The Elixir In Life Is New Experiences

 The Elixir In Life Is New Experiences

As a child almost everything is a new experience. As a teenager most everything is a new experience. Then we get a job and some of us get married and some of us have children. The job is a new experience until it's not. Marriage is a new experience until it's not and the kids are a new experience until they are not.

Why does that happen? It's because we let it happen. Some of us don't look for new experiences in our job. We wake up at the same time, we get to the job the same time, we do the same work every day and we go home at the same time every time. We allow and accept that boring routine. If you really want a new experience, take the risk and change jobs. At least, eat a different lunch every day.

Why does marriage get to be the same every day? It's because we stop asking questions of each other. I'm with Joyce for over three years and I'm still learning about her family and her previous life. She is doing the same as me. Yes, we have our routine, but we experience different foods, different places to travel and different movies and shows to experience.

The kids, well, that should be a different experience every day they are growing up. Even when they are all grown up, spend time experiencing what their life has become. 

Now, what about your life? Have you accepted life as it is? Are you doing anything to get new experiences? Living life is not about how long you can last. Living life is not about existing. Living life is about many things. The one I decided to choose today is:

The Elixir In Life Is New Experiences

Dick Gregory

 Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory was the first political comic. He spent his life and his career trying to wake-up America, through his comedy, on the racism in America in the 60s and 70s. I just watched his documentary. He had so many things to say that I agree with. One of his sayings, that has nothing to do with racism, really hit home for me.

"in order to appreciate happiness, you have to experience sadness. In order to appreciate health, you have to experience sickness and disease."

The first line is so true to me. I so appreciate my life today after all the sadness I experienced in my life. I've been sad and happy throughout my life. True happiness usually happens after a great sadness in my life. Losing Ellen and then finding Joyce is a great example.

I've been healthy almost all of my life. A cold here and there was my only health problem. Sooo, until February 2025, I really didn't appreciate my health. February 2025, I got COVID pneumonia. It was really bad and I believe it had a lot to do with my heart surgery in September and my long-lasting pneumonia plus acid reflux in April 2026.

I'm on the mend now, however, I really appreciate feeling somewhat healthy again. When I'm back to being Kenny again, I will never underestimate my appreciation for my health. 

OK, what about you. It would be rare for anybody not to have experienced sadness or health problems in their life. The question is has this sadness and health problems got you to appreciate the happiness when the sadness and health problems have ended. I hope so.

Mental Health

 Mental Health

When we think of health, it's usually about physical health. We assume we are healthy mentally unless we have a mental disorder. What I learned was that assumption is not true. We all go through times in our life when our mental health is either not so good or has changed over time.

I'm a good example. As a young kid, I was happy and mentally healthy. When I started working, I became scared that I would not be good enough. My mental state was fear. However, I was very good at my job, and the fear went away. Then I got married to the wrong woman. I was so unhappy, my mental state became anger and depression.

After the divorce I was happy again and mentally healthy. Then, again, I married the wrong woman. That divorce brought out the worst of my mental state. I was fearful, angry and felt out of control. My life was shit until I met Bob and then My Ellen. 

My mental state was very healthy until Ellen died suddenly of a heart attack. Because of the teaching and the mental tools Bob gave me, I didn't fall into anger or depression, but a new mental state for me was loneness. 

That lasted until I met Joyce. Now, even with all my current health challenges, I'm happy, loving life and Joyce. My mental health is great.

Sooo, what about you. In my opinion, mental health is just or maybe even more important than your physical health. Poor mental health will have a negative impact on your physical health. If your mental health is not great, figure out why, change what you can change and/or get help.

The Future

 The Future

I've always said that I don't fear death, however, when I dye, I will feel sad that I won't be able to see it all. Being someone that loves technology, I know that the future will be driven by technology. The person that still has an old flip phone is someone that rather live in the past than the future.

The person that can't wait for the latest technology advancement (like Joyce's daughter), is someone that can't wait for the future. The people that fear AI will be a disaster for mankind, really don't understand how benefitable it will be for mankind in the future.

At 17 I couldn't wait until I could afford a car. Being able to drive was thrilling. At 81, the bloom is off the rose. I don't want to drive long distances and I really hate driving at night. Sooo, I can't wait until I can buy a self driving car.

