Initially, I refused to go see the latest remake of the Robin Hood story. After all, I had seen all the many previous films about this hero. What else was there to know? Then, I read that this version was more of a "prequel" and was done in a historically correct manner. So, being a fan of historical novels, I went to see this movie. I found it to be entertaining and a terrific movie. It told the story of what happened before Robin Hood became an outlaw.
It portrayed how Robin and his men became "merry" by drinking the most popular beverage of the 12th century. If you wanted an alcoholic beverage, you ordered a glass of mead. This got me off on a tangent wondering how long it had been around and how was it made? Well, it is the first alcoholic beverage to be discovered by man and it is made by combining honey, water, and yeast. Wine has been around for 6000 years but mead was being made 30,000 years ago! Then, I got to wondering why it is not a popular drink, today. It taste good, is easy to make and has 13% alcohol which makes one feel merry. I decided it is a long lost treasure that needs to be rediscovered. I am starting a business called, "Get Merry With Harry On Mead". It is the only beverage that you will ever need!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
MYSTERIOUS DUMBNESS IN OUR LAND
Why does the humming bird hum?
Why is the blue bird blue?
Why is the government dumb?
And what is it, we can do?
Stop it from giving away money,
And taxing me and you,
The problem is not funny,
It stinks a lot, P U !
Billions and billions of debt,
Bonuses for the rich,
Taxes is what we get,
No wonder life’s a bitch!
With the encouragement of our Government and big business, our citizens spent more than they had, lived beyond their means, and abused their credit. That was dumb; and it caused a big, ugly recession. To fix the problem, our Government borrowed billions of dollars and gave it away. That was dumb; and it devalued our dollar, mortgaged our future, and crippled our economy. We must stop this dumbness in our land. Write your congressman and senator. E-mail our President. Tell them to stop being dumb! Tell them to stop spending money they don’t have. And stop borrowing money to give away. Leave our free markets alone and they will again grow strong. We should make all our Government servants (yes, they are supposed to be serving us) read “The Wealth Of Nations” by Adam Smith. He was the father of economics. Our representatives need a refresher course.
The future holds a very big bill,
Get wise while yet you may,
The debit side is increasing,
In a most alarming way,
The things our gov did unceasing,
For them, we must all pay!
Fueled by President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package, the US budget deficit is projected to be $1.6 Trillion! Spending, borrowing, and debt are out of control. This is a dire situation. This is an unmanageable burden on future generations. We must stop the dumbness in Washington.
Why is the blue bird blue?
Why is the government dumb?
And what is it, we can do?
Stop it from giving away money,
And taxing me and you,
The problem is not funny,
It stinks a lot, P U !
Billions and billions of debt,
Bonuses for the rich,
Taxes is what we get,
No wonder life’s a bitch!
With the encouragement of our Government and big business, our citizens spent more than they had, lived beyond their means, and abused their credit. That was dumb; and it caused a big, ugly recession. To fix the problem, our Government borrowed billions of dollars and gave it away. That was dumb; and it devalued our dollar, mortgaged our future, and crippled our economy. We must stop this dumbness in our land. Write your congressman and senator. E-mail our President. Tell them to stop being dumb! Tell them to stop spending money they don’t have. And stop borrowing money to give away. Leave our free markets alone and they will again grow strong. We should make all our Government servants (yes, they are supposed to be serving us) read “The Wealth Of Nations” by Adam Smith. He was the father of economics. Our representatives need a refresher course.
The future holds a very big bill,
Get wise while yet you may,
The debit side is increasing,
In a most alarming way,
The things our gov did unceasing,
For them, we must all pay!
Fueled by President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package, the US budget deficit is projected to be $1.6 Trillion! Spending, borrowing, and debt are out of control. This is a dire situation. This is an unmanageable burden on future generations. We must stop the dumbness in Washington.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009
PUBLIC OPTION HEALTH INSURANCE????
Very bad idea created by uninformed, power hungry, Federal Bureaucrats of the liberal persuasion. These bleeding hearts say everyone has a right to have health care, and the government should control it. They also say that having government health care will reduce the cost and improve the quality of health care. This idea is a misguided recipe for a national disaster. Let's look at some history. Let's look at some facts. Everyone has a right to health insurance and health care only if they can pay for it. Everyone has a right to food and shelter, if they can pay for it. In this world, no one has a right to any service or product if they are unwilling or unable to pay for it. I'm sorry, but that is how it is.
The poor among us are currently being taken care of by charity, existing government programs, and family. They are not starving to death,and they do receive basic medical care and shelter. It would cost billions of dollars (which the government cannot afford) to extend benefits to them similar to the benefits enjoyed by hard working people who have to pay for it.
Can anyone in their right mind think that the government can do something more efficiently than private enterprise? I don't think so! In this day and age, we are privatizing government services because the government cannot do it as economically. Of course, the government is needed for national defense, maintenance of infra structure, safety regulations, and enforcement of laws to protect our citizens.
Health care insurance is currently provided, primarily, by the Blue Cross Companies. Because of free market competition, they have become as efficient as possible. They pay out 95% of premiums in benefits. A 5% expense factor is pretty damn good. Also, for the most part, policyholders are happy with the service. The alarming increase in the cost of health care is caused by two factors: First of all, rapid development of expensive medical technology. Secondly, clients of medical service providers have no incentive to "shop" and to make reasonable economic decisions. Because they have insurance coverage, usually provided by their employer, they have no idea what services are costing. Furthermore, since they have the coverage, they say, "give me all those expensive tests and procedures_I don't care what it cost!" So, what is the solution? I think high deductible health insurance is what is needed. Let's have catastrophe coverage but not provide coverage for basic health care. If we did that, people would start asking, "how much does that cost?" and "Do I really need to have it done?" and Whoa, I think I will shop around. These are the questions that would put a brake on medical cost inflation.
