FU Age Versus FU Money

 Welcome back to my blog. Long time no see.  I had taken a hiatus with all the insanity going on in the country. I can no longer stay silent.

I always hear about people with FU Money being able to say and do what they want without fear of repercussions because what can anyone do to them. Well, I am 72 years old and I think I have FU Age. Let me explain. At this age I think I can make my own mind up. I don't need to be sanctioned or mandated by anyone. I have had two careers and at this point in my life what can anyone do to me. I can say FU. If I'm required to do somethting I feel strongly against I can say FU. I don't need that anymore. I can stop all I do and enjoy the last days of my life peaceful and content with my wife. 

Most of the federal programs proposed in Congress won't take effect unrtil I'm long gone. The government wants all electric cars. By the time they are less expensve so the average person can afford them I'll be gone. So FU to these suggestions.

Climate change happens all the time. Anyone ever heard of the Seasons. Is there a catastrophic climate change coming. I won't be here since it takes hundreds of years to occur so FU it.

I wish I had been the man I am today when I was younger. Of course I wouldn't be the man I am if it wasn't for the younger  years when I did and said stupid things. Am I going to apologize for them. Hell no. Everyone does and say stupid things when they're young. That's how people learn and grow. I probaly don't have enough space in this blog to apologize for all my indiscretions.

In conclusion, If you don't like or agree with this    FU because I don't care.

Long Over Due Rants

 I know I haven't publshed in a while. I am back and feistier than ever. I am tired of people who die over the age of 80 and have the cause of Death be Covid. It's called OLD AGE. I'm also tired of unhealthy people, over weight people and people with pre-existing health conditions deaths belabeled  COVID. It's not. It's called being an easy target for any health malady to strike you.

Disclaimers before movies or TV shows warning viewers of questionable content is insulting and ridiculous. As an educated, intelligent man, I can make my own decisions of what is appropriate or offensive to me. I have no need of anyone to help me make a viewing decision.

The more we separate things. The more racist it becomes. There is no need for separate channels promoting one race or the other. There is no need for any caucus of a group of politicians, professionals or coaches. This policy promotes separation of races and therefore Racism. 

History is meant to teach a younger segment of the population lessons to be learned and mistakes not repeated. If there are no vestiges of History then nothing can be learned. History can't be erased because it actually repeats itself because Mankind always makes the same mistakes. It's in our DNA. There would have only been a first War but man doesn't learn. So there have been many conflicts and wars throught the centuries. It will never end regardless of how many statues are torn down, names changed and History rewritten in the text books. It is what it is and these fools are kidding themselves if they think their actions will really change anything.

Cancellation

 I have cancelled many things during my life. I have cancelled memberships, subscriptions, food services and credit cards. Today we have the cancel culture. People are getting cancelled and their lives ruined. The reason is because of something they said that a segment of the "Woke" population find to be offensive or racist. Actually the opposite is true. These individuals are being cancelled because they are dangerous. They have ideas different from the "Woke" mainstream. They threaten the absurdity of today's society puritanical mores. People who sanction themselves as watchers of what they deem to be unacceptable speak. Cancellation should be worn as a badge of honor. These people are heroes. Rather than be sheep in human form they have the fortitude to speak the truth. Cancellation inspires individuals to speak even louder than before. 

What I learned from my brother's death

My brother Tom died last Friday. He was 76, six years my senior. He lost his battle with pneumonia and a weak heart. His life made me think of two famous movies. The first was It's a Wonderful Life. He didn't have a wonderful life. His was filled with disappointments, heartache and two terrible family lives. When we lived together the walls would shake with the altercations between Tom and my father. My mother often received the brunt of the scuffles trying to separate them. When he married and had two daughters not much improved or changed. Later in his life with his second wife he became the textbook husband. His sole purpose in life was to care for her. Ultimately sacrificing his own well being for hers. Unlike George in the movie, in his hour of need his friends didn't all come out to help and see him through the tough time. They instead left him alone, hooked to machines to keep him alive. In the end he died next to the person who cared for him the most, his daughter.
   The  movie Ghost came to mind when I thought of the scene when Patrick Swayze's killer meets his demise. These black spirits come from down under to carry him away. These spirits also came when Tom died. These were the spirits who left him alone. These were the spirits who only had their own self interests in mind.
      Tom and I were never that close. The age difference and all the peripheral problems put a wedge between us. When Tom moved to Florida we kept in touch and visited occasionally. I was supposed to visit him on the Sunday I saw him in the hospital. In spite of all the history between us I knew the place to be was with him because no one should be alone at times like this. His daughter Gina was also there with her Dad and I know he knew it.
  What have I learned from my brother, Tom. Bad times do bring out the worst in people. Of course, these people were already at the bottom of society.

