That's who "I " are (it's just me)...
I'm NOT a crazy old hermit...
I'm an eccentric elderly recluse!
I'm NOT a crazy old hermit...
I'm an eccentric elderly recluse!
I'm Bob. I'm on my couch. I'm old. I'm cranky. I don't like the way we're headed.
"If we don't change direction soon we'll get where we're going!" - Prof. Irwin Corey
"If we don't change direction soon we'll get where we're going!" - Prof. Irwin Corey
- Gender / Gender identity: Yes / Physical
- Pronouns: Me / Mine
- Race / Ethnicity: Human / Some
Not that anyone cares about my opinion besides me but, I just thought I'd write it down and see how it looks.
(I guess it turns out it looks like I'm crazy.)
It has occurred to me that, if you were silly enough to give me a penny for my thoughts (probably not happening)
and I were to give you my two cents worth (definitely happening) it wouldn't take long for me to go broke.
(I guess it turns out it looks like I'm crazy.)
It has occurred to me that, if you were silly enough to give me a penny for my thoughts (probably not happening)
and I were to give you my two cents worth (definitely happening) it wouldn't take long for me to go broke.
At 73 now, I'm realizing that everything happened either just the other day or mighta been 50 years ago.
I don't want a remote that listens to me. Nobody else does, why should my TV?
An excuse is not always the same as a reason.
e.g. In 2012 Nissan would not sell an inner tie rod to replace one that had been damaged. You had to buy the whole steering rack.
The excuse: If the tie rod is damaged there is probably more damage inside the rack.
The reason: A steering rack cost about $1500. A tie rod cost about $50. (Ka-ching!)
e.g. In 2012 Nissan would not sell an inner tie rod to replace one that had been damaged. You had to buy the whole steering rack.
The excuse: If the tie rod is damaged there is probably more damage inside the rack.
The reason: A steering rack cost about $1500. A tie rod cost about $50. (Ka-ching!)
I'm changing my name to Ivan Mikel Sikovit. Yes, I am going to make it official... I. M. Sikovit!
ALL of it. Look around. The dishonesty. The duplicity. The hate. The greed. The weather doggammit!!!
How's'bout a warm sunny day once in a while, yeah?
And NOW we got another Russian dictator trying to take over the world. Oh goody, WWIII live on prime time tv.
(The end of the world, streaming the following day on Hulu.) And here I didn't think I'd live long enough to get to watch it.
I feel a rant coming on about how the cheer-leading democracies are lending their support like this is some kind of sporting event (refs keeping it even so it goes into overtime.) But, I'll get into all that some other time.
ALL of it. Look around. The dishonesty. The duplicity. The hate. The greed. The weather doggammit!!!
How's'bout a warm sunny day once in a while, yeah?
And NOW we got another Russian dictator trying to take over the world. Oh goody, WWIII live on prime time tv.
(The end of the world, streaming the following day on Hulu.) And here I didn't think I'd live long enough to get to watch it.
I feel a rant coming on about how the cheer-leading democracies are lending their support like this is some kind of sporting event (refs keeping it even so it goes into overtime.) But, I'll get into all that some other time.
To THE or not to THE...
I never know, when alphabetizing titles like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or names like The Home Depot, whether to use it or lose it.
The THE that is.
I never know, when alphabetizing titles like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or names like The Home Depot, whether to use it or lose it.
The THE that is.
As a Franco-American (I refer to ancestry not the canned pasta products; Therefore, I use no registered trademark symbol.) I am deeply offended by the appropriation of my French culture. I expect apologies, reconciliation and the immediate cessation of all usage of verbiage of French etymology by non-French people, entities and corporations. Products of French origin, particularly food and beverages, should no longer be made nor marketed by anyone not of French lineage. Julia Child was not French. Any family members or representatives of her foundation or other business interests should launch a campaign to correct any and all misnomers or misconceptions pertaining to her portrayal as a French Chef.
I'm sorry but, where are we headed with all this?
When I read that Minnetonka apologized for using the word "moccasin" I feared for the survival of the english language.
As somebody (I guess nearly everybody) once said, "C'mon guys... what are we doing here?"
Disclaimer: I am only half French. The other half is Lithuanian; But, I am 100% American. I would encourage everyone to stop the use of hyphens. I'm sure we all take pride in our heritage but, how about if we remove that segregationist language and all identify as Americans? Isn't it about time? I mean, really... some of us have been here for years already... generations even. I'll give up Franco-Lithuanian-American if you will.
btw... I love Julia, french fries and french toast but, I've never tried a french tickler.
As somebody (I guess nearly everybody) once said, "C'mon guys... what are we doing here?"
