Believe it or not, people do not like all the same foods. There are different taste, especially when you change cultures. There are some Chinese dishes I like, and others are a big no. I don’t like all Mexican food dishes and no French cuisine. The list can go on, but the point is that my taste is different from others.
Today, the "in thing" is vegetables. We are supposed to eat broccoli and brussels sprouts and kale. Not this grumpy old man. The way I eat most vegetables is to feed them to a cow, and then eat the cow. But, some cows won’t eat them either.
Those that know me know that I won’t eat fish. I love to catch fish, but release any I catch. I have been known to catch them, clean them and cook them for others, but I don’t eat them. It would be easier for me to eat broccoli.
The only way I can think of to eat a fish is to feed the fish to a cat.
And, then eat the cat.
PMO
©2017
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Trip To Dentist
If there is one thing that most people can agree on, it is that a trip to the dentist is not fun. Many people have to be sedated to undergo dental treatments. I never have, but I think I do need to be sedated to get me to go to the dentist.
As I am lead to believe, I go to a dentist twice per year. In the five years that we have lived in East Texas I have gone to at least five dentist, trying to find one that fits me. None have so far. My most recent visit caused me to have almost constant pain from an overly aggressive scaling. And, as expected, the dentist takes the side of the hygienist.
I could tell other horror stories about dental visits, but I won’t. I will say that in my experiences, I would trust a used car salesman before a dentist. Of course, I know that they are not all bad.
Only the ones I’ve gone to.
PMO
©2017
As I am lead to believe, I go to a dentist twice per year. In the five years that we have lived in East Texas I have gone to at least five dentist, trying to find one that fits me. None have so far. My most recent visit caused me to have almost constant pain from an overly aggressive scaling. And, as expected, the dentist takes the side of the hygienist.
I could tell other horror stories about dental visits, but I won’t. I will say that in my experiences, I would trust a used car salesman before a dentist. Of course, I know that they are not all bad.
Only the ones I’ve gone to.
PMO
©2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Crazy Computers
I started working with computers when we had key punch cards. The machines were about the size of large freezer. Then came desktop monitors connected to a mainframe somewhere with desktops and laptops to follow. Now we have computers that are phones and even smaller. And, we have a world of instant access to worthless information.
Right now I, a grumpy old man, am trying to work with three computers, actually four, with three operating systems - Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. Trust me when I say that progress is making less and less sense. There was a time when we used Windows XP, a stable system that actually worked. But now, it is confusing to know what does what and why did that not work. The focus is on visual appeal with compound duplicity.
Being a grumpy old man, it is not easy to switch from one operating system to another. Some of the basics still exist, but the processes take much more effort to accomplish actual work.
Why didn’t we just stay with Windows 3.1?
Is there an app for that?
PMO
©2017
Right now I, a grumpy old man, am trying to work with three computers, actually four, with three operating systems - Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. Trust me when I say that progress is making less and less sense. There was a time when we used Windows XP, a stable system that actually worked. But now, it is confusing to know what does what and why did that not work. The focus is on visual appeal with compound duplicity.
Being a grumpy old man, it is not easy to switch from one operating system to another. Some of the basics still exist, but the processes take much more effort to accomplish actual work.
Why didn’t we just stay with Windows 3.1?
Is there an app for that?
PMO
©2017
Monday, November 27, 2017
Tax Pays For Sex
In case you may have missed this, there is a fund set up by congress in 1995 to pay off complaints about them or their staff, including sexual misconduct. So far this year, it is reported that fund has paid out over $900,000 and about $15 million since the fund was authorized. Yes, this means that you pay for any little transgression they may have.
It has been said that we have the best government that money can buy. But, the way it is in D.C. now, I don’t think we can afford them anymore.
Do these people think they have diplomatic immunity - not responsible for anything or everything?
I don’t think we have to pay for diplomats sexual misconduct - at least not yet.
PMO
©2017
It has been said that we have the best government that money can buy. But, the way it is in D.C. now, I don’t think we can afford them anymore.
Do these people think they have diplomatic immunity - not responsible for anything or everything?
I don’t think we have to pay for diplomats sexual misconduct - at least not yet.
PMO
©2017
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Bad Medicine
I’m only guessing, but I suspect that almost everyone has had or will have a medication side effect. While I try to avoid medications, I do take some occasionally - if there is no other choice. And, I have had some serious side effects, like when I had my tonsils out at age 27, and was given a codeine pill for pain. That’s when I discovered I am allergic to codeine. It caused me to viciously vomit. And, that was just one example. I don’t do well on medications.
However, the past few days have demonstrated just how bad a medicine side effect can be. I was given an antibiotic and took it for about four days before I stopped. It caused me to have serious achy joints, headaches and loss of appetite. I am too skinny to have a loss of appetite.
When I finally became aware that the drug was causing loss of appetite, I stopped taking it. This may be the worse side effect ever for me. My loss of appetite included my second addition - Twix candy bars.
Giving up Twix is not an option - for any disease.
PMO
©2017
However, the past few days have demonstrated just how bad a medicine side effect can be. I was given an antibiotic and took it for about four days before I stopped. It caused me to have serious achy joints, headaches and loss of appetite. I am too skinny to have a loss of appetite.
