Welcome
- March 6, 2022
- Namesake Day 2022
-
So today it is Namesake Day aka March 6th, a day set aside to acknowledge and recognize those from whom your own name was derived.
I was told I was named after President Dwight David Eisenhower and my maternal grandfather Johnnie Ray Johnstone.
Then I went to the hellhole known as Goose Creek High School for an excruciating year and learned
"Ray is a nigger name."
Lewis MillerMiss McAllister's 9th grade history class
Goose Creek High School
circa 1970Later I learned about Eisenhower and his 1954 Greada Treaty with the gray aliens permitting them to capture and experiment on us in exchange for technology while claiming to be gone having emergency dental work. The absolute short sighted nerve of this idiot. The grays never intended to honor the treaty and didn't do so.
Thusly, I'm not too keen on my namesake and therefore Namesake Day in general.
We have long traditions of naming people after other people.
Our heritage imparts some family members, some famous people, some who have lived their lives with particular distinction to be those for whom some of us find ourselves named.
Bear in mind though that which we are forced to experience by way of history may sometimes sully those choices made for us by others responsible for these aspects of our existence.
Happy Namesake Day ... and I hope your namesake hasn't been sullied as mine was at the hands of those unrelated to me.
- Comments (0)
- March 5, 2022
- National Absinthe Day 2022
-
On infrequent occasions I have had a snootful of Absinthe, the potent green alcoholic spirit made from the wormwood shrub and flavored with aniseed. It is much easier to procure these days compared to the early 1980s when I was having a taste now and then.
The LA scene lent itself to herb, blow, ludes, other pills, and of course ... Absinthe.
The paraphernalia involved in the ritualistic aspect of exotic sugar cubes, spoons, water drips, glasses, saucers made for an experience that was a bit on the frou frou side from my perspective. I personally would prefer a straight shot — slam it and maybe chase it.
This never happened in my experience however.
It is said to be some dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen of Swiss origin becoming popular in the early 20th century France. It was particularly favored by artists and writers.
Aka “the green fairy” which is likely a reference to both the color and the buzz copped by some who imbibed regularly with it's licorice like flavor and bouquet.
Absinthe has an experience surrounded in the mystique of bohemian culture and I personally feel that that the trace amounts of a chemical compound called thujone is likely contributory to the adverse medicinal claims of it's detractors.
National Absinthe Day is observed each year on March 5th — although I cannot state the nationality marking this day.
It has been my experience that those in my circle of friends know little to nothing about it at all.
It was banned for a while in western Europe and the United States, but as we now know, that stupidity which is the government is quick to involve itself in matters it neither knows about nor is competent to judge.
Notable individuals known to drink Absinthe include:
Charles Baudelaire the French Poet
George Gordon, Lord Byron the English Poet and Peer
Aleister Crowley the nastiest human being to ever live
Vincent van Gogh the artist
Ernest Hemingway the author
James Joyce the Irish Novelist
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec the French painter and print maker
Amedeo Modigliani the Italian painter and sculptor
Pablo Picasso the Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer
Edgar Allan Poe the American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic
Marcel Proust the French novelist, critic, and essayist
Arthur Rimbaud the French poet
Oscar Wilde the Irish poet and playwright
among others ...
Absinthe has not been proven more dangerous than other spirits. Studies have shown that absinthe's psychoactive properties have been exaggerated and are precisely those of alcohol consumption.
- Comments (0)
- March 4, 2022
- National Day of Unplugging 2022
-
I am not a technology freak anymore.
Time was I wanted immersion in everything available for personal communications and the smart phone was like an extension of my hand.
I'm happy to say that those days are gone.
Now I use a flip phone.
I try to avoid texting.
I don't have this incessant need to be in the loop these days.
March 4 is said to be the National Day of Unplugging.
It is ostensibly for you to set aside your electronics and engage life more in the foreground than you might do otherwise.
Those valuable moments in our lives sometimes transpire unnoticed at the expense of some smartphone screen.
Social media, microblogging, and other aspects of the cell phone monster controlling you may inhibit other things which might color and add meaning to your meager existence not to mention interpersonal failures and inability to unplug, reflect, consider your existence from a human perspective and connections with loved ones.
National Day of Unplugging requests 24 hours to excavate that person you really are — perhaps rediscover the outdoors, and reconnect in person for a change.
You have nothing to lose except your technical isolation at the hands of that smart phone monster which sometimes controls your very existence.
- Comments (0)
- March 3, 2022
- National Anthem Day 2022
-
March 3rd brings us National Anthem Day and commemorates those songs nations have adopted to represent their national identity internationally .
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is the song chosen by the United States to represent our identity.
The lyrics were from a poem written by Francis Scott Key and the tune is derived from "The Anacreontic Song" written by John Stafford Smith.
Together, they became "The Star-Spangled Banner" following the War of 1812. In 1931 it was adopted as the national anthem of the United States of America.
The Star Spangled Banner
O say, can you see
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hail'd
At the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars
Through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watch'd
Were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?
