I, Robot (coming soon)

"If you don't like technology, the next few years might be a bumpy ride. If you do however, this will be the science fiction you have read about, becoming science."

ICYMI, during the past two years, when Covid - 19 was sucking all the oxygen out of the news cycle, we have became closer and closer to more of a "robot-centric" society. In other words, the future is right around the corner. Future? What kind of future? The I, Robot type of future. That is, for anyone who can remember that futuristic movie.

Actually, between Biden's American Rescue Plan, which pays people more to stay home than to work, and the pandemic itself - we have a huge problem in getting enough people to go to work and make stuff. To work in the hospitality industry. To drive trucks. To fight our battles. So, we will automate as many of those functions as possible. And this is not starting next century, or even next decade. It is starting now. 

In fact, I just read an article not too long ago, which said the demand for automation has really picked up since the supply chain issues, free money from the government, and the pandemic has caused our current labor shortages. But even without those three things, we were on the path to more robotics in our future. Why? We are approaching the long anticipated nexus of robotic technology, AI, and nanotechnology. Those three disciplines are all coming together nicely in this decade.

Even some militaries are getting into the act (including ours). Robot "dogs", who can be used for mostly bomb sniffing and recon. However - I just watched a YouTube this past weekend which showed how some of the "dogs" were being equipped with smaller caliber ordinance. The Russians have some tracked vehicles which are unmanned. I bet the Chinese do also. And pilotless fighter jets? Right around the corner. 

Yesterday on the news, was an article about an "auto-bartender". You sit at the bar, tell the "auto-bartender" what you want to drink, a glass then appears. A specified about of ice is dispensed, and the drink (in absolute measures), is prepared. You pay with your credit card, and go enjoy. No tip, no mess, no worries.

If you don't like technology, the next few years might be a bumpy ride. If you do however, this will be the science fiction you have read about, becoming science. An economist showed a graph the other day, with the amount of manufacturing jobs going out to 2050. The number of jobs were dropping every year. We will still be making stuff - just not as much by humans. 

I might have to watch the movie I, Robot to refresh my memory. Only as I can remember - it did not end well for mankind. Oh, well...  

 

Oh, just grin and bear it!

"Biden's America. Soros America. Democrats America. November is only 10 months away. We need to 'throw these bums out', and elect responsible adults who understand law and order. Not lawlessness and disorder. The choice will be ours, and ours alone."  

When I worked at Big Blue, the "mothership" was in White Plains, New York. A ritzy little town, not that far from the Big Apple. Lots of IBM'ers live in that area. Lots of money. Some might be thinking "so what" by this time. Here is the so what. This morning on the news, they showed yet another "smash and grab" robbery at a high end store. Right in a mall, located in White Plains. But here is the meat of what I want to convey this morning.

It was all caught on video tape. A group of thugs, sauntering into this store, and taking what they wanted. But, but - that is stealing! Yes, it is. But that did not bother these thugs. In fact, they should rename this type of an event to "smash, grab, and saunter away". No hurries, no worries. Except for a store clerk who tried to take back what was being stolen, everyone else was just a spectator. Including the mall cop, who was right outside the door.

How in the world did we get to a place like this? Where mall cops are as useless as ice is to an Eskimo? George Soros. His money. His money buying elections for progressive socialists like Alvin Bragg in Manhattan. Or George Gascon in Los Angeles. Or - pick most any large city in the United States right now.

Since our "new normal" now is "no bail, no jail", what the heck? The thugs get rich, and the rest of us are told to "just grin and bear it". Really? Sure, the Democrats will tell us. Those rich insurance companies will pay for the loss. Plus - this is kind of reparations, anyhow. Really? Here is the bottom line. The people who will pay for all these items stolen, plus the damage to steal them - is us. In our insurance rates. And here is the kicker. If a store gets hit too many times, the insurance company might drop them. Too high of risk for them. Bye, bye insurance - bye, bye store. All because brazen thugs have a get out of jail free card. 

