My friend, Mary, who lives in Nevada sent me an email this week that is worth sharing. It was just a compilation of random thoughts. Some were good and some were bad. But, there was one that stood out to a grumpy old man.
"As I have grown older I have learned that pleasing everybody is impossible, but pissing them off is a piece of cake."
I rest my case.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Mind Reading
A few years ago I got a call from some survey company and among the questions they asked was, "What super power would you like to have?" Obviously I have never wanted to leap tall buildings in a single bound, nor be faster than a speeding bullet, although that one did seem inviting. My reply somewhat shocked the caller and she said she had never had this response before. My choice for "super power" would be, to be capable of seeing the true character of people.
I don’t want to be able to read their minds about what they are thinking, but to see into who they really are. If you want to read minds, just check the Facebook pages of a bunch of people. You’ll discover they are all crazy or stupid.
And, they are proud of it.
PMO
©2013
I don’t want to be able to read their minds about what they are thinking, but to see into who they really are. If you want to read minds, just check the Facebook pages of a bunch of people. You’ll discover they are all crazy or stupid.
And, they are proud of it.
PMO
©2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
SNAP
According to a report on Yahoo Finance this week, enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has risen 70% in the past five years. We have shelled out a record $74.6 billion on the program in 2012. Apparently this is another success for the current administration. I’m not sure how the score is kept, but we keep hearing about all the people on food stamps as being a good thing.
The 47.7 million receiving benefits as of March of this year, exceeds the entire population of Spain, the sixth most populous country in the European Union. Now that something to be proud of.
Like any government mismanaged program there are loopholes. For example, those in the country illegally are not eligible, but their children under 18 are. And, if the child remains after 18, they may continue to participate. There are other rules that you can look up for yourself.
SNAP is just one program. How about those free cell phones? It’s enough to make one want to simply give up and get on the wagon. Of course, the wheels will eventually fall off the wagon, but by the time that happens, there will a program for new wheels or even air conditioned wagons.
As I have mentioned before, I coordinated energy programs with various government agencies and have been inside the homes of the recipients. Far too many live better than a lot of working people.
If you don’t see anything wrong with this picture, then don’t give it a second thought. That way you will be like the people that complain and do nothing.
I’m working on the air conditioned wagon idea.
PMO
©2013
The 47.7 million receiving benefits as of March of this year, exceeds the entire population of Spain, the sixth most populous country in the European Union. Now that something to be proud of.
Like any government mismanaged program there are loopholes. For example, those in the country illegally are not eligible, but their children under 18 are. And, if the child remains after 18, they may continue to participate. There are other rules that you can look up for yourself.
SNAP is just one program. How about those free cell phones? It’s enough to make one want to simply give up and get on the wagon. Of course, the wheels will eventually fall off the wagon, but by the time that happens, there will a program for new wheels or even air conditioned wagons.
As I have mentioned before, I coordinated energy programs with various government agencies and have been inside the homes of the recipients. Far too many live better than a lot of working people.
If you don’t see anything wrong with this picture, then don’t give it a second thought. That way you will be like the people that complain and do nothing.
I’m working on the air conditioned wagon idea.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
New Ground
We have a local publication that prints once per month about the activities in three lakeside communities here in the promised land. But, mostly it contains the opinions of a group of volunteers that live in the area. This month they solicited contributions from readers. Guess who responded?
The problem with frustrated writers is they never miss an opportunity to spread their views. Case in point - me. I am not sure that the magazine is ready for me. But then, I am not sure anyone is ready for me.
Should you hear that a small magazine in East Texas has burned their business and the entire staff has left for Afghanistan, you will know why.
If they start publishing in Afghanistan, I’ll find them.
PMO
©2013
The problem with frustrated writers is they never miss an opportunity to spread their views. Case in point - me. I am not sure that the magazine is ready for me. But then, I am not sure anyone is ready for me.
Should you hear that a small magazine in East Texas has burned their business and the entire staff has left for Afghanistan, you will know why.
If they start publishing in Afghanistan, I’ll find them.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Wireless
It is no wonder that humans and possibly animals are doing strange things these days. Our brains are constantly bombarded by wireless signals. It hasn’t been too long since there was a study about how cell phones affect the brain. We haven’t heard much about that lately and are not likely to. That’s a multi-billion dollar industry and there are lawyers waiting in line to disprove any facts.
At my lean-to we have three wireless phones and three cell phones. There are two wireless computer routers. Three computers are wireless. We have wireless printers. And, there is a wireless speaker system. The two blu-ray players are wireless. We get TV from a satellite, another wireless device. The remote controls are wireless. I’m not sure if the refrigerator is wireless or not, but it does make strange sounds.
Radio waves are energy and with all the different ones that hit us everyday, there has to be some impact on our little brains which are run by electrical stimulus. Maybe that’s why our hippocampus (see yesterdays post) can’t remember anymore. It has trouble finding what channel we are on.
If all this sounds crazy to you, then you are right. You have agreed with me.
I’m getting a tinfoil hat.
PMO
©2013
At my lean-to we have three wireless phones and three cell phones. There are two wireless computer routers. Three computers are wireless. We have wireless printers. And, there is a wireless speaker system. The two blu-ray players are wireless. We get TV from a satellite, another wireless device. The remote controls are wireless. I’m not sure if the refrigerator is wireless or not, but it does make strange sounds.
Radio waves are energy and with all the different ones that hit us everyday, there has to be some impact on our little brains which are run by electrical stimulus. Maybe that’s why our hippocampus (see yesterdays post) can’t remember anymore. It has trouble finding what channel we are on.
If all this sounds crazy to you, then you are right. You have agreed with me.
I’m getting a tinfoil hat.
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Hippocampus
How’s your hippocampus? Did you forget you have one? Did you ever know you had one? It’s certainly not something you invite friends over to talk about. At least I never have. And, I don’t anyone that has.
The hippocampus, a brain structure tucked deep in the brain’s temporal lobe, that converts short-term memories into long-term memories. Live Science reports that Theodore Berger of the University of Southern California is developing a prosthesis to restore memory by replacing a circuit in the brain’s hippocampus. According to the report, Berger’s team is developing the device that may replace a damaged hippocampus or even enhance an intact one. The device has been successfully tested on mice and monkeys. The researchers are now running a human trial on patients with epilepsy. The hope is that ultimately that the memory prostheses could restore or enhance human memory.
