Talent

About the only talent I have is sitting, somewhat quietly. But in my years I’ve seen so many talented people. When one thinks of talent, true talent, one thinks about the people we see on televison or perhaps performing in concert. I will agree that there are those that are truly talented, but some of the so called "stars" need to be somewhere driving a gravel truck.

There have been TV shows auditioning talented people. And, yes they often have some very talented people, but few make it to stardom. That’s the point I’m trying to make. In this world, there are many people that are much more talented than those that gain all the fame. Country singer Kenny Rogers once said, after hearing a fellow impersonate one of his songs, "He sings more like me than I do."

Everyday it is possible that you encounter someone with a special talent and never know it. We all possess some talent that others may not have. You may not make a million dollars, but you can use the talent to make the world a little better place to be.

Personally, I have a wit that usually causes someone to laugh, or makes them mad. Some people just don’t understand my sick sense of humor. I love to make people laugh because when people laugh, they escape the trials and tribulations that we all face in life.

Comedy is easy for me.

I also look funny.

PMO
©2017

Get An Antenna

If we didn’t live out in the country, I would get an antenna and do away with cable or satellite services. It is and will continue to be a constant problem, as we have experienced both since we’ve been here. We are currently using a cable service, and I have 30 pages of documentation on service issues. That’s 30 pages, single spaced. I know all the technicians, and most of the office personnel by their fist name. The sad part is that they are better than the alternatives.

It is terrible that we all have become dependent upon TV and internet services. Back in the day, everyone had an antenna and on a good day you could get 3 or 4 channels on TV, and there was no internet. That may not sound like much fun, but it was more fun than dealing with all the problems associated with progress. Yes, I am a grumpy old man that watches television about an hour per day, two hours if you count the comedy shows known as the "news." But, I do believe that in many cases, simple is better. Neither TV nor the internet save me much time and they cost a lot more money.

Gripe, complain, and vent. If I could, I would use rabbit ears.

They won’t let us have rabbits in the commune we live in.

PMO
©2017

Not Happy

I know it is out of ignorance, but those that say "Happy Memorial Day, don’t have a clue about the day. There is good reason for someone, like me, to be upset. Saying, "Happy Memorial Day" is like saying, "Happy Funeral Day."

Memorial day is not about veterans. We have a day for veterans. It is a day for remembering those men and women that have given their lives for this country. They deserve our respect and gratitude. It is fitting that we as a nation and individually take time to remember them.

Yes, my flag was lowered to half staff today, and then raised to full staff at noon. And, I did salute the flag out of respect for what it stands for and out of thanks for those that keep it flying.

My neighbors wonder about that "crazy old man" out in the front yard saluting a flag.

I intend to continue to remember.

PMO
©2017

Never Forget

Arm Chair General

Every season there are millions of arm chair quarterbacks, ranting and raving on what would have been a better play on the field than the guy on the field called. Because I write what I happen to think about at the time I write this stuff, today I am going to play arm chair general.

Our military is currently concerned about our ability to shoot down intercontinental missiles - ICBMs. The track record in testing is not exactly comforting. If an ICBM is launched at us, can we shoot it down? "Maybe or maybe not." How many tries do we get?

Trying to shoot a missile is like trying to shoot a bullet with a bullet. Therefore, I have a question. In one of my previous lives, back in the 60s, I was stationed on a missile base. We were supposed to fire at enemy aircraft squadrons. Not single planes. The missiles we used simply flew to a designated altitude and location and blew up. It was the implosion from our missile that caused a bunch of planes to be sucked together and crash.

Technology has changed since then. Surely we can develop such a device that would take out an ICBM. You don’t have to hit it, just get close. And, since any good military man would send out decoys with the real thing, it is impossible to know which is the real one. My little plan would take them all out.

Right now we have about 36 interceptors according to the Missile Defense Agency of the Pentagon. Another test is to be done next week, over the Pacific.

If the ICBM gets low enough, I know a guy that would like to take a crack at it with a 22 caliber rifle.

A missile can’t be as fast as a squirrel running up a tree.

PMO
©2017

Discretion Advised

If you are squeamish, you may not want to read this. It’s about a video released Thursday, May 25, 2017 and was pulled almost immediately from Youtube and other sources. The video reportedly contained statements from leaders of the abortion industry during National Abortion Federation conventions in California in 2014 and 2015.

