They Lie

Perhaps it’s just me, but I don’t think so. Everywhere I turn to have to deal with people here, I am mislead about their qualifications or am told a lie. This week I made an appointment with a chiropractor, after I made several calls to find one that would actually do a manual manipulation. It seems now that chiropractors want to do what I call "foo foo" adjustments. These are done with a hand held device that feels like a miniature jack hammer. This does nothing for me, and I’m guessing others would agree.

Webster defines chiropractic as a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures (such as the spinal column). When I called this particular office, I specifically asked if the doctor does such adjustments. They said yes. They lied. Oh, I understand they want one to come back and get a few hundred "treatments" as opposed to a few that actually get results. Remember, when it’s not about money, it’s about money.

It is a bit ironic that the ‘doctor’ asked me how I like East Texas.

Except for the allergens and people that lie or mislead you, the trees are pretty.

PMO
©2017

Find Your Way

We are nearing the time of the year when students, high school and college, find themselves at the door fro the rest of their lives. Graduation brings not only a lot of gifts and congratulations, but also fear and worry for serious minded young adults. What happens now?

Prepare and plan as one will, life doesn’t usually work out like you plan. We all know those with college degrees that end up in some labor job. And, there are those that barely got out of high school, that find a place with wealth and prestige. No, it’s not the luck of the draw. It’s life.

So to those approaching the phase of life that marks the beginning, I would offer, "Do not worry, too much. You will find your niche. I know.

I grew up poor and didn’t make it to college until later in life. I worked in a gas station, then a manufacturing plant where I loaded trucks and boxcars, and had a host of other jobs. But, eventually I ended up working for an electric utility, in the area of energy efficiency. There was never a thought about that as a career. I worked mostly with engineers, although I had no background in engineering. The years passed and I found that I loved my job. After almost 30 years, I retired. But, what did I accomplish? Plenty.

With all of the emphasis on saving energy, I got to guide consumers on how to conserve. It meant working with a lot of smart people, and some not so smart. And, it was during that time that Energy Star became a common household word. If a product was Energy Star rated, it used less electricity. And, the people at Energy Star had tried and failed to make a measurable house. I told them that if they would let me run a program in Texas, we would show them how to get it done. And so we did. I have a certificate on the wall from Energy Star for the first Energy Star rated house in the world.

Now, most cities have codes that require builders to build to the very energy efficiency standards in that first house, plus updated technology and materials.

If you don’t find your niche in life. It will find you.

PMO
©2017

Culture War

In the big town nearby, at the big church, the pastor proclaims that we are in a culture war. He is right. If you’ve read this blog from the beginning, there are mentions of the culture war. But, today, I heard one of the radio talk guys talking about a "culture war." He was specifically about the war on Christianity. That’s what the preacher, and I, talk about too.

Sometimes the war is behind the scenes, but there are those battles that are in your face too. Guess what? The Christians are losing. The enemies of Christianity have taken away most of the beliefs that made this country great from its founding. Today, you are not even allowed to pray in school. That’s how I got through school.

Christianity has lost more ground than anyone can imagine. Just open your eyes and look around at the world you live in. Would you want to live in a culture that defies and demands that Christian beliefs be forgotten and replaced with secularism?

You already do.

PMO
©2017

Common Ground

I don’t know about you but I get a lot of email - a lot more than I want. Most of it gets deleted pretty quickly, but I do read the stuff my friends send, regardless of how stupid some it is. A good friend sent me an email today about ‘Random Thoughts’ that sounded so familiar, I thought I would share some of them. Remember I am a grumpy old man.

I didn't make it to the gym today. That makes five years in a row.

I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.

I don't need anger management. I need people to stop irritating me.

My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance of idiots that needs working on.

The biggest lie I tell myself is: "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it.

I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my wife took it.

Just wait, you’ll get there one of these days.

PMO
©2017

Justice

We all probably can agree that we seek justice, although I’m not sure what justice is anymore. But, I read today of an event that just has to be considered justice of some sort.

In Ripley’s Believe I or Not, I read that every year there is 11 tons of human waste shipped from Antarctic bases to California.  They can't process it in Antarctica because it freezes

Justice is when someone gets what coming to them.

We should get Texas to do the same thing.

