I Think We Should Work Harder at Getting 'Work From Home' and 'School From Home' Right

[Repost from my November 10, 2020 WordPress Blog site]

Personally, I think we should work harder at getting Work From Home and School From Home right.  The pandemic was and is rough.  It's not the first nor will it probably be the last problem in this 'brave new world' we are facing.

I think many people have looked at these two solutions as temporary fixes as opposed to working on them as long term cures that could potentially help out a lot of people.  Do you think people like driving 20 - 30 miles to a job where they only make between $7.25 and $12 an hour?  Especially if they could do the work from home?

Home schooling has actually been around for a long time.  This period has been an opportunity

Ford Motor Recalls 552,188 Ford F-150's ...Year Model 2014

There is a loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module.  The report I read said this could cause a downshift, regardless of what speed you are going.  This could cause loss of control of the vehicle.  This is for the 2014 Ford F-150 model being recalled.

Ford recommends that you take the vehicles to the dealership for updating of the powertrain control module.  

Resource:  Reuters Article Dated: June 25, 2024. Ford to recall more than 550,000 vehicles, US safety regulator says.

Who Is Willing To Be The Last Crab?

 

[Repost of an article from my January 7, 2011 Blog]

“…like crabs in a basket…”… A derogatory remark, normally associated with a group who is either fighting against each other; or who is trying to hold others in the group back so much so, that there is no chance of progression.

I heard this term used the other day in a sermon at a church meeting. As I was sitting; listening, I began to think;

I’m Not a Fan of Self-Driving Cars or Self-Aware Robots

First, I just wanna say I'm a big fan of technology. But, not so much of 'Self-Driving' cars.   As I have said time and time again, I think technology should assist us...not replace us or the things we do.

I admit, it’s kind of intriguing and exciting to think that we could travel down the road while the car drives itself.  But, I believe that kind of technology should have limitations and parameters to insure the overall safety of others.  We already hear about how early attempts of self-driving vehicles are causing some accidents; and honestly with new technology—that should be expected.

But, why can’t we be content with the integration of technological advances with the skills of human drivers?  Some companies have taken that approach with the park assist functions and lane monitoring.  I’m fine with that.  It helps real drivers avoid accidents and keeps everyone safer on the roads.

What I’m not good with is allowing a non-thinking or non- feeling object have total control over itself

I think "Personalized Education" is going to be the new "School Model"

 

Pixels.com Image by RF Studio

With COVID still going on, it’s possible that there will be more home schooling, or distance learning.  I've spoken on this before; but I’ll talk about it again now.  I believe we really need to rethink how we educate in America.  In my opinion, designer, self-paced, personalized education is going to become the norm.

Acknowledging Reasons to Consider Personalized Education

I agree that there should be national standards. A basic, minimal core of topics should be taught and mastered.  But, the way that they are taught should be subjective. In my opinion, a few things need to be considered.

• Some schools weren’t that great prior to COVID, in educating students.
• People often learn in different ways.
• People catch on to concepts and learning material at different speeds and sometimes it’s better in different settings or learning environments.
• History.  More actual history should be taught in America, not less.  Information about slavery has a place alongside teaching about the Holocaust--and I would argue even more so. Also, the way Native Americans have been depicted throughout history books is appalling--and should be corrected. 

Possible Changes to Address Issues

Having said that, I think the ultimate role teachers and instructors will play is that of a coach or counselor to the learning experience.  And, perhaps the brick and mortar school buildings will

Let’s Take a Look at Distilled and Other types of Water

I was looking up information on WebMD recently about the different types of water.  Certain types of medical equipment mention using distilled water specifically.  I was surprised at the information I found and thought it would be interesting to share.  Summarily it stated that:

Distilled Water

It’s steam from boiling water that has been cooled and returned to the liquid state.  Salt, minerals and other organic materials have been removed from the boiling process.

Tap Water

This is water that comes straight from the faucet.  It may usually have been disinfected with chlorine and sediments removed.

