Time is not Money
The point of an author’s blog is to give the reader some insight into the author’s mind. And in so doing, cause the reader to be interested in the author’s books. I’m not sure how well this blog thing is working. I hope you find the following thought provoking.
Time can’t be earned, saved, or spent. Walk through a cemetery and read the tombstones. You’ll see the deceased’s name and two dates. I’ve never seen a tombstone with a net worth value engraved. Time is precious; money isn’t even a close second.
What is the damage caused by the idiom,… Continue reading
Boy Scouts – Compromise – Incrementalism
“That’s just the way I am.” How many times have you heard that expression used to explain a behavior, condition, or opinion?
Here are a few statements that might precede “That’s just the way I am.” These are a blend of characteristics, opinions, and conditions.
I’m afraid of snakes. I’m cold natured. I’m warm natured. I don’t like the smell of fried broccoli. I love the smell of baked bread. I like sweet tea. I like classical music. I don’t like rap. I don’t think rap is music. I like the Cardinals. I like the Cubs. I like the… Continue reading
Great Truths
1. In my many years I have come to a
conclusion that one useless man
is a shame, two is a law firm,
and three or more is a congress.
–
John Adams
2. If you don’t read the newspaper
you are uninformed, if you do
read the newspaper you are
misinformed. — Mark Twain
3. Suppose you were an idiot. And
suppose you were a member of
Congress. But then I repeat
myself. — Mark Twain
4. I contend that for a nation to try to
tax itself into prosperity is like a
man standing in a bucket and… Continue reading
It Is The Soldier
It Is The Soldierby Charles M. Province, U.S. Army |
|
It is the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protestor to burn the… Continue reading
Why “Paperboy?”
This book was written because the story had to be told. What is the story that had to be told? Glad you asked.
I consider growing up in rural America to be a blessing. Few things compare to the freedom to ride a bicycle anywhere in town, speak to everyone, know practically every person, and do all of this without fear of anything. With that freedom came responsibility and accountability. Do something unacceptable and the word spread quickly. Fall on bad times and help arrives instantly. My memories of my paperboy days are good ones. While writing Paperboy I have come… Continue reading
Patriots, Politics, and Powerful People
The Benghazi fiasco got me to thinking. And I began a mental exercise. I’m not happy with the results. Try it and see how you do. In fact, do this exercise with friends. Warning, it could get loud.
Make a list of the greatest names that come to mind. Remember that power comes not only with position, but also by influence – I’ll help you. Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart, Henry Ford, General McArthur, Mother Theresa, General Patton, George Washington, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, your 1st grade teacher, Albert Einstein, John Kennedy,… Continue reading
Free Book as a Pheromone?
Technically speaking, pheromones are a chemical compound, produced and secreted by an animal, which influences the behavior of members of the opposite sex of the same species.
People need a little help in this area, or so they think, and those that do support a billion dollar fragrance industry. Department store shelves are full of jars filled with scented liquids, each designed to be worn by someone hoping to enhance what their natural pheromones fail to do.
And on these same aisles is an endless display of products designed to mask the untoward odor that does naturally emanate from people,… Continue reading
History of Social Security
Social Security cards used to say “not to be used for identification.” Mine does.
When introduced by President Roosevelt, the program was said to be voluntary.
Participants paid only 1% of the first $1400 of their annual income.
Payments to social security were tax deductible.
The social security trust fund was said to be used only for social security payments.
Payments made from social security to retirees would not be taxable.
Social Security is now a 7.65% mandatory tax on the first $90,000 of income, which means it’s a tax on 100% of most people’s income. It’s no longer tax… Continue reading
Ethanol Supreme?
The following is a reprint, with permission, of an article by Dan Shell of Power Equipment Trade magaine.
Some say the United States Supreme Court has better things to do than help adjudicate a court case concerning the EPA’s decision to approve E15 15% ethanol-blended gasoline, but I say what better place to help affirm that the great American task of “gassing up”—a job most of us learned by our early teens if not younger—remains safe for both autos and power equipment and that consumers won’t be putting their lives into their hands along with the gas pump handle when… Continue reading
The Paradoxical gasoline and Internet Sales Tax Conundrum
Even if you don’t agree with my blog you have to admit that’s a heck of a title. I love paradoxes and conundrums. The falling gasoline tax collected as a percent of miles driven and the fall of sales tax revenue as a percent of total retail sales is a huge problem, but it’s not being discussed. I have my ideas on why it’s not being discussed. That’s for another blog with political overtones.
The EPA has foisted lofty CAFÉ standards upon the US car manufacturers. Auto manufacturers have indicated that the standards can be achieved. The cost of… Continue reading