When I finally became aware that the drug was causing loss of appetite, I stopped taking it. This may be the worse side effect ever for me. My loss of appetite included my second addition - Twix candy bars.
Giving up Twix is not an option - for any disease.
PMO
©2017
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Black And White
Back in the ‘day,’ we had black and white television. For you youngsters, that means no color. Hard to imagine, isn’t it. Not until the mid 60s did very many people have a TV that would handle color. It was 1965 when people flocked to buy color sets because the networks announced they would broadcast half of their shows in color the next fall season.
I must add that remote control, just to change the channel, didn’t come out until the 50's and they were wired to the TV. The tuners were still mechanical and the remote didn’t always work. Times were tough back then.
This week we watched a program from the 60s that began with the NBC peacock and the caption, "Presented in living color." Talk about advanced technology. My dad refused to watch color TV for several years. I don’t know why.
Anyway, the point is that with all the stuff on TVs now, we often watch a channel that broadcast the old shows in black and white. I think I like them better, because there was more emphasis on the scripts and acting. No razzle dazzle graphics and all that. Makes me wonder what ratings a program would get today if broadcast in black and white. Occasionally, there have been a few movies that used the old format. "Schindlers List," 1993, was one of those in black and white, except for a little girl in a red coat. It was a great movie.
It has been said that not everything is black and white, but when television was, the programs were entertaining.
Even if you had to get up and go to the TV to change the channel.
PMO
©2017
I must add that remote control, just to change the channel, didn’t come out until the 50's and they were wired to the TV. The tuners were still mechanical and the remote didn’t always work. Times were tough back then.
This week we watched a program from the 60s that began with the NBC peacock and the caption, "Presented in living color." Talk about advanced technology. My dad refused to watch color TV for several years. I don’t know why.
Anyway, the point is that with all the stuff on TVs now, we often watch a channel that broadcast the old shows in black and white. I think I like them better, because there was more emphasis on the scripts and acting. No razzle dazzle graphics and all that. Makes me wonder what ratings a program would get today if broadcast in black and white. Occasionally, there have been a few movies that used the old format. "Schindlers List," 1993, was one of those in black and white, except for a little girl in a red coat. It was a great movie.
It has been said that not everything is black and white, but when television was, the programs were entertaining.
Even if you had to get up and go to the TV to change the channel.
PMO
©2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Half Of What You See
You may have heard the old adage, "Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what your see." I wonder how many people actually do that? My guess is less than one in ten.
The point is that we humans are often fooled by other humans and look up to them or even want to be just like them. The truth is that no one is exactly what they appear to be. Edwin Arlington Robinson published a poem in 1897 titled 'Richard Cory' that is worth reading and contemplating.
"Whenever Richard Cory went down town,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.
And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.
And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.
So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head."
Remember, ".....only half of what you see."
PMO
©2017
The point is that we humans are often fooled by other humans and look up to them or even want to be just like them. The truth is that no one is exactly what they appear to be. Edwin Arlington Robinson published a poem in 1897 titled 'Richard Cory' that is worth reading and contemplating.
"Whenever Richard Cory went down town,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from sole to crown,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.
And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.
And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.
So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head."
Remember, ".....only half of what you see."
PMO
©2017
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Pecan Pie
We had pecan pie for thanksgiving dinner. I only had two slices, but saved a slice for later. So, it was a good thanksgiving dinner.
If you have never had real homemade pecan pie, then you need to find someone that can bake one. I’m not talking about something you get in a mix or order at a restaurant. It takes a talent to make good ones. And, I’ve had some really bad ones.
Why am I rambling about pecan pie? Because we have it again at Christmas.
Come on Santa Claus.
PMO
©2017
If you have never had real homemade pecan pie, then you need to find someone that can bake one. I’m not talking about something you get in a mix or order at a restaurant. It takes a talent to make good ones. And, I’ve had some really bad ones.
Why am I rambling about pecan pie? Because we have it again at Christmas.
Come on Santa Claus.
PMO
©2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Turkey Day
It’s Thanksgiving again. Time to do whatever it is that you do. Whatever that is, I would guess it is a far cry from the meaning of the first thanksgiving celebration. For one thing, there was no football then.
I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people that just goes along and forgets to be thankful for all that I have to be thankful for. I just take for granted that we will have turkey and all the trimmings, including pecan pie.
Perhaps, as a nation it would behoove us to stop and really be thankful just for one day. Forget all the issues that divide us and truly give thanks for being the best place on earth to live. It couldn’t hurt to try it.
And, don’t forget to be really thankful for the pecan pie if you have one.
PMO
©2017
I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people that just goes along and forgets to be thankful for all that I have to be thankful for. I just take for granted that we will have turkey and all the trimmings, including pecan pie.
Perhaps, as a nation it would behoove us to stop and really be thankful just for one day. Forget all the issues that divide us and truly give thanks for being the best place on earth to live. It couldn’t hurt to try it.
And, don’t forget to be really thankful for the pecan pie if you have one.
PMO
©2017
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Five Faces
Back in the old days it was common to refer to someone as being, "two faced," meaning they were not as nice as they pretend to be. Reality is that we all have five faces, or we are five different people.