PMO
©2017

Pay Attention

Humans don’t listen well. They tend to think about what they can say about what is being said or their mind wanders off to something else. People just can’t focus on what other people say. Regardless of who is speaking, people seem to think they know more or have a better answer. As mentioned before, there is a lot of conversation and dang little communication.

It is a shame that we don’t train students to listen. They know there will be a test, but they still miss the important points - at least most of them do. We should begin in the first grade and go at least through the first two years of college. The big problems with not listening happen after college. Too late then. The test for not paying attention are a lot tougher and the penalties more severe.

People, like pets, have to be trained to listen. It’s hard work, so humans resist more than pets. Back in the old days, I took a college class on comprehensive reading and listening. I actually learned to read about 130 words a minute with a 85- 90 comprehension score. Don’t ask about the listening training.

My mind doesn’t pay attention.

PMO
©2017

Where Would You Go?

Where would you go to find the meanest, evil, merciless people that would do anything to destroy you if they don’t like you, and you refuse to go along with what ever wicked plan they have? Now, where would you go to find the sweetest, nicest, kindness, loving people that you will ever meet?

The answer to both questions is the same place. Church.

It’s been that way since the beginning.

PMO
©2017

Earth Day

Earth Day came and went again. Truth is that the planet can’t be destroyed, but it can become uninhabitable for humans. So all we have to do is get rid of all the people to save the earth.

Then the cockroaches will rule.

PMO
©2017

Biggest Fear

I listened to one of the radio talk shows in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area and the question was presented, "What is your biggest fear?" With all that’s going on in the world, bombings, shootings, North Korea threatening us, Russia flying planes over Alaska, and so on and on. What causes you the most concern? Give it some thought.

My answer when I heard the question was immediate and quite simple - Political Correctness.

It has done more to destroy this country than anything anybody can do to us.

PMO
©2017

Gun Control For Wjo?

Politicians and radicals have long sought to take guns away from the citizenry because an unarmed populous is easy to control. Take away this right and all other rights follow quickly. The evidence supports this theory.

All you ever hear or read about gun control is to take guns away from the law abiding citizens - not criminals. Heck, under the Obama administration, "Fast and Furious" actually supplied criminals with guns, under the pretense of tracking where the guns went. I bet the people shot with those guns know where they went.

If this country ever becomes one that has unarmed citizens, it will cease to exist to be a place you would want to live.

PMO
©2017

Pot Day

I heard on the radio that April 20, (420) is national pot day. At first I thought it was another bathroom confusion thing, but found out that it is a day to smoke marijuana. Nobody seems to know exactly what the 420 means, but there are those that are just happy to take a toke.

In the world I grew up in, smoking pot was not the thing to do, until the 60s, and even then, you were not highly respected if you did. But, now there is a movement to get as many as possible to take a hit now and then. I know that it’s impossible to believe what you hear or read, but the numbers are in the multimillions. One radio host said that while he doesn’t smoke dope, he is in favor of legalizing it.

Politicians are getting on board with legalizing marijuana. Then they can tax it, and put a tax on the tax.

I’ve had a few pot days, but not the kind you smoke.

One more chili dog is not always a good idea.

PMO
©2017

Percentages Again

The local Leo’s have released their crime statistics for 2016 and guess what? Crime is up. Not surprised. The report points out which crimes rose, like murder, rape and mayhem - up about 18%. What does that tell you?

Why do people use percentages? I hate percentages. They are meaningless unless you have numbers to put them into perspective. An 18% increase of 1000 is substantial, but 18% of 4 or 5 ain’t much. The media loves percentages.

Doctors love percentages. "If you do this or that you increase your chance of dying by 50%," they will tell you. In the first place, you have a 100% of dying. And, if you double your chances and whatever they are talking about is one in a million, then two in a million doesn’t mean much to me.

I have addressed this annoyance before.

There is a 100% chance, I will again.

PMO
©2017

Two Step Plan

If the objective is to drain the swamp as President Trump said, then there is a simple two step plan that will get the job done. At least, it will take care of 99% of the problems.

All we have to do is to pass an amendment that requires the Federal government to have a balanced budget and to have term limits on all members of Congress. If we remove the government from having unlimited revenue, the reality is that we may not need term limits. But, let’s include them anyway.

Don’t even think it cannot happen. It can.

The only question is when?

