Can We Not Just All Get Along? Favorite National Parks. How Many States Have You Visited?
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.
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!
Acadia, peaceful Maine..
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.
Grand Canyon or Glacier National Park- breathtaking views, hikes and wildlife. Got to experience both with family which makes it even more special!
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!
My favorite park is Arch’s in Utah not -one straight line in the whole park.
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.
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.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.
Reaching Your Goals. China is Full of Them. Hoochie Koo. Nuke the Moon? His Legacy or a Farce? Backstabbers.
Quote of the Week: “I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” – John D. Rockefeller
I think the word perseverance is often misunderstood. While the word itself is aligned with not giving up and maintaining a purpose, many unfortunately tie the word perseverance to being stubborn or unwilling to change. There are many words associated with perseverance including determination, achievement, and persistence, but to me it has always been about finding your own path, envisioning success, and overcoming barriers that are part and parcel of everyday life. To Rockefeller’s point, …“perseverance overcomes almost everything…” This short video shows us examples of perseverance.
In previous posts I have commented on my concerns with electric vehicles (EV). Some of my concerns relate to the power grid thresholds, the availability of recharging stations, range per charge, and the amount of time needed to recharge your car’s battery. In the United States, automobile manufacturers have revisited their forecasts and plans for EV output, turning some of their production lines from all EV to hybrid.
The EV dilemma is no different outside of the United States, especially in China. China has the most EV makers of any nation globally (fifty) but only three Chinese EV makers are currently profitable. Three out of 50 is alarming with price competition, slowly decreasing demand, and expensive marketing costs putting a damper on many EV makers’ profitability. The tariffs imposed by the United States certainly are not helping matters, with Chinese EV makers focusing on Europe and Australia to ramp up sales.
Fifty EV makers in China, with the financial hurdles they face, are not sustainable. It is inevitable that there will be a good bit of merger and acquisition with these fifty Chinese EV makers. From a consumer standpoint, this may raise EV prices, but as reported by Nikkei Asia: “April’s top-selling all-electric vehicle in China was the Star Wish sedan from Geely’s Galaxy EV brand. A base Star Wish has a range of about 192 miles and is priced at $9,500. Comparatively, Tesla’s Model 3 starts at about $32,688 in China.“ I wonder how many people in China will pay 3x for a Tesla over a Star Wish EV?
The go-forward with auto makers is in flux. While Toyota reports a newfound strategy with EV and Hybrid manufacturing, General Motors has abandoned a plan to pump $300 million into electric-vehicle motor production at its upstate New York plant and will now invest $888 million to make the latest V-8 engines. There is no doubt that many changes are happening with worldwide automobile manufacturing.
No auto-tune, no lip-syncing, just great music. Along with long hair and interesting attire, Rick Derringer was a guitarist, vocalist, writer and producer. Best known as part of the Edgar Winter Group on the Frankenstein tour, Derringer also played a role in producing Steely Dan, Meatloaf, and Cyndy Lauper. I best remember him for his 1970’s solo hit, Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo. Rick Derringer passed away last week at the age of seventy-seven.
This video is from the awesome show The Midnight Special, a weekly show that introduced many of us to all types of music. I can still hear my father pounding on our bedroom door telling us to turn down the volume. 🙂
There has been a lot said about NASA and the Apollo Space Program. The Apollo program began in the 1960s and is best known for Apollo 11’s moon landing in July of 1969. That crew of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins landed on the moon’s Sea of Tranquility, and we all know that Armstrong was the first to step onto the moon’s surface with his famous declaration: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
While we do know about the ups and downs of the Apollo Space Program, I doubt that many of us were aware of the Project A119 plan. Developed by the U.S. Air Force, this top-secret project was conceived during the Cold War to show American technological superiority over the Soviet Union. The mission: to detonate a W25 nuclear warhead on the moon’s surface. Say what?
Thankfully, the A119 plan was canceled for all the right reasons. This video takes us through this strange but true initiative.
Thank you everyone for chiming in with your answer to last week’s Question of the Week: What is Vladimir Putin’s desired outcome continuing the war with Ukraine?
I guess for Putin, Russia’s greatest threat is bordering a free, democratic, capitalist Ukraine whose citizens speak Russian language.
World domination: He wants to rule all and has the ego that is just as big.
To stay in power.
Yet another provocative question! I believe that only the Almighty and old Vladimir himself know what his actual endgame is. That said, it is mental masturbation to bring rational thought to the table to scrutinize this man’s plan. He was an early hero to the Russian people and their economy, a savior like Hitler to the downtrodden Germans after WWI. He then very adroitly consolidated power around him, silencing/killing outspoken opponents. The world sees him as unhinged, but oh wait! He has an arsenal of nuclear weapons and is perceived as demented enough to unleash them on a whim. He worships the old USSR, Mother Russia, and longs to return it to its superpower glory. And that all starts with regaining control of that darling, the most prominent of the former Soviet Union, Ukraine. He dares the rest of the world to screw with him. And he has won so far–the EU could wipe out Moscow in short order but legitimately fear this maniac unleashing hell on them. Can anyone identify any deterrent that has slowed him? Negatory.
Putin, in his deranged mind, is creating a legacy. He sees Ukraine as a land grab and a deterrent to keeping NATO away from his backyard. Sad, but true.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: What is your favorite U.S. National Park and why? Note: I have two: Yosemite and Acadia. Both great for hiking and exploring.
Pure Talent. No one likes backstabbers but the word was never explained better than by the O’Jays. It is too bad that our youngsters never had the opportunity to watch Soul Train in the 1970s. The amount of talent the show presented was amazing, and this video gives the O’Jays with their hit song “Backstabbers.” William Powell and the O’Jays were Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.
Stop Being So Serious. A Take on UNC. Memorial Day. Putin’s Agenda. 331 Lines.
Quote of the Week:“There’s great value in being able to step back and laugh at yourself, at life, and at attitudes. Laughter helps you put everything into perspective.” – Jim Henson
Jim Henson was all about laughter. As the creator of the Muppets, Henson generated laughter from all of us no matter our age. There is a lot to be said about laughter, whether you are laughing at yourself or laughing with others. It is so fun and enjoyable to laugh hard – even when everyone is laughing at you.
