THEY CALL THE WIND MARIAH

'Way Out West, they got a name
For rain and wind and fire
The rain is Tess, the fire is joe
And they call the wind Mariah'..

Today's very high wind speeds brings the topic of wind to the fore. For a while we got blown away with headwinds at gale force. Most of us take it in our stride but wind is no laughing matter. Acccording to Wikipedia "winds are often referred to according to their strength and direction from which they are blowing." Familiar meteorological terms  such as breeze, gale, squalls, hurricane can add to the romance in appreciating weather.

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ccording to this article "wind has inspired mythology.".. and even influenced events in our long history. My old and late friend, Clarence W. Wight, dentist encouraged me to read Two Years Before The Mast by Richard Henry Dana. It is when you read a book like this classic do you get the gist of 'Red Sails in the Sunset." The powers of wind are so far reaching.

According to Hoyle 'Wind is caused by differences the  atmospheric pressure.' The wind has been around since day one. Measuring the wind speed is fun for me!An anemometer IS A WIND-SPEED INDICATOR and has been known to get blown away in hurricane-force winds. Of course there's lot's of winds and hot air found in Washington. LOL.

Billy Joel mentions the Beaufort Scale in his Storm Front album.

This time of year tornadoes steal the show with high-speed winds +300 mph. The Worcesster, MA Tornado was a great example of one of the worst occurring back in June of 1953.

I always thought the term monsoon meant rain when it fact it refers to seasonal winds in the Tropics like Vietnam. These last several months as indicated in the Wik article.

Here's a new thought: KAMIKAZE is a divine Japanese word meaning divine wind. Ships of yesteryear hoisted cloth masts to capture wind and et sail. Today, wind turbines, generate electric power. Not a big generator in the scheme of things.

Cattle and sheep are prone to wind chill as are humans.

It is truly an amazing world we live in but remember "The Call The Wind Mariah!"

YO, TRUMP!

Every day it is something new with the Trump campaign. From having his foot in his mouth to experiencing egg on his face, the Trumpmobile rolls on. People are more confused than ever. So is Donald J. Trump who seems to be flying in all directions. It's getting very sickening if you ask me.

I fly tomorrow at 2:35 PM from Logan Airport. I'll have to fasten my seat belt doubly as tight as April Fool will be at the helm. I plan on laving early as I must get refills on some prescriptions.

 Today, the last breath of March is blowing a Gale with gusts in the 40s. It seems Old Man Winter just isn't letting go. Snow is in Sunday's forecast. Really exciting weather here in New England. We are not out of the woods yet. In 1977 we experienced cold and no power in May. It was then my folks decided converting to burning to burning wood. Not a bad idea although today I'm a pyromaniac. LOL.

April will be welcome. with taxes and all. Some people pay a tone in taxes.. others owe little to none. No comment. I like taking full advantage of Deductions.

Belmont, NC, here I come via American Airlines.

 

BIG BIRD

 

DOWN THE COAST

 

 

 

ME

 

 

 

SON BEN & WIFE ALLISON

THE IRREFUTIBLE DONALD TRUMP

Trump is the best in interviews. "Excuse me" is the knife that cuts through bothersome interruptions by reporters. He gets his way... always and skirts issues that he doesn't want to answer. Is this guy Trump real or what? His uniform always to be the same.. blue blazer and a red or blue necktie. His appearance is staid as

his persona.

Donald Trump remains a mystery in my book. He's holding up despite ongoing controversies but can he last? While Trump denies being a politician, a politician is Donald Trump. His grueling schedules keep his hopping.. Trump the jet-setter.

The demonstrations at his rallies seem to have settled down a bit but that's subject to change. There remains a division in political party preferences. With the people I talk with "Bernie" still has some fire in his belly.

In other matters it looks like it's going to be a nice late March Day here in New England. I'll take it. I fly on Friday so I must pack my bags for Charlotte, NC.

Slacker Radio streams fine music into my home.

EAT WELL, EXERCISE, DON'T SMOKE!

Healthy habits according to the New York Times don't come easy. I guess we all are overweight, indulge in sweet, like a drink of alcohol and do more detrimental things to add to our woes as we age in a less than perfect manner.

Junk food just wasn't around 50 - 60 years ago. Canned goods were both in fruits and vegetables. But one crowning problem was people smoked more. People also worked much more harder, ate more animal fat and had strokes. Despite our sloppy living styles we live longer.

