A Difference Maker. Buffalo Trace. Travelers. Strong But Lightweight. A Sequel and Season Four. Christopher Columbus. The Vintage Explosion.
Quote of the Week: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
Most of us remember Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees. She was an inspiration for all of us, being one of only a few to be accepted into a PhD program at Cambridge without an undergraduate degree. She then went on to be one of the world’s premier primatologists, establishing the Jane Goodall Institute which focused on promoting the understanding and protection of great apes and their habitats.
Goodall is best known for her work with chimpanzees in Gombe National Park in Tanzania. She was the first to discover that chimpanzees made and used tools, overturning the belief by many scientists that toolmaking was reserved for humans. Goodall passed away a couple of weeks ago. In my mind, she was someone who made a difference. RIP, Jane Goodall.
I do not have a take, but I do have many questions with the video below. I cannot imagine what Jane Goodall would say about this interesting beauty pageant.
Question of the Week: Thank you for those who responded to the last Question of the Week: According to Travel and Leisure, the average person has visited three of the following cities: Paris, London, Barcelona, Los Angeles, Rome, Stockholm, Vancouver, Budapest, Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Marrakesh, Cape Town, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, Naples, New York, Moscow, Athens, Cancun, Tokyo, Cuzco, Cairo, Sydney, Dubai. How many have you visited?
JustMyTake readers are well-traveled:
Thirteen!
Of these cities, I’ve been to 13. Color me fortunate.
Twelve
I’ve been to 7 and hope to complete visiting all of them.
I visited 22 of them. Missing Sidney, Cape Town, Cancun and Cuzco.
10 of those cities.
8
We have visited 17 of the cities listed, most multiple times.
14 and counting!
Eleven of those countries. Enjoyed all of them.
This week’s Question of the Week: If you could instantly learn one new skill, what would it be?
3D printers, once a bit of a mystery with their capabilities, are now being employed for hundreds of uses and applications. The latest development with 3D printing capability could be a game-changer. A class at MIT, taught by Greg Olson, was targeted at designing high-performance alloys using computer simulations. Alloys are materials that are comprised of different elements, which combined can have exceptional strength and rigidity.
Olson challenged his students to design an aluminum alloy stronger than any printable aluminum alloy but after many combinations of materials, the challenge failed. While this effort did not yield the desired results, Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi, a post-doctorate at MIT, and now at Carnegie Mellon University, took what the class worked on and used machine-learning tools to identify the key materials that could 3D print aluminum alloy at tremendous strength.
To physically produce this strong alloy, the team realized 3D printing would be the way to go instead of traditional metal casting. The end result is remarkable, with the printed alloy five times stronger than a casted alloy. The applications of a lightweight but very strong aluminum alloy are endless, but for practical matters they could be used as fan blades in jet engines, in high-end automobiles, vacuum pumps, and other uses for aerospace, drones, satellites, and consumer products.
The bottom line is to maximize the use of 3D-printed aluminum alloys as long as they match that of a molded part. The combination of lightweight and super strong printed materials will change manufacturing and fabrication, bringing weight/fuel efficiency and manufacturability advantages to vehicles, aircraft, and ships. This video summarizes the benefits of printed aluminum alloys:
TwoMedia and Entertainment Blurbs:
I do not know why, but the movie Lost is Translation remains in my top ten movies of all time. I guess it was the dynamic connection between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, but I have watched the movie numerous times. Now I learn that before year end, a sequel to Lost in Translation will be in a theater near you. There is no way the sequel can be as good but for me it will be a definite watch. Please watch the original 2003 Lost in Translation first.
2. The Mayor of Kingstown, with the outstanding Jeremy Renner and a great supporting cast, has not received the recognition due as it sits on a streaming platform, Paramount+. This show, soon to enter its fourth season, is a combination of the Sopranos and Oz, with Renner the kingpin of the fictional city of Kingstown, Michigan, where the prison industry is the main form of commerce. The series is not for the faint of heart, with some violence and expletives galore, but will open your eyes to the goings on with Renner running the show. Season four starts October 26 so your binge watching better start now.
Tomorrow’s federal holiday in the United States celebrates Christopher Columbus and his 1492 voyage that led him and his shipmates to the “New World.” The date of this holiday floats every year, as it is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The second Monday in October is also Indigenous Peoples’ Day which recognizes Native American cultures and people who were here in America way before Christopher Columbus arrived.
Pure Talent. Led by William Hitchell’s vocals, this Glasgow, Scotland-based band sells out of their live performances, and for good reason. Add in a strong horn section and keyboards to great vocals and you get great music. The Vintage Explosion = Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be a better human, and have a Sunday Funday!
Come Together. Travel Much? Why Haiti? RIP Claudia Cardinale. Queen of Soul.
Quote of the Week: “Soul is when you take a song and make it a part of you—a part that’s so true, so real, people think it must have happened to you.” – Ray Charles
I do not know much about soul music. I remember that my brother, who was all things about music, often listened to B.B. King, which I never understood. Ray Charles is credited with starting the soul genre back in the late 1950s. According to Spotify, “the roots of soul music come from gospel hymns, with artists including Ray Charles, B.B. King, Etta James, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin providing us with a broad stroke of soul.”
Soul music eventually crossed over to some semblance of R & B, with Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, and Stevie Wonder giving us music that was soulful with a touch of R & B. I am not sure what level of soul has become a part of me, but there is one current artist who is my usual Sunday morning listen. Gary Clark Jr.’s music is a combination of soul, blues, rock, and hip-hop. The four-time Grammy award-winner also is fantastic on the guitar, often playing with other musicians including Dave Matthews, Mick Jagger, John Mayer, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. I am not sure Gary Clark Jr.’s music “becomes a part of me” but it is a nice way to start a Sunday morning. In this video, Clark Jr. covers the song Come Together which I enjoy much more than the original version. This version is from the Lollapalooza in 2019 with the title resonating more now than ever.
Thank you for your answers to the last Question of the Week: What would be on a sandwich named after you?
A cheesesteak, of course!
Old Faithful- peanut butter and jelly on wonder bread.
Potato chips with butter on bread. (it is called a crisp sandwich).
I grew up eating Cuban sandwiches…so pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. The best.
Mayo only.Note: I did make sure and yes, it is MAYO only.
A meatball sandwich – messy and really good!
