Failing Up

It seems that forever we have pleaded in the words of John Lennon's song: "All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance," however it does not seem possible and why? Peace is not profitable, it does not feed the greed of few to help many. So, instead of working together as one, to improve all, we have war.  Through the centuries weapons have evolved that can wipe out everyone, and the planet all at once.  Peace, does not line the pockets and the feed the egos of the few that ignore their actions, or lack of actions, and the consequences they have on so many. An asteroid may have wiped out the dinosaurs, (yes they were here longer than us), but we are able to  create our own extinction .   

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Well, it's summer in the great northeastern portion of the United States, and that means we have 90 days to have fun damn it.  Get out the boat, pack the beach, the public pools, be in denial about the pee, (there is not a red ring), fit into last year's bathing suit even if it does not fit! Bumping into sweaty strangers, lathered in sunscreen, golf until you drop!! 

Lather up make sure to get outside, these days will not last.  The countdown begins before summer officially starts, come mid-July the back to school sales are out.  Come August there is talk of fall, " where is the summer going".  Panic sets in days are shorter, apples are ripe.   We are going to have fun damn it, even if it kills us!

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We have all heard numerous stories regarding road rage, but let me tell you I believe coffee rage is far more serious.  I had the opportunity stand inside at a drive-thru coffee shop this week, and see the machine at work. There were 20 cars waiting to order, and inside the tension was suffocating. At these coffee shops people order coffee like they are at some five star restaurant, or it's a science experiment.  They are rushed stressed, and on edge until they get their cup with ten varied ingredients with the name of a Italian formula one race car.  Then off they go to race on with their day.  Real coffee is served at a diner, black, just cream, or cream and sugar that's it!    

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Well, the most powerful man in the world and the riches man in the world have broken up, and not in a pretty way.  This has been a public break-up for the ages, and all in real time for real viewers.  This is reality TV and it's best and worst.  The consequences could be immense, and the ramifications negative for, yes us the citizens.  DOGE may be closed but the balls are flying!

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It seems to me everyone is pissed off, whether it is on the road, in the airport, at the store, or the fast food drive thru, the world is pissed.  It seems like anger has become our go to emotion.  Sometimes there are real good reasons to be angry, however in some cases it seems anger has become the norm.  I'm thinking that's not a good thing.  It can be manipulated, if anger is directed in one direction, individuals, and countries are not looking in the direction of real atrocities.  If anger becomes a norm then we become desensitized to the actions and activities  that truly are upsetting.  

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I have had the pleasure to work at two fine Universities.  Our academic institutions are the epicenters of divers thoughts, research,  creativity and artistic expression. They benefit all in our society beyond their ivory covered walls.  They open minds and the world to us.  When a government steps in and attempts to regulate who is allowed to attend, and what they can learn, it is the ultimate form of suppression.  Creating a dependent society, that is afraid or unable to question, and where the truth is just assumed.  I find it ironic that our oldest University in the United States, that is locate in same place where the fight against the tyranny of a King was born, is standing up for the freedom to be able to teach and learn.  Standing up for the smaller schools, students and all who benefit from ,and are not threatened by knowledge and the confidence to question. 

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Before I get any farther let me make it clear I do not support the policies of the current administration on any level.  I am a life long Democrat. Now, having said that I cannot deny that Donald Trump is the greatest political communicator in the history of this country.  One does not overcome all he has and get re-elected to the Presidency without that skill set.  He is a master of persuasion, marketing and consistent messaging.  He has manipulated the media like no other, and for some outlets it has become profitable.  He has controlled the news cycle He has added words to our lexicon, Fake News, Witch Hunt.  He is a master brander.  Instead of saying how unfair things are the Democrats need to learn from him.   Also, he is not stupid, in fact I would say he is very smart, and street smart.  Until this is acknowledged the Democrats will never find their message.  They will continue to whine unfair, and talk at people instead for to them.  You don't have to like to message to learn from the messenger. 

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In this episode I would like to share some of the poems I have written. Well, I call them poems, not sure what others may call them.  These are a reflections of the impact that events and people have had on me through the years.  In some way this is my way of sharing my gratitude and hope in the brightest and darkest hours, realizing it is the love of those that cross our paths than makes us who we are.  

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In a day and age when the truth is becoming  a novelty and our leaders can say what ever they want without consequences, we are indeed walking on thin ice.  Those that question the message and check it for accuracy are the called fake and presented as the liar.  The speed of the internet, social media propels a lie at the speed of sound.  This manipulation, false messaging will eventually yield severe consequences, as we sift through the results of this rhetorical wreckage.    

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After a long cold snowy winter in the Northeastern part of the United States, there is nothing better than the aroma of fresh cut grass to let you know spring has arrived.  This magical fragrance transforms me into a different time, memories of my youth in the yard, summer approaching, about to break free from the shackles of the classroom.  Just a whiff of this grass brings loved ones long gone back to life as their memories embrace me.  A bouquet of warmth, peace, love and energy. All this from a lawnmower.  

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