Rhyme and Reason

I enjoy listening to Elon Musk. Especially since he bought Twitter, which he now calls X, and allowed free speech on that platform. And he seems to truly love America. So, he’s got that going for him, too. Obviously he’s a highly intelligent and financially successful guy. But I wish he wasn’t so stupid when it comes to human existence. Here’s a quote, from him, that shows why I say that. “T...

Your government’s budget (and every other part) is NOT operating on or in a just and wise system. And if you ran your household like politicians run this country, you’d be a dead duck already. Dead duck. That’s kind of a weird thing to say when you think about it. I read, somewhere, that Andrew Jackson first used the expression, dead duck, in the 1840’s to describe a politi...

You might believe what I’m about to share with you from an American food ingredient checker. You might, but I think most Americans won’t believe it. Here’s some data the ingredient checker discovered. ~ These ingredients are banned in Europe. But legal in the US. Really makes you think twice when it says “FDA approved.”  POTASSIUM BROMATE * Can irritate nose, throat and lungs * S...

Some people, even some Christians, say that what’s going on, in the Southeast, is God getting our attention. Or maybe that He’s sending down some wrath on haters. Have you heard anything like that? I even watched a young woman, in a video, say she was glad that area was hit so hard by Hurricane Helene. Well, it’s total nonsense. And that kind of thinking doesn’t come from a...

Twenty-six years ago I remember hearing somebody say how corrupt our government has become. And they said it felt like people who want to stand up for truth, justice, and the American way (to quote from the old Superman TV show) just face impossible odds. Of course, it can feel like that. These days it can feel like that way more than back then. But I mentioned, then, and I’ll say it again....

Now and then, with a keyboard or pen, I go back where I’ve been. That’s what I say now. And “then” I said this: I find it difficult to write anything without trying to make it rhyme in my head. Or without pondering the rhythm of the words. It isn’t obsessive. But it IS almost constant. And dare I make a mention of the need for this attention to words? Oops. I did it a...

If you even think evil thoughts, you’ve sinned. How’s that for a cheerful start to your week? I had one main reason why it came up in me to say that. Because of the kinds of things that transpired over the weekend as millions of Americans enjoyed beer and football. Their thoughts and deeds were mostly benign. But the thoughts and deeds of many others were malevolent. Would you believe...

It’s not impossible. Although sometimes it can certainly feel that way. And you definitely don’t have to accept it if you don’t want it. So, think it over before you accept or reject your secret mission. Because the fate of the world is in your hands. Well, actually, your secret mission doesn’t determine the fate of the world. But it DOES have some immeasurable consequences...

Another painful day of anxiety. And the effects, of it, range from silent crying to freaked-out scenes in public places to even assaults. Day after painful day after day. Oh, maybe I should clarify. I’m not talkin’ about me. Good heavens, no! I trust that Jesus Christ loves me and that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me. So, I’m covered by the Creator and source of Life. N...

Nations and empires fall because of it. Governments become tyrannical and then crumble because of it. And families are torn to shreds because of it. And it’s something you can’t detect with your five senses. But you WILL still suffer because of it. And the “IT” I’m talking about is selfishness. The cruel selfishness that leads some people to want to steal, lie, cheat,...

It’s truly your lucky day! Because, even though I didn’t think I’d ever share this secret again, I’m gonna show you the main ingredients you need in order to be master of the universe. And despite what you might have thought, up until this moment… You are NOT already the master of the universe. But I’m here for you. You’re my digital neighbor. And the Bibl...

I gotta share this story I just saw again today. Maybe you’ve seen some version of it. But it’s about what happened when a young cashier told an older woman “you should bring your grocery bags next time. Because plastic bags aren’t good for the environment.” And the older woman shared some actual good for the environment facts. Here’s the story version I saw: Th...

Sure, you could say Tino loves music. If you’re trying to win the “understatement of the year” contest, you could say that. Or another “understatement of the year” could be… “He’s no quitter.” Boy oh boy, is THAT putting it mildly. Because Tino’s efforts in the cutthroat music world were almost legendary. First, he got fed up with traditi...