Lyricist: Francis Scott Key
Composer: John Stafford Smith
- Comments (0)
- March 2, 2022
- Salt Free Popcorn ... why bother
-
I had been nursing an addiction to Orville Reddenbachers Ultimate Butter microwave popcorn.
It seems that the product also has ultimate salt and had resulted in lower leg swelling as noticed by Mrs Goodfoot at my last pedicure.
It was a sobering experience to make the switch to a salt free brand of microwave popcorn.
After consuming two servings I came to the bleak conclusion that the salt free product was without merit from a standpoint of taste.
So now I have another 4 bags of the stuff and I suppose I will simply cultivate a tolerance — if not a taste for this dismal salt free product.
I'm very disappointed. I have to eat a product detrimental to my health for it to be enjoyable.
See Also:
Feets
My left lower leg is a little swollen
- Comments (0)
- March 1, 2022
- Refired Not Retired Day 2022
-
I was not expecting to retire for another 20 years but then my job took an unfortunate turn I found utterly unacceptable.
They wanted me to do this microsoft infirm office automation crap called sharepoint because they're a bunch of microsoft lamers — and I absolutely could not stand the thought of working on something so brain dead as this microsoft vaporware not to mention being the bitch of a bunch of technoidiots ... such as those populating the the sysadmin group.
So I talked it over a smidge then abruptly quit. Then I filed for social security and found it met all the bills with about $250 a week to spare and voila all of a sudden I am quite unexpectedly retired.
Now then, this all being whined the first of March brings us Refired Not Retired Day.
It is said that if you find yourself newly retired (such as I am) then this day is for you.
The day was created by one Phyllis May after an unplanned early retirement at the age of 55 which corresponded to a concurrent divorce resulting in her relocating to the Gulf Stream (Atlantic) side of Key West.
She devised the day in order to turn that narrative of boring retirement around.
It is said that retirement can be exciting if you can put hte stresses of working behind you nad focus on those things you've always wanted to do.
Me ... I'm not quite that lucky. I have a modest place with a 5 node public facing network and server cluster to keep me occupied and I suppose this will have to suffice.
I'm already bored to the nth degree and if I didn't have the home network it would be far worse.
I'd like to start throwing in a little regular exercise at the earliest opportunity.
- Comments (0)
- February 28, 2022
- Another February Ends
-
Ah another February Ends and with it meaningless celebrations.
It would be okay with me if February were simply stricken from the record never again to see the light of day.
What a separation of history to magnify all the racist narratives.
Yet another stupid woke waste of time with awards to imbeciles for nothingness.
I'll likely just stop observing February at all.
- Comments (0)
- February 27, 2022
- Vendors without Check Out As Guest
-
I have a problem with ecommerce sites that lack CHECK OUT AS GUEST.
You're not getting my business.
Nothing will make me depart from an ecommerce site more quickly than to load up a cart and then be required to add an account.
Too many vendors think we owe them a username and a password and a permanent presence on their site.
It's as though stupid store sites believe that the little X in the upper right corner to simply close the browser is suddenly disabled and that the customer somehow remains at their beck and call.
We don't.
I'd just as soon go elsewhere morons.
I am content to fill out all the demographics and payment information at each transaction and I don't ever guarantee repeat business.
Thank you very much bitches. Terms? What Terms? It's my payment card not yours.
No Checkout as Guest Option
According to a study conducted by Baymard, 35% buyers abandoned their shopping carts because the website forced them to register before placing the order. If a potential buyer wants to buy a dress and is searching for the right colour, design, and brand, the quest can lead to different ecommerce websites.
After adding prefered items to the shopping cart, registering on different ecommerce websites to place an oder can add to the misery of a buyer. Not all buyers want to register with different ecommerce websites for a single purchase.
https://www.fatbit.com/fab/reasons-behind-high-shopping-cart-abandonment-rate-solution/
- Comments (0)
- February 26, 2022
- Letter to an Elder Day 2022
-
Over the years I have devolved into a poor correspondent.
Early on I was a man of letters and during navy boot camp at Orlando in particular I kept up with everybody and everything via the US postal system.
Alas, in our 21st century schizoid world all I can usually do anymore is squeeze out a sentence or two in an email and call it a day.
Today is February 26 AKA National Letter to an Elder Day. It is one of those many unofficial holidays and celebrates sending the elderly a handwritten letter of love.
National Letter to an Elder Day was initiated by Love For Our Elders. They are a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting loneliness with love among seniors.
This day comes annually and honors the age old art of writing letters as a way to send ideas one communique at a time!
Bear in mind that although I am quite a bit on the elderly side I don't require any letters — of love or otherwise.
I don't know when I lost the lovey dovey thing, but I have both accepted that fact and moved on.
You are encouraged join in the celebration of Letter to an Elder Day on or before February 26th.
Plenty of those around who could use a kind word and interaction.
- Comments (0)
- February 25, 2022
- Pistol Patent Day 2022
-
I pack a well-maintained .357 magnum by Ruger called the Security Six.
It was manufactured back in the 1970s I believe and I inherited it from my late father.
