JUST MY TAKE

Energy Draining. There is Only One Trunk Monkey. It is Already Mid-June. Does Your Dog Bite? The Theme.

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• Quote of the Week: Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason. – Unknown

I have stood my ground regarding politics. While I do care about the welfare of the United States, I long ago divorced myself from the political divide, or for that matter, politics in general.

My friends and family are sometimes frustrated, and sometimes polarized by what I call political de-socialization. In particular, how people who are friends, work together, and socialize together seemingly avoid each other due to their politics. With the November election five months away, the standing President’s health in the limelight, and his Republican competitor carrying baggage of thirty-four felony counts, I have witnessed people de-socializing from each other.

At least in my circle of people, which I am happy to report are people from many diverse backgrounds and walks of life, there are no bilateral discussions regarding the two candidates. I try to stay informed of course, but it is so energy draining to listen to people rant and rave about the November election. I follow a few ways of staying informed without feeling so drained from the constant barrage of rhetoric from the candidates, their handlers, and of course the media. Here is a list of a few ‘strategies’ I have followed for a long time:

• Carefully choose your sources – try to stick with unbiased news outlets. (Yes, that is funny).
• Pick a few times during the day to check the news. I have found that constant updates can be confusing, even overwhelming.
• For you politically focused people – try to balance the political news with some other interests. There are some great reads out there. Try the new Michael Crichton book, Eruption. This book will definitely keep your mind off of politics.
• Volunteer – there is nothing more rewarding than using some of your downtime to help others. Organizations and hospitals are always looking for volunteers; a great way to keep your mind off of the “Weekend at Bernie’s” and “The Donald” presidential candidates.

Here is my never-ending question: How, in 2024, did the two parties end up with these two candidates? This video is a bit old school, but comedian Bill Burr sort of sums up our world of politics.

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• Television commercials can be so puzzling. While some very talented people are charged with creating ad spots, sometimes we have to wonder how and why the client actually approved the creative. Suburban Auto Group’s agency has created this series of ‘trunk monkey’ spots delivering a different type of take on preventing car theft. There are a series of ‘trunk monkey’ ads, but this one is still my favorite.

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Things I Think for the Middle of June:

• How are we already halfway through 2024?
• Euro started on Friday (the cumulative worldwide television audience for the tournament is expected to surpass 5.3 billion), the final round of golf’s U.S. Open is later today, the Boston Celtics try to close out the NBA championship tomorrow night, the Florida Panthers should win the Stanley Cup Tuesday night, and Copa America starts Thursday…and college football is only seventy days away! Good summer fun.
• Not wishing for, but wondering what happened to all the pandemic-type viruses futurists were predicting just two years ago?
• What the heck is all the negative vibe surrounding Caitlin Clark? Do her teammates and opponents not recognize that across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION and NBA TV, WNBA games are averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season’s average of 462,000?
• I am looking for cool weather. Does anyone have ideas on great places to hide out in the Smokey Mountains?
• After many months, Houthi rebels are still able to attack ships on the Red Sea. There will be a trickle-down effect with global trade unless these terrorists are eliminated once and for all.
• What a novel idea. Working from home and using “keyboard simulators” to make it look like you are sitting at your desk….and actually working. Faking keyboard strokes. Just absurd behavior.
• Harvard Business Case for two long-standing Orlando-based brands. Red Lobster and Tupperware made missteps with their balance sheets and product offerings resulting in Red Lobster filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Tupperware on the brink of following suit. Unfortunate and sad.

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• I watched it AGAIN. Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther just makes me laugh. There are too many funny scenes to count. This one has always stuck with me, as Sellers, better known as Inspector Clouseau, asks such a simple question.

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• I will stick with the Pink Panther theme for this week’s Pure Talent. The theme from the Pink Panther movies resonates with all of us, and Henry Mancini and his orchestra do it right. Mancini won four Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and twenty Grammy awards. In 1995, he posthumously collected a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Henry Mancini’s orchestra, featuring Tubby Hayes on the tenor saxophone, and the Pink Panther soundtrack...Pure Talent.

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday Father’s Day!

Character and Reputation. Eighty Years Ago. Coffee, Tea, or Not Me. Don’t Stop Believing.

Quote of the Week: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – John Wooden

This quote is from the “Wizard of Westwood,” one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. John Wooden won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period as head coach of the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven in a row. He was renowned for his leadership in sports, business, and organizational leadership.

What exactly is John Wooden saying in the quote above? Are character and reputation interchangeable? Do they have the same meaning?

The answer is no, as character relates to the qualities of an individual, encompassing a person’s values, beliefs, morals, and ethics, which are usually shaped by their upbringing and experiences. Reputation is the result of how others perceive and judge a person based on their actions, behavior, and accomplishments.

I feel that many people do not distinguish character from reputation. Your character cannot be easily changed, as it is deeply ingrained in your personality and upbringing. On the other hand, your reputation is something that can be built or destroyed over time, and it is often shaped by your character and the decisions you make. Have we all made poor choices and decisions? Yes, we have, which may lead to the perception of your reputation – but not necessarily your character.