The future will bring unbelievable capabilities to the human body. Artificial limbs to make a handicap person have a normal life.  If Christopher Reeves were alive in the future, he would be able to fly again. Seeing hearing and being able to control ones limbs with their minds, will benefit many people in the future

The world will get smaller. Airplanes will get us from Los Angeles to London in three hours, Communicating with someone that doesn't speak your language will be easy with a small device. AI will make all communication easier. Drugs will come on the market much faster. 

I could go on and on, however there will always be those who see the future in negative terms. AI will replace all human jobs. Just remember all technology advancement has replaced jobs. On the other hand, it has created new jobs. Humans will adapt (except those who are afraid of the future and have a flip phone). 

AI will control the world without humans. The way I see it, that's up to the humans. I trust us as human beings to make sure we don't create a world like the negative movies that depict a negative future. Technology will create wars. I can't see it creating more wars then we are experiencing today. As a matter of fact, technology, will have less humans dying in a war.

Sooo, for those of you who are afraid of the future, Embrace it or fall behind. Love it because it will make your life better. Be real because you can't stop it.

Dirty Laundry

 Dirty Laundry

Another one of my favorite songs from Don Henley

"Dirty Laundry"

I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something
Something I can use
People love it when you lose
They love dirty laundry

Well, I coulda been an actor
But I wound up here
I just have to look good
I don't have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em all around

We got the bubble headed
Bleached blonde
Comes on at five
She can tell you 'bout the plane crash
With a gleam in her eye
It's interesting when people die
Give us dirty laundry

Can we film the operation
Is the head dead yet
You know the boys in the newsroom
Got a running bet
Get the widow on the set
We need dirty laundry

You don't really need to find out
What's going on
You don't really want to know
Just how far it's gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down
Kick 'em when they're stiff
Kick 'em all around

Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers
In everybody's pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry

We can do the innuendo
We can dance and sing
When it's said and done
We haven't told you a thing
We all know that crap is king
Give us dirty laundry

I hate to say it, but we do love Dirty Laundry. The people who spew negative gossip, get more attention than those who spew positive happenings. There are those of us that don't want to hear about Dirty Laundry, but we are the few not the majority.

Without Dirty Laundry, the media would go bankrupt. Without Dirty Laundry, some people would not have a life. Without Dirty Laundry, politicians would not be able to create attack ads. Without Dirty Laundry, some comedians would never get a laugh.

I've always stated that negative energy begets negative energy and positive energy begets positive energy. Sooo, I write and live my life with positive energy. However, I have to admit that I'm bombarded with negative energy that can be depressing. 

One way to not get depressed by the bad stuff that's going on at home and in the world is to enjoy the fun of Dirty Laundry. Yes, that's positive me saying Dirty Laundry can be fun. If given the negative information about life in America verses a celebrity caught cheating on his wife, I'm choosing the Dirty Laundry.

Love

Love

Love is a complex, multifaceted emotion and behavior characterized by deep affection, intense attachment, and an unselfish concern for the well-being of others. It spans a vast spectrum, from the profound and romantic to simple pleasures and universal compassion. 

Wow, is love really that complex? I believe it's more simple than that. I believe love has a few components that when exist, you have the best chance to experience true love.

* Falling in love. To me, that's all about sex, attraction and endorphins. Some people fall in love on their first date. Some fall in love on their first sexual encounter. Some fall in love just looking at a really good looking person. Some just love to fall in love. Falling in love is easy and may not last without the elements below.

* Respect. There is no love without respect. The more you know someone and what they are all about, the more you find out if they are respectful. If they respect others there is a good chance they will respect you. You can't fall in love with someone that does not respect you. On the other hand, it's easy to fall in love with someone you dearly respect and who really respects you.

* Moral compass. Anyone without a solid moral compass is not to be trusted. If they cheat, they will cheat on you. If they lie, they will lie to you. If they take advantage, they will take advantage of you. Loving someone with a great moral compass makes you feel safe and trusted.

* Caring. When you feel the person really cares about you, wants you to be successful, wants you to be happy, wants you to to get all you deserve in life, that's the person to fall in love with. It's a loving knowledge that the other person will be there for you.

* Feeling loved. Just saying "I love you" is not enough. You have to feel loved. Someone who truly loves you will show you that love in the way they act, in the way they treat you, in the way they talk about you and in the way they show you the respect, moral compass and caring.