The video reportedly opens with a Planned Parenthood medical director speaking about "heads that get stuck and the hemorrhages we manage." A Planned Parenthood abortionist then complained about how an unborn child, "is a tough little object and very difficult to take apart." There were reportedly other comments about an eyeball falling into someone’s lap and broken skulls being very sharp.

Are you sick because you read this?

You should be.

PMO
©2017

Don't Get Old

I am not that old. At least I don’t think I am, until I need to do something - like crawl under a sink and work on a faucet. I quit crawling under cars and trucks a few years ago because I could get under them, but I couldn’t get out. Getting older is a real bummer. One cannot do what one thinks he can still do.

My advice to all young people is to not get old. Just go and go have fun until you fall down dead. There are millions of healthy young people that die everyday, so be sure to stay healthy.

If you wait to long, you’ll just end up old. Then you’ll have to call a plumber, and you won’t be able to afford that.

You will spend all your money going to doctors trying to be young again.

PMO
©2017

Decoration Day

It was originally called Decoration Day, a day for paying tribute to fallen soldiers by decorating graves where they lay. Today, we know it as Memorial Day. The official date is May 30, but this year, as in years past, it will be observed on Monday. This time, the 29^th of May.

People will go to the lake, have a picnic, or just hand out. Oh, there will be a few parades, and perhaps even a few special events. But, how long has it been since there has been a Decoration Day, with all the respect that is due? We seem to have moved on from that time when we truly honor those that gave their all for this country.

At least fly a flag, take a moment, and perhaps say a prayer of thanks on Monday.

I remember. Do you?

PMO
©2017

One Size

If you’ve ever gotten anything that boasted "one size fits all" then, a bunch of you got the wrong size. How would you like to go through life with one size? Guess what, you do. Medicine for the most part is just that - one size fits all. Medicine is for the masses. Read the label on any medication and it will tell you, "this drug will kill you," but not everybody.

A few months ago I was put on a drug for heart palpitations. The cardiologist prescribed 25mg tablets for this condition, after he ordered a bunch of test that came back negative. It took some adjustment to the drug. It made me feel worse than I did before. Then, he ordered 50mg which made me feel like I was going to die. Why would he do this? Because "one size fits all in medicine."

It’s a good thing that hair stylist don’t just do one hair cut.

We’d all look like Albert Einstein.

PMO
©2017

Behavior

Enough already. I do believe that by now everyone knows that the media and the liberal loonies hate trump. We get it. Now, move on with whatever you call life or run to hide in your "safe place."

Is there no civility anymore, or honor or integrity? Believe it or not, there is a correct way to disagree. For example. On Sunday, Vice President Mike Pence spoke to the graduating class at Notre Dame, where he encouraged the grads to be men and women of integrity and values. He urged everyone to stand up against suppression of free speech.

There were a few, about 150 students and family, that walked out on the VP, and that’s okay. And, there was at least one student that stood with her back to Mr. Pence. Nothing wrong there. It’s called civility.

Those that walked out were booed as they exited.

That’s okay too.

PMO
©2017

What's Right

I am led to believe that the Cajun comedian Justin Wilson always had a clause in his contracts that allowed him 15 minutes to speak about the good in America, during his performances. This condition was supposedly non-negotiable. I do know that the two times I heard him speak/perform, he did take a few minutes to talk about the good. Also, I want to mention that he was always one of my favorite comedians.

Perhaps it is wise that we stop and reflect on the good, especially since all we hear about is the bad. As near as I can tell, everyday there over 300 million people that don’t kill anybody, or riot and burn, or demand they have to have everything free. People still take their kids to school, church and out to a ball game. Most still pay their taxes, no matter how unfair they are. Husbands and wives go out and enjoy a dinner now and then.

We are allowed to go where we want to go, when we want to go. And, we get to shop for our needs and wants with the knowledge that we are allowed to fill them without fear of going hungry, without clothes or a safe place to sleep.

At least for now, we are allowed to practice our religion without persecution. And, as a nation, we are the most generous nation in the world. Everyday, there are thousands if not millions that step up to help a neighbor or stranger that is in need, looking for nothing in return. Just look at tiny Van Zandt County. When tornadoes recently destroyed homes and killed people, there were Americans that came to help. Some from hundreds and even thousands of miles away.

