Thursday, August 22, 2019
Ship Is Disappearing
There was a story on
the news yesterday about the deterioration of the ruins of the Titanic.
An unmanned submarine recorded video for the first time
in fifteen years which showed pronounced crumbling of all parts of the remains.
Not much can be done about it, especially at that depth. What is happening is just a natural course of events.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Live On Camera
After hearing a story,
I checked out a website that offers live streaming services for funerals. It's a new thing in the funeral industry.
I think it has great potential. It gives the family the ability to digitally archive it for future
generations.
It's not for everyone, but there is a select market out
there.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The T Is Late
The MBTA faces a daily challenge to keep its equipment running
and make timely trips for passengers. It doesn't always work out.
The newest plan to issue 10,000 transit passes to Boston Public School students in grades 7-12 should be interesting.
Kids would never want to depend on the T to get them to school on time. People in the working world
are chronically late for work because of the T.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Just Read
I keep reserving great titles at my local library. So many
great ones.
I will never live long enough to read the books I want to
read.
Knowledge is important.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Loudest of 2019
In the last 30 minutes, we had a very loud and violent thunder
storm. It sounded so close. I hope it didn't strike anything.
It rained very hard for about 20 minutes and then it was all gone. Such a strange storm.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
A Time To Print
I wonder if they will print newspapers
ten years from now. They are disappearing too soon.
It's all about the bottom line dollar. They need a profit to stay alive.
I hope they keep printing papers for a long time, but the future is very vague.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Climbing Isn't That Safe
Mt Everest is so dangerous to try and conquer. Nine climbers
died this year on the Nepal side.
People
literally got sick or died from lack of oxygen while waiting in line to get to the summit. The human traffic jam was bizarre
to see. It got worse when people died.
The
Nepal government will now require climbers to show proof of scaling tall peaks, possess adequate training and provide certifications
of good personal health and insurance to cover any potential rescue attempts.
It won't be a perfect system, but something needs to be done to prevent needless deaths during the experience
of a lifetime.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Can't Call The Fire Department
I saw a story of wild fires in the Arctic. It's happening
in parts of Siberia, Alaska and Greenland.
Satellite photos show large patches of smoke from peat fires whch can burn for unimited time.
It's a new problem as global temperatures get slightly warmer.
How will it be in ten years?
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Let's Plan On $3 Billion
I continue to believe that the 4.7 mile Green Line Extension
will never be done by the end of 2021 or come in at the budgeted cost of $2.3 billion.
They are already falling behind schedule due to the plan to move a set of train tracks being used.
Any unseen delays will push the opening time back.
Delays mean more cost. By the time it's finished, I bet it will cost over $3 billion.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Prune Time 2019
The owners of my apartment building started pruning the
shrubs today. It will take almost three days with two buildings.
It was starting to look very ragged. Stuff grows so fast.
It's a big job for one guy.
Monday, August 12, 2019
The Final 23
Someone shared a video
on social media about it being 23 weeks until Christmas on Wednesday. That time will pass quickly.
There was a time when I had 23 weeks until the New York City Marathon, but I'm down to my last twelve.
We are facing the last six weeks of summer. These are some
of the best for good weather.
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Not Free On Holidays
The MTA in New York
City is like a black hole that burns through money. Fares cannot take care of the cost of running the system. A taxpayer subsidy
is part of the annual state budget.
Fare
jumpers cost the system at least $275 million annually. Now a Brooklyn city councilor wants to offer free fares on six different
holidays as a way to market the system and thank patrons for their business.
This doesn't make any sense as it would cost $8 million for each of the days involved.
More effort is needed on the fare evaders and providing
timely trains.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Not On My Wall For 2020
The year is almost two thirds over. There are only six weeks
left to summer.
I started to receive 2020 calendars from charities a few
months ago. They are relentless in their solicitations for money.
The one I got yesterday had a suggested contribution starting at $35. They make potential donors feel their
money isn't good enough.
It ended up with my papers to be recycled.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Buying UMass Stuff
I was sorting some t-shirts
tonight. It turns out I have 16 from UMass, one sweatshirt and a hoodie.
I also have few shirts that "retired" many years ago. They should be part of my final count.
In the end, I will never have a final count as I'll keep buying UMass stuff. It's always
nice when you get free things at games.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
People Just Say It
Social media allows people to get on a soap box and spew
their rhetoric for all to see.
Everything is instantaneous now. People say whatever is on their mind. They are able to hide behind
the keyboard.
All of this technology has been a blessing and a curse.
The world is changing because of it.