OK sure, attraction and emotion is a part of love but I have learned that the elements I listed above are the best way to find and enjoy true love.

Making A Difference

 Making A Difference

Well, on my way to writing this blog, I got pneumonia that put me in the hospital for 10 days and under a doctor care for some months. Wow, have I been through a lot these last 12 months.

I have events and people in my life that have impacted my life. Two divorces have been the most impactful events in my life. However, it's the people that have the most impact. My father set my moral compass. My sessions with Bob changed my entire outlook in life.

Good friends who were there for me when I needed them the most impacted my life. Currently, Joyce is having the most positive impact on my life. These people have uplifted me and changed the direction my life has taken - all for the good.

I wish you all have had and are continued to have events and people having a positive impact on your life. 

This should be great, but something is missing. At 81 I'm thinking about did I make a difference? Maybe it's because I know life is short for me. Maybe it's because I'm insecure. Maybe it's because I'm somewhat depressed.

I've always been a problem solver. Not just for other people but for myself. As far as thinking about my days are short, I don't live that way. Every day I wake up I look forward to all the good stuff I have.

I've always been insecure about some things. If needing to know if I've made a difference is my insecurities, then I have to own it and accept it. If it has anything to do with been a little depressed because of all the medical stuff going on with me, I can talk that out with the people I love and trust - or just take a pill.

Is it just me or does everyone want to know if they've made a difference? I've never thought about that before. Maybe it's just what old people think about.

Wild Horses

Wild Horses

One of my favorite songs - oh that's right I have many favorite songs. That's because I listen to a lot of music. My rules are the song must have a beat. The blues has a beat, country music has a beat, rock and roll music always has a great beat, Black Eyed Peas Rap music has a beat, James Brown and Rick James Funky music has the best beat. Boy Band music not so much beat, Classical Jazz music some beat, Jimmy Hendrix music - just noise.

Ok, since I have a lot of music with a great beat to choose from what makes the song my favorite - rule number two - the lyrics. There are lines in songs that just hit home for me. Some are visual like the line in the song One Of A Kind by The Temptations that goes "she makes a blind man talk about seeing again." I can visualize how beautiful that woman must be just from that line.

Sooo, let's get to my today's favorite song "While Horses"

"Wild Horses" was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. While officially credited to the duo, Richards created the main melody and chorus in 1969, and Jagger wrote the verses, often noted as being influenced by his relationship with Marianne Faithfull. The song was famously recorded first by The Flying Burrito Brothers in 1970 before the Stones released their version on Sticky Fingers in 1971. 

Anyone who listened to that song knows It's a love song about a woman. The line that hits me the most is "

Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day

That line reminds me about love of life not just a woman. Look at me, Last year Wild Horses did everything they could to drag me away. Triple By-pass Heart surgery in September followed by Blood Cancer in October. 

Well here I am today. Joyce and I are on those Wild Horses and not just riding them some day, we're riding them today. 

If Wild Horses are dragging your love of life away. I suggest you ride them out to a better conclusion, or you say: "I'm mad as hell and I going to change what's taking that love of life from me." If you do one of those things, I promise you will ride those Wild Horse Some Day.

Days Like This

 Days Like This

One of my favorite songs by Van Morrison: Days Like This

When it's not always raining there'll be days like this
When there's no one complaining there'll be days like this
When everything falls into place like the flick of a switch
Well my mama told me there'll be days like this

When you don't need to worry there'll be days like this
When no one's in a hurry there'll be days like this
When you don't get betrayed by that old Judas kiss
Oh my mama told me there'll be days like this

When you don't need an answer there'll be days like this
When you don't meet a chancer there'll be days like this
When all the parts of the puzzle start to look like they fit
Then I must remember there'll be days like this

When everyone is up front and they're not playing tricks
When you don't have no freeloaders out to get their kicks
When it's nobody's business the way that you wanna live
I just have to remember there'll be days like this

When no one steps on my dreams there'll be days like this
When people understand what I mean there'll be days like this
When you ring out the changes of how everything is
Well my mama told me there'll be days like this

Oh my mama told me

hay, anybody reading this blog have Days Like This? Maybe just a few times in my life. It sure feels good just to think about it. We came from primates. For self preservation, primates always looked over their shoulder. They always expected something to go wrong in a day.