Filtered Water

Filtered water is tap water that has been strained through filters to remove chlorine and other bacteria

Be Confident In Who You Are; You Might Not Be Doing Anything Wrong.

 

[Repost and edit from my August 22, 2021 Blog]

This is my encouraging word for today… Be. Confident. In. Who. You. Are.  Self-esteem is a game changer. It could add to your success or your demise. So work on improving how you see yourself.  I would venture to say that you may not always be doing something wrong.  It may be that you just haven't found your tribe; your clique; or your team. 

Saying, or thinking that you're doing something wrong seems to be the go to answer when others find your actions out of alignment with their thinking and or timing.  But those same people somehow seem to accept similar behavior from others.

In my varied life experiences, I've seen people who follow the rules and try to do everything "right" and still don't seem to progress as much as they desire. Yet, people whom about we've pondered, "How the hell did they even learn to breathe"--seem to have amassed immeasurable success!

So, what's really going on?  Maybe, you are doing it right; but, not for the people you are currently

The Reason I Talk Junk about Democrats is Because, I Want Them to Do Better

 

I want Democrats to do so much better than they have done over the past 40 years. From what I’ve seen from the majority of Democrats is the willingness to fight against #Progressives and others who might be to the left of them; but that same energy does not exist in fights with Republicans.  

They are more apt to try to prove their conservatism than to show a willingness to vote for progressive legislation for the American people. And then comes the handwringing.

If you learn nothing more, nor do anything else—leave Progressives alone. There is a reason I am no longer a Democrat or Republican. I am not a fan of the two-party modal. It is disturbing to see progressive candidates vilified. 

I’m also saddened to see Progressives and Independents run as Democrats. Please stop. The primaries are technically your time to shine. Even if Republicans and Democrats don’t want to give you oxygen

“Not Voting” is Not the Answer

 

To my #Progressive friends, let’s face it, not voting is not an option. And voting for #Republicans is opposite of everything we want. My solution is to vote for as many Progressives as we can for Congress and keep pressing #Democrats to do better as we continue to add more #Progressives and their allies to the Congressional ranks over the next several years. 

Other things we can do is start distinguishing to the mainstream media, on every opportunity, that you are not
a Democrat. Be bold about your decision to be progressive and explain why it is important to have options other than Democrats and Republicans. And, although you may decide to vote for Democrats, until more progressive candidates can be elected, let your preferences be known. 

The goal is to change the make-up of Congress... fewer non-progressive Democrats and way fewer Republicans. If we want better legislation, this will be necessary. It is always better to have liberties and

Don't Forget to Clean Your Fan (and Other Equipment)!

 

Regardless of if you have a home office or work place facility, don't forget to clean your fan!  I was picking up a bit around my work area/home office room and started to sweat.  I'd just returned from the outside and thought, "it wasn't that hot out there".

I know that heat is trapped inside of a building, but still, it was warmer than usual.  I was going to reach over to turn on the fan, but noticed that it was already on.  Dusty, but on.  It wasn't properly moving and circulating the air. But, let me tell  you something. Taking 5 minutes to take the fan apart to clean the plastic blades and frame guard made a world of difference!

There was such an increase of airflow, and you could feel the room cool down almost immediately--and it wasn't even on high.

Sometimes we forget to service the tools we use in our professions.  This post was merely talking about

Everything Is Going Back To Small Business and Sole Proprietorships

Do you think smaller businesses will save the day?

I think everything is going back to "small"-small businesses, mom and pop shops, and sole proprietorships. The economy is rebuilding itself in a different way.  Large businesses and their #Republican allies would have you believe that economic woes are due to Democrats, progressives and progressive policies.

Never mind the huge, two billion dollar giveaway the Republicans gave to corporations and continue to give. The greed and grift of big corporations is unreal! Most of the money that was supposed to 'trickle' down to workers and go back into the economy--was kept by greedy business owners.  None of the policies were executed as they were intended so, we are now on a different path.

