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- August 20, 2018
- Going Postal
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This day in 1986: Edmond, Oklahoma
I had an incident at the local post office one Saturday in the recent past. While I blame the vendor requiring my signature she didn't make the situation any better by thinking that I was her servant.
"Going Postal" is a term derived from so-called pop culture when a man went medeval on his co workers due to the culmination of multiple perceived episodes of overbearing and mistreatment in his workplace.
On this day in 1986 fourteen employees were murdered and six were wounded at the post office in Edmond Oklahoma by one Patrick Sherrill -- who then killed himself with a gun shot to his forehead.
Thus began this American slang concept of 'going postal' whereby workers suddenly become uncontrollably angry with oft times violent results at work. The post office apparently had a culture which instilled pent-up frustration to the point beyond which some could cope.
Nowadays the term is generally used to describe fits of rage which may or may not actually manifest themselves at work -- though most fall far short of murder and are actually mere venting of feelings without any actual intent to harm anyone.
In the final breakdown of 'going postal' one can only say that the workplace is not the venue for violence of any kind. Sure, it's often a pressure cooker with unrealistic workloads placed upon the worker and tyranical methodologies utilized by those in charge ... but it still not the place to exact violence on your cohorts because in the end, we're all just trying to make it.
Yeah, I sometimes feel as if I've 'gone postal'. Nope, I never harm anyone. It's not my place in the scheme of things. Hopefully the work culture of the postal system has learned the 'kinder, gentler' lessons life has taught to me via it's graduate course known as The School of Hard Knocks.
I also attempt to be kind to the people at the post office both employees and other customers. However, the recent episode was distinctly poor customer service and I likely will not forget it in future interactions at that counter.
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- August 19, 2018
- National Aviation Day 2018
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I'm not too airplane centric. Indeed, my aversion to taking a cruise on a ship is only eclipsed by my avoidance of air travel whenever possible. I'm not afraid of heights. I believe my fears surround that possibility for falling from the sky.
Today is National Aviation Day. It is an observance in the United States commemorating the development and evolution of aviation. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D Roosevelt by presidental proclamation to correspond with Orville Wright's birthday, and promotes interest in aviation and avionics.
This day is significant to me personally because my beloved late stepfather was a retired senior enlisted man in the US Air Force. That which was important to him became important to me ... much like those characteristics imparted to me by my late biological father remain with me to this day.
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- August 18, 2018
- National Bad Poetry Day 2018
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I recall my youth. Before that time I became jaded by those realities of what the world really is. Back in a time when fantasies dominated my reality unbeknownst to me and words were my playthings and other people my toys.
I have written a few inspired pieces of poetry over the years. I've also penned some stuff that was simply awful.
Today recognizes those 'less than stellar' efforts ... it's National Bad Poetry Day.
Yeah, it's really a day. It's not too recognized; only by Politico as far as I can tell. It seems to be copyrighted by a couple who sell herbs named Thomas and Ruth Roy.
Wonder what kind of herbs they sell to be so concerned with bad poetry anyway.
I would have included a primo example; but I don't really indulge in poetry anymore and the one I came up with was entirely too nasty to print here.
Suffice it to say happy bad poetry day and try NOT to write something rhyming heinous with anus like I did.
Must have been subconsciously thinking about Susan, Cathy, and Barbara again.
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- August 17, 2018
- National Thrift Shop Day
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When I was a kid mom would go to the thrift shops. She was frequently left to her own budgeting and had to make the money stretch but we were never wanting for anything ...
I think she got it from her mom. My grandma Sallie used to love thrift shops too. She and mama would head on out to "the boutique" every now and then and return laden with all kinds of clothes, accessories, toys, and items of curiosa.
I recall leaving for California decked out in "new" garb bought from the "boutique" on Two Notch Road — where we encountered my good friend Tyrone Washington whom I knew from the old days at Richland Memorial and had a few moments before I embarked for the West coast. This was well after my "Briton's" days and that tumultuous time with seeking the attentions of a treacherous woman who was no good for me at all.