Politicians and the "media" work hard to paint a picture of gloom and despair - and division. But, what’s right with America keeps on being right.

It’s in our DNA.

PMO
©2017

Tweet Tweet

In case you missed it, the media just about ignored it, Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood chief, tweeted the following on Mother’s Day: "Nothing says, "I love you Mom! Like standing up for the rights of mothers everywhere to get the care they need."

Hello Cecile. Having an abortion does not make a woman a mother. It’s just the opposite. Is Nancy Pelosi a mentor to you?

And, all we hear is about stupid tweets from Trump??????????

PMO
©2017

Customer Service

How long has it been since you’ve had customer service for anything you spent your money for? The term "customer service" is defined, by me, as being treated fairly with respect - not what I am accustomed to around here. Hey, if I want to be treated unfairly with no respect, I can just stay at home.

This week, to my surprise, I got a letter from a company that allowed me to return a faulty product to where I bought it and get a refund. I had called them when the product failed and they gave me instructions on how to handle it. So, I was surprised when I got a letter asking me to call their customer service department. I called. They were doing a follow up to be sure I was satisfied. Guess what products I will buy from now on?

I must say it is refreshing to actually receive customer service.

And, not once did they offer an excuse.

PMO
©2017

Seasonal Change

As stated and implied numerous times before, I have a hard time adjusting to East Texas, especially the way some people think. Quite sometime ago I wrote about the local Wally-Mart stocking candy in the bicycles area and charcoal on the toilet tissue isle. Well, they’ve changed it. Oh, candy is still in bicycles, but since we are in the cooking out season, so charcoal is back in the garden area.

On my shopping adventure this week, I had to stop someone to ask where I could find popcorn. Historically it has been in several locations, but I’ve always been able to find it. The fellow I asked pointed and said that it is now two isles over from where we stood. Can you guess what is two isles over?

Toilet tissue.

From now on, I’m going to start my shopping on that isle first.

PMO
©2017

Anonymous

Anonymous sources report that the media has leaked top secret information to every enemy of the United States.

We the people demand that the case be turned over to a special prosecutor.

PMO
©2017

Home Warranty

Our house is older, but the appliances have been updated or they work fine. We had a home warranty when we bought the house and let it expire - that was 5 years ago. I decided that it might be well to get another warranty because I am no longer able to fix stuff like I used to. The whole ordeal has been another learning experience.

First, I did not know that the license to operate a home warranty company in Texas is issued by the Real Estate Commission. They only verify financial ability to pay claims. Next, I learned that everything on home warranty coverage must be read in great detail.

If one reads the fine print, one will find they only cover part of what they say they cover. One company boast that it covers duct work for air conditioning. In the exclusions, one will find they exclude everything that has anything to do with duct work.

Hey, not to worry. If the cook top goes out, it’s time to fire up the grill.  If the AC goes out, move in with your kids.

They'll buy you a new AC and you won't be out the cost for a warranty that doesn't pay.

PMO
©2017

Mother's Day

Every year, we have a special recognition of a special person in our life - Mother’s Day. It is not only fitting that we should take at least one day to appreciate all that our mother does or did for us, but, the day allows card companies, florist, and restaurants to make a fortune.

It is amazing what mothers do for us. Without them, where would we be? Who would have fed us, put clothes on us and taught us to go potty. Who would have comforted us when we were sick or when we had a broken heart when the gold fish died. And, who else would love us with a special unconditional love.

For those of us that no longer have our mother with us, it is strange how out thoughts reflect upon something that means something only to you. A something that sums up the role your mother had in your life. Right now of all the millions of things to remember, I think about Thanksgiving. At Thanksgiving dinner every year we always had pumpkin pie. My mother would bake three pies. One for the table, one for me and one for her.

She also would put aside the wishbone from a fried chicken.

Just for me.

PMO
©2017

Doomed

We are doomed. Doomed, I tell you. It is hard to believe what’s happening in this country, but it is happening. Things like this would never have happened a year ago. I can’t believe it has happened so quickly.

You may have heard the news. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that he has directed his federal prosecutors to pursue the most severe penalties possible in the return to a war on drugs. Can you believe it? Drug dealers are now subject to actual punishment for destroying millions of lives.