How long will this go on? As long as we allow it to. WE THE PEOPLE, are empowered to stop this. Right in its tracks. How? Elections, recalls, petitions, anything, except apathy. But if we sit back on our haunches and just watch - take a "grin and bear it" approach - it will go on forever. Or until a shop owner with a big gun and full mag has had enough. And trust me, nobody wants it to go that far.

Biden's America. Soros America. Democrats America. November is only 10 months away. We need to "throw these bums out", and elect responsible adults who understand law and order. Not lawlessness and disorder. The choice will be ours, and ours alone.  

 

The Chicom Olympics

"The United States did not boycott these games (big mistake), but we are doing a diplomatic boycott instead. I am somewhat okay with that, with one minor difference. I would have sent Biden and Harris over there. Have them tour the country. Visit the Uighurs." 

I watched a bit of the opening ceremony last night. Maybe a half hour or so. I could not take anymore of it. Usually my wife and I are glued to the winter games. Love the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony, and many of the games in-between. But this year is different. The host country is a totalitarian regime.

China (allegedly) puts a minority class in re-education camps. It (allegedly) harvests their organs from time to time. It (allegedly) commits genocide on that same class of people. And if that is not bad enough, it is subjugating the formerly free people of Hong Kong. It is threatening the free people of Taiwan. And last but not least, it gave us the Wuhan Flu, which has killed millions all over the world.

Why in the world did the IOC give China the Olympics, anyhow? Not only the winter games, but also the summer games. Some think the IOC was bought off by China. That could be. Chairman Xi, is very anxious to have a better face put forward for the world to see. The only problem is, that face has a couple of black eyes. China wants to use its Belt and Road Initiative to change the world. Connect the world for trade, with China being the kingpin. Meanwhile, it has broken the treaty it had with Hong Kong, and is getting ready to invade Taiwan.

When I was on active duty, I would study China - a lot. Back then, China was a backwards country with nuclear weapons, and a ruthless leader named Mao. They were bad rice back then, and have not changed much in the past 50 years. What about the people of China? Mostly good, except they accept bad leadership. The CCP of China is about as low as one can go.

I have heard from many folks who have zero interest in watching any of the games. I am in that camp. I would rather watch Bowling for Dollars, than to watch this corrupt country host faux games. 

The United States did not boycott these games (big mistake), but we are doing a diplomatic boycott instead. I am somewhat okay with that, with one minor difference. I would have sent Biden and Harris over there. Have them tour the country. Visit the Uighurs. I want Slo Joe and his gigglepuss sidekick to see where their policies are taking us. We are on the road to serfdom right now. Headed towards totalitarianism. 

Anyhow, the games have now started. Big whoop. In past years, watching Olympic games have made the dreadful month of February go by faster. Not this year. Just another Narnia winter.       

Taxes, taxes, and still more taxes...

"However, in this country, it is NOT against the law to pay more than what you owe. I know, I know - who in their right mind would do that. Surprisingly, there are some who do. We have a relative who has in the past. A lefty relative."

Taxes. It is something many of us are thinking about right now. Some worried, some excited, some just give a resounding - "meh". Why bring this up? Today in the local fish wrap newspaper, there was an editorial by a lefty "do-gooder" named Steven Dornfeld. He is a retired journalist who would pen public policy articles for the Star and Tribune. What was the purpose of his article? Seniors in Minnesota DO NOT need a break on paying income taxes on their social security earnings. That money should go to (ready for this?) - generational "equity".

Get the picture? This uppity leftist, wants YOU AND I to forgo any tax exemption on our social security earnings. Even though many of us have not been feasting on the public teat like Dornfeld has. Some who are on social security, have just that and nothing else. For a variety of reasons.

With the price of gas up over a buck since Slo Joe took office, with natural gas going up, electricity going up, the price of food going up (we all get the picture) - seniors on only social security with little else, have no chance. But who cares? The generational "equity" that Dornfeld is talking about, trumps any discomfort or suffering a retired senior might have. Dornfeld is also concerned about the massive debt our country has - even though it is his party who really threw gas on that fire.

