Odd bedfellows: Libertarian’s and UBI (Universal Basic Income)

I just finished reading the book “Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff” by Matt Kibbe. It was an interesting read and I agreed with a bunch of it. On the other hand, there was a bunch that did not sit well with me. Especially when some of the manifestations and mutations of thisContinue reading “Odd bedfellows: Libertarian’s and UBI (Universal Basic Income)”

Anything can be accomplished with ENOUGH !!!

It’s an odd title for a blog so here’s my explanation: ENOUGH as used here means bringing to bear sufficient resources (i.e, money, manpower, equipment, whatever it takes) to accomplish the task at hand, usually this pertains to a challenge previously considered unsolvable or overwhelming. Why am I thinking about this? Several reasons: During ThanksgivingContinue reading “Anything can be accomplished with ENOUGH !!!”

Talking points for liberals and conservatives

What NOT to say and how to start a speech has become as important as the speech itself if you want to maintain open dialogue. So here’s my advice to liberals: Don’t get painted into the “weak on crime, big spender” corner. Start every conversation (to greatest extent possible) making it clear that you areContinue reading “Talking points for liberals and conservatives”

Beware the UNDERTOW

As an avid swimmer and swim instructor, I have a healthy appreciation for the danger of undertow. But we need to beware of the other types of undertows: In the office…. The boss and upper management announce policies and procedures expecting enthusiastic implementation. Beware the undertow of staff who are not on board. The newContinue reading “Beware the UNDERTOW”

Cashing Out

I was thinking of the following riddle the other day: Question: What do you call it when you die pennyless? Answer: Good timing This also remined me of the February anniversary of my fathers death some years ago when he died basically of old age at 93. He had a good life, survived WW2, workedContinue reading “Cashing Out”

Advice for my kids (and who ever else listens)

As I enter the 4th quarter of this game of life and my kids are in their 20’s heading for the 30 yard line on the football field of life, I jotted down the following reflections/recommendations to consider: Cars/Vehicles (motorcycles, etc.) Hold off on buying (aka financing $$$) them as long as you can. AndContinue reading “Advice for my kids (and who ever else listens)”

Write a biography for those we do not understand or do not like

While listening to a fascinating interview of author and biographer Richard Norton Smith describe how he discovered what really “made some famous persons tick”, it occurred to me that the act of writing a biography could go a long way to understanding someone else’s essence. Only when we know all the intimate details of theContinue reading “Write a biography for those we do not understand or do not like”

I’m hurting, angry AND I’m a patriot!

With the passing of the anniversary of the 2021 insurrection (riot or whatever you want to call it) at the U.S. Capitol, I wanted to draw a comparison of myself and those who participated that day. My characteristics, my circumstances: I’m facing over 25 years of college loan payments. I will probably be dead longContinue reading “I’m hurting, angry AND I’m a patriot!”

Why do we hate each other so?

We connect on so may levels, enjoying laughs, sharing stories. I tell my mall stories based on 15 years as a mall cop Neighborhood pals, high school and college buddies share hilarious tales and hijinks. Every conversation starts with the phrase “remember the time when”. We end up toasting to good times and pledging toContinue reading “Why do we hate each other so?”

Children Lost In The Mall

This is NOT a story about a mother who lost her toddlers in the food court. This IS the true story of 5 youngsters who lost their moral compass, rampaged thru a mall on the day after Christmas (aka, National Mall Riot Day), got arrested for disorderly conduct and one of them threw a punchContinue reading “Children Lost In The Mall”