We're not that different. We look for something to go wrong. We have trouble accepting and feeling happy when nothing goes wrong. They call it "human Nature." If nothing is going wrong with us, we have plenty of bad news news to take away from our Days Like This day.

That's why I play Morrison's song over and over again. Here's a suggestion, when you have a Days Like This day write it down and put it in a special place. Sooo, whenever you don't have a Days Like This day, go to your special place and remember the feeling. Of course, if your having a really bad day you can always play Morrison's song.

Passion

 Passion

One of my favorite songs, Passion, sung by Rod Stuart, reminds me of a need to never lose. Here are a just few bars:

[Pre-Chorus]
New York, Moscow (Passion)
Hong Kong, Tokyo (Passion)
Paris and Bangkok (Passion)
A lotta people ain't got (Passion)
Hear it in the radio (Passion)
Read it in the papers (Passion)
Hear it in the churches (Passion)
See it in the schoolyards (Passion)

[Bridge]
Alone in your bed at night (Passion)
It's half past midnight (Passion)
As you turn out your sidelight (Passion)
Something ain't right (Passion)
There's no passion, there's no passion
There's no passion, I need passion
You need passion, we need passion
Can't live without passion
Won't live without passion
Can't live without passion

[Outro]
Even the president needs passion
Everybody I know needs some passion
Some people die and kill for passion
Nobody admits they need passion
Some people are scared of passion
Yeah, passion

Those last few lines really hit home with me. "Even the President needs passion." Oh, how I wish he had some. "Everybody I know needs passion." A lot of people love things, but do they have a passion for anything? "Some people die and kill for passion." Although everybody needs passion, it's sad to note that a terrorist has passion.

"Nobody admits they need passion." Too many people go through life without being passionate about anything. I say, "life without passion is half a life. "Some people are scared of passion." I never knew my dad to be passionate about anything - on the other hand he had a lot of barriers. I believe being passionate about anything was too scary for him because when growing up everything was always taken from him (including his parents).

I have many passions. Everything from life itself to football. I love it when I see the passion in others. Watching my cousin Steve's love for his music, puts a smile on my face. Joyce and I love each other, but we are also passionate about the health and happiness of each other.

What about you? What are your passions? Do you have many or any? Do you believe it's important to be passionate? Let me repeat, Life Without Passion Is Half A Life!!!

Rags To Riches

 Rags To Riches

Poor people are happier than rich people. This is a myth I grew up with. I guess that myth was stated because poor people wanted to feel better about themselves. I never heard rich people say that, but I didn't know any rich people. 

Many movies have a rags to riches theme. The usual plot is that after becoming rich the poor person does not become happier. In some movies just the opposite becomes true. In the movie "Trading Places" the rich guy loses everything, becomes miserable and then get it all back and becomes even happier than he was when he was rich - only in the movies!

Of course, all of this is just fantasy. Given the choice, who would vote to be poor over being rich? It sucks to be poor. Life is much harder when you're poor. Life choices are much more difficult when you're poor. Rich people have a lot more going for them than poor people. Financial security is important to everyone. Living a life without financial security is scary.

Sooo, are rich people happier than poor people? The answer to that question is - it depends. If you've never been poor, how would you know the answer. How a poor person describes happiness is probably different than how a rich person describes happiness. Going from rags to riches depends on what a person decides to do with their new found wealth. Also, how a poor person describes rich might be different than how a rich person describes rich.

I believe there is something to be said for growing up poor and deciding what to do when you wind up with more money you thought you would ever have. Me personally, if I hit the lottery for many, many millions, my first thought would not be what new car I would buy, but what family/friend I would help out. 

However, that being said, I have financial security in my life and only make decisions with my money that makes me happy. Who knows what I would spend my money on if I was dirt poor. In my first book, I wrote a line that stated, "at ten I was poor, but I was having fun." Today, reading about the struggles of really poor people, I realize I was never poor. 

Yes, we didn't have much money, but we did have food to eat, air to breathe and shelter. Now I realize, there are many people who don't have enough food to eat and shelter. Rich to them is more about security than happiness. I can't even imagine what those people would do if they went from rags to riches. I can't even imagine what they would consider happiness.

As I always ask, "what about you?" Are you poor or rich? How do you define poor vs. rich? Are you happy with what you have? Would you be happier if you had more? What would you do if you had more? 