Disclaimer: I am only half French. The other half is Lithuanian; But, I am 100% American. I would encourage everyone to stop the use of hyphens. I'm sure we all take pride in our heritage but, how about if we remove that segregationist language and all identify as Americans? Isn't it about time? I mean, really... some of us have been here for years already... generations even. I'll give up Franco-Lithuanian-American if you will.
btw... I love Julia, french fries and french toast but, I've never tried a french tickler.
Random thoughts and personal Bobosophy
Crazy people with automatic weapons scare me! Am I wrong?
It occurred to me that my mid-life crisis started when I was around 20 years old and it has lasted for over five decades.
Nobody believes how bad I feel 'cause I look so damn good!
So, I want this on my urn: "I told you I don't feel well."
(btw, I want a glass urn so I can see what's going on.
Oh, and I'll be needing prescription lens glass probably.
Could you make it rose colored please? Thanks.)
A lot of people should never be seen naked.
(I know, I know... you don't have to say it.)
"Man shall not live by bread alone."
Now doughnuts... that's another story!
Why should I know what I'm talking about? Nobody else does.
If I knew what I was doing, I probably wouldn't be doing it.
Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?
There isn't always a right way to do something but, there is sometimes a better way to do it.
And there is always a wrong way. If you need to find it, just ask. That's my gift... and my curse.
At my age, I don't dare get overly optimistic. I won't buy a 6 pack of socks... I just get 1 sock at a time.
Alas! I've realized I have to shop in the Big & Round department. (I need beachballwear.)
They have "Big & Tall" stores everywhere... where are all the "Short & Fat" stores?
My wife always asks "where does the time go?" When I told her I think a lot of it went around my waist she said
"that didn't take any time at all!"
*Everything is moving, in every direction, all at once, all the time. Up, down, left, right, parallel, diagonal, perpendicular, directions I don't even know what to call. Nothing in any universe, or multiverse, is ever truly standing still.
*I know. I saw the traffic stop beginning of Loudermilk; But, I promise you, I've had this theory for decades and I'm sure it has floated all around the collective unconscious for centuries.
If infinity is for real then everything always was, always will be and is everywhere all the time. Right?
Oh! So therefore, everything is also mediocre and we're all basically in the middle.
And then, no matter who you are or where you are, you are no better nor any worse than any other creature in existence.
(I mean, except for Brad. Am i right?)
[Sorry Brad... just kidding.]
I've been in palliative care since I retired. Not because of a particular terminal illness; But, because life is a terminal illness and I suddenly realized that there is nothing wrong with making yourself as comfortable as possible as long as it is not at anyone else's expense. So, relax, get comfortable, and live a little. Life's too short.
Damn it Jim, I'm a thinker not a writer.
So, if I don't express my thoughts in a cogent, comprehensible way, am I then a lousy writer or a lousy thinker?
Maybe both?
I was thinking how so many people I know (myself included) have such a hard time handling common adversities. Dealing with governmental bureaucracies is probably the most common occurrence. "But why can't they see that isn't right?"
Sometimes there are things you must just accept as they are.
All you good Christians out there, consider all the changes words and phrases have undergone just in your lifetime (when I was young, gay meant merry). Now, reflect on how the original intent of The Bible could have been different.
The overly extravagant display of symbology, whether patriotic or religious or whatever, makes me want to paraphrase Shakespeare: Me thinks thou doth attest too much. In other words, who you tryin' to convince? And why?
A favorite quote:
"Hitler's been judged very harshly by history, but. . . he did kill Hitler." -Jimmy Carr
"The years force a certain amount of wisdom upon you, whether you like it or not."
- Roscoe Lee Browne as Charlie Evans Jeffers on Barney Miller S1.E11 Escape Artist Apr 10, 1975
My picks for Biden's Vice-President (the good, the bad and the maybe)...
My Presidential picks before the primaries...
Donald Trump has destroyed the world's confidence in the United States as a leader among democratic nations. He has turned on our allies and insulted nearly every world leader except for his favorite dictators like Putin, Kim Jong-un, Bolsonaro and Erdoğan. He has lied about too many things to keep track of. He has taken credit for a robust economy (which he inherited) but is ready to collapse under the highest budget deficit (which he created) in history. He is a litigious bully. He's aggressive, rude, belligerent and merciless. Whoever faces him in debates will have to have the intestinal fortitude, patience and determination to withstand his insults, lies, constant shouting and interruptions, and particularly his "traps". He is famous for the "bait and switch", changing the focus or moving the goalpost. His adolescent use of "but what about you?" has eventually gotten under the skin of anyone he has ever dealt with. I'm hoping he'll continue the ongoing debate in his head with Hillary Clinton, and maybe be so preoccupied looking for her on stage, his current opponent will have a chance to speak.
