shamed

  The big news I keep seeing on social media and the evening news is that the baseball hall of fame has removed players names from the banned list. Every name removed is a deceased player. The big excitement is that Pete Rose is now eligible for induction. He had agreed to a lifetime ban over thirty years ago in exchange for all investigations into his gambling stop. They did, he was banned and he has since passed away. His lifetime ban agreement has been fulfilled. I'm wondering why all the hoopla about his eligibility. That was the deal.

  No one has ever said that Pete Rose didn't have a baseball career worthy of being in the hall of fame. His talent on the field was indisputable. That had nothing to do with the ban. He alternately admitted to betting on games and denying betting on games. It was proven, he was given due process, something we are all deeply concerned about today, that he had in fact violated the rules in betting. That is the sole reason for that ban being instituted. While being given his due process he negotiated that deal with major league baseball. It was signed, sealed and delivered. 

  Now for over thirty years Pete Rose whined and complained about that. He wrote books, went on talk shows and tried every way he could to gain public sympathy. He succeeded in getting public sympathy from Pete Rose fans, but that never changed the agreement. Major league baseball stood firm, exercising the integrity that was expected from Pete Rose. Pete Rose never displayed that particular trait choosing to be make excuses, whine and cry about his misdeeds. He felt he was above the law, he was not. I will say he remained true to his personality till the day he died, unapologetic and arrogant. 

  There were sixteen other names removed from that list. How many do you know? Honestly I couldn't name a single one of them. It's true I'm not a "fanatic" when it comes to baseball. I call myself a Yankee fan, I enjoyed playing the game, I still enjoy watching the game but I haven't memorized any stats for any players. Those players are now also eligible for induction  into the hall of fame. This came about as the result of litigation on the behalf of Pete Rose who, apparently was still complaining even after death. The hall of fame agreed that from now on a "lifetime" ban means the lifetime of the player, not the lifetime of the hall. Ah, more of that liberal logic and interpretation of language. So forgiveness after death is now included in the code of conduct for major league baseball.

  I have no doubt Pete Rose will be inducted into the baseball hall of fame at the next available opportunity, that's if they don't make a special exception in his case and do it sooner. Will all the others be included as well? I highly doubt that unless those players are a member of a minority group, then almost certainly as we saw that happen back in 2020. Remember when they added those players that had never played in the major league into the major league hall of fame because they were black. They hadn't been included prior to that because, they hadn't played in the major league. The reasoning was simply, they could have.

  I guess it is the same reasoning with Pete Rose and the others. They could have not violated the rules, got themselves banned by cheating. Now they are dead and gone and can't cheat anymore, put them in the hall of fame, maybe create a new category for them. The bad boys hall of fame. The shortcut guys. Cheaters and liars. Why not, we are erecting statues for criminals these days. Once you're dead it's all good. The bad guys can be heroes too! A redefining of integrity, morality and fair play. Yeah ok, he did fulfill the deal, he was banned for a lifetime, his death put him in the hall. Thing is, in my opinion he should be standing in the corner! The hall of shame is more appropriate. 

                                                                                

                                                                                      

take me away

  About a week ago I saw a post on Facebook. In this post they pointed out that some are now referring to the 1900's. It was said Gen Z is doing that. Well, we have created a generational awareness since Y2K. I don't recall the term baby boomers being thrown around much when I was growing up. I certainly didn't hear about all the others. The silent generation? My parents were both members of that generation and there wasn't anything quiet about them! I understand the term actually refers to their "conformist" and "civic" sensibilities. It was us boomers that started shaking things up, some say because of the boob tube! Yes, television was going to cause the downfall of the empire. In some ways I'd have to agree with that. Mass communication has certainly been a contributing factor to social unrest. Too many people talking, not enough listening.

  I did grow up in a rather rural area. What was somewhat unique was the influence of the "tourists" or "summer people" and the very wealthy. Growing up in the amusement park of the wealthy had its' challenges. We native folks were rather down to earth people, the blue collar workers of the world and in general, stoic New Englanders. We lived in a harsh world and lived accordingly. The tourist business kept the majority of us going throughout the long winter months, riding on that cushion of revenue made between memorial day and labor day. I mention that to explain that we weren't country hicks unaware of the modern world and all it had to offer, that wasn't the deal. We were very much aware of what the rich folks were doing and tolerated that for the money. My father probably best explained that to me when he called them termites. Those folks came out of the woodwork and destroyed everything in sight! 

  I can only speak of the time and place where I grew up. That is my area of expertise. These are my memories, my thoughts and my observations. Sometimes they don't agree with others that were living there at the same time as I was. There were two sides of the tracks and  it was quite obvious to anyone paying attention. I'm told that still exists today, although I haven't lived there in over fifty years and so have no first hand knowledge of that. I do hear stories about those attempting to hold onto the past, aware that is is all just slipping away. Happens everywhere is my thinking as each generation passes. 

  I began thinking about that this morning as a memory filled my mind. I was remembering when I would go to the coffee shop each morning before work. Now it wasn't like today, stopping at the drive up at Dunkin' Donuts, or ordering your Latte at Starbucks. No, I went in and sat at the counter. Usually had about 45 minutes before I had to be on the job. Yes, I got up early enough to make sure I had time. Coffee and a corn muffin or English muffin was the normal thing. Some days when I was flush with cash I would order that egg and cheese on a toasted hard roll. It was a treat, a reward to yourself. Cost over a dollar. Sitting there at the counter and catching up with all the local happenings is something I do miss. Thinking back on that it does look like an old movie. If I had to define nostalgia I would just show a picture of that morning ritual. Like a Norman Rockwell painting, that's how it really was. 

  Perhaps there are still places like that in this country. I can see that in some remote area where they are unaffected by "progress" and what the newest thing is. But I harbor some doubt about that as the internet is everywhere and I'm certain the younger people clamor to that as quickly as I did with the television. I found it hard to believe that families used to gather around the radio, but my parents said they did just that, like the Waltons. I think perhaps before all of that people were far more curious about things and far more accepting of foreign ideas. Well, as long as those with those foreign ideas weren't trying to impose those ideas on them. Today, we hear it all, see it all, and many believe they know it all. It's my feeling we live in a very insecure world these days. We dismiss that as being "progressive." The easiest way to avoid conflict is just to go with the flow, don't upset that proverbial applecart. 

  I was born in the 1900's. Mid 1900's to be exact. Almost smack dab half way through the century. I did see a lot of changes. I wasn't a hippie though, never joined in that movement. The long hair, casual relationships, and commune thing. Yeah, none that worked really worked out, as socialism never does. And that is all that was, another experiment in socialism. I wasn't sold on that idea then and remain opposed. They call it being woke these days. Oh, I listened to the music, I wore some of the outfits and all that, I was cool man, just not that cool. I'd say I was always just about a decade or so behind. I'm way back there today, still in the 1900's. Some say I'm a relic! I'm not an activist, just grumpy. But with luck I may live long enough to be back in style.

