I’ve only had 7 jobs over my lifetime. Only two, my first as a teen aged elementary teacher’s assistant and my second as a paint factory worker, were not associated with the piping trades.
I worked as a non union pipefitter’s helper and moved into the union pipe trades apprenticeship. I worked as a first year industrial pipefitter’s apprentice…[Read more]

First job was working as a teacher’s assistant at Logan Elementary School during summer school. My junior high guidance counselor got me the job. His name was Jackson. It was 1970 and my favorite show was Star Trek. Music? It was a year after Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Ten Years After were the order of the day. My second job was my…[Read more]

I would respectfully disagree with ending the practice of voting by mail. Jeannie and I began voting by mail during COVID and the State of Maryland has continued this practice to facilitate participation by the elderly and disabled who cannot vote in person. Voting by mail has it’s origins dating back to the War of 1812 and is used primarily by…[Read more]

I’ve been watching this year’s World Series. You’d be amazed at the number of AI “services” (apps, whatever the term is) that have been advertised.

Nice writing elder bro’ .

I would also point out that the “Trump Bibles” are missing the 11th through the 27th amendments from its version of the US Constitution. I guess he found the amendments regarding slavery’s abolishment and removal from office for mental incapacitation cumbersome.

We are happy you made the trip. I’m sure it will make you appreciate your current surroundings even more. Your visits are time well spent and are always welcome.

Social Security’s financial problems could be solved in one simple stroke – remove the cap. It’s currently $168,000/ year. Imagine how much could be generated if Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg were taxed at the same rate as working people who never reach that threshold. In my working career, I’ve only made that financial hurdle twice, both times when…[Read more]

Regarding public school education: one of our grandsons who is twelve and in the 6th grade needed help with a homework assignment while staying with us over the weekend. He was given examples of human interaction and was asked to identify which showed sympathy, which showed empathy and which showed compassion. While I realize I am not well read…[Read more]

Regarding local newspapers: After 38 years I am cancelling my subscription to the Baltimore Sun. The Sun was originated by the Abell family and was sold to the Chicago Tribune in the late 90’s(?). They in turn sold the Sun to a hedge fund who drastically cut staff, features, content etc. Last year the Sun was purchased by the owner of Sinclair…[Read more]

At least we didn’t hear “self fulfilling prophecy” . What the hell does that mean?

All I know is this. When I’m talking to someone who presumes themselves an expert on the issues of the day, they use terms like “existential threat” and “self fulfilling prophecy” to add gravity to their illogical position. At that point, I know not to discuss the subject any further.

Welcome back Brother! Misery loves company.

I could not agree with your post more. My wife goes to church to interact with her friends as much if not more than for spiritual enlightenment. I enjoy teaching at the apprentice school because 90 minutes before class, i congregate with a coupla’ old timers and we just “shoot the bull” before our classes begin. When school ends for the summer, I…[Read more]

I investigated that idea in 2016 after the beginning of the first Trump Reich. The main problem I encountered was that although these countries have universal healthcare, you could not “buy” into the system as an immigrant. I found moving to New Zealand to be intriguing.

Regarding your moniker “old timer”: As you may remember, we watch our grandson, Wesley, twice a week at his home. Because his parents are “Gen something or other” , they have eschewed cable tv and instead rely on streaming services for their smart TV. They have grouped these services according to the persons(s) watching. These groupings are…[Read more]

Mother Nature is going to foreclose and evict us.

We’ve had the “Nextdoor” app, site, whatever ya call it for several years now. It’s a great way to see how uneducated your neighbors are. It’s like the neighborhood Facebook page, which I joined and unjoined in rapid succession. You can’t have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Your story on the voters data base “ERIC” was featured tonight on the PBS Newshour.

You’re still mobile. You’re just slower than you used to be. You have some ground to work that some people would die for in the “non-sketchy” neighborhood you live in. I’m the last person anyone would label as Mr. Positivity, but count your blessings. You have “something to get up for”. You may be my very senior brother, but I get it. I used to…[Read more]