I don't know Dornfeld, I have never met him. Truthfully, I had never even heard of his until I read this morning op/ed section in the paper. That being said, what I am going to do right now, because I am a kindly old Bird, is educate Mr. Dornfeld. On taxes - since he appears to be a bit confused. So here it goes:

In this country, it is against the law to pay less than what the tax code states you owe. Those who do that, are taking a big chance. My wife and I always pay exactly what we owe, and a penny more. However, in this country, it is NOT against the law to pay more than what you owe. I know, I know - who in their right mind would do that. Surprisingly, there are some who do. We have a relative who has in the past. A lefty relative.

My tax advice to Mr. Dornfeld is simple. Pay what you owe sir, and not a penny more. However, if this generational "equity" is really gnawing at your gut, go ahead and pay more than what you owe. It is legal. In fact, you can empty out your savings, and sell your house. Take that money and send it to Washington and St. Paul. Every penny of it. It too, is legal. 

That being said, keep your big fat nose out of the business of other seniors. You sir, are a male "Karen". MYOB, if you can remember what that means. I am sick of paying taxes on my social security, and want it ended this year. The citizens have overpaid on their taxes, which means we have a big surplus. This is the year to end the state tax seniors pay on their social security. If that is too hard for liberals to understand, I would be happy to use my grandies crayons, and color a picture instead.   

It is time...

"We need to put an end to this crap. Life for some seniors is very difficult in these days of Biden caused inflation. Getting a few percent in a COLA helps, but not paying state taxes would be a game changer for many seniors who are living on the fringe. And here is a very important message to Taxing Timmy and his merry band of socialists. THIS IS NOT YOUR MONEY!" 

Yesterday, I read in the news that Senator Coleman was the co-sponsor of a bill to exempt seniors from paying state taxes on their social security earnings. Well, duh! Those who have followed the Bird for a while know that this is a real pet rock of mine. If ever there is an issue to get my dander up while living in Minnesota, it is this one. To me, paying social security taxes is the biggest impediment to retiring in Minnesota. Even more so than our endless and brutal winters.

When this has been brought up before, the minions on the left always seem to have the same answer. "Well, we would like to - but we just can't afford it". Or, "We have very important investments and priorities we need to take care of first." Or, my favorite by far, "Yes, but what about the children? Education needs surplus dollars much more than our seniors". Gag me with a spoon.

Here is something I will NEVER understand. Why is this not a bipartisan issue? Democrats cannot be that brainwashed by the collective, they don't need the extra money each month. The money from not paying taxes on their social security checks. To me, this is a slam dunk. A no-brainer. Then why is this so hard? It sure was not that hard in Wisconsin. Wisconsin, a purple state like Minnesota, does not tax seniors on their social security retirement checks. Neither does South Dakota. What up with Minnesota then?

Actually, there are still twelve states which still tax social security benefits. However, some only tax a small portion. Those states are Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Rhode Island. West Virginia did also tax social security, but according to the Motley Fool, they will stop this year. 

We need to put an end to this crap. Life for some seniors is very difficult in these days of Biden caused inflation. Getting a few percent in a COLA helps, but not paying state taxes would be a game changer for many seniors who are living on the fringe. And here is a very important message to Taxing Timmy and his merry band of socialists. THIS IS NOT YOUR MONEY! IT IS OURS! So, keep your mitts off of it!

It is time folks. We have a large surplus this year. Our legislature is in session. I have already spoken to both my representative and my senator. They are both on board. How about you? Have you talked to your reps? Are they on board? If not, time to get them on that train...

 

Elon - again...

"Why batteries? Who ever comes up with the next generation battery, the one which will be a total game changer, will have found the Golden Fleece. One of the people most interested in this venture? Elon Musk of course. The man who is shaping our future." 

If there were one person in this country I would love to clone right now, it would be Elon Musk. I have made it no secret in the past - I think this guy is a true "Captain of Industry", as well as a person of superb vision. While others are straining to look down the block, Musk is already looking miles down the road. And - he can walk and chew gum at the same time. He is juggling Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and a few other ventures at the same time. He is literally changing the landscape right in front of our eyes.