The question is, "are you going to remember anything about this?" You may want to sign up now for the next human trial. It’s too late for me. I can’t remember where I put my glasses.
I’m going to get some mice and a monkey and let them remember everything I need to.
PMO
©2013
The hippocampus, a brain structure tucked deep in the brain’s temporal lobe, that converts short-term memories into long-term memories. Live Science reports that Theodore Berger of the University of Southern California is developing a prosthesis to restore memory by replacing a circuit in the brain’s hippocampus. According to the report, Berger’s team is developing the device that may replace a damaged hippocampus or even enhance an intact one. The device has been successfully tested on mice and monkeys. The researchers are now running a human trial on patients with epilepsy. The hope is that ultimately that the memory prostheses could restore or enhance human memory.
The question is, "are you going to remember anything about this?" You may want to sign up now for the next human trial. It’s too late for me. I can’t remember where I put my glasses.
I’m going to get some mice and a monkey and let them remember everything I need to.
PMO
©2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
One, Two, Three
Suze Orman, personal financial guru, offers a simple plan for managing finances. It’s as simple as one, two, three.
First, you must ask yourself before every purchase, "Is this a need or a want?" That means every time on every thing.
Secondly, you must live below your means but within your needs. Just because you can afford a fancy sports car and a 5000 square foot house, doesn’t mean you need them.
Third and very important is "save or spend?" Back in the day we used to say, "Don’t let that money burn a hole in your pocket." In other words, just because you have it doesn’t mean you have to spend it. Find pleasure in saving.
If you follow this simple advice, you might be amazed how much fun it is to save and how little you really want.
It’s really not how much you make, it’s how much you save. Look at people like Warren Buffett. Sure he makes a lot of money, but how much does he save? I know and have known several millionaires and the one common thread is how much they save and how they live within their needs.
Try it at your house. It will work if you get serious about it. It won’t work at my house. My financial controller thinks money has an expiration date.
If you don’t spend it, it might spoil.
PMO
©2013
First, you must ask yourself before every purchase, "Is this a need or a want?" That means every time on every thing.
Secondly, you must live below your means but within your needs. Just because you can afford a fancy sports car and a 5000 square foot house, doesn’t mean you need them.
Third and very important is "save or spend?" Back in the day we used to say, "Don’t let that money burn a hole in your pocket." In other words, just because you have it doesn’t mean you have to spend it. Find pleasure in saving.
If you follow this simple advice, you might be amazed how much fun it is to save and how little you really want.
It’s really not how much you make, it’s how much you save. Look at people like Warren Buffett. Sure he makes a lot of money, but how much does he save? I know and have known several millionaires and the one common thread is how much they save and how they live within their needs.
Try it at your house. It will work if you get serious about it. It won’t work at my house. My financial controller thinks money has an expiration date.
If you don’t spend it, it might spoil.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
STIs
Lately the talking heads are using the term, ‘STI.’ That stands for sexually transmitted infection. The more widely know term has been ‘STD’ or sexually transmitted disease. My initial reaction to hearing the new term caused me to think, "political correctness" has struck again. Guess what? I am almost right. STI carries less of a stigma, according to research on the matter.
It seems that an infection means a person may have a germ, virus, bacteria or parasite that has the potential to cause disease but they may not be aware of it. That means they can spread it without feeling guilty. We can’t have people feeling guilty about anything - especially sex.
It has been said that when you have sex with a person, you are having sex with every person that person has ever had sex with. And, when you have multiple sex partners, you are playing Russian roulette with your happy place.
With all the emphasis on sex these days - just turn on the TV - it is not amazing that teens, and adults are contracting STDs and STIs at an alarming rate. One in four teens have an "infection" or disease. And, there are so many "infections" and diseases these days.
There’s stuff now that you can’t get rid of with gasoline and a match.
PMO
©2013
It seems that an infection means a person may have a germ, virus, bacteria or parasite that has the potential to cause disease but they may not be aware of it. That means they can spread it without feeling guilty. We can’t have people feeling guilty about anything - especially sex.
It has been said that when you have sex with a person, you are having sex with every person that person has ever had sex with. And, when you have multiple sex partners, you are playing Russian roulette with your happy place.
With all the emphasis on sex these days - just turn on the TV - it is not amazing that teens, and adults are contracting STDs and STIs at an alarming rate. One in four teens have an "infection" or disease. And, there are so many "infections" and diseases these days.
There’s stuff now that you can’t get rid of with gasoline and a match.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Thieves
I do not understand the mind of a thief. Sure they are taking something that doesn’t belong to them for personal gain, but what possesses a person to think that is okay?
We attended Family Day at a church facility that our special needs granddaughter attends. In conversation with one fellow, he told about how thieves had taken all the mowers and other lawn care equipment from the location - in broad daylight. This equipment is very expensive and necessary. There is almost 70 acres to maintain. Volunteers do the work, but the organization has to provide the equipment.
Over the years I have known personally several thieves. They have no remorse for their actions. Even the ones that stole from family members that had nothing to spare.
Maybe the ancient punishment of cutting off a hand is not such a bad idea. And, if they steal again, cut off the other hand. Nope. It would never work. Some nanny would first say that is cruel and then make us pay for artificial limbs to replace the ones cut off.
Ain't that’s stealing too?
PMO
©2013
We attended Family Day at a church facility that our special needs granddaughter attends. In conversation with one fellow, he told about how thieves had taken all the mowers and other lawn care equipment from the location - in broad daylight. This equipment is very expensive and necessary. There is almost 70 acres to maintain. Volunteers do the work, but the organization has to provide the equipment.
Over the years I have known personally several thieves. They have no remorse for their actions. Even the ones that stole from family members that had nothing to spare.
Maybe the ancient punishment of cutting off a hand is not such a bad idea. And, if they steal again, cut off the other hand. Nope. It would never work. Some nanny would first say that is cruel and then make us pay for artificial limbs to replace the ones cut off.
Ain't that’s stealing too?
PMO
©2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Grass
Don’t jump to any conclusions, this is not about marijuana. Some of you probably have stopped reading by now. Today I am talking about grass - in the yard, mow, keep the weeds out - grass. The problem I had was two flower beds, that were nothing more than a weed paradise. So, I got rid of the flower beds and put in grass. I don’t do weeds unless I use Roundup®. There are other fine products to kill weeds down to the roots. I just like this brand. If you mix 32 ounces of concentrate to one gallon of water, you can kill rocks.
