Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving

A few years ago I wrote a blog called "Thanksgiving - It's Not About The Turkey." I read it again and it still rings home with me and I hope it rings home with you:

Thanksgiving - It's Not About The Turkey

 

 

Thanks for the times you have given me

 

Thanks for my health even though I ache all over

 

Thanks for the friends who wish me well and want me to be happy

 

Thanks for letting me turn 70 with my brain intact even though I have CRS (Can't Remember Shit)

 

Thanks for the next 24 years I plan to enjoy with all my heart

 

Thanks for my beautiful (both inside and outside) wife who always makes me feel mighty, mighty real

 

Thanks for a dad who taught me about the importance of hard work

 

Thanks for a dad who gave me a bright brain even though he also gave me bad bumpers (bad back, bad spine and bad knees) 

 

Thanks for a mom who loved and hugged me all the time.

 

Thanks for a mom who taught me to be tolerant to every race, religion and sexual orientation

 

Thanks for the money I've made that has enabled me to have choices in our American way of life

 

Thanks for Bob who got me to believe I was in control of my happiness and could choose happiness over negativism

 

Thanks for me because since 40 years old I've been making all the right choices

 

Thanks for me because I love what I've become

 

Thanks for the people around the world who read my blogs and my books because it makes me feel valued

 

Thanks for my mentored clients who have enhanced their happiness because of something I gave to them

 

Thanks to all the people who give positive energy out to the Universe so they and the rest of us could have a better life

 

Thanks to America for giving me and most others a chance to create a better life

 

Thanks to all the people around the world who believe love, tolerance and freedom will win out over totalitarianism and terrorism

 

 

To all of you on this wonderful holiday;

 

Focus on the things to be thankful for and not the turkey

 

 

 

Don't Let This Holiday Get You Down

                                    Don't Let This Holiday Get You Down

For most of us, the Holidays are a wonderful time of year. Some people get depressed during the Holidays. This year, because of the Virus, many more people will get sad if they let THIS Holiday get them down.

Before this year, every one of my Holidays were great fun. Seeing family and friends made me happy. We used to fly to DC to stay with our friends. They made Thanksgiving a party. Christmas was all about friends and fun gifts. However, that was then, this is now.

I don't know about you, but I'm not getting on an airplane any time soon. Almost everybody I know says they won't get on an airplane until this virus is controlled. We've been invited to Thanksgiving from two great friends, however, each is having school kids come to their house - that's a no-no for us seniors. Christmas and New Year will have to restricted to the people we know have been tested. 

This year sucks, but I refuse to let it make me sad. I have my best friend (my wife) to spend the Holidays with. We will be zooming with friends and family laughing at all the stories from now and the past. We will be giving gifts and getting gifts mostly from the mail. We are going to make these Holidays as fun as any other Holiday.

This is the new normal - for now. It won't be the new normal forever. This time next year we WILL be doing what we always did during the Holidays. Please accept what's happening for now. For your mental health; 

                 Don't Let This Holiday Get You Down.

P.S. next Tuesday is an important day. Make sure your vote is counted.

Binge Watching

 Binge Watching

I don't know about you, but I may never watch regular TV again even when the new seasons come on. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and all the other streaming services have content that is so much better than what the standard channels have to offer (except Bravo, History, etc.)

On regular TV your choices are dictated by what the studios think you want to watch. On streaming services, you decide what you want to watch. I may never see a TV commercial ever again. 

Those of you who are addicted to your favorite TV shows better record them. That's because the Candidates have hundreds of millions of dollars to bombard you with commercials that I'm sure will make you sick (unless it's for the candidate you already know who you're voting for).  

All the major streaming services have movies, documentaries and series from Countries around the world. The Countries that don't have English as their spoken language are dubbed in English and they do a very good job. The thing I like the most is that you get to see a lot of the Country they were produced in and their attitudes regarding sex, race, drugs, LGBTQ and politics. 

Binge Watching may either be the death of regular TV or at least force them to get their content to compete. Even if they do make better programming, are you still willing to watch twenty minutes (that's right twenty minutes) of bad commercials (if I see another Charmin commercial that has a cartoon baby bear wiping his ass I'm going to scream)? OK if you tape the commercials you can fast forward, but still, isn't that a pain in the ass?

In my opinion the best way to get through COVID is to sit across your big screen smart TV at night with a scotch in one hand and a dope in the other while:

Binge Watching

How Do I Find Happiness In These Unhappy Times

 How Do I Find Happiness In These Unhappy Times

Is the Virus making you unhappy? Seventy two percent of Americans say yes. As you know my philosophy is always make something good out of something bad.  However, I must admit I'm a little depressed myself.

I have to remind myself that this too will pass. It may be another twelve months, but if I stop believing that, I'm doomed. Below are the things I'm focused on that will keep me sane and feeling good about life.