First there is the person that the world knows. Those at work, church, school, or the clerk at your favorite store.
Secondly, there is the person that your friends know. This is the person that feels comfortable with some of his/her faults around other people.
Third, is the person that the family knows. This person has a lot of faults but doesn’t care. Hey, it’s family and you can get by with a lot.
Then, there’s the person that you know. This is the person that hides the darkest secrets from everyone else, and knows limitations and shortcomings.
Finally, there is the person that God knows. It is best to focus on improving the one that God knows.
That will fix any faults with all the others.
PMO
©2017
First there is the person that the world knows. Those at work, church, school, or the clerk at your favorite store.
Secondly, there is the person that your friends know. This is the person that feels comfortable with some of his/her faults around other people.
Third, is the person that the family knows. This person has a lot of faults but doesn’t care. Hey, it’s family and you can get by with a lot.
Then, there’s the person that you know. This is the person that hides the darkest secrets from everyone else, and knows limitations and shortcomings.
Finally, there is the person that God knows. It is best to focus on improving the one that God knows.
That will fix any faults with all the others.
PMO
©2017
Monday, November 20, 2017
Forgiveness
How forgiving are you? Have you been wronged or mistreated? Are you supposed to forgive everyone for everything? Think about it: someone steals from you; a spouse is unfaithful; you are cheated, especially by someone you know; a loved one or close friend is murdered and the murderer is arrested; or, someone that you trust and think them to be the best person you know turns out to be something entirely different.
Just how forgiving are we supposed to be? I don’t know. I know that God says we are to forgive as we are forgiven. I also know that there are something’s that I’m not sure I can forgive.
Have you ever been forgiven for something you have done? I suppose the seriousness of the transgression would have a significant impact on what you felt if you were forgiven. And, what would you feel if you asked for and did not get forgiveness?
These are some pretty deep questions and require a lot of soul searching to come up with an honest answer. I suppose the best thing to do is not to do anything that requires giving or receiving forgiveness. Good luck with that.
With all that said, I don’t think that even God will forgive Microsoft - Windows 8 and now Windows 10.
I pretty sure that I won’t.
PMO
©2017
Just how forgiving are we supposed to be? I don’t know. I know that God says we are to forgive as we are forgiven. I also know that there are something’s that I’m not sure I can forgive.
Have you ever been forgiven for something you have done? I suppose the seriousness of the transgression would have a significant impact on what you felt if you were forgiven. And, what would you feel if you asked for and did not get forgiveness?
These are some pretty deep questions and require a lot of soul searching to come up with an honest answer. I suppose the best thing to do is not to do anything that requires giving or receiving forgiveness. Good luck with that.
With all that said, I don’t think that even God will forgive Microsoft - Windows 8 and now Windows 10.
I pretty sure that I won’t.
PMO
©2017
Sunday, November 19, 2017
More Guilty
As mentioned in the previous post, everyone should be considered innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. I am not taking sides in the current cases, but it is strange that the women involved waited years, even decades, before telling their stories. I can understand why the men accused would keep quite, but not the women. Were they that afraid? Again, I don’t know the why’s.
In 1990 there was a movie, "Flatliners," from which a single line may hold the answers.
"In the end, we all know what we did."
That applies to all of us.
PMO
©2017
In 1990 there was a movie, "Flatliners," from which a single line may hold the answers.
"In the end, we all know what we did."
That applies to all of us.
PMO
©2017
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Guilty Or Not
There was a time in this country that a person was innocent until proven guilty. Now, a person is guilty until proven innocent. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of hearing about politicians and celebrities being accused of sex crimes. And, to the media it does not matter if the accusers are legitimate or not.
Anyone can accuse anyone of anything and the accused is automatically guilty regardless of what the truth may reveal. There is a constant bombardment by the media and if someone is finally tried and acquitted, there is only a one time blip on the news.
Let me assure you that you and I do not know if those accused are guilty or not. It is unlikely that we will ever be on the jury that decides. Oh, I am inclined to believe anything about politicians and celebrities, but there is, or should be, a legal process to determine guilt beyond a shadow of doubt.
Wow! I can’t believe that I am actually taking a stand on behalf of politicians and celebrities.
However if members of the media should face similar charges, I can’t see any reason for a trial.
Just hang’em.
PMO
©2017
Anyone can accuse anyone of anything and the accused is automatically guilty regardless of what the truth may reveal. There is a constant bombardment by the media and if someone is finally tried and acquitted, there is only a one time blip on the news.
Let me assure you that you and I do not know if those accused are guilty or not. It is unlikely that we will ever be on the jury that decides. Oh, I am inclined to believe anything about politicians and celebrities, but there is, or should be, a legal process to determine guilt beyond a shadow of doubt.
Wow! I can’t believe that I am actually taking a stand on behalf of politicians and celebrities.
However if members of the media should face similar charges, I can’t see any reason for a trial.
Just hang’em.
PMO
©2017
Friday, November 17, 2017
The State Of The Union
Do you really want to know what the state of the union is? I did an on-line order from a major department store and had the items shipped to the local store. As expected, I got an email that my order was ready for pickup. Here’s the rest of the story.