In this area of the universe, St. Augustine is the dominant grass. Personally I think it is a weed. But, that’s what I had to go with. This meant that I had to go to the grass store. Just like everything else, it is a lovely drive if you take a lunch. I was surprised about the reasonable price and the people were nice and loaded the grass into my truck. Then I had to come home, unload the grass into a wheelbarrow so I could get inside the fenced area and put the dang stuff in said flower beds. Next I had to put about ten million gallons of water so the blame stuff wouldn’t burn up in the East Texas heat. For the next few weeks, I will have to continue to water daily until sometime after the end of the world.
If I were in charge, which I am not, I would use Roundup® over the whole yard. Barren dirt is good. It is easy to maintain.
All you have to do is wait for a strong wind.
PMO
©2013
In this area of the universe, St. Augustine is the dominant grass. Personally I think it is a weed. But, that’s what I had to go with. This meant that I had to go to the grass store. Just like everything else, it is a lovely drive if you take a lunch. I was surprised about the reasonable price and the people were nice and loaded the grass into my truck. Then I had to come home, unload the grass into a wheelbarrow so I could get inside the fenced area and put the dang stuff in said flower beds. Next I had to put about ten million gallons of water so the blame stuff wouldn’t burn up in the East Texas heat. For the next few weeks, I will have to continue to water daily until sometime after the end of the world.
If I were in charge, which I am not, I would use Roundup® over the whole yard. Barren dirt is good. It is easy to maintain.
All you have to do is wait for a strong wind.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
TMI
A neighbor came over today while we were working in the yard. She said she just wanted to meet us and wouldn’t stay long. Wrong! I thought I would have to set the house on fire to get her to leave. Because she has lived in the commune for awhile, she wanted to fill us in. Fortunately I was busy and didn’t do much talking. On the other hand, my financial controller is one of those "talk" people.
Experience has shown me that people give out too much information. My financial controller will tell you where grandma hides her money. The only secrets she has are the ones kept from me. She tells strangers information that only God needs to know.
I am a private person and I don’t give out information. And, I really don’t want most of the information people want to tell me. The problem is that what you get is their version of a story. And, humans always embellish whatever story to shed good light on them. And, they always give too much information.
I am one of those people that will tell you my name.
Anything more, you have to check with my attorney.
PMO
©2013
Experience has shown me that people give out too much information. My financial controller will tell you where grandma hides her money. The only secrets she has are the ones kept from me. She tells strangers information that only God needs to know.
I am a private person and I don’t give out information. And, I really don’t want most of the information people want to tell me. The problem is that what you get is their version of a story. And, humans always embellish whatever story to shed good light on them. And, they always give too much information.
I am one of those people that will tell you my name.
Anything more, you have to check with my attorney.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Side Effects
I don’t do well with medications. Even an aspirin can sometimes cause me grief. On my trip to the new doctor - yesterday’s post - I told him of a minor problem. He gave me a prescription. Now, let’s be clear about this drug. It is one commonly used for both men and women. That means the side effects may be the same, but some are unique to the gender.
Because all drugs have side effects, I try to read all that junk they give you at the drug store. First and always, I noticed that this pill may cause dizziness. All drugs must cause dizziness, because the ones advertised on TV do. At least, this one does not cause diarrhea. I just can imagine why anyone would take a pill that causes dizziness and diarrhea. Whatever you have, you don’t want that to go along with it.
My new prescription cautioned about breast feeding, so that was not a concern. A rash and or itching were mentioned. Dizziness including fainting and falling down was the number one side effect. Then there was the side effect of a runny nose. But, reading on, I saw this, "males may have a prolonged erection lasting four or more hours." Wouldn’t you know it. The impossible may happen and all you can do is fall down and wipe your runny nose.
That's why I hate medications?
PMO
©2013
Because all drugs have side effects, I try to read all that junk they give you at the drug store. First and always, I noticed that this pill may cause dizziness. All drugs must cause dizziness, because the ones advertised on TV do. At least, this one does not cause diarrhea. I just can imagine why anyone would take a pill that causes dizziness and diarrhea. Whatever you have, you don’t want that to go along with it.
My new prescription cautioned about breast feeding, so that was not a concern. A rash and or itching were mentioned. Dizziness including fainting and falling down was the number one side effect. Then there was the side effect of a runny nose. But, reading on, I saw this, "males may have a prolonged erection lasting four or more hours." Wouldn’t you know it. The impossible may happen and all you can do is fall down and wipe your runny nose.
That's why I hate medications?
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
New Doctor
I’ve been going to the same doctor for over twenty years. Since I have moved, I had to find a new doc. It was time for my annual exam. It is something to dread every year. Being a male, they have to check your prostate gland. Someone needs to discover a new way to get that done, rather than the way they do it.
I always mention to the doctor that plumbers and proctologist don’t bite their finger nails. Doctors don’t have a sense of humor.
The new guy is nice but, he is really a country doctor. One of my concerns was about a cut I had that is slow to heal and a pain I have in my right shoulder. He told me about some liniment I could get at the local feed store. He assured me that it works on horses. That’s country.
His exam rooms are at street level with head in parking just a sidewalk away. He doesn’t pull the blinds down during an exam. This caused me to wonder what kind of patients he was used to treating. One does have to get undressed for an exam, so I did. That meant anyone could see a grumpy old man naked. The parking lot was full and there were people walking by. I don’t know if any one did see me. But after a few minutes, I did glance out the window and noticed the parking lot was empty.
Now they know why I don’t look into the mirror when I get out of the shower.
PMO
©2013
I always mention to the doctor that plumbers and proctologist don’t bite their finger nails. Doctors don’t have a sense of humor.
The new guy is nice but, he is really a country doctor. One of my concerns was about a cut I had that is slow to heal and a pain I have in my right shoulder. He told me about some liniment I could get at the local feed store. He assured me that it works on horses. That’s country.
His exam rooms are at street level with head in parking just a sidewalk away. He doesn’t pull the blinds down during an exam. This caused me to wonder what kind of patients he was used to treating. One does have to get undressed for an exam, so I did. That meant anyone could see a grumpy old man naked. The parking lot was full and there were people walking by. I don’t know if any one did see me. But after a few minutes, I did glance out the window and noticed the parking lot was empty.
Now they know why I don’t look into the mirror when I get out of the shower.