Something to Be Thankful For!

Thnaksgiving is two days away and my thoughts, as with many other people, is what we're thankful for. Let me start by saying that this year Lea and I are going out for Thanksgiving dinner to a restaurant. Fond memories of past Thanksgiving dinner debacles still dance in my head. There isn't anything quite like going to someone's house for Thanksgiving dinner and hoping to see a beautiful turkey, golden brown and waiting to be carved. Instead I see a pan with a bag containing a shredded turkey, completely unrecognizable to it's once majestic visage.  We had the bad forutne of going to Thanksgiving dinner where the turkey was a new breed. A breed that didn't have legs or wings. Our host decided to keep them for himself. Such a gracious, generous host on such a sharing day. I once had a host who ate dinner in the pantry instead of at the table with everyone else. Great manners on exhibit there too. Traveling on a plane to another state for Thanksgiving dinner is something i'll never do again. Expectations are high but quickly shattered when you're offered water with the appetizers. Rugs have been recently cleaned and we can't let our slovenly guests drop wine or beer on them. Let's not put out all our food for the guests that way we won't have any left for us later on when they've fianlly left. Great memories that aren't easily forgotten. So this year a fine restaurant to spend our Thanksgiving. A wonder turkey dinner with strangers.
 I am thankful for a wonderful wife, Kris and Nicholas, great pets, beautiful house, loyal tennis clients, good health and the opportunity to live my life on my terms. Hope you have as much to be thankful for too!

What makes me what I am.

Twenty Three Chromosomes. $99 will get you the opportunity to see what your 23 chromosomes tell about your composition.  Subscribe and you can get a leaf to tell you about your ancestry. Anything to make a buck and give people a reason blame their behavior on their ancestry.
    I don't need any of these tools. I know I came from my mother's uterus. I, hopefully, believe it was my father's sperm that fertilized my egg. I know my mother was Armenian and my father was Polish. I know my paternal grandparents were from Austria. My maternal grandparents were from Armenia. None of them spoke English so I never did get the opportunity to ask them them about their pasts or form any sort of grandparent -grandchild bond. Just because I am Armenian doesn't mean I have an affection for camels or I eat only Armenian food. My Polish heritage doesn't mean that I have someone help me screw in a light bulb or eat only kielbasa.
  I don't think these have anything to do with who I am. I know I have a dual nationality but these are so far removed from my makeup.
  What makes me what I am are the things I have experienced in my life. The people I have met  and the events i have lived through have shaped my chromosomes into the person I am today. I don't have to point to character traits in nationalities to explain my behavior. I don't need old animosities towards other countries to explain my frustration and anger. I have lived my life not as a Pole or Armenian but as Don Krzan.
     So spend your money. Search to find why you are the person you are. Me, I'll just take a good at myself and try to see the person as I hope others see me.

Things I Miss and eDon`t Miss

Let me start by saying what I am missing is the right of everyone to have an opinion. Everyone has a right to speak and be heard. The protests these days that are are not permitting people to make public speeches is appalling. The fact that they are allowed to block speakers is more appalling.

I miss people with inner fortitude(commonly know as Balls) to express their views and actually maker a difference in everyday life.

I miss Green Stamps and waiting for the new Encyclopedia book to become available at the grocery store.

I miss the innocence of young children. As hard as parents try to shield their kids from the outside world they go school and hear and see what they are being shielded from.

I miss the time when there was only two genders. People can make up any gender they want to but there's still only two and yes, it may be hard to choose one but choosing none is an easy way out.