The email gave exact instructions on how to pick up the order. First, get your credit card and bring it with you. Next, go to the store. Go to the pick up counter in the store.
Yep, that’s where we are. I’m guessing they have a problem with people not going to the store.
Look around. Ever wonder how many people can actually dress themselves?
PMO
©2017
The email gave exact instructions on how to pick up the order. First, get your credit card and bring it with you. Next, go to the store. Go to the pick up counter in the store.
Yep, that’s where we are. I’m guessing they have a problem with people not going to the store.
Look around. Ever wonder how many people can actually dress themselves?
PMO
©2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Goernment
Have you noticed that our "federal government" rarely does anything for the "people, only to the people?" They spend all their time fighting each other or fund raising. So, I would like to suggest they adopt the way we do it in Texas.
The Texas legislature meets every two years for 140 days, in regular session.
There are some, and I must admit I am among them, that think they should meet every 140 years for two days.
We would get more work done "for" the "people."
PMO
©2017
The Texas legislature meets every two years for 140 days, in regular session.
There are some, and I must admit I am among them, that think they should meet every 140 years for two days.
We would get more work done "for" the "people."
PMO
©2017
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Injustice
The NFL players that choose to disrespect the flag and anthem say they are protesting injustice. The question is, "What injustice?" I must have missed the ‘expert’ journalist report that asked this question. Let’s get some specifics.
If you want to say there are just injustices, then you are right. There are and always will be. The world is not fair to everyone and cannot be, without destroying everything, with an end result of injustice for everyone. And, injustice is so often misinterpreted because of perspective and prejudice, therefore there may not be as much occurrence as one might think.
Is racism the issue with these prima donnas? Well, racism will always exist. The number one recipients of hate crimes are Jews. How about that? Then there’s the black college professor that teaches his children to hate white people. Isn’t that racism?
And, talk about injustice, how about the working people that are forced to support people that do not and will not work. Don’t they deserve justice?
It would appear that the solution to injustice would be to come together as a people united to make America the greatest country on earth.
With a united "what we all have in common mind set," injustice will not go away, but at least there will be a common goal to minimize it.
PMO
©2017
If you want to say there are just injustices, then you are right. There are and always will be. The world is not fair to everyone and cannot be, without destroying everything, with an end result of injustice for everyone. And, injustice is so often misinterpreted because of perspective and prejudice, therefore there may not be as much occurrence as one might think.
Is racism the issue with these prima donnas? Well, racism will always exist. The number one recipients of hate crimes are Jews. How about that? Then there’s the black college professor that teaches his children to hate white people. Isn’t that racism?
And, talk about injustice, how about the working people that are forced to support people that do not and will not work. Don’t they deserve justice?
It would appear that the solution to injustice would be to come together as a people united to make America the greatest country on earth.
With a united "what we all have in common mind set," injustice will not go away, but at least there will be a common goal to minimize it.
PMO
©2017
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Logic
When one opens his or her eyes and looks around, there some things we have lost that can only lead to destruction of the world as we know it. Honor, integrity, morals are at the top of the list. Then there’s logic. Logic is reasoned and reasonable judgment - aka common sense. Perhaps we should start referring to it as uncommon sense.
There is so much these days that just doesn’t make sense. There are laws enacted or in process that require clinics that are pro-life to post signs and materials on abortion as an alternative. Explain to me how that makes sense. Are abortion clinics going to be made to do the same with pro-life facilities? No!
Parents decide that their child should be a different gender than what they were born and convince the child that they are not what they look like. Doctors get on board for expensive surgeries and then other doctors get to make more money dealing with the psychological issues that arise and destroy the child for life.
It has gotten to a level of what you say will be used against you. Unless you conform to political correctness, you best keep your mouth shut. And even then, you will not be safe, because "they" can read your mind and know you thought something not approved.
Law suits are filed against gun manufacturers because they "knew" that their guns could kill people. Say what? Duh? And, speaking of guns, if gun owners are as dangerous as the anti-gun people say, there would be no anti-gun people.
As a nation, we have lost the ability to think reasonably.
Guess where that leads us.
PMO
©2017
There is so much these days that just doesn’t make sense. There are laws enacted or in process that require clinics that are pro-life to post signs and materials on abortion as an alternative. Explain to me how that makes sense. Are abortion clinics going to be made to do the same with pro-life facilities? No!
Parents decide that their child should be a different gender than what they were born and convince the child that they are not what they look like. Doctors get on board for expensive surgeries and then other doctors get to make more money dealing with the psychological issues that arise and destroy the child for life.
It has gotten to a level of what you say will be used against you. Unless you conform to political correctness, you best keep your mouth shut. And even then, you will not be safe, because "they" can read your mind and know you thought something not approved.
Law suits are filed against gun manufacturers because they "knew" that their guns could kill people. Say what? Duh? And, speaking of guns, if gun owners are as dangerous as the anti-gun people say, there would be no anti-gun people.
As a nation, we have lost the ability to think reasonably.
Guess where that leads us.