PMO
©2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
New Job
I have mentioned in "Good Deed" that I mow my son-in-laws father’s lawn because he has some health issues. It was time to mow again this week. Just as I finished, a neighbor asked if I am doing lawns now. She knows why I mow the lawn. But, it got me to thinking.
I could get an old board and some paint and make a sign. Who knows? I may have found my true calling. And, not to be limited to a single market, I have come up with what the sign should proclaim.
"Lawn mowing, used tires and cosmetic dental work."
Now, all I have to do is wait for the phone to start ringing.
PMO
©2013
I could get an old board and some paint and make a sign. Who knows? I may have found my true calling. And, not to be limited to a single market, I have come up with what the sign should proclaim.
"Lawn mowing, used tires and cosmetic dental work."
Now, all I have to do is wait for the phone to start ringing.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Merry Christmas
Well, it’s official. You can now say "Merry Christmas" in Texas public schools. Governor Rick Perry has signed into law a bill that eliminates legal issues surrounding the verbal use of "Merry Christmas." According to the Associated Press, the Gov. said, "religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion."
Guess what? I have been saying and will continue to say, "Merry Christmas." We grumpy old men are stubborn that way. Heck, I even say it to my Jewish friends. They don’t mind and even say it back. And, now it is official, I want to invite all those folks in other states that are not allowed, to come on down at Christmas time and shout it out. You can say "Merry Christmas" now, but in the summer, people look at you funny.
The AP also reported that about 10 Santa Claus impersonators were invited to the bill signing and rand sleigh bells as it was made law. Questions? If they were impersonators, it would imply that there is a real Santa. Where the heck was he? Question 2? Why didn’t they invite Jesus to the signing?
I suppose that wouldn't be politically correct.
PMO
©2013
Guess what? I have been saying and will continue to say, "Merry Christmas." We grumpy old men are stubborn that way. Heck, I even say it to my Jewish friends. They don’t mind and even say it back. And, now it is official, I want to invite all those folks in other states that are not allowed, to come on down at Christmas time and shout it out. You can say "Merry Christmas" now, but in the summer, people look at you funny.
The AP also reported that about 10 Santa Claus impersonators were invited to the bill signing and rand sleigh bells as it was made law. Questions? If they were impersonators, it would imply that there is a real Santa. Where the heck was he? Question 2? Why didn’t they invite Jesus to the signing?
I suppose that wouldn't be politically correct.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
I Used To Know
One common trait with all grumpy old men is that they know nothing. At least that’s what a lot of people think. I got to thinking about what I used to know and want to share a few items with you.
I used to know: that human life was the most precious thing and was to be regarded as scared; that respect for others was very important; when people continuously lie, they are not to be trusted; that dignity and honor was something you could be proud of; that if you didn’t work, you didn’t have the things you want; that there were women and there were ladies and they were to be treated as such; that being a man, one of your jobs was to protect ladies and children; that you live your life and let others live theirs; that you didn’t ride your bicycle in the middle of car and truck traffic; that two plus two equals four; and, I used to know enough to come inside out of the rain.
Next time it rains, I'll just stay out in it.
PMO
©2013
I used to know: that human life was the most precious thing and was to be regarded as scared; that respect for others was very important; when people continuously lie, they are not to be trusted; that dignity and honor was something you could be proud of; that if you didn’t work, you didn’t have the things you want; that there were women and there were ladies and they were to be treated as such; that being a man, one of your jobs was to protect ladies and children; that you live your life and let others live theirs; that you didn’t ride your bicycle in the middle of car and truck traffic; that two plus two equals four; and, I used to know enough to come inside out of the rain.
Next time it rains, I'll just stay out in it.
PMO
©2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
"Laid Back"
When we moved to East Texas, we had a lot of comments about how we would enjoy it because it is a lot more "laid back." A slower pace, if you will. After six months, the slower pace is killing me. It appears that fishing and hunting take priority over silly business. There is a manufacturing plant nearby that closes the first week of deer season because the workers don't come in during that week anyway.
Last week the cable internet went off. I called and they said they would have to send a technician. It took three days. The fish were biting I guess. The only thing that takes priority over fishing is deer hunting. It’s not deer season yet.
It has taken two or three days to get a plumber. It did take only one day to get an air conditioning repair man. I'm guessing he doesn’t fish. Don’t call during deer season.
At the big box building supply store, they don’t have the best selection of merchandise. Their standard response about something not in stock is to go on line and order it. "It will take only 4 or 5 days to get it."
I am beginning to worry about what would happen if the house caught fire. Would the fire department show up the next day? If they did, would they bring a big catch of fish to put on the smoldering coals? And, how about a medical emergency? I can just hear the ambulance driver tell the surviving spouse, "Sorry Mam, but we was right in the middle of cleaning a whole mess of catfish."
Someone told me it takes about five years to adjust to the "laid back," slower pace.
I am sitting here now looking at the calendar.
PMO
©2013
Last week the cable internet went off. I called and they said they would have to send a technician. It took three days. The fish were biting I guess. The only thing that takes priority over fishing is deer hunting. It’s not deer season yet.
It has taken two or three days to get a plumber. It did take only one day to get an air conditioning repair man. I'm guessing he doesn’t fish. Don’t call during deer season.
At the big box building supply store, they don’t have the best selection of merchandise. Their standard response about something not in stock is to go on line and order it. "It will take only 4 or 5 days to get it."
I am beginning to worry about what would happen if the house caught fire. Would the fire department show up the next day? If they did, would they bring a big catch of fish to put on the smoldering coals? And, how about a medical emergency? I can just hear the ambulance driver tell the surviving spouse, "Sorry Mam, but we was right in the middle of cleaning a whole mess of catfish."
Someone told me it takes about five years to adjust to the "laid back," slower pace.
I am sitting here now looking at the calendar.
PMO
©2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Driver License
My youngest granddaughter is going to get her driver license this summer. That is unless she changes her mind. She does that a lot. Boy, when I was young, I wanted a driver license more than anything. That’s about all I thought about. Well, I did think about girls. That was why I wanted a license. They were easier to catch if you had a car.
Now days, you do all the study and paper work on-line. She has to take several hours instruction and study before she can proceed. I don’t know if you have to take the computer with you when you start the driving part. I guess you could duct tape it to the steering wheel.