What distinguishes character from reputation? The two concepts are often used interchangeably, but they hold different meanings. While character refers to the qualities of an individual, reputation is the perception that others have of them. In other words, character is who you are, while reputation is who others think you are. The following differentiates character from reputation:

• Character = Inner qualities and beliefs; difficult to change; defines who you are.

• Reputation = How you are perceived; can be built or destroyed; defined by actions and behavior.

As John Wooden states: “your character is what you really are…….”

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• Last Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France during World War II, the largest amphibious assault in history. Two hundred veterans, with an average age of one hundred, were on hand last week to commemorate the invasion. Called Operation Overlord, the Allies assault started with 13,000 paratroopers parachuting behind enemy lines ahead of 135,000 U.S., British, and Canadian soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy. The invasion, dovetailed with the Soviet Union’s push from the East, helped the Allies defeat Nazi Germany. This fifteen-minute video is well done, covering the strategy and tactics of the Allied invasion, the largest military operation ever.

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• I have always brought a bottle of water on the plane. For no other good reason than to keep hydrated, as I have been told I do not drink enough water on a daily basis. I do not recall the last time I had a cup of coffee on a plane, and after reading this warning from a former flight attendant, that will not happen anytime soon.

With that said, let’s all recognize that she is a former flight attendant, and is now a TikTok influencer.

Her warning relates to the potable water used by airlines to make coffee and tea, as well as the cup of water served to passengers who are not sitting business or first class. Her claim is that the storage tanks aboard an aircraft to provide water “are never cleaned.” How she would know this is beyond me but that sounds alarming. She also claims that the coffee makers onboard are “rarely cleaned unless broken,” another eyebrow-raising statement. Add on this statement from CUNY’s Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, and it might be a good idea to carry on a bottled water or other beverage, or order a beverage served from a bottle or can: “According to our 2019 airline water study by CUNY’s Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center that ranked 12 regional and 11 major airlines, airplane water tanks — which are typically situated beside or near the bathroom — are the very same source of water as the bathrooms.”

To be transparent, I have the upmost respect for flight attendants. There are two flight attendants on the JustMyTake distribution list, and I think all of us would appreciate their take on airplane water.

Warning: harsh/foul language.

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• This look at Pure Talent shows us a cover of the song Don’t Stop Believin‘, made famous by the band Journey and the great voices of Steve Perry, and most recently Arnel Pineda. Having a great voice usually comes from a good bit of training and experience, but this performance is Pure Talent.

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

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We Are All Artistic. Artistry = Bob Ross. A New Way to Start Sporting Events. The NFL’s New Rule. It is Already the Beginning of June! Mark Knopfler Rules!

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• Quote of the Week: “Art is the perpetual motion of illusion. The highest purpose of art is to inspire.” – Bob Dylan

After the short but important Memorial Day post, and other posts covering some serious and concerning issues, this take looks at various art forms. Many of us state that ‘we are not artistic’ but in many ways that is not true.

There are so many factors and dynamics to being artistic, as art widely expands beyond the paintbrush or software. Being artistic is not just about the canvas or software-generated drawing. Most of us know that feeling of being inspired by a work of art, whether it is a painting, song, play, poem, or novel. These forms of art spur thinking, engagement, and action. You do not have to be defined as an artist to be artistic, whether it is the artful way you manage your money, hit a passing shot, or manage your employees.

Being artistic is a form of self-expression and at a minimum, an outlet for all of us to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Whether you think of yourself as artistic or not, there are many reasons why we all have a connection to art. Art encourages us to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and express ourselves in our own unique ways: painting, writing, dancing, playing games, or sports.

Creativity and artistry are both a skill and process. This short video is excellent in the way it explains our everyday lives and how often we use creativity.

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• Bob Ross’ art was controversial – maybe because his television show promoted his artistic skill in a mere thirty minutes. I found him both amazing and mystifying, with his voice and stature providing a bit of calm on Saturday afternoons. Bob Ross passed away at a relatively young age, but the memories of his shows will stick with me forever. He was a magician with his paintbrush, especially to me as I cannot paint my way out of a broom closet. An artist who could paint something great in less than thirty minutes while explaining what he was doing.

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• There is no doubt that fashion design is artistry. The balance of form and function with clothing and accessories is an ongoing challenge for worldwide designers. I am not promoting or advocating Thom Browne, but this short video gives us insight into the effort and dedication…and artistry found in the world of fashion design.

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• Though I consider myself patriotic I have often wondered why the national anthem is played before sporting events. Again, I enjoy the patriotism, though it gripes my ass when some people refrain from removing their hats and participating in the singing of the anthem. With everything that is happening worldwide, it is time to start sporting events with a different type of musical composition. Again, this suggestion has nothing to do with me and patriotism, it is just a way of voicing a way to get everyone together.

Is this song inspiring before a sporting event? Yes, if you can get the entire stadium or arena engaged in singing The Youngblood’s Let’s Get Together -something the world needs right now. Yes, I know, a bit sappy for me, but it is what it is. I would love 30,000 people singing “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.” Okay, I said it.