PMO
©2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
Check List
In aviation a pre-flight checklist by the pilots and crew are essential to the safety of the flight. However, with all the technology today, there are flights that do not manually make the all checks that may be essential to safety.
I would like to suggest that seniors have a checklist for safety and sanity before leaving home. (Surely there’s somebody that can come up with an "app" for that) It would need to include essential stops to be checked before leaving home, like the following:
Turn off the oven and burners on the range.
Turn off the coffee pot.
Turn off the water in the shower or tub.
Get your car keys.
Get your purse or wallet and check for drivers license, insurance cards and credit cards.
Be sure you have all your clothes on. (Check this one twice)
Turn off the lights.
Know where you are going.
Close the garage door.
PMO
©2017
I would like to suggest that seniors have a checklist for safety and sanity before leaving home. (Surely there’s somebody that can come up with an "app" for that) It would need to include essential stops to be checked before leaving home, like the following:
Turn off the oven and burners on the range.
Turn off the coffee pot.
Turn off the water in the shower or tub.
Get your car keys.
Get your purse or wallet and check for drivers license, insurance cards and credit cards.
Be sure you have all your clothes on. (Check this one twice)
Turn off the lights.
Know where you are going.
Close the garage door.
PMO
©2017
Sunday, November 12, 2017
No You Can't
Children are taught, "You can be anything you want to be." And, that’s how they grow up - believing they can be anything they want to be. I hate to burst your bubble, but, no you can’t. What you can do, is be anything you can do well.
As a small boy, I wanted to be superman. But, try as I may, I found out that I just couldn’t fly. Thank goodness, I never tried to stop a speeding bullet. Over time at the encouragement of my biology teacher, I wanted to be a biologist. Then, I found out how much biologist earn. That ended that want to be. I wanted to be a singer, but I can’t sing. The point is that you cannot be what you cannot do.
Yes, there are people that do get to be what they want to be, but they soon find out that there’s a lot of hard work included. Remember the old adage, "Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Mike Rowe, of cable TVs "Dirty Jobs" suggests that one needs to look around and see what is not being done and then find a way to do that.
Reality is that in spite of all the cherry well wishers and encouragers, you should not expect to be what you want to be if you can’t do what it takes. But, never give up. Find a fit that makes you happy. I spent 30 years doing a job that I never heard of when I started, and I enjoyed it.
The next time you hear someone tell another they can be what they want to be, jump in and add, "if you have what it takes."
It’s an injustice to send people out in the world thinking they can, if they can’t.
PMO
©2017
As a small boy, I wanted to be superman. But, try as I may, I found out that I just couldn’t fly. Thank goodness, I never tried to stop a speeding bullet. Over time at the encouragement of my biology teacher, I wanted to be a biologist. Then, I found out how much biologist earn. That ended that want to be. I wanted to be a singer, but I can’t sing. The point is that you cannot be what you cannot do.
Yes, there are people that do get to be what they want to be, but they soon find out that there’s a lot of hard work included. Remember the old adage, "Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.
Mike Rowe, of cable TVs "Dirty Jobs" suggests that one needs to look around and see what is not being done and then find a way to do that.
Reality is that in spite of all the cherry well wishers and encouragers, you should not expect to be what you want to be if you can’t do what it takes. But, never give up. Find a fit that makes you happy. I spent 30 years doing a job that I never heard of when I started, and I enjoyed it.
The next time you hear someone tell another they can be what they want to be, jump in and add, "if you have what it takes."
It’s an injustice to send people out in the world thinking they can, if they can’t.
PMO
©2017
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Sound Of Battle
In the military you are trained to run toward the sound of battle, which is contrary to human nature. It is natural to run away when the shooting starts. Or at least hide if you can.
In the past few weeks, we have seen two horrific shooting incidents, one in Las Vegas and one in Sutherland Springs Texas. In Vegas, people scrambled to get out of the line of gunfire and tried to hide, which is what they should have done under the circumstances. They were easy prey for a madman who knew there was nothing they could do to stop him. The people were defenseless.
In the small Texas church building, the people reacted the same as those in Vegas, but was there something else they could have done? Yes, they were trapped and unarmed, but what would have happened if they suddenly rushed the shooter? Of course some would have been shot, but everyone was going to get shot if they did not. Had the shooter been overpowered by men and women wielding whatever they had, books, purses or just bare hands, would fewer people have died?
The problem with both events is that people have become so comfortable living in peace that there is no preparation for insane attacks. Perhaps it is time for average citizens to pause and think about what they should do and what they could do. Do we all need to start carrying guns? Let’s hope not. But, it is time for a plan to deal with insanity that wants to kill.
I know of churches that have armed and trained people in the congregation that are ready to stand and fight if the need arises. As terrible as it sounds, this is the time in which we live.
Resources are available from professionals on how to deal with the conditions that exist. In many cases it is a matter of contacting local law enforcement for help, before it is needed. It takes training and commitment to run toward the battle, but in a do or die situation, it may be the only way that not all will die.
There is a rule of "21" that simply states that if one person has a gun but is suddenly rushed by three people less than 21 feet away, one of those people will reach the shooter.