Oh, by the way, because of the negative feed back from townhall meetings, Obama and Pelosi are now saying that they could accept a nonprofit health care cooperative as an alternative to a new government insurance plan. Guess what folks; Blue Cross is a nonprofit cooperative! I guess we already have the needed reform.
The poor among us are currently being taken care of by charity, existing government programs, and family. They are not starving to death,and they do receive basic medical care and shelter. It would cost billions of dollars (which the government cannot afford) to extend benefits to them similar to the benefits enjoyed by hard working people who have to pay for it.
Can anyone in their right mind think that the government can do something more efficiently than private enterprise? I don't think so! In this day and age, we are privatizing government services because the government cannot do it as economically. Of course, the government is needed for national defense, maintenance of infra structure, safety regulations, and enforcement of laws to protect our citizens.
Health care insurance is currently provided, primarily, by the Blue Cross Companies. Because of free market competition, they have become as efficient as possible. They pay out 95% of premiums in benefits. A 5% expense factor is pretty damn good. Also, for the most part, policyholders are happy with the service. The alarming increase in the cost of health care is caused by two factors: First of all, rapid development of expensive medical technology. Secondly, clients of medical service providers have no incentive to "shop" and to make reasonable economic decisions. Because they have insurance coverage, usually provided by their employer, they have no idea what services are costing. Furthermore, since they have the coverage, they say, "give me all those expensive tests and procedures_I don't care what it cost!" So, what is the solution? I think high deductible health insurance is what is needed. Let's have catastrophe coverage but not provide coverage for basic health care. If we did that, people would start asking, "how much does that cost?" and "Do I really need to have it done?" and Whoa, I think I will shop around. These are the questions that would put a brake on medical cost inflation.
Oh, by the way, because of the negative feed back from townhall meetings, Obama and Pelosi are now saying that they could accept a nonprofit health care cooperative as an alternative to a new government insurance plan. Guess what folks; Blue Cross is a nonprofit cooperative! I guess we already have the needed reform.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009
A Revolutionary Sailing Ship
The Caravel is a sailing ship that was developed by the Portuguese in the late 1400's, and was used for the next 300 years. It was an improvement on older ships because it could sail into the wind. Caravels were broad-beamed ships that had 2 or 3 masts with square sails and a triangular sail, on the bow, called a lateen. They were about 65 feet long and could carry 130 tons of cargo. Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Nina and the Pinta, were Caravels. The revolutionary design of these ships enabled Columbus to discover America and get back home to brag about it. Before the Caravel, sailing ships could only sail with the wind. In order to go against the wind, they had to drop their sails and be rowed. This was not practical for long voyages of discovery.
The first sailboats, which were used for thousands of years, used square sails and did not have a rudder or a keel. When a rudder, a keel, and a lateen sail were added, ships were “magically” able to sail into the wind! This was truly a revolutionary innovation created by the Portuguese. To understand how it works, you have to be knowledgeable about mathematics, physics, and aeronautics. The simple explanation is: wind pressure on the side of the triangular sail, opposed by an opposite pressure of water against the keel and the rudder, causes the boat to “squirt” forward; much like a watermelon seed that is squeezed by your fingers. Obviously, the ship can’t sail directly into the wind, but it can sail at a 45-degree angle to the wind. This allows it to tack back and forth and make headway into the wind. This was a very brilliant invention!
I love to sail for pleasure. It is my favorite summer pastime. I did not learn how to sail until I was 50 years of age. I bought an old Lightning and raced it (with a crew of 3) against other Lightning boats on weekends. It took quite awhile to learn the technique of sailing and to learn all the rules of racing. After 5 years of effort, I finally won the Captains’ Trophy; it was a proud day for me. Until that time, I capsized so many times that I renamed the boat, “OVER EASY”. I also had the embarrassing incident of running into another boat that had the right of way. A few years ago, I quit racing and sold the Lightning. Now, I enjoy sailing my little sunfish. It is a noncompetitive, relaxing activity.
I raise my sail,
And glide away,
With no travail,
I'm off to play!
The first sailboats, which were used for thousands of years, used square sails and did not have a rudder or a keel. When a rudder, a keel, and a lateen sail were added, ships were “magically” able to sail into the wind! This was truly a revolutionary innovation created by the Portuguese. To understand how it works, you have to be knowledgeable about mathematics, physics, and aeronautics. The simple explanation is: wind pressure on the side of the triangular sail, opposed by an opposite pressure of water against the keel and the rudder, causes the boat to “squirt” forward; much like a watermelon seed that is squeezed by your fingers. Obviously, the ship can’t sail directly into the wind, but it can sail at a 45-degree angle to the wind. This allows it to tack back and forth and make headway into the wind. This was a very brilliant invention!
I love to sail for pleasure. It is my favorite summer pastime. I did not learn how to sail until I was 50 years of age. I bought an old Lightning and raced it (with a crew of 3) against other Lightning boats on weekends. It took quite awhile to learn the technique of sailing and to learn all the rules of racing. After 5 years of effort, I finally won the Captains’ Trophy; it was a proud day for me. Until that time, I capsized so many times that I renamed the boat, “OVER EASY”. I also had the embarrassing incident of running into another boat that had the right of way. A few years ago, I quit racing and sold the Lightning. Now, I enjoy sailing my little sunfish. It is a noncompetitive, relaxing activity.
