In the shadowy underbelly of society, where the sun’s rays fail to penetrate and the air hums with a palpable tension, lurks the insidious specter of racial prejudice. This pernicious force, cloaked in the guise of ignorance and fear, has long cast its dark shadow over the human race, weaving a tapestry of injustice and…
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In the shadowy underbelly of society, where the sun’s rays fail to penetrate and the air hums with a palpable tension, lurks the insidious specter of racial prejudice. This pernicious force, cloaked in the guise of ignorance and fear, has long cast its dark shadow over the human race, weaving a tapestry of injustice and…
Read More
Friendship, a bond that weaves through the tapestry of human existence, is a source of solace, support, and shared experiences. It’s a symphony of shared laughter, whispered secrets, and unspoken understandings. However, like any intricate creation, friendship can unravel, leaving behind a tangled web of emotions and unanswered questions. The dissolution of a friendship,…
Read More
Our veterans are some of the most special people in our world. They have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security. On Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to thank them for their service and to celebrate their humor, resilience, and strength. Here are a few humorous and appreciative thoughts about our veterans:…
Read More
The United States of America, a beacon of hope and freedom for millions around the world, is facing a crisis of disunity. In recent years, the country has become increasingly divided along political, social, and economic lines. This disunity is threatening to undermine the very foundations of American democracy. There are a…
Read More
A Modest Proposal to Address the Problem of Homelessness in the Modern World By Jonathan Swift’s Ghost I am Jonathan Swift, and I have returned from the dead to address the most pressing issue of our time: homelessness. I am not here to offer a serious solution, but rather to satirize the absurdity…
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Here is a short analogy that illustrates how perfectionism is a form of imbalance: Imagine a seesaw. On one side of the seesaw is perfectionism, and on the other side is self-acceptance. When we are perfectionists, we are putting all of our weight on the side of perfectionism. This causes the seesaw to become…
Read More
Talking to strangers can be a valuable and enriching experience. It helps me to: Expand my horizons and learn about different perspectives and experiences. Challenge my biases and assumptions. Build new relationships and connections. Increase my empathy and understanding of others. Gain new insights into the world around me Of course, there are also risks…
Read More
I asked myself ‘What would a world without libraries be like’? A world without libraries would be a world with less access to information, less education, and less opportunity. Libraries provide free access to books, computers, and the internet for people of all ages and backgrounds. They also offer a variety of programs and…
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File under: ‘It could be worse.’ On a warm January day in 1919, a disaster struck Boston’s North End. A giant tank of molasses burst open, releasing a wave of sticky syrup that swept through the streets, crushing buildings and killing 21 people. The Great Molasses Flood, as it became known, was a bizarre and…
Read More
I have not been married since 1994 so as long as I am going back in time I’ll go way back in time. In ancient Rome, it was believed that the bride was easy prey for vengeful spirits who would harm her. In order to confuse those spirits and chase them away, the Romans “invented”…
Read More
Here is some good advice(s) from my AI Bot Buddy … Hal … Getting hacked is a serious problem that can have a major impact on your life. Hackers can steal your personal information, financial data, and even your identity. They can also use your computer to spread malware or launch attacks on other…
Read More
… I really liked watching No one asked me but I liked I like Raymond Burr in Perry Mason so much and later Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife that I just accepted their chosen lifestyles with no judgements whatsoever.
Read More
Back in the days of ‘Higher Education’ for me I ran into this Blaise Quote and kind of took it to heart. Below are some additional thoughts: Pascal’s quote is a profound observation about the human condition. It suggests that our miseries are often caused by our own restlessness and inability to be…
Read More
“Question authority” is a phrase that has been around for centuries. It’s a call to think critically about the people in power and to not blindly follow their orders. But what if authority is actually funny? Think about it. Authority figures are often portrayed as being stuffy, uptight, and humorless. They’re the ones…
Read More
Imagine if my umbilical cord had not been cut many years ago! I love cutting the modern day cord, why? Portability: I can access the internet anywhere within range of a router and without cables. Ease of setup: We can set up a wireless network without having to run wires or drill holes. Flexibility:…
Read More
Here are some variations on that old canard ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ – Imitation is the sincerest form of mockery – Imitation is the cheapest form of creativity – Imitation is the easiest form of learning – Imitation is the highest form of praise – Imitation is the lowest form…
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I won a prize for getting older – atrophy. I can sneeze and pee at the same time! I will not laughing as I get older because I know I will grow old when I stop laughing. I may only be young once but I’m pretty sure I can be immature indefinitely.
