The Balance Between Fact and Fiction. A Farce of a Fight. Do You Have Answers? New Zealand’s Parliament. Badminton: Not for the Faint of Heart.
Quote of the Week: “The best jokes are dangerous, and dangerous because they are in some way truthful.” – Kurt Vonnegut
I have always felt that the best comedy opened and revealed the truth about society, human behavior, and the way we share experiences. Yes, great comedy effectively stretches the truth and exaggerates for effect. Great comedians create and describe fictional characters and scenarios that usually speak a level of overall truth.
Obviously, comedians must navigate the balance between fact and fiction and how to tie in a level of authenticity that connects with their audience. What all of us usually enjoy about comedy is its ability to highlight truth through humor. Some theorists call this type of comedy “observational” and examples of these types of comedians include Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Sebastian Maniscalco. These types of comedians are not always 100% spot on with their observations but have the talent to reveal the truth regarding human behavior, society, and shared experiences.
There is a fine line between embellishment and truth with comedy -but the ability to be relevant with the audience is key. We enjoy comedy that is genuine even when the subject matter describes an absurd scenario. Sebastian Maniscalco is a master storyteller, with the ability to engage his audience with relevant and impactful humor that describes real-life scenarios in a most funny manner.
The Mike Tyson – Jake Paul fight on Friday night was somehow sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. As I mentioned, it was no more than pre-fight entertainment, with the fight itself lame and a bit of a farse. Jake Paul reportedly received $40 million for the eight, 2-minute rounds. Tyson took in $20 million and will hopefully fade away into obscurity.
The best fight of the evening was the Katie Taylor – Amanda Serrano light-welterweight championship fight. Great effort, non-stop action, and no messing around. As for Netflix’s coverage and technical difficulties: I have no words.
Questions for Mid-November
Why are people leaving X and joining Bluesky?
What does Warren Buffett know that we do not? Berkshire Hathaway recently dropped a good bit of Apple shares and picked up Domino’s Pizza.
Did President Biden suggest that the political climate will change? Thanks for that update, Joe.
Should you have any interest in visiting central Florida, go now. The weather from now until April 1 is bar none.
How can we already be in mid-November 2024 with Thanksgiving only eleven days away?
Just when you think U.S. congressional hearings are a bit over the top, take a look at New Zealand and their Parliament last week. A divisive bill, which would reinterpret New Zealand’s 184-year-old founding document which would undermine the rights of the country’s Indigenous people. While thousands participated in protests and a nine-day march to protest the bill, this young lady, the youngest member of New Zealand’s Parliament, ripped up a copy of the bill and led the haka in Parliament as other Maori members and some visitors in the public gallery joined her.
The haka is a Maori dance that is a challenge to opponents – especially before New Zealand plays a rugby match. I cannot imagine how U.S. lawmakers would react to this protest. 🙂
Pure Talent. I get it. Most people think of badminton as the backyard game we played with our friends and family, with the rally only lasting two or three hits. Badminton always looked easy to play but as we have all experienced the ability to properly hit the ‘birdie’ (shuttle) is easier said than done. After some quick research, badminton is the fastest racquet sport, with the shuttle able to come off the racquet at speeds close to 180 mph.
The aerodynamic design of the shuttle’s shape, regardless of its original orientation when struck allows the shuttle to fly ‘headfirst’ from one opponent to another. Now that I have bored you with the aerodynamics of the shuttle, take a few moments and watch this video. Badminton as we know it…not so much. These women are Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Do What You Can While You Can Do It! This is Not Camping World Stadium. Post-Election Takes. I Will Watch the Fight. A Music Icon Leaves Us.
Quote of the Week:“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
Well said, George Bernard Shaw, a Dublin-born literary critic, socialist propagandist, and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. I agree that we need to do what we can do while we can do it. Obviously, there are different strokes for different folks but in the long run it is important to keep playing, no matter what that means to you and yours.
Thank you, N.B., for sending me this article about older people reflecting back to their younger days and childhood. The list referenced in this article reinforces George Bernard Shaw’s quote and doing what you can while you can do it!
Once we pass a certain age, we all tend to look back at childhood in mourning. Where did all those happy memories go? When was the last time you swung on the monkey bars or saw your favorite teacher? But those realizations don’t stop in early adulthood. Older adults recently shared their answers to the question: “What’s something most people don’t realize they will never experience again in life?” Here’s what they had to say:
“The first time I heard this, it hurt bad. One day, you will pick up your little boy/girl and carry them for the very last time. It broke my heart when I heard it because I realized it was true, and I couldn’t remember the last time I picked up and carried my now 24-year-old son. The night of my daughter’s 13th birthday, I decided I would pick her up and carry her to bed for the last time in my life. That way, I would always remember it.
“The last time that you played with your friends.”
“Pain-free movement.”
“Having the older generation available to answer questions. There is so much I wish I had asked my parents and grandparents. There is nowhere to get the answers.”
“Dropping off and picking up my kids from school. When the last time happens, you don’t realize it, and that’s sad.”
“For abled people: Ride a bike, or roller skate, climb something or even just run with complete careless abandon.”
