What’s the opposite of “tax”

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What’s the opposite of “tax”?, my temple friend Richard explained, "The opposite of “tax” is when Congress is in recess.  This, of course, brings to mind the old question:  If 'pro' is the opposite of 'con,' what is the opposite of “progress”?"

My business development friend Ray observed, "More disposable income," to which my dad's beach buddy Bob provided an example when he wrote, "A new car."

My sailing friend Mike concluded, "The opposite of tax is of course spend," while my social media friend Mark lamented, "I think it is nothing.”

My sailing friend Norm shared his financial advisor experience, "Tax Free is the opposite of Tax. It is amazing how much "tax" ordinary folks actually pay these days. When you add up income tax, social security and medicare payroll tax, capital gains tax, ad valorem taxes, sales taxes, the average middle income person is paying close to 50% or more of their cash flow in taxes of one sort or another. Our politicians always want more and always claim they need more.  Then when you retire, most pay tax on some or most of their social security that has already been taxed !!  Funny thing about taxing, though, whenever the government takes too much, the economy stalls and government revenue falls at higher tax rates."

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     How do you know if a word is misspelled in the dictionary or dictionary.com?
        from my friend Bob J

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

It's matzah and chocolate weekend.  OK, being more spiritual, wishing you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter.  May your holiday provide you with insight, wisdom, calmness.....and not too many calories.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

     

Is breathing optional?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is breathing optional?," my disc golf friend Blake replied, "Depends on how long you wish to live."

My social media friend Mark pointed out, "Yes, but not breathing is not."

My equestrian friend Royce advised, "It would depend upon where you are and the circumstances," to which my biz dev friend Ray stated succinctly, "Depends upon your end game.

My production management friend Ray Hughes surmised, "Yes, as long as you think you will look good in that shade of blue!"

My dad's beach buddy Bob observed, "Not when you are under water and not wearing a scuba outfit," to which my sailing friend Norm concurred, "Normally, yes, if you want to live.  But not when you are snorkeling and want to dive down below the surface of the water to see a fish or a lobster."  

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     What’s the opposite of “tax”?

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

It's matzah and chocolate weekend.  OK, being more spiritual, wishing you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter.  May your holiday provide you with insight, wisdom, calmness.....and not too many calories.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Is a foot-long shoe always the right size?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is a foot-long shoe always the right size?," my birthday bud Jon observed, "Not at Subway."

My dad's beach buddy Bob pointed out, "Not if you wear a size 13" while my social media friend Mark replied, "Yes, it’s not always the right foot though," 

My equestrian friend Royce called out that ,"According to the Euclidean theory of mathematics, naaaaa"

And my cycling friend Ted responded, "I never really gave it much thought that 12 inches could be a variable distance! The real issue here is that we use an average male foot to define 12 inches of distance, so that the fundamental conclusion is that the world is just intensely Sexist!! Good luck to all the power girls out there trying to make it in a world measured by Men!!  How's that for a rambling Rant!"

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     Is breathing optional?  from my friend Paul T

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

I was listening to a TED Talk about altruism and appreciation. While the majority of people are very good at either, I'd like to think that this blog's readership are "all above average."  Continuing this line of thinking, if you find that these weekly email or blog post provide a little happiness or joy, I'm asking that you find one person to share it with -- and if they are OK with it, I'll add them to the email list.  To spread the joy, simply reply with their name and email address.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

     

t's Spring. What needs cleaning (or uncluttering)?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “It's Spring. What needs cleaning (or uncluttering)?,"  my writing and sailing friend Rich called out, "The space between  ears.  It turns out the less I know, the happier I am.  My wife told me this was true, I did not believe her for many years, but once I let go and let her tell me what I needed to know, my life go better."

My equestrian friend Royce noted, "the gutters" while my sailing friend Norm admitted, "My teeth! 😁😁"

My social media friend Mark cautioned, "It’s a little early, but the White House could use some serious 'taking out the trash'."

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

     Who do you know who is motivated by “a carrot”?
Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!
 