Read More
That is what I thought of with the Retrospect Topic ‘Changing Times’ – not the clocks to be moved forward but the 1960s and then beyond. I was 14 when Bob Dylan’s song ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ was first released and it foretold for me, it prepared me for, my coming of age challenges…
Read More
The movie Marathon Man was released in 1976 and Laurence Olivier played the part of Szell a former WWII Nazi German enroute to New York City from South America to recover some stolen and previously hidden diamonds. Dustin Hoffman plays the part of Thomas Babington brother to a US secret agent and who unwittingly gets…
Read More
It was a movie that got me into cooking; it was 1989 when Field of Dreams was released and there was a scene in the movie where the first baseman ghost (Chick Gandil) who had been dead for many years says to Ray Kinsilla (Kevin Costner) “You don’t have a cigarette on yah do yah?”…
Read More
I am probably going against the tide of opinion when I extol the very good service I have received from the Unites States Postal Service (USPS), the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and, dare I say it, Amazon. The USPS has always done well by me. I cannot recall even one missed piece of…
Read More
Most American youngsters learned their Fairy Tales from Aesop and the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. Me? I was a ‘T. V. Baby’ and that electronic device was my friend and baby sitter (and later boy sitter) so I got Rocket J. Squirrel, Bullwinkle The Moose, Boris, Natasha et al for breakfast, some times…
Read More
I am out of bounds and I know it but the title ‘Broadcast News’ coincides with one of my favorite movies so I am going with that. Wonderful writing and three future movie stars; Future Oscar winners Holly Hunter and William Hurt and Albert Brooks (Oscar nominee for Broadcast News.) Released in 1987 it still…
Read More
My answer surprised even me: "I am here because I am a middle child I will now longer be quiet - tonight I will speak up." (I am in fact a middle child three times over; 4th that of 7, 3rd of four and 2nd of three and so it was definitely time to speak up.) And I did.
Read More
I had the good fortune (Koun) to travel to Japan on business. I was familiar with Lederer/ Burdick’s The Ugly American and so I was on my best behavior. I was remember being impressed with the sale of beer through vending machines on their city streets. Back then I was a smoker and after almost…
Read More
I was thrilled when some relative gave me a crystal radio for my birthday.
Read More
I would laugh at 'All In The Family' while the 'elders' would agree with Archie.
Read More
I hope when you grow up you'll have kids just like you.
Read More
My title 'All Four Of My Grandparents Are Refugees' is true, kind of.
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I leaned what my French or Irish ancestors must have known – how to forage. Pasta was in short supply – had to find that. Toilet paper was in short supply – had to find that. Time to eat more fruits and vegetables which meant more recipes to learn. More time indoors so Watched Downton…
Read More
Not ‘ha, ha’ funny but what is funny is I immediately thought of romantic cheating and not competitive or educational testing cheating. Hmmm. Here are some interesting ‘facts’ I found out about ‘Relationship Cheating’: The French cheat more often. Marriage counselors consider faking orgasms as cheating. Most mammals are polygamous. Social media has led to…
Read More
I am not exactly sure when I knew I would in fact live forever. Oh, not in the same body of course. “Reincarnation” I thought to myself, “yeah that’s the ticket.” As for this body I feel like I have a responsibility to keep it in reasonably good shape and healthy and so I behave…
Read More
Here is where we find out if you can keep my Guilty Pleasures secret. Q-Tips; I stick the Q Tip into my ear canal, not too far. I always (always) keep my Q Tips away from children. Feline Videos; I have a thing for cat videos and when I like a particular video I attach…
Read More
Starting in the late 80s my computer professional career took me around the world; America (25 of our 50 states), Japan, Canada, England, Scotland and Ireland. Everywhere I worked I would go out and shake my booty (dance) and every (and I mean every) dance locale would end up playing (then and even nowadays) the…
Read More
And talk about efficient - I can get the latest news in minutes not hours. Oh and no more ink stained hands. I save hundred of dollars a year while being more and better informed.