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: The average person has visited three of the following cities: Paris, London, Barcelona, Los Angeles, Rome, Stockholm, Vancouver, Budapest, Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Marrakesh, Cape Town, Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, Naples, New York, Moscow, Athens, Cancun, Tokyo, Cuzco, Cairo, Sydney, Dubai.
How many have you visited?
Things I Think for the Last Sunday of September
I have no take on Jimmy Kimmel’s return and last Tuesday’s seventeen-minute monologue…other than the 1st Amendment is part of the Constitution of the United States.
Does anyone have any insight into the reason the Secretary of War (a.k.a. Defense) has ordered his entire senior staff officer corps to Washington…on very short notice?
1,313 days ago, Russia invaded Ukraine. It seems that no one can negotiate with Vladimir Putin with NATO having minimal leverage to help end the war. Severe economic sanctions could put pressure on Putin and Russia, but not without complete support from the European Union.
Factoid of the Week (with special emphasis to a friend of mine that ‘did not realize California had such a big farming area’): California is now the fourth largest economy in the world, with agriculture production exceeding $60 billion annually. LM: now you know. 🙂
The dynamics of how and why the former head of the FBI being indicted is something I do not care about. What I do care about is that the former head of the FBI was indicted in the first place. Really disturbing no matter the how’s and why’s.
The NBA season kicks off in just over three weeks. The reigning NBA champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder. I am looking forward to watching the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.
My disgust with the goings on in Haiti continues. While the world sits back and watches, Haitian gangs have near-total control of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. I spoke with a long-time friend of mine, who spent many years with U.S Special Forces. His take: “There are a number of special forces around the world that would eliminate the Haitian gangs in a matter of days. Haitian gangs would find out in a matter of hours that teams of special forces, including the SAS, GROM, Sayeret Matkal, and a combination of Delta Force with one Army Ranger battalion, would put an end to their brutality once and for all.” Note: GROM and Sayeret Makal, from Poland and Israel respectively, are known for their lethal tactics with eliminating the opposition and rescuing hostages. Do any of you have a take why this has not happened yet?
Do any of you healthcare professionals have a take on the Tylenol dilemma?
Actress Claudia Cardinale passed away last week at the age of eighty-seven. Beautiful and sexy, Ms. Cardinale and Sophia Loren, along with Gina Lollobrigida, were Italian superstars. RIP Claudia Cardinale.
Pure Talent. The ‘Queen of Soul’ passed away back in 2018. There have been many talented artists I have mentioned over the years, but Aretha Franklin may sit at the top of my list. Eighteen Grammys with 112 singles on the Billboard charts, and she sold over seventy-five million records worldwide. While I really enjoy listening to Gary Clark Jr, there is no doubt that Aretha Franklin was Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be a better human, and have a Sunday Funday!
Our Moral Compass. Military In Our Cities. “Would You Like a Bagel?” RIP, Robert Redford. Ideas for Air Travel. Wonderwall.
Quote of the Week: “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali
Webster’s defines perspective as “a mental view or outlook, the interrelation of parts as viewed from a particular standpoint, the capacity to view things in their true relative importance, and the art of creating an illusion of depth on a flat surface by depicting how objects appear to the eye.” Everyone can have a different perspective based on their experiences, their education, and with people that influence their thinking. Having a difference of opinion is just that: an individual’s point of view that is shaped by assessing a topic or situation that is okay to disagree with, or even object to.
Regarding last week’s post regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the moral compass of our country, here is one perspective from a friend I have known for a very long time. Note: my friend misinterpreted one of my points. I was not suggesting that you must agree with me or not read my weekly posts. What I was asking: if you have used social media to celebrate the murder of Charlie Kirk, please ask that I take you off the JustMyTake distribution list. I write JustMyTake with the goal of my readers giving all of us their take, but I have drawn a line in the sand with people using social media to celebrate tragic incidents.
“I have struggled with how to respond to your latest post. First let me say, you know me well. I would NEVER advocate for the use of violence to prove a point and certainly NEVER endorse, celebrate, or encourage murder under any circumstance – including the use of the death penalty. I have given and continue to give what happened with Charlie Kirk considerable thought. It was/is very disturbing, maybe more so for what it says about the society we’ve become. But, here are some of my thoughts, kind of randomly tossed out there:
1. The cliche, “freedom is not free” carries a lot of truth. We do enjoy a great deal of freedom, including the freedom of opinion, expression, and speech. With that freedom, however, comes responsibility. Just because you have the freedom to express your ideas and oppositions, it does not mean you don’t have the responsibility to hold your tongue or actions to protect the greater good or be respectful of others and their dignity. Like some people we all know, you have the freedom to say whatever you want, but sometimes it’s just best to shut the f–k up. In my career, I had to make that choice constantly. It’s a fine and difficult line to walk between prophet and pastor.
2. Words and hateful rhetoric are a two-edged sword (sorry for the militant metaphor). The words one might use to EXCITE their “base” or rally a movement can (and will) INCITE those who do not agree. When you denigrate a race of people, a particular gender, a political opponent, you do so knowing full well that those who you oppress or discriminate against will react negatively. One of the worst offenders is the current president. I say “offender” because his hateful rhetoric and revenge tactics offends me. I know it is used as a political strategy. The alarming rise in Christian nationalism can be traced back to the 80’s when right wing political strategists decided they could use deeply held religious sentiment to rally behind a cause that they could use to gain power. Suddenly Ronald Reagan was a staunch Christian and the Moral Majority was born. The issue they could use to sway support was abortion. Watch the documentary entitled “Bad Faith.” All that is to say, words can excite AND incite. Does that justify murder or violence? Hell no!! Never!! But, refer back to the first point.
3. The double standard in our society is disturbing and disgusting. If you are going to call out acts of hate and violence (as we should), recognize that it happens on both sides. Now the terms “liberal” and “leftist” have been demonized. Where were the shouts of anger and people being fired for cheering when those Minnesota politicians were murdered and all the other examples that are being tossed around now, Pelosi’s husband, etc? Why weren’t people fired when they spoke out against the Black Lives Matter movement? I have mix raced grandchildren, I just want them to have a fair chance in this world. Why is the current administration using extortion tactics and threats against individuals, businesses, academic institutions, because they had an opinion or allowed opinions to be expressed that the administration did not like? Again, this is a very difficult line to walk. While at NC State we often struggled with balancing opposing viewpoints on campus. The evangelic Christian groups always complained they were being discriminated against because they had to follow “rules of engagement”, meaning they could not poach other groups or harass or impede students. To me this was common sense, to them it was harassment. Again, refer to point one.