PMO
©2017

New Neighbor

Like any neighborhood, we have a new neighbor from time to time. I know it’s hard to believe that people actually move out of this little commune. It’s supposed to be paradise - LOL. Of course, there are those that move to the happy hunting ground - lot of them.

The new guy is Allen. Seems like a nice fellow and I’ve discovered he and I have at least something in common. He’s only been here a couple of months and already he’s looking for a job. He retired from a sales career. He told me that ‘retirement is killing him.’

Welcome to my world Allen.

PMO
©2017

Most Expensive Words

Mankind is created with some basic needs - shelter, food/water and clothing. Which raises the question, what do we really need beyond those? But, since Adam and Eve messed up the best deal going, we’ve taken up a consuming desire that drives us, perhaps more than the basic needs to survive.

There are two words, in any language, that are the most expensive words we ever speak - "I want." Some people might suggest that "I do" is the most expensive, but that’s just another want. Don’t misunderstand, all wants are not all bad, unless you let them be.

Impulse buyers spend just because they have opportunity, money and want. Does anyone really need most of what you see advertised on the internet, TV or in papers or magazines? Let’s look at your cell phone, and it’s called a cell phone because it has you locked up behind it. Every few months there’s a new model. They sell because people have wants and wants overrule common sense and basic needs. I had a flip phone until last year, but my family wanted me to have a smart phone. It hasn’t made me any smarter and does nothing for me being able to make a call like I did on the flip phone.

Look in the closet and garage and then look in the mirror. That’s the person that’s responsible for all that stuff that you never use, and will never use. But, you wanted it. I used to want a new pickup every two years, until I sat down and determined how much I was really paying to fill my want. My truck is now 6 years old and my plan is for us to ride off into the sunset together.

If you curb one want per day and pocket the money you would have spent for that want, you will soon accumulate a very large amount. And, you will live through it - almost painlessly.

And, remember, "I want" doesn’t only apply to spending.

Wanting without counting the consequences can destroy lives.

PMO
©2017

Happy Easter

He's Alive

 

 

 

TGIF

TGIF is a common acronym, that is used as a phrase to express joy that it’s the last work day of the standard week. There’s even a restaurant chain with the acronym as it’s name. I’m not sure where the term started or when, but most likely back in the 80s.

On my calendar, it has in red, "Good Friday." I suppose that one could truly say, Thank God, It’s Friday. Without it, there would be no Easter Sunday. Without Easter Sunday, there would be no promise.

Good Friday. Yes, a very Good Friday.

©2017

Kaboom!!!

It is reported that the United States dropped a massive GBU-43 bomb, the largest non-nuclear bomb it has ever used in combat, in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday against a series of caves used by Islamic State militants, according to Pentagon spokesman Adam Stump. This was the first-ever combat use of the bomb, known as the GBU-43, which contains 11 tons of explosives. It was first tested in March 2003.

The Air Force calls it the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb. It has been nicknamed the "Mother Of All Bombs."

According to news reports, General John Nicholson, the head of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, said the bomb was used against caves and bunkers housing fighters of the Islamic State in Afghanistan.

My only comment about the bombing is, that it should get somebody’s attention.

It certainly got the attention of those at the impact site.

PMO
©2017

The Culture

As one travels around in life, one experiences different cultures, and I’m not talking about different races. For example, the culture in some parts of Louisiana, all races, is often a party culture. I love Louisiana, but I wouldn’t want to live there. I’m too pooped to party.

The point is that there are "micro-cultures" in all parts of the country and the world. Which brings me to my point of the East Texas culture, at least the part where I live. If something breaks or you want to make changes that involve using someone to do some work, leave it broke or don’t change it.

In the five years we’ve been here, there have been several events that only leave me shaking my head and angry. We get referrals, but they must be from people that are used to having really bad work done. The culture is that someone comes out to do a job; does amateur job; wants to be paid; and you live with what you got or fix it yourself. If I could fix it myself, I wouldn’t call anyone.

I thought I was just imagining all this, but the people I know tell me that’s the way it’s done around here. You just "pay and pray."

I don’t know how God could possibly handle all the prayers.

PMO
©2017

Potty Hackers

Someone hacked the Dallas emergency alert sirens and put the city in an ear splitting state of "what’s going on?" Naturally the 911 operators were overwhelmed with calls, but callers were told, "We don’t know." That’s comforting.