As I remember the exam required you to know a bunch of laws. I bet she really likes that part. As I recall, all I wanted to do was learn how to cruise around for girls. That was not on the test. Back in the day, the process involved not only the written exam, but you had to ride with an actual Highway Patrol Officer for the driving test. They didn’t have much of a sense of humor.
It will be fun to watch granddaughter work this summer on getting a license. I am helping her all I can by giving her advice.
"If you hit something, hit something cheap."
PMO
©2013
Now days, you do all the study and paper work on-line. She has to take several hours instruction and study before she can proceed. I don’t know if you have to take the computer with you when you start the driving part. I guess you could duct tape it to the steering wheel.
As I remember the exam required you to know a bunch of laws. I bet she really likes that part. As I recall, all I wanted to do was learn how to cruise around for girls. That was not on the test. Back in the day, the process involved not only the written exam, but you had to ride with an actual Highway Patrol Officer for the driving test. They didn’t have much of a sense of humor.
It will be fun to watch granddaughter work this summer on getting a license. I am helping her all I can by giving her advice.
"If you hit something, hit something cheap."
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
By The Numbers
In one of my previous lives, I worked on commission sales. You know, where if you don’t sell, you don’t eat. People used to ask me, "How can you have a job like that? You never know how much, if any, money you will make." The truth is that I made more in sales than I ever did on a salary job. But, my standard reply to the question was, "I have sensitive hearing. When my wife and child start to cry because they are hungry, I go sell something, because all that crying hurts my ears."
Sales is a tough job. In fact, in another life, I loaded trucks and boxcars and sales was much harder. There was a simple rule on sales, if you make 10 calls you will make one sale. That rule still applies. Right now I am engaged in putting together a retiree club in our new found world. The retirees are those that retired from the same company I did. The phone list has almost 1000 names. I decided quickly I would not make that many calls, so I screened out some folks. And, I recruited some helpers.
Collectively we have made about 500 calls and we have had 50 responses. That sounds terrible, but it is about the average. That’s why so many people don’t work in sales. The amount of effort and the disappointments are just more than the average bear can stand.
But there is another rule of by the numbers. ‘Nothing happens until a sale is made.’ All it takes is comfortable shoes and blind determination.
It doesn't hurt to be a little bit crazy too.
PMO
©2013
Sales is a tough job. In fact, in another life, I loaded trucks and boxcars and sales was much harder. There was a simple rule on sales, if you make 10 calls you will make one sale. That rule still applies. Right now I am engaged in putting together a retiree club in our new found world. The retirees are those that retired from the same company I did. The phone list has almost 1000 names. I decided quickly I would not make that many calls, so I screened out some folks. And, I recruited some helpers.
Collectively we have made about 500 calls and we have had 50 responses. That sounds terrible, but it is about the average. That’s why so many people don’t work in sales. The amount of effort and the disappointments are just more than the average bear can stand.
But there is another rule of by the numbers. ‘Nothing happens until a sale is made.’ All it takes is comfortable shoes and blind determination.
It doesn't hurt to be a little bit crazy too.
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Good Deed
Even grumpy old men have to do good deeds. I don’t know who made that rule. My son-in-law’s parents have moved into our little commune. They both have some health issues, so I have been mowing their lawn. It is not a big lawn. You don’t want to go overboard on good deeds. It actually takes me longer to drive the mower to their house than it does to mow the lawn. The first time I mowed it took six minutes.
This week I got paid. There is a small area that borders with a flower bed. I noticed a penny lying on the ground and naturally stopped mowing to pickup the penny. Old men do things like that. Much to my surprise, there was another penny. And then, a nickle, a couple of dimes, and a quarter. I collected over a dollar that was just lying there on the dirt. These coins had been there for some time, but they were not collectibles. Why or how they got there, I do not know. All I have to do is clean them up so they are identifiable to spend.
Gas money - from heaven.
PMO
©2013
This week I got paid. There is a small area that borders with a flower bed. I noticed a penny lying on the ground and naturally stopped mowing to pickup the penny. Old men do things like that. Much to my surprise, there was another penny. And then, a nickle, a couple of dimes, and a quarter. I collected over a dollar that was just lying there on the dirt. These coins had been there for some time, but they were not collectibles. Why or how they got there, I do not know. All I have to do is clean them up so they are identifiable to spend.
Gas money - from heaven.
PMO
©2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Ignorance Is Expensive
Someone said, "Ignorance is bliss." Ignorance is defined as lack of education or knowledge. And, Will Rogers said, "We are all ignorant, just in different subjects." I just want to add that while ignorance may be bliss, it is expensive.
I talked to a long time friend today and she said they had to replace a window air conditioner. She didn’t know what brand it was or the efficiency. All she knew was that it cost about $500 dollars and another $125 to install it. While I talked to her on the phone, I turned around to my computer and did a quick research. I only looked at only one retailer and saw a model, name brand, with more capacity and a good solid efficiency rating for a lot less money - $100. So far as installation goes on window units, it is as simple as take the old one out and put the new one in. One person that knows a little can do it, and two people that know nothing can do it. She didn’t care.
My job used to be saving money and getting the best value. If I had a hundred dollars for every time that I have offered advice on how to save on cars, trucks, heating and air conditioning equipment, and a lot of other electrical products, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. I’d hire someone to do it for me.
I do remember one woman that worked in the same office with me that was about to buy a rather expensive SUV. I mentioned that she could save money by going to see a particular dealer that was less than 75 miles away. She took my suggestion and saved $2,500 on an identical vehicle. Wow! That's one in a row.
On my last pickup purchase, I drove about an hour and half to save $6,000. Not a bad deal. The point is that in today’s information world, it is not necessary to be ignorant in a lot of things.
Maybe it is blissful to be ignorant. Until you run out of money.
PMO
©2013
I talked to a long time friend today and she said they had to replace a window air conditioner. She didn’t know what brand it was or the efficiency. All she knew was that it cost about $500 dollars and another $125 to install it. While I talked to her on the phone, I turned around to my computer and did a quick research. I only looked at only one retailer and saw a model, name brand, with more capacity and a good solid efficiency rating for a lot less money - $100. So far as installation goes on window units, it is as simple as take the old one out and put the new one in. One person that knows a little can do it, and two people that know nothing can do it. She didn’t care.
My job used to be saving money and getting the best value. If I had a hundred dollars for every time that I have offered advice on how to save on cars, trucks, heating and air conditioning equipment, and a lot of other electrical products, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. I’d hire someone to do it for me.