The benefits of laughter are supported by a Mayo Clinic study. In summary:
“A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body.
Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling. Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.“
Maybe we should all laugh more!
Two weeks ago, I asked if anyone really cares what Bill Belichick does with his personal life as he takes the reigns of the University of North Carolina (UNC) football program. My comment provoked a pointed response from my long-time friend K.O. Any guess what university K.O. supports in the Raleigh-Durham area? 🙂 Another long-time friend was just named the Athletic Director at a major university in the Big Ten Conference. Maybe J.S. can give his take on this interesting debacle at UNC?
I’m catching up on last week’s blog, so chiming in late on the Bill Belichick/Jordan Hudson fiasco. I almost want to say, “don’t get me started”. The real question is how long UNC will allow this circus to continue before deciding the distraction and embarrassment is too much. The hiring of Belichick was driven by an overzealous Board of Governors political appointee who disregarded the usual hiring protocol, including bypassing the university administration. It is another example of UNC arrogance and bravado run amuck. It’s the same attitude behind the athletic department consistently thumbing their noses at the NCAA (aka worst academic scandal in NCAA history) and the NCAA giving them a “wink and a nod”. But, I’m not biased. 🙂
For a many reasons, tomorrow is the most important holiday in the United States. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and was formerly known as Decoration Day. Memorial Day commemorates all who have died in military service for the United States. Tomorrow takes on additional significance with those around the world who have fallen in the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other parts of the world where conflict rages on. Please fly your flag to honor our fallen veterans.
On a much lighter but sad note, we lost an iconic character actor last week. We all new him as Norm on the show Cheers that ran from 1982 to 1993, with his unquenchable thirst for beer and more importantly for his bar stool. RIP George Wendt.
Question of the Week: Thank you to all who answered last week’s Question of the Week: If you could live anywhere in the world, with money and family not being a factor, where would it be, and why?
Italian coast looking over the Mediterranean Sea … beauty, food & climate.
Hi Gary, hands down regardless of cost I would choose the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica, it is a blue zone. The quality of life, longevity, happiness are the way of life with respect to nature.
Amelia Island -Easy drive, no hurricanes in 125 years…no state tax…great beach.
I suppose it would be a beach front house in Nantucket overlooking the Atlantic on a large piece of land. However, there also is a part of Nantucket that is sinking into the Atlantic. Of course, I would have to also have a penthouse in downtown St Pete for the winter.
Of the places I have visited- without a doubt Florence, Italy. The history, culture, food and overall atmosphere including the people has always been my #1.
TheAmalfi Coast for the weather, food, and beauty.
London. History, cosmopolitan restaurants, arts, trains to Europe.
WOW! Great question. My first thought would be the Monterrey peninsula or Napa/Sonoma counties. Having just gotten back from a Venice to Barcelona cruise, the Dalmatian/Adriatic coast is a little beyond enticing. But after 28 trips to Italy, Tuscany is just incomparable. I need therapy…….
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: What is Vladimir Putin’s desired outcome continuing the war with Ukraine?
Thoughts for Memorial Day Weekend 2025
Why did White House officials not disclose President Joe Biden’s healthcare issues? How and why did the prostate cancer go undetected?
The European soccer (football) landscape is sometimes difficult to understand but it all breaks down to competitions involving either clubs or countries. One of the club competitions that happens annually in concert with European league play is the Euro League, which is a stepsister competition to the massive Champions League, the world’s most lucrative club competition. In the crazy world of sports, the Euro League final was played last Wednesday between two teams who stand 16th and 17th in England’s Premier League. The 17th place team, Tottenham, was victorious in the final, which gives them an automatic place in the Champions League competition. Yes, a team in 17th place in the Premier League qualified for the Champions League competition starting in August…and more importantly, with all revenue streams combined, should provide Tottenham a $130 million revenue bump. Just a bit wacky but a massive windfall for this famous English club. Note: the governing body of soccer in Europe is UEFA. UEFA will reportedly reap $3.6 billion from networks across the globe for the rights to the 2025/26 Champions League competition.
Keep your pennies and give them to your children and grandchildren as they eventually will be a collector’s item. The Treasury says that production of the penny will end in 2026.
Epic Universe Orlando opened last Thursday. The park features five themed ‘worlds’ and cost $7 billion to build. Another theme park for the Orlando area and another ride I have no interest in experiencing! 🙂
Pure Talent.Lose Yourself is a song by American rapper Eminem from the soundtrack of the 2002 film 8 Mile. At the 75th Academy Awards, Eminem won Best Original Song for Lose Yourself, making him the first rapper ever to receive an Oscar in that category. Someone who is very talented and had a good bit of time on their hands composed this version of Lose Yourself using lines from over three hundred movies. I have no idea how this was done but there is no doubt that this comes from someone with Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday.
Cousteau and Serenity. It is Only a Gorilla. The Ramifications of Your Decisions. Really, Where Would You Go? Tequila!!
Quote of the Week: “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Jacques Cousteau understood the virtues of the sea. Cousteau was a French naval officer who then became world-renowned for his oceanography and filmmaking. He gave us our first glimpses of underwater exploration with a career bar none. I agree with Cousteau’s quote as being on the coast and on the water does cast a spell. The shores and the seas across the world differ in many ways but always bring some peace and a smile.
This beautiful song, Porcelain, by the artist Moby, gives us photography used in the movie “The Beach.” Is anyone up for a trip to Thailand?
Random Thoughts for Mid-May 2025
I am convinced that Vladimir Putin has NO intention of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Someone please prove me wrong.
The availability of Narcan (Naloxone) must be a big contributing factor to opioid deaths dropping by 27% year-over- year. Narcan is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication now available over the counter.
I am not sure of the average age of people who will take in Beyonce on her Cowboy Carter Tour, but I do know that at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the lowest priced ticket, for the 3rd level of that beautiful stadium, is $338.00. Amazing since the majority of Americans’ optimism about the economy is at a near-record low.
Cox and Charter Communications joining forces. It was inevitable as competition from cellphone carriers who use 5G technology to provide internet speeds that are competitive with fixed cable lines…at lower prices. ‘Cutting the cord’ by consumers continues a high levels.
One gorilla versus one hundred humans in a fight with no weapons or tools. Whoever would win this fight is all over the internet and has been for ten weeks. Could one hundred unarmed humans take down a gorilla? I know, no one cares but….