I miss Politicians with cajones. Now their only goal is to get reelected so they're eligible for the pension.

I miss having hope that people will actually change as they grow older. It seems that some will never change. These are the people who never reflect on their lives and are honest with themselves. I have become jaded as I've grown older.

I miss individualism. Every kid looks the same. Every guy has a beard and shaved hair. Tattoos are everywhere. I like being plain but plain these days is actually an individualistic behavior.

I don't miss Rhode Island.

I don't miss remembering my past.

I don't miss teaching High School.

I don't miss some members of my family.

I don't miss having neighbors ten feet from my house.

I don't miss working at a Tennis club.

I don't miss being able to afford only cheap seats at an event.

I do miss my friends who have died and my pets I've had to put down.

When I die.  I don't want to pass. Please no candle light vigil. Have the people use their time more wisely by volunteering at an animal shelter.

New Likes and Loathes

Hi! I'm back. I have been gone for a while. It has given me time to ruminate and have something to talk about.

Let's begin with medications. We are inundated with new medications with clever commercials and catchy names that have nothing to do with the real drugs involved. Let me give some of my own.

Justaskme,  a drug that if you'd ask me I'd tell you to run as far away from the prescription as possible.

Youbestupid, you would if you wanted any of the side effects associated with this drug.

Worseoff, yes, you can't improve with this prescription.

None of these would ever be sold over the counter because then the drug companies couldn't charge outrageous prices.

I want to develop an app for people's phones so they can see how many lights don't work on their cars. It would take a picture of the non functioning light and post it on Facebook so everyone could see the  car whose owner doesn't occasionally inspect their vehicles.

Some final thoughts.
Live PD is a very good show.
Nothing like eggs from our chickens
I can actually say that since we got chickens I am really hen pecked
Hens make great pets
Life has been good
I still love Florida
I miss typing on a typewriter
I miss changing my own car's oil
I don't miss cutting my lawn
Social media is good for one thing  finding something you lost
Having a wife is good but having a wife who is also your partner is great

R- E- S- P- E- C- T

Respect is a word that has been forgotten in these troubled times. These times are troubled by the lack of respect present in our society. Respect is a two way street. If you give respect then you have the right to expect it also. If you don't give respect to others' titles, ranks, and positions then you should expect no respect in return. I try to respect others and their views. The citizens of our country have chosen to lose respect for people who have different views from theirs. They have broken off friendships, insulted their parents and have convinced themselves that they, self righteously, have the only correct opinion. They think that one's political beliefs define the whole character of an individual. It is impossible to overlook this opinion. Don't worry about all the character flaws every one has.  This one is a deal breaker. Don't be my friend anymore. Your values are so flawed, how could I associate with you? Oh wait! These criticizers don't have any flaws, no warts, no bad decisions in their lives.
No one has unfriended them for some flaw in their character.
All this energy now that the election is over. Where was all this passion during the months leading up to the election.? How many rallies did you attend? How much financial support did you give to your candidate? Did you even vote? If not you need to reevaluate your passion. The world loves to see unions torn apart. Instead of trying to bring the country together it is being ripped asunder. Little children crying in school after the election is over because of despicable parents. Old enough to vote, old enough to have a voice. The Congress is based on two houses with different political parties. All of them speak with respect to each other, respecting diffrent points of view. Differing on politics but working to join the country.
  I will tolerate anyone's political view. I won't ruin a friendship or a family tie because of it. I know  what it takes to have relationships and I don't want anyone that thinks exactly the way I do. I enjoy conversations with differnet points of view. I enjoy the banter. I realize that maybe I'm able to see the other's side points. No one is ever 100 per cent right or wrong.

Intolerance is something that is being fought against on many fronts in this country. It seems funny that the segment of people who want intolearnce to end are the ones who still practice it. Intolerance is something practiced  by elitist people. People who somehow think that they are the superior species. People who don't understand that if you don't give repsect you shouldn't expect it towards you regardless of your title or position.
Finally, anyone who speaks ill or makes any transgression against any member of my family will incur my wrath.

The Blame Game!

