Victory. Question of the Week. A Few Takes. Fifty States. Pure Talent.

Can We Not Just All Get Along? Favorite National Parks. How Many States Have You Visited?

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Quote of the Week: “In a competition of love we’ll all share in the victory, no matter who comes first.” – Muhammad Ali

I am unsure of what Muhammad Ali was specifically referring to, but my guess is that the overriding theme of the quote was: Can all of us just get along? A poignant question with the everyday news of conflict, including last Sunday’s terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.

I listened to different points of view on one of Chris Cuomo’s shows last week. One viewpoint was from Steve Bannon, a former Presidential advisor who now has a podcast, with the other point of view from retired United States Army General Stanley A. McChrystal, best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command.

The discussion was centered on conflict. Conflict abroad with continued support of Ukraine to the issues here in the United States, with Islamic extremism discussed ad nauseum. Yes, the discussion did involve my least favorite subject of politics, with my takeaway from the twenty-minute watch being the thread of America: divisionism and bi-partisanship.

Muhammad Ali’s quote is never more relevant than right now. The Middle East, Russia’s war with Ukraine, and the domestic terrorism we have endured seems overbearing. No one really knows the outcome of these conflicts and issues, but the division of race, religion, and creed with people across the world has never been far more apart. Does anyone have any answers or do we concede that this is just the way of today’s world? l guess someone needs to replicate Jack Nicholson’s plea in the movie Mars Attacks? Your viewpoint is welcomed.

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Thank you to all who answered the Question of the Week: What is your favorite U.S. National Park, and why?

My park is “Faithful” (Yellowstone National Park) – the ultimate example of “the outdoors”. Wildlife, fishing, natural wonders – the panoramic views. You can’t leave there unchanged and aware that something bigger than ourselves is out there!

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Acadia, peaceful Maine..

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Glacier National Park…..most astounding mountain and site views of any of the national parks – including Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone. Going to the Sun Road is simply breathtaking and there are rental rides allowing full appreciation.

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Grand Canyon or Glacier National Park- breathtaking views, hikes and wildlife. Got to experience both with family which makes it even more special!

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Being a “beach” person, I’ve always liked Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which includes Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Also Cape Canaveral National Seashore. Both have areas of unspoiled beach where you can walk for long stretches and see next to no one. No hotels, condominiums, or miniature golf courses!

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My favorite park is Arch’s in Utah not -one straight line in the whole park.

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Here is this week’s Question of the Week: How many states have you visited? For some, it may be easier to count the number of states not yet visited. Note: according to Ipsos Public Affairs, the average number of states visited is between twelve and 13.

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A few observations for June 8, 2025

• The travel restrictions banning travel to the United States from twelve countries takes effect tomorrow. There is exemption for athletes who will travel to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. What about the fans from those twelve countries?
• I am never a naysayer to modern technology, but does anyone else foresee some interesting issues with home and office drone deliveries? Customers who shop at Walmart stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa can request a drone to deliver their online shopping orders. The same goes with food orders from DoorDash…as if the FAA does not already have enough issues.
• Regardless of the new feud between Elon Musk and President Trump, how much highly sensitive data is Musk rooting around? Let us hope that Musk was properly vetted. This question relates to national security, not politics.
• You can score one point in an NFL game. Serious.
• Last Friday, June 6, was the 81st anniversary of D-Day. We all should honor the sacrifice of those who stormed the beaches of France. We owe them our deepest gratitude and everlasting respect.
• We are +- ten weeks from college football. 🙂
• Due to the May jobs report and/or President Trump’s trade talks with China stocks are off to a strong June start. Surprising considering how the tariffs have consumed the minds of investors over the last ninety days.
• Did you ever go to a greyhound track to bet on greyhound racing? At one time there were seventy greyhound tracks across the United States. Today, due to increased awareness of animal welfare, only two tracks remain, both in West Virginia. I remember the days my brother would sneak me into Flagler Dog Track in Miami, Florida. The same goes with jai alai frontons. Only two remain open in the United States, both in south Florida. Jai Alai was something else to watch live as every point is fast and dangerous with the rock-hard ball traveling up to speeds of 150 miles per hour.

• Pure Talent. This week’s Pure Talent is not an athlete nor musician. This week, the designation goes to all Allied forces who on June 6, 1944, launched Operation Overlord and began the fight to liberate the areas of northwest Europe from German occupation. As this video explains, D-Day did not end World War II. What Operation Overlord did do was provide the allies the ability to advance into Germany. The rest, with no pun intended, is history. This short video about sums up the D-Day troop buildup and the how this land, sea, and air operation was planned. Those Allied forces were Pure Talent.

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.