Today is National Thrift Shop Day and is set aside for the pursuit of bargains in the retail venue. Thrift shops used to be a specific kind of second hand store.
These days the word may be applied to everything from Goodwill Industries to any other retail establishment offering discounted or consignment merchandise. Some of those I've encountered in the recent past are quite the upscale arrangement.
Ah, this day was MADE for my dear old late grandma, Sallie. How I wish she were still here so I could take her out to enjoy it. You don't know how bad you'll miss someone until they're gone. Grandma told me I would miss her and that has been one of those tremendous understatements the wisdom of old age has cast upon me.
Happy National Thrift Shop Day. Go on out and browse your favorite boutique !
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- August 16, 2018
- True Love Forever Day
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When it comes to soulmates and true love I'm afraid that I'm no longer eligible.
My cynicism toward the topic is warranted personally but I pretty much keep it all to myself and preoccupy any amorous intent with meaningless forays into lust rather than that actuality I witness in others espousing that 'soulmates' exist and all those kissy face couples I see engaged within it's purview.
I have had my day in that sun and I am content to be left to my own devices rather than prowl around partying and clubbing. It's simply no longer me.
Not that I disapprove. Just that it hasn't been something I've ever pursued. My interests early on were a variety of things far removed from relationships and now I fear it's entirely too late for me to indulge such endeavors ...
Nowadays I'm more pursuant of casual encounters rather than those 'rental properties' I sought in the distant past.
HOWEVER, I do salute those of you who feel that your relationship is one of those stellar involvements worthy of poetry, monuments, and the stuff of legend for countless eons to come.
Today is True Love Forever Day. It is celebrated on the 16th of August and is a day reserved for expressing those sincere feelings in whatever stage your amore should find itself.
The conveyance of ideas are meant to be as creative as your sincerity and intensity may provide.
That love story which is you should be resplendent with decorations, accoutrement, fine dining, and of course an intimate interlude all your own.
As for me, I'll just sit back and allow you to enjoy your day.
Happy True Love Forever Day !
Sweet Disposition
Sweet disposition
Never too soon
Oh, reckless abandon
Like no one's watching you
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
A kiss
A cry
Our rights
Our wrongs
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
So stay there
Cause I'll be coming over
While our blood's still young
It's so young, it runs
Won't stop 'til it's over
Won't stop to surrender
Songs of desperation
I played them for you
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
A kiss
A cry
Our rights
Our wrongs
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
A moment of love
A dream
A laugh
Stay there
Cause I'll be coming over
While our blood's still young
It's so young, it runs
Won't stop 'til it's over
Won't stop to surrender
Performed by The Temper Trap
Three Days to Kill Soundtrack
Lyrics by Abby Mandagi and Lorenzo Sillito
© Imagem Music LLC d/b/a
Imagem Sounds, Imagem Cv - Comments (0)
- August 15, 2018
- Gone Psycho !
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- August 14, 2018
- Silicon Valley, Diversity, Technology and the Insane Left
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So Silicon Valley has touted "less than optimal" spreads on the diversity scene with racial and gender diversity coming under critical fire as significantly less than satisfying. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
So then, I get the impression that the pursuit of technical excellence is a secondary consideration to our new age affirmative action whereby we need to be of a specific demographic profile before suitability for doing business in the technical arena exists.
IMHO those who exhibit the ability to do the work should be the priority and as such the deck is definitely stacked toward Asian Indians, the Chinese, and others not indigenous to the country and before we make efforts to train those natives who might become suitable we need to H1B the country into a state of frazzled foreign influx ...
I care not for diversity at the expense of technical know how. It's a sad commentary that this morbid pc cancer can't be cured once and for all.
Perhaps a nice diversity workshop at South Puget Sound Community College could fix the problem.