Recently there has been a rash of outbursts by young people. I deal with these comments and  dis approvals often. It seems that young people feel that they the right to expound anytime, anywhere and to whomever they want. I know all about the first amendment. It gives everyone a right but not the right to be rude, ignorant and downright disrespectful. It does matter to whom and when comments are made. I do not blame the young people. I blame their parents, teachers, coaches and anyone else who has been neglect in their duty to teach kids to be respectful, know their place and deal with adversity. I am tired of hearing about some one's feeling being hurt. People win and lose everyday and move on. Not everyone gets a trophy or a raise. It's all right to get an honest evaluation to learn and grow from. Our government doesn't endorse all the world leaders but when met face to face are given the respect they deserve as being leaders. It seems that there are too many followers these days and not enough leaders. A narcissistic society breeds nothing but selfishness and conformity. Let's teach our kids to be respectful, well mannered, tough and to become unique individuals.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Another Thanksgiving, another reason to give thanks. I give thanks everyday. I look around and see how fortunate I have been. I am especially thankful for my beautiful, loving wife who puts up with everyday and has kept me healthy. She also has taught me what an exceptionally talented, thoughtful and contemplative person she is. I'm thankful for my son and grandson, for all my loyal tennis clients, and my health. I'm thankful that in my later years I have made some wiser decisions. Nice to forget all the stupid, unreasonable ones in the past. I'm thankful I'm old. That I have the values that seem to be missing from today's younger society. I am fortunate to have several pets that have filled my life with joy. So enjoy the day and be happy you're not the person who is negative and does not see that even though not everything is good, there is a lot that is.

The Shell

I have known and met many people. With exception of my wife, I am not still good, close friends with them. I have tried to understand why this is. I do have many peripheral friends. Friends that when you first meet them are anonymous to you. My peripheral friends have a shell. The few that I have allowed to have that shell cracked to expose the inner person have been close friends for a while. Once the stuff of life starts oozing out the friendships starts to wane. The family members come to light. The relationship with the spouses becomes apparent. The dynamic issues in the family interferes with the relationship. I am not as lucky as other people. I find it difficult to to feel the same about someone once the shell has been broken and the yoke is all out. I love the adage "No one see you like someone else". It is that perception that is really the most important. I do care about the person that I project to others. Not that other people's opinions are always the most important but I would like the image that I have of myself to be close to the one that I show my acquaintances.

The Shell

I have known and met many people. With exception of my wife, I am not still good, close friends with them. I have tried to understand why this is. I do have many peripheral friends. Friends that when you first meet them are anonymous to you. My peripheral friends have a shell. The few that I have allowed to have that shell cracked to expose the inner person have been close friends for a while. Once the stuff of life starts oozing out the friendships starts to wane. The family members come to light. The relationship with the spouses becomes apparent. The dynamic issues in the family interferes with the relationship. I am not as lucky as other people. I find it difficult to to feel the same about someone once the shell has been broken and the yoke is all out. I love the adage "No one see you like someone else". It is that perception that is really the most important. I do care about the person that I project to others. Not that other people's opinions are always the most important but I would like the image that I have of myself to be close to the one that I show my acquaintances.

Why the National Anthem?

In light of recent news of people and athletes not holding their hands over their hearts during the playing of the American National Anthem and others sitting down during it's playing has led me to this blog. All day there has been commentary on why the National Anthem is played at sporting events and other occasions. They question the value of playing it even though many of the participants and guests are not American. They don't understand why. Well, I may not be the most flag waving person, especially abroad but this I understand. After 9/11 there was a wave of patriotism in the United States. God Bless America had begun to be sung at the seventh inning stretches at baseball games. That wave, to my knowledge has not ebbed. When the Anthem is played it is on American Soil at an American event. Regardless if some of the participants are not American they are lucky to be playing in America for American teams. I also believe the same respect should be paid to foreign anthems played the United States. I don't buy the feeble excuses that someone forgot or was caught up in pregame practice. You are in the United States, Honor The Anthem.

Likes and Dislikes

I decided to discuss my likes and dislikes in no particular order.