* My bar, which is open now in Las Vegas, but my wife and I refuse to go to until we are convinced it's safe. This time next year I'm convinced we will be able to sit at the bar and toasting our friends. The same is true at my local casino.

* I'll be back at the gym and enjoying my work-out with my work-out buddies.

* I'll be having all our friends over for dinner enjoying my beautiful wife's food. I'm so lucky that she is a great cook. I can't imagine going these times eating my Mother's food.

* I'll be able to choose which restaurants I go to because ninety five percent will be open.

* Facetime will be limited to those people who live far away. I really miss hugging my friends and family (elbow bumps just don't cut it). Sometime next year I'll be hugging everything that moves.

* I assume that wearing masks will still be needed in some situations (large crowds etc.), but not necessary everywhere.

* Vegas is the show capital of the world. Sometime next year all the famous Vegas shows will be open.

* Football (American and otherwise) will have fans in the stands

* My wife and I will be able to take that trip we had to cancel this year

Well, that's my list. Believing those things will happen makes today tolerable. I strongly suggest you make your own list.

How Do I Find Happiness In These Unhappy Times

 

BELIEVE

VOTE

 VOTE

I know it's early, but now is the time to figure out who you want to VOTE for. You may change your mind later, but you should be at least thinking about who will be the best President for America.

Now is the time to make sure your VOTE will be counted. Find out where your polling place will be. Now is the time to be sure you are registered. If you get a mail-in ballot send it in as early as you can. FIND ANY WAY YOU CAN TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO VOTE!!!

Every four years we VOTE for the President Of The United States Of America. Some say that this year is the most important year because the two candidates are so far apart in their view of what will make America better - yes, we can always make America better. However, I believe every year we VOTE is a critical year because, believe it or not, WE can make a difference.

Now is the time to understand who is running for every office. We must have the best people in the State and the Congress to run our Country. Those VOTES, for all candidates running, will be critical to shape the States and the Congress. The President can decide what he or she want, but all the legislators (the people you VOTE for) will have a huge say and many times will be the deciding factor. Sooo, don't just press the Democratic or Republican button. Each representative should be decided individually.

Please be conscious of the many decisions that will be made in the next four years. Just to list a few:

* A new Supreme Justice may be necessary

* Our relationship with the rest of the world 

* The amount of investment in our infrastructure

* Health Care

* Social Justice

* Our Children and their Children's lives after our own lives are done

These same decisions (above), by the people we VOTE for, are the same decisions that are made after every election. Sooo, what is the best to make America better is to:

VOTE

 

I'm Just Say-yen

I'm Just Say-yen

THE most powerful thing in the Universe is the Human brain. Some of the most brilliant scientists in the world are studying the human brain. Most of them are trying to cure diseases and mental illness. Some are trying to recreate the human brain.

Today, the fastest computer in the world can't do anything close to what the human brain can do. However, eventually, humans will recreate the human brain using biochemistry. If they do - then what?

Science Fiction writers and the people who make movies describe a world where the huge man-made brain will take over the world. To that I say - HA!

If the human brain is so powerful, why can't many people realize if they don't wear a mask when they are close to other humans, they can cause the death of themselves and others? I'm Just Say-yen.

If the human brain is so powerful, why does anyone drive a motorcycle between two cars on an interstate highway at seventy miles an hour?  I'm Just Say-yen.

If the human brain is so powerful, why do humans think they can drive drunk and not hurt themselves or others? I'm Just Say-yen.

If the human brain is so powerful, why do criminals do stupid things that get them caught? I'm Just Say-yen.

Sooo, to think that a huge man-made brain will one day take over the world is ridiculous. 

We would be lucky if that brain would be able to figure out that you shouldn't walk across and intersection with your head down looking at your smart phone.

I'm Just Say-yen

Love Is The Only Way

Love Is The Only Way

In this time when we need love more than ever, I found a 1976 song by the Commodores called Sweet Love. I highlighted the lyrics I felt we all should appreciate and live by.

Show me a river that's so deep
Show me a mountain so high
I'll show you love that'll last forever
Flying high, so high

Ah, show me a place where dreams are for dreamers
And all the things you wish come true, yeah
I'd wish the world had all happy people
Then there'd be no more wishing to do

The world is filled with all the lonely people
Trying to find their way
All they need is a hand to guide them
To a brighter day

Sweet love that comes through the ages

Reach out and touch my soul
Gave my life so much meaning
And everyone a heart of gold

I know you're searchin'
I know you're searchin', for a little love

A little peace and understanding
And I know it's been hard tryin' to find your way
But you got to keep on searchin' harder day by day
'Cause I want you, and you, you, you, you, you, you, you you and you

Put a little love in your heart
And little heart in your love
Together we can make a way
Listen to me
Don't wonder to hard ah, of what I trying to say
'Cause it's love, love's the only way

That's Right, 

Love Is The Only Way

Don't Screw This Up For Me

Don't Screw This Up For Me

Yesterday (Sunday at 10 AM) I couldn't believe I watched golf on TV. They hit a small ball then walk. Then they get to the ball and hit it again and walk again. Then, if they are good, they get on a green area and try to put the small ball into a small hole in the ground. Wow, that's a lot of walking for what?