Hal
 
Happy Birthday to my birthday bud Adam, Jon, Jim and Aman:  Congrats on another trip around the sum!  May Hump Day this week for a fun day.
Also: My temple friend Bill responded to when during the week should we change from Standard to Daylight Saving Time, "Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.. We could all use the extra  Time at happy hour." while my doctor friend Dwana shared, "In residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, when my “ on call duties” were lengthened by one hour by daylight saving’s time, I came to know that 24 plus 1 was not 25.  Residents did not leave when their 24 hour shift was over. We were expected to work until we had assessed and appropriately cared for patients admitted through the ER  and did not leave for home until they were signed over to the next shift in stable condition. The VA patient admitted to me in the “ extra hour” of daylight savings time with a GI bleed and hepatic encephalopathy from his alcoholic liver disease took 9 hours to completely work up and stabilize. In the new math of daylight savings time: 1+ 24 = 32 !

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

     

Is there a better time of the week to Spring forward than Sunday at 2:00am?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is there a better time of the week to Spring forward than Sunday at 2:00am?,” my social media friend Mark announced, “Friday at 4:00…that last hour of the work-week is so long,” to which my production management friend Ray explained, “That would make it five o clock and you would get paid for 8 hours only working seven and get to go home an hour early.”

My sister-in-law Lorrie proposed, “Mondays so that you have one less hour to get through on a Monday morning! In all honesty,  in retirement it hardly matters.  If I was still working the earlier would apply.”

My engineering friend Steve advised, “Yes, 20 minutes into the future.”  But my business development friend Ray called-out, “Keeping it at 2am does allow the workers in bars to shut down an hour earlier.”

My temple friend Kevin explained, “Yes, when we fall back to real time.  Daylight Savings Time is a lie and completely useless.  Studies have shown that there really is no longer any need for it and it should be done away with.  In fact, human productivity is worse during the weeks after these changes than during periods where ‘time’ is static,” to which my cycling friend Ted declared, “I think we should stay ‘Sprung” all year round!”  And my dad’s beach buddy Bob added his support, “There is never a good time to spring forward.  Takes time for we old timers to adjust to standard time without having to spring up on our feet with vertigo.”

My sailing friend Norm replied, “Yes, a better time would be Saturday night. 😀 “

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

How do you know if you’re Irish?

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

To the prior week’s question, “What do people who write "u" instead of "you" do with all the time they save?,” my HIPnation friend Dwana pointed out, “in my neck of the woods, we say ‘all y’all’”. 

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Why do we choose from just two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Why do we choose from just  two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America?,” my dad’s beach buddy Bob observed “There is much more to look at that doesn't challenge your intelligence.”   My engineering friend Steve called out, “Because Miss America isn’t as corrupt and doesn’t have someone to “collude” with as the Dems and Reps do with each other,” to which my birthday bud Jon simplified it, ”Which would you rather look at fifty of?”

My social media friend Mark lamented, “That is all the qualified people they can find. Although they were wrong to think there were two qualified candidates for president last time.”

When my equestrian friend Royce responded, “Ya know I've been asking myself that same question for way too many years,” my cycling friend Ted answered, “Because Miss America has so many more better candidates!”

My workforce training friend Jonathan pointed out, “Uhm...have you seen the field if Democrats lately; looks like there may be one candidate for every state by the end of the summer,” to which my temple friends Kevin and Bill agreed, “The way the Dems are joining the race, we may well get to 50 before it's over.”

And my biz development friend Ray noted, “Have you ever compared the presidents to the Miss America contestants? Hands down, it’s who wins that "beauty" contest!”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

What do people who write "u" instead of "you" do with all the time they save?  (from my interfaith friend Ann)

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Is chocolate the answer?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Is chocolate the answer?,”  my cousin Valarie declared, “Yes! Yes! Yes! What was the question? :-) “

My temple friend Richard called out, “If chocolate isn’t the answer, then it is quite clear you are asking the wrong question,” to which my social media friend Mark agreed, “Yes, no matter the question,”

While my cycling friend Ted purported, “It is the answer to many a question!,” my biz development friend Ray countered, “The simple answer is YES.”