I raise my sail,
And glide away,
With no travail,
I'm off to play!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2009
CONFESSIONS OF AN OLD CABANA BOY
This blog is dedicated to the Bally Girls: Gloria, Vicky, Wanda, Kathy, Robin, Jane, Sue, Nancy and especially to their friend and mentor, Jan. A lovely group of beautiful women to whom my good friend, Jim Purcell, and I served Pina Coladas. It was their annual meeting at the Bollin Spa. This years theme was "survivors". These girls are definitely survivors. They are smart, sophisticated, and very "today". Most of what they discussed was over my head. They talked a lot about a guy named "Johnson" who hung out at their Health Club. They seemed to hold him in high regard. He had a special attraction that is hard, to explain.
Of course, they exchanged recipes for food, love, and life. Being a part of an all female party was an education for Jim and me. I can't share everything I learned because of the Cabana Boy's oath of confidentiality. But one thing that surprised me was their vast knowledge of male sports.
A difference between men and women was emphasized. Men have only a few things to say, then, they are done talking. Woman are never done talking. These girls talked all night and half of the next day! I was amazed at how much they had to talk about. There was never a lull in the conversation. In fact, I had a difficult time getting them to be quiet long enough for me to read a poem. Once I got started, they did seem to enjoy a Poetry Reading. Like I mentioned, these are sophisticated woman. I am looking forward to being their Cabana Boy at next year's party. Oh yeah, as to why women, who drink Pina Coladas, like to walk in the rain; I haven't the foggiest!
I have been studying women for fifty years and they are still a mystery. That is part of their charm.
A BALLY GIRL POEM
Quick of Wit,
And very fit,
On my lap she likes to sit,
I like her a little bit,
A Bally Girl is really it!
Of course, they exchanged recipes for food, love, and life. Being a part of an all female party was an education for Jim and me. I can't share everything I learned because of the Cabana Boy's oath of confidentiality. But one thing that surprised me was their vast knowledge of male sports.
A difference between men and women was emphasized. Men have only a few things to say, then, they are done talking. Woman are never done talking. These girls talked all night and half of the next day! I was amazed at how much they had to talk about. There was never a lull in the conversation. In fact, I had a difficult time getting them to be quiet long enough for me to read a poem. Once I got started, they did seem to enjoy a Poetry Reading. Like I mentioned, these are sophisticated woman. I am looking forward to being their Cabana Boy at next year's party. Oh yeah, as to why women, who drink Pina Coladas, like to walk in the rain; I haven't the foggiest!
I have been studying women for fifty years and they are still a mystery. That is part of their charm.
A BALLY GIRL POEM
Quick of Wit,
And very fit,
On my lap she likes to sit,
I like her a little bit,
A Bally Girl is really it!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2009
THINGS I WONDER ABOUT
While driving from the lake to Adrian, I passed a farm house with three items for sale: A motorcycle, a bicycle, and a manure spreader. They sat beside the road for about a month and I drove past them quite a few times. Gradually, over a long period of time, each item was purchased and disappeared. The first thing to sell was the manure spreader, then the bicycle, and the last item to be purchased was the motorcycle. I found it intriguing that a farm implement was the first to be purchased. Perhaps a sign of the times? Or was it just a random event? Are motorcycles in less demand than manure spreaders? Is farming so tough that a farmer had to sell his equipment and his recreational vehicles? What is the real story behind these events?
Last Sunday night, two men fell off a pontoon boat in Devils Lake. Sadly, one of them died trying to swim to shore. The other man was able to swim to shore and is alive. I wonder, how the heck does anyone fall off a pontoon boat and why would they try to swim to shore? All of the facts are not yet known about this tragic accident; but I bet there was alcohol involved. They must have been drunk to do something this stupid. The lesson here is that drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
For a long weekend, my wife and I recently traded houses with one of our sons and his family. They got to enjoy our lake house and we enjoyed staying in their Detroit suburb home. The experience emphasized the fact that the suburbs are totally different from the City of Detroit. Unfortunately, Detroit is bankrupt, filled with corruption, crime, and disillusionment. It has turned into a ghetto of uneducated and unhappy people. On the other hand, the Northwestern suburbs are filled with lovely homes and successful people. There are lots of great restaurants and interesting, fun things to do. Such a sharp division between the city and the suburbs is a worrisome thing. Lots of theories as to how and why it happened. Whatever the reason, it is a damn shame. It did not have to happen; I point to Chicago as proof of that.
Another thing I wonder about: Why do women who drink Pina Coladas like to walk in the rain? Tomorrow, I will be doing research on this question. Tune in next week for the answer!
Last Sunday night, two men fell off a pontoon boat in Devils Lake. Sadly, one of them died trying to swim to shore. The other man was able to swim to shore and is alive. I wonder, how the heck does anyone fall off a pontoon boat and why would they try to swim to shore? All of the facts are not yet known about this tragic accident; but I bet there was alcohol involved. They must have been drunk to do something this stupid. The lesson here is that drinking and boating is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
For a long weekend, my wife and I recently traded houses with one of our sons and his family. They got to enjoy our lake house and we enjoyed staying in their Detroit suburb home. The experience emphasized the fact that the suburbs are totally different from the City of Detroit. Unfortunately, Detroit is bankrupt, filled with corruption, crime, and disillusionment. It has turned into a ghetto of uneducated and unhappy people. On the other hand, the Northwestern suburbs are filled with lovely homes and successful people. There are lots of great restaurants and interesting, fun things to do. Such a sharp division between the city and the suburbs is a worrisome thing. Lots of theories as to how and why it happened. Whatever the reason, it is a damn shame. It did not have to happen; I point to Chicago as proof of that.