However, I'm glued to the TV because a sport is on

At 1 PM, when golf is at a commercial, I turned on NASCAR motor sport and watched cars go round and round a track. It's boring as hell and after a few minutes I get dizzy.

However, I'm glued to the TV because a sport is on.

I hate watching baseball. It's even more boring than NASCAR. A channel I never heard of, had live baseball from some Asian country. Would you believe I actually watched it? 

You know why? Because It's a sport and it's on TV.

They say in August live Basketball will be on TV. Basketball is not my favorite and I usually only watch the last quarter of a game,

However, I'll be glued to the TV because a sport is on.

Everything will change for me in September because NFL Football will be playing real games. I love Football so much that since the virus I've been watching old time games from the year 2000 on up. I must be a nut case.

Without sports (because of the virus) I feel my life's blood has been draining from me. Sports will give me an infusion if "YOU";

Don't Screw This Up For Me. 

That's right - "YOU" can screw this up for me if "YOU":

* Don't wear a face mask everywhere you go.

* Don't wash your hands.

* Don't sanitize the surfaces you touch.

* Don't practice social distancing.

Sooo, if this virus comes back because "YOU" don't do what you're supposed to do, I'm going to be pissed off.

If you won't do it for your own health, do it for lovable me so I can watch my beloved sports.

The New Normal Has Arrived In Las Vegas

The New Normal Has Arrived In Las Vegas

I had Dinner at a restaurant last night and I survived

The New Normal Has Arrived 

My gym is open after months of me being deprived

The New Normal Has Arrived

My Casinos open Thursday and I can't wait to go inside

The New Normal Has Arrived

I have a reservation at a Vegas strip hotel next week and it feels like I've been revived

The New Normal Has Arrived

My fabulous friends from Los Angeles and North Carolina are coming to Vegas in July

The New Normal Has Arrived

Sooo, I'm telling everybody to come to Las Vegas and bring five -  Because:

The New Normal Has Arrived

I Just Don't Get It

I Just Don't Get It

There are many things I just don't understand regarding what the President is telling us and what the State Governors are demanding of us. Below is my "I Just Don't Get It" list:

*  Why has it taken so long to open up some golf courses in some states and still closed in others? Because of my bad back, I don't play golf, but I know many who do. Golf is a sport where anywhere from 1 to 4 players play the game (not 10 like the President says you cannot have congregating). 

Golf is played outdoors. The 4 players have no reason to touch or go near (less than 6 feet) each other to play the game. There are no fans in close proximity to the players. One of the best ways to stay in shape and enhance your cardiovascular system is to walk 10,000 steps a day. Golfers walk that much playing 18 holes.

 I Just Don't Get It

*  Supermarkets are open by order of the President and the Governors. Sooo, why do so many of them allow people to get closer than 6 feet from one another? Most importantly, why isn't mandatory for the people coming into the supermarket to wear a mask? I have three supermarkets that allow shoppers to shop without masks and the check-out people aren't required to wear masks and gloves. Those employees probably don't even get tested before their shifts.

I Just Don't Get It

* Many restaurants offer outdoor pick-up, but you can't go into the place. Are the employees that are cooking the food and delivering it to you, cleaning the place properly? Are the employees that are cooking the food and delivering it to you, wearing masks and gloves? Are the employees that are cooking the food and delivering it to you, being checked for the virus? The fact is, YOU DON'T KNOW BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GO INTO THE RESTAURANT. 

How about letting us in wearing a mask and gloves (and staying 6 feet away from others) so we can see for ourselves if this restaurant is trust-worthy.

I Just Don't Get It

*  Why can't the NBA start practicing and later playing games? There are 15 players on an NBA team. It is easy to test every one of them multiple times. Why can't they play games, without fans, in the stadium? This is a competitive sport. Players are playing against each other not against the fans. As shone by the largest number of homes ever watching (at home) the NFL Draft, that people want to watch sports even if there is nobody in the stands. 

Also, the league doesn't make its money from people in the stands, they make their money from TV and streaming. Start the NBA NOW because it will help sports fans from getting depressed (like we are now). I feel the same about football.