“The last time you take your kids to the park to play. I loved seeing them so happy and making friends at the park. Then, one day, they just don’t want to go anymore.”
“If you didn’t take the time to write down the recipe and practice it, your favorite meal that Mom cooked.”
“Going outside to play with your friends. Ringing the doorbell of their parents’ house and asking if they can come out to play. Never realized it until about a year ago.”
“Sleeping comfortably through the night. Or just sleeping comfortably for a few hours.”
“The flavor of foods when you don’t know they are going to change the recipe to make it healthier and worse tasting. I still love Goldfish crackers, but I had no idea when I ate my last bag of the OG recipe that I would never taste it again.”
“First love. There’s something about starting something and not knowing how an ending feels. After that first time, I always knew pain could come.”
There was a time when I last used a pay phone and a dial phone. There was a time when I called 411 and never, ever did it again. I don’t think 411 operators even exist anymore. I remember when I threw out our last phone book, knowing that another one wouldn’t be coming and that it was the end of an era.”
Sometimes reflecting back to what once was is healthy. Sometimes it hurts.What is a moment in your life you now realize you will not be able to experience again?
Last Tuesday, River Plate fans, ahead of an important Cup match, welcomed their team with this incredible display of fireworks and pyrotechnics. Obviously, the security at a match in Buenos Aires is not as stringent as many countries. River Plate and Boca Juniors are two of the biggest soccer clubs in South America, both in Buenos Aires. Think of the New York Jets and the New York Giants on steroids.
Regarding the world of international soccer: Last week, the massive Dutch soccer club, Ajax, hosted the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa tournament match. Violence broke out and Maccabi supporters were attacked after the match leaving five people hospitalized. Absolutely unacceptable, with the friction in the Middle East bubbling up between two soccer clubs in an international tournament match. There are always three sides to every story, but Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof stated, “This is simply antisemitic violence against Israelis,” calling the attacks “downright scandalous and reprehensible.” I wish I had answers and a solution to this 2,000-year-old problem.
Things I Am Thinking on November 10, 2024:
The change in regime of the United States could trigger many policy changes. One cause and effect that I do not need to guess about is how China is feeling about the new American President. China’s economy has been dealing with a property slump for over three years, as well as systemic deflation. President-elect Trump sustaining and increasing the tariffs that are in place with China will certainly affect the trade war. The same could hold true with the trade agreements we have with Mexico. Anyone care to chime in on how these tariffs will spur inflation, specifically consumer goods?
Speaking of tariffs, the economy and the markets: The Fed cut rates again, the S&P broke the 6,000 level, and Tesla hits $1 Trillion market cap. Is the U.S. economy overheating? Please chime in.
A few posts ago I looked at trade schools and how their curriculum can lead to a solid career in the fields of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contracting. Indeed reports as of June 2024, the average welder salary across the United States is over $65,000 a year. Include overtime and holiday pay and that annual wage rises above $75,000. Trade schools focus on hands-on activity, while traditional college education relies mostly on classroom instruction. Trade schools provide job-specific skills, while traditional colleges offer a broader range of subjects and prepare students for various careers or graduate school. To me, two solid paths for our youngsters to pursue their career.
One of the pioneers of the Atlanta business community passed away last week. Bernie Marcus, who along with Arthur Blank founded Home Depot, went on to be a billionaire philanthropist providing Atlanta, as well as many communities, a great deal of financial support through the foundation he created. RIP, Bernie Marcus.
TGI Fridays. When was the last time you were in one of those restaurants? I remember when this chain opened with the one in Atlanta becoming an iconic Sunday afternoon extravaganza. The Fridays restaurant at the Prado shopping center was a must-attend Sunday back in the ’80s, with their three-for one specials and a gathering of all kinds of Atlanta people. Competition and the ever-changing socioeconomics of the restaurant business diminished Fridays’ dominance in the ‘sit-down chain restaurant’ category. Fridays filed for bankruptcy protection last Saturday, saying it is looking for ways to “ensure the long-term viability” of the casual dining brand. Who would have thought that such an iconic restaurant brand would fall on tough times?
The long-awaited boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and Jake Paul is this Friday night. Streaming only on Netflix, many of us are hoping for a competitive battle between the 58-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Jake Paul. I will watch the fight live, but after watching this video I am curious if this fight goes more than two rounds. Mike Tyson getting old is like Godzilla getting old: The villagers still run for their lives. Tyson’s lack of “fight fitness” will dictate him looking to knockout Jake Paul within two rounds. God help Jake Paul if Tyson cuts the ring off and puts Paul in a corner. Is this boxing event dumb? Yes. Will I watch? Yes.
Warning: strong language in this video.
Pure Talent. He was a producer who collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of other recording artists. He also produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller, still the number one selling album of all time. Quincy Jones passed away last week at the age of ninety-one. Jones was among the most awarded producers in music history with 28 Grammy Awards.
Quincy Jones’ influence on the world of music was widespread. As many of you know, Eddie Van Halen contributed to and rearranged the famous song, Beat It. His reason: ‘…if Quincy Jones calls, you do what he says…” If you think about Pure Talent, you think Quincy Jones.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.