  I have learned the truth in you can never go back. There are a hundred quotes, passages and essays about that and each of them true. There is no recreating a place and time. The past lives in your memories, which is an exclusive neighborhood. It's so exclusive that you are the only occupant. It is the way you remember it, regardless of what anyone else has to say about that. The past is the only real truth you can hold! That's the way it was. The only difficulty is holding onto that truth. 

  We humans tend to want to change everything, including the past. We call it being current. Well, currently I'm wishing for the 1900's. The 1950's and sixties being my preferred timeframe. The first half of the twentieth century was mostly wars. I was fortunate to be born during the boom. It was all good but we weren't satisfied with that. No, we needed color television and more than three channels! We protested the wars, blamed the soldiers for fighting in them, and demanded "social justice." Gone was the confidence of the past, we wanted a change and we got it, insecurity and doubt.

  And now here it is the 2000's. What have we got, confusion and chaos. We can't decide what a woman is for Gods' sake! Our swagger has turned into a wiggle, and we have drag queens to do that for the children. Pronouns are mandated. Free speech and hate speech. Free speech is when you can say any hateful, mean or vile thing about any elected official, but that same speech is hate when directed towards others. We even label abortion as healthcare. Yes, that is where we are today. Illegal aliens are just undocumented migrants, unborn children are just clumps of cells, and children get to choose a gender identity, which all the adults have to recognize, and indeed, enable through surgeries and pills. Doctors with years of training and experience no longer have to state what sex the child is, they can just check X. Yeah, we've come a long way baby, and much closer to hell in my opinion. Seems like we are headed there, in the proverbial handbasket. Makes me wish for something from the past. Calgon, take me away! You have to born in the 1900's to understand that. 

                                                                                 

    

Counting

  I'm always seeing posts about how the wealthy aren't paying enough in taxes. The billionaires are avoiding paying their fair share. Well to set the record straight that simply isn't the case. Using the existing tax laws to pay the least amount possible is just good business sense. Anyone telling me they won't do the same is simply a liar. Now it's true you may not be able to afford a tax attorney and an accountant to accomplish that task for you, but that isn't what I'm talking about. You will pay the least amount in tax that you can legally get away with, sometimes even when it isn't exactly legal, but you figure you can get away with it. 

 The confusion here is that we don't have a flat tax system. If everyone were to pay a set amount based on their income, a set percentage of that amount, then everyone would be paying their fair share. Say 10 cents on every dollar. You make one dollar, you pay ten cents, you make a million dollars, you pay 100,000 dollars. That's fair right? And those paying ten cents get everything those paying 100,000 do as well, as far as healthcare, government loans, and everything else. In fact, those paying that 100,000 should have to feed, clothe, house and provide an education to those ten centers. Now, that's fair! But that isn't how it works in the real world, you get what you earn, what you pay for. That's why we have a graduated tax system. There are benefits to be being successful, rewards and incentives. 

  With our current system 72% of all taxes collected come from 10% of the taxpayers. Yes, the top ten percent, those wealthy folks are paying 72% of the bill. Does that seem fair? Well, they can afford it, right? So is that how pricing should be. Everything should just be individually priced based on your income level. Your fair share is determined by your income level. I'm unemployed, I'm only collecting 75% of my income on unemployment insurance, my groceries, car note, mortgage and everything else should now be reduced by 25%, that's only fair. If I quit altogether and go broke, everything should now be free because I have zero income! That's fair.

  Well, we can all agree how ridiculous that is. There is nothing fair about that. The reason is a simple one, we are not all alike. Some are more ambitious than others. So we have tried to establish a set of tax codes to even things out a bit. Then we added in the tax regulations, which serve to interpret the code code and we have over 75,000 pages. That's why we have tax attorneys and accountants as well. If you can read the entire code and follow all the rules you can reduce your tax burden substantially, in some cases. Thing is, you have to make it before you can qualify to save it. Even then, the top ten percent, with their teams of lawyers and accountants are still paying 72% of the tax burden. 

  The deal is this. With our current graduated tax system the more you make the higher your tax rate becomes, to a point. Currently 37% for the top earners. The lowest one is 10%. That means the top earners are paying 27% more than the lowest and 37% more than those not working at all and collecting benefits from the taxpayers! Seems fair enough doesn't it? 

Group	Avg. Wages
Top 0.1% of Earners	$3,312,693
Top 1% of Earners	$819,324
Top 5% of Earners	$335,891
Top 10% of Earners	$167,639

  

  Took this chart from this website: https://www.investopedia.com/personal-finance/how-much-income-puts-you-top-1-5-10/

Notice how much the top ten percent are actually making. And they are paying 72% of the burden. Tell me again how those rich folks aren't paying their fair share. The top .1%. that's one tenth of one percent are making 3.3 million, not all that much really. As of 2024 there are 2,781 billionaires in the world. Their combined net worth being about 14.2 trillion. 813 of those billionaires are Americans. Our national debt is 36.2 trillion! They don't have enough money no matter how much they are taxed! Yeah, numbers are troublesome things when they don't add up in your favor. It's always an issue when someone else is doing the counting. 

                                                                                   

the secret

  This being Mothers day my thoughts just naturally turn to my own mother. Mom left us on the 18th of May in 2021. She lived a long life having been born on the 16th of September in 1929. I listened to the tales of her youth and the stories of the old days. Still, there is much I don't know, and much I will never know about the lady that was Mom. Funny how we don't think of our parents as people. Oh today we see a lot of that on social media, the old photographs reminding us that our parents and grandparents were at one time cool cats. The secret lives of parents, especially mothers if you are a guy, is often history denied. My mother would never have done that!

  It's a funny thing. I've heard stories about the deeds or misdeeds attributed to my father. Those youthful escapades and adventures every young man has. I've smiled and laughed about them, accepting those tales as the gospel truth. I've had no issue with accepting any of that. When I heard just a snippet of a tale involving my mother I drew back in indignation, not my mother. My mother would never be doing anything remotely like that. Even today, at age 71, I find it hard to believe what history has told me. Mom did get a divorce, but she wasn't my mom when that happened. It wasn't her fault! She once got a ticket for a traffic violation, wasn't her fault though. She had fights with her sisters and brothers! Saw her smoke a cigarette once, and drink alcoholic beverages too, but she stopped all that sometime back in 1960's. 