I do remember one woman that worked in the same office with me that was about to buy a rather expensive SUV. I mentioned that she could save money by going to see a particular dealer that was less than 75 miles away. She took my suggestion and saved $2,500 on an identical vehicle. Wow! That's one in a row.
On my last pickup purchase, I drove about an hour and half to save $6,000. Not a bad deal. The point is that in today’s information world, it is not necessary to be ignorant in a lot of things.
Maybe it is blissful to be ignorant. Until you run out of money.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Hell Week
Hell week is a term often used in college and in the military. I used to use it a lot at work. This week my financial controller, ace number one daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters went to New York City for vacation. If I had gone, it would have been hell week - for everybody, especially me. I stayed home and took care of the dogs.
The first couple of days, the dogs liked my cooking. Then it went down hill. The little one even turned up his nose at the water dish. Neither of them died and neither did I.
When you stay home, there are things that have to be done that are better done by someone with experience. I do very well at vacuuming. If you don’t remember, I told her one time that she wasn’t running the vacuum right and I’ve been doing it since then. But when it comes to mopping, I am a little lacking. We have one of those steamy thingys, but I don’t like it. I use a real mop. I just never seem to get all the water where I want it and too much where I don’t want it. I keep the mop bucket full of water. The dog drinks from it.
Then, there’s laundry. Oh, I do alright with washing and drying. I’m pretty good at putting things on hangers, except they all point in opposite directions. Makes it tough to hang them in the closet. But, I am not good at folding.
You are supposed to fold underwear and put it in a drawer. I think that is a stupid idea. Why can’t you just put it in the drawer anyway it will fit? I tried rolling up everything. We did it that way in the Army. It worked fine. Not here. Did you know there is a difference between men’s and women’s underwear? They don’t fold alike. They do now.
What difference does it make? No one is supposed to see underwear anyway.
Unless you are a plumber or teenage boy.
PMO
©2013
The first couple of days, the dogs liked my cooking. Then it went down hill. The little one even turned up his nose at the water dish. Neither of them died and neither did I.
When you stay home, there are things that have to be done that are better done by someone with experience. I do very well at vacuuming. If you don’t remember, I told her one time that she wasn’t running the vacuum right and I’ve been doing it since then. But when it comes to mopping, I am a little lacking. We have one of those steamy thingys, but I don’t like it. I use a real mop. I just never seem to get all the water where I want it and too much where I don’t want it. I keep the mop bucket full of water. The dog drinks from it.
Then, there’s laundry. Oh, I do alright with washing and drying. I’m pretty good at putting things on hangers, except they all point in opposite directions. Makes it tough to hang them in the closet. But, I am not good at folding.
You are supposed to fold underwear and put it in a drawer. I think that is a stupid idea. Why can’t you just put it in the drawer anyway it will fit? I tried rolling up everything. We did it that way in the Army. It worked fine. Not here. Did you know there is a difference between men’s and women’s underwear? They don’t fold alike. They do now.
What difference does it make? No one is supposed to see underwear anyway.
Unless you are a plumber or teenage boy.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
I See You
Technology is wonderful. Especially when used by the government to spy on the people. Unless you live in a cave or under a log, the government has been, and will continue, spying on you. And the Prez and associates say it’s okay. Seems all the invasion of privacy is in the interest of homeland security. You do want to be secure, don’t you?
However, the current administration has ticked off the allies on the media front. Even the NY Times is now saying bad things about Obama.
We learned this week that phone records, not just from Verizon, have been searched, as well as nine internet firms are giving data to the government. Gives you a warm fuzzy doesn’t it, to know that your government takes that much interest in little old you. Apparently the surveillance goes to the point that some reporters say they were recorded as they typed a story.
This may explain an event at the local level. At our club house there are a variety of activities. Belly dancing and line dancing classes are two. Both have been cancelled. Would not surprise me that HSA shut them down. Can you imagine 80 and 90 year old ladies dancing like that. I guess it could be bad for national security if a video fell into the wrong hands.
Don’t miss "Person of Interest" when it resumes this fall. Maybe the writers of the show know something we don’t.
If those 90 year old belly dancing ladies show up in an episode, you may be next.
PMO
©2013
However, the current administration has ticked off the allies on the media front. Even the NY Times is now saying bad things about Obama.
We learned this week that phone records, not just from Verizon, have been searched, as well as nine internet firms are giving data to the government. Gives you a warm fuzzy doesn’t it, to know that your government takes that much interest in little old you. Apparently the surveillance goes to the point that some reporters say they were recorded as they typed a story.
This may explain an event at the local level. At our club house there are a variety of activities. Belly dancing and line dancing classes are two. Both have been cancelled. Would not surprise me that HSA shut them down. Can you imagine 80 and 90 year old ladies dancing like that. I guess it could be bad for national security if a video fell into the wrong hands.
Don’t miss "Person of Interest" when it resumes this fall. Maybe the writers of the show know something we don’t.
If those 90 year old belly dancing ladies show up in an episode, you may be next.
PMO
©2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Brain Explosion
Have you heard about the three year old deaf boy in Lincoln, Nebraska that is being bullied by public school officials to change his name? It seems that the hand sign for Hunter Spanjer looks like a weapon. And, the Grand Island School district has a policy that forbids kids bringing to school "any instrument that looks like a weapon." According to the report in a commentary posted on gopusa.com, the school can’t change the sign because it is the official hand sign for Hunter’s name, registered through S.E.E., Sign Exact English.
Pressure from the National Association of the Deaf and the public has compelled the district into allowing the deaf boy to keep his name. I would like to suggest that Bill Engvall meet with the school officials.
"Here’s YOUR sign."
PMO
©2013
Pressure from the National Association of the Deaf and the public has compelled the district into allowing the deaf boy to keep his name. I would like to suggest that Bill Engvall meet with the school officials.
"Here’s YOUR sign."
PMO
©2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thursdays
Thursdays are my go and get stuff days. That means, I take a shopping list and go and get the stuff on the list - nothing else, just the stuff on the list. Since moving to East Texas, I have noticed that more often than not, it rains on Thursday. And, it rains at precisely the time I have a shopping cart full and try to get back to my truck - everybody drives a pickup truck. After having been caught a few times with and without an umbrella, I developed a plan. I always have a plan.