Militant black bitches running people of color only events take note. That crap only works with stupid leftist morons such as those inhabiting the field of public education.
Preferred personal pronouns which ignore fact, biology, and the morbid psychology of sexual deviation are simply not conducive to intelligensia. The word "gender dysphoria" itself implies an abnormal state.
The position of "gender located between the ears" and sex being located "between the legs" likewise is a fallacy because gender is located in the chromosomes.
XY = Male
XX = Female
Chromosomal Mosaics are the only exception within that realm called normal.
That stupidity which is the legacy of the Obama administration will forever be the biggest mistake of the electorate of the United States of America. The Left is consistently gone crazy and getting crazier by the minute as if they think this will be tolerated forever.
Idiot city planners married to other dudes simply do not make good governmental chief executives.
The stupidity of the rest of us correlates directly with these failed notions of political correctness in the face of ignorance of those existential facts which will not be ignored.
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- August 13, 2018
- International Lefthanders Day 2018
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Today is International Lefthanders Day. Held under the auspices of an organization called Lefthanders International It has been observed each August 13 since 1976 and is intended as a vehicle to promote awareness of the left handed condition, those problems associated with being a lefty, and celebrate that uniqueness and difference they present to the right handed world in which we live.
Now, while I will be first to admit that a certain amount of adaptation has been forced on left handed people; I myself am somewhat ambidexterous by choice and it has been my observation that the left handed individuals are by and large more intelligent than the right handed counterparts.
Of course, this opinion may be totally dependent on which hand an individual favors themselves as a means of it's determination.
Some of the war stories from primary schools involving teachers forcing right handedness on individuals with a preference for left handedness has been something I've noted repeatedly over the years.
Then there is that propensity for less schizoid behavior from leftys as well.
Far be it from me to criticize, but I am of the conviction that the world would be a better place were we all left handed or ambidexterous.
It's my predisposition for not following the herd I suppose.
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- August 11, 2018
- Tough Time with the Web Server Lately
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I've been messing around with the server a lot recently at the expense of all the sites — including the blog.
When you expend hours on various configuration issues the writing of blog entries sometimes wanes trivial in the mix.
Such is that continuing saga of "I'm gonna get you sukka" I'm playing with google.
I had the whole server tore out the frame so badly this morning that everyone was getting "forbidden" and I was oblivious until Mom called and clued me in.
Thanks Mom !
Then there are several personal finance issues which were bearing on me which in actuality turned out to be non issues over which I expended ENTIRELY too much fretting.
Ah, these things happen for those obsessive compulsive individuals such as myself.
Anyway I hope to get back on track sometime early next week and I apologize for the failure which went unnoticed.
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- August 9, 2018
- National Hand Holding Day
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I don't do a lot of hand holding. The last time I held anyone's hand was that of biological father on December 4, 2001 as he lay dying in the fifth floor coronary care unit of Richland Memorial Hospital.
It was a very painful, emotional experience but I wanted him to know that I was there and so I held his hand and talked to him during those last few hours.
It is said that touch causes a release of oxytocin which is one of those intimacy chemicals. The act has been the subject of study and it is said that the holding of hands relieves stress. None of that really mattered to me at the time. I was absolutely stunned by profound and protracted grief for a lengthy period at that time. Grief is said to be love's inability to let go. I grapple with those memories to this day.
My intention was to project a sense of value for him and to offer him my affection, some level of protection from the harsh reality of what he was experiencing, and at least try to give him some comfort in knowing he wasn't alone — that we were there with him and we cared.
I wish I could say that I have a lot of experience holding hands but that would be untruthful. I have held hands at various times over the years but all of those times are overshadowed by my last experience which were those final moments with daddy.
So on this National Hand Holding Day I hope you can hold the hand of someone for whom you care and take note of those benefits it affords to those who participate.