Since the first of the year I have watched my sugar consumption. No more candy bars, in particular. I still enjoy ice cream as I rationalize it is nutritional. But food consumption must be a discipline of fruits and vegetables and of course, moderation.

Some say it's a "wake-up call" to be cognizant of how we err in doing the right thing. Medicine today can dissect the wings of a mosquito with incredible accuracy. My hematologist orders hundreds of blood tests instantaneously.  But we still live a slovenly existence.

Finally, the kicker of kickers is tobacco. Either you smoke cigarettes or a pipe and add nails to your coffin. Having resigned to no more smoking on October 7, 1968, I never hear of people quitting today. The tobacco industry should hold their heads in shame. There are no resolves to ending smoking. Boy, am I glad I quit at age 26. Now if I can shed 10 pounds I'll be in good shape for the shape I'm in!

WHY NOT PAY CASH?

Never before in the history of mankind have we experienced the true meaning of money. Since 1792 with the mintage of the Liberty Cap coinage inspired the coinage of coins. There was a patriotic spirit that got the presses working. As an agrarian society The Libertas American Medal celebrated 4 July, 1776, a date we all know and revere.

A new Nation knew of coins only. Half-Cents, One Cents and later Two Cents, Three Cents and bigger coins such as Twenty Cents, Quarter Dollars, and Capped coins in design with Bust Half Dollars and the like From the get-go,

 

 

 

 

 

 

gold pieces were not considered spare change. Capped Bust and Heraldic gold pieces were fashioned for America's well todo.

Silver dollars were also minted and the famed 1804 Silver Dollar was preceded by the Draped Bust Small Eagle variety. As America grew her economy grew. The Industrial Revolution wiped out many farmers and gave them work in the thousands of factories particularly in the East. Mints blossomed up in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Denver  and Dahlonega Georgia and much later, West Point.

Barter was one method of trade. Then came the Civil War. Fear and some panic settled in and Fractional Currency   was necessitated to replaced coins that were hoarded. Ten Cents, Twenty Five Cents    and Fifty Cents in particular were used by merchants. The money world of the USA began to change..(no pun intended.)

Large bills emerged in the 1880s. American Currency had become of age. Steam presses and talented engravers necessitated man to carry wallets. With this novelty, so it seemed, came another revolution of sorts: credit. As the song goes.. "Money Makes The World Go Around."     But today, the Space Age is giving us a whole new take on cash.

In the past few years currency seems to be disappearing even more. Merchants and banks admit to "swiping" most of their sales. While this is expedient, swiping can lead to a certain fault.

Of recent times I have reverted to cash as a way of life and living. On Line banking is good but it can be bad. So what's the recourse? Maybe a little more of both.. thrift and an awareness of what's going on not a rampant swipe? Money will always be in the news and having enough is always the ultimate challenge!

HARRY S. TRUMAN

In 1948, the presidential election saw a miracle of sorts. President Harry S. Truman won in an upset victory over Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York. Dewey was articulate in every sense from persona to his speeches but Truman outfoxed him by having sapient speech writers customizing his messages from town to town.

Harry Truman was a little guy my size. He was a bankrupt haberdasher from Missouri and got a break from county boss Tom Prendergast... a corrupt politician having served time in the Kansas City system. Tom favored Truman and saw him onto victory as a Senator.

Truman married Bess Wallace, a lady of means, and saw the couple and daughter Margaret move to Washington. It was wartime. Mr. Truman was a veteran of World War 1 as a Captain so he knew the military ropes. FDR chose HST to be his running mate in 1944. The two were not compatible yet made an attractive ticket for the Democratic Party. Their opposition was Thomas E. Dewey.

Dewey lost the fight. Harry Truman, an unknown from Kansas City, MO. was born under a lucky star so if seems. Just weeks after being elected Vice President Roosevelt died making Harry Truman POTS. He moved into The White House and had to more out of it in due time as the Grand Piano fell through the floor!  Historic Blair House became his home.

President Truman was his own feisty self. Fiery and outspoken he earned the title of "Give 'em Hell, Harry!" The Truman style was folksy. He really was the first president to experience television. Newsreels at movie theaters brought news before that...in addition to the printed word.

1948 saw President Truman at his best and at his worst with his relations with Congress and the Democratic Party. He seem doomed for a Democratic disaster. He persevered and rode his famed Whistle-stop express all over the 48 states. Harry S. Truman brought the truth to the citizens of Amercan. They believed him.