I dislike the mother of the Dragons but I do like Lea, the Mother of the Hens.
I dislike all the unwritten rules in Baseball but I like unambiguous rules.
I dislike middle of the roaders I do like people who can take a stand one way or the other.
I dislike products that say on the packaging Improved or new recipe. I like products that say the old one sucked so we canned it.
I dislike preachers who speak of religion as if it were fact. I like people who treat religion as it is, Faith that it exists.
I dislike most of the Saturday Night players who have tried to make it in movies. I like the ones who went on to other successes other than lame movies.
I dislike complainers and excuse makers. I like people who play and shut up.
I dislike many of the new country singers. I like the old school singers and thew old songs.
I dislike anything I pay full price for. I like buying things with good discounts.
I dislike political correctness. I like that it has exposed as being the opposite of the truth.
I dislike disliking things but I like that I put Likes first in the Title of the blog.
And Finally I dislike loads of things but I like that I have guts to make a decsion and take a stand even if it's unpopular
     

May observations !

May flowers have bloomed, summer is around the corner and it's time again to get things off my chest. Let me start by saying that I am doing this cold turkey. I do not have a bottle of water or a cup of coffee on my desk. It seems if people do not hydrate every five minutes they'll dehydrate and implode. I don't know how I ever played outside as kid without something to put in my mouth. My park was at least 20 minutes from my house without any water.  Maybe I didn't survive and this is  just a dream. I never thought I would have more than a dozen of anything but now I have fourteen hens. Truly one of nature's wonders. An incredible, edible egg from a hen. Little things mean a lot to some people like Harold cathing a ball in all four outfields.  I love change. I love challenges. Each change means leaving something behind. I know and have my rule that you can never go back and that what has been left behind will see you in a different light. Some will understand what you have done, others will resent you, and others will eventually maybe do the same thing. Status quo is bliss.
It is interesting how many of my friends find me living in the country a good topic of conversation now. I guess we get tired of talking about prostates, chemo, and who made up these uneven teams. I hope everyone has a good summer. Keep that bottle of water close by and I'll talk to you soon!

What I've learned from Game of Thrones

Hi! Been away awhile. I watched the first episode of season six of Game of Thrones, got hooked, and watched the first five seasons on Demand. Now I've caught up and I have to wait like everyone else for the next episode. My wife likes it too but finds it too bloody. I guess I am like most people when you see a lot  of something you become numb to it. So it is with the violence and nudity in the show. Oh yeah look another head rolls, another boob, what a surprise he killed his parent. What I have learned is that honor is one of the most important things. Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies never had to prove they deserved the title, just coming of a womb was enough. Political correctness thankfully didn't exist. People called a bastard a bastard with no ramifications. The word was not mightier than the sword People did read and write and even knew how to read cursive writing. Those who couldn't showed a real eagerness to learn. All this without core testing in the schools. Finally, what everyone has learned from Game of Thrones is that Women still rule with intellignece and guile. See not much has changed. Thank you for educating and entertaining me so much!

New Year Observations!

Well a new year is here and I'm glad I came along with it. I have had some thoughts pop into my head and since the space up there is limited I need to air out a few of them.

I am deeply saddened by the recent passings of David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Glenn Frey.  I have liked all of them but it is more personal because they are my contemporaries. I literarily grew up with them and followed their careers. We are all the same age and anyone's demise does affect me.  I remember when I taught high school the announcement would come over the PA system that a teacher had passed away. Even if I wasn't close with that person I always shed a tear outside my classroom for them. You can't share a space with someone and feel nothing when something happens to them.

The word Available has become of interest to me. I hear that wifi is available. My friends are available. Discounts are available. The list goes on. The problem with the word is that people take it as a definite. Sure wifi is available in GM cars if you pay for. My friends are available if they have the time. Discounts are available if you have the coupons and they haven't expired. It is a word that implies one thing but means sometimes the opposite.

Once again the award season is upon us. Golden Globes, Sag Awards, People's Choice, Grammys, Academy Awards, Tony Awards. Why can't just the best be nominated the awards regardless of race or creed. Someday it may all be a diverse group of nominees. So be it.  The word Best means above all others not pretty good.

Lastly this became evident with the film The Martian. Classifying it as a comedy just so it could garner an award was gratuitous at best and downright silly. An embarrassment for the foreign press awards.