Another thing I wonder about: Why do women who drink Pina Coladas like to walk in the rain? Tomorrow, I will be doing research on this question. Tune in next week for the answer!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009
SELDOM DISAPPOINTED
Don't you hate it when one of your favorite authors dies? It is like the loss of a good friend. Tony Hillerman died last year and I still miss him. He wrote 18 wonderful mystery novels about the Navajos and their culture in the south-west. His books often were about conflicts between the American legal system and traditional Navajo definitions of crime. Reading his novels, gave me a good understanding of the strength and dignity of the Navajo culture. The Navajo are more sensitive to moral weakness than the white society that surrounds them. I feel like I personally knew Hillerman's main character, Lt. Joe Leaphorn. Before writing novels, Hillerman was a journalist, editor, and teacher.
In his biography, he describes growing up in the Depression on a small farm in Oklahoma. He was in the army during World War Two, and took part in the D-day landings. He won the silver star for valour and a Purple Heart for being severely wounded by a mine.
Tony Hillerman had an interesting philosophy, "If one learns not to have unrealistic expectations, one will often be pleasantly surprised and seldom disappointed".
In his biography, he describes growing up in the Depression on a small farm in Oklahoma. He was in the army during World War Two, and took part in the D-day landings. He won the silver star for valour and a Purple Heart for being severely wounded by a mine.
Tony Hillerman had an interesting philosophy, "If one learns not to have unrealistic expectations, one will often be pleasantly surprised and seldom disappointed".
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009
WHY I LIKE JULY
It is my favorite month! Let me tell you why: Strawberries, Raspberries, Corn on the cob, New potatoes, Peas, Lettuce, String beans, and all the good stuff you can get at a Michigan farm market. Because of the glaciers movements millions of years ago, because of the forests that grew thousands of years ago, because of the climate created by the Great Lakes, because of the work of early settlers, the soil in Michigan creates the best produce in the world (my opinion as a master gardener). The flavor of Michigan's fruits and vegetables is way better than California or Florida. Yes, our season is short but our stuff is much sweeter. As a chef and a gormand, I alwas look forward to July. My idea of heaven would be to have July for twelve months of the year.
There are many other reasons for loving July: Grand children visit me at the lake. Fair weather sailing, Long walks on long days. And because of the lovely weather, I have more opportunities to meet people and make new friends. You can't have too many friends! "A friend is a rare book of which but one copy is made".And speaking of books, I enjoy reading on late evenings in July. All and all, July is the best month for me. I am damn lucky because we still have half of July to come. I refuse to think that half of July is gone!
There are many other reasons for loving July: Grand children visit me at the lake. Fair weather sailing, Long walks on long days. And because of the lovely weather, I have more opportunities to meet people and make new friends. You can't have too many friends! "A friend is a rare book of which but one copy is made".And speaking of books, I enjoy reading on late evenings in July. All and all, July is the best month for me. I am damn lucky because we still have half of July to come. I refuse to think that half of July is gone!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2009
SIMPLE PLEASURES OF LIFE
Life is difficult. life is complicated. Life is filled with sorrow. Life is filled with joy. Life is what you make it. Shakespeare said, "Life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifiying nothing." Shaw said, "There is true joy in life." Whatever you call it, life can be made better by the simple pleasures that can be found between the sorrows and joys. It is important to look for them and savor them. Yesterday, I took two of my grandchildren tubing on the lake. I went for a long walk in the country and enjoyed nature. I picked and arranged some flowers from my garden. For dinner I had tacos and beer with friends. In the evening, on a glider on the end of our dock, I enjoyed a drink and a fine cigar while viewing a magnificent sunset. On this beautiful July morning, I watered the grass.
Some of my favorite simple pleasures are doing things for others. Breakfast in bed for my loving wife. Watering Jan's flowers, helping a neighbor girl to learn how to water ski. Being a good listener for people with problems. Doing a favor for a friend. Being helpful and doing favors for others makes me feel good about myself. The simple pleasures make life worthwhile. Look for them and savor them!
Some of my favorite simple pleasures are doing things for others. Breakfast in bed for my loving wife. Watering Jan's flowers, helping a neighbor girl to learn how to water ski. Being a good listener for people with problems. Doing a favor for a friend. Being helpful and doing favors for others makes me feel good about myself. The simple pleasures make life worthwhile. Look for them and savor them!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2009
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
In 3 days we will be celebrating the birth of our nation. Of all our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson was the most instrumental in shaping our destiny. This brilliant and remarkable man was the author of the Declaration Of Independence and the Statute For Religious Freedom. He was also the founder of the non-religious University Of Virginia. He was intelligent, extremely organized and very, very busy! His list of accomplishments are astounding. He was a lawyer, scientist, philosopher, statesman, architect, musician, farmer, bibliophile, inventor, wine connoisseur, and mathematician. He was fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Greek. Probably, the most accomplished human being of all time. We are damn lucky this guy was part of our history. Too bad modern politicians are not more like him. I think we should all say, "thank you, Thomas Jefferson!"
Ironically, he died on the fourth of July, 1826. That was the 50Th anniversary of the United States and only 183 years ago. Have a happy and thoughtful 4Th of July!
Ironically, he died on the fourth of July, 1826. That was the 50Th anniversary of the United States and only 183 years ago. Have a happy and thoughtful 4Th of July!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009
A HISTORY LESSON
Traditions, knowledge, morals, and our form of government were shaped by history. If the British had won the American Revolution War, if the Confederates had won the Civil War, if Germany had won World War One, then, things would be different. Think of how different the world would be if computers had not been invented. Historical events have had a significant influence on today’s world and the future. Studying history helps us to understand how society came to be. It, also, helps us to understand other cultures. However, history, as presented in textbooks, is boring. Who wants to read about a bunch of dates and events? Not me.