Thank you to all who answered last week’s Question of the Week: “How do you stop yourself from doing something to make yourself feel better, if it just ends up making yourself feel worse?” The reader who submitted the question gave these examples: impulse shopping, an extra glass of wine, a midnight snack, etc. Your answers and thoughts are appreciated.
I go for a walk or I clean. Either takes my mind off whatever is troubling me 🙂
This is a super question. If I had the answer, I would be a much better person. The long-term gain must outweigh the weaknesses pain. So, my only advice is truly committing and trying earnestly.
“Feeling good is 90% mental and the other half physical,” as the great Yogi Berra would say. If you have to do something like shopping, drinking, watching CNN, etc. to feel better, group therapy would probably be the better resolution. Selah.
I try to think through the ramifications of my actions before I take action. That, of course, is easier said than done.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: If you could live anywhere in the world, with money and family not being a factor, where would it be, and why?
Pure Talent. Maybe the greatest performance ever on America’s Got Talent. The amount of effort and emotion this young man puts into the song Tequila is amazing. 🙂 The mustache, the posture, the tie, the haircut, and yes, his amazing attitude makes this guy Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Age is Just a Number. What Were the Odds? Answers Please. The Sneak Pass Maneuver.
Quote of the Week: Let’s face it, the human body is like a condominium apartment. The thing that keeps you really enjoying it is the maintenance. There’s a tremendous amount of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly work that has to be done. From showering to open heart surgery, we’re always doing something to ourselves. If your body was a used car, you wouldn’t buy it. – Jerry Seinfeld
Whether you agree or disagree with Jerry Seinfeld depends on correlating our bodies to a used car. While cars lose twenty percent of their value in the first year of ownership and retain just 40% of their original value after five years, do we not become more valuable as we grow older? One of many “getting old” jokes I like: Someone told me they liked my alligator shoes. I was barefoot.
This take from Susan Rice has some truth to it…and her advice may resonate with many of us:
I Have Some Questions
When is the last time that you were in a Burger King?
Why did Disney pick Abu Dhabi for its next park? The Middle East seems to be a hot destination for tourists led by Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City, a new city being built with a mix of entertainment, attractions, sports complexes, and residential neighborhoods.
Will any A-list celebrities and politicians will be subpoenaed to testify in the Sean “Diddy” Combs criminal trial?
Have you seen the movie Conclave? It is well done and as always, Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci are fantastic.
The Persian Gulf being renamed The Arabian Gulf. Do we really care what we call the body of water separating Iran and Saudi Arabia?
Will last Thursday’s new trade deal with the United Kingdom be the first of many?
Weeks later, why is the media is still all over the Bill Belichick/Jordan Hudson romance? Yes, I typed romance.
Will Bitcoin and other cryptos stay above $100,000? Have you been asked to explain cryptocurrency? Is cryptocurrency a digital currency that could replace normal monetary systems?
In a post last month, I discussed how the new Pope is elected and offered up the question if an American had any chance of being selected: “Is there a chance that the next Pope will be an American? Most pundits point out that for the first time in history, fewer than half of those given a vote will be European. The voting process is known as the Conclave with one hundred thirty-three cardinals, all of whom must be under the age of eighty, submitting their vote. The voting process continues until a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote.“
Last Thursday, one hundred thirty-three cardinals, after a few voting rounds did not yield a two-thirds majority, finally decided on an American-born Pope. As always, the Pope uses a name from the past that best aligns with their sacred work of leading 1.4 billion followers of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, is now Pope Leo XIV. He speaks English, Spanish, and Italian, is a Chicago White Sox fan, and plays tennis on a regular basis. Let us hope that Pope Leo XIV becomes a strong voice for peace, social justice, and human dignity.
Note: for some of my friends who think Hard Rock Bet is the best app ever…Cardinal Prevost was listed as a 0.6% chance of being named the new Pope by various betting sites. Just saying.
Today is Mother’s Day. Yes, many of us live away from our mom, have had a contentious relationship with her, or our mom has passed on. With that said, whether your mom is still with us or not, don’t miss the opportunity to show your respect and appreciation for every mom. Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a day of “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Not all of us can gather to celebrate Mother’s Day, but at the very least, no matter the situation, call your mom and show your respect and appreciation. Just do it.
Question of the Week. Thank you to all who provided your answers and one interesting recipe. The question: With yesterday’s Kentucky Derby in the books and thousands of mint juleps consumed, as summer quickly approaches What is Your Favorite Summer Cocktail? Will you share your drink recipe with all of us?
My favorite summer drink forever has been Tanqueray and Schwepps tonic water. Then about three years ago, my A1c was elevated, and I started looking more carefully at sugar intake. Tonic water had more sugar than you should consume in a frickin’ day. Johnny Walker Black and two ice cubes to the rescue!
Not big on summer cocktails … cold Corona with slice of lime is all I need!
Summer cocktail means Gin & Tonic. Here’s my fave summer cocktail served up in Atlanta at the Four Seasons Midtown lounge known as Bar Margot. it’s your kind of place. (Reminds me of The Palm, but they have a DJ).
This signature drink is the “Gin Margot”: Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients: 2 oz Papa Salt Gin 4 oz soda water Orange twist for garnish Crack of black pepper for garnish
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Pour the gin over the ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with an orange twist and a crack of black pepper.
Variations:
CAPI Pink Grapefruit Soda – Using this soda as a mixer, which adds a touch of sweetness and a pink hue to the drink.
Rosemary Salt Rim – Rimming the glass with a rosemary salt mixture (blended rosemary and sea salt) for a more complex flavor profile.
An Arnold Palmer made this way: unsweetened tea, lemonade, with most of it being tea. Add two ounces of your favorite bourbon and pour over a tall glass with ice.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: “How do you stop yourself from doing something to make yourself feel better, if it just ends up making yourself feel worse?”The reader who submitted the question gave these examples: impulse shopping, an extra glass of wine, a midnight snack, etc. Your answers and thoughts are appreciated.
Pure Talent. I have no excuses, but I have not been to an air show featuring the Blue Angels for many years. This video shows us the ‘sneak pass’ maneuver which demonstrates how quickly these planes can be right on top of their target without knowing they are coming. This maneuver is performed at just below the speed of sound (768 mph) from an altitude as low as fifty feet. No one can hear the jet’s engines until the jet moves past you. The Blue Angels are Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday Mother’s Day!