Anyway, if you’ve read this far, while I do not endorse or support celebrating a murder, what happened to Charlie Kirk was wrong, very wrong. I struggle with how to allow opposing viewpoints to peacefully co-exist. How can you silence one side only – reprehensible as it may be. As the title of your blog expresses this is “just my take”. I enjoy reading your blog, even when i don’t agree, because I realize it is just your take. You kind of threw down the gauntlet there….agree with me or go away. You can decide if you think I should be among your subscribers.“
I am ALWAYS thankful for your responses to JustMyTake which is why I started posting over nine years ago. Here is one response I received after one of my posts discussing military personnel being deployed to cities across the United States. Agree or disagree, I enjoyed reading their take:
Congratulations on your output, perseverance, dedication, and commitment to enlightenment/exposure for us unwashed! My first thought in reading your assessment was that it truly has been a labor of love before I got to the point where you labeled it such. Ah, great minds…….Your questioning the Mayors’ pushback regarding Trump’s offer to help with crime. Gary, come on–Trump says white, the democrats/progressives say black! They are diametrically opposed to anything that comes out of the President’s mouth, I don’t care how much it helps citizens. The dems only platform is attacking Trump and half the country which supports his direction. Stupidity abounds–Obama deported far more than Trump has and nary a cry from the left. President after President has been cowed by Iran. Trump stuck it up their ass overnight and no Americans died and very few, if any, Iranians. I could go on and on ad nauseum. The Mayors have no plans–they just cannot bear Trump getting credit for a damned thing, to the detriment of their citizenry.
Regarding perspective and a difference of opinion:
Question of the Week: Have you ever talked your way out of a traffic ticket, and if so, what did you tell the police officer? Thank you for your answers:
“Would you like a bagel?”. After being pulled over for speeding when returning from Panera one Saturday morning. The result: NO ticket.
In Roswell, I was stopped and on my DL it shows that I was a veteran. The officer acknowledged it by thanking me for my service and letting me slide. No words required😂
Yes, I tried to explain why I was in a hurry to pick up my husband from the airport. The officer issued me a ticket!
I never have tried. Maybe three speeding tickets in my life and one U-turn violation right after they put up the sign on Pooler Parkway. Guilty as hell, deserved what I got. Yes sirred the officers to death and provided no protest. I did try the “Beam me up, Jesus” before they got to my window, but my timing and Jesus’ were not in synch……..
The week’s Question of the Week: What would be on a sandwich named after you?
Robert Redford was born in 1937. The definition of a movie star, Redford also produced and directed award-winning films including Ordinary People and A River Runs Through It. He starred in many movies: The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Way We Were, showing all of us his depth of talent. For me, I enjoyed Redford playing Roy Hobbs in The Natural, a baseball movie where the most hardened sports fan probably fought off tears by the time the credits were rolling. Robert Redford passed away last week at the age of eighty-nine. We will always remember this at-bat by Roy Hobbs. RIP, Robert Redford.
We have all read many takes on air travel, especially ideas and tips to make your trip a bit easier. Some of these travel tips are no-brainers, but a few are worth noting. This is from Scott Eddy: https://www.mrscotteddy.com/ Scott, thank you for the travel ideas and tips:
1. Disinfect everything you touch: tray, seatbelt buckle, armrests, touchscreen, even the air vent. Planes are bacteria hotels.
2. Carry a power bank. Dead phone equals no boarding pass, no transport, no hotel confirmation.
3. Keep copies of your passport and ID in multiple places: phone, email draft, and a hard copy.
4. Use luggage trackers. You will know where your bag is before the airline does.
5. Always pack one outfit, meds, and essentials in your carry-on. Bags get delayed every day.
6. Hydrate like your life depends on it. Cabin air will drain you if you don’t. I double my water intake on travel days, and use electrolyte packs for added supplements.
7. Switch your devices to destination time as soon as you board. Train your brain early.
8. Download your airline’s app before flying. Gate changes, rebooking options, baggage updates, even food ordering all happen there faster than at the counter.
9. Eat light before boarding. Heavy meals plus cabin pressure equals fatigue.
10. Study seat maps. Choosing the right seat changes the entire flight.
11. Slip-on shoes only. Security is faster, comfort is higher, and no hassle mid-flight.
12. Carry a pen. Immigration lines move faster when you are not begging for one.
13. Never store valuables in the seat-back pocket. It is a black hole of forgotten items.
14. A roll of duct tape can save your luggage, shoes, or bag strap in seconds. Pack a small roll in your carryon.
15. Pack a travel extension cord or multi-USB hub. Outlets are never where you need them.
16. Peppermint oil or gum relieves ear pressure and refreshes you after long flights.
17. Bring zipper bags. Perfect for leaks, snacks, and last-minute security requests.
18. Book morning flights. Delays stack up later in the day.
19. Photograph your parking spot, boarding pass, and luggage. Saves you time and headaches.
20. Carry a small collapsible tote bag. If your carry-on is overweight or you make last-minute airport purchases, this keeps you from paying extra fees or scrambling at the gate.
One more that is not about packing but about mindset, always be kind to gate agents, check-in staff, flight attendants, and pilots. Travel is stressful for everyone. A little kindness makes your trip smoother and makes their day better.
Pure Talent. The band Oasis released the song Wonderwall back in 1995. Thirty years ago this song hit number eight on the Billboard Top 100, and continues to be part of streaming and over-the-air playlists. Wonderwall has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, but I am not sure it has been performed any better than this 2015 acoustic version from Ryan Adams. Ryan Adams is definitely Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be a better human, and have a Sunday Funday!
Due to my travel schedule I had planned on resuming JustMyTake next Sunday. I changed my mind based on the sad incident involving the assassination of Charlie Kirk. An incident that overshadowed the 24th anniversary of 9/11/2001.
Quote of the Week: “It’s those who lie outside ordinary experience who have the most to teach us.” -Malcolm Gladwell
I assume Malcolm Gladwell was referring to going against the grain and not limiting ourselves to conventional thinking? There are many benefits (and unfortunately downsides) to thinking outside the box. Some, in no particular order:
Innovation and Creativity – it encourages new ideas and unique solutions that others might not consider, leading to groundbreaking innovations.
