The Thinking Man

So how do we censor the censors? It seems like any ideas that are contrary to the popular views of the day have become often dangerous, no matter what the topic. Take RFK. I have never heard him utter an anti-Semitic statement, yet we are told he has. I may not agree with all he has to say about vaccines or other viewpoints he holds, but why is that such a threat? Isn’t he entitled to his viewpoints? Is he really so dangerous? Who is he going to sway? If one has an opposing view and has facts to support their position, why not simply present them and let the audience decide? Facts, facts, facts. That is what I want. I like to think as an intelligent and engaged citizen who has that right, I should be allowed such to form intelligent opinions and vote in accordance with them. As a conservative, I’m not a supporter of his—or any candidate thus far. I’m interested in facts, not baseless accusations. As such, I am not committed to vote any particular party line. Anybody can say anything, o...

I never thought I would write this, but times have changed. I think that Bing may be poised to surpass Google -- in terms of search engine popularity with its incorporation of AI into its search capabilities. I also have to write, while on the subject of Microsoft, that Edge has evolved into a nice browser with some pretty handy features, making it a really viable contender for daily use over rivals Chrome, Firefox and (in my case) Safari. Microsoft Edge is available for PC (default browser for Windows 11), Mac OS and Linux systems. It is also available for mobile platforms (iOS and Android). I like the integration of Office 365 into the browser (easily accessed from the sidebar) as well as features such as Microsoft's "Drop" for sharing files between systems of any platform with the browser installed. That is very handy. I also keeps shortcuts for a couple of heavily used sites in the sidebar for ready access to check on the news, etc. If interested (and not already usin...

If you don't already know me, you will discover that I am a centrist who leans to the conservative side in most of my viewpoints. I say 'centrist' because I think it is important to keep an open mind and reach compromise with those you disagree with (no matter how vehemently). Otherwise, like is often the case in our Congress, nothing gets done. Maybe a few investigations that tend to result in little. Do I seem cynical? Yes, I confess I am. We spend countless sums of money on illegal immigrants and supporting our own citizens who sadly often prefer not to work, provide lifetime insurance benefits and regular raises to these politicians who seem to often accomplish very little and we inject ourselves and billions into foreign governments who sometimes don't even share the same ideology as we do and even occasionally hate us. We have no term limits for political offices that could really use them, such as the Senate. Our tax code is an unfair mess. Our healthcare system ...

Two of the Bibles I use on a regular basis that are favorites and great tools for study include the Thompson Chain Reference and the Open Bible (a favorite of my dad's for years). Those I have used these past few years are both in the KJV format. While I am used to the translation and use it often, I am far from an "onlyist" and appreciate several of the more modern translations for their clarity and accuracy. I am pleased to see how far Thomas Nelson has come in its relationship with sister company Zondervan in producing the The Open Bible using the NIV translation and for the latter company releasing the beloved Thompson in a new, improved NIV version as well as other translations  (such as the ESV) in the older classic format at a lower price than the former publisher Kirkbride was able to. As far as I know, all versions now come with sewn bindings that should provide years of use, should the LORD tarry. I also must give them a "shout out" for the "comfo...

I'm a big believer in "the right tool for the job." As an I.T. Director for the past several years (preceded by many years as a computer support technician), I came to respect both PCs and Macs for various reasons, depending on the occasion they are being used for. I have even spent many hours over the years having fun with different Linux operating systems as I watched that operating system evolved into a truly polished and stable platform. Still, to this day, I employ all three systems from day to day -- as my needs or whims compel me to. That being written, enter Microsoft Edge. Built with the same engine used by Chrome and other browsers, it is the much-needed replacement for Microsoft Internet Explorer. Personally, I have better results with it than I do with Firefox or others. I like its customizations. Like other major players, it is available (and works the same) on PCs, Macs and Linux systems. I make regular use of its side bar where you will find things such as ...

The purpose of this blog is more or less an "anything goes" place to post thoughts and feelings on a wide variety of subjects, including my experiences with various products and services. Often, the experiences are negative which motivates me to sit down at the keyboard and share my experiences. Sometimes, they are in the form of recommendations for things that really seem worth it. So I guess what I am trying to say is that you never know what the topic might be. I always enjoy a good discussion; please feel free to agree, disagree or offer additional information/insight at any time.