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• As we are less than sixty days from the NFL’s Hall of Fame pre-season game, many of my friends start to get ‘football fever.’ Some of them have obviously hit their heads on something as they must think that I am part of the league’s competition committee. A few friends have already asked me about the NFL’s new kickoff rule, thinking somehow that I work at the league office in Manhattan. 🙂

Of course, I looked into the new kickoff rule and here is my short take:

• The player who kicks the ball (it may not be the team’s designated kicker) will kick it from their own 35-yard line, and the other ten players on the kicking team will line up on the receiving team’s 40-yard line. Note: due to this kickoff formation, many NFL teams are going to use a regular player to kick off to reinforce their ability to defend the kickoff…in other terms a regular special teams’ player versus their kicker.
• The team receiving the ball must have nine players lined up between their own 30- and 35-yard line.
• Two returners from the receiving team must be lined up between their own 20-yard line and the goal line. This is called the Landing Zone.
• Only the kicker of the ball and the two returners can move in between when the ball is kicked and when it is received. Basically, other than the kicker and the two receivers, no one moves until the ball is received.
• If the ball touches the ground or a player in the “landing zone,” and rolls beyond the goal line or downed in the end zone, then the result of the play is a touchback, and the receiving team starts at their the 20-yard line.
• If the ball goes out of bounds behind the receiving team’s goal line, hits the goalpost or lands at or beyond the goal line and is downed in the end zone, the play results in a touchback, and the receiving team starts at their 30-yard line.

The goal of the new rule is to reduce the number of injuries on kickoffs and to increase the number of kickoffs returns. The XFL has used the rule and below is a quick video of what an NFL kickoff will look like this year. Thoughts?

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Five Top of Mind Thoughts for the Beginning of June:

1.‘Cooling trend’ coming to Central Florida? That was the headline on Thursday morning of last week, after Wednesday night’s 6pm temperature was 97 degrees. As I always keep things in perspective, it was 126 degrees in parts of India last week. Note: it may be time for a trip to Montevideo, Uruguay as the average temperature in that city this time of year is 60°.

2. Jeremy Renner is one of my favorite actors. After not engaging in a streaming series for a while, I have recently watched the first two seasons of Mayor of Kingstown. Renner is fantastic, but fair warning: these episodes have a high level of profanity, nudity, and violence. The third season starts tonight.

3. With Europe’s big leagues done for the season, the soccer world turns to this summer’s two massive tournaments, Euro and Copa America, featuring the national teams from Europe and South America, respectively. Euro is the second-most watched soccer tournament globally, following the FIFA World Cup, with Italy the defending champion. This year’s Copa America tournament includes the ten South American nations plus six invited teams including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Copa America will be hosted and played in fourteen United States cities. Argentina, the defending Copa America champion, opens the tournament on June 20 against Canada in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium.

4.Ransomware attacks continue to be in full swing. The most recent data compromise happened to Santander, a global banking group based in Spain. This time hackers tapped into one of Santander’s third-party databases, stealing information of thirty million customers in Spain, Chile, and Uruguay. I find this puzzling due to the level of cyber protection now imbedded in the IT infrastructure of most entities. This hacker group calls themselves ShinyHunters, and has also claimed their attack on Ticketmaster exposed personal financial data from 560 million customers. Does this ever stop?

5. The world has gone mad when a very prominent financial multimedia entity posts a serious article about etiquette…for text messaging. The article discusses how “…tone, volume, and body language can help alter how a message is received…“. I have no other comment on this craziness.

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• I started off this week’s take taking a look at art and creativity. To end this post, and for this week’s Pure Talent, we will go with the musical artistry of Mark Knopfler. Underrated as a guitarist, Knopfler is best known for his band Dire Straits, but his wizardry on the guitar is bar none. Mark Knopfler on the guitar…Pure Talent.

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

Memorial Day is all about Honor.

Quote of the Week: “Forgiving them is God’s function. Our job is simply to arrange the meeting.” A quote attributed to General Norman Schwarzkopf in reference to the 9/11 perpetrators. Thank you, C.A., for reminding me of this quote.

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, Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, and in other countries in conflict.

Honor all of the fallen veterans and victims by flying your flag today and tomorrow. It is ALL ABOUT HONOR. We have all heard various renditions of the National Anthem, some good, some not so great. This young man’s version is excellent.

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and pay tribute to Memorial Day!

Laughter is the Best Medicine.

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• Quote of the Week: Laughter is an instant vacation. – Milton Berle

Recent posts have touched on some serious topics. The use (or misuse) of artificial intelligence (AI), heart disease, the vulnerability of Europe, bank failures, Boeing’s ongoing issues, etc. Those posts were top-of-mind for me and concerning as well. I do try to dig into the topic to provide my viewpoint, as it is important for me to try and spur response from readers of JustMyTake.

For this week, I am going in the opposite direction, keeping this post on the light side of things. My family loved comedy and comedians. Everything from ‘I Love Lucy’ to ‘Laugh In’ and everyone from Dick Gregory, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, and of course, Richard Pryor.