The Soundtrack of our Lives. The Bedroom Partner? Your Favorite Summer Cocktail. Mint Juleps. A Young Virtuoso.
Quote of the Week: “Music is the soundtrack of our lives. “ – Dick Clark
I agree with Dick Clark’s quote. Music really is a long soundtrack that aligns with our lives. There is music that I listen to today that instantly takes me back to the past, with vivid memories of the exact place I was when I heard the song. There are songs that remind me of my high school days (Bachman Turner Overdrive’s Takin’ Care of Business), my college days (Donna Summer’s Bad Girls) and every period of time up to today. Some of the music played by the bands I enjoyed have been recognized at one time or another with election to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame being the benchmark of honor.
Every year, whether you agree with the nominees or not, musicians and bands are nominated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The recently announced 2025 inductees are Bad Company, Thom Bell, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Nicky Hopkins, Carol Kaye, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, Soundgarden, Lenny Waronker, The White Stripes, and Warren Zevon. Unfortunately for me, a few of my favorites did not make this year’s list including Billy Idol and The Black Crowes. I am not sure how these two could be left off the nomination list but in years past there have been many great acts who did not make the nominee’s list.
The song Fell On Black Days, with the late lead singer Chris Cornell, helped put the band Soundgarden at the top of the charts in 1994. The strong bass groove, clean guitar, and pounding drums – for me, one of the best alternative songs ever written, and vocals by the outstanding Chris Cornell.
Alternative romance. Solo weddings. Parties of one. Single karaoke. This is not a random hyperbole but real life happenings in Tokyo and other major cities that garner most of a country’s population. The cause and effect are stimulated by artificial intelligence (AI) – a topic I mentioned in JustMyTake over a year ago:
Previous posts have discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and the dire need for regulation. To me, the upside of AI is the massive quantity of information and processing speed AI offers, especially in the fields of healthcare, science, and education. Unfortunately, the threats posed by AI are not fully understood and sometimes underestimated by scientists, politicians, and the media. If you benchmark AI as a robust optimization system, can AI subsequently generate unintended consequences in the forms of miscommunication and manipulation? How crucial for those continuing to develop AI is a responsible and transparent approach, considering not only the benefits but also the potential risks and ethical implications? If many people cannot tell when they are being manipulated by social media, what chance do we have with the continued development of AI?
The flip side is the ability of AI to be used in the wrong way. Here is one example: a North Carolina-based technology company recently evaluated if their AI software was able to generate thousands of molecules that could be used as chemical weapons – in just a few hours. They deemed the test a success and obviously stopped the research experiment before any of these molecules could be fully developed.
Do not get me wrong, I am a proponent of technology and the use of AI. I am only restating that the world needs to get its arms around the use and development of AI to ensure there is regulation as it relates to nuclear, biological, and chemical protection. I am open-minded and have adapted to the ever-changing landscape of technology. I have often said that at this point in my life, nothing really surprises me.
That thought changed a bit Sunday evening as I watched a segment of 60 Minutes. The segment covered the ever-decreasing birthrate and population of Japan, the systemic issues with people never marrying, and the socio-economic issues facing the Japanese workforce. At the 6:50 mark of the video below even I was surprised. Let’s just say that robots making their way into the bedroom did not sit well with me. Watch from the 6:50 mark and tell me your thoughts. No, and no is my thought.
Regarding romance, I find it mind-boggling that America is consumed with the Bill Belichick saga. Why does anyone care who this football coach, at the age of 73, spends time with? Yes, there is a big age gap between Belichick and his girlfriend. C’mon, that age gap is only forty-nine years. 🙂
Last week’s Question of the Week offered up a few answers to a difficult question. Thank you to all who provided your answers.
If your child were on a campus and an incident similar to the one at FSU occurred, what and how would you respond to your child? What words would or could you use to ensure your son or daughter could carry on without issues?
I think we have become a much softer society and that coddling has happened too often. We live in a tumultuous world and as much as I’d like to believe there isn’t evil or bad out there…there is. I think canceling classes or postponing exams, etc. prevents children/students from learning to cope with messed up life events.
Hey Gary, thanks for being both interesting and provocative. On this question I don’t have an answer. My opinion is we collectively as a society have become so tribal and combative that our government has become incapable of depoliticizing something as tragic as school mass shootings. That in turn has made it impossible to deal with mental health, social media and gun issues through legislation. We can’t fully protect our young people, nor ourselves. So, if given the choice between hiding in our homes or living life to the fullest, I’d choose the latter for my kids. And every day I’d be thankful for their health, safety and happiness.
It doesn’t have to be on a college campus, it could happen to any of us anywhere. The shooter chose the destination to get attention by a group he or she was harmed by and the shooter suffers from a brain disease which means they have no logic.
I would tell my children to carry on and to fight for more nationwide care for people with mental health disease and limits on the types of guns people can own. Mental health is an extreme health and safety crisis and in America weapons of war are everywhere.
In other democratic countries, people can have firearms but not weapons of war. Why do hunters and homeowners need semi automatic weapons? The weapons of war of today, are not the right to bear “arms” of the Constitution.
The help for people living with mental health disease, also brain disease is not helpful. This is not heart disease or cancer, their brains have a disease and they have no logic, they are not bad people, they are not getting the proper health care that people with other diseases are getting. So when people say “it is not the gun, it is the person” They are correct, it is not a gun, it is a weapon of war used by a person whose brain has a disease.
I hope I never have to have that conversation. Just let them know I love them.
You have a very difficult question today.. I am not sure how I can talk to my kids if something like that happens… It is pure fucking insanity that we allow so many guns in the streets and fuck the saying “guns don’t kill people, people kill people!” I am sorry, this is so stupid… people kill people and guns kill people but people without guns can’t kill so many. What people don’t know (maybe?) is that seeing someone being shot dead in front of you is an insanely traumatic experience even when you are the shooter….
Brother I honestly can’t figure out what to say to my kids if something like that happens other than supporting them and showering them with love.