I have discovered an entertaining and interesting way to learn about history. It is called the historical novel. The author uses real events as a background for a fictional story. A tremendous amount of research is used to provide insight into what people were doing during a particular time in history. A talented author can make history come alive! Three of my favorites are: Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and James Clavell. Cornwell wrote a series of novels called the Saxon Tales. They are about ninth century England when King Alfred The Great battles the invasion of the Vikings. Iggulden wrote a series of novels about Genghis Khan and the Mongol empire of the thirteenth century. Clavell wrote a novel called ‘Tai- Pan’. It is a Nineteenth century story about English traders who turned Hong Kong into a fortress of British power. Try one of these authors for some exciting reading.
Some fascinating facts I learned from reading historical novels: Vikings were fierce warriors in battle but candy asses when it came time to shit in the woods. Their asses were so tender, they had to use soft moss to wipe with! ( toilet paper did not exist in the ninth century). Before going into battle, the Mongol warriors would get drunk on fermented goats’ milk. It gave them the courage to die for the Kahn! The English people became so addicted to Chinese tea, they authorized their sailing ships to smuggle opium into china to be traded for tea!
On June 24, 1509, Henry VIII was crowned King of England. How does this historical event affect us, today? Can anyone tell me? A hint, it has nothing to do with the invention of duct tape.
I have discovered an entertaining and interesting way to learn about history. It is called the historical novel. The author uses real events as a background for a fictional story. A tremendous amount of research is used to provide insight into what people were doing during a particular time in history. A talented author can make history come alive! Three of my favorites are: Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and James Clavell. Cornwell wrote a series of novels called the Saxon Tales. They are about ninth century England when King Alfred The Great battles the invasion of the Vikings. Iggulden wrote a series of novels about Genghis Khan and the Mongol empire of the thirteenth century. Clavell wrote a novel called ‘Tai- Pan’. It is a Nineteenth century story about English traders who turned Hong Kong into a fortress of British power. Try one of these authors for some exciting reading.
Some fascinating facts I learned from reading historical novels: Vikings were fierce warriors in battle but candy asses when it came time to shit in the woods. Their asses were so tender, they had to use soft moss to wipe with! ( toilet paper did not exist in the ninth century). Before going into battle, the Mongol warriors would get drunk on fermented goats’ milk. It gave them the courage to die for the Kahn! The English people became so addicted to Chinese tea, they authorized their sailing ships to smuggle opium into china to be traded for tea!
On June 24, 1509, Henry VIII was crowned King of England. How does this historical event affect us, today? Can anyone tell me? A hint, it has nothing to do with the invention of duct tape.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2009
FUTURE FRAGMENTS OF ARROGANT SELF-IMPORTANCE
My wife thinks that I am arrogant to think that others want to read my blog. Because she is always right, I will no longer e-mail my blog to friends and family. From now on, if you wish to read my blogs, you will have to go tohttp://freelancethinker1.blogspot.com/ I will publish a new blog every Wednesday. I hope you will tell all your friends about my blog site. My goal is to win the first literary Nobel prize for blogging. I will share the million dollar prize with all my loyal followers!
Here are some of the titles of my future blogs: Why Australian men like to do it down under. How to see Europe for free. Lose weight with large portions of fat food. Why Chinese woman pilot has crack up when flying upside down. How to become rich and famous by writing a blog. Learn the mysterious sexual position used by Genghis Khan.(it is performed while riding a horse!) When to use moderation while drinking and when it is better to just get drunk. The sure fire technique for improving your memory. And, last but not least, how to always have good joss!
Here are some of the titles of my future blogs: Why Australian men like to do it down under. How to see Europe for free. Lose weight with large portions of fat food. Why Chinese woman pilot has crack up when flying upside down. How to become rich and famous by writing a blog. Learn the mysterious sexual position used by Genghis Khan.(it is performed while riding a horse!) When to use moderation while drinking and when it is better to just get drunk. The sure fire technique for improving your memory. And, last but not least, how to always have good joss!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009
IS TORTURE MORALLY JUSTIFIABLE?
Depends on the circumstances. Torture is wrong in most situations and should never be legalised or institutionalised. For example, the Catholic church used inquisitor priest to torture people during the Spanish Inquisition. This was a horrible, immoral, unethical act! And the church claims that it defines morality?! Morals and ethics were established, long before Christianity, by the Greek philosophers. Our moral code of conduct was created by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago. Much has been written about how men ought to behave. It can be difficult to determine because of unlimited and shifting situations.
Moral decisions cannot be made on the basis that some actions are right and some actions are wrong. These decisions must be made in view of the specific situation. It can get complicated! In some extreme emergencies, torture can be justified. A terrorist can force us to choose between two evils. Should we torture the terrorist or allow thousands of innocent lives to be lost? If torture could force him to disclose the location of a ticking bomb, we have a moral obligation to torture him. We are forced to choose the lessor of two evils. To not take action would be very wrong! In this case, the ends justify the means. In light of this, we should support our public officials when they are faced with these kinds of choices.
Moral decisions cannot be made on the basis that some actions are right and some actions are wrong. These decisions must be made in view of the specific situation. It can get complicated! In some extreme emergencies, torture can be justified. A terrorist can force us to choose between two evils. Should we torture the terrorist or allow thousands of innocent lives to be lost? If torture could force him to disclose the location of a ticking bomb, we have a moral obligation to torture him. We are forced to choose the lessor of two evils. To not take action would be very wrong! In this case, the ends justify the means. In light of this, we should support our public officials when they are faced with these kinds of choices.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009
THERE IS NOTHING NEW IN THE WORLD.