Problem-solving – Unc0nventional thinking helps address challenges from a different perspective.
Stepping Beyond – sometimes, individuals or businesses who think in a different way tend to stand out above and beyond their peers or competition.
Building Confidence – working out a unique solution by thinking differently can build confidence and trust in your own ideas.
Gladwell has authored many books, one of them many of us read twenty-five years ago, called The Tipping Point. In this book, Gladwell explored how behaviors and ideas spread and become viral and lead to a ‘tipping point’. The book not only alludes to thinking outside the box, but covers how a small idea, with people transmitting their notions and using social media for socialization, can move that idea into an ‘epidemic’ – when that small idea explodes into a big moment changing many things all at once, also known as the tipping point. Sometimes, and unfortunately, that small idea does not always yield a positive outcome.
I have written about the tipping point because I have reached mine. Charlie Kirk’s assassination has pushed me over the edge, not only because of a twenty-two-year-old taking Kirk’s life, but because people are using social media to celebrate the assassination. I will continue to use LinkedIn for business purposes, and I will stay on Instagram for now as I enjoy photos from family and friends, but as of today I have left other social media channels, including X (Twitter). I will no longer indulge the wicked comments expressed by many on the sad and shocking diatribes from those who use X.
I will no longer read about groups of people celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk because his views and opinions differed from theirs. I will no longer read about people starting a Go Fund page for someone who murdered a woman on a bus in Charlotte, North Carolina. Though I will miss the just-in-time news and sports posts I read on X, I am done.
Social media has become a springboard for hoaxes, fake shootings, and more importantly an offramp for a lack of moral clarity. I am done with anyone who celebrates the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I am done with anyone who enlists the help of others to support the murderer who took the life of Charlotte bus rider. I am done with all of it.
I did not agree with Charlie Kirk on many of his viewpoints. I did not agree with viewpoints from George Wallace, Martin Luther King, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Joseph Biden. Here is what I would agree with: if you supported or celebrated the murder of Charlie Kirk, please send me a reply to my weekly email that you receive and ask to be taken off the distribution list. I have no interest in you reading my takes.
I do not agree with everything Stephen A. Smith has to say. What I do agree with is his take on the degradation of American society and people’s solace in celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and be a better human.
A Labor of Love. Judge Frank Caprio. Top of Mind. The American Worker. I Need Answers. Scott + Hootie = Magic.
Quote of the Week: “Getting an audience is hard. Sustaining an audience is hard. It demands a consistency of thought, of purpose and of action over a long period of time.” – Bruce Springsteen
My brother turned me on to Dave Barry’s and Peter King’s columns. Many years ago, Barry was a columnist for the Miami Herald and now, for many years, has been syndicated across the U.S. He has an uncanny way of writing, bringing current events, humor, and sarcasm into his easy-to-read columns. Peter King’s weekly columns were also a must-read for me as he focused on the National Football League but included detail from his travels covering NFL teams and their games. Though Peter King’s content varied from week-to-week, his formatting always remained consistent.
JustMyTake first posted on August 31, 2016. Both Dave Barry and Peter King motivated me to write a blog, which started with me having to create a website. I decided to set some ground rules with the blog to hopefully generate a readership and a following. I had hoped that posting on a weekly basis, with an ethos of no religion, no politics, and keeping sports to a minimum, would yield some decent numbers.
JustMyTake has evolved over the last nine years and now includes weekly content that includes the Quote of the Week, the Question of the Week, and my favorite, Pure Talent. Posting a weekly blog has become a labor of love, with content some weeks easy to write about, and other weeks proving that there is such a thing as ‘writers block.’ I never thought that writing on a weekly basis would be easy, but I wanted staying power which to me means consistency.
Being consistent with JustMyTake has paid off in terms of readership. Nine years of posting has yielded readership numbers, that with your help are satisfying to me. Your comments, interaction, and guest-writing are needed and very much appreciated. Recent numbers from WordPress Statistics show a weekly average of 33,473 visitors which I do not benchmark or track. I am just grateful that anyone takes the time to read the blog.
I plan on continuing JustMyTake for a least another year, to get to a ‘milestone’ of ten years. All comments and suggestions are always welcome, whether they are good, bad, or ugly. 🙂
A municipal court judge and compassion are usually mutually exclusive. For example, running a stop sign or red light does not usually provoke compassion from a judge. Those offenses probably did not sit well with Judge Frank Caprio as well, but Judge Caprio did bring compassion to the bench in many cases. Judge Caprio passed away last week after a long bout with cancer. His approach and understanding on the bench are well-documented with his rulings highly publicized on social media. Judge Frank Caprio’s demeanor and compassion will be missed. RIP Judge Frank Caprio.
Things I Think for the End of August 2025:
It was great to see the crowd at East Lake Golf Club support Tommy Fleetwood as he won the Tour Championship. This was Fleetwood’s first PGA tour victory – in his 164th career start. He collected the FedEx Cup and $10 million. Great for Fleetwood and great for golf.
Why are mayors around the country pushing back on the Trump administration’s National Guard deployment in cities across the United States? Why not embrace the strategy and utilize the National Guard in concert with local law enforcement? Am I thinking about this incorrectly? Factoid: The D.C. police force has 3,200 officers, the lowest in fifty years. Chicago’s police staffing is also at a record low.
I spent five days in Mexico City (CDMX) last week. I know CDMX gets a bad rap regarding crime but name one major city around the world that does not have issues with crime? There is a good reason that Travel & Leisure ranks CDMX in the top ten cities around the world. Cosmopolitan, historic, high energy, great people, and restaurants and service levels bar none.
Side note: I used Uber four times during my visit to CDMX. All four drivers were driving electric vehicles, manufactured in China. Both the BYD and Geely cars were great looking, very comfortable, and had advanced technology. I have previously written about my concerns with electric vehicles but my experience with the BYD and Geely brands were excellent. Here is a quote I found from a recent buyer of an electric vehicle in Mexico: I’m from Mexico, bought a hybrid BYD SUV, with the same equipment as my previous BMW X5 – at half the price. It uses half the gasoline and I haven’t had any issues with the car itself. A great buy.
The U.S. has expressed concerns about the potential influx of Chinese EVs, especially if manufactured in Mexico, due to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which has lower tariffs on vehicles produced in Mexico compared to those imported directly from China. Chinese automakers see Mexico as a strategic location for expanding their reach in the Americas, potentially using it as a launchpad to the larger North American market.