Money is not the root of all evil. Money is all about choices. Nobody reading my blogs are really poor so It's important to think about if you are making the right choices. If your choices are making yourself and or others happier, those are the right choices. 

Pain

Pain

When we think about pain we usually refer to physical pain. However, there are other kinds of pain. Emotional, mental, psychological just to name three. I have run the gambit on all kinds of pain.

I've had a bad back since my early twenties. This year alone, I've had three procedures to help with the toothache that goes down my left leg. I've had emotional pain losing my dad to Parkinson's disease and losing My Ellen unexpectedly. The worst pain I've ever had was the mental and phycological pain from my second divorce.

Each and every time I've gotten on the right side of my pain. Want to know how? Well, A  little help from my friends, loved ones, Bob. and a strong desire to love life. 

The toothache in my left leg gets a little better after each procedure. However, I've accepted that pain is my way of life. I'm in a positive emotional groove because of My Joyce. My mental and phycological well being is great because of my family and friends. Nobody is pressing my buttons because I got rid of all my buttons. BTW, I'm doing all this without the help of drugs.

My pain doctor always asks me, " from a scale of one to ten, what is your pain level." Sooo, I'm asking you the same question. Is physical pain, emotional pain mental pain and/or phycological pain getting you down? Is any kind of pain you have impacting your happiness? 

If the answer is no, you are one of the very few. If the answer is yes, I can only give you my suggestion;

Love Life So Much That You Are Willing To Say To Yourself - Fu.k That Pain.

All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love

Everybody knows the song, All You Need Is Love by the Beatles.

There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy

Nothing you can make that can't be made
No one you can save that can't be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love

All you need is love
All you need is love
All you need is love, love
Love is all you need

Nothing you can know that isn't known
Nothing you can see that isn't shown
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be
It's easy

All you need is love

I am someone who has lots of love in my life. Wife, family and friends have love for me. The most important part is that I have love for myself. Having all that love makes it easy for me to love back. 

I was brought up with love. Mom, Dad and friends all loved me and I loved them back. I had a few bumpy years where I felt unloved by others, but loving myself got me through the worst of times.

Some people love themselves, but don't love others the way they love themselves. Some people don't have love for anybody. I can only assume that those people don't love life. Some people show their love in different ways. Those people are sometimes misunderstood.

I feel bad for some who have not grown up with love. I can understand why they have many barriers. My dad didn't grow up with love in his life and therefore had lots of barriers. It was hard for him to give physical love (like a hug), but I could see his love for me in his eyes.

I believe the more you love, the more love you'll get back. It's hard, but letting down your barriers, will allow others to love you even more. I believe in loving people even though you might not get the love you hope for and deserve, back.

These are hard times. Hard times are when you need to put as much love you can into your heart. Hard times are when you need to love others as much as you can. I promise if you do as I suggest, you will have lots of love in your life.

Remember, to be a happy person All You Need Is Love.

Don't Let This War Get You Down

 Don't Let This War Get You Down

I know a few people who are really happy we've gone to war with Iran. I also know many people who are upset we've gone to war with Iran. Personally, I'm confused.

Iran's leadership (not the majority of it's people), are radical people. They are a threat to not only Israel, but the United States and any other country that supports Israel. The world should never let them have nuclear weapons.

Our current administration got out of the nuclear treaty with Iran. I believe they did so because Israel was concerned Iran would cheat and find a way to make nuclear weapons even though the treaty required inspections.

Maybe Israel is right. And if so, they have a legitimate reason to do what ever it takes to prevent Iran from getting those weapons. This administration stated America got into this war because Israel was going to war with Iran. That does not make sense to me.

Sooo, to be clear, in my opinion this is Israel's war not America's war. Sooo, even though I agree Iran are bad guys, why not let Israel take out their nuclear threat. I would love Israel to win, but what's it my business? That's why I'm confused.

For those people who are unhappy we are in this war (including me), Don't Let This War Get You Down. Don't try to persuade the war happy people we should end this war. It will only make you more frustrated. 

Stop talking with like minded people about this war because negative energy will only bring more negative energy. Stop listening to war reports, because none of it will be good news. I always keep my focus on the wonderful life I have. With the years I have left, I'm not going to let bad news take away my happiness.