In this world that we’ve created and now can’t live in, someone is always hacking into something. Be it a computer, a network, a cell phone, or security system. But just wait, the hack that is going to finally get your attention is on the way. When someone hacks your toilet. That’s right, your toilet will someday be the target of those crazy hackers who love a challenge.

Simple water closets, as they are called, are now high tech. They operate electronically and even by remote. (You might want to be careful with that remote.) And, they are loaded with ‘can’t live without’ features.

With prices starting close to $2000, you can have a fully integrated toilet and bidet system with a two-in one nozzle for thorough cleaning of the posterior and feminine areas. The nozzles oscillate with a bubble infused stream. And, you get the ability to adjust the stream and water temperature. I told you that you won’t be able to live without one.

I also might mention that you get a massage function that leaves that part of your anatomy renewed. Who wants that area renewed? Of course there is an adjustable air dry system and a heated seat. The features go on and on. But, the one I researched does offer a free multi-color toilet bowl nightlight. That’s right it’s free.

You just wait until the hackers take control while you go potty.

That’s up close and personal.

PMO
©2017

Not Funny

It is so easy to laugh at a lot of what is going on now in this country. The "Progressives" (Democrats) love to protest anything and everything that is not in line with their socialist (communist) way of thinking. And, they try every trick (legal or illegal) to try to stop President Trump from doing anything. I have seen toddlers throw a temper tantrum, and the only difference is that the toddler will tire quickly, take a nap, and get on to doing something fun.

World leaders are choosing up sides to see what they can do to create strife and turmoil over a little country that wants to kill off its people. Killing citizens isn’t funny, but dictators by nature are funny. They just don’t know it.

Unfortunately, we and the rest of the world of people that just want to live our lives and take care of our families, will become victims of the insanity.

Not funny - even for my silly sense of humor.

PMO
©2017

Listen

The problem with conversation is that more often than not, there is no communication. To communicate, one must listen, really listen to the other party. Stand back, this is going to be one of those serious thinking messages.

Human beings, and I use the term loosely, don’t listen. People want to talk, not listen. And, those quiet souls that appear to listen are really just thinking about something else while you talk. Or, they are sneaking in a short nap with their eyes open. That’s what I do.

Most of the problems we have could be cured or at least made better if we had more communication and less conversation. But, that means, we would have to listen. Look out, here comes the serious part.

Most people, not all, have some kind of religious beliefs. They want a "spirit" that they can talk to. That is well and good, but do they listen to what the spirit says? Am I saying that God talks back? Yes. But we have to really listen. I wouldn’t want a God that didn’t talk back.

My beliefs are that He speaks in a still small voice, not a booming thunder. You can think I’m crazy but I have upon occasion, heard Him. I just wish I was a better listener.

He has a lot more that I need to hear.

PMO
©2017

Rugs

While the world is going to hell in a hand basket, I am still struggling with landscaping and now area rugs. I confess that I know as much about area rugs as I do landscaping. On the other hand, my financial controller is an expert in all things that she wants. There is that little detail about she doesn’t actually do the grunt work, and I grunt getting out of bed.

We had to replace one rug in the living area and it looks like one is on the horizon in a bedroom. I got to go online and find one that she wanted and I was willing to pay for. Rugs ain’t cheap. They may be cheaper than landscaping before that project is over.

One would think that I would learn about landscaping and rugs after 51 years, but I didn’t.

I’m too old to start learning now.

PMO
©2017

New Sheriff

As with all the people I know, I don’t always agree with them, and they with me. However, we usually agree more than disagree or we just don’t discuss something. I don’t know Donald J. Trump, but I don’t always agree with him. If he knew me, he certainly would not always agree with me.

President Trump took it upon himself to order a missile attack on a Syrian air base, as a warning that chemical weapons are not acceptable anywhere in the world. He reportedly stands ready to send others if Syria violates their agreement not to use such weapons. They were apparently used to an American president that would only draw red lines. I think he must have used up a big box of crayons drawing lines.

Mr. Trump is a new sheriff and the world has taken notice. We will have to wait and see if he will continue to do the right thing.  So far, I like the new sheriff.

He is going to need to get a supportive posse.