  Mothers live in a ether world for us little boys. A world full of purity and light. Mom never did anything wrong, it was always for our own good. Even when the evidence lies before us, indisputable, that remains the case. Moms can do no lasting wrong, it's only temporary. There was always a valid reason, a purpose behind her actions. Sometimes she did things wrong just to show you that it was wrong! She didn't want to, she had to. That is the job of a mother. Mothers love and protect you forever, against anything and everything. With mothers you can remain that sacred little boy that just needs a hug. Mom is your lifelong therapist. Mothers understand. They understand what you don't know, and that is the secret to a mothers' love.  

                                                                              

Mom and I, summer 1958. 

brothers

  In listening to the news of the new Pope, something I offered my opinion on yesterday, I keep hearing about his Creole roots. The black community is celebrating the first black Pope is what I've heard. I'm certain there are black Catholics in America, although I can't say as I ever met any. But I didn't know that Creole was black, I thought Creole was being Creole. I haven't heard any comments from those that are Creole, wonder what their take on that is. All of that isn't important to me though, just a matter of curiosity. I'm amused by the claiming of heritage and ancestry these days. It's like it's a race to claim some prize or privilege. I see it as a part of the "me too" movement that was so popular not long ago. Oh, me too! Yeah, okay you're whatever.

  My ancestors were German, Swedish and English peoples. I did a DNA thing with Ancestry.Com and got that pie chart. Yes, what a surprise my ancestors came from all over the place and some I had no idea about. Thing with that is it doesn't change what I am. I'm a white American guy from the New England region of the United States of America. I am not German, Swedish or English. I have no first hand knowledge of any of their customs or beliefs. I was never subjected to that culture, to their governments or involved with those folks in any way. No, I'm just an American. We are whatever culture we are raised in and there is no changing that, no picking a nationality or ethnicity. You can't do that any more than you can pick your gender. Changing pronouns has nothing to do with that.

  I have known people that want to tell you of their relationship to some celebrity, like that makes them a celebrity. For me, this claiming of your ancestry falls in the same category. Yes, my great grandfather was a man named Christian Reichart and arrived in the United States in 1855. He was a German. I was born in the United States in 1953, I am an American. My grandmother was born in Munkfors, Sweden and came to America through Ellis Island in 1899. My mother, her daughter was born in America and was an American. That's how that works. I'm amused today when we are using our DNA to identify ourselves. Go back far enough and we are all related to one another. We are all just one thing.

  The deal is what those folks are attempting to claim is culture. What's strange is most do not even know what that culture entails. Consider this, what is black culture? Is it different from African culture? I suspect that it certainly is a bit different, seeing as how it has been one hundred and sixty five years since a black African was brought against their will to America. Heck, I suspect there are differences in black culture even in Africa itself. And not all black people come from Africa, there are black Germans, Swedes, Italians, Greeks and every other culture on the planet. Your skin tone doesn't define your culture! If I were to say all black people are the same I would be called a racist, prejudicial and biased! Yet, black people are trying to tell me all black people are the same, claiming that based on their skin tone. My feeling is the Pope is no more a black man than I am. My feeling is also, it doesn't make a bit of difference.  

  Here's what AI has to say about culture: "Culture encompasses the shared behaviors, beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people, including their language, religion, cuisine, social habits, and artistic expressions. It's essentially the way of life of a particular group, differentiating them from others. Culture is learned through socialization and shapes how individuals perceive and interact with the world." Notice it didn't mention color. There is a reason for that. Color doesn't define culture. Do you think Pope Leo embraces black culture? His skin tone certainly isn't black so it has to be his culture that is black, that Creole in him. Seems like he would be more inclined to be an alligator hunter if he were a creole. But he was raised in the south side of Chicago, a white American catholic kid. That is his culture, his background. No, he's not one of the brothers. But he is your brother. 

                                                                            

There are many varieties of apples, each looking a bit different from the others, but all are apples.

It's the same way with people, just depends upon which orchard you come from.  

Changes

  Has a new Pope been elected or a new political leader of some type? The Pope certainly wields the power of a head of state. He is much more than a religious leader, the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Everyone in the known world is aware of that. That has been the case since Saint Peter. I'm no theologian, no expert on the Catholic church and its' history, and much of what I think could be debated, possibly disproven or simply not accurate. I compose these blogs without doing extensive research, after all I'm not writing a thesis on any of this, just offering my opinion. I do not feel any obligation to "fact check" anything I'm saying, you are welcome to do that should you feel it necessary. In fact, I think it is a good thing when you do, at least you are thinking about what I wrote, even if only to contradict me. That's where discussions should begin. 

 The first Pope in history that was born in America. That is certainly a significant thing, a reflection perhaps of a shift in global politics. Is America becoming more like the "old country" we have all heard stories about. Nations that have existed for hundreds of years, but not as Republics, as various other forms of government. Are we losing the American Republic? There was a deep concern about just that back in 1960 with the election of John F Kennedy. He was a Catholic! 

 Yes, the concern was that Kennedy would follow the directives of the Pope. At the time it was Pope John XXIII and he was known for reform. In short, he embraced liberal views and many non-Catholics in America were concerned about that. What if Kennedy started changing our laws to align with the views of the Catholic church? You know, you have to keep an eye on those Catholics! Remember Martin Luther wrote 95 these in opposition to the Catholic church. Yes, there was a prejudice against Catholics, just as there are prejudices against the Jews and Muslims today. I don't believe we have a problem with Trump however, he will not be swayed one way of another. Thing is, this Pope is only 69 years old, quite young, and will be in office long after Trump is gone. 

  As a protestant I view the Pope more as a political leader than a religious one. I do not believe he is a descendant of Saint Peter or has any divine powers or whatever. He is just a man like all others, albeit a man with tremendous power and responsibility. His profession is being the political leader/arm of a religious order. A man that has been elected to lead that group into the future. The church itself is facing many challenges in this new world. It has come under attack and close scrutiny. The true reason for that is because of the wealth and political power of that group. That hasn't changed one bit over the centuries. Remember when the Pope ordered the arrest of the Templars? Why was that? Wealth and Power is the answer and an allegiance with the King of France. It was a win-win. 

  I expect this new Pope will make some changes to the policies. Is he a DEI hire? Well, that remains to be seen. I don't mean any of this in a disparaging way, just personal observations and opinion. The movement toward what I have called "a more convenient faith" has been an ongoing thing and will continue. Will we see Priests getting married and female cardinals? I think so. I remember when Catholics weren't supposed to eat meat on Friday. The church doesn't recognize civil divorces because the state can not undo what God has done. You have to get an annulment from the church for that to be valid. If you don't, you can't participate in certain sacraments. That could change, if it hasn't already. Currently the church opposes same sex marriages but will bless them, something I find rather confusing from a religious standpoint but understandable in the political arena. 