And as if that is not bad enough, there is a change in school lunch room menus. Students will actually get food they will eat and not dump into trash cans. "Moochelle" has quickly condemned this move.

I ask you, what can be next?

Could we get freedom of speech back?

PMO
©2017

Two Sided Fake News

I don’t pay much attention to newscast because I know there is so much fake news that it’s really not worth the time. Before you jump to the conclusion that I am just a grumpy old far right radical, which I am, I want you to know that fake news can be prevalent on both sides of the political fence.

There is an organization for the right that sent out a story about Mexico being the second deadliest country in the world - second to Syria. Syria had 50,000 killed last year. But per 100,000 population, Mexico is closer to the middle than in the number 2 spot.

It is so easy to twist data and therefore, for one to put any faith in what is reported is not wise. It does appear that a recent study puts Mexico at having 23,000 deaths last year with about half of those related to drug cartels.

Perhaps my outrage at all the fake, misrepresented or just plan made up "news" reports is why my financial controller doesn’t let me watch anything but the weather forecast on TV. And, they are rarely right.

I just keep changing the channels until I get a weather forecast I like.

PMO
©2017

Party

Let’s say you decide to host a really big party - 50 of your closest friends and family. You go shopping and buy all the food, drinks, and decorations. You work yourself silly to make sure that everything is just the way you want it to be. Finally, the big day arrives.

Sure enough all those you invited show up and start enjoying themselves. Then, some people show up that you don’t know. In fact, no one knows them. But, they help themselves to everything- party crashers. But, wait! They call some others and soon the place is packed way beyond capacity; all the food is gone; a fight breaks out; the place is trashed; and everyone you invited leaves, sorry they came.

You call the police and they respond to your call. First they cite you for holding such a gathering in a residential area and disturbing the peace. Then they tell you they can’t make the uninvited people leave.

How long is it going to be before you throw another party?

PMO
©2017

She id It

I’m not exactly sure how she did it, but she did it. FBI Director James Comey has been fired. That’ll teach him to mess with Hillary.

Should you believe that Hillary had nothing to do with this, then you should believe that she had nothing to do with all the other things she’s done.

Don't worry about the long arm of the law, watch out for the long arm of Clinton.

PMO
©2017

No Free Speech

In case you haven’t noticed, you no longer have the right to express yourself freely. Forget the Constitution, that old outdated piece of paper. This is the age of "offensive."

When I was in "J" school, we had a creed that went something like this, "I may disagree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it." Now days, if you say something that someone doesn’t want you to say, then you may die for it.

Kimberley Strassel, author, and writer for The Wall Street Journal recently told a simple story about silencing free speech. She explained that she has three children, ages twelve, nine and five. At the dinner table, the oldest was tormenting his youngest sister when the five year old told him, "You need to stop talking forever." Then the three got into a shouting match with each one yelling "shut up." At this point Ms. Strassel asked them to tell her what free speech means. The twelve year old gave a test book definition including, "Congress shall make no law, etc." The nine year old said that she had no idea what "public safety" or "libel" were but everyone should be able to say anything, anywhere, at anytime. The five year old had been giving the question a lot of thought when she gave her answer. "Free speech is that you can say what you want - as long as I like it."

That’s the mentality of those that would destroy the country.

A whole basket of five year olds - a whole basket, not just a half.

PMO
©2017

What's Next

I really hate to mention the name of any program on TV, but I have to. "Sunday Morning" on CBS has officially launched the next phase of "women’s rights." Prostitution. Yes, I said prostitution. CBS had a segment of the program on women and why they are engaged in the ‘oldest profession.’

Prostitution is big business - in the multi billions each year, in spite of the fact that it is illegal almost everywhere. And, before you think it, it is not legal in Las Vegas, although it is an everyday occurrence just like it is in all major cities.

The way the program was presented, it appears that this will be the next phase of, ‘it’s my body and I can do what I want with it.’ They interviewed 3 women and the take away was, there is nothing wrong here. "I have a right to do what I want to earn money."

Laugh if you will, but do not be shocked when the promoters get their way. Remember, women have rights and their rights override right and wrong - every time. Is it wrong to kill an unborn baby? A woman has a ‘right’ to do so if she wants to.

Let’s not get into all the pros and cons. It will be discussed on TV and the internet until you can’t stand to hear it anymore. That’s how you get something done in this country.

