Category: Politics

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Laughter.

So I’m still working on that little circuit board (SBC), that I mentioned earlier. It’s monotonous, tedious, frustrating, rewarding. The fact that you can take such a small piece of equipment, and turn it into a fully functional computer still amazes me. And I’ve been doing this for quite a while.

In between this hobby and life’s daily (necessary) routine…mowing, groceries, appointments, medication (diabetic), I often yearn for laughter. Comedy. And this absolutely had me in tears. (Granted I’m not a big muscle bound man, so apparently it’s quite easy to make the rivers flow… but this had me laughing my ass off).

Is the Pope a Jesuit? He’s one bad bad man! (In a good way!) For those that have questioned or lost faith, in religion or their country (he’s from the US), please take note of his most recent comments.

Never thought I’d be posting that last part. But give credit where credit is due.

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Politics

There is a certain re-programming that occurs after you read more. Get older. Investigate. It’s often assumed that one who changes their political (or religious) beliefs quickly may not be doing so under a fully rational (introspective) mind state. But what about a gradual transition?

9/11 led to two wars. One with Afghanistan, and a second that still is in question. No WMD’s in Iraq, and absolutely no evidence of Hussein’s involvement in the planning of the attack on NYC. And as the years pass, you start to question the values you support. Why do we fight these wars? Who benefits?

Then, something like covid strikes the globe. And it firmly, makes clear, where people sit. Their values, beliefs, their thoughts of their fellow man. What is their #1 value? At this moment, I realized I could no longer support a party I so vociferously defended in the past.

It was a gradual transition to realize that I valued life (but not in a religious/political sort of way). I valued life (and happiness) over money.

This was just posted by Thom Hartmann (and associated account):

And I love it.

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Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.

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Distractions.

As the news continues to be dismal, isn’t it time for distraction? Like, A LOT of distraction? In the second hour of war coverage the other day, newscasters were covering the economic side.

They were going through the numbers and costs of the current actions in the Middle East. I am no jeanyis, but I imagine you could purchase many copies of “Jungle Fever” (Wesley Snipes/Annabella Sciorra) for the price of one Tomahawk missile. Not to mention, some forbidden sweet snacks. Oreos (that vanilla layer between chocolate cookies). Wouldn’t it be great to switch over to some old favorites, and get away from the war coverage?

OTA channels are notorious for picking up old movies, and every once in awhile, you find great ones.

So some suggestions (if anyone is paying attention):

Edit: My God! I forgot A Bronx Tale!!!

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Political Music

Joan Baez? Woody Guthrie? Springsteen? Marvin Gaye ? Anybody know any other songs from Mr. Marvin? On the verge of another war, are more political tunes imminent? SOAD, BSF, Metallica?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the media. And if a new, brave, band like the legends of yesterday appear again.

Time will tell. And by time, I’m thinking of Saddam Hussein. And the other Middle East adventures our nation has become involved in.

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MLK Day

A walk down the steep white wooden stairs, a turn right. A walk to the corner, then turn right at the stop sign. Look to the left, across from the historical black church. There sits the Greek restaurant, once boarded up. Years ago, there were riots in the area. Remember the drive to People’s Corner? The community grocery store was boarded up too. Along with all the local businesses in the area. While driving through, people were in the middle of the streets, holding signs. “Beep if you agree with our protest”. Protests involving an unarmed minority being shot by local authorities.

Is this every city? Sometimes you have to wonder how incidents like the one in Minnesota relate to other cities. Some sort of cultural conflict, possibly misunderstanding between different communities, their experiences, and their outlooks on life. How close are you?

Throughout history, and for better or for worse, cities become “known” for incidents like these. The city I was born in, is famous for the treacherous treks across the frozen river, giving Harriet Beecher Stowe a well-known name in history. Motivating leaders to organize the creation of a freedom center near the original passage of slaves to a free state.

Hope everyone had a wonderful MLK day. It’s great to live in a nation that honors such a good man.

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“White Chocolate Was Special”

Recently heard some good news regarding ratings of the top political podcasts and growing audiences. Rumor is, Gavin Newsome is going to start his own podcast soon. One thing I’ve had difficulty doing is prying myself away from the latest news. And I say this as someone who periodically watches C-SPAN (votes, debates, etc). Yes, there are a few of us out there in the world.

It’s amazing to see my favorite childhood NBA player announcing college basketball games now. And when it comes to a break from the news, there’s nothing better than Chuck, Shaq, Kenny, and Ernie covering the NBA (although rumors are, that may end soon too).
In addition to the commentary/humorous side of the NBA, there are some excellent “legends” videos out there. (Is that word getting overused now?)

This is one I just came across, but I’ve seen quite a few.

And, hate to admit it, but I’ve been ***WATCHING MrBallen for quite a while. Great storytelling. If you are new, I would probably start here:

MrBallen

***Edited for clarification

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Is it time to get Sirius?

It’s been awhile. Politics and appointments/health shifted my attention away from this place. Oh yes, there is college basketball also. Hell yes!

Typical for the holidays, this year I ran into a shiny new list of trial offers. It’s been years since entertaining any older technology for daily use. However, the more I witness current advertising, or more specifically, what is being pushed, the more I realize I may need to go back to some old ways.

Throughout the past few years, many several hour driving trips have presented a few annoyances. One of the most frustrating and irritating, the radio. About 45 min in, a terrestrial radio scan (in my location) only produces country music, religious commentary, and conservative talk. Put me in a torture chamber with that lineup, and I’ll talk in seconds.

Ever since “trying” XM Radio many many years ago, I’ve been intrigued with offers from Sirius. Well, I decided to jump in. And after a few weeks in, it has been great. Politics, music, and commentary have made trips much more enjoyable. Would highly recommend.

The biggest news, during my hiatus, was the release of several new songs from some rap/hip hop legends. This wasn’t on my radar, but definitely on the wish list. Fantastic additions for my drives also. We want more!

Ice Cube – It’s My Ego

LL Cool J & Eminem – Murdergram (Deux)

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Paused.

Would rather not have divisive or hostile political content up here right now. It seems like things are really heating up.

Need to spend more time on T1, not politics. And work on diet and health. (Take care of the pup also, he did just have his nuts worked on)

Thanks.