Read More
Let Us Get Beyond Prejudice
Prompted By Prejudice
/ Stories
In the shadowy underbelly of society, where the sun’s rays fail to penetrate and the air hums with a palpable tension, lurks the insidious specter of racial prejudice. This pernicious force, cloaked in the guise of ignorance and fear, has long cast its dark shadow over the human race, weaving a tapestry of injustice and…
Read More
Ex-Friends: Navigating the Tangled Web of Friendship’s Dissolution
Prompted By Ex-Friends
/ Stories
Friendship, a bond that weaves through the tapestry of human existence, is a source of solace, support, and shared experiences. It’s a symphony of shared laughter, whispered secrets, and unspoken understandings. However, like any intricate creation, friendship can unravel, leaving behind a tangled web of emotions and unanswered questions. The dissolution of a friendship,…
Read More
Thank You For Your Service
Prompted By Veterans Day
/ Stories
Our veterans are some of the most special people in our world. They have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security. On Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to thank them for their service and to celebrate their humor, resilience, and strength. Here are a few humorous and appreciative thoughts about our veterans:…
Read More
Our Disunited Selves
Prompted By Disunited States
/ Stories
The United States of America, a beacon of hope and freedom for millions around the world, is facing a crisis of disunity. In recent years, the country has become increasingly divided along political, social, and economic lines. This disunity is threatening to undermine the very foundations of American democracy. There are a…
Read More
Mr Swift Suggests
Prompted By Homelessness
/ Stories
Perfection Is Imbalance
Prompted By Perfection
/ Stories
Here is a short analogy that illustrates how perfectionism is a form of imbalance: Imagine a seesaw. On one side of the seesaw is perfectionism, and on the other side is self-acceptance. When we are perfectionists, we are putting all of our weight on the side of perfectionism. This causes the seesaw to become…
Read More
Talking To Strangers Is A Philosophy
Prompted By Talking to Strangers
/ Stories
Talking to strangers can be a valuable and enriching experience. It helps me to: Expand my horizons and learn about different perspectives and experiences. Challenge my biases and assumptions. Build new relationships and connections. Increase my empathy and understanding of others. Gain new insights into the world around me Of course, there are also risks…
Read More
I asked myself …
Prompted By Libraries
/ Stories
Boston’s ‘Great Molasses Flood’
Prompted By Floods
/ Stories
File under: ‘It could be worse.’ On a warm January day in 1919, a disaster struck Boston’s North End. A giant tank of molasses burst open, releasing a wave of sticky syrup that swept through the streets, crushing buildings and killing 21 people. The Great Molasses Flood, as it became known, was a bizarre and…
Read More
Go n-eirí an t-ádh libh: Good luck to you both (in Gaelic)
Prompted By Marriage
/ Stories
I have not been married since 1994 so as long as I am going back in time I’ll go way back in time. In ancient Rome, it was believed that the bride was easy prey for vengeful spirits who would harm her. In order to confuse those spirits and chase them away, the Romans “invented”…
Read More
Hack: Advice from my AI Bot Buddy Hal
Prompted By Hacked!
/ Stories
Here is some good advice(s) from my AI Bot Buddy … Hal … Getting hacked is a serious problem that can have a major impact on your life. Hackers can steal your personal information, financial data, and even your identity. They can also use your computer to spread malware or launch attacks on other…
Read More
Please don’t judge me harshly as I’ve never been on Jury Duty but …
Prompted By Jury Duty
/ Stories
… I really liked watching No one asked me but I liked I like Raymond Burr in Perry Mason so much and later Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife that I just accepted their chosen lifestyles with no judgements whatsoever.
Read More
All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quiet in a room alone.” ― Blaise Pascal
Prompted By Isolation and Solitude
/ Stories
Back in the days of ‘Higher Education’ for me I ran into this Blaise Quote and kind of took it to heart. Below are some additional thoughts: Pascal’s quote is a profound observation about the human condition. It suggests that our miseries are often caused by our own restlessness and inability to be…
Read More
Hardy Har Har
Prompted By Question Authority
/ Stories
“Question authority” is a phrase that has been around for centuries. It’s a call to think critically about the people in power and to not blindly follow their orders. But what if authority is actually funny? Think about it. Authority figures are often portrayed as being stuffy, uptight, and humorless. They’re the ones…
Read More
I Love Progress
Prompted By Cutting the Cord
/ Stories
Imagine if my umbilical cord had not been cut many years ago! I love cutting the modern day cord, why? Portability: I can access the internet anywhere within range of a router and without cables. Ease of setup: We can set up a wireless network without having to run wires or drill holes. Flexibility:…
Read More
Untitled
Prompted By Imitation
/ Stories
Here are some variations on that old canard ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ – Imitation is the sincerest form of mockery – Imitation is the cheapest form of creativity – Imitation is the easiest form of learning – Imitation is the highest form of praise – Imitation is the lowest form…
Read More
I Laugh At Aging Because It Is FREE!
Prompted By Aging
/ Stories
I won a prize for getting older – atrophy. I can sneeze and pee at the same time! I will not laughing as I get older because I know I will grow old when I stop laughing. I may only be young once but I’m pretty sure I can be immature indefinitely.