I was watching another battery show on YouTube yesterday. Musk and his car company Tesla, were mentioned. Musk said something extraordinary. He said he engineered his Tesla car to go a million miles. The only limiting factor for his making this milestone - is the battery. The current lithium battery only lasts for 300,000 miles (at the longest). With the cost of batteries, once the Tesla's battery is shot, so is the rest of the car. Thus, as far as battery technology is concerned, Musk is all in.

Not to digress for a minute, but I think I know the reason Musk's "wheels upstairs" are turning right now. When it comes to batteries, I think Musk's interests go far beyond his car company. We are getting very close - much closer than I thought we would be at this point in time. Much closer in coming up with the next generation of batteries. Lighter, cleaner, cheaper, longer lasting, quicker charging - they will hit all the high notes that we will need going forward. Needed for newer and better products. For a guy with such as inventive mind, this will be a doorway for new frontiers. 

By the way, Musk is planning to colonize Mars, and it is like something out of a science fiction book. But Musk is taking the "fiction" out of science fiction. He plans to send dozens of his rockets to the red planet before 2030. Some with people, most with supplies. Of all the things he is working on right now, his fixation with Mars is the strongest. Many of his detractors and doubters at NASA, are now some of his biggest fans. Musk is no Walter Middy - he is a planner and a doer. A true game changer.

Back to batteries for a closing thought. In the movie The Graduate, when Dustin Hoffman was talking to some older gent about the future, the gent looked Hoffman in the eyes and said, "plastics". Like, that was going to be the future. I guess for 1968, it might have been. I dare say if that movie were made today, an older gent would look a young graduate in the eyes and say, "batteries". 

Why batteries? Who ever comes up with the next generation battery, the one which will be a total game changer, will have found the Golden Fleece. One of the people most interested in this venture? Elon Musk of course. The man who is shaping our future. 

   

Are the Dems, "wagging the dog" again?

"How is this going to end? So long as we still have Ms. Nancy as Speaker, Chuckles as the Senate Leader, and Slo Joe as President - not well. Hang in there folks. It is already February. November cannot come soon enough."

Oh my! The dogs of war are starting to growl in the Pentagon. We have troops at the ready to head into the Ukraine, to face the Russian menace. It sure is nice that the President of the Ukraine was so nervous about Russia, that he invited Biden to support him with troops. What? He did not? Why in the world are we hearing a different story about Ukraine from Slo Joe, than we are hearing from the leadership in the Ukraine? One answer - war is good for covering up less fortunate stories in the press. Just ask Slick Willie. "Wagging the dog" almost helped him in 1998. Almost is the key word.

The year was 1998. Our President was Bill Clinton - better known as "Slick Willie". It seems that Slick Willie had a nose for the ladies. Oh, did he love the ladies. Even young interns. The noose was starting to close in on old Bill. The tales of him womanizing were legend in the Emerald City. But to have oral sex with an intern in the Oval Office - that was way beyond the pale. Ms. Lewinski had submitted her blue dress to the authorities. The one with a suspicious stain on it. The FBI was going to a DNA analysis on it. Seems the stain came from Slick Willie. Whoops!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Bill needed a war. So he decided to bomb an aspirin factory in Khartoum, Sudan. The cover story by Clinton was this - the factory was making nerve agents for OBL. This would do it! Nobody would care about his affair, and all the lying he needed to do! One minor problem. It was determined the factory was really for making aspirin. And "wagging the dog" did not work well for Clinton. The impeachment continued on.

Flash forward to today. Biden's approval numbers are lower than whale dung. A poll came out yesterday, which shows over half the country want Biden impeached! Whoa! Get those guns ready boys! Biden is taking us to war! Wait a minute! We had a war! What about Afghanistan? That war is part of the reason for Biden's low ratings. But going after the Russians? Ya, baby!

How is this going to end? So long as we still have Ms. Nancy as Speaker, Chuckles as the Senate Leader, and Slo Joe as President - not well. Hang in there folks. It is already February. November cannot come soon enough.