It presently has the original walnut grips installed, but I have a pair of pretty pearl grips I sometimes interchange with those on occasions such as qualification for my concealed weapons permit.
They really do give the piece quite the dressy formal look during cap popping time.
I made it a point to become practiced at head shots and when I qualified for my CWP this became quite evident as I consistently aimed for and mostly struck the head area of the target ...
Out of 100 shots I missed twice according to the instructor.
I'm not a threatening type of individual. I prefer that 'live and let live' mentality I have pursued for a number of years now.
There was a time when I would be agressive and instigate hostilities; but that was THEN and this is NOW.
Today is Pistol Patent Day.
It is observed each February 25 annually to mark the anniversary of Samuel Colt's first pistol patent in 1835. This first patent was for a revolver, similar to the pistol I routinely carry.
Modern sidearms are a good means of protection for those of us who take them seriously enough to learn how to handle them.
I don't do a lot of joking about guns and shooting people anymore. It used to be a source of humor but I suppose I'm just too old nowadays.
I find it better to attempt peaceful coexistence rather than wanting to draw down on somebody.
Perhaps I grow more civilized each day.
Regardless, happy Pistol Patent Day to you.
- Comments (0)
- February 24, 2022
- National Toast Day 2022
-
The last Thursday in February brings us National Toast Day. So this being February 24th and the last Thursday in February voila here we are ...
Toast is bread 2.0.
It's shades and textures coupled with the varieties of bread with which it may be made provide for pretty much endless possibilities.
I am a fan of toasted triangles of marble rye or even pumpernickel with a dollop of cream cheese and maybe some lox myself; but I don't hesitate to indulge other varieties and combinations as well like French toast with butter and honey.
Bread and toast being the same thing you should be carb aware if your condition warrants it.
I think that toasting can turn any slice of bread lighter from a standpoint of digestion.
Toast is tasty. Toast is versitile. Toast is that spin on bread which adds to the experience and meal with which it is served.
Happy national toast day to you !
- Comments (0)
- February 23, 2022
- Inconvenience Yourself Day 2022
-
I know people who are quick to whine about inconvenience and make it a point to make it an item of contention in various matters. "Don't inconvenience me" has been a complaint I've experienced now and then.
This has caused my behaviors to evolve such that I don't do business with some with whom I had long standing business relationships and this too has damaged those relationships beyond repair. I expect to be inconvenienced from time to time. It's simply a facet of living and interacting and as such I make accommodations where appropriate.
Still, the others among me want more. Sometimes far more than I'm willing to surrender ...
Inconvenience Yourself Day is celebrated on the fourth Wednesday in February. This places it on February 23rd this year. It is an observance dedicated to placing others before yourself.
I personally think it is an exercise in self awareness more than anything else.
So think outside of that box which is your personal space and pay attention to the things going on around you and perhaps lend a hand even though you may not have really wanted to be bothered.
In this way we will experience less disconnect with our cohabitive humans and perhaps engage a little personal growth — not to mention consideration of others for a change.
Happy Inconvenience Yourself Day.
- Comments (0)
- February 22, 2022
- Be Humble Day 2022
-
Humility has never been my strong suit. I don't consider braggadocio to be my problem either — but the perception of others seems to be all that matters in this regard.
I thought Pope John Paul II was one of the greatest examples of humility to ever exist. His death brought on my personal schism with the Catholic church because those popes who came after not only don't set good examples, they are downright contrary to both teachings and levitical law and entirely too carnally permissive otherwise.
It's amazing how others take you and sometimes it's not even close to how you think you are.
In the big picture I doubt that it matters, either. I just strive not to be too overbearing and I never toot my own horn anymore.
I likewise avoid arrogance when I can but I have a lot of trouble squelching assertiveness. It's too ingrained, I think. I try to avoid feeling overly significant and seek unpretentiousness.
Also, I don't pursue a lot in the way of company either.
Humble people sometimes endear themselves to me. Other times they repulse me as the sniveling individuals I sometimes think they are. Regardless, I view the concept of humility in a person as admirable in these, my latter years.
A modest view of one's self permits others to bloom and grow around you.
Today is Be Humble Day. Celebrated each February 22nd it is an attempt to permit people to come together regardless of their orientation to others in general.
While it is said that humility is a virtue most difficult to attain, I say it is sometimes overdone to the detriment of the whole.
So get on out there and try not to be too pushy for a change !
- Comments (0)
- February 21, 2022
- Presidents Day 2022
-
President's Day is here again. It's one of those official holidays that have always been around. It corresponds to the birthday of George Washington since 1879 as far as official federal holidays go. The third Monday in February. This year it falls on February 21st.
I think the primary focus is being off from work and sales and shopping.
The day usually features Washington and some other president. Most often it's Lincoln. Other times including Jefferson. Personally, I don't really envision the day as one of honor so much as contention as it comes in February and anything that comes in February simply doesn't mean anything to me anymore.
That goes for Valentines day too. Ruined by the self aggrandizement of a fairly worthless subset of the population who think we all need to toot their unskilled do nothing horn for them.
Happy Presidents Day anyway.
- Comments (0)