Mindset & Motivation. No Woke. Night Falls. Robert Plant Still Rocks.
Quote of the Week: I post and write about one quote each week. That format changes this week, providing the following mindset and motivational quotes that resonate with me, for one reason or another.
We suffer more in our imagination than in reality.– Seneca
It’s never too late to be what you might have been. – George Elliot
Our life is what our thoughts make it. – Marcus Aurelius
Thinking is difficult. That is why most people judge. – Carl Jung
Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner. – Lao Tzu
A fool is known by speech and a wise man by silence. – Pythagoras
If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. – Confucius
The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear. – Rumi
I like and respect all eight quotes. Number five is systemic – think ‘living up to the Joneses.’ Numbers six, seven, and eight make me smile. How about you?
Last week, part of my post referenced the music artist “Young Thug” and his beautiful home for sale in Atlanta. I had no idea that he was on trial for gang-related crimes and racketeering…I was merely suggesting that his nickname with the word “Thug” was concerning. Now, a week later, I read that Young Thug, a.k.a. Jeffery Willams, has been in jail for thirty months and has now been sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation. What a waste of talent of a Grammy award-winning artist. Very sad. __________________________________________
Many of my posts clearly state my disdain and intolerance for all things racist. The level of worldwide racism remains rampant as we are close to starting of year 2025. This is why I find this video, with Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor, amazing. How would anyone think that in 1975, the white interviewer and the black applicant could have the back-and-forth dialogue, that in today’s world, would be 100% unacceptable and never part of a live television skit. Richard Pryor’s facial expressions while barking back at Chevy Chase are priceless.
Again, I have zero tolerance for anything racist, but this skit, performed on Saturday Night Liveforty-nine years ago, is amazing in good and bad ways. Note: words not for everyone’s ears.
The first Sunday of November brings us the beginning of Fall, football in full force, a World Series champion, and a big election. This first Sunday in November also brings darkness, and not the emotional type. Today brings us literal darkness due to daylight savings time ending and not popping up again until March 9, 2025. I realize that some of you, for whatever reason, enjoy darkness before 6pm. Me, not so much.
Jesse Colin Young of The Youngbloods brings us Darkness, Darkness.):
From the world of the strange and the headline of the week: Anesthesiologist Matilda Crawford strikes a pose with a sledgehammer, circa 1894. I know this is a joke. Right?
Pure Talent. Now seventy-six years old, this English singer and songwriter was an original band member of Led Zepplin from 1968 to their breakup in 1980. Robert Plant helped make Led Zepplin one of the most famous rock bands of all time. Subsequently, Plant’s successful solo career has spanned the globe. Plant has won numerous accolades and awards, including the 1998 Grammy award for best hard rock performance. Robert Plant was, and still is, Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
The Hierarchy of Needs. The Private Equity Approach Explained. It is Almost November! Sadio Mane = Selfless. Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora.
Quote of the Week: “I think a lot of self-importance is a product of fear. And fear, living in sort of an un-self-examined fear-based life, tends to lead to narcissism and self-importance.” – Moby
We have all run into or dealt with this type of person. Someone who cannot get out of their own way, protects their fragile being with their over-the-top demeanor, or always having the last word. Narcissistic is one way to characterize this type of person, but their self-importance issues, in my opinion, directly correlate with their lack of respect and lack of self-esteem.
Better yet, to get a clear opinion of self-importance, refer to the video below. Cher’s answer to “Do you think men are important” is a classic. 🙂
For me to better understand self-importance and how someone morphs into a narcissist and megalomanic, I referenced Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” an idea in the realm of psychology proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow. The basis for Maslow’s theory was that humans have basic needs that must be met before they can perform at the highest level and achieve their full potential.
I am certainly far removed with any skills relating to psychology, but I do believe in the hierarchy established by Maslow. Self-importance and narcissism are defined in various way by psychologists, but it does seem that they stem from individuals with low self-esteem.
My previous post detailed how private equity (PE) firms are strategically rolling up home services companies as one part of their overall strategy. Chris Antonello, an operating partner at Plexus Capital, provided the following details of the PE approach called ‘buy and build.’ Chris, many thanks for your input and explanation. Plexus Capital – Private Capital for the Lower Middle Market
Gary: The trend you describe of PE’s “rolling up” or acquiring companies within an industry and then consolidating and leveraging back-room efficiency is alive and well! This approach is commonly referred to by Private Equity (PE) as “buy & build” and is happening in more than just the HVAC and Plumbing industries … landscape maintenance, lawn care and pest control just to name a few others.
The below diagram shows how the PE market works. These entrepreneurial owners operate in the lower middle market where there are hundreds of thousands of existing small businesses and thousands growing into the category each year. About 10,000 of these small businesses are invested in by PE each year. So, to answer your question, there is plenty of “inventory” available for the trend to continue.
The PE’s focus on providing operational and strategic support to acquire and integrate the companies. The companies are acquired as a multiple of earnings. The combined, blended multiple of all the acquisition is less than the resulting multiple when the newly consolidated company is sold the “middle market” at a higher exit multiple. This is how the PE’s make money for their investors.