My temple friend Viv explained, “Chocolate is the answer to everything--even your health.  It has been proven that dark chocolate is healthy.  Therefore, I have to take care of myself and have some chocolate everyday.  Yummy!”  Then my college roomie John added, “Yes, it used to be milk chocolate, but now it's dark chocolate!”

My sailing friend Norm replied, “Yes and no.  Let's see, chocolate originally was native to Central and South America and now mostly is grown in Africa.  Coffee was native to Africa and the Middle East and now is mostly grown in Central America.  And nothing tastes better than a combination of coffee and chocolate.  So whether it is the answer to something, who knows. But when either or both are mixed with milk and sugar, they are irresistible.”   

With my equestrian friend Royce retorting, "In what fashion and/or form?”, my dad’s beach buddy Bob announced, “Ahh yes, consumed daily at my age beats sex.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Why do we choose from just  two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America ?

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

With today being Presidents’ Day, many people forget Lincoln’s Birthday was Tue, 2/12 and Washington’s Birthday is 2/22, so Presidents’ Day combined these 2 former holidays. Also in February, few know that Ronald Reagan was born on Feb 6* and fewer know that on Feb 9, our 9^th president was born, William Harrison.  October has the most presidential births with 6.

Then again, should we celebrate 45 presidents instead of 2?

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What’s the purpose of a beard? (in honor of Abe Lincoln’s birthday on Feb 12),”  my birthday bud Jon called-out, “It’s a distraction while my equestrian friend Royce shared the practical aspects, “It keeps your face warm in winter and the gnats away in summer.”

My IT support friend Kim declared, “A beard is like a bib.  It’s so you can catch all your food and save it for later,” to which my cousin Greg added, “It’s a good old-fashioned flavor saver.”

My temple friend Kevin noted, “To avoid shaving as much as possible,” while my sailing friend Norm countered, “It tickles the thi....s !”

My writing and sailing friend Rich explained, “To cover up for the fact that your genome does include number 157 (Kirk Douglas Chin) – Of course the one who passed on that genome to me, dear old dad used to say about my beard, “I don’t know why you are cultivating something on your face that I’ve got growing wild on my back side.”  

My friend in Utah Bruce  expounded, “The purpose of a beard is an outward social visual clue that you are not a hypocrite...follow me on this...As a man matures the  physical normal response to testosterone is the growth of facial hair. Now mixing this with the Peter Pan Principle that all men wish to remain boys, the subject (in an effort to appear young) removes the facial hair - thus becoming a hypocrite.” 

And my PR friend Stan suggested, “The beard could be considered the world’s first tracking device for men. The razor became a stealth device.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Is chocolate the answer? May Valentine’s day be a to appreciate those who love you.

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

And for Thu, love the one your with:  Aretha, and by  CNSY.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Would you rather be right or happy?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Would you rather be right or happy?,” my temple friend Richard concluded, “I am usually quite happy when it turns out I am right.  I am also usually quite surprised.”

My collaboration friend Paul gasped, “Jeez, Hal.  The easiest question ever (for those who have seen Wonder).   When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.   Making that choice is much more likely to make you happy.”

My writing and sailing friend Rich cautioned, “I would rather be happy than say to my wife, ‘I hate being right as much as you hate me being right and I realize that no good will come from this.’”

My cycling friend Ted advised, “Oh just ask any married man--much better to be happy!” to which my college roomie John concurred, “I understand in order for a husband to stay married, it is better to be happy than right.  There are always exceptions to the rule!” And my cousin Wes added, “If you are a married man and want to be happy, then you are wrong and she is right.”  

My dad’s beach buddy Bob dreamed, “I would be happy to be right for once in my life when arguing with my wife.”

My optimist equestrian friend Royce declared, “...but I am always right and happy so I guess I am exempt” while my social media friend Mark lamented, “Apparently I’d rather be wrong and unhappy.”

My production management friend Ray shared, “Both right and happy are situational. I'd much rather be joyous. And I know I'm right in saying that which makes me very happy. Namaste.”

And my sister-in-law Lorrie called out, “I believe it would be a bit southern to say:  I'm gonna be right happy.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

What’s the purpose of a beard? in honor of Abe Lincoln’s birthday on Feb 12

Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

Heard by one of my sailing friends, “I’m not watching the Super Bowl this weekend.  I don’t really like baseball.”