This war WILL end!! Soooo, Don't Let it Get You Down. 

Death-What Is It Good For-Absolutely Nothing

 Death-What Is It Good For-Absolutely Nothing

No one dies of old age. If we're lucky to live very, very long, we die of something. The heart gives out, the kidneys give out, the lungs give out etc.. Sooo, let's face it, we are all going to die. 

Why do we die. The scientists say our cells break down. They can't reproduce like they did when we were younger. Their internal mechanisms fall apart. In cancer just the opposite happens. The cells multiply faster than they should causing tumors.

Scientists are working on how to slow the aging process. They're getting closer every day. What if they succeed? Well, if it gives us a few more years, that would be a good thing. If they give us hundreds of years, that would be a bad thing.

Could you imagine living hundreds of years. First, all the worlds resources would be depleted. You'll run out of money or at least the financial system would break down. You would run out of things to do with yourself. Sooo, although we don't like it, dying is not only a good thing, it's a necessary thing.

I'm 81. I've had open heart surgery. I have blood cancer. Yea, both are under control, but I'm not naive, I'm on the other side of this life. Sooo, why am I not concerned? It's my wonderful life. 

These years I've been living have been fabulous. I'm in love with my wife. I have friends that care about me. I have the financial ability to travel, eat good food, and live in a wonderful house. I don't want for anything. Sooo, if it all ended tomorrow, I would die with a smile on my face. 

For these reasons, I don't fear death. I care about the impact on my wonderful wife, but last years health events, got me to accept the inevitable. More than ever, I'm looking forward to each day's new adventures. Joyce and I have travel plans in the future. I think about that not if I'll be alive to go.

What about you? Do you think about dying? Do you fear death? Do you make decisions based on possibly dying in the future? Think about or maybe don't think about it. Because;

"Death-What Is It Good For-Absolutely Nothing"

Pessimist vs Optimist

 Pessimist vs Optimist

The book I'm reading has a line, "just because a ship is sailing in still waters, doesn't mean it's headed toward an iceberg."  That line reminded me of an old joke my father told me.

"Two kids come home from school when they see a lot of horse shit on the living room floor. One kid says, "when Dad comes home he is going to blame me." The other kid says, "I think dad bought us a pony."

Living a life as a pessimist is bad for your happiness and your health. Living life as an optimist is much better and will minimize your stress. However, to the extreme, both can be bad. There is nothing wrong with looking over your shoulder. It's ok to not take everything at face value. It's ok to consider what could go wrong. It's not ok to think everyone is out to get you or something will always go wrong.

On the other hand, It's not ok to believe everything will be perfect. Being a total optimist won't let you see a crash coming at you. Being a total optimist won't help you plan for a "what if."

My dad was a pessimist. Who could blame him growing up through the depression years. My mom was a cock-eyed optimist. Probably why they got along. I was more pessimist growing up, but that changed when I became more secure within myself. It's hard to be an optimist when you're insecure.

Sooo, who are you? A more balanced life is a happy life. Extreme pessimist vs optimist life is an unhappy life.

If I Became A US Dictator

If I Became A US Dictator

If I Became A US Dictator, the first thing I would do is lock-up Trump for his involvement with Epstein, the lawsuits against him, making America hated around the world and putting his face everywhere like the soviet dictators of the past. Then I would lock-up Vance because I don't trust him, he may be worse that Trump and he gives me the willies. Next I would lock-up the majority speaker because he will do anything Trump tells him to do.

Once that is done, I would give all candidates one month to run for the presidency. All media would be free and no contribution over $1000 would be allowed (if you cheat you go to jail). I would open many, many more polling places, allow all mail-in ballots and only driver license or passport required to vote. BTW, I and my team would not run for any office.

After the election, the president would have one month to pick a vice president and cabinet. The mid-term congressional elections would be held in August under the same media and finance rules.

I would fund and create an international group of scientists and companies to fast pace drugs to fight cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer. Next would be ALS. I would fund the trillions of dollars needed, but telling NASA you're going to delay going to Mars for five years. Believe me that would save trillions. Remember, people first - Mars second.

While all that is taking place, I would give Putin one week to stop all bombing. If he refuses, I would work with our European allies to put grave sanctions on Russia, bomb their oil and sanction any country doing business with them. He will threaten war, but he knows our military would take him out. Once the bombing stops, it's up to Ukraine to negotiate a peace.