I do want to add, that the people interviewed certainly were not physically attractive. At least by my standards.

I suppose for some men, it really can get that dark.

PMO
©2017

Home Remedy

There was a time when if you got sick, you could go to a doctor and they would give you a shot and you got well in a short time. Doctors don’t do that anymore. They run test and if the test results are negative, you go home and die. At least you die healthy, according to a doctor.

My financial controller has been suffering with a horrible cough for several days - a couple of weeks. She finally gave in and went down to a ‘doc in a box’ and guess what they told her? You probably have a virus and there is nothing we can do about it. She came back home and got worse. Enough was enough, so I resorted to a home remedy.

The home remedy calls for a spicy tomato juice, which she refuses to drink. So I substituted orange juice. It takes about six ounces of juice and all the juice freshly squeezed from a lemon. Here comes the next problem. You are supposed to mix about an ounce of vodka with the juice, drink it and go to bed. The idea is to flood your body with vitamin C, and the alcohol is to relax you. She refused to follow the prescribe remedy. She is worse than a teetotaler.

I secured some vodka, and put two tablespoons into the mix, hoping it might help. And, it did.

Then the only problem I had was trying to get her to quit wearing that stupid lamp shade.

PMO
©2017

Facts

A friend sent me an email with a long list of facts, some with pictures. The list was long and included things like, Betty White really is older than sliced bread; a strawberry isn’t a berry, but a banana is; and, ketchup used to be sold as a medicine. If ketchup is a medicine, my oldest granddaughter should stay healthy.

As usual, I forwarded the email to a list of friends, including my preacher friend of over 40 years. And, as usual, his reply was what I expected.

He replied, "I knew all these, did you?"

I replied, "I don’t know anything. I don’t have to because I know you.

And, anything you don’t know, my wife does."

PMO
©2017

To Protect

I’ve spent my life trying to provide and protect my family. They never got to roll in the lap of luxury, but they have always had a roof overhead, three meals a day and some nice clothes. Not to mention a lot of stuff that is not essential to living. I am grateful that I have had the skills and abilities to provide.

Protecting someone is basic and sometimes impossible. You cannot lock them in a room and stand guard. Even then, they will get into something. I’ve told my wife and child and grandchildren, "I can protect you from many things. But, the one thing that is most frightening is that I cannot protect you from, is yourself."

We find ourselves today with government trying to provide and protect us. They have no authority to do either. But, government knows that when someone feeds you and provides most of your basic needs, they control you. Lest you forget, the past 7 years, government has required you to have health insurance to protect you - ha ha.

There are laws that state you must have automobile insurance - to protect yourself. But, is it too, just another attempt to control your life? Just like health insurance. Government has no business in private lives.

Their business is to deliver the mail and protect the borders.

You can easily see what kind of job they are doing there.’

PMO
©2017

Change The World

In 1775, on the eve of Revolution, the First Continental Congress called for a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer. Our Founders saw a national day of prayer as a fitting observance. And, in 1952, Congress established the National Day of Prayer as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Harry Truman. The NDP designation calls for the nation "to turn to God in prayer and meditation."

You want to change this country and the world? All that has to be done is for the people, in unity, to return to prayer . If only half the people came together in sincere fervent prayer for one whole day, the result would be amazing.

Just imagine what would happen, if everyone prayed for a whole week.

PMO
©2017

Comeback Tour

Hillary, "Hilldawg" Clinton is trying to make a comeback. To what, who knows. She is out crying that somebody, anybody, caused her to lose the election. You see, it is never Hillary’s fault. But it is.

Of all the reasons for her not getting elected, there is the one that she has conveniently forgotten. It just may be the single reason for some that they voted against her. Maybe not for Trump, but against her. It was the single act that revealed her true character. Just three words did Hillary Clinton in.

"Basket of deplorables."

PMO
©2017

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This page is intentionally blank as a public service.

Rule #25

The official grumpy old man rules for life #25 is, as usual quite simple - "Make a plan and follow it." I have learned in life that anything that is worth doing must have three components. First, you must have a vision of what it is that you want to do or accomplish. Next you must have a detailed plan. One that is flexible but does not veer off course. And, last you must have total commitment to the vision and the plan.

The problem with all of these is that each one of them requires hard work.

That's the reason that only a few succeed.

PMO
©2017