Category: Uncategorized

  • Let me say it this way

    Man speaking with microphone to a diverse crowd on an urban street
    A speaker addresses a large crowd gathered on a city street in front of local shops.

    Did you ever think about the words we use to construct what it is that we say?

    We choose the words, then sequence them in a rather particular way.

    The words in a phrase can change its meaning, if shuffled or conjugated.

    Having the effect to diminish impact, or conversely make it overrated.

    In the example that follows the verbs do a switch, you might say a virtual about face:

    “Is that man racing for a train – or – is he training for a race?”

    The following phrase you may have heard, while hanging out in a cabana.

    “Time flies like an arrow . . . Fruit flies like a banana.“

    One sentence’s verb, in another, transforms to become a noun.

    Certainly not a practice upon which one should readily frown.

    Choosing words sometimes seems laborious, but there are times when it’s rather fun.

    Let us now consider wordplay that employs double-meaning, the pun.

    • “I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger… then it hit me.”
    • “I’m inclined to be laid back.”
    • “I used to work at a calendar factory, but I got fired for taking a couple of days off.”

    I bring to an end this babble, with an oxymoron, without defiance.

    Grab a jumbo shrimp and enjoy the deafening sound of silence!!

  • The Peter Principle

    Medieval ceremony in a cathedral with Paris police promotion banner
    A grand medieval ceremony honoring Paris police officers with magical elements

    There was a young Parisian Police Cadet, long, long ago. 

    Despite bumbling escapades, we saw his career grow.

    Competence he seldom demonstrated,

    Yet to a lofty position he was elevated.

     We know him as Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau .

    He was successful through accidental luck.

    His superiors were often thunderstruck. 

    To the highest level of incompetence he did grow. 

    Firmly settling in on Peter’s Plateau. 

  • Sunk Cost Fallacy

    Two engineers arguing over a mechanical device and design papers in a cluttered office
    Two engineers intensely discussing mechanical project problems in a cluttered workspace

    Consider what I am about to say, please listen objectively. 

    Let us discourse on the phenomenon known as Sunk Cost Fallacy. 

    Some argue it is the definition of insanity, “can you imagine mature adults, 

    Doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting different results.”

    This occurrence is categorized as a systematic error in thinking, a cognitive bias, some might say. 

    It ignores future utility in favor of justifying the expenditures we made yesterday.

    It is frequently classified as irrational behavior, the actions of one gone mad.

    My father’s generation aptly phrased it,”throwing good money after bad.”

     

     

     

  • King of Cool

    Man smiling at a framed portrait of Steve McQueen in a store window.

    There was a young man from Racine.

    An avid fan of Steve McQueen. 

    Movies Bullitt and Nevada Smith;

    He was thoroughly enthralled with.

    ‘King of Cool’ was the scene. 

     

     

     

  • Shocking Development

    There was a young man from Fargo,

    Wondering, “How far can an EV car go?”

    Leaving home in the morning, 

    Under a thunderstorm warning, 

    A lightening strike launched him into Ohio!! 

     

  • Ice Cream, You Scream

    There was a young ghoul from Dunkirk,

    His lactose craving drove him berserk.

    He heard it in a dream, 

    “Go visit the ‘Scary Queen’.”

    Ate a Sundae on his way to work.

  • After You Please

    There was a young man from College Station. 

    He was observing a Lemming migration. 

    The entire herd met its demise. 

    But it comes as no surprise.

    The critters don’t use an app for navigation.

  • Transformation by Necessity

    Transformation by Necessity

    Today as I entered these portals,

    Gone was the rhythm of life.

    I slowly walked in silence;

    Unsettled by a personal strife.

    The quietness, though easy on the ear,

    Evokes contention in my heart.

    The silence speaks of a void,

    Exposing the missing part.

    What is missing is the spirit of humanity;

    The vitality, the emotions, the care.

    What the soul creates within itself,

    Is does with the need to share.

    Gone are my colleagues, away are my friends,

    Absent are those I assist.

    To whom shall I give, from whom shall I receive?

    Without others, how can I exist?

    Change is taking place all around.

    Its impact is quite easy to see.

    However, the most far-ranging and difficult change,

    Is the one to occur in me.

    My soul longs for what was familiar.

    I writhe against this reality so strange.

    I want to fight the battle and declare,

    “I’m the victor, there’ll be no change!”

    As those final words echoed through my mind,

    I realized the folly of my quest.

    With a change of heart I uttered this prayer,

    “Lord please do for all what is best.”

    Note: Inspired by the lockdown/quarantine in 2020.

  • Remember Quarantine ? 😷

    Remember Quarantine ? 😷

    There was a good man from Kent.

    He fell two months behind on his rent.

    “My commitments, I wish not to shirk.

    But I have to stay home and can’t work.

    My money and my patience are spent.”