserve this species, leave it the frig alone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The damn things live over 250 years, I don’t
think they need our help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The capture
and tag charade in this case was more about content for TV than it was to save
the sleeper shark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It was
however, very cool, and interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">BTW, sleeper
sharks are not known to attack people (maybe because people don’t often swim
6000 feet below the surface) so you are safer swimming with sleeper sharks than
playing golf in the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-45433266762743125652023-07-18T21:42:00.000-04:002023-07-18T21:42:06.639-04:00I Thought I was Just Joking<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I Thought I was Just Joking<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGKsFnmAeuXTPxSKpDzslZgaLXpjU4M0HLjG87p8arByuutczpY22ZgOTS7EV7U0rPDLEZuwUpS6BOdovR13e1G-cVR_9wAOAUGWJkoRvvN7bPfsytOlSKQzT5oFO7P5FXf1W0Iwk7q9rLeFkX5qr-69SWDr-_1eAo_ChBcVAIHNItpnvN7eWI8R6/s269/thermostat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGKsFnmAeuXTPxSKpDzslZgaLXpjU4M0HLjG87p8arByuutczpY22ZgOTS7EV7U0rPDLEZuwUpS6BOdovR13e1G-cVR_9wAOAUGWJkoRvvN7bPfsytOlSKQzT5oFO7P5FXf1W0Iwk7q9rLeFkX5qr-69SWDr-_1eAo_ChBcVAIHNItpnvN7eWI8R6/s1600/thermostat.jpg" width="269" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Years ago, I
posted about an issue I had with climate change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I envisioned
a situation where a country could devise a way to control the climate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounded like a wonderful pipe dream until I
gave it more thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you
ever lived in a home with sleeping quarters on two floors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invariably on really hot nights there is a
thermostat battle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Because hot
air rises the upstairs is always sweltering in the summer, so upstairs
residents will lower the air conditioner at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lower temperature starts to freeze out
the lower floor sleepers so they clomp out in the middle of the night and raise
the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This back and forth
thermostat battle can go on all night and no one gets any sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">If we we could control the planets climate, would we experience the same thermostat
battle?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Would the world
thermostat controller decide that the Winter was too cold and raise the
temperature, only to find those countries that rely on colder temperatures would
complain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hey,
what the Hell, we need snow for our ski resorts!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">If they had
also developed a climate control machine would they drop the temperature right
back?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hey,
turn it up, our fruit crops are frosted and dying!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">You see the
problem don’t you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">To me years
ago it was just a semi-humorous concept of trying to make everyone happy with
the Earth’s climate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, I just
read an article about our current administration considering flooding the
atmosphere with tiny particles much like that of a volcano eruption to defect
the sun’s rays and stop global warming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Would we be
able to do this in a way that only effects our country? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Who would
decide on how much to reduce the sun’s rays? Do all the countries get a vote?