So This is Christmas 2015

So this is Christmas 2015. Still warm and toasty here in Florida. If it wasn't for all the over the top lawn Christmas displays you wouldn't know it was the Holidays A time for traditions, gatherings, parties, and gift giving. The popular conversation is to remember what Christmas is about. You know keep  Christ in Christmas. But now we have elves on the shelves, menches on the benches and other pagan anomalies. I have my traditions. I always watch "It's a wonderful life" and some version of the Christmas Carol. I do though try to remember the people I hold the dearest. I try to remember them at this time of year because it is at these special times of the year that they know I love and respect them. It's not the gifts or the cards but a heartfelt wanting them to know that I have appreciated thier love or friendship. This is what Christmas should ne about.

A Conversation With Don Krzan. Nice to Have You back!

 Q. Hi Don! Nice to see You again. It's been six years since we last talked and this is a good opportunity to catch up on what's been happening in your life.
 A. Well it's great to be here again. I thought one interview was great but when your producer called and said you wanted to do a followup I was very surprised and flattered.
 Q. Are you still in Florida?
 A. Yes, I am. We recently moved to a new house that has 1.35 acres. Nice to own a bigger part of the earth.
 Q.Must be a big responsibility to maintain such a big house and property.
 A. Actually as I've grown older I have learned to delegate more. I have a lawn service and a handyman who both do good jobs and are reasonable in their rates.
  Q. How is your wife and I dare ask your family?
  A. My wife is still a 10. She has been very busy with her ETSY business. She makes Chef knife cases and other products that are very successful. She loves her new home and now raises Hens. My family consists of my son and grandson. They live in northern California. I still have no contact with my daughter or my two other grandsons. I still find parents who have their kids as their best friends somewhat weird and definitely dysfunctional. No parent should ever rely on their kids for anything other than respect and love.
  Q I'm sorry to see things haven't improved.
   A. That's OK. I am resolute that I have done the best I can.
   Q. Are you still writing your blog?
   A. Yes, I still write a blog. I had a brief hiatus with all the moving but I am back writing. It always surprises me how often it has been read. It seems this interview is the most popular read. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read it. I have some friends from a softball league I play in read it and give me feedback.
 Q. Well now it's time to ask those  famous questions from the actor's studio. Are you ready?
  A. Yes, looking forward to answering them because I know my answers have changed. I know they have changed because I am not the same person as before. I notice that I never stop evolving. The more I continue to learn the more I have been molded into a new person.
Q. OK What is your favorite word?
 A. Healthy  I never tire of hearing that word from my doctor. When people are sick earlier on in life they want dearly to be healthy. I have been very fortunate to be healthy but like any gambler I know someday my luck is going to run out. I want to be the person that takes it not with "why me" but thanks for all the healthy years. Now lets fight whatever it is .
 Q. What is your least favorite word?
  A. Unfair. Nothing in life is fair. You can complain about unfairness or do your best to overcome bad odds and then the success is even sweeter.
 Q. What turns you on?
 A. Watching two elderly people enjoying just the simple act of holding hands.
 Q. What turns you off?
  A. The lack of appreciation and respect that people give to others. I especially cringe when children show a lack of appreciation or respect for their parents. Absolutely horrendous. I thought the First Commandment was Honor thy mother and Father. As I said, the first not the tenth.
 Q.What is your favorite curse word?
 A It has to be "Fuck me"
 Q.A Sound that you love?
  A. A Please and Thank You! always sound like music to my ears.
  Q. A sound that you hate?
  A.  A son or your daughter questioning the authority of their parents.
  Q.What profession would you like to do?
  A. I still think acting is a great profession. Getting paid to be Walter Mitty would be great.
  Q. What job wouldn't you want to do?
   A. A questioner at a presidential debate. Impossible to get an answer to your question.
   Q And finally what would God say to at the pearly gates?
    A. I'm sorry you had your doubts about me.
Well that's it for now. it has been a pleasure to talk with you again. I hope you enjoyed it again.
Yeah, it's been fun. I enjoyed it very much. I know I have changed since  last time we spoke. I would like to think I'm much more laid back and but I know I have become very less tolerant of bad behavior towards me or my wife.