  I don't believe whatever the Pope does will have any great effect on my life. I understand how important he is to the millions of Catholics around the globe. I can see changes in the doctrines and practices will effect Catholics. It is always difficult when the old traditions, beliefs or ways are challenged or changed in any way. I have been to church where their was a woman minister, wearing a collar, and it didn't feel right to me. I can offer no valid reason why they shouldn't but that feeling remains. I've seen people in church wearing shorts, crop tops and flip-flops. Doesn't seem right to me. What will this Pope do? Is he liberal or conservative? He is one or the other, regardless of anything anyone has to say. 

  He's just a man like all of us and believes what he believes. As Pope he can not change doctrine. His role is to preserve, protect and offer clarity to those doctrines. I have read that Catholics believe the Pope, when speaking from the chair (ex-cathedra) is infallible. But that infallibility only applies to matters of faith and morals. It's about discipline. He can change practices that do not contradict doctrine. It's a very fine line in my opinion and one I really don't have a good understanding of. Sounds like a bunch of political double talk to me. But, that is the concern of those calling themselves Catholics. He is Pope number two hundred and sixty seven. It is up to him to carry that faith forward, it's a big job. May God Bless and guide him. An American pope. The times they are a'changin'. 

                                                                                 

Pope Leo XIV 

professional people

  It's something I have noticed over the years, perhaps beginning with the emergence of the internet and you tube videos, everything has to be "professional" these days. Take something as simple as pickle ball. Now I've never played a single game of pickleball, know very little about it, but I was under the impression it was intended to be casual fun. Turns out their are leagues, taking over the courts, and those complaining about the level of play. From all accounts I've read, the fun is gone, it's a competition! There are professional pickle ball players. 

  It isn't just sports, it is all forms of leisure activities that I've noticed this with. Karaoke is another example. Was once something a bunch of drunk people did and now it is quite different. Some folks bringing their own microphones and backing tracks, very professional. I understand that as there was a time I would bring my own pool cue to the neighborhood bar. It did make me feel more confident and added a level of intimidation to those having to use the house sticks. Didn't make me any better at pool though, but that was before instructional videos on you tube. 

  I am amused with how many "professional" people there are on Facebook. It doesn't matter what the subject is, there is someone on there at all times that is an expert in the field. I will read a list of credentials and  life experiences. Every known profession is represented 24/7. I'm on there more than I should be and my expertise is in giving an opinion. I have an opinion on everything and anything. I even have an opinion on opinions. I'm an expert opinion giver. It's rather amazing really. Whatever starts making headlines there will soon be a hundred experts on Facebook. Constitutional scholars, philosophers, rocket scientists, animal behavioral experts, you name it, they are there. Well, that's my opinion.

  There does seem to be a compulsion by the public in general, to do everything in a professional manner. What I mean by that is, looking it up on the internet and following that advice, guidance or whatever. That in and of itself isn't a bad thing, it's good to learn about new subjects, techniques and methods. The downside to all that being readily available is the lack of experimentation on the part of the individual. The learn by doing, that was prevalent in years past. Today we tend to believe you can learn by reading, by earning a degree, without ever having to actually do anything at all. Those "highly educated" folks that have really done nothing but be professional students.

  We are seeing the results of that. That's why we are hearing the cries for "professional" people that know how to do constructive things, like fix your car or build a house. Reading about that stuff isn't learning how to do it. Anyone that has ever worked on an automobile will tell you, the engineer that designed it, never had to work on it, if they did the design would be different. And now we are seeing some of that from our politicians with their designs for a better society. If they had ever lived in society themselves, they would know better. Take Bernie Sanders as a prime example, he has never worked a real job in his life but owns three homes, several automobiles and a big fat bank account. How? You paid him to tell you how to live your life. Well, mostly you have him agreeing with you that you should get everything for free. Obama is another example, what job did he ever work? None, a community organizer isn't a job, it's a scam. But they are professional politicians. Now there's an oxymoron for you.

  We are all professional people. I drew a picture, so I'm an artist. I write these blogs, I'm an author. I've been at various times in my life a stationary engineer, machinist, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, quality assurance inspector, recruiter. stock clerk, held a CDL license, a license to operate waste treatment plants in the state of Maryland as well as water treatment systems. I've held a badge issued by the Maryland State Police valid in a restricted jurisdiction. The thing is, none were my profession. They were all just jobs that I held. I did try to do them in a professional manner. Still, when asked  I will say, I'm a jack of all trades and master at none. I'm good with that. Thinking I will try that pickleball, probably need to buy equipment, take lessons and learn all the proper jargon. I'm certain there is one associated with that. But then again maybe not, wouldn't want to wind up in a pickle. That wouldn't be professional. 

                                                                  

what you see

 I feel a little silly this morning. I kept seeing these videos about those attending the Met gala. I feel silly because I really didn't know what the Met gala was all about. What celebrities are doing has never been of much interest to me. They aren't a part of my social network that much is certain. The vast majority of those considered celebrities I have zero interest in meeting, talking to, or associating with in any way. Different world altogether. As I saw some of these posting about these celebrities and what they were wearing to the Met gala I did get curious. Just what the heck is that? I saw someone wearing a piano back pack or something like that. Then I read the gala had a theme, the black dandy. I'm guessing no one is offended by that.

 Well anyway I did go and read about just what the Met gala is supposed to be all about. Turns out, it's a costume party. So that's when I felt silly, that explains a whole lot of what I had seen. This gala is a fund raiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, costume department. Now it makes sense to me. An event where celebrities get to spend ridiculous amounts of money on "costumes" in an effort to impress their friends while giving money to a charity. An event where the more ridiculous you look, the better it is. Then they call it high fashion. Well, okey dokey then. 

  I read where the theme was the black dandy. It was celebrating the propensity of the black people to dress in rather extravagant ways. I had to smile, thinking to myself, how that is a subject I'm not supposed to talk about, it's white supremacy you know, to mention anything like that. I'm old enough to remember when the black folks did "dress up" as a daily thing, the normal thing and took great pride in their outfits. Sharp dressed men and ladies, no doubt about that. I've often wondered what the elderly black folks think of todays styles, with their grandchildren and great grandchildren wearing clothes that look like rags and three sizes too large. Of course, as I said, I'm not supposed to talk about any of that, but its' cool if it is the theme of a gala. 

  The Met gala, a costume party for the very wealthy, those that want to be seen and noticed. I read where Trump wasn't allowed to attend. He had been a regular at that event until he got elected president for the first time. I doubt that he cares, he is well known enough and those folks attending aren't donating anything to him. By all accounts this gala is a big deal in the world of celebrities, the rich and famous. That explains why I didn't know much about it, I'm none of those things. I don't care, I don't like costume parties anyway, not since I was a small child. Cosplay isn't anything I have an interest in. Fitting for movie stars though, as that is their job, being someone other than who they really are. 