Here are a few quick examples of comedy at its best:

Spanning six seasons, I Love Lucy starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and follows the trials and tribulations of a young, middle-class homemaker, Lucy Ricardo, and her husband, Ricky Ricardo, who entertained at the Tropicana nightclub. Silly, slapstick, and downright funny, this show was the most popular show in the United States for four of its six prime-time seasons. Lucille Ball, for all one hundred-eighty episodes, was incredibly entertaining and funny.

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You never wanted to sit in the first couple of rows when Don Rickles came on stage. He was the epitome of an “insult” comedian, forever going after everyone, no matter your race, creed, color, or religion. Everyone loved Don Rickles as he was no holds bar, no matter your significance or title. The “equal opportunity offender” was not shy, even with the President of the United States, the First Lady, and the Secretary of State. Rickles went after EVERYONE.

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Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are very funny. Together they have provided us with some great delivery from great content. It is not easy to make fun of George Clooney – these two made it look and sound so easy.

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Talented, alarming, truthful, and relevant, Eddie Murphy entertained worldwide audiences on stage and on the big screen. Think about his acting prowess in Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, 48 Hours, The Nutty Professor, and of course his Saturday Night Live craziness.

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It is impossible to describe Rodney Dangerfield’s talent. The word awkward comes to mind as he gave us performances to remember. This is a quick video of his Back To School moments which does not do justice to Dangerfield’s talent.

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Laughter is no joke. Research by the Johns Hopkins Institute, as published in Psychology Today, tells us that the benefits of laughter are widespread for both the mind and the body:

• Laughter is a potent endorphin releaser.
• Contagious laughter forms social bonds.
• Laughter forms brain connectivity.
• Laughter is central to relationships.
• Laughter has an effect similar to antidepressants.
• Laughter protects your heart (by relieving stress).
• Laughter changes our perspective.

Today’s world is filled with various barriers and hurdles to overcome. It is time for all of us to look for ways to laugh more. The old saying “Laughter is the best medicine” has never been more relevant.

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• This week’s take on Pure Talent brings us to “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” – the Grammy-nominated Nate Bargatze. This Nashville-based comedian has taken the world by storm with straightforward storytelling. Nate Bargatze is definitely Pure Talent.

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, laugh out loud, and have a Sunday Funday!!

Never Be Afraid to Fail. AI Regulation. Proportionate Response. A Breakthrough with Heart Disease? The Seven Army Nation. Happy Mother’s Day!

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• Quote of the Week: “An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” -Edwin H. Land

Malmo, Sweden was the site for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The competition is the world’s most-watched annual music event with 160 million viewers featuring 37 acts, all of whom are European except Australia and Israel. The European Broadcasting Union organizes this annual songwriting competition, and there are strict rules and guidelines for the competing artists and their songs:

• Songs must be original and no more than three minutes in length.
• Lead vocals must be performed live.
• No more than six performers can take to the stage during any one performance.

The format includes two semifinals followed by a grand finale. The twenty-six finalists, selected through a combination of a public vote and expert picks, include ten winners from each semifinal, the previous year’s winner, and contestants from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Eurovision, known for finding musical talent featuring extravagant costumes, has launched the careers of many icons, including ABBA and Céline Dion. Regarding Edwin Land’s quote, none of the performers at Eurovision have been afraid to fail, including Loreen, who won the competition last year and in 2012. Yesterday’s competition was won by Nemo Mettler. Here is a quick look at all of the finalists who performed in the grand finale.

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• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is constantly evolving. Every day, society is experiencing the fascinating potential of AI while keeping an eye on ensuring that AI is implemented and used to better humanity. In previous posts I have called for greater regulation with AI, for reasons including the use of AI with biological research. AI is quickly transforming the way that we understand DNA, from sequencing and genetic variations to medicines and disease predictions. All of this seems so positive as biotechnology has evolved so quickly in the last ten years.

The flip side is the ability of AI to be used in the wrong way. An 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.

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• This video clip made me think about leadership. When I watch and listen to Martin Sheen in this two-minute segment of The West Wing, I immediately refer to the current candidates running for President of the United States. How will they process “the virtue of a proportional response” when faced with the grim realities of terrorism? How will they come to grips that a ‘proportional response’ may not be the answer depending on circumstances? Forget your political party prerogative for a moment and think through the three current candidates and their desire and ability to deal with terrorism and warfare. Do they have the mental fortitude to ask a question about the ‘virtue of a proportional response?’ Last week, one of three candidates went public stating that “a worm got into my brain and ate a portion of it.” I am not making light of that ailment, but can Martin Sheen please run for president?

Sidenote to this episode of The West Wing: Later in the episode the National Security Team does explain to President Bartlett that in this circumstance, there is value of a proportional response.

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I Have Five Questions:

• Last Saturday’s Kentucky Derby finish was fantastic. I am still wondering why the stewards did not light the inquiry sign letting people at Churchill Downs and the worldwide television audience know that the race was under review?
• MIT published a white paper on sound suppression using silk. I did understand three of the 7 paragraphs of the white paper…I think?
• Howard Schultz is Starbuck’s fifth-largest shareholder. When Schultz officially left Starbucks as CEO in March 2023, the shares were at $100, and the company was worth $115 billion. Now, the stock is $76 a share and Starbucks’s market capitalization is $86 billion. Why did he leave the CEO position in the first place?
• Should the U.S. lift or ease tariffs with offshore electric vehicle manufacturers? How would that affect EV providers GM, Ford, Rivian, Lucid, and Telsa?
• Does the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 40,000 this week?