An old saying that is both true and false. Depends on the context. If you are talking about the nature of people, it is basically true. If you are referring to the environment, wow, you are really wrong. Man’s nature has evolved over a long period of time. Man has not changed much in thousands of years. We have been fixed with instincts, which stimulate us to action that has to do with survival and our self-interest. And we have developed the characteristics of civilized man. Man is not perfect, nor is he perfectible. He is what he is; formed by nature. But the environment is another matter.
Everything in the world’s environment is changing at a rapid, exponential pace! Technology, business, politics, nature, traditions, and customs are all changing. The strange thing about all this: Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon, everything is different!! General Motors was the largest, most powerful corporation in the world; now, it is a bankrupt, struggling mess. Polaroid cameras used to be the only way you could create an instant picture. Then, digital cameras came along. Polaroid is obsolete. Deregulation of the U.S. airline industry led to bankruptcy of all the big airlines. Outsourcing by U.S. companies has led to a high degree of world- wide competition. Invention of a new investment technique called derivatives has led to the worst economic recession since the great depression. And the list goes on. We are living in a world in which the environmental landscape can shift quickly and unexpectedly. Are you ready for more changes? If not, send a check for $5.00 to me and I will tell you the secret of surviving the coming changes!
Everything in the world’s environment is changing at a rapid, exponential pace! Technology, business, politics, nature, traditions, and customs are all changing. The strange thing about all this: Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon, everything is different!! General Motors was the largest, most powerful corporation in the world; now, it is a bankrupt, struggling mess. Polaroid cameras used to be the only way you could create an instant picture. Then, digital cameras came along. Polaroid is obsolete. Deregulation of the U.S. airline industry led to bankruptcy of all the big airlines. Outsourcing by U.S. companies has led to a high degree of world- wide competition. Invention of a new investment technique called derivatives has led to the worst economic recession since the great depression. And the list goes on. We are living in a world in which the environmental landscape can shift quickly and unexpectedly. Are you ready for more changes? If not, send a check for $5.00 to me and I will tell you the secret of surviving the coming changes!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2009
EXCESSIVE USE OF SUPERLATIVES IS DESTROYING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!
The overuse of superlatives has made them meaningless. If everything is the greatest, then nothing is the greatest. Crying wolf when there is no wolf, means no one will believe you when thereis a wolf. If you want to be taken seriously, keep your superlatives in check. Americans seem to exaggerate everything and it is devaluing our language. Everyone is not an amazing genius. New information is not necessarily incredible. A good restaurant meal is not fantastic. OK, the sex you had last night may have been phenomenal, but no one will know it if you call everything phenomenal. See what I mean? Say what you mean and mean what you say. Your words are more valuable when you reserve the most passionate ones to describe the things you are most passionate about. We can make ourselves more meaningful if we choose our words wisely. Most of the excessive language problem has been created by advertising (new and improved!) and political campaign propaganda (my opponent is a bastard but I am a Saint!) Don't believe propaganda and don't use the hyperbole of advertisers and politicians! I think this blog is the most awesome blog that was ever written! Certainly, it is the most extraordinary one that I have ever heard of!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009
THE WISDOM OF AGEING IS...
The ability to experience everyday life as uplifting! That is a wonderful bit of wisdom that comes with age. I am thankful for another day. I wrote a short poem about getting older: "I know a lot of dead people, And that's a bad sign, But I'm still alive, And feeling fine!" I was born before computers and the Internet. Nobody had aids or herpes. Nobody had semiautomatic weapons or crack. Those were the good old days and I was young and looking for adventure. Now, I am old and looking for triumphs of the mind. Old age is the most unexpected of all the things that happen to a man. Surprise! you are suddenly old. I didn't see it coming. But wait, I am not as old as my sister, Vonnie. She was born the same year as the Great Dust Bowl Storm. Also, that year, the Department of Justice offered a $25,000 reward for Dillinger, dead or alive. Peter Nero and my sister were both born on Tuesday, May 22, 1934. And, they both play the piano really well. It was a good year for piano players. On Saturday, May 23, 2009, we are celebrating Vonnie's 75Th birthday. She is much older than I am but we both feel lucky when we can find our car in the parking lot!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
HOW DOES ONE BECOME HAPPY?
A better question is, "What is the purpose of life?" There is not a correct answer to the 'purpose' question. If there is an answer, it remains a mystery. Religious scholars and philosophers have wrestled with this question for thousands of years. They have not been able to come up with a plausible answer that is acceptable to everyone. Hey, maybe, every one's purpose is different! Maybe, the secret to happiness is discovering your purpose and working to achieve it. By Jove, I may be on to something! I have done what no man has done before; I have defined the meaning of life!
Psychologist tell us that moments of happiness occur when we are"in the zone" of doing something well, that is difficult to do, and that we enjoy doing. Unfortunately, we can not always be in the zone. So, we are not always happy, but we have our moments. General happiness comes from spirituality, love, and human relationships. It also comes from a balance between work and play. And, let's not forget that helping others makes us happy. And, Being moral and fair in our dealings with others makes us feel good about ourselves (happy). I suggest that you live, love, laugh, and think your way to the path of happiness!!!