Difficult question for a Sunday 😁
This is a grief condition where remembrance, talking about it, and grief consulting finds humbleness and peace. For Anna & I we tried to protect them…it was the wrong move…they seek their own protection in their own way knowing you are there grieving too. Love can win….
Welcome to the crazy world…do / act what is right…
Good question. Wow. My affinity with our 2A rights, and my love for north Florida (Tallahassee in particular) might skew my opinion. If one of my daughters, both “firearms aware” had been at this incident, I’d like to think they would have stepped in to stop the shooter. I gotta think on this some more.
I thought about that when you originally asked. Truthfully, I am covered with uncertainty. Our next door neighbor in VA had a daughter whose dorm room was struck multiple times the morning the VA Tech shooter went wild years ago. My thoughts have always been to trust in the Lord and try to avoid stupid situations—Do not place yourself in potential dangerous situations period. There are some real evil folks in the world, but as the Latin slogan says: Illegitimi non carborundum—don’t let the bastards get you down. Live your life, day to day. Tomorrow will have its own issues. Fear sucks.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week: With yesterday’s Kentucky Derby in the books and thousands of mint juleps consumed, as summer quickly approaches What is Your Favorite Summer Cocktail? Will your share your drink recipe with all of us?
Regarding the Kentucky Derby, yesterday was the 151st edition of the Run for the Roses. Mint juleps, ornate hat-wearing, and the big party that always takes place in the track’s infield, with Sovereignty outdueling 3-1 favorite Journalism to earn the garland of red roses.
Every horse in yesterday’s Derby was a descendant of Secretariat. Known as Big Red, Secretariat was an American thoroughbred racehorse who was the ninth winner of the 1973 American Triple Crown, setting and still holding the fastest time record in all three of its constituent races (The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont). He is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Some of the traditions of the Kentucky Derby:
The mint julep is the official beverage and has been since 1939.
Like the Masters green jacket, the Garland of Roses presented to the winning horse is the most coveted possession in all of horse racing.
While the mint julep is the official beverage of the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Hot Browns is the official food of the race. The sandwich, created in 1920 by The Brown Hotel, is white bread, turkey, tomato, bacon, and creamy mornay sauce. The second traditional sandwich is the Benedictine Sandwich made of cucumber, green onion, cream cheese, dill, and mayonnaise, again placed between slices of white bread.
The famous hats and distinct headwear come from the Derby’s earliest days when full morning dress was required by all attendees, which included proper headwear for women.
Cash is the only way you can place a bet at Churchill Downs as Kentucky laws prohibit the use of credit cards to place a bet.
The “Walkover” is the quarter-mile walk before the Kentucky Derby involving the horses, their trainers, and their owners.
Let us hope that these traditions, some from 1920, continue as part of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
Pure Talent. Based on today’s Quote of the Week, I could have highlighted a musical talent from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand show. Instead I selected Sasha, a ten-year-old virtuoso who shows us tremendous joy playing live in front of dozens of amazed spectators. Sasha is Pure Talent!
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Poetry and Music. It is the Last Sunday of April. De Niro, Norton, & Brando. Answers Please. Grandfather Rules.
Quote of the Week: “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.” – Charles Darwin
An interesting quote from someone who spent most of his life immersed in the world of science, specifically biology. Charles Darwin gave the world an insight into the origin and diversity of life on Earth, known best for his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. He based his widely accepted (but controversial with the Church) theory that individual organisms with the characteristics best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Darwin’s theory summed up in one sentence: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”
I have not done a deep dive into Darwin’s life but I am assuming Darwin’s quote refers to some level of life balance. I also assume that Darwin spent the majority of his time expanding his knowledge and thoughts about evolution, a subject matter that is not always understood due to religious beliefs and inadequate scientific evidence.
The term ‘life balance’ is discussed by many, practiced by few. Mental health professionals have expressed their belief that life balance is crucial for fostering relationships, managing stress, promoting both physical and mental health, and in general good for our overall well-being. All of us have witnessed friends, family, and associates whose lack of balance with their personal and professional lives led to them going through burnout, emotional exhaustion, and poor job performance.
Life balance is a delicate balancing act, with some handling that balance well, and some not so much. Did Charles Darwin’s extensive research which led to his Theory of Evolution take a toll on him? His quote tells us yes.
For 2025 my focus has been on ‘BALANCE’ – trying every day to find a good level of balance with everything I do. Whether you like Jeff Bezos or not, his take on finding balance and energy is spot on.
Things I Think for the Last Sunday of April
Is there a correlation with Elon Musk spending most of his time working on DOGE and Telsa’s poor quarterly and year-over-year financial performance? A 71% drop in profit from the same period last year is alarming. Or, did Tesla sales tank as the brand has become a symbol of the current Administration? Or are consumers more diligent with their electric vehicle (EV) purchase due to EV offerings from Ford, Rivian, and other EV manufacturers? Note: If you have a few minutes, Google Jeff Bezos’ new EV offering.
Regarding Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there is no doubt that the DOGE initiatives and directives have cut federal spending, but does anyone know if DOGE has significantly reduced the national debt? From Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell: “…reducing domestic discretionary spending will not solve America’s growing national debt problem.”
Is there a chance that the next Pope will be an American? Most pundits point out that for the first time in history, fewer than half of those given a vote will be European. The voting process is known as the Conclave with one hundred twenty cardinals, all of whom must be under the age of eighty, submitting their vote. The voting process continues until a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote. Could the new Pope come from Asia or Africa?
Synthetic dyes used in food we eat could be banned. My thoughts for all of us: Over our lifetime, how many M&Ms, Lucky Charms, icing on cakes, Cheetos, Skittles, and Doritos have we consumed? Now I know why I am not 6′-2″ tall. 🙂
Regarding the Question of the Week two weeks ago asking about Pete Hegseth and the Signal messages, many of you responded that due to “no harm, no foul”, Hegseth should keep his job as the Secretary of Defense. The issue bubbled up again last week due to a second Signal message sent to his wife, brother, and personal attorney. Does this second incident change anyone’s thoughts with Hegseth keeping his job?
Factoid of the Week: Twenty billion. That is the number of videos uploaded to YouTube since the streaming platform began twenty years ago. Forbes reports that over one billion hours of YouTube content are watched each day.