Nope. I'm not an economist, nor a financial guru, but I have eyes.  And what I see is very interesting.  People see how the government has bailed out big business and banks time and time again.  But have not put the same effort into help regular people.  They have made it so that even though people can't buy what they need, they've still made the 'business' whole--and prices keep going up and up and up… the gouge is in full effect.  The housing industry is out of control.  Corporations and companies are buying up the housing stock, so prices remain ridiculously high.  Oil companies and big pharma have their way with regulations so that they pretty much do what they want to do, and the people suffer.

This is the good news.  People are finding out

The Red Delicious [Apple] is My Friend

 

[Repost for a previous blog of October 3, 2016]

Simply put, I like Red Delicious Apples because they make me feel good.  I usually eat apples on and off throughout the year.  But, in particular around this time of year …and spring time I usually like to eat them because they help open my clogged nasal passages and sniffles.

I’ve often felt that there were a lot of health benefits to eating apples and believed that there was some truth to the axiom “An apple a day keeps the doctors away”.  So, I stopped being lazy and decided to actually do a little research.

On the

I Am Enjoying These New Progressive Congress Folk

 

Image by: RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

These new progressive Congress people are the folk I've been waiting for.  My people!  And, we need more of them.  Sitting back, taking it all in was never the way in my opinion.  Lest we forget, at some point in history, Republicans and Democrats were pretty much interchangeable.

In my opinion, Progressives and so called Democratic Socialists have always had the voice of the people at heart.  I encourage voters to start looking into the politics of these two types of representatives. They seem to be smart, forthright and communicate very clearly about their positions and where they stand.

Frankly it's disappointing to think that for the past 70 years, we have not gotten any further than we have in

Is there any thing too hard for the Lord [Word]?

 

[Repost & revision from previous Blog of January 6, 2011]

Sometimes when we are going through difficulties in life, we ask ourselves, “How am I gonna fix this one?” I suggest the question we should or could be asking is, “Is there any thing to hard for the Lord/Word?”

This question was posed in the Bible in the book of Genesis 18:14. During this biblical episode a truth was revealed to me, which is:  At all times and in every situation, look to God which is described in John 1:1 as the Word. We should realize that there is nothing too hard for the Word. It is our strength and present help; our fortress and strong tower. You should either be thanking It for a provision, and/or deliverance; or asking for the pathway out.

In the episode mentioned in Genesis, Abraham and Sarah were being told that they would be having a

Let's Talk About Salt

 

[Repost from previous blog in November, 2020]

True story... I was sitting at the table and was trying to decide which salt to use;  Table Salt or Sea Salt.  My inner self quietly asked, "why do you need to add extra salt at all?"  And I replied:  Because I want it!! I love that taste and flavor!   So, I reached over and added a "little" of each. 😳  Yep, I did that.  Now, I'm writing about why--amongst other things.

I usually reach for the salt shaker because of habit.  In my younger years, when I exercised a lot, or did a lot of manual work, it wasn't an issue because I got a chance to sweat a lot.  Which, I think that might be the case for many people.  But now, I have a need to create a new habit.  Paying more attention to what and how I eat.

I've actually been moving in that direction for quite a while …since my days in the military.  But,

I'm Tired of Political Grifting

 

[Repost from April 19, 2023 previous blog]

I'm tired of political grifting from Republicans.  But, I'm tired of it from Democrats too.  I get more and more emails from organizations supposedly concerned about issues I care about. And at the end of the email or survey, there's always a "how's about sending us $5 dollars" pitch.

🤔…How's about elected officials do their damn jobs, and stop begging for money?  We elect them, pay them, and send them to Washington to vote to pass good legislature for the people--and yet what they seemingly do is fund raise.

If they actually focused on their jobs to write legislature to make things better for workers and regular people--they'd more than likely be re-elected!