  I hope the museum got a lot of money. Museums are good things. I can't but think how much more they may have gotten if those attending just wore their regular clothes and gave the money spent on costumes as well as they regular donation. Well, I suppose that is the point isn't it, to have a costume party to raise money for the preservation of costumes. So this year they were celebrating the black dandy and the "costumes" those people wore. Sounds a bit racist doesn't it? But hey, that doesn't count this time. All of that is conditional, it all depends. What do you see? 

                                                                               

  Colman who?  

collectively

  Haven't heard much about the price of eggs. I guess a new normal has been established and we have moved on from that crisis. It would seem we have shifted our focus to due process of law. I am pleased to hear discussions of a civic nature. It's a subject I feel has been lacking in our educational system. Well, I shouldn't say it hasn't been taught, it has, it has just been presented quite differently than when I was in school. My teachers didn't include their personal feelings or bias regarding the documents. We read those documents and discussed what we felt their intent was. But mostly we celebrated the achievements made without placing blame for any shortcomings. We just defeated our enemies and moved on from there. Well, until we decided that as a nation we should help rebuild every nation that had attacked us, after we expended millions of lives and millions of dollars to defeat them. That began, in my estimation in about 1953, the year I was born. 

  When I was in school we studied history and learned from that. There was no effort made to change it, rewrite it, or offer any alternative facts about that. The British King had treated us unfairly! There was taxation without representation and that, that was tyranny! We had no choice but to revolt. The southern states wanted to keep their slaves and they wanted to expand that to include all of the states. Brother fought brother in that conflict over a moral issue, one that needed to be corrected. Then those Germans used submarines to attack shipping and merchant vessels including those of the United States and we had no choice but to join the fight. That was WW1. The Germans did it again and we tried to stay out of that fight, but their allies, the Japanese attacked Pearl harbor on a date that will live in infamy. We had no choice but to join the fight once again. We dropped two nuclear bombs on the Japanese, after forcing the German surrender, forcing their surrender. They deserved what they got. 

  Korea was still being called a conflict when I was in school. The Korean conflict. I suspect the reason was we didn't want to say we had lost a war, something we as a nation had never done before. We were taught that we had withdrawn our troops, an armistice had been signed and a line drawn on the map. There still hasn't been an official peace established, technically they are still at war. Then came Vietnam.  In the early 1950's we sent "advisors" to south Vietnam. In 1961 President Kennedy sent more aid believing we could stop the spread of communism. By 1964 Johnson had sent troops to fight in the battles. Then we began calling it a war, after congress had authorized ground troops in Vietnam. A lesson learned from Korea is my thinking. 

  What does all of this have to do with the price of eggs? That's the same question as I used to hear as, what has this to do with the price of rice in China? Well, it does have something to do with civics and the social conscious. There has been a shift in the normal and expected philosophy of the nation. We have grown used to losing, we are now willing to admit defeat, and attempt to appease our enemies rather than stand and fight. We have grown soft in our underbellies. We are accepting all of that as normal. We don't even see that as a crisis anymore, it's fine to fail. All of that is simply toxic masculinity! Patriotism has become a bad word. Nationalism is the greatest evil there is! Quite the shift in civic perception from 1953. 

  You know the year I was born Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for their crimes. They conspired to sell secrets to the Russians. Both were given the electric chair at Sing-Sing prison in New York. Julius first, followed by Ethel. Both within fifteen minutes! That was justice. They had been given their due process, sentence was handed down and they both faced the consequences for their actions. That's how it is supposed to work and it did. That was the price of eggs in 1953. 

  Today, well today we attempt to rewrite or dismiss the past altogether to avoid the consequences. I'm 71 years old now, I've lived through 28% of this nations history. The first 72% I either heard personal accounts of, or read history books about. I never read or heard about anyone quitting. All I ever heard about was the successes, the progress made, and the establishment of justice. One nation, Under God, indivisible. That certainly isn't the message I'm hearing today. What I'm hearing today is "ME" it's all about me and what I want. Government exists to provide for me and me alone. I owe nothing to the collective, the collective owes me. Where does their allegiance lie? I remember a time when we stated that allegiance nearly every day. It was shout; that has become a whisper. 

                                                                       

 

                                                                                 

Due process

  Listening to the morning news I'm hearing the argument for the federal legalization of pot. Studies have been conducted and the feeling is, it's all good. Yeah, no societal issues have resulted from states ignoring the federal law. The whole "no one is above the law" argument is rather moot if you are supporting that logic. And that is what troubles me about the whole thing. I'm just saying if you want something to be legal, make it legal. It isn't made legal by simply not enforcing the law, even when that directive comes from the state itself, federal law always takes precedence over state law. The supremacy clause in the constitution establishes that as the law of the land. 

  States that are ignoring that law are ignoring the constitution. Isn't that something the left is screaming about with Trump and his deportation policies? He's violating the constitution! Well, so is every state that refuses to enforce federal law. It's not a debate, not an opinion, it is simply a fact. The possession, sale or use of marijuana is a federal offense. For simple possession the penalty for your first offense may be one year in jail and a thousand dollar fine. The first time it is a misdemeanor, any subsequent violations are felonies! That's the law of the land, like it or not. Argue all you want but my response will be, talk to the hand.

  I am further aggravated by this logic that people were or are in jail for breaking the law when the law has been changed. Uh, you broke the law, doesn't matter if the law has been changed since that time, you broke the law. Really not that difficult to understand. As far as anyone being jailed for any marijuana offense they have still broken the law whether the state wants to say so or not, chooses to prosecute anyone today for that, or doesn't like the law. It doesn't matter, the law is the law. The constitution Article VI. That establishes the law of the land. No one is above the law, including states governments! Those fined and/or jailed for breaking that law have received their due process, as the law requires. They broke the law and justice was served. 

  All I'm saying here is I don't care how you feel about that. I'm not going to argue for or against any federal law regarding the use of marijuana. I am saying you can't start screaming about violating the constitution and filing lawsuits, threatening impeachment, because you feel someone is violating that constitution while you yourself are violating the constitution! That is hypocrisy! You can't holler "no one is above the law" while saying you don't have to obey the law. That's hypocrisy. I don't care if you are the news, Sheryl Atkinson or whoever, attempting to justify states ignoring the constitution is just wrong! I don't care how popular that opinion is, the fact remains. The use, sale, and/or possession of marijuana is a federal crime. 

 Let's follow the constitution and give due process to those accused. When it is proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you violated the law, penalty will follow. First offense, a year and/or a thousand dollars. Any further violations are felonies and could result in federal prison! That's the law and no one is above the law. 

                                                                                       

just by looking

  Yogi Berra is quoted as saying, you can observe a lot, just by looking. I love Yoga Berra quotes even though many are nothing he ever said, same as Confucius. But there are some whose wit and wisdom just transcend time. Now I'm one that does observe quite a bit, I have seen a lot just by watching. What I thought about this morning was how much I have learned simply by paying attention to what others are doing and more importantly, how they do it. 