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• A new imaging technique tested on patients could improve the evaluation of cardiac conditions and undiagnosed chest pain. While existing imaging technologies can visualize large vessels on the heart’s surface, there has been a gap in identifying smaller micro-vessels within the heart muscle. This gap leads to a lack of understanding of how the blood flows within the small vessels of the heart which is especially important when treating cardiovascular diseases.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease listed as the underlying cause of death accounted for 931,578 deaths in the United States in 2023. This information certainly nets it out for all of us: “Cardiovascular diseases are a persistent challenge that led to an enormous number of premature and preventable deaths,” said Gregory A. Roth, MD, MPH, senior author of the paper and director of the Program in Cardiovascular Health Metrics at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. “There are many inexpensive, effective treatments. We know what risk factors we need to identify and treat. There are simple healthy choices that people can make to improve their health.” Just as importantly, how does AI fit into this path of diagnostics?

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• For this week’s edition of Pure Talent: The Seven Army Nation is played at many sporting events around the world, especially after a team scores. This rendition, from classically trained violinist Evangeline Victoria, is done with a classical twist. Her fantastic smile certainly added to this performance pre-game at an Australian Rules Football match played last month. No doubt, Pure Talent.

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• To all the moms, now and forever, thank you for all you do. Happy Mother’s Day!!

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, have a Sunday Funday and Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Unjust Pay. A Shaky Portfolio. It Tastes Like Chicken! Can You Say Tequila? How Vulnerable is Europe? Gregg Allman.

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• Quote of the Day: ‘Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.’ –John Steinbeck

Teaching, in a nutshell, is the profession that teaches all the other professions. If you agree with that statement, as well as the quote from John Steinbeck, we must wonder why teaching is not a well-compensated profession. If grade school children are spending a good part of their day under the tutelage of one or more teachers, how can we not recognize the contributions teachers make to our society with educating youngsters?

The chart below is insulting to the teaching profession. As a Florida resident, I am appalled with the pay rate for teachers. How can we expect our students to thrive and contribute to an ever-changing world dominated by technology? According to the World Population Review, the U.S., despite ranking high in educational system surveys, falls behind in math and science scores compared to many other countries. How can the United States not turn the teaching profession into a prestigious position that is well-compensated? To be clear, I feel the same with any position relating to first responders including police, fire, emergency management, and healthcare personnel. If we want the best teachers to help our children, make the position prestigious, sought-after, and well-compensated.

starting w/bachelors w/Masters top Masters top salary

Alabama	$43,679	$66,886	$50,164	$76,866	$88,773
Alaska	$51,207	$66,714	$56,825	$81,273	$92,052
Arizona	$44,124	$58,130	$46,721	$66,654	$73,875
Arkansas	$37,907	$50,551	$42,156	NA	$56,426
California	$55,283	NA	NA	NA	$109,618
Colorado	$39,044	$50,249	$42,857	$61,928	$70,200
CT.	$48,784	NA	$52,924	$92,957	NA
Delaware	$45,188	$63,664	$51,209	$79,968	$90,870
Dist. of Columbia	$63,373	$100,488	$67,958	$123,994	$131,003
Federal	$56,327	$109,056	$64,291	$117,444	$135,361
Florida	$47,178	$63,598	$49,986	$65,754	$68,397
Georgia	$41,148	$59,760	$46,465	$67,839	$83,545

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• HR departments coined the phrase “quiet quitting”, so the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) must be calling this “quiet closing.” A little over a year ago, there was tremendous fanfare over the closing of Silicon Valley Bank – a 40-year-old banking institution that catered to the tech industry. Last week, with little media exposure, the FDIC closed Republic First Bank, which operated in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Similar to the closing of Silicon Valley Bank, another banking institution stepped up to assume all of Republic First Bank’s deposits and buy its assets.

Reality: even in a strong economy four to five banks close each year. Before last week’s closing, the last FDIC-insured bank to fail was six months ago in November of 2023.

The bad news: many banks are now facing financial difficulties due to rising interest rates and falling commercial real estate values, specifically for office buildings enduring surging vacancy rates post-pandemic. Many regional banks have significant exposure to commercial real estate loans. These loans are tied to properties such as office buildings, retail centers, and hotels. If the commercial real estate market continues to experience a downturn or if borrowers default on their loans, it can lead to massive losses for these banks.

Hundreds of small and regional banks across the United States are stressed. Consulting firm Klaros Group analyzed over 4,000 U.S. banks and found that “282 banks face the threat of commercial real estate loans and potential losses tied to higher interest rates.” For individuals, the consequences depend on your level of deposit(s) at an individual bank. Remember, the FDIC covers deposits up to $250,000. If a failing bank is insured by the FDIC, all depositors will be paid “up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.” Let’s hope that none of us have to deal with a failing bank scenario. At least these Stooges have their loans figured out.

