After my wife died when I decided to run away from society and live in the wilderness, I sought solace in the silence in nature. At the time, I lived in Florida across the street from a golf course. Between the golf course and my neighbors, my ears were assaulted by lawnmowers, trimmers and leaf…
No Shit Sherlock
The news breathlessly reported that a recent meta-analysis research study of GLP1s concluded that the weight loss people had while on GLP1s reversed after they discontinued using the drugs. In a side note, the report mentioned that some of the researchers were employees of the drug manufacturers. Thank you Mr. Obvious. Who decided a study…
China Skeptic
The news (and pundits) frequently speak about how China is “eating the US’s lunch” when it comes to infrastructure builds, AI development, economic growth, manufacturing, military strength, cybersecurity, cyber hacking, quality of living and more. China’s progress is often used as a foil to critique US economic, business and social issues. Why isn’t anyone other…
“F*ck This Guy”
This is what I say to myself that helps me cope with 90% of what I read about (or listen to) in the news. It has been a surprisingly effective way for me to quell my own consternation, disappointment, worries and anger. For whatever reason, saying this dismisses all of this from my head so…
There’s Still No Free Lunch*
Through an unexpected combination of circumstances, I qualified for some government aid for health insurance and for food assistance during the past two years. The process to qualify, the paperwork required, the phone interviews and the bureaucratic hoops I had to jump through were annoying. It was still worth the effort because both saved me…
Back To School
I have often regretted my college experience. I picked the wrong school. I dove headfirst into an intense curriculum and grueling schedule without truly considering what I wanted to do with my life. After wasting 2 full-time years and 3 part-time years, I left without a degree. Looking back, I think, “I could have become…
I Don’t Belong Here
This line from Radiohead’s song Creep kept echoing through my head as I walked the dogs this morning. I’ve been thinking this when I visit online forums that are dedicated to my way of life including: I feel the same way in the offline world too, as evidenced by my loner by choice lifestyle. Not…
Freedom From Choice
It all started after I exhausted myself replacing 3 faucets in September. I was worn down mentally, physically and emotionally. On the way home from a late night Home Depot run, I decided to reward myself with an eating binge of feel-good food. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and went…
Easily Predictable
I can’t help myself. I’m going to offer a prediction about Trump and the Epstein files that are dominating the current news cycle. My prediction is that whatever is released will not affect Trump in the way that any of his opponents are pining for. Anything truly damaging will never get released. Files will be…
Letters From An Astrophysicist
I just finished reading this book by Neil Degrass Tyson which is described on his website as “…Tyson invites us to go behind the scenes of his public fame by unveiling his candid correspondence with people across the globe who have sought him out in search of answers. In this hand-picked collection of 101 letters,…