It is not a ‘must-watch’ but I did catch Robert De Niro in a movie he made twenty-four years ago. I had never seen “The Score” but once I noticed De Niro’s supporting cast, I carved out the two hours to watch the intriguing Marlon Brando, a fantastic Edward Norton, and the always beautiful Angela Bassett. A good story with De Niro playing an aging thief who specializes in safe cracking. Frank Oz is the director, and he once again does a great job with this 2001 movie. The dynamic between De Niro and Norton is worth the watch.
This scene from The Score, when De Niro and Norton first meet, sets the tone for the entire movie.
Question of the Week: Last week’s question was in regards to your favorite Easter Sunday tradition. Here is how some of you answered:
Favorite Easter memory- my entire family, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and family “strays” would all gather the day before and decorate Easter eggs. The adult men would hide them late at night and Then after church Easter Sunday would be a huge celebration and egg hunt!
My favorite memories of Easter: In Lebanon we don’t do egg hunt but we compete cracking other kids eggs. If their egg cracks, I take it.
It was so much fun and the cheating by creating wooden eggs or fortified eggs with female nails polish was so much fun and if you get caught you are banned for life. We had a blast.
Easter memory: Grateful to attend the Cathedral in Nashville, TN with my wife, sons, and daughter-in-law one year after my son and daughters-in-law’s wedding there. Same priest and cantor. Brought back great memory in this most beautiful church.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week:
The recent mass shooting and tragedy that occurred at Florida State University (FSU) has many parents wondering how they would handle this type of incident with their children. The question: If your child were on a campus and an incident similar to the one at FSU occurred, what and how would you respond to your child? What words would or could you use to ensure your son or daughter could carry on without issues? Your answer is appreciated.
Pure Talent. I like this video for many reasons: 1) Obviously, the talent and skills from both the grandfather and grandson are fantastic: 2) The grandfather playing with and passing on his gift to his grandson. 3) The smiles and joy from both are something special. Ten-year-old Olly and his grandfather are definitely Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Number 42. Mass Shootings. Fandom Across the Pond. Answers Please. Random Thoughts. Freddie Mercury All Over Again.
Quote of the Week: “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” – Jackie Robinson
Seventy-eight years ago, he broke the color barrier as Major League Baseball’s first Black player. He took on detractors and racists and started his major league career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Jackie Robinson, against all odds, commanded respect not only with his on-field accomplishments, but for his life values and perseverance. Last Tuesday, and every April 15th since 2004, Major League Baseball has celebrated Jackie Robinson Day, with a goal of educating all fans about his life and legacy. One of the ways Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day is for all players to wear the number 42 during their April 15th game.
A number of people, for all the wrong reasons, did not want Jackie Robinson involved with Major League Baseball. Robinson rose above the fray to earn respect as a Major League Baseball player and later as the first Black to be a vice president at a Fortune 500 company, a banker, and a developer. Jackie Robinson’s name will always be synonymous with breaking barriers.
On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution) were ratified by three-fourths of the States. The second amendment is again top of mind these days with another school shooting, this time at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Second Amendment reads: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Little did Thomas Jefferson know that when he authenticated and ratified the Bill of Rights, the second amendment would indirectly lead to many school tragedies across the United States. Nor did he know how people of lesser minds would use the weapons allowed by the Second Amendment.
Last Wednesday’s tragedy at Florida State University was the school’s second campus shooting in the last eleven years. The twenty-year-old shooter was the son of a Leon County deputy and used his mother’s former service weapon to conduct his assault. Thursday’s incident was the 81st mass shooting of 2025 and the 18th shooting on a college campus in 2025.
I do agree that people kill people, not guns, but the United States, one way or another, must get control of the ability to access guns AND find a way to help the deranged and mentally fragile who carry out these mass shootings.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs started yesterday. The playoffs, depending on the matchup, usually draw large and loud crowds to NBA arenas across the United States and Canada. Fandom also crosses the Atlantic Ocean with professional basketball in Europe. The EuroLeague, officially named the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, is in its twenty-fifth year of competition. Similar to European football crowds, the fans really bring their passion to arenas from Madrid to Istanbul. This short video is from a recent pre-game at Crvena Zvezda’s (Red Star Belgrade) arena in Serbia. Wow!!
Question of the Week: Thank you to all of you who provided your answers to the Question of the Week: Will the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have short and long-term impact with the U.S. economy? How? Why?
Here are a few of your answers:
While you know my opinion about our president, I feel the tariffs, Not the chaos in the way he is managing it, is good in the long term. If Germany imposes 15% on American cars, we should impose 15% on German cars.. Very logical and let the best win. That said, China in my opinion is the evil as everything in China is controlled by the government and is supported financially by it and that tilts the balance to these companies as they are fully subsidized.. You can’t compete against that. They steal your intellectual property and they create something similar… THEY SUCK…
I think there will be and already have been impacts both positive and negative. Most people have not educated themselves on the different tariffs imposed on the U.S. I don’t completely understand them myself but I want to believe that Trump knows what he’s doing.
The tariffs will have a long term effect as it continues the destructive path of eroding relationships globally paving the way to remove the U.S. dollar as the largest internationally used currency. This will have a devastating impact.
Tariffs also erode the value of the American brand, reducing the desire for American goods, even if foreign countries reduce import tariffs, as Rand Paul eloquently said in his speech against tariffs. A consumer from one country buys goods from a manufacturer in another country, governments don’t essentially buy products from each other, so if consumers in other countries dislike the new American position then they simply won’t buy American goods, regardless of tariff levels.
Tariffs…..short term pain …..long term gain…..in the end….just a negotiating tool to right the ship. We have been taken advantage of by many countries where the tariff on our exports sometimes are a multiple of what we tariff imports.
Please take a few minutes to answer and comment about this week’s Question of the Week: What is, or once was, your favorite Easter Sunday memory or tradition?
Seven Random Thoughts and Questions for April 20, 2025
How are we already less than two weeks away from the fifth month of the year?
Not that I am big on watching award shows, but September’s Emmy Awards show will be hosted by Nate Bargatze. That should be fun to watch.
How much fun was it to take in last Sunday’s final round of the Masters?
There was another island-wide blackout in Puerto Rico. Alarming considering hotels are at capacity due to tourists celebrating Easter weekend. Not good and systemic infrastructure issues to say the least.