I Just Don't Get It

I'll bet you have more on your list where you keep saying to yourself:

I Just Don't Get It

I've Decided To Grow A Beard

I've Decided To Grow A Beard

Now that it looks like this situation is going to keep me in the house for a few months, I've Decided To Grow A Beard. I looked up Beard styles on the internet and decided to go with a short Beard and mustache. It will take at least one to two months, however, that might be long enough before I have to go in public or sit down with all my friends (who would probably like my beard.) My wonderful wife said: "go for it,"but, I'll probably shave it off in September.

In my thirties I had a beard and mustache. five years later my mustache (not my beard) went from black to gray. One day I decided to take a black mascara pencil and cover the gray. It looked great until one day, at work, I sneezed and took a Kleenex to wipe my runny nose. That day I walked into the lunch room and everybody started laughing at me because half my mustache was gray and the other half was black.

A few years later the beard and mustache went all gray. The hair, on the top of my head, was still brown, but the gray beard and mustache looked ridiculous. I decided to shave the beard and mustache off. Now, my hair is all gray/white. Since I'm house bound and not going out to visit friends, family or our bar friends, I've Decided To Grow A Beard no matter what it's going to look like.

What are you doing at this time? Maybe it's time to try something new. Young people should try changing their appearance. Older people should try changing their appearance. For example:

1- Young people should buy a suit and tie and see how you look in it. Your day in Corporate America might be coming (unless you go into the high-tech field).

2- Women who can't go to a hair dresser, should think about trying the products over the counter. You might find out that for way too many years, you've been spending $100 instead of spending $10 at your local CVS. 

3- Older women who can't go to a hair dresser, should think about trying to go natural (letting your hair grow out). What do you have to lose? When this virus is over (and it will be), you can always go back to your favorite hair dresser and change it back (in two/three months). I have an older friend who decided to let her tinted brown hair to go back to her natural color (gray) and she never looked better.

4- Men and women, it's time to go for a different look. Women and men get stuck in a look that they think has always looked good. Their hair styles have and still are from many, many years past. Most of them don't really look good to their friends, families, and significant others, who have never said anything all these years.

5- Men especially, never change their looks and their significant others hated the way they looked, but never said anything. This is the time to experiment. Men, change your fu.king clothes (Amazon and others have many to pick from). I'm sure your significant other will help you. She or He probably wanted you to look differently for many, many years, but never said so because they thought you might get mad.

My Ellen changed my look many years ago. I went from John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever to someone who looked like a normal (and good looking) 45-year-old.  

I know I'm being wild and crazy, but if you're ever going to try something new,

 NOW IS THE TIME!

We Are All Going To Die - Sometime Anyway

We Are All Going To Die - Sometime Anyway

Do you remember the E Coli virus? This was an epidemic (not a pandemic), however many of us were scared to death that we would die. However, how many of you ever got an E-Coli vaccine? Not you or I unless we've decided to go to Africa. 

The AIDS virus was considered neither an epidemic nor a pandemic to the vast majority of the population, but it killed more Americans than the current Carnivorous. To the gay community, this was a pandemic. 

Then, when the scientists found that non-gay people (gay or not) could get AIDS, everyone was scared they might die. When that happened, it was only then when we invented an AIDS cocktail that could keep us alive. Today, there is still no vaccine for AIDS. Why, because stupid people still believe AIDS is a gay thing.

DEATH to the average guy or girl, is the current motivator for any major work to create a cure. This Virus is a killer. We all know it is, but, is it a bigger than the flu, heart disease and Cancer? The fact is, it is not. Sooo, why are we invested trillions of dollars to cure this virus and only millions to CURE the flu, heart disease or most important, CANCER.

My answer is simple, since We Are All Going To Die - Sometime Anyway, we have accepted that flu, heart disease and Cancer is a way of life. Somehow, we have convinced ourselves that it is more important to go to Mars than to cure CANCER. What does that tell us about our own society and our government?

We have all accepted that the flu has a major positive economic impact on our society. What if there was a cure for the flu? Think about the drug stores not having two selves filled with flu and cold medicines - the country would go into economic disaster. Think about the Pharmaceutical companies who would lose billions of dollars and the many employees who would lose their jobs?  This is what we, as a society, have accepted to stop us from dyeing since, We Are All Going To Die - Sometime Anyway.

Think about the impact on the medical community and the Pharmaceutical industry (in addition their employees) if no human ever got heart disease or Cancer? This would be an economic disaster.

This Virus will kill many. It has already become an economic disaster. I am happy that we are spending millions and trillions to get a cure, but, why has it come to this specific killer before we recognize that other killers like flu, heart disease and Cancer are the main cause of DEATH??

The answer is that, the Government and the major the major Corporations have convinced us that no matter what we do, 

We Are All Going To Die - Sometime Anyway

Forgiveness

Forgiveness

In this time when we are all stuck in our homes, contacting people we know today and in the past is important for your mental health. OK, but what about the people we don't like or has done bad things to us or has or stopped being friends for no apparent reason? The answer is:

Forgiveness

I know some people are assholes. I know it's against your principals to be the first one to call. I know that picking up the phone will be very hard. I know holding a grudge (like a dog with a bone) seems to be the right thing to do or the macho thing to do.  