  I decided my outdoor glider swing needed the cushions recovered. Well, I did work as a professional upholsterer at one period in my life. It's true I didn't do any machine sewing at that occupation, there were two ladies in the shop to handle that part of the process. That's where I did learn a lot just by watching though, so I figured I could handle this small project. I didn't learn quite as much as I had hoped but managed to struggle through anyway. I'm almost half way through and improving with each stitch. The fun is in doing it, the end result may or may not satisfy my standard. I don't let that stop me however, I'll try again if I fail. 

  What Yogi said is the simple truth of the matter. If you really watch and pay attention to what others do you can see a lot. Sometimes you see just how silly or incompetent they are. Yes you can see what not to do as readily as what you should be doing. I'm guessing we have TicTok for that these days. Mostly you watch that and see what you shouldn't be doing, bunch of idiots on there by all accounts. Well the truth is the internet is full of videos like that, whatever grabs peoples attention. It's all about likes and clicks these days. I've heard some make millions on there but I've never made a dime and no clue how I would go about that. 

  One thing I have observed is the written word is taken differently than words with a video. What I mean is, I can write an essay, an article or opinion piece that is favorably received, but if I include a photo or video of myself, or someone checks my profile page, it won't necessarily be taken as favorably. In the old days of recording records that was known, that's why Charlie Pride didn't have his picture on his early albums. He sounded great, but his look wasn't right. Not much has changed in that regard, not really. The only thing different being now everyone wants to holler about prejudice and how terrible all that is. So today, it may actually work to your advantage to be different in some fashion, you know, marketing that. We call that "empowering" ourselves. 

  I have always been one to watch. I have always been one to comment on what I've just seen as well. Perhaps because I was the youngest in the family I was forced to watch and listen more than I was given the chance to speak. I did grow up in a time when kids where to be seen and not heard. I was often told, speak when spoken to, not before. It was a form of respect for your elders, who were assumed to be wiser than yourself. I observed early on that wasn't always the case. I also observed that the degree of education a person had didn't necessarily equate to wisdom either. As I heard often, lots of educated damn fools in the world.

  Andrew Carnegie said, "the older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do." That's an astute observation from Mr. Carnegie, no matter your opinion of his actions. Yes I know he was one those robber barons, the filthy rich and evil people of the world. His list of philanthropic endeavors is astounding, although you don't hear much about them these days, just how rich he became. Everyone has heard of Carnegie Hall but few associate the two in todays world, it's just the name of the place. Over a fourteen year period Carnegie donated over 40 million dollars to building libraries. That's 674 million in todays money! But I suspect that came from watching what people were  doing more so than anything anyone ever said to him. 

  You know it's my feeling that the majority of us simply want people to listen. That's why we pay a therapist or other professional "listener." Those folks will just sit and listen to whatever you have to say, no matter how dull, boring or otherwise uninteresting it may be. Then they are obligated, by their profession, to respond to you in some positive fashion. That's the health care you will receive. Mostly just an explanation about why you feel the way you do. It's something you already know but don't want to admit. Their job is to get you to admit it, you're acting crazy.

 Lately the job has been made easier by the elimination of "crazy" behaviors in the explanation, er, diagnosis. Easier to agree with you than to you convince you otherwise, so that's the deal there. The revision of the DSM in response to society. People haven't changed much in over two thousand years, just the book used to diagnose. What is normal? What is abnormal? If you're a cannibal it's perfectly normal to eat the neighbors, if you're not, that's just crazy. The first edition of the DSM was published in 1952. What was crazy then is still crazy today, but not according to the book. It's been revised six times since then. Yeah, normal has changed. I'm observing and have seen a lot just by looking. Yogi also pointed this out with this quote, "if the world were perfect, it wouldn't be. " 

                                                                                        

remotely professional

  Yesterday I noticed an advertisement on Facebook for online psychiatry services. Having read one of those ads a multitude soon appeared. I found it amusing that anyone would seriously consider that. I guess it would be the same people using an online physic advisor. I'm old enough to remember when they used to do that on the telephone, the first minute was free, a set amount for every minute after that. I never called one of them. My first thought was, you'd have to be nuts to use an online shrink. It's probably some guy eating Cheetos in his underwear. Just what assurance do you have that the person you are talking with is qualified in any way? It only takes a person with the proper credentials to apply for a permit or license or whatever is required to gain the initial business. After that, I can simply hire anyone I want to answer the phone. 

  Now I've heard about telemedicine and how that can be very convenient for the disabled and the elderly. I quite certain in certain situations and scenarios there is nothing wrong with that. People use online "medical" advice sites all the time. I know I have looked things up on them and followed the advice given. I believe there is a place for that as long as it is used with discretion. Ask the expert is a fine thing as long as you are getting the expert. When I want to make absolutely sure of that I insist on meeting them in person. I admit I have never asked any doctor to see their credentials, just figuring if they have their own office and belong to a medical group, they are real doctors. But psychiatrists are different. I know they are also medical doctors, they have to go to medical school, but their specialty is talking. That's how I view it anyway.

 I'm not a big believer in this psychiatry stuff. All they are doing is talking to you and perhaps giving you some good advice. In my view their only advantage is the one you give them, believing they are somehow smarter than your friends, family or the local bartender. In that belief you will listen to them when they tell you how stupid you are acting. You also believe that they will not tell anyone else what it is you're telling them about. I suspect the profession may be on the decline as so many are now willing to tell the world about their "abnormalities" while insisting they should be included in the sane world. Yeah, identifying as a cat is crazy! Believing your gender identity is dependent upon your sexual desires is also a bit crazy. 

 I firmly believe if you are willing to listen and take the advice of those around you, you will be just fine. Well, that depends on those others being fine as well. But the issue I have is in this defining of what is the normal and expected thing. That is something that is in a constant state of flux. It has become quite fluid, I'd say in the last decade or so. The role of religion is to establish a set of behaviors and boundaries. What we might call dogma. The constitution and the bill of rights attempt to establish that as well. In fact, that is what civil law is all about, establishing those behaviors acceptable in society. Criminal law is concerned with correcting those behaviors. And that is something that has also become quite fluid under the banner of empathy. I can understand how you feel, but that doesn't make you right, or obligate me to forgive you for that. 

  Look I'm just saying if you expect me to send you money for talking to me on the computer I would have to be a little nuts. I get "friend requests" every single day from those saying how attractive, brilliant, entertaining, insightful, wise, handsome and they really want to be my friend. Yeah, I'm just the best thing on the internet! I don't need a professional to tell me that's a lie, I have friends for that, friends that I listen to and admire. Real friends aren't afraid to tell you stuff like that, you can talk to them, free of charge, and they will set you straight. It's up to you to listen, not get your feelings hurt and to weigh their advice against whatever it is that you have learned in life. 