As to Phillip' s comment about “What is public service?” the week before last, my cousin Wes asked, “does not Nancy Pelosi  have responsibility too?”

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

What is public service?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What is public service?,” my equestrian friend Royce wrote, “it is usually service paid for by the public that benefits others,” to which my temple friend Tracey observed, “Public service is what all of the government employees that are not receiving paychecks right now yet continue to go to work every day  are doing.”  My attorney friend Philip expounded, “Public service is when a government employee shows up for work without pay despite a megalomaniac's temper tantrum over not getting his way with a stupid **** wall.”

My dad’s beach buddy Bob lamented a more general observation, “Certainly not in political office where they help themselves.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Would you rather be right or happy?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

Do you know someone who has the same sense of humor you and I do?  I’m happy to include them on my weekly distribution if you’ll either send me their name/email address, or any other introduction.  Remember, humor helps most things.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Where’s Elvis?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Where’s Elvis?,” my temple friend Richard declared, “Elvis is the night manager at the Heartbreak Hotel. Apparently, he does a lounge show there too.  The lounge serves a very nice steak called Love Me Tender,”  to which my engineering friend Steve pointed out, “He’s in Vegas of course; I see him multiple times and places when I’m out there for work. He’s either cloned himself or he’s a really fast runner!”   My sailing friend Norm “saw Elvis on my cruise ship this past week while we were cruising on the The Royal Princess in the western Caribbean.  Really did see him (or perhaps an impostor?) .”

My college roomie John provided proof that “Elvis is everywhere; check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7NWXJ8iPQw,” to which my writing and sailing friend Rich provided the lyrics,  https://youtu.be/VSZkf1hdupA.

My interfaith friend Ann replied, “He’s all over my cousin's house!  And my cousin wasn't born until 1986.  Maybe he IS Elvis.  He even went to college in Memphis so that he could work at Graceland (he's from Colorado).”

My equestrian friend Royce declared that “Elvis is in Memphis, TN a few mile south of Beale Street.”  And my business development friend Ray called out, “He’s somewhere between a jelly donut and a big ol ham sandwich, and still all shook up of course!  Long live The King! BTW, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news broke that Elvis died.”

My temple friend Lesley and sailing friends Kurt & Connie noted, “I believe Elvis has left the building,” to which my cousin Greg opined, “Elvis is on the island with Biggie and Tupac.”

And my social media friend Mark provided the summary, “He’s alive in all our hearts.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

What is public service? (in honor of MLK Day next Monday, Jan 21)

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

 The day recalling the memory of Martin Luther King and his wonderful view of diversity has been expanded to include awareness of doing public service.  What a great way to spend some time, either on the 21st, or some other day this month.

Responses to this week’s imponderable question will be on Mon, Jan 28 so that Alison and I can escape reality and spend the week of Jan 20 in the Caribbean.  Catch ya when we return.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Where do you go for advice for a New Year's resolution?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Where do you go for advice for a New Year's resolution?,” my temple friend Richard pondered, “One definition of “resolution” (per the Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary is “the subsidence of a pathological state (such as inflammation).” Ergo, it would seem that one should see a qualified mental health professional to cure  resolutions.  In short, you do not have to be insane to make resolutions, but it apparently helps!”

With that in mind, my social media friend Mark replied, “Never thought of asking anyone else what I ought to do to improve. I’m sure the list would be way too long,” to which my sailing friend Norm explained, “my spouse has my resolutions all set out for me.”  And my PR friend Stan shared a longer list of sources, “My wife...my kids and grandkids...my doctor...my financial advisor...  I don’t have to go to them. I just compile their suggestions over the year.” 

My Utahan friend Bruce surmised, “You don’t have to go anywhere , as they automatically come to you via your mother-in-law... by the way: it’s true name is not New Year’s Resolutions. The correct term is ‘yearly promises I make to myself that I have no contractual or legal obligation to fulfill.’”

My birthday bud Jon “Turns to the answers to the previous 51 weekly ‘things make you go ‘Hmmm.’ I’m sure that is worthwhile advice in there somewhere” while my dad’s beach buddy Bob gets advice from “last year’s resolutions.”