I say, under normal circumstances, that may be acceptable to you, but these are not normal circumstances. These days, everybody needs somebody. These days everybody, including the ones you don't talk to, are in the same boat with you. Some of your ex-friends and/or ex-relatives are scared, depressed and really want to talk to anybody that will make them feel better. 

Sooo, why not try to contact them? What 's the worst that can happen? You may be really surprised at the result. You may even find out how good it feels to practice:

 Forgiveness

Will Life Ever Be Back To Normal

Will Life Ever Be Back To Normal

I you are one of a few people who believe this Virus will last forever and most of us will die, get on an anti-depressant ASAP. If you believe life will never be the same, talk to someone who can help you through this.

The fact is that life is going to be like it is today for longer than the Government is telling you. When the Government says that we should hit the peak of this virus by the summer, that does not mean that life will go back to normal by the summer. Peak does not mean OVER. Peak means that we will still have to be diligent and protect ourselves.

OVER means that nobody is infected and nobody is a carrier. I believe that since there will not be a shot you can get until next year, it will take until the end of 2020 to get back to normal. However, what is normal anymore?

By September, some stores will be open that are not open now. By September, there will be a sports page in the newspaper longer than one page because some sports will be happening with or without fans. By September, you will be able to go to your doctor for a normal check-up or a normal flu or an everyday ache and pain. By September, hospitals will have all the things they need to heal the sick. By September, stores will have plenty of paper products and canned foods.

By November, we will be able to go to a restaurant and a bar (hooo-ray). By November we will have the family over for Thanksgiving. By November we will be ready for the Christmas season and shopping on Black Friday. By November, that stock market will have recovered and most people will be back to work.

By December life will be close to what it was before this outbreak. However, there will still be crazy people that believe the world is coming to an end. Some, that were not depressed before the Virus, will still be depressed. We will still be careful hugging and kissing friends and family. A friendly handshake to someone you meet at your local bar, will probably still be an elbow bump. 

This Will Be The New Normal

People, I don't know about you, but I can live with the new normal. It's a hell of a lot better than it is today.

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before

Ellen hasn't killed me - yet.  Monday marks two weeks we have be self-quarantined. I have a feeling we have eight or more weeks to go - UGH!!!!!! We haven't seen our friends for two weeks and may not see them until this is over - phone calls just don't cut it.  

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before. 

Even though we're retired, we were still going out of the house most of the time. I miss going to the gym and shopping. Ellen and I miss going to breakfast on the weekends and out to dinner two to three days a week. We both miss our friends at our bar. 

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before.

I can't imagine what it's like to have to be quarantined at home with young kids that can't go to school for so many weeks. I can't imagine what it's like to have financial worries because of this situation. I can't imagine what it's like to lose your job because of no fault of you own or anybody else. I can't imagine what it's like to worry about toilet paper.

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before

Some think that with couples being home all day long that we will have a baby boom after this is over. I'm more concerned that many more people will get depressed and very unhappy if this goes on for many months. The fact is, the more we worry the more depressed we will get. Who could blame us if we worry?

We Have Never Experienced Anything Like This Before

I have to remind myself that this will be over in the NEAR future. I have to remind myself that three months is not a lifetime. I have to remind myself that America and other Countries will come out of this at least as good as we were or better when it's over.

Is there any good news? I believe so. 

We will have a vaccine and next year's flu season will be milder than many other years, because we now know how to protect ourselves. Hospitals and Doctors will be well equipped to handle this Virus and others that may come, because the two trillion dollars will supply them with the means to deal with something like this in the future. We will know now that something like this can happen and we will never get caught off guard and unprepared again. 

We Will Never Experience Anything Like This Again

To me, the good news is:

We Will Never Have To Worry About Toilet Paper Ever Again

The Virus

The Virus

First, I hope all of my readers throughout the eleven countries that read my blogs are in good health. 

In all my years I have never been involved in the disruption this Virus has had on me and so many others. Currently, my wife and I are staying in our house. We take a walk every day for about an hour, but other than that, we are finding things to keep us busy while staying indoors. It's not just our choice, there isn't any place to go - everything is closed. Amazon, Costco, Target and Walmart are our on-line friends.

I don't know about you, but I'm planning on life as we currently know it, to be this way until the summer. That's four to five months from now - UGH! However, placing blame is anti-productive. Getting angry or frustrated is anti-productive. Being scared, being depressed or thinking the world is going to end is bad for your health. Believing you're going to get through this in a few months is good for your health.