It is the Last Sunday of October…
I am not picking on Boeing, but they did report a quarterly loss of $6 billion. Yes, $6B. Boeing is the single largest exporter in the U.S. by dollar value, generating close to $80B in revenue each year. Still, the company has failed to turn a profit since 2018. Their CEO called for a ‘culture change.’ Really?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution entertainment section included an article about Young Thug’s home being on the market. It is a beautiful home in the Buckhead area but that is not my point. I am not demeaning Young Thug’s eccentric vocal style, but I can just imagine my father’s reaction if I decided to go by the name of Young Thug. It would have been ugly. Note: Young Thug’s name is Jeffrey Williams.
Buca di Beppo, Tin Lizzy’s, Rubio’s, Graffiti Junktion, 10 Degrees South, Red Lobster, Tijuana Flats, Burger Fi, World of Beer. These are just a few of the many restaurant chains who have filed for bankruptcy this year. Supply chain and labor shortages are wreaking havoc with restaurant owners causing serious margin and cash flow issues. Positive thoughts to restaurant owners and their businesses.
Speaking of food, Chilean Sea Bass crackers are the new name for the Goldfish cracker. What?
The World Series brings us the two massive markets of LA and NY. The Fox networks are smiling.
The NBA and NHL seasons are in full swing.
The NFL is already in week eight headlined by the Atlanta Falcons visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The MLS playoffs are on Apple+.
College hoops are getting ready for what I hope is a great season.
The Champions League matches are now in the “league phase.” A very interesting format with each of the thirty-six teams handed eight games against eight different teams — four at home, four away.
Thanksgiving is less than five weeks away!
Leaves turning colors – the epitome of Fall.
May 22, 2025. The Orlando area will be adding Epic Universe to their list of theme park attractions next May. This theme park will be made up of five worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk. After five years of construction, this should be another fantastic attraction adding to Universal Studios’ portfolio of Orlando attractions. Epic Universe joins Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. Research firm MoffettNathanson projects that ten million visitors will visit the park in year one. A side note: Orlando and State of Florida transportation chiefs better fast track the changes at Orlando International Airport – and do it soon.
I may have shed a negative light in last week’s post regarding the top ten earning soccer players earning a combined $983 million. My point, after reading the Forbes article, was to understand the vast amount of money garnered by worldwide clubs and their ability to pay massive wages. On a positive note, there are many athletes, while enjoying their vast amount of compensation earned on and off the field/court, who do give back in a big way.
Sadio Mané is a Senegalese professional soccer player who plays his club football in the Saudi Pro League, along with his duties with the Senegal national team. From humble beginnings to an international soccer star, Mané is one of many professional athletes on a mission to give back. Sadio Mane is amazing.
Pure Talent. Do you remember the days when MTV actually played MUSIC videos? Do you remember when the MTV Music Awards show was must watch TV? There have been many great performances on various awards shows, but Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora’s acoustic version of Wanted Dead or Alive is fantastic. Pure Talent at its best.
Adios, enjoy Halloween week, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Catch It. Any Answers? Plumbers and Electricians Reap the Rewards. Boston Strong.
Quote of the Week: Do we really need these big, gigantic, heavy rockets? What if we launch a rocket that’s empty, and its sole purpose is to act as a source of fuel on the Moon? Who should build that? Well, I think the U.S. should build that. – Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin’s foresight into space exploration has come full circle. The privatization of space vehicle manufacturing and deployment has propelled (no pun intended) advancements in rocket propulsion as well as reusable rockets. To date, SpaceX is by far the leader amongst private space companies, with their ability to recover and reuse their Starship rocket. We have seen their rocket return to earth and land on a barge – mind-blowing to say the least. Last week, SpaceX topped their level of remarkable engineering by building a tower with ‘chopsticks’ to catch a rocket’s first stage.
The booster slowed down from four times the speed of sound, hovered, and steered itself to a precise point between the chopstick arms, and was caught in midair. In the future, when it is past the current test phase, SpaceX’s goal will be to then put the rocket back on its launch mount, fuel it up, and launch it again, possibly within hours. The technology and engineering shown in this video is mind-blowing. Richie: Please explain the aerodynamics that provided command and control of this first stage to be collected. Thank you.
Random Things I Think
Is there an implosion on the horizon with the amount of money professional athletes earn on and off the field/court? For example, as reported by Forbes: Combined, the world’s ten highest-paid soccer players are projected to earn $983 million this season. Amazing, eye-opening, and problematic all at the same time.
Amazon’s data centers are massive and require immense amounts of power. Solution: Amazon will fund and build small nuclear reactors. Tracy A: Thoughts on the continued privatization of nuclear power?
Gold broke through the $2,700 barrier last week. Is it time for the gold-for-cash pop-up stores to spread across our country once again?
After a very tough three weeks for people in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, a couple of other storms have popped up in the Caribbean. No, and no.
This should be a Harvard Business Case Study titled: How to Batter Your Balance Sheet by Boeing Co. Poor commercial jet production, defense contracts that are sideways, and a strike by half of its Washington state workforce. No bueno.