50 newspapers in America endorsed Thomas E. Dewey. All 50 newspapers were wrong! The pundits ate crow." DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN"  was the clarion of embarrassment. This news put a million dollar smile on the elected president's face.

No matter what, Truman was Truman. He battled Congress, and did moral justice by integrating the Armed Forces. Of course the Korean War angered many veterans home from WWII who were recalled for service. And then there was General Douglas McArthur's dismissal. Ole Harry didn't take any crap from anybody.

CNN's portrayal of President Truman's climb to the Highest Office mesmerizes my thoughts on the Presidency...The One, The Only, Harry S. Truman

 

 

 

 

 

 

I REPEAT...YOU MUST QUIT SMOKING! GOBBLE, GOBBBLE, GOBBLE

I don't really think younger smokers know what they are in for in doing tobacco! The implications are far-reaching and there sis no resolve except for quitting cold turkey!  I am seeing it everywhere without any recourse.

HERE'S THE SECRET OF QUITTING SMOKING:  JUST MAKE UP YOUR MIND! Nothing is more powerful the power of the will. Your withdrawal symptoms will include  craving. You will yearn for a ciggabut. But breath deep as the withdrawal
of tobacco will be replaced with a certain pride and satisfaction only you will know. Sure, quitting smoking is a "head game" and you can bet the rent money you will gain some weight. Why? Because food tastes better!

I am rewriting this blog because you have demonstrated secrets to quitting smoking is am an imperative nobody can deny. You must resolve the quote 'I AM.. I CAN.. I WILL quit smoking. Eisenhower said "You quit smoking only once!" This will be the challenge of your life. IF you do you will live much longer and live to see your kids and grandkids. Come on blog readers.. give it a shot! Wake up tomorrow saying 'This is the day I quit!" "Come On Baby..Let's Do The Twist."

TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED

Life is imposing and demanding for all of us to be adept at handling today's zooming technology. Time waits for no man, and in my case "I get by with the help of sons Ben and Josh and friends Jeff Nickerson and "Johnson." If knowledge is power then today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I repeat..."know thyself!"

If you are not growing you are dying. "The only evidence of life is growth."

It all began with the purchase of a Zenith AM/FM radio from Mac's TV in North Brookfield in 1965. The FM-S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tereo was dazzling for its time. A little neon light would beam when it received a Stereo signal. It was the beginning of an era for me. Our worlds were in black and white right up and down thee line. How boring!

Then, gradually, Living Color gave us the NBC peacock. It proved to be a miracle on 43rd Street. I even got an FM radio for my company car for 50 bucks. I was getting connected to the future. Moon Landing in July of 1969 was truly "One Giant Leap for Mankind." We had no idea what we were in for. No idea....no freeking idea!

Color televisions began to come into our lives. 'Johnson-the Technician' the genius that he is, specialized in replacing picture tubes in color TV sets. The Late Johnny Ryback and Russ Emerson were television technicians. Richie Belcher of Edd Belcher fame was young and observing to it all at Ed Belcher Television in Ware.

All of technologies evolved. First hand-held computers in the early Seventies to advancing computer technologies in the early Eighties. Commodore computers and printers plus the games introduced Ben and Josh to the world they live in today! Man has not sat still. Over the decades of time human evolution is exposing the truw Wonders of the World.

Today, SmartPhones, Tablets, Televisions, PCs. Cordless this and cordless that have replaced wireless. From Morse's Code to Edison's genius and the attendant benefits do we advance. Automobiles are magic. Televisions are magic. Telephones are magic. So what's next? As there is no cure for the common cold will the addiction to technologies be replaced by something like kerosene? LOL.

"We chose to go to the Moon in this decade."   Thank you President Kennedy for the marvelous insight!

RECONNECTED!

As I told my friend at Staples.."The Internet is my ether" so here I am, I am breathing again! The complexities of computer science curls my hair! More later. Thanks.

BELGIUM

The European state of Belgium was founded in 1830. The big City names are Antwerp and Luxemburg  and Flanders is a name we recall we recall "where poppies grow."  It is bigger than Massachusetts.. almost double in size at over 11 million souls. Belgium is a sophisticated member of the European Union.


Its proximity to France, England and Germany really makes it all in one. Belgium is known for pharmaceuticals, vehicles, oil, organic chemicals, plastics, Iron & steel,  medical technology and Electronics.