Financially this is a very bad situation for many, many people. However, if we all take care of our health and do the things the scientists are telling us to do, we will recover and come back strong.

I suggest, instead of watching negative news all day, call or video call the people who make you happy. Take this time to do some of the things you felt you never had the time to do. Forget your diet or other things you do that you really don't like doing, and nurture yourself. By the summer everything will be back to normal.

We are a people that have gone through many hard times and come out the other end as good or better. As hard as it might be;

Now Is The Time To Love Life Even More Than Before

Cause Someday Never Comes

Cause Someday Never Comes

I can count on both hands the number of people, who know that I have published five books, say that Someday they will write a book. I know that will never happen Cause Someday Never Comes. How many times have YOU said I'm going to do this or that Someday? YOU know that's not true Cause Someday Never Comes. 

When the hell IS Someday? I say, Someday is a day a person chooses to make them feel better. Someday is a day that a person wants to do something special or interesting or something they always wanted to do. The reality is, they know deep down that Someday Will Never Come, but it sure feels good to say it.

I challenged myself to commit to retiring at 62. I challenged myself to commit to writing my first book. I challenged myself to commit to doing a stand-up lecture at UCLA. I didn't say to anyone that Someday I'll do those things. I said I will do those things on a specific date in time. I believe I accomplished those things because I didn't fantasize that I would do those things Someday - Cause Someday Never Comes.

It's nice to dream. It's nice to fantasize. It's great to know the thing(s) you really want to do and say it out loud to yourself and others. If saying those things helps get you through life then go for it. However, how many of us feel disappointed at ourselves:

Cause Someday Never Comes.

Why Do We Laugh When Someone Falls Down

Why Do We Laugh When Someone Falls Down

Monkeys laugh their asses off when another Monkey falls down. I guess, Humans get it from the Monkeys. Old time comedy movies (i.e. Charles Chaplin) and Vaudeville shows always have skits where someone falls down and it gets big laughs. Jerry Lewis always got laughs from falling down.

Our brain has evolved from Jesters in Roman times. Seeing the Jesters fall down and especially if they hurt themselves, made the Romans laugh out loud. Allen Funt of Candid Camera made a living on the TV show by getting us to laugh at people smashing into things, falling down, falling off high places, etc. etc. Me and my Grandmother's favorite "The Three Stogies" had us peeing in our pants by beating the shit our of each other.

Today we don't laugh so easily when someone we know falls and gets hurt (politically correct). Because of that there aren't many of those shows left. Now, we laugh at butt jokes and fart jokes. A huge laugh will always happen when someone gets a pie in the face (can you spell Soupy Sales).

Sooo, why did the brain from higher species and Humans, evolve to laugh at those stupid things? Many theories exist:

"Reacting with laughter when we see someone fall down might just naturally be in our brains. Some neurologists suggest the presence of mirror neurons — neurons that fire inside an observer’s brain that mirror those of someone else performing an action — could make us feel as if we are the ones that are falling or acting silly. Our brains recreate the brain activity of the person who’s actually falling and provoke us to laugh."

"The more psychological distance from publically humiliating situations we have, the more likely we are to laugh out loud. In a 2010 study, psychologist Peter McGraw at the University of Colorado explains seeing others getting hurt is funny when the viewer doesn’t feel empathy for the victim. The guys on shows like Jackass always get hurt, yet this is highly comedic because we distance ourselves from them and don’t empathize with their shenanigans. Meanwhile, if we know the victim, these misfortunes aren't at all funny. Here, closeness increases feelings of threat and insecurity because we simply become too close for comfort."

My theory is that the stress of living (especially in the world today) requires the brain to get some relief. Laughing is a fabulous release. Laughter is the elixir of a good life. If the brain ran out of laughter;

We All Would Be Taking Prozac

Politics Can Ruin A Friendship

Politics Can Ruin A Friendship

In my fifty five years as a voting adult, I don't remember the United States more divided regarding politics. Maybe it's because I have CRS (Can't Remember Shit), but it just seems we have separated into two camps.

Within those two camps we have divided opinions as to what's right for America. Most Republicans are more focused on the hard RIGHT (heavy fiscal agenda - not much social agenda). The Democrats are all over the map. Some want a Socialist agenda and some want a middle agenda and a few have an agenda that I still don't understand.

The two candidates that are pushing for a Socialist's agenda have me the most afraid. Their "take from the rich and give to the poor" agenda will raise the current unbelievable American Deficit from 10 Trillion to more than three times that amount. In their speeches they say that America is the richest Country in the World, sooo, America can afford their agenda. The facts are that if they spend what they are planning to spend and create a huge Government Bureaucracy, America WILL NO LONGER BE THE RICHES COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.