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• Occasionally I get a hankering for a dish that my mom, Aunt Kay, and daughter perfected – this one being corn flake chicken. The chicken breasts encapsulated by the corn flakes provide a delicious combination of a ‘crunch coating’ with moist chicken. It could also be the baked corn flakes that stick to the pan – that in itself is a delicacy. With all due respect to today being Cinco de Mayo, I am leaning towards this simple recipe for tonight’s Sunday meal. Try it, you will like it.

CORN FLAKE CHICKEN

Ingredients:
5 bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves
½ cup milk
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper (ground)
2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine milk, egg, flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge each chicken breast in the milk mixture, then roll in crushed cornflakes to coat.
Transfer the coated chicken to a baking sheet or dish.
Bake until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear (about 45 minutes).

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• I read an interesting and uncomfortable article in The Economist last week. While that may be surprising in itself, the piece was labeled “A Region in Mortal Danger” – an excellent and open interview with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding his thoughts on Europe. In summary, here are six noteworthy takeaways from President Maron:

• Europe faces an imminent danger, and he declared that things could fall apart quickly.
• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a red alert for all of the world. If Russia wins in Ukraine, European security will lie in ruins.
• He feels strongly that Europe should put troops Ukraine.
• Regarding the Russians, he feels Europe: “Has been too hesitant by defining the limits of our action to someone who no longer has any limits and who is the aggressor.”
• There is now a big industrial gap as Europe has fallen way behind the United States and China.
• Macron’s most alarming diatribe: He is willing to discuss extending the protection afforded by France’s nuclear weapons.

Macron is bold, very political, and has a good bit of courage to ‘look history in the eye.’ We all better pray that history does not repeat itself in Europe.

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• Today is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexico celebrates that day later this year on September 16. Today is Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in the Second Battle of Puebla sometime back in 1862. That victory, and subsequently the French finally expelled from Mexico, led to an annual May 5 celebration. Though not widely celebrated in Mexico, the party is usually on in the United States, with another excuse to get out and have a few Modelo’s or Herradura Silver Tequila’s. Sunday Funday and Cinco de Mayo together again – what a concept! 🙂 Sebastian Maniscalco’s take on one Mexican restaurant – well, I have no words.

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• We go old school for this week’s Pure Talent. Melissa (sometimes called “Sweet Melissa”) is a song by the Allman Brothers, released in August 1972 as the second single from the group’s massive album, Eat a Peach. The song was written by vocalist Gregg Allman in 1967, well before the founding of the group. This is a solo performance before a studio audience on the David Letterman Show. Go to the 9:00 minute mark of the video. Gregg Allman was Pure Talent.

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Adios, pay it forward, be safe, and have a Sunday Funday Cinco de Mayo!

A Sense of Self. Caution To the Wind? We Head into May. Serena “Nets It Out.” The Nicolas Brothers.

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• Quote of the Week: “To have ego means to believe in your own strength.” – Barbra Streisand

I do believe that having an ego is motivating, stimulating, and allows you to value yourself and your contributions. Ego is all about creating and maintaining a level of self-esteem. I am not very spiritual, but from that perspective, ego provides a sense of ‘self’ that can emphasize individuality and help shape your individual identity.

Unfortunately, the general impression from many is that ego can do more harm than good. That thinking may come from self-serving politicians, who in my opinion lead the way with their excessive need for admiration, lack of empathy, narcissism, sense of entitlement, and tendency to point their finger at others for their mistakes. No, I did not say ALL politicians, but there are a few who give the word ego a bad name. Have you had someone’s inflated ego impact a relationship, your overall well-being, or your career? Have you witnessed big egos leading to poor decision-making, as their self-serving nature makes some people believe, under any circumstance, they are always, right?

To me, the key word and action to check your ego is mindfulness. Whether that is paying attention to the moment with non-judgment, or listening to another’s opinion, being mindful is especially important. Hopefully, no matter your level of ego, you can slow your roll with excessive self-promotion, stop blaming others for your mistakes or failures, increase your empathy, and for sure stop trying to dominate every conversation. Is there a distinct difference between ego, attitude, and confidence?

Here is an interesting take on how to deal with a moronic narcissist:

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• 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 they (we) have with the continued development of AI? The video below tells an interesting story, to say the least.

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Five Thoughts for the Last Sunday of April 2024

• Florida’s Brightline rail system is ahead of planned passenger revenue and now Brightline has announced plans for high-speed rail between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Great news for U.S. transit but Europeans must wonder why the U.S. is so far behind the development of high-speed rail.
• Boeing’s systemic issues are now wreaking havoc with Southwest Airlines and other carriers. The Federal Aviation Administration set a cap on how many 737 Max planes Boeing can produce in the wake of an emergency landing by an Alaska Airlines flight after a panel in its fuselage blew out during its ascent on Jan. 5. Not good.
• This Saturday is the 150th edition of the Run for the Roses, a.k.a. The Kentucky Derby. Post time is 6:57 PM. Mint juleps, ornate hat-wearing, and the big party that takes place in the track’s infield. Good fun for all.
• Cher, Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Kool and the Gang, and A Tribe Called Quest. I cannot wait for October’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Will Ozzy perform?
• From the think tank The Institute for National Security Studies: “…the regional and international coalition that participated in intercepting launches from Iran toward Israel demonstrates the potential of establishing a regional alliance against Iran.” How a think tank, or anyone for that matter, have any grasp of what is going on in the Middle East? Does that think tank’s statement fail to understand the complexity of challenges in that region of the world? An alliance of Middle East countries suppressing the Iranians? Doubtful.