My business development friend Ray noted, “Like the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, I do not believe in New Year's resolutions. In perpetual motion, I resolve to do the right things throughout the year and if I don't, I resolve to rectify those missteps. Happy New Year!”

And with all of this insight, my adjunct executive fiend Lindy shared, “This year I am making resolutions I can keep: to gain weight, be impatient, and argue over things that don’t matter.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Where’s Elvis? (in memory of Elvis Presley’s birthday on Jan 8*)

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

My friend Dov makes “educational video games” to aid in employee (and first responder) training.  He took out time to play and share Sneezins Greetings.   Enjoy.

*Elvis Presley was born 1/8/1935 and Tuesday would have been his 84th birthday but he died in 1977 at the age of 42.  Next year we’ll ask who is the new Elvis (if there is one)?

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

How do you make a decision when you are in the dark?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “How do you make a decision when you are in the dark?,” my birthday bud Jon advised, “Not lightly,”  to which my dad’s beach buddy Bob recalled, “You usually close your eyes when you are in deep thought.”

My adjunct executive friend Lindy shared, “The same way you do in the light: gather the facts, ponder them, possibly seek counsel, then follow your gut.”

My business development friend Ray proffered, “Lick my finger, stick it into the wind to see which direction it is blowing at the moment!” to which my cycling friend Ted lamented, “they do that in Washington all day long!”  So my sailing friend Norm recommended literally and figuratively, “Turn on the light!”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Where do you turn to for advice for a New Year's resolution?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

I am so blessed (if you’re in the South) / fortunate (if you’ve somewhere else) to have such supportive and caring friends.  You respond to these weekly questions, ask me to share these emails with your friends, or simply say ‘thank you’ periodically.  Being part of such a community makes every day a joy – even Mondays!  Looking forward to staying in touch with you this year.  And wishing you a year of health, prosperity and joy.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Who makes the best promises?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Who makes the best promises?,”  my physicist and disc golf friend Blake concluded, “Gravity. It will always let you down.”

My neighbor Al declared, “Conopco  A division of Unilever.” (You thought Promise spread and Promise Extra Light margarine were made by a family dairy?)

My temple friend Leslie recalled, “Yes, and he is still standing on first after all of these years.  (reference to Abbott and Castello that initially missed; kudos to Leslie)

My collaboration and running friend Andy  observed, ”I'm pretty sure Brown's fans would say Bud Light.” My adjunct executive friend Lindy continued, “Probably advertisers –Nestles (makes the very best…chocolate), Jewelers, etc. Who are we to disagree with all the Best Ever, New and Improved promises they share?:

My dad’s beach buddy Bob called out, “Mafia Dons.  You can bet your last shovel of dirt in your grave on it.  Santa comes in second.”

My birthday bud Jon knew simply, “Liars.”  To this, my cousin Greg opined, “Any politician in an election year,” to which my sailing friend Norm added, “Politicians as you did not ask who KEEPS the best promises!

My cycling friend Ted proffered, “Santa to a Jewish kid--I promise you will get no xmas present!’

And my business development friend Ray counseled, “Those who don't break them!”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

How do you make a decision when you are in the dark?*

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

*Fri, Dec 21 is the longest night of the year aka Winter Solstice.  Lots of dark.  In Nome, AL, the sun will rise at 12:02pm and set at 3:57pm (20 hr, 6min of night), which is 17 hours, 33 minutes longer than June’s Summer Solstice.  Always looking for the bright side, that means that on Saturday, the days start getting longer, and there is only 90 days until Spring.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

If veggies like Romaine lettuce are better for you than chocolate, how come there haven’t been any recalls for chocolate?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “If veggies like Romaine lettuce are better for you than chocolate, how come there haven’t been any recalls for chocolate?,”  my interfaith community friend Ann declared, “Because no sane person would throw away chocolate; they'd all gamble that theirs was ok,” to which my dad’s beach buddy Bob concluded, “Because there are never any leftovers.”  My cycling friend Ted, who is also a dentist, added, “If they were to recall chocolate, we would eat it anyway, deadly or not! So why bother?”  