Are the votes weighted based on population? Would there be any adverse effects
with such an experiment?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">What could
possibly go wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-13482196714708637502023-07-16T09:36:00.000-04:002023-07-16T09:36:09.460-04:00I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS COUNTRY…but I am disgusted!<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN
THIS COUNTRY…but I am disgusted!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Years ago, and
I mean a lot of years ago, the Good Humor truck and it’s magic jingle was a
standard in every community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man in
a clean white suit sold popsicles of various flavors, the classic chocolate
covered vanilla on a stick, drumsticks, the creamsicle and fudgesicle, and my
favorite, toasted almond bars.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">There were
no strange fancy flavors, pretty much vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice
cream and cherry, orange, lemon, and lime popsicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yah, also my fav…raspberry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">In warm
weather, after school, a truck was always waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a middle class young Cranky
eight-year-old, I always had change in my pocket to make a Good Humor purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1UrGxGLESCA2wQJE4RBpsfqLUQJnce_6FEy-E-ZFDbUHuUo0neyXl_P7HzJFv1bEp7TBECj-QEPUr3qUFk2BeMqEp0H1aUKaho80WKKJ7a-95gXQLjTmbFUEQCmRYEe39v51OFAI0oFIfHs7bO0IKYXccqJYr71fc0jx3oajQaC0Xj1N9hRkbsUq/s300/good%20humor%20truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1UrGxGLESCA2wQJE4RBpsfqLUQJnce_6FEy-E-ZFDbUHuUo0neyXl_P7HzJFv1bEp7TBECj-QEPUr3qUFk2BeMqEp0H1aUKaho80WKKJ7a-95gXQLjTmbFUEQCmRYEe39v51OFAI0oFIfHs7bO0IKYXccqJYr71fc0jx3oajQaC0Xj1N9hRkbsUq/w356-h200/good%20humor%20truck.jpg" width="356" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Those days I
brought my lunch and purchased a small milk at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The milk cost three cents, and my wealthy middle-class
mom would give me a dime every day for the milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I excelled in math, I know this left
me with seven cents jingling in my pocket every day to invest, or to buy ice-cream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Had I
invested the seven cents every day in a hot stock like Polaroid, I would have
been rich…that is until Polaroid crapped out, so instead I wisely went the eight-year-old
direction and bought ice-cream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I still
remember the Good Humor prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Popsicles
on one stick were exactly seven cents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two stick popsicles were a dime along with the standard bar, drumsticks,
and an ice-cream sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A creamsicle or
a fudgsicle (pronounced fugicle) were twelve-cents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A toasted almond was fifteen cents, or two
plus days of milk money change.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Most days I
went with a seven-cent raspberry one-stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On rare occasions I would skip a day and after maybe cashing in a two-cent
deposit coke bottle to splurge and buy my absolute favorite the toasted almond
bar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6q2PpOVQMNa92Qq1AbaG5qrXsRPIdLMbPFXtYYmUq-J34PWArH5XkAnKEAOZqxQhPDgsfCzbax0cRKN4q0ciXvsuiHrMDC7hYQxr8_JQaUMLX5AqUnEWAWvA6eMtAEtA5z--yVm_GJTfLhilqrfg8qkxG3z5HpdVavqNJXyYwHJ1R3BuTK9z2sJd/s310/Toasted%20Almond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="310" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6q2PpOVQMNa92Qq1AbaG5qrXsRPIdLMbPFXtYYmUq-J34PWArH5XkAnKEAOZqxQhPDgsfCzbax0cRKN4q0ciXvsuiHrMDC7hYQxr8_JQaUMLX5AqUnEWAWvA6eMtAEtA5z--yVm_GJTfLhilqrfg8qkxG3z5HpdVavqNJXyYwHJ1R3BuTK9z2sJd/s1600/Toasted%20Almond.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Time passes
and the uniformed man and his truck has disappeared, but there is still Good Humor
at the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my current affluent
fixed income retired state, I am able to splurge often and purchase a whole
box of decadent toasted almond bars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The toasted
almond bar is one of the few things Mrs. Cranky and I can agree on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be the glue to our otherwise often
contentious relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The last
year we have been unable to find our favorite ice-cream treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We assumed it was always just sold out as it
was everyone’s favorite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Horrors to
horrors, I recently learned through one of ex-blogger Suldog’s daily Facebook
surveys, that the toasted almond bar is no longer in production.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">GOOD
HUMOR NO LONGER MAKES TOASTED ALMOND BARS!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">The most decadent
treat of my childhood is gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sell
crap like a strawberry shortcake and bars shaped like cartoon characters but
not the best ice-cream bar ever, <b>TOASTED ALMOND!<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">I am
disgusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My marriage may not survive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">At least
they still sell creamsicles and fudgesicles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Come to