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- August 8, 2018
- Hummingbirds are Mean
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I refill my two hummingbird feeders weekly in an effort to ensure copious amounts of fresh sugar for the little critters who flit and fly around it all day. Mostly in the early morning and late afternoon ... but pretty much anytime not inundated by the noonday sun.
I've noticed that they are pretty mean to each other. Speedy and fearless they engage in dive bombing operations upon each other with the females typically less confrontational and the males much more so — increasingly with age.
The other day I saw two males engaged in what appeared to be a territorial dispute regarding my yard and neither would relent. They would hover and rise and fall and advance upon each other with threatening displays showing none of the retreat as the females ... but even they can be quite combative when a situation arises.
The rapid fire chirp heralded the commencing hostilities and it would appear that they value my efforts to ensure a fresh supply of colorless sugar syrup because though I hadn't seen any for a while they've definitely moved in at this point. I suppose it's beyond their comprehension that the supply of food is endless during the season because I will just go buy another five pound bag of sugar when I run low ...
I'll be maintaining the feeder through the end of September. This is beyond most others in the area but I understand that we have species which remain during the winter (though I don't know that they remain around here) and there are stragglers from points northward passing through on their way to the warmer southerly climate.
I really like hummingbirds because they bring back fond memories of days I'll never see again.
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- August 7, 2018
- Purple Heart Day
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I once got a wild hair and sat down and looked up all of the ribbons that I was eligible to wear as the result of military service.
It came to a total of three or four and none of them were overly ambitious in nature ... good conduct, unit citations, etc.
There are others who have won military awards as the result of personal sacrifice.
One of these is the purple heart.
This award stems primarily from battlefield wounds — but I have known of a few persons who have them for other reasons.
I never earned such recognition in my meager service history.
Each August 7 we mark Purple Heart Day.
Originally known as Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is bestowed upon any member of the armed forces of the United States who has been wounded or killed or died as a result of injury received during battle including friendly fire and other engagements as designated by the Commander-In-Chief.
This day commemorates citizens willing to serve our country regardless of the personal cost.
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- August 6, 2018
- Life Catches Up With You
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Karma. What's going around is coming around.
That notion that our works influence our lives either for good or bad as a function of those Shramana concepts originating in India which propose that fate may be influenced by what we do or think.
Now me, I do my fair share of tempting fate and indeed karma has bit me in the butt on more than one occasion. It is a never ending circular thing which is said to be so basic to existence that we don't even notice it.
However, I have noticed those effects on more than one occasion and I must say I would prefer to cultivate good karma if at all possible.
Toward that end I attempt to think before I speak. Not act on impulse. Attempt to quell my obsessive compulsive inclinations and in general be less 'anal retentive' over time. I'm not always successful either and I have noticed those times when karmic success has eluded me ...
It makes for spiritual doldrums such as those I'm having now. Perhaps less profanity and more reading -- or at least TRY to be more acceptable in polite company.
You may think it humorous to consider behavior in activities of daily living. Laugh away. Get on the bad side of karma and you're in for a most unpleasant turn of events ... unless you're one of those who seems to escape it's influences. I've noticed this too. Self indulgent rude stupid people who flit through life totally unaware of any repercussions of that harm they have done to others.
I suppose the crux of karma is mostly that attempt to be more socially aware.
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- August 5, 2018
- Work Like a Dog Day
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There was a time when all I did was work.
I would depart at an early hour to return very late at night every work day without exception.
The consequences of this pretty much followed the old adage for I indeed became a very dull boy ...
socially speaking.
Nowadays I work far less, am compensated much more, and attempt to get that rest I denied myself for so long.
There are those of us who get by on a minimal amount of work.
There are others of us who work all the time at some moderate pace.
Then there are those who work relentlessly without breaks until their duty is done.
The workaholic works all the time; but not necessarily relentlessly.
This day honors those who take control of a task until it is complete without regard to creature comforts or rest and relaxation.
This day is dedicated to those of us who work like a dog until the job is done.
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