My writing and sailing friend Rich challenged, “I reject the premise that veggies are better for you – One pound of romaine lettuce is 80 calories – One pound of chocolate is 2476 calories – The average man needs 2500 calories per day to maintain – One pound of chocolate or 31 plus pounds of romaine for the same caloric intake  -  There are no recalls on chocolate because chocolate is way more efficient than romaine and tastier too.”

My social media friend Mark shared, “I recall all chocolate almost immediately after I swallow. Too late to do any good, but I try! Every time.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Who makes the best promises?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

If you know an individual or small business wanting to break the cycle of rising healthcare costs, please introduce me.  With so many people trying to figure out Open Enrollment and questioning these new ‘short term medical’ plans, I can share some solid advice.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

With Thanksgiving a recent memory, are there left-unders or right-overs?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “With Thanksgiving a recent memory, are there left-unders or right-overs?,” my writing and sailing friend Rich observed, “Right overs are when you take your leftover lean turkey breast and turn it into a healthy salad.  Left-unders are when you take the pie out of the fridge, a spoon out the drawer, get under the covers and don’t come out until there is no more pie or self-esteem.”

My cycling friend Ted explained, “The left unders are the pieces of turkey left under the table for the 4 legged vacuum, and the right overs is the cranberry sauce in the back of the fridge that your wife says ‘It’s right over on the 2nd shelf on the right; if it were a snake it would have bit you!’"

My production management friend Ray agreed, “For those dishes we don't like, those are left under the table (actually did this as a child as a way to avoid eating one of my aunt's awful brussel sprouts one Thanksgiving) and then there are others we pass right over, usually to the person sitting to our right or left at the dining room table.”

My adjunct executive friend Lindy replied, “I’m sure dogs hope for left-unders, which is why they camp under the table. Right-overs would be dishes (in my case a pie) that didn’t turn out right and we have more holidays coming to try again.

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

If veggies like Romaine lettuce are better for you than chocolate, how come there haven’t been any recalls for chocolate?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

If you know an individual or small business wanting to break the cycle of rising healthcare costs, please introduce me.  With so many people trying to figure out Open Enrollment and questioning these new ‘short term medical’ plans, I can share some solid advice.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

What are you thankful for about people who are different than you?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What are you thankful for about people who are different than you?,” my writing and sailing friend Rich pointed out, “Because it does in fact take a village and that includes the village idiot to blaze the ‘don’t go that way path.’ To the rest of the village I can only say ‘you’re welcome’.”

My wife Alison replied, “Thankful for their sharing!” to which my equestrian friend Royce added, “Diversity makes us all better persons.”  My college roomie John then explained, “Differences introduce us to new experiences, adds diversity, yet we still find out that in many ways we are the same and we do have many things to be grateful for.”

My production manager friend Ray pontificated, “Each person is unique, thus different from anyone else. And yet, each person being unique means that we all are the same, that is, we are all unique. It is being samely unique that allows us to be individuals, but at the same time to be a family known as mankind. And for that I am truly thankful. As we said so many centuries ago, the first moment of dawn is when you can look into the eyes of another human being and see yourself.   As to the glass being half-full or half-empty, I don't look at it either way. I just know that it's refillable.  Namaste my friend and what a unique person you are.”

My dad’s beach buddy Bob explained, “Much depends on where the differences are.  Appearance makes it challenging and interesting.  Philosophically and politically depends on the perceived solution to life's problems.”

One of our Ecumenical Thanksgiving speakers Tom shared, “My grandfather told me, ‘If everyone was the same, they’d all be in love with your grandmother.’”

My sailing friend Glenn lamented, “Missed this one.  From the discussion on bingeing, I blacked out again.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

With Thanksgiving a recent memory, are there left-unders or right-overs?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

My insightful friend Dr. Dwana shared a reply to “who pays?’, “NOT the one who starts their order with ‘We’ll have separate checks!’” 

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Can you be over-saturated?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Can you be over-saturated?,” my birthday bud Jon concluded, “That would be a very unique situation,” while my cousin Valarie explained, “Being over-saturated is as feasible as giving 110 percent--impossible but quite common in our exaggerated vernacular.”