PMO
©2017
In the past few weeks, we have seen two horrific shooting incidents, one in Las Vegas and one in Sutherland Springs Texas. In Vegas, people scrambled to get out of the line of gunfire and tried to hide, which is what they should have done under the circumstances. They were easy prey for a madman who knew there was nothing they could do to stop him. The people were defenseless.
In the small Texas church building, the people reacted the same as those in Vegas, but was there something else they could have done? Yes, they were trapped and unarmed, but what would have happened if they suddenly rushed the shooter? Of course some would have been shot, but everyone was going to get shot if they did not. Had the shooter been overpowered by men and women wielding whatever they had, books, purses or just bare hands, would fewer people have died?
The problem with both events is that people have become so comfortable living in peace that there is no preparation for insane attacks. Perhaps it is time for average citizens to pause and think about what they should do and what they could do. Do we all need to start carrying guns? Let’s hope not. But, it is time for a plan to deal with insanity that wants to kill.
I know of churches that have armed and trained people in the congregation that are ready to stand and fight if the need arises. As terrible as it sounds, this is the time in which we live.
Resources are available from professionals on how to deal with the conditions that exist. In many cases it is a matter of contacting local law enforcement for help, before it is needed. It takes training and commitment to run toward the battle, but in a do or die situation, it may be the only way that not all will die.
There is a rule of "21" that simply states that if one person has a gun but is suddenly rushed by three people less than 21 feet away, one of those people will reach the shooter.
PMO
©2017
Friday, November 10, 2017
11-11-11
It is fitting and proper that on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour this nation should pause and give honor to those that have served in military service. It is only by their efforts and lost lives that we are able to enjoy life as we know it today.
Even John Stuart Mill, a liberal of liberals, had this to say, "War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
What then makes someone leave the safety of home and go where no one wants to go? Again, a question answered by one that knows:
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." —Army Veteran Charles M. Province
Thank a veteran. You both will feel better.
PMO
©2017
Even John Stuart Mill, a liberal of liberals, had this to say, "War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
What then makes someone leave the safety of home and go where no one wants to go? Again, a question answered by one that knows:
"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." —Army Veteran Charles M. Province
Thank a veteran. You both will feel better.
PMO
©2017
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Anthem Is Racist
The California NAACP has declared that the National Anthem is racist. Francis Scott Key was a slave owner. Guess that settles that.
We’re going to need a new song. How about, "She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes?"
Wait! That won’t work. That’s sexist.
PMO
©2017
We’re going to need a new song. How about, "She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes?"
Wait! That won’t work. That’s sexist.
PMO
©2017
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Not On National News
We are all shocked and sickened by the recent shootings in Nevada and Texas, as we should be. But, the problem occurs daily through out the country on a smaller scale, but no less tragic.
A couple in Illinois starved a six year old boy to death as punishment. He weighed 17 pounds. An illegal immigrant in East Texas was arrested for beating a six month old boy in the face with her fist. She was baby sitting the boy. And, every year there are thousands of children sold into sex slavery.
It is time to stop and look around your neighborhood, your city and your state to see the atrocities that happen everyday. These so often go unnoticed except by a local few.
Collectively the horrors not mentioned on national news exceed all those that are by thousands or more.
Again, I quote Pogo: "We have seen the enemy and he is us."
Clean up your own house first before you try to tell others what needs to be done.
PMO
©2017
A couple in Illinois starved a six year old boy to death as punishment. He weighed 17 pounds. An illegal immigrant in East Texas was arrested for beating a six month old boy in the face with her fist. She was baby sitting the boy. And, every year there are thousands of children sold into sex slavery.
It is time to stop and look around your neighborhood, your city and your state to see the atrocities that happen everyday. These so often go unnoticed except by a local few.
Collectively the horrors not mentioned on national news exceed all those that are by thousands or more.
Again, I quote Pogo: "We have seen the enemy and he is us."
Clean up your own house first before you try to tell others what needs to be done.
PMO
©2017
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
The Solution
The solution to gun violence is and always has been the same. The way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Such was the case of the horrible shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The attack by a hate-filled individual killed 27 people and wounded 20 more. Had it not been for a law-abiding citizen with a gun, a former NRA instructor with his own AR-15, there no doubt would have been more killed. Stephen Willeford armed himself and engaged the killer, shooting him twice and, along with fellow neighbor Johnnie Lagendorff, pursued the shooter when he fled. They knew that it would take more time than they had for police to arrive.
Watching one of the talking heads on TV when they interviewed Lagendorff, only further me that these people have no clue about the real world. She asked him how he was able to compose himself and know what to do in a situation such as this and then said, "Why would you take off after a man that had just shot all those people?" His reply was simple, "Why would you not?"
The Babylon Bee, a Christian satire website, has a suggestion on how to solve the real problem - human nature. Just have congress pass a law prohibiting human nature and that will solve the problems.
Of course you would have to arrest about 350 million people. Congress would be the first to be arrested.
I think we should test the idea by arresting them now and see how everything improves.
PMO
©2017
The attack by a hate-filled individual killed 27 people and wounded 20 more. Had it not been for a law-abiding citizen with a gun, a former NRA instructor with his own AR-15, there no doubt would have been more killed. Stephen Willeford armed himself and engaged the killer, shooting him twice and, along with fellow neighbor Johnnie Lagendorff, pursued the shooter when he fled. They knew that it would take more time than they had for police to arrive.