 As part of the process to become a Navy recruiter I had to be interviewed by a psychiatrist. As I recall he asked a bunch of questions. I don't remember the questions but I'm guessing the answers were "correct" as I got the job. When he asked me if I had any questions for him I replied, who decides if you are alright? Well, he got a bit huffy at that point and assured me he was peer reviewed periodically. So I said, you mean you just talk with the other doctors and they tell you if you're alright? He said yes, that's how it works. I was dismissed following that remark, I think he was triggered and went to seek some help from another doctor. I'm thinking had it been a phone call, or internet chat, he would have hung up  or blocked me.   

                                                                            

For amusement only

  I view Facebook as an entertainment platform. I certainly don't believe everything I see or read on there. It's for amusement only. Heck, I don't read or believe some of the stuff I put on there. I do like hearing from those that I know and trust. The thing is, if I don't know you personally I will take whatever you say literally. I can only assume that is what you meant to say. If I know you, I can usually tell when you're being sarcastic or just clowning around. I don't always get that right though, it is something I have written about before. Without in person, personal interaction, including body language it is very difficult. Take me for instance, some people have developed a negative opinion of me, even blocked me, because they just don't know the real me. Of course, it is possible that is why they blocked me in the first place but that's another story altogether.

 Beyond reading the posts from those I know, those posts, meme's or whatever else you want to call them, I really place no stock in them at all. Those are the ones if I'm interested I will "fact" check with Google or some other platform/method. Google, in case you don't know, leans heavily to the left and you really have to read deep into the page to obtain certain facts. There is this new AI thing I have tried a few times but got answers like, they don't have any information about that, always on something controversial. I do enjoy ( that's the entertainment part) listening to those liberal, far left, wacko's whether that is real or they are just going for clicks. This morning there was one worried about being deported because she didn't like Trump or that her Trans friends would be swept up off the street! I was amused how she spoke about her Trans & Gay friends like they were pets or something. Reminds me of Democrats saying, I have lots of black friends. 

 Facebook can only get you upset if you allow that to happen. As I said, it's for entertainment purposes only as far as I'm concerned. I have been known to get a bit riled up when talking with someone I do know because I believe what they are saying. And I do have a guilty pleasure of riling up those that are easily riled up. In my view, they are asking for it. It's all part of the show. When I am no longer entertained I just set things aside, like an old toy. It may contain some fond memories but I'm over it. Every once in a while I may pick that toy back up, fiddle with it some, and laugh at the memory of it.   Facebook isn't the real world. It isn't even a true reflection of the real world. There are many keyboard warriors out there boldly going where they don't have the nerve to go in the real world. We've all met them. I get attacked often for sharing my opinion. Yes, I'm just sharing my opinion, which I believe to be correct, because, why would I share something I didn't. Well, I might be a "troll" according to some. I haven't been called that in a while now I must be losing my touch. But yeah, try to cross my bridge and you will be challenged. 

 Things have been rather quiet and subdued since Trump got back into office. I'm wondering if there is a correlation? Oh the rhetoric is still there alright, all the gloom and doom from the left, all the fear mongering and predictions of disaster. But personal interaction seems to be in a slump. The personal attacks are fewer, which is a good thing in my opinion, although I often found them entertaining. Hey we all enjoy a good fight, it's that nosy in us. We will pick sides in the fight and cheer for our champion. Well, I admit I was amused by that more than I should have been but I'm just being real about it. 95% of what I read and see on Facebook I just take with a grain. It's entertaining. Am I trolling? No, I'm not fishing for anything, I'm just tossing out the bait, if you bite, that's your fault, not mine. 

                                                                          

                                                                            

Doing it

  I'm starting to understand. I've always wondered what happened to people that went off to college to get that education and wound up taking a left turn. Just what happened? How could they spend four years of their life studying whatever, to end up being so clueless? More puzzling is the higher degree of education they get, the more clueless they become. And I'm not talking about common sense, you either have that or you don't, regardless of your education level. I'm just talking about understanding how the world actually works. That is where they seem to lose the clues. 

  I'm beginning to believe the answer is actually quite simple. If you get that higher education you can't just say what everyone else says, you're smarter than that, even when everyone else is right. I even had a tee shirt that something similar to that. If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit. And I certainly hear a great deal of that from many college educated people. It is certainly on the rise, there is no denying that. It's no coincidence that rise corresponds with the amount of college degrees being "earned" these days. Consider a major course of study offered today. Gender studies! This what Google says that is: "It explores how gender intersects with other identities like race, class, and sexuality, and analyzes the impact of gender on social structures and cultural expressions." If that isn't a load of bullshit I don't know what is. Yeah, boys and girls react differently in society. I figured that out in kindergarten.

  But I'm thinking all of that is supposed to justify the expense of a college education. Smart people always say "new" things. You can't be smart by repeating past lessons. The proof of that is obtaining a PhD. A doctorate degree in philosophy. How do you get that? You read and repeat everything anyone else has ever written or said about a particular topic. You write your dissertation, citing all the references, and conclude by disagreeing with them all. You have to have a new philosophy! It doesn't have to actually be proven or anything, any old theory will do as long as it hasn't been offered before. That's why it takes an entire committee to decide on that award. All that is necessary is to baffle them with bullshit. 

  Now I'm not saying this sticks with everyone that attends a college or university. There are those that manage to see through the crap and gain the knowledge required to perform their jobs in their chosen profession. Higher education is a fine thing and one should never stop learning. The thing is, earning that degree, completing the course isn't accomplishing anything. It's like an old friend told me, knowing it isn't doing it, doing it is doing it! And that's where so many fall off the tracks, take that left turn and wind up disappointed, discouraged and their feelings hurt. But I have a degree! 

 Yeah, you do, now you have to actually do the job you went to school for, you don't start at top. If your major was gender studies, good luck with that. If your major was philosophy, good luck with that. A liberal arts degree may not be the best choice either. Another google quote, "a degree can still be valuable for personal growth and the development of transferable skills, even if it doesn't lead to a high-paying job immediately." How's that for some bullshit. You just went 80,000 dollars in debt but you got personal growth, LOL, now pay back that loan with your "transferable" skills. School is out!

  It's a funny thing. We will all quote famous people, authors and philosophers from the past. We provide those quotes as evidence to support our own thoughts. I agree with Einstein or Socrates so I must be educated. Being well read is vitally important. You must read and understand everything that has ever been written before you can call yourself educated. Then you can start saying something different from all of that as evidence of your superiority. Then that sometimes has an interesting effect. You start saying stupid crap. You haven't heard that crap before because, it is just stupid crap. That's the reason for that. Things like multiple genders. There are two, have always been two and will always be two. As far back as 1615 the saying was " the proof of the pudding is in the eating" that was said by Don Quixote. Education is the same way.  