My writing and sailing friend Rich shared, “Tequila tends to over saturate my filters,” to which my social media friend Mark admitted, “It’s been a while, but I remember drinking much more than humanly possible in college...more than a few times.”

My college roomie John requested, “At the risk of being political, I believe we are over-saturated with coverage of the orange clown in DC.   Can the media please boycott him and just cover other news worthy items?”

My cycling friend Ted, who is also a private pilot, advised, “Reading lots of NTSB reports on how people die in airplanes, task over saturation can be quite lethal in a cockpit. Just don't bother your pilot when s/he's really busy- you will over saturate him/her.”

And my equestrian friend Royce pointed out, “Shouldn't that be ‘overly’ saturated?”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

What are you thankful for about people who are different than you?

Lord, give me a sense of humor; give me the ability to understand a clean joke; to get some humor out of life, and to pass it on to other folks. 

Hal

Wishing you, your family, friend, and friends you haven’t met, a memorable holiday break.  We have more than enough to be thankful for.  If you can realize that ‘your cup is more than half full,’ then you realize we have much to be grateful for.  Yes, there is plenty to do to improve our world; the good news is that when we work together, like building a Habitat for Humanity home, clean-up a river, or help kids read, we all benefit.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

Who pays the check?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “Who pays the check?,” my dad’s beach buddy Bob called out, “Last person left sitting at the table” while my social media friend Mark felt, “The best person at the table. At least you should thank her accordingly.” 

My writing and sailing friend Rich observed, “Someone, always, it is an immutable law of physics, ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch.’  Any time you hear a proposal , your first question needs to be who or what is picking up the check……….”

My musical friend Jonathan wrote, “I think we all pay the check.  If there is something due, then everyone has to put something in to get something out. Some will pay with legal tender, others will pay with promises, some will pay with goodwill. Those who don’t pay don’t understand the value proposition if any balance due from anyone for anything. Dig? 😉“ to which my business development friend Ray agreed, “We all pay the check! There is no such thing as a free lunch!”

My equestrian friend Royce explained, “according to who has the expense account and/or needs a tax deduction for ‘business purposes’."

My collaboration and sailing friend Andy pointed out, “When the government spends, we all pay the check, but sometimes it’s worth it. Use your annual opportunity to give a bit of democratic feedback in the voting booth” to which my sailing friend Nom expounded, “If you're a Democrat, the government pays the check.  If you're a Republican, you pay the check. If you are real, you know our children will end up paying the check.”

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Can you be over-saturated?

Life Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably And never regret anything that made you smile!

Hal

From last week’s “what is a pump kin to?”,  my temple friend Lesley noted, “the pump is a descendant of the bellows” and my equestrian friend Royce observed, “gas, which can be caused by a ‘pumpkin’ and or a necessary item for transportation.”

My Earthlink friend Bill shared, “I totally agree with Ray’s comments regarding the tragic events in Pittsburgh, and voted this past week to hopefully change the situation in our country.”  My college roomie John added, “I hope that we start a movement to a better place.  Our (American) history has been full of violence.  Let's hope we can do a better job for our children.  My concern is that the Greatest Generation did their part, but our generation has not done our part.  We still have time.”

As proof of this positive motion, I’m helping plan the 14th annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Celebration this Thu, Nov 15 at 7p.  Click here for details because this is an annual display of respectful conversation and reflection.  Join us in person (carpool and arrive early) or watch streaming live online.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

What is a pump kin to?

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What is a pump kin to?,” my business development friend Ray replied, “if you're at the local coffee café, a pump is kin to another shot.”  And my sister-in-law Lorrie noted, “Looking though my shoe bags, I see my pumps have a lot of kin in sneakers, flats, and slippers - some of which haven't seen the light of day much less proximity to the ground in a long while.

One could add that a pump device is a kin to gravity; what gravity does to fluids and slurry, pumps can do, and do so uphill.  In baseball, a pump is a kin to a balk; and in law enforcement, a pump is a kin to prodding for information.  And with an ego, it is a kin to making someone feel good, even if not earned. 