This quote from the late Colin Powell made me think about the upcoming Presidential election. Yes, I stay away from politics. Yes, I have already voted. “You can’t make good decisions unless you have good information and can separate facts from opinion and speculation.”
Just when we thought interest rates and mortgage rates would continue to trend downward after the Fed slashed its lending rate by half a point…well, I am not going to get into the correlation of the bond market and the 10-year Treasury yield…but mortgage rates have been rising since reaching its lowest level in two years — 6.08% — three weeks ago. You can blame the encouraging reports on the U.S. economy, including the better-than-expected September jobs report. So much for the expected recession?
Comedian Kurt Metzger, many years ago, explains the economy in terms I definitely understand:
I received many responses from last week’s take on formal education versus technical training. While certain professions must have levels of formal education, other careers align well with technical training. Last week, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled: “Plumbers and Electricians are the New Millionaires:”
Private equity firms are scooping up small town HVAC, plumbing and electrical companies, and turning some of their owners into instant millionaires. The equity firms are hoping to profit by running larger, more lucrative operations with branch operations in small towns across the country.
According to data from PitchBook, private-equity investors have purchased roughly 800 HVAC, plumbing and electrical companies since 2022. The strategy: Roll up businesses to create larger players and improve their margins. The P.E. firms add back-office efficiency, managerial know-how, increase marketing efforts and recruiting budgets.
There is no doubt that private equity’s roll-up strategy with different types of businesses will provide many owner-operators the opportunity of wealth and prosperity. I am interested to see if this trend will continue. Chris A: Do you have thoughts on private equity firms and their interest in this contractor, roll-up model?
Pure Talent. Years ago, as a tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, Steven Tyler enlisted the help of a choir to help him with “Dream On.” An iconic song by a rock legend. This is Pure Talent for a great cause – Boston Strong!
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Formal Education v. Technical Training. Are We Already in Mid-October? Floridians. Fred Dancing with a Hat Rack.
Quote of the Week: “Education is one of the blessings of life—and one of its necessities.” -Malala Yousafzai
A profound quote from Malala Yousafzai. While a teenager, she spoke out publicly against the prohibition on the education of girls that was imposed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), sometimes called the Pakistani Taliban. An activist in Pakistan, a country not exactly known for tolerating activists, Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of her efforts on behalf of children’s rights….at the age of seventeen!
While education is a blessing, I have often wondered how much education is actually necessary. I have also thought about different types of education, i.e. serving time in the Armed Forces or attending a technical or trade school, or a combination of both. While I do not discount receiving a formal education and earning a degree(s), today’s work environment, surrounded by technology including artificial intelligence (AI), could call for more specific technical education that may need to forego formal course work at a university. Here is a report published by Robert Half & Associates at the end of July, just three months ago:
The job market for software applications and development professionals remains resilient, according to an analysis of a proprietary dataset of more than 3.5 million U.S. job postings, including 60,000 Robert Half placements. With over 450,000 new software applications and development jobs posted throughout the last six months, competition for top talent in these roles has been fierce. The demand for consulting and enterprise systems as well as AI, machine learning and data science roles also grew. Both areas saw twice as many job postings in the first half of 2024 compared with the first half of 2023.
I do not think 2025 and beyond will be any different than this year. The demand for technical expertise driven by AI and machine learning is at a high level with no short-term end in sight. Education is a blessing, but how much formal education really necessary as we head into year 2025?
Elon Musk’s short take on formal education. Agree or disagree, he does make his point clear.
A Few Thoughts for Mid-October
Hurricane Milton proceeded by Hurricane Helena. Thoughts are with all who have had their lives turned upside down in the last three weeks.
How far does the Israeli/Hamas/Iran/Hezbollah conflict escalate?
In three weeks, we again go dark as daylight savings time ends. I have no words.
Rafael Nadal is retiring from tennis after his last appearance for Spain in the Davis Cup. He will be missed.
Is it surprising that European transit authorities are now questioning Telsa’s Cybertruck being too large and heavy for European roads and highways? I understand that designers are tasked with creating automobiles with discernible differences, but who was the person at Tesla who approved this design.
As mentioned, I feel for everyone who has experienced the two hurricanes in the last three weeks. It you live in Florida it is inevitable that once in a while you will have to deal with property damage and loss. It is alarming that Florida and other southeast states were subject to back-to-back hurricanes. Lives turned upside down, businesses and their inventory lost to water damage, and some people for better or for worse, deciding not to evacuate areas targeted by the inbound hurricane.
I am not making light of the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. I do hope that some humor helps people who are struggling to get their lives and property back in order. A take from Ron White should put a smile on your face. Warning: crude language in this video.
Pure Talent. Fred Astaire’s career was well-recognized for his acting and dancing. This is Fred Astaire, at age 52, turning a hat rack into his dance partner. Just Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.
Glory to Shame. Respect Demanded. Donate Today. “It’s an Alien Life Form.” Pure Talent.