PMO
©2017

Another Solution

There is a survey that states that a majority of Americans are opposed to building a wall on the southern border if we have to pay for it. Trump did say that Mexico would pay for it. He didn’t say how. But, since Mexico says they won’t pay, he has hinted that he will withhold foreign aid.

Since we pay for foreign aid too, I suggest that there be an additional "savings." If all illegals were denied free food, housing, medical coverage and education, we’d have enough to build the wall and get some change back. Life or death medical treatment would still be allowed.

We’d get the wall and have to pay for it, but by cutting our loses, it would put us dollars ahead.

Then we can all emigrate to there and protest about our rights.

PMO
©2017

Regrets

Here’s another question. I always have questions. Maybe that’s why people avoid me - at least one of the reasons.

What are your most important regrets? We all have regrets, things we should have done, or worse, things that we did. Everyone has so many things that they regret as they get older and younger people have when they mature enough to realize what they did or didn’t do. A simple example on my list is that I never learned to play the guitar. I tried to teach myself for a couple of weeks and got where I could play one song, just a little. But, I didn’t stick with it and that still is a big regret. I also regret that I never learned to fly a plane.

Regrets are basically disappointments in yourself. Mental health experts will tell you that you should not dwell upon this things, but you should learn from your mistakes. I think that I have made so many mistakes that I won’t live long enough to learn from them all. And, that just the ones I remember.

It all boils down to one regret that I suspect that is shared by millions or even billions. My biggest regret and disappointment in me lingers and even when I try to learn, it’s still there.

I regret that I am a disappointment to God.

PMO
©2017

What I Want

It seems that everyone wants something, which is human nature. Except now, a large number want what they want even if causes everyone else to suffer. You may have seen the video of a young woman crying and shouting about Trump’s election - "This is my America." As if it belongs to her alone. People are separated from reality.

Okay, let me tell you what I want, but bear in mind that I am an old white male with common sense which means I have no rights to anything. First, I want peace among the people of this country. A nation divided cannot stand and without everyone pulling in one direction for the good of the country, there will be no peace.

I want criminals severely punished so that no one lives in fear. I want people to behave in a civilized manner with respect for each other.

Next, I want an education system that works. One that teaches English, math, science, history and not social engineering. Without education, every child grows up to be a slave to something or somebody.

This nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs. I want those beliefs to rule again, bearing in mind that everyone has the freedom of religion, but these principles guide a republic to success.

I want people to be responsible for themselves and to the country. Those that can but will not work, will have to work or have not.

My last want seems impossible, but I want it anyway. I want an honest government. Take a look again at my previous wants and you will see the path that leads to honest government.

You and I are the government. If we are honest we can make our elected officials honest.

PMO
©2017

Computer Plague

I mentioned a few days ago that the one thing I am certain about is that fishing beats working every time. For the past couple of days, I have been reminded that there is another certainty - computers were invented to drive me crazy.

I’ve been using computers since they were about the size of a small house. But, I know that they were not as much trouble back then. In the ‘good old days,’ a computer did what you told it to do and that’s all. If you wanted one to do something, you just wrote some code and it worked. Now, if you turn a computer on, you run the risk that everything you had when you turned it off, is either not there anymore or it duplicates everything.

I know I am old. But, I have reached the age when I really don’t want to spend hours trying to send an email or to receive one, but when PCs got away from basic DOS commands, you use one at your own risk.

If your computer crashes while reading this, don’t call me.

PMO
©2017

Unheard Of

Hillary lost. Obama is out. Not really. If you are unaware, there is a reason for all the protest and riots that have occurred since Trump was elected. Look up, Organizing For Action and the Indivisible Project.

Never in the history of this country has a former president tried to overthrow the government.

As you will see on the websites, "It ain’t over and it is not going to stop."

PMO
©2017

Technology Gone To Far

Okay, all this new technology is confusing enough, but now you can buy a wi-fi controlled grill. Yep, just plop your steak down on the grill and watch your smart phone. It’s a mind boggling thing. It has three burners.

I’m not ready for anybody or anything to interfere with my cooking. The way I see it is, if it worked for cavemen, it will work for me. Chop up some wood, set fire to it, and plop some meat on it. Turn as needed. I’ve been doing it for years.

What happens on a new fangled grill if somebody hacks your t-bone or ribeye?

Hadn’t thought about that, did they?

PMO
©2017