think of it I haven’t seen a fudgesicle bar in years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">What the Hell
is happening in this country?<o:p></o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-968059214758329257.post-49455291316931677222023-06-15T21:53:00.000-04:002023-06-15T21:53:09.964-04:00GOING TO WORK<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">GOING TO WORK<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs. C and I
just returned from helping her son and DIL move from North Jersey to Amish
country in Pennsylvania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The move was a
little over 250 miles to a very nice new two-bedroom apartment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While the
kids drove out ahead to sign papers, check in and do whatever you have to do when
moving into a new home, Mrs. C led the way for Cranky to drive a van of the
kids possessions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sounded easy
enough when I volunteered driving duty, until I saw the truck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How two kids
could accumulate so much stuff that had to follow them I have no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Truck that was packed to the hilt was a 26-foot
U-Haul van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not an eighteen-wheeler, but
for an old man, it was a big honking truck.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXsXOAOKfRtgmunXHE6no-YXBp6KcqUPYSD2jqZo7oyDWv3Tf6of2WXb8drrl0SkGz0l7mSnhMND7os3E4oNfY9ndv9HYta7btgkFqGPEsZOezOs46LK2qDAldKlUeHdho6d4OUcztMOBafKo6QjNcVfCWPYoTd3YTZdBJJ34OHV_vFC-dPEttQ/s258/Truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="124" data-original-width="258" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXsXOAOKfRtgmunXHE6no-YXBp6KcqUPYSD2jqZo7oyDWv3Tf6of2WXb8drrl0SkGz0l7mSnhMND7os3E4oNfY9ndv9HYta7btgkFqGPEsZOezOs46LK2qDAldKlUeHdho6d4OUcztMOBafKo6QjNcVfCWPYoTd3YTZdBJJ34OHV_vFC-dPEttQ/w347-h167/Truck.jpg" width="347" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Driving this
thing about scared the stuffings out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A big full truck does not accelerate very fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not slow down very fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you veer just a bit while answering Mrs.
C on the cell phone, it does not recover quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have hit those wake-up strips on the
highway more than a few times, and I rode them for several seconds when I did.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At one point
Mrs. C called and asked, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Is the
truck pulling to the right?”<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was her
polite way of asking, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Do you
know what the Hell you’re doing, or are you falling asleep?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I assured
her the only thing wrong with the steering was the driver.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, I certainly
gained new appreciation for the men and women who keep our economy running by
handling those really, big trucks, part of the lifeblood of our economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we did
reach our destination, we now needed to unload this monstrosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a little surprised it all fit into their
new apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, they will be doing
some crap culling over the next few weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, it
took the four of us three hours of hauling boxes of books, furniture and stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It then took another few hours for Mrs. C to assemble
shelves and storage systems that were new in the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I served as Mrs. C’s gofer and resident screwer
and hammerer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I won’t even
go into the fiasco of trying to return the big truck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice to say it was not without incident,
and when we finally dropped it off it was like taking a boulder off my chest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, the
kids are moved into a lovely apartment in a very pretty section of our
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expect they will be very
happy as their previous situation was not particularly pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I did learn
that if I choose to come out of retirement, truck driving is out of the
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manual labor is out of the
question. Actually, standing for over three hours is out of the question.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do Wal-Mart
greeters get to sit down while they wave to customers?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
adventure is over now, and I plan on a hot bath followed by rolling around in a
vat of “Hempvana“ </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6VtP5eTlhiqpeOcjzqn3MSx1D3p_ctqkPXE9u4jcFVkH5Z_mGHbbKlHsflR9XGz4l2busmYN_UqgK1y7zopaj9bI_shyvt0ErjhESjQnQ_aKWo--YVthFpa3jWj8mDzS__DNMKCeFnaPnVr-FaLHW2-UF2MgaWT73php9eOdBSZAb7axuXWGZg/s225/Hempvana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6VtP5eTlhiqpeOcjzqn3MSx1D3p_ctqkPXE9u4jcFVkH5Z_mGHbbKlHsflR9XGz4l2busmYN_UqgK1y7zopaj9bI_shyvt0ErjhESjQnQ_aKWo--YVthFpa3jWj8mDzS__DNMKCeFnaPnVr-FaLHW2-UF2MgaWT73php9eOdBSZAb7axuXWGZg/s1600/Hempvana.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px;">before taking a long nap!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">10 4 good
buddies!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>joehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08520161706680568508noreply@blogger.com7