Quote of the Week: I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you. – Friedrich Nietzsche
In 1985, he surpassed Ty Cobb’s 57-year-old Major League Baseball record for the all-time leader in hits. He also was a seventeen-time MLB all-star and went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds after an amazing career. All the glory Pete Rose garnered from his baseball playing days was flushed away after a 1989 investigation found that Rose, as manager of the Reds, gambled on games he was managing. The unfortunate outcome was that Rose was banned from baseball, with that ban still upheld as of today.
Rose was a gamer, a player who was relentless in the pursuit of winning. Rose will go down as one of the greatest players of all-time, but his life after baseball, due to his gambling and tax evasion issues, was one of fret, grief, and despair. Pete Rose passed away last week at the age of eighty-three. Baseball people called him “Charlie Hustle” for good reasons. For one, I enjoyed watching him play baseball. RIP Pete Rose.
If you have read a few of my posts, you understand my take on racism. My stance is clear and concise: I have no tolerance for anyone or any entity who evokes, proliferates, or garners any realm of racism. It disgusts me that as we head to year 2025, racism continues to be a thread of America.
Dignity and respect. There are many ways to define Sidney Poitier, both as a man and as an actor. He defined what it meant to be a leading man as a tremendous actor, transcending race by breaking down barriers. In 1968, Poitier starred in two fantastic movies: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “In the Heat of the Night.” His portrayal of a Black doctor engaged to a white woman forced Hollywood and society in general to deal with racial prejudices. Poitier was the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in the 1964 film “Lillies of the Field.”
Poitier demanded respect as a man and as an actor. He became a well-respected figure in Hollywood as a Black man in times of rampant racism. This interview gives us a quick look at his commanding presence, stature, and dignity. Well said, Sidney Poitier. Say No to Racism.
The despair and destruction from Hurricane Helene will continue for many months, with hundreds of people still missing from last weekend’s storm. Every amount of donation will help the people of areas devasted by the storm – so please contribute as you see fit. There are 140 people on the JustMyTake.net distribution list. A small donation of $75 x 140 = $10,500. I have done so. Please do so. Below is the donation link for the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. There are other agencies you can donate to including the American Red Cross, Project Hope, and the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Donate – North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ncvoad.org)
“Exhilarating and exciting…. the actual context and the state of content is going to be so different...” This was David Bowie’s take on the internet twenty-five years ago. Bowie obviously had an incredible sense of creativity and individuality. His legacy as a musician, songwriter, and actor stands on its own, but did we think he was a futurist? Twenty-five years ago, and Bowie was providing his take on the internet. He was not far off.
Pure Talent. The best part of this video is the look this two-year-old gives Howie Mandel at the 2:40 mark. Mandel speaks out, interrupting whatever this mathematician is doing to answer the equation. An amazing young kid with a mind of his own. This kid is Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Be You. Are You Honking at Me? Answers? Born to Be Alive.
Quote of the Week: “Sometimes, you have to step outside of the person you’ve been and remember the person you were meant to be. The person you want to be. The person you are.” – H.G. Wells
I do not know the specifics behind this H.G. Wells quote. What I do know is that I agree with the four-time Nobel Prize nominee. Words can be cheap, and the cliche “easier said than done” may be our first takeaway from his quote. The reality is that all of us, to be honorable, virtuous, and successful, must sometimes step out of our comfort zone, lean into things we are not always good at, and to whatever degree continue to reinvent who and what we are. In year 2024, and quickly heading to 2025, complacency, hesitation, and procrastination will probably not play out well for you.
H.G. Wells’ quote and actor Jason Statham’s words below resonated with me for many reasons. Many years ago, as a final step to accepting a position as an officer with a publicly held company, I went through a one-day battery of tests and assessment from a corporate psychiatrist. His assessment was positive, with the overall designation of my persona as ‘sigma.’ A sigma male, by definition, “is popular, successful, an independent thinker, self-reliant, and someone who stays away from the social hierarchy by their own choice.”
I had no idea how this psychiatrist assessed all that with written and verbal testing, but I felt that his take on me was fair. Though I am independent in many ways, I do look for my friends and business associates for advice and consultation. I have never put an emphasis on the number of my friends, but the quality of friends that I do keep close. H.G. Wells’ quote and Jason Statham’s words are pointed and decisive. Do their words resonate with you?
This could be a top ten video of all time. Regarding Jason Statham’s view of being your own person and not letting other people influence who you really are, we could all learn from this woman trying to cross the street. No yelling. No screaming. No violence (other than the airbag). She quickly, and simply, dealt with this moron. 🙂
Thoughts for the End of September
Free covid tests are available again. Does the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledge that there is another Covid-19 variant on the horizon? Let us hope not.
Does anyone care to take a guess with how far mortgage rates will fall in October and through year-end?
Bad blood and sportsmanship during the 2024 Presidents Cup? I think rivalries are very good for golf.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says pedals pilots use to steer the Boeing 737 Max on runways can become jammed because moisture can leak into a rudder assembly and freeze. The following is Boeing’s recommendation to overpower a jammed rudder: “Pilots are to use maximum pedal force.” Seriously, Boeing?
Amazing that we are only fifty-nine days from Thanksgiving and 86 days from Christmas. 🙂 I am excited and ready for the holidays!
Thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes for all effected by Hurricane Helene. Thank you to all who reached out to me here in Orlando. Orlando, other than minor damage and power outages, was spared. Many along the “Big Bend” of Florida’s coast, Georgia, Tennessee, South and North Carolina were much less fortunate.
Pure Talent. My taste in music is widespread, due to my brother’s influence and the neighborhood where I was raised. You cannot tell me that no matter where you lean with music that you do not enjoy the 1979 worldwide hit “Born to Be Alive.” Patrick Hernandez = Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
A Take on Guns and Abortion. Money. Crockett and Tubbs. Lou Rawls.
Quote of the Week: I love argument, I love debate. I don’t expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that’s not their job. – Margaret Thatcher
I asked for it, and I got it. Last week’s take on gun control and abortion spurred many comments, with three of them below. The first comment is from a college roommate who went on to earn his Masters and Doctorate at Duke University’s Divinity School. The second comment is from a longtime Atlanta friend who makes his point regarding mental health and school security. The third comment is from a southern gentleman and longtime friend who now lives in Savannah but spent a good bit of time living in Virginia and Atlanta. Thank you to everyone who commented. Gun control and abortion are divisive topics.
I beg to differ on one point. I’ve spent “some time” delving into religion and religious practices. Politics may surround the issue of gun control, but religion does NOT! There is no “God given” right to bear arms or own guns. There is no commandment or requirement in ANY religion (of which I’m aware) that says to be a good and faithful adherent to that religion, you must own a gun or any weapon. What has plagued and controlled our nation for far too long is Christian Nationalism. You do not have to be American to be Christian. You do not have to be Christian to be American. Likewise, you do not have to be Christian to be patriotic and you do not have to be patriotic to be Christian. We are NOT and have never been a “Christian Nation”. Our founders never intended for us to be a “Christian Nation”. Christian Nationalism has done great harm over the years, particularly to indigenous populations and any who live on the fringes of what society considers the norm. Christian Nationalism is a misplacement of faith priorities and usurps the rightful place of God in a believer’s heart. Thus, we live in a political morass where people and politicians posture with sacred texts and proclaim they speak with God’s blessing, or worse yet, they speak FOR God! As the saying goes, “I can do all things through a scripture verse taken out of context.”
Our schools are grossly underfunded as it is. Our grandson started kindergarten this year and had to spend over $170 for BASIC school supplies. We’re not talking fancy folders or the latest pair of Air Jordans! Paper, pencils, and other supplies that schools should provide. I have friends who are teachers who have told me how much the spend out of pocket, just to equip their classrooms. You want to take money from playground budgets and the PTA (you can sacrifice the landscaping)?? They are not just buying punch and cookies for the kids! The real question is why should we HAVE to take money from the budget to provide better metal detectors?? You are right (sort of) that guns, bombs, knives, etc. don’t kill people…. well actually they DO kill people…but people kill people because any dumbass can buy a gun unfettered and use it for nefarious means. Arming staff and adding more guns is like bringing gasoline to put out a bonfire! We are one of the most advance and smartest (debatable) nations in the world. Surely, we can come up with some reasonable policy to protect a reasonable person’s right to own a weapon AND better protect our children and citizens…. don’t you think? It won’t be foolproof… but maybe a start?
You want to follow the Bible? Beat your swords into plowshares. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s but render unto God what is God’s. God doesn’t want your guns.
I know you don’t like to talk about politics and religion, so I did it for you! 😉 Just MY take. Love ya, brother! – The Reverend Dr. Kirk Oldham
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So, I have said it before, and I will say it again…. guns, bombs, knives, cars, motorcycles…. don’t kill people…. people kill people! That said mental health is still a problem we are not addressing as a society! People that want to harm others will do so by any means. And as far as our schools go…. let’s take some money out of the landscaping and playground equipment budgets or fundraisers the PTA do….and have some better metal detection equipment and trained armed school resource personnel on site EVERY school day! Even if police react to calls of violence quickly…. they are still at a minimum of a few minutes away and that in most cases is too late! RIP James Earl Jones a voice you could always easily detect! – J.P.
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Regarding abortion, we totally agree that this is a decision for states–getting the people closest to the impact of the decision to decide. People in Utah see it far differently than Californians. To decide a national fix prohibits this. I have also long felt that abortion as a means of contraception is abominable. Abortions should always be available for cases of rape, incest, and the health of the mother. Six weeks isn’t realistic as most may not even know they are pregnant at that time. Fifteen weeks has always seemed to be a good compromise deadline (inadvertent bad pun). We were living in VA when the Governor sure as hell said you could kill the infant after birth under certain cases, just as Trump said in the last debate. It was part of the law the Governor was trying to pass. – Tom A.
Staying above the fray is a cliche’ usually said to remind everyone that though many things around the world are sad and sideways, it is important to stay very positive, vigilant, and resilient. The headlines last week:
Study Suggests ‘Third State’ of Existence Beyond Life and Death
Exploding Pagers and Walkie-Talkies
Alleged Black Nazi to be North Carolina’s governor?
U.S. ranks last in health care compared with nine other high-income countries.
The Insurrectionists Next Door
The Chicago White Sox Could Set a Record for Most Losses in a Season.