On a serious note, thank you for the outpouring of feelings and sympathy regarding the Oct 27 killings in a synagogue in Pittsburg.  I personally received numerous phone calls and emails expressing extreme sadness for our community as a whole as well as the Tree of Life congregation, and support to end hate-motivated violence.  As my friend Ray wrote,

It is impossible to put into words the level of chagrin that this household has over all of this. Really hard to put into words that would be deemed printable. If there was ever a place where we as a society could find refuge, solemnity and safety in times of crisis, it was our religious institutions (churches in Charleston, SC and Sutherland Springs, Texas are other examples). Such is no longer the case. We have drifted so badly that the notion of having reasonable – let alone civil – discourse is out the window. Everyone is so quick to say "God Bless America" yet we can only hope and pray that The Almighty does bless us during these difficult times. You, I, and others grew up in a multiplicity of ethnic backgrounds and we were taught to respect others and to learn from cultures and traditions different from ours. We also did it with a keen sense of humor that is steadily diminishing in our society. At the same time, when someone got out of line, we let them know about it while remaining civil. 

May we find ways to remain civil and respectful as we push for solutions.  And may we find and care for those that seem despondent, overwhelmed, and alone, so that they do not turn to the darkest corners of the Internet for find support of other loners who turn to illogical, inappropriate, and inhumane solutions.

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Who pays the check? (from my friend Lon)

Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly.

Hal

If you haven’t voted early, please vote on Tuesday.  All votes count.  It’s a system that’s served our country for 240+ years.

For my part of respectful conversation, save the date:  I’m helping plan the 14th annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Celebration on Thu, Nov 15 at 7p.  Click here for details because this is an annual display of respectful conversation and reflection.  Join us in person or what streaming live online.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.

In response to last week’s imponderable question, “What is a pump kin to?,” my business development friend Ray replied, “if you're at the local coffee café, a pump is kin to another shot.”  And my sister-in-law Lorrie noted, “Looking though my shoe bags, I see my pumps have a lot of kin in sneakers, flats, and slippers - some of which haven't seen the light of day much less proximity to the ground in a long while.

One could add that a pump device is a kin to gravity; what gravity does to fluids and slurry, pumps can do, and do so uphill.  In baseball, a pump is a kin to a balk; and in law enforcement, a pump is a kin to prodding for information.  And with an ego, it is a kin to making someone feel good, even if not earned. 

On a serious note, thank you for the outpouring of feelings and sympathy regarding the Oct 27 killings in a synagogue in Pittsburg.  I personally received numerous phone calls and emails expressing extreme sadness for our community as a whole as well as the Tree of Life congregation, and support to end hate-motivated violence.  As my friend Ray wrote,

It is impossible to put into words the level of chagrin that this household has over all of this. Really hard to put into words that would be deemed printable. If there was ever a place where we as a society could find refuge, solemnity and safety in times of crisis, it was our religious institutions (churches in Charleston, SC and Sutherland Springs, Texas are other examples). Such is no longer the case. We have drifted so badly that the notion of having reasonable – let alone civil – discourse is out the window. Everyone is so quick to say "God Bless America" yet we can only hope and pray that The Almighty does bless us during these difficult times. You, I, and others grew up in a multiplicity of ethnic backgrounds and we were taught to respect others and to learn from cultures and traditions different from ours. We also did it with a keen sense of humor that is steadily diminishing in our society. At the same time, when someone got out of line, we let them know about it while remaining civil. 

May we find ways to remain civil and respectful as we push for solutions.  And may we find and care for those that seem despondent, overwhelmed, and alone, so that they do not turn to the darkest corners of the Internet for find support of other loners who turn to illogical, inappropriate, and inhumane solutions.

Please send me your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' ":

Who pays the check? (from my friend Lon)

Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly.

Hal

If you haven’t voted early, please vote on Tuesday.  All votes count.  It’s a system that’s served our country for 240+ years.

For my part of respectful conversation, save the date:  I’m helping plan the 14th annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Celebration on Thu, Nov 15 at 7p.  Click here for details because this is an annual display of respectful conversation and reflection.  Join us in person or what streaming live online.

Thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.   I invite you to call or email me to catch up.