As I recall Antwerp was a pioneer in developing electricity and its attendant storage from the get go. Currently  Belgium is on the world's front stage with terrorism. It is truly a very sad state of affairs and the world reaches out with our sympathies to Belgian families.


RIP.

A HOAX ON MY COMPUTER

Forget it. The thieves are running wild. Hackers and snake oil types. Enough!

QUIT SMOKING - COLD TURKEY

The smartest and best move in my life came nearly a half century ago. As a soldier in Vietnam I knew no differently. I was a "two-pack-a-day soldier" and proud of it. Morning, noon and night I nursed a weed from beginning to end. When drinking I sometimes placed the wrong end of the cigarette in my mouth. I was disgusted and disgusting with the whole ordeal.






My Zippo lighter had high mileage on it. So did my 25 year-old lungs. Even though I was an Army Medic I knew no differently. Most of my friends smoked. The only person in my whole life that never smoked was my loving mother who lived to be 91+. My father was "hooked" and lived to the age of 70.






Something happened to me in the Fall of 1968. I dated a girl who never smoked. This would be my inspiration to quit. Something down and deep within my spirit told smoking was a horrible addiction. My mind was being made up for better or worse to kick the habit! I really didn't know what I was in for! My 55 cents X 2 was gone with the wind.  I began to heal








Mind you, this was only 4 years after the Surgeon General' Warning. I took things to heart. I became a brand new me...tobacco free. From 160 lbs I filled out to 172. Suddenly my food began to taste better. My pride blossomed. I truly had kicked the habit!  From two packs a day my wallet began to fill up with cash. No longer was I slave to it all.






The vast implications to ill health demand folks to give quitting one more try. It is never too late...never. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, collapsed lungs, are the clarion to "get a message to Mary." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services..Centers for Disease can help. 1-800-QUIT-NOW can help.




If only I can help one smoker quit it'd make my day. Lung cancer kills too many people and the GD tobacco companies are truly at fault. Do your family a big favor like I did.   Q-U-I-T   C-O-L-D   T-U-R-K-E-Y!


P.S. ..Johnny Carson's Estate is worth $300 Million...... He lived to be age 79 He attributes his demise to "cigarettes."

"THE TRUMP," A MIGHTYY MAN IS HE!

This has been a political Monday in late March. The oratory of the presidential candidates  is revealing their oral prowess in front of tens of thousands of onlookers. I study these things as I have always enjoyed public speaking. Today's orators are exceptional.


Hillary, then John Kasich and now Donald Trump reveal superb platform skills. Governor Kasich speaks from his heart and that is good. Donald Trump is such a cheerleader yelling hiss way to the finish line. His use of the teleprompter  didn't stop him one iota from getting his "Israel message" across.


SNOW GO


I have never seen so much snow disappear as did today's 3 1/2 inches. I think it disappeared in fine style because there's no frost in the ground? We still have 10 days remaining in this month. I've truly have had enough of Winter even though we haven't had much of a Winter. I lust for Spring flowers, the smells that go with them and Mother Nature at my doorstep. The peepers are out down at Sheldon Drive.


I'm suffering from a little house arrest. Social Security comes knocking at my door on Wednesday. Dick Johnson did go to work today.

THE INFECTIOUS SPIRIT OF HILLARY CLINTON

How can you not like Hillary? The lady has been around more than we think or admit to. She knows the ropes and appears to be the best contestant for the flamboyant Donald Trump.


My experiences with Hillary Clinton go back to 1992 and 1993. First in New York City at the Democratic National Convention. Hillary donned a turquoise blue suit as she entered a room of 400 Democrats. I stood on a chair and was 3 - 4 feet from her as she came into the rom as she described "a sauna."  I knew then and there she was something when Hillary opened her mouth and stared talking.






Hillary Clinton may go down in history as the smartest First Lady of all time.


Next, at Charlottesville, VA I observed Mr. Mrs. Clinton from a front row advantage behind a rope as they shook hands. I knew Hillary was something... then at the festivities at an Inaugural Washington, Hillary was ubiquitous. Her fancy fedora festooned her beaming face as she marched with Bill.






Hillary wrote a book 'It Takes A Village" while in the White House. I wrote her and got a return letter. Her autograph is straight and narrow. In 2008 I greeted Mrs. Clinton at Springfield College in a huge crowd of well-wishers. Once again I was in the front row. As we greeted each other by shaking hands I asked her about blogging! I was new at the game back in 2008.