The Americans, after many years, is still a top five series for me. I have always been intrigued and curious of how foreign agents blend into a target country and pose as everyday citizens. A friend recommended a new book that explores the real-life KGB program. I bought The Illegals: Russia’s Most Audacious Spies and Their Century-Long Mission to Infiltrate the West, have read three chapters, and highly recommend the book if you were a fan of The Americans.
Headline of the Week: NVIDIA’s “QC Checks” On The GeForce RTX 5090 Come Into Question as Redditor Reports Damaged Capacitor After Just One Month of Use. I have no clue what this headline refers to.
The end of an era. Lee Corso, who for forty years brought some fun and levity to ESPN’s Gameday show, has finally decided to call it quits…at the age of ninety! Lee Corso always made his pick of the week by wearing an oversized mascot’s headgear during the live broadcast. Corso will make one more cameo appearance at this year’s opening Gameday show. All the best to Lee Corso!
Pure Talent. Benson Boone has taken the music performance world by storm. Talented with a great voice, this twenty-two-year-old put on this great performance of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, getting a good bit of help from the legendary Brian May. Benson Boone is Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe and have a great Easter Sunday!
Self-Taught. User Bump. The 51. Tariffs. Four Chickens and a Coke. Celebration. Hava Nagila.
Quote of the Week: “When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them, ‘No, I went to films.” – Quentin Tarantino
He has been called intolerable and an egomaniac. He may be many both but Quentin Tarantino is an example of someone who took a different path, learned a trade, and created a dynamic career for himself and many others. I am not saying that all students should skip traditional school, but I think that experiencing and absorbing a trade is equally important in the learning process.
Tarantino, before moving to Los Angeles, was raised by a single mom in Knoxville, Tennessee. He dropped out of high school at the age of fifteen, never earned a GED and never attended college. As a store clerk at a video store, Tarantino watched hundreds of movies building his base of skills and knowledge to slowly develop into a top screenwriter, director, and producer. Call it on-the-job training or self-taught, but Quentin Tarantino is one of many examples of success without formal training or education.
Many posts ago, I provided a take on the lack of trade schools and more importantly, the lack of a workforce with trade skills:
“….I feel strongly that the “valorizing” of white-collar jobs has gone off the rails. We have put an emphasis on tech workers and the so-called knowledge economy. As we have all experienced, the tech world has again changed quickly, with most tech-related entities laying off workers and right-sizing their workforce, while the trade-related businesses are begging for workers to support their increasing workloads. A startling statistic from Stanley Black & Decker: In 2023, there were six hundred and fifty thousand unfilled jobs in construction-related trades in the United States, and ten million worldwide. From a personal standpoint, I had my car serviced last week. When I picked up my car, I briefly spoke to the owner of the car service and repair center. She told me that they are desperately looking for auto mechanics, offering $37 per hour, and cannot find anyone to interview…”
Better stated, here is one of my favorite quotes regarding education: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” – Mark Twain
In my last post I reviewed the messaging service called Signal, which was used by U.S. national security personnel to communicate a war plan. My question was what level of usage bump would Signal get from the massive amount of worldwide publicity? Here is the answer: “In Signal’s history, this is the largest US-growth moment by a massive margin,” says Jun Harada, Signal’s head of growth and partnerships. “It’s mind-blowing, even on our side.” The week’s rate of adoption has been twice that of a typical week for 2025, which in turn was twice that of a typical week the same time last year. “It happened immediately” after The Atlantic broke the story of Signal’s use in the Yemeni bombing, Harada says. “And it’s been sustained. We’ve been maintaining that rate every day.”
Many of my friends discuss traveling outside of the United States to see the beautiful places of the world…and yes, there are many areas of this planet that are “must-sees.” After reading this article, it is obvious that you do not necessarily need to leave the United States to see magical landscapes, mountain ranges, and gorgeous lakes. I am disappointed in myself that after reviewing these fifty-one locations, I have only been to twelve. How about you? https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/most-beautiful-places-in-the-us
Question of the Week: Thank you to all of you who provided your answers to the Question of the Week: Should the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and other national security staffers lose their jobs due to the war plan leak that included a journalist? Here are a few of your answers:
No. Mission was successful. No US military harmed.
I find it highly amusing and rich that the left/progressives/main stream failing media are hellbent on crucifying someone for the Signal screwup. The administration owned it, acknowledged that it was a screwup, and pledged to insure it didn’t happen again. But crucify someone? Really? These are the same people who covered up for a mentally deteriorated president for four years, who did not yell bloody murder with the horrendous Afghan withdrawal. Who called for no resignations for the bullshit we were fed during Covid. Who went along with Biden, Harris, and Mayorkas all telling us the border was closed as 10 million unvetted illegal aliens came right on in and get ridiculous benefits for breaking our laws. Who now want to reinstate USAID so the likes of Stacey Abrams can get $2 billion. Really? And so much more and now they wanna hang someone over the Signal screwup.
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No we should find out how it happened and correct the problem. And the person that received the intel should have kept it to himself!! What an idiot. And another thing…….the left wingers that were all for the “GREEN NEW DEAL” that all bought TESLAS now are against the company because we have a smart person uncovering massive massive fraud and needless spending???? I am on a roll!
No, they shouldn’t lose their jobs. They should be reprimanded. In the old days, the NY Times published the plans for attacking Iraq.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week. Please take a few minutes and send me your answer. Thank you.
Will the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have short and long-term impact with the U.S. economy?How?Why?
On the lighter side, I will go to ‘four fried chickens and a Coke.” Unbelievably, the Blues Brothers premiered forty-five years ago starring John Belushi and Dan Akroyd, a.k.a. ‘Jake and Ellwood’, and included fantastic music by rhythm and blues (R&B), soul, and blues singers James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, and John Lee Hooker. The reaction from the cook when he realizes who is ordering is priceless!
This is a special time of the year. The Passover and Easter holidays are upon us, the final round of the Masters is later today, and summer is right around the corner. Both holidays make me smile as I really enjoy the celebrations, specifically the story of the Jews escaping persecution and all the children who dress up for Easter celebrations.