Minimizing the imposed Chinese tariffs by manufacturing in Mexico and exporting to the U.S. must be concerning for every automobile company targeting the vast U.S. market.
Labor Day is tomorrow. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is designated to pay tribute to the achievements of American workers. As always, a special tribute to all healthcare workers and first responders. Please everyone, fly your flag.
Question of the Week: As expected, some of the answers to the last Question of the Week regarding a talent that you have that most people do not know about generated some interesting responses. 🙂
My hidden talent is that I have no talent 🙁 Can’t sing, can’t play an instrument, can’t juggle. I choke on my own spit 🙁
I do song parodies about family and close friends.
I see ghosts.
My talent…..I can burp on demand…..continuously…..like the whole alphabet!
Private pilot.
I can cry on demand.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: Have you ever talked your way out of a traffic ticket, and if so, what did you tell the police officer?
Pure Talent. I received feedback from the last post which featured an interesting mashup combining heavy metal and Motown. A friend of mine sent me this mashup featuring Scotty McCreery and Hootie & The Blowfish. There is no doubt that putting together two soundtracks and creating a great mashup is Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Roger Federer. I Am Over It. A Funny Hour. The Spinners + Queensryche. Tell Us Your Talent. Layla.
Quote of the Week: “There is no way around hard work. Embrace it.” – Roger Federer
There can be no doubt that Roger Federer was one of the best to ever play tennis. At one time he was the world’s number one ranked player and held onto that ranking for an amazing two hundred thirty-seven consecutive weeks. Federer won twenty Grand Slams, including eight Wimbledon titles.
The question is how did Federer embrace hard work? His ability to work hard and garner positive results are reflected in the following ideas:
Always break down big goals into smaller tasks.
Surround yourself with motivated people. Jim Rohn’s famous quote: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
Treat and reward yourself. Doing so creates further motivation to push through and achieve your big goal.
Take a break. Continuous non-stop work leads to both mental and physical burnout.
Always be cognizant of the “why.” Stay focused on what is motivating you to do the hard work.
Start your day with an important task. When you populate your schedule for the next day, put the toughest tasks first providing a sense of accomplishment right from the start of your day.
Roger Federer’s commencement speech at Dartmouth tells all of us about how hard he worked to become one of the greatest of all time.
I had no idea that in June 2025 a Covid variant had returned in China. Now mid-August, and NB.1.8.1, also called Nimbus, has reached the United States. As much as I do not want to see anyone fall sick from Covid, I am totally ‘over it.’ The more I read about viruses, the more I am convinced that different strains of Covid are here to stay, similar to strains of the flu. Again, I am not pushing back on the fact that Covid has resulted in ‘long-term’ sickness and the deaths of many, but according to the CDC, from October 2024 to March of 2025:
There were thirty-seven million influenza infections
480,000 hospitalizations due to the flu
More than 21,000 deaths occurred due to the flu
All we can hope for is that this new strain of Covid has limited impact on the health of people here and abroad. With all of that said, there are viruses around the world that we can never wish for including Marburg and Ebola. Note: Ebola is the deadliest, with a mortality rate of 90 percent.
I saw Nate Bargatze at Orlando’s Kia Center last night. An hour of straight laughing due to his content and delivery. Bargatze is different in many ways, with his story telling so relevant with no mention of politics and religion, and he completely stays away from bad language. I strongly recommend that you take in his show.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a musicmashup is a creative piece of music that combines elements from two or more pre-existing songs into a new, blended composition. It often involves merging different musical styles, tempos, or keys to create something unique and unexpected. Mashups are a form of musical remixing that can be achieved by layering vocals over instrumental tracks or by combining different instrumental sections.
Here are The Spinners and the metal band Queensrÿche with one of my favorite mashups of all time. The combination of soul and metal never done better with a mashup combining Queensrÿche’s “Jet City Woman” with The Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around” (a Motown classic).
Question of the Week: There were great responses to the question of your favorite breed of dog. Here are some of your answers to this week’s Question of the Week: What sports team, college or pro, is your favorite and why?
The Philadelphia Eagles are in my blood.
Pro: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – grew up in the area and was at one of their very first home games. College: Duke Blue Devils – because everyone should be a fan!
NY Yankees. Great tradition & unmatched success.
Atlanta Falcons. Great plays and great decision making in filling the Quarterback position. 🙂
Pittsburgh Steelers…Grew up as a fan and can’t stop waving the terrible towel.
Prefer college football- and any team in Florida.
University of Georgia- my daughter attended.
Growing up within an hour of Athens, with due allegiance to the country’s first land grant University (thanks to Benjamin Franklin) and homage to my native state, listening to Ed Thilenius call UGA football weekly on WSB (Welcome South. Brother) long before TV got the call, attending UGA during Vince Dooley’s second through fifth year of head coaching, winning two SEC titles and NEVER losing to the hated bumblebees, er GA Tech, in those four years, how could the Dawgs not be firmly embedded in your DNA?! And also, living in Atlanta in the seventies and eighties, who wasn’t a Falcons diehard? Everyone always wanted the Falcons to be their pallbearers, to let you down one last time.
Uhhh….Man U…sort of, ain’t giving up hope of a return to 2005 thru 2013.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week, which should generate some interesting responses: What is a talent you have that not many people know about?
Pure Talent. Bobby Whitlock, the co-founder of the rock-blues band Derek and the Dominoes, passed away last week at the age of seventy-seven. In 1970, Derek and Dominoes embarked on their first U.S. tour, with Elton John their opening act! I know some of you have tired with my continued diatribe regarding the music of the past so please reply with a song and level talent better than this live version of the song Layla.
Just for your reference, this performance of the song Layla included Bobby Whitlock, Nathan East on the bass, Phil Collins on drums, and Eric Clapton on guitar. This video was from the 1985 Live Aid benefit concert. Bobby Whitlock and Derek and the Dominoes were Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Eighty Years Ago. The Gaza Strip. Favorite Dog. “Sailing.”
Quote of the Week: “It is not an atomic bomb. It is a thing from hell.” – A survivor of the Hiroshima bombing.
Last week marked eighty years since the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima, and days later, Nagasaki. The casualty count associated with the two bombings have credible estimates of between 120,000-170,000 deaths.