Again, they get paid good--decent salaries, are afforded budgets for travel and have excellent health care… and yet, they are still begging for money.  Enough. Of. This. Bullshit.  I don't know what the damn "political action groups" are for other than further grifting.  I thought that was why we voted. The citizenry has been patiently waiting for politicians to do the right things.  And I know they see the hammer coming down, cause a lot of them are trying to git while the gittin's good.  But there are others who can't resist the grifting until there's nothing left.

I'm hoping 2024 will be the year the people decide it's time to clean out all the grifters. Because you

Can We Discuss Brother Cornel West For A Moment?

UPDATE: August 11, 2024 (yep... it had a few misspellings and grammatical errors...but you get the message)

I've been posting information about Dr. West's campaign originally because I was really thinking he'd have a chance to do something.  But, as time passed, and the dynamics of the presidential race has changed, I'm liking the team of Harris/Walz more and more.  

I'll continue to post information from Dr. West from time to time because I still think he could be a strong voice for progressives. But I'm refocusing my personal energy to cover politics in general.  I'm hoping Dr. West will reorganize and use the energy and goodwill he has garnered to do something positive to work with Harris/Walz to bring progressive issues to the forefront. 

Original Post Below: 

I really, really think he would be an interesting and effective President. Yes, he is a bit eccentric. Yes he has a lot of jazz references. No, he's not the "clean cut" candidate you might be used to seeing.

And yet, he is still very well read and abreast on issues. A freedom fighter, who has a command on the English language and is not afraid to use both his inside and outside voice. Check out some his platform and videos. You'll find that he might be the candidate for you too.

If you are thinking about staying home and not participating at all in the November elections, consider at least coming out to vote for Progressives …and their Democrat allies, to fill as many seats as possible in the House and Senate.  

Congress needs to be rid of the foolishness and folly of Republicans.  They are not serious about their

4 Things to Consider to Stay Productive and Motivated While Working Remotely

For many people, working from home is the ideal situation as it helps cut down on the costs associated with work; and helps mesh work into their lifestyle.  So I think corporations and management should keep that same energy that they had when asking people to work during the peak of the pandemic. Having said that -

1. Management should approach the solution of working from home as an extension to working from the office -- even if they never go back to the office again. Communicating with employees using various technologies like phone text, Zoom meetings, Google chat, WhatsApp, and even Skype --can increase  esprit de corps (spirit of the group) among team members.
2. Assume the motivation is already there... until proven not to be.  Then use conflict/resolution strategies to find out what's going on just as you would during a counseling session, or a one-on-one session, back in the office.
3. Ensure everyone is familiar with, and skilled in, the use of applications and technologies being used by the organization. Sometimes, people need additional training

The First Thing That Must Go Is Qualified Immunity

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund defines Qualified Immunity as more or less a rule that is used to protect law enforcement officers and other government officials from being held accountable when they violate people's constitutional rights.  It is not a law.  And it is a problem when we as a people work to hold officials and officers accountable.  

There is nothing that needs to be put on a ballot; nor law that needs to be overturned.  Current laws just needs to be applied and upheld just as they are for ordinary people.

It seems like a simple fix, but there doesn't seem to be the willingness to ensure that it is done.  I believe once they realize that the law also applies to them, they'll immediately stop some of the atrocities that are currently inflicting upon others.  They don't get to have a gun, taser, stick and partner and say they feared for their lives.  

If that is the case, then they should look for another job.  And if  then the police forces say that they can't find anyone to fill the jobs, then maybe they are trying to fill the wrong jobs or find another way to address the issues.

In short, there needs to be a revamping of the system.  Now is the time to do it.

#QualifiedImmunity #Justice #

VA Should Not Be Its Own Entity (Part 1)

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), especially the Claims side of the VA,  should not be its own entity; especially the VA Claims.  It seems like it's one big money laundering scheme for the private sector.   

Full disclosure, I'm a Veteran.  And actually, the Services side of VA is pretty decent.   But the Claims side is mad awful.  This is about me and other veterans who have gone through the system only to be denied by people who have never served in the actual military a day in their life.