William Weld was a very good Republican governor in a very Democratic state. What more do you need to know. If Republicans, Democrats and Independents would come together for the good of the country and vote for him in the Republican primaries... Trump doesn't get nominated! Of course that's just a pipe dream. I can't imagine enough politically motivated people coming together to do something sensible. I mean, look at Britain, Brazil, Turkey, Russia! Need I continue?
Joe Walsh is not a choice I would make. It sounds to me he holds all the same beliefs as Trump but, he says Trump is a bad guy and has to go. Hmm... tricky plot.
Cheap knockoff. Not buying it.
Joe Biden is okay but, age has to be a factor and he has appeared to have the occasional "senior moment" during the debates I have watched. If he were the Democratic nominee though I wouldn't mind voting for him.
Bernie Sanders is old too btw, regardless of what he thinks. He has substantially socialist views that many younger people seem to be attracted to. While I'm not particularly scared by that I think it makes it a tough sell, especially for centrists, and foreshadows an even greater polarizing effect on the citizenry after the election. His age is also a factor. I'd rather not see him have to battle the "evil socialist" tag Trump will hang him with. I think Trump's scare tactics would beat him and I'd prefer he remain in the Senate but, I would vote for him in the general election. (Just a side note: Socialism has been given a bad name but not completely without cause. Individuals have corrupted those principles for their own benefit in the past just as in any other system.)
Elizabeth Warren (another golden oldie) would be my last resort to go against Trump. Besides feeling like he would steamroll right over her in debates, I'm not a fan. As a Massachusetts voter, I am still disappointed in her actions during our last election. If she would have been upfront concerning her presidential aspirations I would still have voted for her as Senator; However, she insisted she would fulfill her whole term as Senator and not enter the 2020 campaign. A month later she announced she was putting together an "exploratory" committee. Rather disingenuous campaign tactics I feel. That, combined with the history of her "Native American" issue (It's not as bad as Trump says but, still a curious turn of events.), her vacillating healthcare stance and inconclusive socialistic leanings leaves too many looming questions. I'd prefer she remain Senator and hope I don't have to pick her but, I would over Trump.
Andrew Yang is very smart and entertaining in venues other than the debate stage. I think his $1000/month proposition will be appealing to anyone financially struggling but, will probably alienate those more well-off and be considered just a gimmicky joke by many. I would be very comfortable voting for him but, I'm not sure how he would fare against Trump in debates. I would like to see him involved in the next administration somehow though, whether it be as a cabinet member or some other position pertaining to business, trade, technology, finance... I think there are many areas in which he could be an asset.
Tom Steyer (oldie but goodie) is another guy I think has a lot to offer and wouldn't mind having as president. Again, I don't know how he would do against Trump in a debate. In the debates I've seen, he can come across a little like a dear in headlights. I think it's just that his facial expressions are a little bit too kindly looking to be intimidating. That would normally be a nice thing but not ideal facing off with a bully and a brute. He is, as he says, a real billionaire and successful businessman unlike the fraud that is Donald Trump. If not elected I would like him to also have a place in the next administration, ideally as head of the EPA or possibly something related to business and trade.
Pete Buttigieg is among my favorites but, his youth, inexperience, and height (Yeah, can you believe it? Height has been a factor in major elections for many, many years.) are things he may not be able to overcome. Trump will likely denigrate him at every opportunity as "the little, gay kid from some small town in Indiana". He'll need to face Trump as an existential threat during a military operation. I'd like to see him do it and succeed.
Amy Klobuchar is another favorite. She has experience. She has won under less than ideal circumstances. She is smart, practical and appears to be honest. (Most politicians are quite obviously not.) She has a little bit of a nervous tremor on occasion that I'm sure Trump would jump on but, I've seen her push past that in previous public appearances. I think, if she can keep her composure, she might do well against Trump.
Mike Bloomberg doesn't strike me as a real viable candidate. Just a rich guy trying to upend Trump. That's okay though, I'd take it.
Deval Patrick was okay as governor but I don't see this as a serious bid. Again... I'd take it.
Tulsi Gabbard is up to something. I liked her in the early going but, I don't know what it is, I just don't trust her anymore. And why does Fox (Fakes) News seem so fond of her? That alone makes me raise an eyebrow.
Michael Bennett - Sorry, I didn't think he was still in it. Good guy but doesn't stand a chance.
So, with all that said and done, I think maybe my best hope would be a Klobuchar/Buttigieg ticket or Buttigieg/Klobuchar in November. Either way I'd be happy. She would bring the wisdom of experience to the table and Pete's youthful exuberance could have time to grow for the future. First, the first woman president... then, the first gay president... (or vice versa) then, the first (your cause here)?