Today, I searched out my umbrella that is about the size of a small house. I watched carefully and found a parking space less than 100 feet from the exit door at WallyMart. The rain hadn’t begun when I went inside. "Ha," I said to myself proudly as I was prepared. The thunder rolled and I could hear the rain on the metal roof of the building, as I went about my mission of gathering provisions. After getting all the items, including a bag of candy from the bicycle isle, and finding a register open, I was ready to face the monsoon. Guess what? It wasn’t raining when I went outside.
I returned to the lean-to and unloaded all the stuff. My usual schedule is to then go to the grocery. But that didn’t happen. My financial controller has dedicated her life to finding things I need to do "first."
Finally accomplishing that interruption, I headed out for the grocery. Then came the rain. It rained so hard it was impossible to see the road clearly. Traffic slowed. I finally got there, but it was raining so hard I did not want to get out, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. I grabbed my big umbrella and opened the door, poked the umbrella outside, but did not notice how hard the wind was blowing. Almost drowned.
I would change to Wednesdays, but that’s my day off.
PMO
©2013
Today, I searched out my umbrella that is about the size of a small house. I watched carefully and found a parking space less than 100 feet from the exit door at WallyMart. The rain hadn’t begun when I went inside. "Ha," I said to myself proudly as I was prepared. The thunder rolled and I could hear the rain on the metal roof of the building, as I went about my mission of gathering provisions. After getting all the items, including a bag of candy from the bicycle isle, and finding a register open, I was ready to face the monsoon. Guess what? It wasn’t raining when I went outside.
I returned to the lean-to and unloaded all the stuff. My usual schedule is to then go to the grocery. But that didn’t happen. My financial controller has dedicated her life to finding things I need to do "first."
Finally accomplishing that interruption, I headed out for the grocery. Then came the rain. It rained so hard it was impossible to see the road clearly. Traffic slowed. I finally got there, but it was raining so hard I did not want to get out, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. I grabbed my big umbrella and opened the door, poked the umbrella outside, but did not notice how hard the wind was blowing. Almost drowned.
I would change to Wednesdays, but that’s my day off.
PMO
©2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
More Look Forward To
If you didn’t read yesterdays post, back up and read it. I got to thinking about what grumpy old men have to look forward to. First and foremost they look forward to being grumpy to someone new. It gets old being grumpy to the same old people.
They look forward to weather that is not too hot or cold. This cuts down on the electric bill. A good gentle rain at night is great for sleeping. Grumpy old men are expert sleepers. And, if it rains during the day, we just take a nap.
It is always nice to talk to an old friend that you haven’t talked to in a long time. But, I’ve noticed they talk too much and interrupt what I am trying to tell them.
Grumpy old men like fried foods. Why is everyone so concerned about fried foods? The worse they can do is kill you. What’s worse, dying or going without fried food - like pork chops. I get those about twice per year.
They look forward to something not breaking. A day that nothing breaks is a real good day.
And, grumpy old men really do look forward to visits by grandchildren.
Even if they do wonder, "Why are you so grumpy?"
PMO
©2013
They look forward to weather that is not too hot or cold. This cuts down on the electric bill. A good gentle rain at night is great for sleeping. Grumpy old men are expert sleepers. And, if it rains during the day, we just take a nap.
It is always nice to talk to an old friend that you haven’t talked to in a long time. But, I’ve noticed they talk too much and interrupt what I am trying to tell them.
Grumpy old men like fried foods. Why is everyone so concerned about fried foods? The worse they can do is kill you. What’s worse, dying or going without fried food - like pork chops. I get those about twice per year.
They look forward to something not breaking. A day that nothing breaks is a real good day.
And, grumpy old men really do look forward to visits by grandchildren.
Even if they do wonder, "Why are you so grumpy?"
PMO
©2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Something To Look Forward To
Most shrinks, counselors, ministers, witch doctors and whatever other professionals that deal with the human mind know that what you look forward to is critical to being a healthy and happy being. People, and maybe some animals, need to have happy expectations. I mentioned animals with especially dogs in mind. They await their master’s return with great dedication and express joy when they see him or her. Too bad that humans don’t express such joy as a dogs do when they see a loved one. I guess it wouldn’t look right for a human to wag their tail.
I don’t know about you but I looked forward to quitting time on every job I had but one. If that job had paid enough money, I would still be there. But there are millions of things people look forward to. Some people have many and others have only one or two. Being the armchair psychiatrist that I am, I can assure you that when you see someone murder a group of school children or some equally horrid crime, that person had absolutely nothing to look forward to.
We hear about so many people with depression and the consequences. What those people need is something to look forward to. Even a simple thing can mean a lot. Allow me to illustrate my point with an another story.
A college class on human biology involved a discussion on human sexuality. The professor asked the class, "How often do you have sex? All those that have sex 5 times per week, raise your hands." A few in the class raised their hands. "How many have sex twice per week?" Several raised their hands. Then, he asked, "How about once per week?" Again, the hands went up. The professor continued with once every other week, once a month, every now and then? He had noticed a man in the back that had not responded to any of the times mentioned, but the man had a huge smile on his face. So the prof asked, "How about once per year?" The man’s hand shot up. "Excuse me sir," the professor said, "But I couldn’t help but notice that during all this time, you’ve had this huge smile. And, now you state that you have sex only once per year. I am curious as to why you are smiling so much." The man never stops smiling as he replied, "Tonight is the night."
Get something to look forward to. You’ll be happier.
PMO
©2013
I don’t know about you but I looked forward to quitting time on every job I had but one. If that job had paid enough money, I would still be there. But there are millions of things people look forward to. Some people have many and others have only one or two. Being the armchair psychiatrist that I am, I can assure you that when you see someone murder a group of school children or some equally horrid crime, that person had absolutely nothing to look forward to.
We hear about so many people with depression and the consequences. What those people need is something to look forward to. Even a simple thing can mean a lot. Allow me to illustrate my point with an another story.
A college class on human biology involved a discussion on human sexuality. The professor asked the class, "How often do you have sex? All those that have sex 5 times per week, raise your hands." A few in the class raised their hands. "How many have sex twice per week?" Several raised their hands. Then, he asked, "How about once per week?" Again, the hands went up. The professor continued with once every other week, once a month, every now and then? He had noticed a man in the back that had not responded to any of the times mentioned, but the man had a huge smile on his face. So the prof asked, "How about once per year?" The man’s hand shot up. "Excuse me sir," the professor said, "But I couldn’t help but notice that during all this time, you’ve had this huge smile. And, now you state that you have sex only once per year. I am curious as to why you are smiling so much." The man never stops smiling as he replied, "Tonight is the night."