Watching one of the talking heads on TV when they interviewed Lagendorff, only further me that these people have no clue about the real world. She asked him how he was able to compose himself and know what to do in a situation such as this and then said, "Why would you take off after a man that had just shot all those people?" His reply was simple, "Why would you not?"
The Babylon Bee, a Christian satire website, has a suggestion on how to solve the real problem - human nature. Just have congress pass a law prohibiting human nature and that will solve the problems.
Of course you would have to arrest about 350 million people. Congress would be the first to be arrested.
I think we should test the idea by arresting them now and see how everything improves.
PMO
©2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
What Evil Lurks?
Many years ago there was a radio program called, "The Shadow," that spoke of the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Again, we have seen the evil in tiny Sutherland Springs, Texas. And, again there are no real answers to "why."
Benjamin Franklin said, "If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?" The shooter was reportedly an avowed atheist.
Perhaps that is the answer to "why."
PMO
©2017
Benjamin Franklin said, "If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?" The shooter was reportedly an avowed atheist.
Perhaps that is the answer to "why."
PMO
©2017
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Time
Humans are the only creatures that are controlled by time. We have to get something done or be somewhere by a certain time. We eat on time - most of the time. And, we have to plan ahead for the time when we retire or if we should become disabled. We worry about time because once a second passes, it never comes back.
We complain about the bad times and quickly forget the good times. How often do you hear someone talk on and on about something, and say, "I'm glad that's over?" And, then when they do remember a good time, it's a simple, "That was a fun time."
It all seems so silly because we are only going to be here at best, about a 100 years or less. The average age to die now is in the 74-78 year range. We have to get everything done, we think. Which poses two questions, how long is eternity and how far away is it?
The best answers I’ve heard are simple. Just imagine a block of stone that is one million feet wide and tall - a one million foot square block. Every one million years a bird comes by and sharpens its beak on the stone and removes one millionth of an inch in only a millionth of an inch area. When that bird has whittled that block down to dust, you have just spent one millionth of a second in eternity.
And with all our concern about the few years we are here, consider this, how far are you away from eternity?
One heart beat.
PMO
©2017
We complain about the bad times and quickly forget the good times. How often do you hear someone talk on and on about something, and say, "I'm glad that's over?" And, then when they do remember a good time, it's a simple, "That was a fun time."
It all seems so silly because we are only going to be here at best, about a 100 years or less. The average age to die now is in the 74-78 year range. We have to get everything done, we think. Which poses two questions, how long is eternity and how far away is it?
The best answers I’ve heard are simple. Just imagine a block of stone that is one million feet wide and tall - a one million foot square block. Every one million years a bird comes by and sharpens its beak on the stone and removes one millionth of an inch in only a millionth of an inch area. When that bird has whittled that block down to dust, you have just spent one millionth of a second in eternity.
And with all our concern about the few years we are here, consider this, how far are you away from eternity?
One heart beat.
PMO
©2017
Saturday, November 4, 2017
What Binds Us?
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas this week, in an interview with Laura Ingraham, posed the question, "What binds us?" He was replying to a question about the NFL protest. Justice Thomas went on to say that some might say that we have only anger and distrust toward one another. He is right.
The last time there was any unity in this country was 9-11-2001. Remember, the flag raised at ground zero. In a few short years, we have gone to disrespecting that flag, tearing down historical monuments, and rioting to prevent free speech of anything opposing a liberal point of view.
I read this week about a protester from the 60s apologizing to a fellow who lost his brother in Vietnam. The man asked a simple question, "Was your behavior worth my brother’s life?" As people get older they begin to realize how stupidly they acted when they were young, but by then the damage is done and can never be undone. Is this what is going to be allowed now?
The national anthem is a sacred song. It proclaims that even under the severest attack, there are those that kept our flag waving for unity against those that would destroy what would become the greatest nation in history. The flag is the symbol of that unity - United States. With all the things that separate us individually, it is that song and that flag that proclaims that we are united Americans, no matter what.
At least that’s the way it’s supposed to be if we are to survive.
PMO
©2017
The last time there was any unity in this country was 9-11-2001. Remember, the flag raised at ground zero. In a few short years, we have gone to disrespecting that flag, tearing down historical monuments, and rioting to prevent free speech of anything opposing a liberal point of view.
I read this week about a protester from the 60s apologizing to a fellow who lost his brother in Vietnam. The man asked a simple question, "Was your behavior worth my brother’s life?" As people get older they begin to realize how stupidly they acted when they were young, but by then the damage is done and can never be undone. Is this what is going to be allowed now?
The national anthem is a sacred song. It proclaims that even under the severest attack, there are those that kept our flag waving for unity against those that would destroy what would become the greatest nation in history. The flag is the symbol of that unity - United States. With all the things that separate us individually, it is that song and that flag that proclaims that we are united Americans, no matter what.
At least that’s the way it’s supposed to be if we are to survive.