Let’s all stay above the fray.
Quote of the Week v.2: Consuming full-fat milk products could help stave off disease’s seniors are more prone to, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Tufts University Medical Center 🙂
Jerry Seinfeld was right. American culture has continued to change at a rapid pace. The 1970s were a time of political upheaval, inflation, and energy crises. The 1980s saw a rise in conservatism, materialism, and consumerism. As the 70s turned into the 80s, it did become all about who you were, how much money you had, and what you were able to obtain with your money. Forty years later, how do you define today’s culture, technology, and music?
Speaking of the 80’s, Jerry Seinfeld was correct that the 80’s were not only about money, but who knew, how cool your job was, defined by the NBC weekly show, Miami Vice. The show aired on Friday nights, and I do not know about you and your friends, but my friends and I NEVER missed an episode. Yes, I was raised in Miami, so maybe there was some bias towards Miami Vice, but to me this TV show had production quality better than most current films.
Most people today will never get a sense of what a watershed moment the 80’s provided. Up until the Miami Vice series there was nothing that came close to the music and outstanding videography. Miami Vice was the epitome of the 80’s, and this scene below, with Tubbs slowly loading his shotgun, was on a different level. It did not matter if you drove a Honda Accord or Ferrari, driving in the 80’s at night while listening to the epic Phil Collins song was all about that place and time in Miami. It was not about money – it was all about being cool.
The scene below from Miami Vice: From the epic music to the telephone booth, the hairstyles, the clothes, and the neon, these four minutes sum up the 80s like no other. This show, and this scene, was all about tension, perfect pacing, perfect angles, little talking, and big emotions. This weekend marks the forty-year anniversary of Miami Vice – yes, 40 years.
Jerry Seinfeld was right about both the 70s and 80s.
Pure Talent. Speaking of the 70’s and 80’s, this magical singer was the definition of being cool. His style, his presence, and voice made Lou Rawls an international star, including this appearance on the TV show, Soul Train. Lou Rawls was Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
What is Your Take? ‘U Ayen’t Rite.’ Any Answers? Darth Vader. Lisa & Barry.
Quote of the Week: In the state of Texas, an 18-year-old can purchase two AR-15s and 1,600 rounds of ammo, but a woman carrying a non-viable fetus which may KILL her cannot get an abortion. – Jo from New Jersey
There is no way that I am going to breach my ethos of ‘no politics, no religion’ -but this quote made me think. I have no take on gun control, other than to point out that the second Amendment was ratified 233 years ago. I have no take on abortion other than abortion to me is not a simple go, no-go decision.
I realize that religion and politics surround the topics of gun control and abortion. I have provided my take on school shootings, and the systemic terror that has gripped various schools across the United States. School resource officers are now a must, and the reality is the point of entry of every school must unfortunately be governed with bag checks and other levels of screening. Gun control and banning ‘weapons of war’ like the AR-15 assault rifle are not the entire answer. The Sandy Hook perpetrator used a Glock handgun.
The abortion issue is fluid and fragmented. Limitless abortion certainly can be problematic in certain situations. So can a law like Florida’s proposed six-week abortion ban. Do women have rights to manage abortion? Do government entities supersede personal abortion decisions with state laws?
I am looking for your take on these issues. You can post to the Comments section or send me an email. Your comments may be mentioned in my next post but not your name. Much appreciated.
“U Ayen’t Rite.” I reserve this description for the special people I meet, or the people I get to experience. Last Thursday night, in front of a sold-out house at KIA Center in Orlando, I watched and listened to Sebastian Maniscalco. He is a master storyteller, providing examples of his upbringing, school years, family, and many other topics. He is not Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Foxx, or Rodney Dangerfield. He has his own style, delivery, manner of speak, and facial expressions. I am sure most of you know Sebastian Maniscalco, but if not, here is a glimpse of why I refer to him as “You Ayen’t Rite.”
A Few Comments and Questions for mid-September
Thoughts and prayers to the people of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastal areas. An unfortunate target and destination of devastating storms.
The new Starbucks CEO has stated that he needs the worldwide brand to get back to basics. I am not a fan of Starbucks coffee, but I do wish the CEO good luck as Starbucks says there are more than 170,000 possible drink combinations, including the doppio espresso macchiato with extra milk and two Splendas. Getting back to basics could be a monumental task.
Is anyone interested in privatizing postal delivery and service in the United States? Other than medication, is the private sector okay with mail delivery on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (or a combination of three other days)? I ask as the U.S. Postal Service reported a $6.5 billion net loss for the 2023 fiscal year.
He overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter. He won two Emmy’s, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts, and was honored at the Kennedy Center annual award ceremony. We lost James Earl Jones last week – someone we will all remember for his incredible voice overs as Mufasa in the “The Lion King” and Darth Vader in “Star Wars.” There was and has been no better station break voice over than his famous “This is CNN.” RIP James Earl Jones.
I do not need to explain why I picked these two artists for this week’s take on Pure Talent. If you cannot admire the magic of Lisa Stanfield and Barry White…well, I just can’t help you. These two are just Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have Sunday Funday.