'Yes. I approve of blogging."






So here we are, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton who want's to be president. Can she do it? I don't know. Will she do it?  I don't know. Clearly the fat lady hasn't sung and it's any body's guess. After watching Donald Trump "carry on" watching Hillary speak to a huge crowd in Washington this Monday was awakening and somewhat refreshing.


Why not post your feelings?

DUKAKIS V. BUSH 1988

The Election of 1988 proved to be a supreme disaster for Gov. Mike Dukakis.


Tonight's CNN Road To The White House had Bush driving in his limousine and Dukakis tanking his Abrams tank. The one hour special is superb. Dukakis hasn't had so much media since the days of Willie Horton. The program will appear again... look for it.


To have a presidential candidate from Massachusetts was great; to have two from Massachusetts  was supreme. Bush was born in Milton in 1924 and has resided in over 30 houses. He's peripatetic.. he is everywhere. Bush was born rich, lives like a king and is righteous in my view.\


Mike Dukakis is somewhat stiff lipped. He was our Massachusetts governor three times. I guess Mike was a good public servant. Doctor Grace entertained Dukakis in the mid eighties at Graceland.


Historically I look back on the times I have been in the presence of both men.. The Duke in Ware, Mass and Bush in New Hampshire. Covering a presidential campaign was fun back then. Today it's another story. In this world of make believe I have seen the media grow exponentially. In 1992 I had fun with my Canon-FTQL 35mm camera.


I had the chutzpah to maneuver my ways both in New Hampshire and New York City at the Democratic National Convention. It was truly a good time enjoyed by all. Now I have the memories of many moons ago. Seeing Mike Dukakis the way he was and the way he is puts things in perspective.


Pageviews today were at a low of 214. Now we must pump up my BLOG. Spread the word!

THE DISRUPTIVE AND SURLY TRUMP CAMPAIGN

I'm afraid the mood of our Country may be rocking and rolling into riots as the days pass by. This is not good. The punks who love The Donald will be opposed by those who hate The Donald. It is a no-win situation. But why? Did Trump light the first match? From the beginning, Donald has been attracting the attention he loves.


Donald Trump is very impressionable in all he says all does. His red ball cap "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" bodes well on his blonde hair. I know of no other man who sports such a doo. But what will this get him? More trouble? Is the damage done by his mouth irreparable? Who are his real friends? We know who Trumps enemies are: The Press!


The Campaigns to come may be more like battles. In a way I feel bad for this juggernaut. Can Trump reverse his direction? Only Trump knows. The California Primary in particular will require great waves of energy by all. I think Americans are truly attentive to this love/hate scenario in the making.


All other candidates appear to be "a fart in the wind" or are they? Mrs. Clinton may be scathing on thin ice? I know one thing, CNN and CNBC and maybe FOX delight in the battle at hand. So what to do? Take it all in and hope for the best.


Tonight at 9:00 be sure to watch Mike Dukakis campaign against GHWB. This campaign was a nightmare for The Duke. The presidency is allusive to some and a bore to others. Me? I'm a Junkie!

 

TRUMP'S VITUPERATION IN THE ARIZONA DESERT

Boy, was The Donald was fired up in the desert! Nothing like it. Garrulous and vituperative, the guy means business. He doesn't have a fire in his belly, Donald Trump has a bonfire is his soul. This is what the Country needs, regardless, as these are so many of the  truths in what he espouses. Trump is revealing big business as what they really are. The  some of

accountants could care less about America and what is stands for.




Our country's nerve has been exposed. Oreo, Carrier, Ford,  and all the rest deserve to be tarred and feathered. Loyalty to the American flag and what it stands for by these corporate traitors is gone. We must reclaim things and Donald Trump as the courage of his convictions and then some!




Dick Johnson remains sidelined with cellulitis. He's home. Dick called this morning.




Took the grandchildren to the Book Bear. Madeline Grace was treated  to two new books and Lily one. Chase browsed around as the baby ran around to her heart's content. I did dirty laundry to my heart's discontent.




Brilliant sunshine has prevailed this Saturday  Palm Sunday tomorrow. No final plans on attending the rare coin show in CT. My pageviews are respectable today 282 final count.




"Trump" headline should bring me some blog action. Gotta get some food. and some food for thought.