The tradition of the Passover is exemplified by the Seder dinner, a special meal prepared at the beginning of Passover, celebrating the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, involving the retelling of the story, eating symbolic foods, and other traditions, including the four glasses of wine consumed at the dinner. The same goes for the traditional Easter Sunday feast, where families and friends gather for a massive meal typically made up of Easter ham, a potato dish, vegetable side dishes, deviled eggs, green beans, and dinner rolls. I have participated in both festivities – traditions that I really enjoy. I hope you do as well.
Pure Talent. We have all heard this song. A traditional song played at weddings and other festivities. It is a song that means “Let Us Rejoice, Let Us Be Happy” that everyone sings and dances to, from the elderly to the youngest of children. We have heard many versions of Hava Nagila, and this fantastic version is performed by a 13-year-old girl from Uzbekistan. She is Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
Is it Really About the Opposition? Steinbrecher. Signal Messaging. Your Answers, Not Mine. Robots and More. The Voice of Barry White.
Quote of the Week: “Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach their goals.” – Dorothy Height
I had to think about this quote. Does greatness always need to be measured or benchmarked against your opposition? If you are a great chef or a great public speaker, must we decide on your level of greatness based on the talents of other chefs and public speakers? I do believe in benchmarking but if you are great at something let’s not overanalyze or compare.
Greatness should not be measured by your opposition. Greatness should be determined by many things including impactful or remarkable achievements, strong character, your ability to inspire, and a desire to make a difference. I like Kobe Bryant’s definition of greatness.
Regarding inspiration: Many people have inspired me in different ways. From people I have worked with, to my friends and family, and the many coaches I played under (especially one). One inflection point of my inspiration happened by circumstance surrounding the first Major League Soccer game played back in 1996. This inaugural match was played at the same time the United States Soccer Federation brass was in Atlanta (where I lived most of my life) for a meeting surrounding the ’96 Olympic Football Competition.
Hank Steinbrecher, at that time the U.S. Soccer Secretary General, and Alan Rothenberg, the Commissioner of Major League Soccer, were part of the group visiting Atlanta. While they were in Atlanta, the inaugural Major League Soccer game was broadcast by ESPN, and as strange as it sounds, Steinbrecher and Rothenberg’s Atlanta hotel did not have ESPN as an option. After they reached out to Rick Skirvin, who at that time ran the Georgia State Soccer Association, Rick had Steinbrecher and Rothenberg come to my home in Marietta, Georgia so they could watch the game. Both were very appreciative of me offering up my home for their viewing pleasure, and more importantly at halftime of the game, Steinbrecher spoke to me about the sport of soccer and asked me to try and get involved at all levels. It was a ten-minute discussion, but his words and ask inspired me to do many different things within the sport. As Kobe Bryant mentioned, inspiring others is one aspect of greatness.
Hank Steinbrecher passed away last week at the age of seventy-seven. I only met him for that two-hour soccer game, but in that short time he really did inspire me. RIP, Hank Steinbrecher.
My Perspective – The Leaked War Plan
“The world found out shortly before 2 p.m. eastern time on March 15 that the United States was bombing Houthi targets across Yemen. I, however, knew two hours before the first bombs exploded that the attack might be coming. The reason I knew this is that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, had texted me the war plan at 11:44 a.m. The plan included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing.”
This was the opening of the article by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg that involved eighteen staffers who are part of U.S. national security. Of course, the text message communication including a member of the media was alarming. There is no doubt that missteps were taken with the group messaging discussing the plan to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen (which did happen). This has obviously wreaked havoc with government officials, the media, and in general, the American public.
On the other side of the drama, how has Signal and their messaging app benefited from this incident? While many people correlate the Signal app with a national security leak, I am sure the spin doctors at Signal are using this ‘free’ worldwide publicity to drive more downloads of their messaging app. To put this in perspective, advertisers paid $8 million for a 30-second ad spot for this year’s Super Bowl. Will Signal capitalize on their instant and ‘free’ worldwide exposure?
From BBC News: “Signal is an open-source encrypted messaging service popular with journalists and others who seek more privacy than other text-messaging services are capable of delivering.”
Thank you for your responses to the Question of the Week. Remember that these responses are from the JustMyTake readers.
How do we move beyond the divisiveness we experience in the U.S. government? What reforms can restart a movement towards conciliation?
*The influence of money has corrupted our federal politicians, and they are ruining our country. Three ideas:
1. Term limits for all federal representatives AND their staff.
2. Balanced budget required for federal government including a requirement to reduce costs every year.
3. Eliminate lobbying and big money donations.
*The Republicans hold the power due to no solidified Democratic leadership. Biden turned out to be lame duck, Kamala was ineffective in her role to succeed. The Dems have nothing to bargain with and appealing to the Republicans to slow their roll isn’t working. Leadership is based on non-violent communication. Both sides need to agree to listen, hear each other out and find some (even minor) commonality for agreement to start. It’s not hopeless but does seem to be a long shot at present.
*Move to Mexico .
*Single line bills. Eliminating ability to purchase/sell stocks with insider information. Eliminate lobbying.
*All those values that you believe, live them out day to day and you will change the world, one small action at a time. Volunteer and be generous to organizations that support your belief systems, call your mom, be kind, and smile. Practice random acts of kindness toward others and yourself every day. If we all did this, the world would be a better place.
*Drop the judgement about every person, place and thing. Then, be curious about every person, place and thing. Actively listen to discover why a person believes the way they do…listen, ask more questions, then listen again.
*For heaven’s sake, stop watching the news and social media.
Get involved in this group: www.Braverangels.org whose mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
Here is this week’s Question of the Week. Please take a few minutes and send me your answer. Thank you.
Should the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and other national security staffers lose their jobs due to the war plan leak that included a journalist?
Last week, on the same day that the Trump administration announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts, Hyundai Motor Group debuted their ‘factory of the future’ just outside of Savannah, Georgia. In the near future the sixteen million-square-foot facility will employ over 8,000 and produce 300,000 vehicles per year. This South Korean-based conglomerate entered the U.S. market in 1986 with their Excel model. Today, Hyundai Motor America has over 750 dealers in North America.
Take a look at this video and Hyundai’s manufacturing plant. Amazing and eye-opening to say the least.
Pure Talent. I know this segment should relate to college basketball with the NCAA Sweet Sixteen this weekend, but when I heard this song yesterday…well, enough said. Barry White was Pure Talent.
Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday!