There will always be debate concerning the ethical and legal justifications for the bombings. There is no doubt that the devastation from the two atomic bombs precipitated Japan’s surrender, but at what cost? Those who supported the use of atomic weapons say that their use was necessary to bring an end to the war with minimal casualties. Critics claim the bombings were unnecessary for the war’s end, resulting in moral and ethical implications with many calling the bombings a war crime.
It has been eighty years. Let us all hope that the diatribe surrounding nuclear weapon proliferation quiets down and never again rears its ugly head. This video is a recorded excerpt from President Harry S. Truman after the United States had bombed Hiroshima.
Last week, one of my questions related to the Gaza- Israel conflict: “What is the g0-forward with Gaza and specifically Hamas? Some pundits call for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip. Some feel that the United States should take over, own, and rebuild the Gaza Strip. What do you say?“
The question may have been answered last week as Israel intends to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip, according to last week’s statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu said Israel aims to eliminate Hamas and secure the area but has no plans to permanently govern there. The country will instead seek to transfer authority to Arab forces. Is this the best solution to free the remaining hostages? Could Israeli occupation finally rid Gaza of Hamas, or will it bring further conflict, devastation, and hunger to the Gaza Strip?
Does anyone want to venture a guess with the outcome of this Friday’s meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump? Many pundits feel that Trump holds all the cards with negotiations, as Putin, due to dwindling foreign exchange reserves and ongoing unsustainable budget deficits, has put the Russian economy on the brink of collapse. Does Ukraine need to give up some of its Eastern territories to Russia to reach a ceasefire and peace deal? We all wish we could be ‘a fly on the wall’ listening to the exchanges between Putin and Trump.
Thank you to everyone who responded to last week’s Question of the Week: Not considering shedding, food cost, or reckless abandon, what is your favorite dog breed?
The best dog is a pound puppy!
Basset hound because of their majestic grace and solemn bearing.
The beagle.
Yorkshire Terrier.
1. Boxer 2. Bull dog 3. Mastiff 4. French bull dog Don’t make me choose!
Labrador Retriever.
No question a Beagle is the best dog in the universe.
Boxer
My dog response probably isn’t appropriate for your G-rated epistle, but for your edification: First, must clarify if the male responder is single or married. If single, no doubt, get a three legged lab and walk it regularly in a public park. Women swoon over three legged dogs, as you know, and are confident that the owner is surely someone they want to sleep with. I’ve known four guys in this situation, and the dog is invariably a chick magnet. Bet you didn’t see that one coming…….
Pit Bull mix.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: What sports team, college or pro, is your favorite and why?
Pure Talent. I enjoy various types of music including classic rock, jazz, reggae, some country, hair-band rock, and lately what some call ‘yacht rock.’ Maybe yacht rock brings me back to my early years? One artist who does resonate with me is Christopher Cross. He has a bit of an uncanny voice, but the melody and tone he uses is amazing. This is one of many hits from the five-time Grammy-award winner. This is “Sailing” and this is definitely Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Does Caring About the Past Matter? Anyone Have Answers? Oreo’s + Reese’s. Uncontrollability. College Football. We Can Finally Move On. Sam Donald.
Quote of the Week: “If we don’t care about our past we can’t have very much hope for our future.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
The more I thought about ‘Jackie O’s’ quote, the more questions occurred to me:
How does our past determine or influence our future?
Is learning from the past important for your future?
How do past events and experiences affect our future?
Does our past behavior predict future behavior?
Does the past…good, bad, or ugly, prevent us from achieving great things?
Various schools of thought surround the question of the past determining the future. According to a publication by Taylor & Francis there are discernible perspectives to consider:
Determinism proposes that every event, including human actions, is completely caused by prior events and the laws of nature. In this view, the future is essentially predictable if one had perfect knowledge of the past and the governing laws.
Free Will (Libertarianism) This view argues that individuals have the capacity to make genuine choices and are not entirely determined by past events. In this view, the future is not solely determined by the past but also by individuals’ free choices.
Compatibilism Compatibilists argue that free will and determinism are compatible and can coexist. They typically redefine free will not as the ability to choose completely independent of any prior causes, but as the ability to act according to one’s desires and reasons, even if those desires and reasons are themselves ultimately determined. An example, according to MIT: A person choosing chocolate ice cream over vanilla is still exercising free will, even if their preference for chocolate can be explained by past experiences and brain processes.
Past Experiences and Decision-Making Law of Past Experience: The brain recognizes patterns and makes associations based on previous encounters. These past experiences influence how new situations are interpreted and how decisions are made, even subconsciously. Influence of Success and Failure: Past successes can build self-efficacy and motivate future actions. Failures can lead to beliefs about a lack of ability, hindering future attempts. Emotional Associations: Memories tied to strong emotions, positive or negative, greatly impact future choices. For example, a negative experience with a particular brand might deter future purchases from that brand.
The degree to which the past dictates the future will always be a subject of debate with every perspective having relative credence. Where do you sit with Determinism, Free Will, Compatibilism, and Past Experiences/Decision-Making?
Thank you everyone who answered last week’s Question of the Week regarding the most impactful life decision you have made. Here are some of your answers:
Wife…49 years and counting.
Having my boys will always be the most impactful events in my life. BEST decision ever X3.
Leaving Europe and moving to the US was by far the most impactful and the best decision I have ever made.
Life partner, Diana.
I would say marrying my wife. We celebrate 40 years next year.
Toss up – To pursue working with college students and having back surgery.
By far the most impactful, overarching, far reaching decision of my life, continuously, is trying to live as the Bible teaches. Falling woefully short, it remains an eternal goal and a grand foundation from which to function, to live. Selah
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: Not considering shedding, food cost, or reckless abandon, what is your favorite dog breed?
Regarding ‘Reckless Abandon‘ – here is Morgan James fantastic rendition of the same name.
Questions for the 1st Sunday of August 2025
How is it possible for someone to walk into a Class-A office building in Manhattan with an M4-style semiautomatic rifle and not be intercepted by more than one security officer?
Regarding last week’s tragedy in Manhattan, do the “in-office” naysayers now have more leverage to work from home?
Why is the Jeffrey Epstein saga wrapped around politics? If someone is complicit with sexually assaulting anyone, none the less underage children, they should be arrested. This is not a political situation; this be a criminal investigation.