Me personally, I'm a fiscal Republican and a social Democrat. I guess, I'm a middle of the roader guy. I believe we can help Brown, Black, Poor People and Women, without spending 60 Trillion dollars. I believe a middle roader can keep the current economy running at the current good level. 

You might think that my agenda would be well received by most and especially my friends - WRONG! It seems that people, including my friends, want to take a hard line regarding their agenda and don't have much tolerance for any other agenda.

Sooo, what's the solution? Well, after have battles with two of my good friends, I've come to the conclusion that there will be no more discussions regarding politics. I've decided this divided country is not going to force me to lose the friendships with the people I care about.

America will do what it's always done. We will select a President and a Congress. If their agenda screws up America, the American people will vote them out and recover from anything they may have screwed up. America has done this many times in its history.

Politics Can Ruin A Friendship - Just Don't Let It

Poverty In America

Poverty In America

Today, I had a very interesting talk with my friend and trainer, Vince Brown. Vince is heavily involved in Black History Month. Vince is black and a Republican so he can see both sides of the equation. His posts say things (IMO) that I haven't heard from anyone else on the subject. If you're interested Google Vince Brown.

What Vince and I discussed today was Poverty In America. It was a fabulous discussion and I gave some input for him to think about. What I'm about to say is only my opinion, but one I feel strongly about.

The highest level of Poverty In America comes from the inter-city and depressed rural areas. My beloved ex-boss, Jose, taught me that: "words have Meaning." Sooo, as soon as we white folks hear "inter-city" we think of black people. The term really means any people of color and some whites, who are affected by the poverty and the depressed nature of the inter-city

We think the depressed rural area people are rednecks (stupid white people). Not true. Yes, depressed rural area people are mostly white, but most of them are not "stupid white people." 

The facts are that both depressed inter-city and depressed rural area people have many common traits. One, they lack education from both the school system and their parents (who never got the education they deserve). Second, most of the kids caught up in this depression, don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. Once, someone or anyone believes that they will never have a chance to a better life, they turn to all kinds of bad behavior that solidifies their status in life. 

Therefore, as the saying goes: "what goes around, comes around." It's a vicious cycle that has been going on way too long. 

Some would say that "these people" need to break that cycle on their own. Well, try that someday when you believe there is no way out and your friend just got gunned down last week. Some believe that "these people" are happy to be in gangs, selling drugs and don't care about community. Some believe that criminal activity is a product of their genes. Some believe that "these people" are too stupid to learn something new. Some believe that if the Government gives them money (food stamps, money for having more and more babies, etc., etc.), they will just spend it on drugs and crime. 

I choose to believe none of that is true. I choose to believe that people (especially kids) in that situation want a better life, but don't have the means to make it happen. I choose to believe that there are masses amount of untapped brain power in these communities.

Sooo, what can we do? The truth is that the Government free money programs have not worked and the bad people are making it hard for the good people. The truth is that these Government programs have not changed the dynamics. We need a much better solution and I'm going to give you a few.

IMHO, education is the building block to fix this problem. The Politicians say that we need to give more money to the schools, we need to have more and better teachers and we need to pay teachers more money. IMO, all that sounds good, but doesn't solve the core of the problem. 

As a marketeer, I learned quickly you have to give people what they want. You also, have to give people something that will greatly enhance their chance to have a better life. What is that thing - JOBS? Well how are these kids and adults going to get JOBS when they are not trained to do so.

Let's start with, where are the JOBS. Just two (of many) fields have so many needs for America (and around the world) - Hi-Tech Engineers and family doctors. The government and industry are dying to get their hands on anyone who can create AI, create robots, create and fix software problems, solve Climate Change problems, High-Tech used in the Medical field and create applications and tools to better the human experience. These JOBS are in the millions and currently we are importing the talent needed from Japan, India and even the Arab nations. 

The Japanese realized long ago that High-Tech Engineering was a way to create JOBS and a better the economy. India suffered from poverty. They didn't have home grown resources like Oil. A very smart Indian leader, told his people that the way to economic success was to focus on education in the High-Tech fields and Doctors. Even the new leader of Saudi Arabia has decided to fund more education in High-Tech Engineering and Doctors to fend off the countries reliance in Oil.

Sooo, I propose, we tap the untapped brain power of the inter-city kids and the depressed rural areas. How should we do that? Our schools should get Government money to give kids and adults their chance for these jobs. I propose that 50% of a school's budget should be spent on special classes in High-Tech Engineering and math. Teaching history is nice, but where are the jobs. Also, anyone interested in history can get all they want from the internet. 

We don't need critically needed teachers teaching classes that don't lead to real JOBS for kids and adults that need and want to get out of their depressed situation. I'm not saying we should scrap all other classes, but our priorities should be focused on where the JOBS are. I believe a 50%+ priority for Hi-Tech is appropriate.  