Read More
The Times They Are A-Changin
Prompted By Changing Times
/ Stories
That is what I thought of with the Retrospect Topic ‘Changing Times’ – not the clocks to be moved forward but the 1960s and then beyond. I was 14 when Bob Dylan’s song ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ was first released and it foretold for me, it prepared me for, my coming of age challenges…
Read More
Is It Safe
Prompted By The Dentist
/ Stories
The movie Marathon Man was released in 1976 and Laurence Olivier played the part of Szell a former WWII Nazi German enroute to New York City from South America to recover some stolen and previously hidden diamonds. Dustin Hoffman plays the part of Thomas Babington brother to a US secret agent and who unwittingly gets…
Read More
News Extra – Man Learns To Cook
Prompted By Learning To Cook
/ Stories
It was a movie that got me into cooking; it was 1989 when Field of Dreams was released and there was a scene in the movie where the first baseman ghost (Chick Gandil) who had been dead for many years says to Ray Kinsilla (Kevin Costner) “You don’t have a cigarette on yah do yah?”…
Read More
Against The Tide
Prompted By Customer Service
/ Stories
I am probably going against the tide of opinion when I extol the very good service I have received from the Unites States Postal Service (USPS), the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and, dare I say it, Amazon. The USPS has always done well by me. I cannot recall even one missed piece of…
Read More
Not Grimm But Grim
Prompted By Favorite Fairy Tale
/ Stories
Most American youngsters learned their Fairy Tales from Aesop and the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson. Me? I was a ‘T. V. Baby’ and that electronic device was my friend and baby sitter (and later boy sitter) so I got Rocket J. Squirrel, Bullwinkle The Moose, Boris, Natasha et al for breakfast, some times…
Read More
Out Of Bounds
Prompted By Broadcast News
/ Stories
I am out of bounds and I know it but the title ‘Broadcast News’ coincides with one of my favorite movies so I am going with that. Wonderful writing and three future movie stars; Future Oscar winners Holly Hunter and William Hurt and Albert Brooks (Oscar nominee for Broadcast News.) Released in 1987 it still…
Read More
Middle Child Syndrome
Prompted By Why We Write
/ Stories
My answer surprised even me: "I am here because I am a middle child I will now longer be quiet - tonight I will speak up." (I am in fact a middle child three times over; 4th that of 7, 3rd of four and 2nd of three and so it was definitely time to speak up.) And I did.
Read More
How I Learned To Stop Being A Litterbug
Prompted By Lost in Translation
/ Stories
I had the good fortune (Koun) to travel to Japan on business. I was familiar with Lederer/ Burdick’s The Ugly American and so I was on my best behavior. I was remember being impressed with the sale of beer through vending machines on their city streets. Back then I was a smoker and after almost…
Read More
The Amazing Crystal Radio
Prompted By Sleepy Time
/ Stories
I was thrilled when some relative gave me a crystal radio for my birthday.
Read More
Those Were The Days My Friend
Prompted By Mind the Gap
/ Stories
I would laugh at 'All In The Family' while the 'elders' would agree with Archie.
Read More
As The Irish Say: Me Mom
Prompted By What My Mother Told Me
/ Stories
I hope when you grow up you'll have kids just like you.
Read More
All Four Of My Grandparents Were Refugees.
Prompted By Refugees
/ Stories
My title 'All Four Of My Grandparents Are Refugees' is true, kind of.
Read More
I Became The Hunter Gatherer
Prompted By Pandemic, Year Three
/ Stories
I leaned what my French or Irish ancestors must have known – how to forage. Pasta was in short supply – had to find that. Toilet paper was in short supply – had to find that. Time to eat more fruits and vegetables which meant more recipes to learn. More time indoors so Watched Downton…
Read More
Cheating Is Funny
Prompted By Cheating
/ Stories
Not ‘ha, ha’ funny but what is funny is I immediately thought of romantic cheating and not competitive or educational testing cheating. Hmmm. Here are some interesting ‘facts’ I found out about ‘Relationship Cheating’: The French cheat more often. Marriage counselors consider faking orgasms as cheating. Most mammals are polygamous. Social media has led to…
Read More
Reincarnation
Prompted By Time
/ Stories
I am not exactly sure when I knew I would in fact live forever. Oh, not in the same body of course. “Reincarnation” I thought to myself, “yeah that’s the ticket.” As for this body I feel like I have a responsibility to keep it in reasonably good shape and healthy and so I behave…
Read More
My Guilty Pleasures
Prompted By Guilty Pleasures
/ Stories
Here is where we find out if you can keep my Guilty Pleasures secret. Q-Tips; I stick the Q Tip into my ear canal, not too far. I always (always) keep my Q Tips away from children. Feline Videos; I have a thing for cat videos and when I like a particular video I attach…
Read More
B52’s – Love Shack
Prompted By One Song That Moves Me
/ Stories
Starting in the late 80s my computer professional career took me around the world; America (25 of our 50 states), Japan, Canada, England, Scotland and Ireland. Everywhere I worked I would go out and shake my booty (dance) and every (and I mean every) dance locale would end up playing (then and even nowadays) the…
Read More
I like the present and I will miss the future.
Prompted By Newspapers
/ Stories
And talk about efficient - I can get the latest news in minutes not hours. Oh and no more ink stained hands. I save hundred of dollars a year while being more and better informed.
Read More