How is it possible that champion swimmer Katie Ledecky has not lost a 1500 meter freestyle race in fifteen years?
A complex question that must be answered: What is the g0-forward with Gaza and specifically Hamas? Some pundits call for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip. Some feel that the United States should take over, own, and rebuild the Gaza Strip. What do you say?
New Product Announcement of the Week: Oreo Reese’s Cookies will feature Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a Reese’s peanut buttery creme. The Reese’s Oreo Cup will combine milk chocolate and white creme peanut butter cups with Oreo cookie crumbs. An Oreo + Reese’s mash up does not match the significance of the mobile phone or artificial intelligence, but it is close.
I am not trying to have everyone hit the panic button nor am I anywhere close to being a conspiracy theorist. My take on artificial intelligence (AI), for the most part, has discussed both the upside and downside of this technology. My take tries to provide insight into both the benefits of AI, which there a many, and the areas of the technology where we should have concern. Here is one viewpoint from technology ethicist Tristan Harris, who co-founded the Center for Humane Technology. Harris raises some concerns I have been writing about for three years.
Three weeks from yesterday. Yes, the 2025/26 college football season is within sight starting off with the August 23rd game in Dublin, Ireland between Kansas State and Iowa State, followed by a slate of games on Thursday night, August 28 and Friday night, August 29. On Saturday, August 30, your plans may include more than twelve hours of college football:
12 p.m. | Syracuse at Tennessee | ABC
12 p.m. | Mississippi State at Southern Miss | ESPN
12 p.m. | Texas at Ohio State | Fox (both preseason top-five ranked teams)
12 p.m. | Northwestern at Tulane | ESPNU
3:30 p.m. | Marshall at Georgia | ESPN
3:30 p.m. | Alabama at Florida State | ABC
7:00 p.m. / LIU at Florida
7:30 p.m. | LSU at Clemson | ABC
10:30 p.m. | California at Oregon State | ESPN
11 p.m. | Utah at UCLA | Fox
Those are just ten of many games I selected for that Saturday, with two other great games on Sunday, August 31:
3 p.m. | Virginia Tech at South Carolina | ESPN (in Atlanta, GA)
For weeks I have been complaining about tariffs and President Trump’s fluctuating diatribe. I should have kept quiet for a couple of weeks as it looks like the U.S. is locking in the tariff rates around the world. Agree or disagree with the tariff rates, but at least it is a done deal (for now).
Trading partners with an agreement (as of 7/30/2025)
Country
Date announced
Tariff rate after trade agreement
Tariff rate before agreement
UK
May 8
10%
25%
Vietnam
July 2
20%
46%
Indonesia
July 15
19%
32%
Philippines
July 22
19%
20%
Japan
July 23
15%
25%
EU
July 27
15%
30%
South Korea
July 31
15%
25%
China*
May 12, talks still ongoing
30%
145%
Pure Talent. Sam Donald has that unique blend of country with a bit of grunge. He brings a versatile voice with hints of soul and rock. Below is his cover of a great song by the ’90s band Live. Sam Donald and his Jackson, Mississippi roots are definitely Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
The ’80s Ruled. We Need These Minerals. Even Prisoners Have Rules. There Better Be Some Restrictions. Life Decisions. Ozzy.
Quote of the Week:You just got to learn to go with the heat, Rico. It’s just like life. You just gotta keep telling yourself, no matter how hot it gets, sooner or later there’s a cool breeze coming in. – Miami Vice character Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) to his partner, Detective Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas).
A take on my hometown: The ’80s in Miami were different in so many ways. The essence of Miami was and still is unprecedented, so full of hope and opportunity with the right balance of life people strive for today. Sure, the ’80s brought Miami lots of drugs, and the people and banks who controlled all that drug money, but Miami presented diverse socioeconomics that may never be equaled. I miss that era in Miami. I miss the Orange Bowl, Monty’s and the Mutiny in Coconut Grove, the Tamiami Trail, La Carreta in Westchester, Zayre, soccer at Coral Estates Park, Venetian Pool, watching my friend Rocky Echevarria (Steven Bauer) act on Que Pasa, USA? and Scarface, Arbetter’s on Bird Road, and of course South Beach, Virginia Key, and Crandon Park. My friend Robbi, who I grew up with in Southwest Miami, adds the following: Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Doral Country Club, parking and watching planes takeoff and land at Miami International Airport, the unforgettable view from the Rusty Pelican, a beverage at Big Daddy’s, Ralph Renick, and of course, Flipper!
It is difficult for a non-Miamian to understand the mecca of neon lights, the pastel suits, and the rebellious rage that made up the thread of Miami back in the 80’s. For a glimpse and feel of what it was like, watch reruns of the show Miami Vice, the Netflix series Griselda, and the documentary Cocaine Cowboys III. Note: the Miami Vice series celebrated its 40th anniversary last week. Yes, the first episode was FORTY years ago.
At the time, I did not realize how lucky I was to have grown up in Miami – but I do now. Is it just me, or were the 80’s brighter and sunnier than the world we live in today? Here is a quick taste of Miami with an incredible theme song from Miami Vice.
Yttrium. Erbium. Neodymium. Lithium. Recently you have heard President Trump and other government officials discussing these unique rare-earth minerals. There are many more minerals that the United States have deemed ‘critical,” as they are essential to the national interest as they help build batteries, computer chips, and advanced military gear.
The supply chain feeding the U.S. with these rare-earth minerals is vulnerable at best, with archrival China currently dominating the race. According to Mining Technology Today, China accounts for about 70% of global rare earth ore extraction and 90% of rare earth ore processing. There is massive global competition to control the supply chain of rare-earth minerals as they are a key ingredient with powering modern technologies. China controlling the majority of the world’s rare-earth minerals raises a deep concern for the U.S., especially as technology increasingly necessitates higher volumes and more varieties of these minerals.
Here is a well-done video explaining the importance of rare earth minerals:
Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life terms after pleading guilty to the murders of four university students in Idaho. After two years of proclaiming his innocence, Kohberger finally pleaded guilty to the four homicides, and by doing so saved himself from the death penalty. His heinous act put him in prison for the rest of his life, a sentence that I hope results in total misery and despair for this very cruel human.
I wonder what the over/under is for how long Kohberger stays alive in prison. Even prisoners have rules, and I highly doubt they want to be in the presence of this maniac. For one, I would be surprised if he lasts past Thanksgiving.