Psychologist tell us that moments of happiness occur when we are"in the zone" of doing something well, that is difficult to do, and that we enjoy doing. Unfortunately, we can not always be in the zone. So, we are not always happy, but we have our moments. General happiness comes from spirituality, love, and human relationships. It also comes from a balance between work and play. And, let's not forget that helping others makes us happy. And, Being moral and fair in our dealings with others makes us feel good about ourselves (happy). I suggest that you live, love, laugh, and think your way to the path of happiness!!!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2009
E-MAIL ETIQUETTE & ONLINE COURTESY
I have blogged about politics, religion, and economics without fear. But today's topic is so controversial, I am approaching it with trepidation. It is sure to offend a number of my readers! Relatively speaking, e-mail is a new way of communicating that rapidly exploded into existence. Not only did it happen quickly, but it became universal. Every one is using it but not always effectively and with courtesy. As a culture, we have not had to rely on our writing skills for decades. But now, there is no way around it. Consequently, there is a great amount of miscommunication with it, and misuse of it. Not to mention disrespect of its recipients.Please stop filling my e-mail inbox with jokes! Please stop harassing me with hyperlinks to You Tube videos of cute stuff! Please stop forwarding emails to me that you think are clever! OK, now that I have that stuff off my chest, Here is what I would like you to do with e-mail. Send messages which are original thoughts from you. People love to hear what you are doing and how things are going. They love receiving news about you. Hey, if you discover a web page with helpful information for me_please attach it to an e-mail to me. I appreciate those kinds of e-mails. And by the way, stop using thinks like BTW and LOL. They make you sound like the hip hop Mayor of Detroit! Oh yeah, and please no more xxx and 000 and smiley faces. They make you sound juvenile. Well, that's my rant for today. I am sorry if you are offended but somebody had to tell you these things.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009
BUNDLED SERVICES CONVENIENCE???
TELEPHONE, INTERNET, TELEVISION__They all quit working! I am irritated and frustrated. On the phone I get wrong numbers, on the television I get a slow slide show instead of continuous video, on the internet I get s l o w, intermittant, on again and off again service. This has been happening for two days! Can't make important emails, personal and business information has been lost or delayed. And I cannot contact my service provider because they are experiencing "service problems". I am wondering what would happen if this becomes a permanent condition? Would my life slow down and become less stressful? Would I read more books and become more intelligent? Would I write and receive highly anticipated long hand letters? Would I be able to spend more quality time with friends and neighbors? Would I have more time to help my family? Would I receive less bad news from all over the world, instanteously? Would I get healthy and live longer because I would have time to excersize? Maybe, I (and everyone else) would be better off! Should I cancel my bundle of services? What do you think? So many questions; so few answers.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009
IS PERSISTENCE THE ANSWER?
I used to think that perseverance could accomplish anything. When I was a young insurance salesman, my mantra was, "No one has endurance like the man who sells insurance". I thought that endurance and perseverance could accomplish anything. When I became older and wiser I realized that one must also have a cognitive connection with reality, and some common sense. This morning, as I enjoyed my breakfast, I watched a young male robin continually bang into my window. He was seeing his own reflection in the glass. He wanted to either fight or make love to the bird in the window. Over and over again he banged into the glass and each time he did it with a little less force because he was getting exhausted from banging his head on a glass wall. But he did not give up. Talk about persistence! However, he was disconnected with reality. Hobbs, my old cat, calmly watched with fascination. Because his brain is larger than a bird's brain, he did not waste energy trying to catch the bird. He just waited until the bird finally fell to the ground, and enjoyed a nice breakfast of his own. There is a lesson here: Stop acting like a bird brain! Don't give billions of money to failed banks, insurance companies, and automobile manufacturers. There is a big Chinese cat waiting to devour us. Instead, let's spend some money helping new innovative, entrepreneurial companies get started to fill the void. And, while we are at it, let's stop spending money and time trying to broker a peace treaty between Israel and Palestine. For two thousand years they have been building the current balance of power. Israel is a fortress surrounded by people who hate them and want them to leave. If you think you can solve this problem, you are truly a bird brain! They must solve their own problems or suffer the consequences. Breakfast is over; I must go beat my head against another wall. Have an enlightened day!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009
"SEEK, AND YOU SHALL FIND"
The recent religious holidays got me thinking about God and religion. What a mind boggling subject. Initially, what you believe depends on where you are born, your parents religion, and how your brain is wired. Then, the thinking begins. As you live, learn, and have experiences, your personal beliefs are developed and even change over time. I think it is safe to say that it is impossible to rationally prove whether there is a God, or not. I have studied most of the world's sacred holy books such as, Vedas, Bhagwad Gita, Pali Canon, Torah, Christian Bible, and the Koran. I have read about Yahweh, Christ, Allah, and the Buddha. I am sure that other people have done the same, and arrived at different conclusions from mine. The holy books of the great religions are filled with poetry, history, myths, parables, philosophy, "Gods Word", and symbolism, which is the essence of all religions. Mystics and Prophets do a better job explaining God than theology or science. Personally, I feel that God is involved in all the religions. It is too bad that dogmatic religions divide humanity into warring camps. Ironically, love one another, and Do unto others as you would have them do onto you, are important commandments in all the great religious traditions. Why can't we do what we preach? If the Bible (and other holy books) are interpreted literally, the idea of God becomes impossible. To imagine a deity who is literally responsible for everything that happens on earth involves impossible contradictions! The God of the Bible ceases to be a symbol of a transcendent reality and becomes a cruel and despotic tyrant. God is real, but has yet to reveal himself and his nature to me. It is a mystery.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009
What The Heck Is Going On?
Wednesday has arrived and I do not have a blog subject. However, I have some questions. Everywhere I go, people are talking or texting on their cell phones. Constant communication about what? Why do so many people feel the need to talk when walking, driving, shopping, eating, going to the rest room, working, playing, standing around, etc. When do they think, listen, reminisce, wonder, have quiet time, look around and enjoy silence. I don't get it. Why are they doing this? What is this modern compulsion to have conversations going all the time on a phone instead of face to face, person to person? Most of the phone talk that I overhear is mundane, inane, silly, and serves no important purpose. If someone could explain this phenomenon to me, I would appreciate it. What the heck is going on??!!!