I would give Iran one week to agree to a nuclear treaty on our terms. If they refuse, I would bomb the shit out of them. I would tell Israel there is going to be a Palestine state. If they refuse, I would stop all arm sales to them and cut all monies to them. 

I don't see China as a threat. I would stop all tariffs in six months. It's time we realize that China is ahead of us because of their investments in robotics and AI. We can compete with them as long as they don't give companies government help. American has to learn how to price compete. Robotics and AI is our solution. For stopping the tariffs, China has to reign in North Korea and give up on Taiwan.

Well, that's my list. Many of you would agree, many of you would disagree and many of you would say it can't be done even if you became a US dictator. Just don't hate me for my crazy opinion.

Are You Valued

 Are You Valued

Growing up I was valued. My mom and my dad Loved me, trusted me and valued me. My friends valued me, but my first wife did not. My kids, well, they were just kids. What the hell do very young kids know about valuing adults?

Work is where, I believe, I was valued the most. I was respected and liked. I gave respect without proof. However, if you lost my respect and trust, I never gave it back. We performed as a team and I acted as one of the team. The only difference was when a decision had to be made, I made it without pause.

My second wife valued me and I valued her, but we had other problems that led to divorce. My Ellen valued me and I valued her. We had a good run until she died. Now I'm 81 and feel the most valued. Joyce values me and I value her. We have a great love affair.

I didn't always feel valued. It wasn't about how others saw me, it was how I saw myself. After the second marriage fell apart, I was at my lowest. I didn't value me (I'm not even sure I liked me). Bob, got me to value myself once again.

What about you? Are you valued? Do your loved ones value you? Do your friends value you? Do YOU value you? If the answer is no to any of the above, get new friends or so called loves ones or get a Bob.

Sixth Sense

 Six Sense

Not all of us were born with five senses. The blind don't have sight. The delf don't have hearing. Events can cause us to lose other senses. A few people with COVID lost their sense of taste or smell. An accident could cause a person to lose their sense of touch. 

There are ways to overcome some of these problems. First the Brain. The human brain is a unbelievable organ. A person without sight can hear better than someone with sight. The loss of taste doesn't stop the brain from feeling hungry. 

Technology is helping the brain. An implant, behind the ear, can help the hearing impaired hear. Retina implants can increase the sight of someone with limited sight. A few companies are testing brain implants that someday will help people with no motor skills move their limbs. Due to technology, 20 years from now, the disabled will be enabled. 

The thing about the brain that's so interesting is we only use a small portion of it's capabilities. Many, many millions of cells and synapses (the electrical charge the brain uses to do it's magic) are there, but not used. I believe, either technology or evolution will someday open up those pathways.

When that happens, two things will occur. One, the five senses will be greatly enhanced. Super hearing and sight, limb sensitivity, taste and smell. Kind of like Superman. Second, the holly grail - Sixth Sense.

What that will be is a great question. The movie "The Sixth Sense" has a child saying to his parents: "I see dead people." The movie Inception, is about a dead person seeing the physical world through a third dimension. 

I choose to believe there is a Sixth Sense. I choose to believe that when I'm gone my energy is going to a third dimension. This is not about religion stuff like heaven and hell. This is not about a God looking over me. This is about a place where our current five senses can not conceive. I call it the Universe.

Being a computer scientist, I choose to believe there has to be something beyond what we can see, hear, touch, smell and taste. What about you? If there was a Sixth Sense, what do you think it would be?

Superstitions Horoscopes Fortune Cookies

 I sent this blog in 2013. Just for fun.

Superstitions  Horoscopes  Fortune Cookies

 

Superstition is a pejorative term for belief in supernatural causality: that one event leads to the cause of another without any natural process linking the two events

 

World Superstitions

 

The French believe that handling a loaf of bread upside-down or placing it upside-down on the table will brings hunger and bad luck to both the giver and the recipient.

 

Russia, There is a belief that unmarried people should avoid sitting at the corner of the table. They will find difficulties finding their life partner and will not get married.

One superstition held in Germany that if someone has difficulty dying, one may ease the process by lifting up three tiles on the roof.