                                                                                 

  

the will of the people

  The pendulum has begun to swing back to the right. It reached far left with the Drag Queens in the library and Pride Flags in the classrooms across America. It reached far left when illegal aliens began being called undocumented migrants. It went very far left when doctors started prescribing hormone altering drugs to children as young as five. When we were told that open borders is a wonderful thing and dependence on foreign oil and manufacturing was essential, the pendulum was far to the left. When we are told "life" is a choice that pendulum was going hard left. But thankfully, it has begun its' journey to the right once again. 

  That being said I would caution everyone to not allow that pendulum to swing too far to the right. We mustn't over compensate for what has happened in the past. That is the hardest lesson to learn of all. Following the civil war what was the reaction? An overcompensation with those "carpetbaggers" heading into the southern lands to take advantage of business opportunities. There were those on the Yankee side more than willing to take advantage and deprive anyone associated with the current rebellion. The southern leaders that continued exercising any power or influence instituted what became to be known as the Jim Crowe laws. They were attempting to maintain their "status quo" before their failed rebellion. That overcompensation continued virtually unchecked for a hundred years until 1964 with the passage of the civil rights act and in 1965 with the voting rights act. 

  Whereas I fully support the immediate deportation of anyone crossing the border illegally, we do have to ensure that they are illegal. I understand the challenges faced in determining an individuals "genuine" status. When the left began allowing people to identify in any way they chose and insist I just go along with that, it certainly increased the difficulty level considerably. When the left insists I should be allowed to bring "emotional" support animals on airplanes it became more difficult to "judge" the mental state of an individual. In fact the left insists I shouldn't make any judgement at all! Now, that's an overcompensation. 

 The sonnet written on a plague on the statue of Liberty is not the official state policy of the United States of America! Each and every person that wishes to come to America, to become a citizen of this great nation, should be fully vetted medically, physically and financially. My own Grandmother, who came from Sweden, was subjected to that at Ellis Island. Her Uncle met her there, she underwent a physical exam, was found in be 'healthy" and had 15 dollars in cash with her. Her Uncle, then a citizen of this country vouched for her and she had housing and a job waiting for her. That's how it should be today! 

 The pendulum needs to swing back to where the majority rules, not the minority or "marginalized" folks in this world. Yeah, it stinks when you are one of those, but it is what it is,. I'm not super wealthy and that isn't fair. I like liver and onions for supper but the majority wants a steak. I should just eat the steak;  the steak people don't have to provide liver for me. Polls show that 80 to 90% of the population identify as straight. That's why we shouldn't have pride flags in the schools. Majority rules and straight folks don't have a flag for that, you know why? Because it is the majority of the people, that's why. Flags were originally used in warfare. Their purpose being to identify the combatants. You don't want to kill the guys in your army so you need a method to identify them. By flying that Flag you are identifying yourself. If you're flying the liver flag in a steak house don't be surprised if you are attacked! 

 I hope I'm not around to see it but I firmly believe there will be a time when it gets too extreme to the right. History supports that theory. At that time the pendulum will begin a return to the left. The objective is to achieve an equilibrium. And just like any pendulum it requires a gentle push from an outside force to maintain. When that force is removed, the pendulum stops entirely. When the force is too great, damage is the likely result. That force, is the will of the people.  

                                                                           

    

A survivor

  My son recently acquired a new home. This property included a workshop. Now my son isn't the workshop kind of guy. I have taken possession of that shop. He, of course, can make repair requests through the proper channels, my wife must approve the project first, and I will take care of those things on his "to do" list placed there by his wife. I've been rather busy getting my shop together over the last few weeks now that the weather has warmed up. There is no heat out there, although I was using a portable propane heater to take off the chill. But electricity is available and lighting is sufficient. All in all the best shop I have owned.

 I began the process of moving all my tools, equipment and supplies from my attic to that shop. It is a slow process and requires sorting things out. It would appear that I have quite a bit more than what is actually required but there is no such thing as too many tools. I have rediscovered a few I had forgotten about not having a need for them. Still you never know when you might need a chain breaker or that back up belt sander. I do have a few tools that belonged to my father, the original do it yourself guy. With the exception of electronics there wasn't much he couldn't do, and do on a professional level. He worked in all the trades at one time or another and I remember that well. Dad passed thirty five years ago and so those remaining tools are getting scarce. 

 I learned a lot by watching him over the years and asking questions. He wasn't one to teach others much, he had little patience for that. He just figured most of what he knew was common sense. I can't say how many times I heard him say, any damn fool would know that. He simply assumed you already knew. I wish now that I had spent more time working with him on his various projects, he always had  something in the works. Mom would always complain that he didn't finish anything, there was always that last piece of trim to install or some other little detail. 

 Dad never had a real workshop. He did most of his work in the garage when he had one, in the basement sometimes and on a table out in the yard. But thinking about it, his projects were almost always on a bigger scale than the average home workshop would have been able to handle anyway. When he built, he built on a grand scale. His last project was a boat. You see, he had done a lot of work for this man, a chiropractor, and the man never paid him. Well, that same man had this small four cylinder marine diesel engine and dad took possession of that in lieu of payment. So naturally he needed a boat to go around it. He started building one. Sadly it was never finished as his health declined. Last I heard of that boat it was being used as a piece of playground equipment for the Methodist church. 

 When I was small I would often play with his folding ruler. That was something he usually had with him in a pocket on the side of his pants. Dad didn't wear coveralls like the carpenters you see on television. He did have that pocket for that ruler though. I liked taking it out and unfolding it, seeing how long it was while holding onto one end. It would bend, as you can imagine, and stress those folding joints. Then Dad would yell at me to stop that! You're going to snap that ruler in half, what's the matter with you! That was before he had any tape measures like we know today. I played with them too and got yelled at for that. 

 While sorting and moving my tools to the work shop I came across Dads ruler, the wooden one. Thoughts of him flooded my mind. It is one of those things that when you hold it you are taken back. I could hear his voice telling me that it isn't a toy! I could only imagine what he may have measured with that ruler, what construction relied on that tool. Although I don't recall him ever saying so, I heard a voice saying, measure twice, cut once. That's some very old advice from anyone building anything, that common sense Dad figured everyone had. I picked that ruler up yesterday and decided it should have a special place of its' own in the shop. It has earned that honor. It's a survivor! So I made a "frame" to hold it and mounted it next to a sign I had made earlier. A sign that says, Measure Twice, Cut Once" It's on a rafter above my table saw. 

                                                                          

                                                 You never know what will survive.