William Weld was a very good Republican governor in a very Democratic state. What more do you need to know. If Republicans, Democrats and Independents would come together for the good of the country and vote for him in the Republican primaries... Trump doesn't get nominated! Of course that's just a pipe dream. I can't imagine enough politically motivated people coming together to do something sensible. I mean, look at Britain, Brazil, Turkey, Russia! Need I continue?
Joe Walsh is not a choice I would make. It sounds to me he holds all the same beliefs as Trump but, he says Trump is a bad guy and has to go. Hmm... tricky plot.
Cheap knockoff. Not buying it.
Joe Biden is okay but, age has to be a factor and he has appeared to have the occasional "senior moment" during the debates I have watched. If he were the Democratic nominee though I wouldn't mind voting for him.
Bernie Sanders is old too btw, regardless of what he thinks. He has substantially socialist views that many younger people seem to be attracted to. While I'm not particularly scared by that I think it makes it a tough sell, especially for centrists, and foreshadows an even greater polarizing effect on the citizenry after the election. His age is also a factor. I'd rather not see him have to battle the "evil socialist" tag Trump will hang him with. I think Trump's scare tactics would beat him and I'd prefer he remain in the Senate but, I would vote for him in the general election. (Just a side note: Socialism has been given a bad name but not completely without cause. Individuals have corrupted those principles for their own benefit in the past just as in any other system.)
Elizabeth Warren (another golden oldie) would be my last resort to go against Trump. Besides feeling like he would steamroll right over her in debates, I'm not a fan. As a Massachusetts voter, I am still disappointed in her actions during our last election. If she would have been upfront concerning her presidential aspirations I would still have voted for her as Senator; However, she insisted she would fulfill her whole term as Senator and not enter the 2020 campaign. A month later she announced she was putting together an "exploratory" committee. Rather disingenuous campaign tactics I feel. That, combined with the history of her "Native American" issue (It's not as bad as Trump says but, still a curious turn of events.), her vacillating healthcare stance and inconclusive socialistic leanings leaves too many looming questions. I'd prefer she remain Senator and hope I don't have to pick her but, I would over Trump.
Andrew Yang is very smart and entertaining in venues other than the debate stage. I think his $1000/month proposition will be appealing to anyone financially struggling but, will probably alienate those more well-off and be considered just a gimmicky joke by many. I would be very comfortable voting for him but, I'm not sure how he would fare against Trump in debates. I would like to see him involved in the next administration somehow though, whether it be as a cabinet member or some other position pertaining to business, trade, technology, finance... I think there are many areas in which he could be an asset.
Tom Steyer (oldie but goodie) is another guy I think has a lot to offer and wouldn't mind having as president. Again, I don't know how he would do against Trump in a debate. In the debates I've seen, he can come across a little like a dear in headlights. I think it's just that his facial expressions are a little bit too kindly looking to be intimidating. That would normally be a nice thing but not ideal facing off with a bully and a brute. He is, as he says, a real billionaire and successful businessman unlike the fraud that is Donald Trump. If not elected I would like him to also have a place in the next administration, ideally as head of the EPA or possibly something related to business and trade.
Pete Buttigieg is among my favorites but, his youth, inexperience, and height (Yeah, can you believe it? Height has been a factor in major elections for many, many years.) are things he may not be able to overcome. Trump will likely denigrate him at every opportunity as "the little, gay kid from some small town in Indiana". He'll need to face Trump as an existential threat during a military operation. I'd like to see him do it and succeed.
Amy Klobuchar is another favorite. She has experience. She has won under less than ideal circumstances. She is smart, practical and appears to be honest. (Most politicians are quite obviously not.) She has a little bit of a nervous tremor on occasion that I'm sure Trump would jump on but, I've seen her push past that in previous public appearances. I think, if she can keep her composure, she might do well against Trump.
Mike Bloomberg doesn't strike me as a real viable candidate. Just a rich guy trying to upend Trump. That's okay though, I'd take it.
Deval Patrick was okay as governor but I don't see this as a serious bid. Again... I'd take it.
Tulsi Gabbard is up to something. I liked her in the early going but, I don't know what it is, I just don't trust her anymore. And why does Fox (Fakes) News seem so fond of her? That alone makes me raise an eyebrow.
Michael Bennett - Sorry, I didn't think he was still in it. Good guy but doesn't stand a chance.
So, with all that said and done, I think maybe my best hope would be a Klobuchar/Buttigieg ticket or Buttigieg/Klobuchar in November. Either way I'd be happy. She would bring the wisdom of experience to the table and Pete's youthful exuberance could have time to grow for the future. First, the first woman president... then, the first gay president... (or vice versa) then, the first (your cause here)?