Get something to look forward to. You’ll be happier.
PMO
©2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Retirement Opportunities
Having been retired for a few years now, I have come to a conclusion that there just may be a better way to retire. The traditional way, I guess, is to get a job, save some money, work until you’re tired and then retire. The downside is that you have to watch your money and try to have enough to last you until you croak. There are at least two other options.
First, get rid of all your assets. Become a burden to the tax payers. You can get free food, free housing, free medical, free cell phone, utility assistance, clothing, furniture and just about anything else one would need. Any money you may earn could be under the table, in cash and that would pay for your cable TV.
Or, if you want real security, rob a bank. Not just any bank. Be sure it is a Federal bank, so you will go to a Federal prison. From what I’ve seen on television and in the papers, those prisons are a lot like a country club. You don’t have to worry about taxes or inflation or anything. You get three meals per day, clothing, entertainment, exercise and absolute security from all the nuts running around on the outside - including politicians. I think the sentence for bank robbery is 20 years, so if you wait until you are about 60 or older, you should be good for the rest of your life. Should you get out, just rob another bank.
As usual, my advice is worth what you pay for it.
PMO
©2013
First, get rid of all your assets. Become a burden to the tax payers. You can get free food, free housing, free medical, free cell phone, utility assistance, clothing, furniture and just about anything else one would need. Any money you may earn could be under the table, in cash and that would pay for your cable TV.
Or, if you want real security, rob a bank. Not just any bank. Be sure it is a Federal bank, so you will go to a Federal prison. From what I’ve seen on television and in the papers, those prisons are a lot like a country club. You don’t have to worry about taxes or inflation or anything. You get three meals per day, clothing, entertainment, exercise and absolute security from all the nuts running around on the outside - including politicians. I think the sentence for bank robbery is 20 years, so if you wait until you are about 60 or older, you should be good for the rest of your life. Should you get out, just rob another bank.
As usual, my advice is worth what you pay for it.
PMO
©2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Don't Go There
My financial controller took her car into have an oil change and it took an unusually long time. When she got back, I asked, "Was there a problem at the oil change?" She said there were a couple of cars ahead of her and when they got to her car, they did all the little extra’s - clean the windshield, check the air in the tires, etc. And, then she told me they vacuumed the car.
For many years I keep her car clean inside and out. I did all the maintenance and generally kept the car in pretty good condition. Then, I decided or maybe she decided that she needed to learn to do things for herself. This sounded reasonable to me. And to give credit, she keeps up with the maintenance fairly well, except she goes by the computer on her dash to tell her when to change the oil. I think about 3,000 miles is right, but most car makers now recommend up to 5,000 miles. The computer on the car seems to think even more miles is okay.
But, let’s get back to the vacuum. After a few years of letting her keep her car, I decided one day to do some of it myself again. There are things in that car that will hurt you. I have found fruits and vegetables under the seat. Third world countries are starving, and she has enough food in her car to feed most of them. I’ve found things like parts, that apparently go to nothing. At least I never find what they go to. There is an occasional reward, like loose change. But, I have never found out what those eyes in the dark under the seats are. Now, I don’t vacuum that car unless I have a chair and a whip.
The guy at the shop that vacuumed the car is asking for hazardous duty pay.
PMO
©2013
For many years I keep her car clean inside and out. I did all the maintenance and generally kept the car in pretty good condition. Then, I decided or maybe she decided that she needed to learn to do things for herself. This sounded reasonable to me. And to give credit, she keeps up with the maintenance fairly well, except she goes by the computer on her dash to tell her when to change the oil. I think about 3,000 miles is right, but most car makers now recommend up to 5,000 miles. The computer on the car seems to think even more miles is okay.
But, let’s get back to the vacuum. After a few years of letting her keep her car, I decided one day to do some of it myself again. There are things in that car that will hurt you. I have found fruits and vegetables under the seat. Third world countries are starving, and she has enough food in her car to feed most of them. I’ve found things like parts, that apparently go to nothing. At least I never find what they go to. There is an occasional reward, like loose change. But, I have never found out what those eyes in the dark under the seats are. Now, I don’t vacuum that car unless I have a chair and a whip.
The guy at the shop that vacuumed the car is asking for hazardous duty pay.
PMO
©2013
Saturday, June 1, 2013
NY TO LA
Are you ready to travel from New York to Los Angeles in 45 minutes? My answer is no, because I can’t imagine any reason to be in either place and if I was in one, I would not want to go to the other. However, according to Yahoo News, futuristic high speed tube travel could make such a trip happen in the not so distant future. How about a trip from New York to Beijing in two hours?
A company called ET3 has plans in the works for the Evacuated Tube Transport, a high speed transportation tube that uses magnetic levitation. The ETT can travel at speeds of up to 4,000 miles per hour, according to the report. I don’t want to ride it, but I would like to see it take off and then stop.
The company claims that passengers need not worry about discomfort traveling that fast. The high velocity at which the tubes move is equal to 1G of force at top speed, which is similar to the force felt by someone traveling in a car on the freeway. I’ve see some drivers on the freeway that have to be pulling 4Gs.
When and if the tubes make their debut in the next decade, they will initially be used to transport freight, not people. You might want to order a crate of eggs and have them shipped first, before you decide to crawl into one of those things. If the eggs come out scrambled, you may want to rethink buying a ticket on the first trip.
I’m going to wait until they have a route from mi casa to WallyMart.
PMO
©2013
A company called ET3 has plans in the works for the Evacuated Tube Transport, a high speed transportation tube that uses magnetic levitation. The ETT can travel at speeds of up to 4,000 miles per hour, according to the report. I don’t want to ride it, but I would like to see it take off and then stop.
The company claims that passengers need not worry about discomfort traveling that fast. The high velocity at which the tubes move is equal to 1G of force at top speed, which is similar to the force felt by someone traveling in a car on the freeway. I’ve see some drivers on the freeway that have to be pulling 4Gs.
When and if the tubes make their debut in the next decade, they will initially be used to transport freight, not people. You might want to order a crate of eggs and have them shipped first, before you decide to crawl into one of those things. If the eggs come out scrambled, you may want to rethink buying a ticket on the first trip.
I’m going to wait until they have a route from mi casa to WallyMart.
PMO
©2013
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)