Over the last two years, I have posted information about artificial intelligence (AI), specifically its use in the fields of education and healthcare. Nobel Prize recipient Geoffrey Hinton points out the virtues of AI, but in his acceptance speech, reveals his deep concern with AI’s use and governance. Here is one glaring concern: Common Sense Media, a group that studies and advocates for using digital media, reports that “70% of teens have used AI companions on a regular basis.“
Geoffrey Hinton’s sentence “an existential threat that will arise when we create digital beings that are more intelligent than ourselves” is enough to make your skin crawl.
Question of the Week: There was a good response to this week’s Question of the Week: What is your favorite board game? I assumed everyone enjoyed board games? See below 🙂
Monopoly
Growing up, board games were a huge part of my life and still is. Always love a game of Yahtzee and Tie One On.
Great question and playing many board games since childhood…Monopoly was my all time favorite until my number one pick(drum roll) is…Trivial Pursuit.
Two votes for Scrabble.
Marbles. It’s a board game I hadn’t played until last year.
If I see a board game come out, color me out the nearest exit…
Shots and Ladders.
I’m a puzzle person. I love putting together puzzles as a family activity.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: Which life decision you made has been the most impactful? (Career, where you live, to have kids, life partner, etc.)
Pure Talent. Just two weeks after his last performance, legendary heavy metal rocker Ozzy Osbourne passed away last week at the age of seventy-six. I did not like all his music, but some of his songs are legendary, including the mega-hit Crazy Train. His July 5th concert, “Back to the Beginning,” was headlined by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Alice In Chains, along with many others, and raised more than $190 million for several charities. Obviously, Ozzy’s music did not resonate with everyone, but within the scope of heavy metal, he was Pure Talent. RIP Ozzy Osbourne.
Note: Last week, we also lost Hulk Hogan, two-time Grammy award-winner Chuck Mangione, and George Kooymans. Kooymans was a founder of the band Golden Earring. If you are driving your car, and the song Radar Love comes on your radio, you better check your speed because there is a direct correlation with that song and a heavy foot on the accelerator.
These young percussionists gave it their best shot with this performance of Crazy Train. Ozzy’s interaction with the kids after their performance is fantastic. I do not remember music class being this cool when I was in school.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Versace. Is The Late Night Show Format Kaput? What Song? Be Careful Orlando. This Is Not Tap Dancing.
Quote of the Week: “You have to break a barrier every day. Fashion, to me, is born and dies every day.” – Gianni Versace
There is no doubt that Gianni Versace shaped the fashion landscape with ever-changing and provocative designs. I am sure he challenged himself as well as his associates and peers to “break a barrier every day…” One example of Versace breaking a barrier was his successful effort to merge fashion with pop culture. He broke a barrier by making his design and fashion feel glamourous. He ignited the age of the supermodel with Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and others, never wanting to sit on his laurels and always challenging the relationship between fashion, glamour, and celebrity.
Versace felt that fashion was ever changing and lived by the rule of breaking the barrier. Here is a great example of Versace using supermodels with his innovative designs, using four supermodels and George Michael in his 1991 Versace Fall Show. Versace did things differently and never let barriers get in his way.
Is it the late night format, or is it politics? CBS, owned by Paramount Global, announced last week that they were cancelling “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” I do not watch the show but the late night talk show, specifically “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”, was part of my early childhood ‘education.’ My Aunt Kay never missed Johnny Carson and with or without her, I started watching the show at an early age.
Hopefully, the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show was due to shrinking audiences and increasing production costs, not the politically turbulent climate for free speech and Colbert and President Trump’s disdain for each other.
Note: Paramount’s proposed merger with Skydance Media is being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by President Trump’s nominee Brendan Carr. CBS canceled Colbert’s show just three days after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with President Trump. The New York Times has reported that the show was losing millions at the time of last week’s announcement.
Question of the Week: Thank you for your answers to last week’s Question of the Week asking What song would make the best theme music for you?
The song Free from Seals & Crofts.
Unstoppable by Sia.
Hello Gary, I hope all is well with you and I did a lot of soul searching on this and while there are many songs considered my fall back continues to be Lennons…In My Life
The song Right Now by Van Halen.
Celebration by Kool and The Gang!
Being a complex individual and unable to limit by song themes while dealing with such unbound diversity (croaked yet?), I did manage to whittle the catalog down to four, in this order: “I Love Rock and Roll” (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” (Barry White), “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” (Warren Zevon), and finally, “Amazing Grace.”
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: What is your favorite board game?
I moved to Orlando eight years ago. The area is basically a tale of two cities, one being the theme park and convention center area, which is southwest of the city center. This area is obviously bustling with tourists, convention goers, and traffic that is mind-boggling. The areas north and east of downtown are made up of small towns that are very livable, full of restaurants, lakes, and parks. The unfortunate dynamic of Orlando is similar to many other cities around the United States, especially southern cities like Tampa, Charlotte, and Atlanta. There was, and still is, a big miss with urban planning in many cities, including Orlando. I experienced this living in Atlanta and again am dealing with the lack of foresight and planning in Orlando. Orlando’s rapid growth has led to challenges with urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and to a degree, inadequate infrastructure.
The population growth in Orlando is driven not only by large employers like Disney and Universal, but by the technology sector fueled by no state income tax, companies establishing offices in support of the Space Coast, good school systems, and a bearable cost of living. Like Atlanta, the public transportation system is lacking with the SunRail commuter rail having limited service hours and routes. Aging water and sewer systems and road maintenance continue to warrant the need to upgrade and modernize while new theme parks continue to drive a massive influx of tourists. Note: Some Orlando peeps may disagree with my assessment, but remember that I am comparing Orlando to Atlanta, where I lived the majority of my life.
I like areas of Orlando including Thornton Park, Maitland, College Park, and Winter Park. Good and diverse people made up of some Orlando natives and many who have relocated here to enjoy a better quality of life. I do like Orlando but let’s be clear: I will never learn to like anything to do with alligators. 🙂
Pure Talent. I have always enjoyed watching tap dancers, cloggers, and Irish step dancers (a.k.a. Riverdance). Their foot speed, coordination, and flair is amazing. With all due respect to tap dancers including Fred Astaire and Gregory Hines, look at this professional Flamenco dancer’s ability to match his dancing with the music in this performance. Joaquin Cortes is Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