We need to give High-Tech "Lay" teachers enough money so they will want to teach these kids and adults. We need to create schools and universities that have all the necessary needs and High-Tech equipment to create these classes. IMO, every inter-city and Rural area kid should be on a computer at five years old.

Who is going to pay for all this? It's clear it has to come from the Local and Federal Government. Where will they get the money? Give me a break. These efforts are peanuts in a multi-trillion dollar budget. Going to the Moon and Mars one year later will pay for the whole thing. Also, the savings from getting people out of poverty and into the workforce, will probably pay back for at least half of that budget.

Well, what about Doctors? States are having a very hard time getting more Doctors. There are tens of thousands of job openings in that field. Yes, we could use more specially Doctors (like surgeons, ENT Doctors, etc.), but the real needed JOBS are in Family Medicine Doctors. The inter-city and Rural area people can solve this problem. People with means, want to be Plastic Surgeons or Dermatologists because that's where the money is. Those people can afford to go to school for eight or more years to learn their trade. People from poverty will accept less wealth to get a great job healing everyday family people. 

OK, how do we do that? I propose, teaching basic medicine in High School (using High-Tech methods). I propose we limit the number of years to become a Family Doctor to four years of college. What am I nuts? I don't think so. 95% of the people that go to a Family Doctor go because they have the flu, a pain they don't know why it's happening, A wound that needs treatment, A blood test to look at their vitals, solutions for diabetes, etc. etc.. 

These are not rocket science solutions. In four years, schools should be able to give future Family Doctors enough education and tools along with a year or two apprenticeship with an experienced Family Doctor to make them qualified. Lastly, the Government could and should make Doctor medical insurance affordable for new Family Doctors coming on the scene. 

Lastly, Colleges should allow entry to inter-city and Rural area students that don't have the grades (or clout) to get scholarships as long as they have had High School experience in High-Tech engineering or Medicine. Also, the Government should give low cost college loans to students who want to work in these fields. These loans should be removed after the student is in the field after two years.

Again, where is the money coming from? Again, give me a break. Becoming the worlds leader in the High-Tech Engineering fields and having the best Doctors to help the people, should be enough to find the money in the bloated Federal Budget.

These are my suggestions on how America can fix:

Poverty In America.

The Keto Diet

The Keto Diet

Our friends from Carolina came to spend time with us last week. They have been on a Keto diet for over a year and have lost a lot of weight. Ellen and I wanted to lose five plus pounds and have tried many different diets to no avail. Sooo, we decided to try Keto.

Keto is a very lo-carb, almost no sugar and high protein diet. The diet sounds easy - it's not. The diet forces you to buy everyday foods at three times the price of regular foods. However, eating meats, fish and fatty foods (no carbs or sugar) has its advantage. 

I love eating cheese - especially blue cheese. I love spreading as much mayonnaise as I want on my everything. I love eating salted nuts - especially macadamia nuts. I love eating blueberries and avocados (which are the only fruits you can eat on this diet). Their are some vegetables you can't eat, but many you can eat.

What's the downside? 

First, this diet is a cholesterol surprise. I hope I lose the weight before my heart stops. Second, the diet forces you to find everyday foods that are lo-carb and almost no sugar. Try going to most supermarkets and find lo-carb cereal, lo-carb no sugar bagels, no sugar ketchup, no sugar peanut butter, lo-carb no sugar chips (you can have all the salt you want), etc., etc. I had to go online to get many of the things I can eat.

One last downside, you have to be very careful going off this diet because you can gain the weight back quickly. Best to stay on the diet and cheat sometimes.  

Does the diet work? 

Our friends swear by it and have lost all the pounds they wanted. They say they have more energy and are happier. The diet says it takes a month for you to see great results. We have been on it for four days and have lost two pounds.

Sooo, if you want to lose weight and don't mind eating some foods that taste like shit;

Go On The Keto Diet

Life Is About Time Spent

Life Is About Time Spent

I've written about Time in many of my blogs because I believe it is the most precious thing we have. Oh sure, almost everyone would say that good health is the most precious thing we have. I agree health is critical, but what good is good health if you just ignore the amount of Time you have on this earth.

This blog is not about how long a Time a person can live, it's about Time Spent. We all squander Time every day. We say: "I'll do that tomorrow." We say: "I'll make that difficult decision sometime in the future." We say: "I know I need a vacation, but I just have too much work to do." We say: "I really want to try "this" but I just don't have the Time."

Kobe Bryant lived a life we all would have loved to have. Kobe Bryant made the most of the Time he had. Kobe Bryant believed Life Is About Time Spent. He would have made even more of his Time if it didn't end at 41. 

Now is the Time for you to think about Time Spent. Now is the Time to consider doing something different with your Time. Now is the Time to consider how you're spending your Time. Now is the Time to realize that;

We All Are Running Out Of Our Precious TIME