 

In China, the colour white is associated with death/mourning. It is best to avoid sending invitations or flowers in white, money in a white envelopes are called 'pak kum' usually given to the family of the deceased to help with the funeral cost

 

In Japan, it is believed that you'll have a short life if you sleep at night with your head facing north. It is customary that Japanese corpses are laid with their head facing north during 'wake' ceremony.

 

Common superstitions

Beginner's luck

Don't walk under that ladder

Black cats crossing your path

A rabbit's foot will bring you luck

Bad luck comes in threes

Careful with that mirror

666

Knock on wood

Make a wish on a wishbone

Cross your fingers

No umbrellas inside

Friday the 13th

 

 

I'm not superstitious because I don't buy into the idea that supernatural causality where one event leads to the cause of another without any natural process linking the two events. What about you? What are your superstitions? Do you believe in them so strongly that you would control your life around them?

 

 

When walking down the street do you go around that ladder in front of you? I know you know that superstition is bullshit, but just to be sure, you avoid walking under that ladder. Your attitude is "who knows what could happen - I just don't want to give myself bad Juju.

 

 

How many of you keep something in your pocket or wallet that you believe will bring you good luck? How many of you have a money tree in your house? How many of you do everything you can to not break a mirror because you believe you'll have bad luck. How many of you buy into this fung-shway crap?

 

 

When I was young there was a superstition that when you're walking down the street you have to avoid stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk. The saying goes "step on a crack, break your mother's back." Could that superstition be any more stupid. I could go on and on with these ridiculous superstitions, but many believe in them.

 

 

The fact is that some people are paranoid about some superstitions. They actually let them have an impact on their lives and their happiness. Ask yourself, how the hell can a rabbit's foot or a coin bring you good luck? Do you really believe if you break a mirror or have a black cat run in front of you, you'll have bad luck? What the hell does a mirror or a black cat have anything to do with luck? As a matter of fact what the hell is luck? Believing in luck is probably the most insidious superstition of them all.

 

 

Shit happens all the time. You can't control the future no matter how much you plan for it. Superstitions are statement in the future. Sooo, if you can't control the future then how can a superstition which is based on hundreds or thousands of years of folklore, actually have an impact on your future. Get with it people, you know it's bullshit. However, just in case, maybe you should knock on wood if something good happens to you.

 

 

You now know how I feel about superstitions, how do you think I feel about Horoscopes and Fortune Cookies. If you said "bullshit" then you know me. I'm not talking about people who read your horoscope by learning about the date and time you were born or in what moon you were born into. I believe that's as much bullshit as someone reading your cards and telling you what happened in the past and what's going to happen in the future.

 

 

However, many people put their faith in these Soothsayers. Who am I to judge. Oh, that's right, I'm a normal thinking individual who doesn't believe in faith in the first place (see my previous blog titled "Faith."

 

 

When it comes to horoscopes, I'm talking about the ones in the newspaper or other media. Do you really believe that today is not a good day to try something new? Who are these horoscope writers talking about anyway? Are they talking about my 89 year old mother who is nothing like a close friend of mine who just happens to be born on the same day?

 

 

You can't really believe that the daily horoscope is correct for the tens of thousands of people (who are all different and born in different years) who read and react on these bullshit horoscopes. Do you realize these daily horoscopes are written by a news writer who was delivering internal mail six months before he or she was asked, by the editor, to write the daily horoscope. If you don’t, then I know a surgeon who is a master at performing lobotomies.  

 

 

Now for those of you who believe in horoscopes, you must believe in the fortunes inside Fortune Cookies. Sooo, let's take an example. Speaker of the House of Representatives in Congress, John Boehner goes to Panda Express to get his Chinese lunch. He gets back to his office in Congress and opens up his Fortune Cookie. It says: "your personality will win over everybody." Speaker Boehner reads the fortune, goes out of his office and runs through Congress waving his fortune while screaming: "I have a personality, I have a personality, I have a personality!!!

 

 

Get real people! These cookies have fortunes written by a machine and then stuffed into a weird shaped cookie. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU! However, if your desperate for good news (BTW, there is never bad news in a Fortune Cookie) hold off on getting the lobotomy and allow the fortune to put a smile on your face.

 

The bottom line is that if you believe in Superstitions, Horoscopes and Fortune Cookies and that helps you get through the day, I'm all in favor of it. However, just make sure you say to yourself,

 

I know its bullshit, but just in case...