This is going to be a post that damn well might turn into an eBook because that's how much I have to say about this matter and how salty the "system" can make you feel.  And I hope every Service Member who has ever served thinks about this for themselves and for future Service Members.

Let's explore a few things.

Of the approximate 331,441,281 plus Americans identified in the 2020 Census, less than 50 million have served in any branch of service over the history of the country.  I found this Census Bureau pdf about Veterans very interesting.  In one section it mentions a "Declining size of the veteran population"…  Let's just say what it is.  They are DYING off, many without

Job Seekers Beware!

Watch out for identity thieves!

Job seekers, beware of people trying to gather information concerning you! Mostly, nowadays, I work as an independent blogger, writer, consultant--what have you.  But I still apply for jobs from time to time. And it seems like some of the job listings are nothing more than information gathering schemes

I get that employers want to know a little bit about you; but if you are uploading a resume--or filling out a sampler profile sheet (and you shouldn't have to do both) then that should be enough!

In my opinion, asking for the place of birth, birth date and the like, is a bit intrusive.  That information has nothing to do with your ability to do the work requested.  Also, if you are sent to a page where there are "ads" amongst the application questions-- is a bad sign that it might not be a real job.

Finally, I personally question companies that want you to send in a free sample of your writings or work.  If they can't follow the link you've provided to your portfolio or website to see your work (so that you can at least get a site visit click for your time); --then you have to answer the question if those are people you really want to work for.

If you believe that you are being scammed, most job boards and job sites have a way to report that job so that it can be removed.  Hopefully they have something in place to catch most of the bad listings-- but they might not be able to get them all. Happy Hunting!

Passing No Cell Phone Use Bills is Not a Good Idea

I think Lawmakers are sometimes quick to make laws they've not fully considered, partly because I don't think they plan on following them; and they are usually connected in some way to a special interest group.

Passing No Cell Phone Use (for any reason) bills is not a good idea for the following reasons:

• You need cell phones and mobile devices for GPS.

Most people these days use GPS to navigate. I would imagine more accidents would be caused by people missing turns than anything experienced thus far.

• Cells phones help people stay connected.

People don't use house phones/land lines as much as they used to. Cell phones are a primary means of communication.  Saying that you can use a phone on public highways and roads for any reason is…. stupid.

• Cell phones serve as a way of documenting what happens as you travel.

Needless to say, for many people of color, the cell phone is used to tell the story of what happens behind the scenes after being stopped by the police.  I suspect that a great deal of pressure behind these laws are coming from groups like organizations who want to keep the status quo of not holding police accountable for their actions. They hate being recorded. But, if they won't change their actions, then laws concerning phones should not be changed. As a matter of fact, if anything, it should be mandatory to record every interaction with police since they have a bad habit of forgetting to turn on the camera they have that's not supposed to be off anyway.

Yes, people should pay attention while they drive to keep from being distracted. But, there are laws already on the books to handle accidents.  Use those.

Also, I really do want positive interactions to happen between the public and the police--but things happen.  And, until police get out of the mindset that they are some kind of military special forces, problems will occur.

But, as far as the cell phone goes, they are here; everybody uses them; and you can't stop or arrest everyone. If anything, before making laws like this, they should be put on the voting ballot for a vote by the people. Tell me what you think.

Juneteenth Celebration

 

UPDATE: June 1, 2024

Today we add to last year's post about Juneteenth.  I've decided that each year, God willing, we'll revisit this document to update. 

In Windsor, NC, this year's event is scheduled for June 15th, at 11 a.m. Come out and join the celebration! 

If you want to check out events in other areas, then visit this link to a Google Search for Juneteenth Events Search.

This is a short video from last year's celebration in the town of Windsor, NC.   It's a small rural town, but they did it!  They made the effort to put on a celebration: Juneteenth 2023 video. https://youtu.be/kfI_zv_dHvU?si=_-nsWcKy0lN9xRqq  

Also like Black History Month, Juneteenth should be celebrated... DAILY.