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• The promotion, exposure, and success of women’s sports has never been greater. The professional women’s soccer league’s attendance is up 30% year-over-year, the WNBA’s media exposure is bar none, and Caitlan Clark’s historic performance at the University of Iowa was one of the greatest basketball performances of all time, woman, or man. I am a big supporter of women’s sports, from track and field to tennis to the soccer pitch. I do not benchmark women against men – I look to watch competitive athletes no matter their gender.

A few of my friends, one in particular, do not care for women’s sports. The words “too slow” comes up often but I feel that assessment alone is unfair. I watched a good bit of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and the run up to the Final included great games and great performances. Great passing, sharp shooting (a.k.a. Caitlan Clark), and over-the-top hustle and desire were constants in most of the games I watched.

I have played a lot of tennis, including to my partner’s disdain, many mixed doubles matches. 🙂 Women tennis players, from teenagers to older women, sometimes destroyed me, not with their speed or pace, but with their tennis skills, fitness, and desire. I do agree that at the professional level, whether the sport be tennis, basketball, or soccer, there are many discernible differences between women and men, mostly aligning with physicality.

Serena Williams is the greatest women’s tennis player. That of course is my opinion, and many might disagree and reference Margaret Court, Steffi Graff, Chris Evert, and Martina Navratilova, who won fifty-nine major titles. As a point of clarity and explanation, I also give Serena Williams credit for clearly defining the differences between men’s and women’s tennis. Her statement takes nothing away from the awesomeness of women and their athletic abilities – she simply tells David Letterman the truth.

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• For this week’s take regarding Pure Talent, we go back to 1935. The Nicolas Brothers, Fayard and Harold, were an entertainment act who obviously excelled at a variety of dance techniques. They performed between the 1930s and 1950s, with many calling the brothers’ acrobatic, artistic, and daring moves some of the greatest dancing of all time. Their level of performance and incredible athleticism more importantly opened doors that had been previously closed to African Americans. Fred Astaire, widely regarded as the greatest music dancer of all time, coined the Nicolas Brothers’ routine in the film Stormy Weather the best he had ever seen. Three minutes of Pure Talent.

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

Really, Boeing? Will Clark Tear Up the WNBA? Deadpan and Funny. Amazing LED. RIP Dickey Betts.

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• Quote of the Week: A hundred years ago, it could take you the better part of a year to get from New York to California, whereas today, because of equipment problems at O’Hare, you can’t get there at all. – Dave Barry

After fighting through the downturn in both business and personal travel for the better part of two years, the top performing airlines have enjoyed passenger revenue that has reached pre-pandemic levels. Credit where credit is due as airlines pivoted quickly to scale their customer service and support systems quickly as people returned to air travel. Though there have been some IT infrastructure issues with an airline here and there, their efforts have been rewarded with record revenue and profits (specifically Delta Air Lines).

Unfortunately, one of the two major passenger jet providers, due to manufacturing and safety issues, has again put a damper on air travel. First it was Boeing’s 787 Max planes, with software issues resulting in two plane crashes. Then in February of this year, a door ‘plug’ fell off a Boeing jet midair, thankfully without injuries. Then in March, an engine cowling on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap. Most airlines are at the mercy of Boeing and Airbus and expect these manufacturers to provide a superior and safe product. An obvious business proposition but one that is increasing coming under scrutiny. Will Boeing change their manufacturing processes and protocols to ensure these issues never happen again? I do not know, and neither do you, so until then, I would follow this three-year-old’s pre-flight routine of actually reading the safety information card. Just saying.

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• Former Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark is off to the WNBA, as the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in Monday’s WNBA draft. There has been a great deal of talk about what many call Clark’s paltry four-year contract, at an average of $80,000 a year. Comparatively speaking, the top NBA pick will make a $10.5 million salary — 137 times more than Clark. I am not going to get into the revenue streams with the WNBA and the NBA, most of that data is obvious. What I will say is that Clark is one of the purest shooters ever, and Nike has stepped up offering her a signature shoe deal worth $20 million. Good for you Caitlan Clark, now go get in done in the WNBA!

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• How do you define comedy? What type of humor makes you laugh? Slapstick, standup, bathroom, self-deprecating, and topical humor come to mind, but everyone is hopefully touched by one kind of humor or another. Humor is subjective and what strikes one person as funny may not resonate with another. I first watched Steven Wright on the Johnny Carson show. His humor is a combination of deadpan, improvisational, and one-liners. So many comedians make me laugh, including Eddie Murphy, Sebastian Maniscalco, the late Don Rickles, Richard Pryor, and Rodney Dangerfield. All with different types of humor and delivery, with all of them putting a smile on my face. Steven Wright’s humor is so different, so witty, and in a way a bit strange. Deadpan delivery to a max. Nine minutes of Steven Wright. Not a bad way to start off the day.