PMO
©2017
Friday, November 3, 2017
Income Equality
Would you be surprised to learn that 70% of the budget to run this country has nothing to do with running the government functions? It has been said that 70% of the trillions of dollars taken in by government are simply transferred from one person or place to another. It’s the old working people support non-working people. Of course, there’s also the government employees in the middle that get paid to handle all the transferred money. But, there is still the cry for income equality.
Income equality means that after the truly poor have their basic needs met, food, clothing and shelter, they should have free money, free cell phones, TVs, cars, free anything and everything any working person has. In other words, Marxism.
I have written before about how poor I was as a boy. In those days, we had to drive to a food distribution center and pick up "government commodities." They were terrible - except the cheese. There were no food stamps or cards. While it was a trying time, it was a positive time. I made up my mind that I would not always live that way.
There are so many opportunities today for almost anyone to improve themselves. All it takes is education and a determination to work.
That’s true income equality.
PMO
©2017
Income equality means that after the truly poor have their basic needs met, food, clothing and shelter, they should have free money, free cell phones, TVs, cars, free anything and everything any working person has. In other words, Marxism.
I have written before about how poor I was as a boy. In those days, we had to drive to a food distribution center and pick up "government commodities." They were terrible - except the cheese. There were no food stamps or cards. While it was a trying time, it was a positive time. I made up my mind that I would not always live that way.
There are so many opportunities today for almost anyone to improve themselves. All it takes is education and a determination to work.
That’s true income equality.
PMO
©2017
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Kids Today
If you live in a city, how long has it been since you’ve seen a child walking by himself or herself? I’m talking about an 8 to 10 year old, walking home from school or down to the corner store - even to a nearby playground. You know what happens when a child walks alone? Someone calls the police.
Yes, you will occasionally see this occur in small towns, but even there it is getting to be rare. Society today dictates that children must be supervised at all times. It is believed that this is the only way to keep them safe. When I was a boy I walked to school everyday, unless it was pouring rain - like the flood that floated the Ark. Snow was not an issue. Children were taught what to do and they did it. And, we didn’t grow up requiring a ‘safe place’ to run to when we were upset. We played outside with other kids and learned what it was like not to get our way and how to make friends, get angry at them and then be friends again. Yes, even friends that disagreed with us.
Today’s kids stay at home when they become adults and don’t want to leave and be on their own, because they don’t know how. Being supervised and told what to do is the only life many young people know, and that’s why there is so many demonstrations on college campuses and in the streets. When someone disagrees with what they have been spoon fed, they get angry. The ability to think for themselves has been supervised out of them.
It’s called communism.
PMO
©2017
Yes, you will occasionally see this occur in small towns, but even there it is getting to be rare. Society today dictates that children must be supervised at all times. It is believed that this is the only way to keep them safe. When I was a boy I walked to school everyday, unless it was pouring rain - like the flood that floated the Ark. Snow was not an issue. Children were taught what to do and they did it. And, we didn’t grow up requiring a ‘safe place’ to run to when we were upset. We played outside with other kids and learned what it was like not to get our way and how to make friends, get angry at them and then be friends again. Yes, even friends that disagreed with us.
Today’s kids stay at home when they become adults and don’t want to leave and be on their own, because they don’t know how. Being supervised and told what to do is the only life many young people know, and that’s why there is so many demonstrations on college campuses and in the streets. When someone disagrees with what they have been spoon fed, they get angry. The ability to think for themselves has been supervised out of them.
It’s called communism.
PMO
©2017
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Your World Is Shrinking
Many years ago there was a theory that each of us had a world that was about a three foot circle. If something happened outside that circle, we didn’t pay much attention to it. Sure we had some awareness of major events, but for the most part we just lived in our own little world. This was not a good thing.
Guess what? That tiny little world is shrinking. We now live in a world that is less than one foot, and in far too many cases, it may be six inches or less. In our three foot world, we interacted with people and even had room to read a newspaper, back when there was some truth in what you read. Now days, there is little face to face communication, compared to years past, and the world has become the distance from your face or ear to a smart phone or iPad.
We live in the "information age." If it’s not on an electronic hand held device, it may escape most of the populous. The problem is that most of the information is fake or at best slanted and deceiving. Just look around, see and listen to what is happening. Your world is changing quickly and not for the better. Social media has replaced, at least in part, the ability to know what is really happening and clouded the ability to think and reason for oneself.
What will shrink your world next? How small will it get?
Close enough to be literally in your face.
PMO
©2017
Guess what? That tiny little world is shrinking. We now live in a world that is less than one foot, and in far too many cases, it may be six inches or less. In our three foot world, we interacted with people and even had room to read a newspaper, back when there was some truth in what you read. Now days, there is little face to face communication, compared to years past, and the world has become the distance from your face or ear to a smart phone or iPad.
We live in the "information age." If it’s not on an electronic hand held device, it may escape most of the populous. The problem is that most of the information is fake or at best slanted and deceiving. Just look around, see and listen to what is happening. Your world is changing quickly and not for the better. Social media has replaced, at least in part, the ability to know what is really happening and clouded the ability to think and reason for oneself.
What will shrink your world next? How small will it get?
Close enough to be literally in your face.
PMO
©2017
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