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2009
Miracle Invention Solves All Our Problems!
Stops global warming by reducing greenhouse gases.
Eliminates the energy crisis by supplying inexpensive renewable fuel.
Motivates obese people to get skinny and healthy (lowers health care costs)
Creates enough explosive power to blow up Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North Korea.
Does away with embarrassing noises and odors.
I have registered my invention with the U.S. Patent Office as, “Harry’s Backpack Flatulence Collector. It sounds too good to be true but it is based on known scientific principles and current technology. I have secretly tested this device on cows in Argentina; guess what, it works perfectly! Now that we know it is safe (and effective) the next step is to require all U.S. citizens to wear one for the common good of our country. You are probably wondering, how does it work? Since it is registered with the patent office, I am free to explain. The methane gas in your farts is a greenhouse gas, which is 25 times worse than carbon dioxide. By not releasing this gas into the atmosphere, we are reducing global warming. Methane gas used to heat our homes and fuel are cars will free us from dependence on fossil fuels. Fat people will be motivated to create gas (by eating more fiber) because it will be a credit against their taxes. Thus, we will have healthier people and this will reduce the nation’s health care cost. Think about this: 7 years of farts from one person creates the energy of an atomic bomb. 300,000,000 people in the United States could provide enough fire power to wipe out all our enemies. And, here’s the good part; our national defense budget could be reduced by 98%! A personal muffler and catalytic converter will result in a better smelling and quieter planet.
Yes, all this is possible by digitizing your ass gas into digital energy and transmitting it by microwaves to a huge storage facility in Washington D.C. We tried using our heads and look where it got us. It is time to start using our rear ends!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009
A NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM? VOTE NO!
Universal coverage provided by the government is a bad idea. For reasons, look at the systems provided by other countries such as, Canada and Sweden. Common characteristics are long waiting time periods before you can get poor service. Some reform of our current system is needed concerning the cost of care. Measured by the percentage of GNP, The U. S. spends more on health care than any other country in the world. We have a blended system of government provided benefits for the poor and the elderly (Medicare & Medicaid) and health services and insurance that is available in a free enterprise market. Not perfect, but it functions pretty darn well. The major problem we have is the escalating cost of benefits and services. My remedy for this problem is to tweak the system by changing how benefits and insurance are paid for. Currently, they are provided, primarily, by employers. The individual has no incentive to ask questions like: Do I really need this test or this service? How much does this cost? Can I get it for less through another provider? Instead, the individual thinks, (erroneously) "I don't have to pay for it so give me everything and I do not care what it cost!" Thus, we lose the powerful advantage of free enterprise. It's called competition!
Let's not lose sight of the fact that no system will be perfect. Also, let's remember the ancient truth that the poor will always be with us. And, therefore, the uninsured will always be with us. These problems will be mitigated by charitable individuals and faith based groups who have a societal responsibility for unfortunate people.
The Freelance Thinker
Let's not lose sight of the fact that no system will be perfect. Also, let's remember the ancient truth that the poor will always be with us. And, therefore, the uninsured will always be with us. These problems will be mitigated by charitable individuals and faith based groups who have a societal responsibility for unfortunate people.
The Freelance Thinker
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009
Why AIG Bailout Is Wrong
I am going to post my blog every Wednesday. This is Wednesday so, here goes. Today's subject is AIG Insurance Company. You ask, "What do I know about insurance?". I worked in the insurance industry for 35 years as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) which is the premier designation in the insurance industry. I was a marketing vice president for a very successful insurance agency. There is much in the news about the bailout of AIG but little of it is factual. I am going to tell you the truth. AIG, which was founded in Shanghai, China, is about as American as a Chinese firecracker. Yes, they are huge, but, if they were allowed to fail, there are literally thousands of other insurance companies who would love to take over a piece of them. In my opinion, the failure of AIG would have very little, if any, impact on our current recession. In fact, it would be better for our future to have them fail. In a free market economy, greed, dishonesty, and incompetence should be penalized by failure. Certainly, we should not reward failure with a bailout! If we really want to give away billions of dollars, let's use it to help the people who were screwed by AIG. I am losing faith in our elected officials. How could they do something as stupid as the bailout of AIG?!
The Freelance Thinker
The Freelance Thinker
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2009
Welcome Mr. Fero (famous author)
I am honored and pleased to have a visit from Mr. Fero. I do not always agree with him but I value and appreciate his opinions! He can play chess almost as good as I can. This means he is pretty darn good!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009
My First Blog
Here in Michigan, we are going through difficult economic times. The nation is in a serious, long lasting recession but Michigan is in a depression. We are in worse shape than the rest of the states because of poor management of the Automobile Manufacturing Companies, and poor management of our state by the Governor. We need to elect a Governor who understands how to keep businesses and attract new businesses. We need to stop giving billions of taxpayer money to the failing auto companies. The economic damage has already happened so, let the Auto Companies either fail (and be replaced) or drastically reorganize and figure out how to survive. Why reward them for failure? Economic cycles come and go. That is the nature of our free market system. Let nature take its course and we will survive to create the next boom time. Things will get better but it will take some time, and some common sense by our political leaders. I am hopeful for the future.
The Freelance Thinker
The Freelance Thinker
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COUPLES BULL RIDING EVENT
Freelance Thinker With Wife
FREELANCE THINKER
Posts All CommentsABOUT ME
- FREELANCE THINKER
- MANITOU BEACH, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES
- I am a retired, fortunate man who has been happily married for 42 years and live on a beautiful lake. I enjoy hiking, traveling, and being a part of a large loving family.
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