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• I just returned from Las Vegas. I would like to tell you I was there for blackjack, golf, and a show or two, but it was many long days at the National Association of Broadcasters conference. Enough about that. Though I have been in the city of Las Vegas too many times to count, I am still ‘amazed at the amount of amazing.’ From the new hotels (the Fontainebleau for one), to the fantastic restaurants, and of course the incredible amount of digital signage. The Sphere, months into its opening, has become an icon of Las Vegas, with its sheer size and luminance. I did not take in a show at the Sphere on this trip but hope to in the near future.

* Size: 366 feet high and 516 feet wide, spanning a total of 875,000 square feet
* Capacity: Seats 18,600 people
* Sound: Over 167,000 individually amplified loudspeakers
* Cost: $2.3 billion
* Time: The Sphere took 5 years to construct, opening September 2023

The video below is interesting but in no way shows how dynamic the Sphere illuminates Las Vegas.

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• This week’s recognition of Pure Talent: We have lost another great guitarist. Dickey Betts was responsible for the Allman Brothers’ biggest hit, 1973’s “Ramblin’ Man,” as well as some of their most recognizable songs: the moody instrumental “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” the jubilant “Jessica,” and their late-period comeback hit “Crazy Love.” Sometimes overshadowed by Duane and Gregg Allman, the brothers who gave the band its name, Dickey Betts gave the band a remarkable dual guitar sound, one that was the platform for the genre called southern rock. Betts passed away last week at the age of eighty. There was no doubt that he was Pure Talent.

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

What Really is Courage? It Cannot Be True. The Earth, the Moon and the Sun. She Rocks Her Violin.

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• Quote of the Week: “Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” -Maya Angelou

Most of the time I equate courage to something physical. Action by first responders or the armed forces facing hostiles come to mind. Reality says that courage can mean many things other than physical bravery, including self-sacrifice for the greater good. Courage also refers to people who are afraid but act anyway, take financial risks, and those who speak out against injustice. Here are ways to define courage – some of them relevant, some not so much.

1. Being afraid and choosing to act anyway. I have a few examples of my own, and I am assuming you do as well.
2. Passion and following your heart. This can get us in trouble at the personal and professional level, but passion also can help us do extraordinary things.
3. Taking a stand for what you believe is right. None of us have an issue with speaking our mind, but when we are angry can we move the emotion to a level of courage and positive action?
4. Letting Go of the Status Quo. It takes courage to step away from the ordinary and the usual.
5. Maintaining a level of dignity and respect in tough periods of your life. This is easier said than done as all of us look to make the best of uncomfortable circumstances.

Everyone defines courage differently. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have shown us tremendous courage, some whose legacies continue to inspire us. Here are a few I can think of: Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Thomas Jefferson, Mother Teresa, Ameila Earhart, Harriet Tubman, Winston Churchill, all people of the armed forces, first responders, test pilots, and astronauts. Who comes to mind when you think about courage? Our most powerful weapon is the determination to fulfill our dreams. Success is not final; failure is not fatal – it is the courage to continue that counts.

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It Cannot Be True:

• Gold was selling over $2,300 an ounce last week. Manufacturing barometers show an uptick for the first time in many months. The March jobs report beat expectations. A possible Fed rate cut in June. When does the recession start for 2024?
• An earthquake in the New York/New Jersey area. A massive snowstorm from Wisconsin to Maine in April. Greenland’s massive ice sheet is shedding 20% more than previously estimated. Is this normal activity or is something different happening with the planet? Anyone? Bueller?
• The 60 Minutes segment on the ‘Havana Syndrome’ – with people around the world being affected by anomalous health incidents including non-lethal acoustic weapons. Disturbing to say the least.
• Cannabis clubs in Germany? Legalized possession by adults, who are allowed to purchase up to 25 grams per day, or 50 grams per month. Who would have thought that Germany would relax their cannabis laws?
• The West African nation of Senegal will have a new president who will attend the inauguration with both of his wives on his arms. What a concept.
• After sixty-seven years, one of the last remaining Las Vegas hotels of yesteryear closed last week. The Tropicana property will be cleared for the new construction of the baseball stadium to house the relocating Oakland Athletics.
• The 2024 Masters starts with the Par-3 Contest on Wednesday. How fast has a year gone by? Spain’s Jon Rahm definitely has great memories of the Masters.

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• A total eclipse will pass over some of North America tomorrow. Unfortunately for many, the total eclipse will only be seen from parts of Mexico, fifteen U.S. states, and eastern Canada. The alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth happens around 2:00 PM in the central areas of the U.S. and will last about four minutes. Other areas of the U.S. will experience a partial eclipse, some as much as 60%. If you miss this solar eclipse, the next one to cross the U.S. coast-to-coast is right around the corner… in the year 2045. 🙂

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• For this week’s version of Pure Talent, we go to a version of Kashmir, one of Led Zepplin’s greatest songs. This performance, on a massive stage at last year’s Lollapalooza Paris, is from Lindsey Stirling, who performs a variety of music styles from pop, rock, classical, and electronic dance. A Pure Talent.

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