Category: Everything Else

Take A Deep Breath, Take A Short Break

1 Comment on Take A Deep Breath, Take A Short Break

As I started to prepare the posting for this week, I thought a lot, of course, about all that has happened in recent days, and all that’s coming in the next few days, perhaps including the shut down of our government.

I find myself reminded of some good advice I heard from a number of sources when this administration started. I think it was Michael Beschloss who said it best. This is going be a long fight, with many fronts engaged at the same time. We’re just in the early stages.

We don’t really have an option to give up.

Join the discussion at: Take A Deep Breath, Take A Short Break

The Very Best Season Is Almost Here

1 Comment on The Very Best Season Is Almost Here

For Me, Fall Tops Them All. Cannot Wait for Its Arrival Every Year

The Power of Seasons
It is hard to overstate the pleasure and power of seasons. For me at least, this is the benchmark by which time, nature, and life mark passages and progress. We lived for several years in Hawaii; a beautiful place for sure, but one lacking in seasons. There were rainy and dryer times of year, but nothing like a real passage of seasons. We found we really, really missed having them. The weather report on local news was about 30 seconds every day – “No change from yesterday.”

When one grows up with seasons,

Join the discussion at: The Very Best Season Is Almost Here

Artificial Intelligence: 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Back?

1 Comment on Artificial Intelligence: 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Back?

Image produced by Myshoun, using AI. Found on Pixabay. 

We are at an interesting but predictable point in time with AI. Are we on the launch ramp or on the edge of the cliff? Yes.

What We Heard and Saw in Recent Months

It seems like only yesterday that Artificial Intelligence (AI) popped up into popular consciousness. In fact, it has been around for a few years, with remarkable growth in popularity, utility, and dangers. As Bill Gates has said, everything you hear about the promise and potential of AI is true;

Join the discussion at: Artificial Intelligence: 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Back?

Adventures of Americans Abroad

1 Comment on Adventures of Americans Abroad

We Visited Several Countries Last Month. What Did We Find?

Our First International Trip During This Administration

And so our latest international adventure we mentioned a few weeks ago has concluded. Six countries (Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, and Iceland) over a couple of weeks, and I promised to share with you what it was like being an American abroad these days, and to let you know how a few travel technology items worked out.

Facing The Politics

As noted earlier, we were a bit apprehensive about travelling just now – likely not the best time to be an American travelling almost anywhere.

Join the discussion at: Adventures of Americans Abroad

What Is It Like To Be An American Overseas Now?

Leave a Comment on What Is It Like To Be An American Overseas Now?

I’ll Let You Know Shortly

By the time you read this, we will be several days into a trip into 6 different countries. To say it is an interesting time to be a traveling American is likely an understatement for the ages.

We have friends who have been traveling since the election last November. Most tell us they get sympathetic exchanges more than anything else, but not always. After all, as a nation, we made this choice twice. You can get a pass on the first one – the second time is a responsibility one has to accept as a nation.

Join the discussion at: What Is It Like To Be An American Overseas Now?

Talk To The Animals

1 Comment on Talk To The Animals

 And Listen When They Talk To You

A Lifelong Fascination

I admit that the idea of communicating with animals, at the level we communicate with each other, has been a lifelong fascination for me. Who would not give a lot to be able to do this with all sorts of creatures? IMany of you feel the same, and perhaps feel you come closer to this than do most people. As for me, well, my favorite hat says “I like dogs, and maybe 3 people”

Part of this, I suppose, is the human desire to connect and our love of animals.

Join the discussion at: Talk To The Animals

The Republican Budget is Crystal Clear

Leave a Comment on The Republican Budget is Crystal Clear

Image by Dee from Pixabay

This Has Nothing To Do With Traditional Conservative/Liberal Arguments

Remember the Old Days?

Once upon a time, our political debates pretty much revolved around two sets of priorities/belief systems, both seeking a better America for all, but choosing different paths.

Republicans were generally thought to be pro-business, but that included small business. They sought smaller government where feasible, sought to minimize taxes, and expected America to be a leader on the world stage. Republicans abhorred deficit spending at any level. They emphasized a moral code of traditional values.

Join the discussion at: The Republican Budget is Crystal Clear

Cities With Personality

Leave a Comment on Cities With Personality

I Really Like A Lot Of Places

Traveling America

I have had the good fortune over the years of seeing a lot of America firsthand and up close.

Where we currently live is our 26th relocation, so we have lived in many places. We have taken two cross country drives, each about a month long, over the years, exploring the out of the way and the well-known parts of this country. I also had several years of business travel domestically that ranged from Alaska to Florida and about every state in between. I think we have missed only 1-2 states so far.

Join the discussion at: Cities With Personality

Where Do These Clowns Come From?

1 Comment on Where Do These Clowns Come From?

Quite a Cabinet, This Administration

It Looked Grim at First

When Trump nominated his cabinet, the reaction outside MAGA world was pretty universal – this looked like the worst cabinet in modern history, by any measure. But the Republican Senate said “Yes, Sir,” approving all but one whose nomination was pulled at the last minute.

That was over 100 days ago. Perhaps things have settled in a bit? Let’s take a look at a few of these folks and see how they are doing. Spoiler alert – It’s even worse than expected.

Join the discussion at: Where Do These Clowns Come From?

A Dozen “Guideposts” to a Better Life

3 Comments on A Dozen “Guideposts” to a Better Life

Life Has Its Challenges. Here Is My List For Making It Better

What?! No Politics?

Yeah, I thought it might be a good thing to talk about something other than political and social justice issues for a change, even if only once in a while. So today, let’s talk about something besides what passes for our national government – at least for today.

I hesitated to print this list. It sounds a bit arrogant to be saying something along the lines of “I have figured out life. Follow my guidelines.” That, of course,

Join the discussion at: A Dozen “Guideposts” to a Better Life