The anchors, the weather and sports reporters, the investigative reporters, and the editorialists all talked a blue streak night after night. So, it was ironic when Theo felt something like the stroke of a paintbrush across his heart. Because it wasn’t the same feeling as a physical paintbrush stroke. It was more like a blue streak of cool light. And it happened as he listened to a late nigh...

You’ve heard how there was no joy in Mudville when Mighty Casey struck out. Well, I assume you’ve heard that or read it. And I know what happens when you assume. So, maybe I should have given a spoiler alert. But the poem first appeared back in 1888. So, for cryin’ out loud, if you haven’t read it or heard it by now, then shame on you. Anyway… Mighty Casey struck out....

OK kiddos from 3 to 103. I’ll just let you know, right up front, that I’m here for you. Because I know that you fit into one of these categories. You are the: Cream of the crop Top of the heap Bee’s knees Cat’s meow Best thing since sliced bread And maybe you’ve even come up with something else you think describes your effervescent and irresistible personality. If so, good for yo...

Kris and Themum woke up to a thunderstorm filled with bright flashes of lightning. Thank goodness they had taken extra time to secure their tents and position them for protection. Because the thunderstorm turned into what Uncle Paulo would describe as “a real frog drowner.” But they weren’t gonna let a little rain put a damper on reaching the goal for the day. Because the goal fo...

OK, you’ll enjoy this story much more if you use your best Irish or Scottish accent as you read. Even if you read it to yourself and you don’t read it out loud. You’re already doin’ it. Aren’t ya? Yeah, the way that power of suggestion works is a mystical phenomenon. And speakin’ of a mystical phenomenon. Have you ever heard of the Blue Celtic Cloud? Some say it...

I’m not a fan of hot weather conditions. Yeah, there’s a pun hiding in plain sight, there. But I’m not gonna pun-ish you, more, right now. If you’ve been staying inside to lounge in the coolness of air conditioning, believe me, I’m with ya man. And it IS a manly thing to do. Here’s why. Hot weather conditions can wring rhymes right out of the air. At least they...

I bet your name is NOT Titus. Because that’s not one of the more common names these days. At least not in English speaking countries. But, according to some information I found, Titus was once “one of the most common first names in the old world.” ( HEY KIDS : be sure to read through this whole post. Because, if you do, you can win a chance to get your name in one of my books of...

I remember watching certain kinds of sci-fi movies, way back in decades past, that showed unbelievable scenarios for the future. But here we are, IN that future, and some of those things actually came true. One thing, in particular, is how easy it has become to terminate people just because they annoy you. Yeah, it has become acceptable to terminate people of ALL ages. Starting in the womb. Your o...

Me: “Of course I’m pro public education. Why would you want to keep education a secret?” A friend: “Actually pro public education means you’re all for public schools.” “Wait, what?! Well, of course I’m not THAT kind of pro public education!” A friend: “Whew, thank goodness. I thought you might be a closet Brandon dude.” Yeah, that&#...

Have you ever made a rock? And how about a stick? Have you ever made one of those? Well, what about a drop of water? Surely you’ve at least made a drop of water in your life. And surely, somewhere, there’s a school science class where that has happened. Naturally, I don’t expect anyone to create a river. But surely at least one, single drop of water shouldn’t be that hard t...

Feelings change. It’s a fact of life. That was even true when I was a young whippersnapper, all those decades ago. I remember the first time I felt like I was in love with a girl. But, later, I felt like I was in love with another girl. It happened several times. What can I say? A red-blooded American boy is a boy after all. And your feelings will (or did) change many times, too. So, that&#8...

Gonna talk about truth and mercy right now. So, get ready to take some mental notes. Yeah, put away those silly tablets and other writing accoutrement. Because I don’t want your brain distracted by an urgent need to jot notes. The value of truth and mercy is too important to miss. So, before I go any further, I know your brain is already distracted by the grammar in my headline, “Truth...