The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum.

Jan Alexander

Lance , Looks like we are all on the move.  You will find safe harbor for your homelessness.  That is what community is all about. 

Steve, maybe you can make money from allowing movies to be made on your ranch... You can be the chef and campfire manager.  Or host a reunion around a fire with marshmellows and hot cocao (from Ozzie's malt shop  )while we all gaze up at the sky in peace and quiet , listening to the wolves howling in the distance. 

Bob D.. I am just a soft wooly husky...

Okee Dokee... I have to post this ... This was presented to me recently in such a timely manner for what we are encountering in our banter and everwhere else , for that matter and including me , myself and I ... I just have to share and I hope you all might look at it... Even If you are not a Russell Brand fan , it does't matter... just listen to who he has on his podcast.  Eckhart Tolle.  Really , really good..   ON  a good note

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EwzvKF-o_Y

Wayne Gary

With all that is going on I am reminded of this scene from Mr Smith Goes to Washington about 'lost causes" This is a 2 1/2 min. clip.

I have been known to fight for "Lost Causes" before and even won the fight.

David Cordell

Bobby F.

You are such a good reader, and we have discussed Father Brown.

Here is Kindle access to "all" the Father Brown books for only $1.99, although one reviewer noted that not all of the books are included.

https://www.amazon.com/Father-Brown-Complete-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07PK581MH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2CW4BM49DKWV9&keywords=free+kindle+books+for+prime+members&qid=1644163409&s=digital-text&sprefix=free%2Cdigital-text%2C119&sr=1-5
 

By the way, we favor Grantchester over Father Brown. (We are Episcopalians!)

You had talked about moving after your most recent flood. Have you done so?

Hope you are well. Best to Terry.

Steve Keene

Jan,

You can have your Elkhart.  I will look for him one day across a wide gulf.  I'll take my Terre Haute or Gas City.

David Cordell

Lance,

If you don't get a better offer, you can stay at our house on one or more nights until the 19th. Martha's gay sister will come into town on the 19th to stay with us to attend our son Christopher's gay wedding that evening. Note that gay people have shared the bed in our guestroom, but I don't think it is infectious.

David Cordell

Listening to Michael Buble while getting dressed. (Don't make anything out of that.) Anyway, he sings a cover of a song by popularized by Elvis Presley that hit number 5 on the Billboard Top 100 and that was written by Willie Nelson. Any guesses of what song it is?

Jan Alexander

Yay! there you go Lance.... goodwill towards men... and community.

Steveo, what I learned from the clip was to not "react"  immediately but to sit with myself and count to 10 and be in my peaceful space and breathe  then kick you in the butt. 

David Cordell

Hmm. Looks like Willie didn't actually write the song. Never mind. I was thinking of You Were Always on My Mind.

David Cordell

Seeking some computer advice.

Want to replace my infrequently used pre-WWII desktop that has a Core 2 Quad processor and maxes out at 4GB of ram. Thinking about buying a refurbished Dell with i-Core 7,  16GB of ram, and a 512 SSD for $400 from Amazon. Would like to add the hard drive from the old computer. Still won't use the desktop much, but would like to have it as a base.

1) Does this make any sense?

2) Is it easy to move a hard drive and retain all the files?

Feel free to comment here or via email -- cordelldm@aol.com.

Thanks.

Kurt Fischer

David:

Regarding moving your old hard drive to your new desktop...

It's not too difficult to install your old hard drive in your new desktop if you have an empty bay in your new machine. 

However, I would not recommend doing that.  If your existing computer is as old as you say, you are probably living on borrowed time before your existing hard drive fails.  I would suggest you copy your old files to some form of external storage device (USB drive, for instance) and then copy your files onto your new computer's hard drive.

Lowell Tuttle

Bob Fleming.   My brother Lawrence called re my neck and we spoke.   Their Hi Y group "Haggis" is having a Zoom reunion meeting that looks to be fun.   My wife's cheerleader group have had several Zoom meetings that were fun.

You may remember Spencer Brewer, Mark Brixie, Mark Erb, Steve Grimes, Mark Bradford were all in the group who graduated in 72, so this is their 50th coming...  Those guys are all over the world so Zoom meeting is the only way to go....though there are alternatives to zoom.

This cervical thing has really cut back on screen time stuff.   I don't even read the newspaper on line any longer.

Neck strains when on any website/facebook, Forum, and such.   Haven't figured out an alternative yet.   I suppose I could plug in my laptop to my smart TV...then, mouse it from my lounge chair.   Not sure how long my hdmi cords are.   A bit too much trouble.

Do read you all's posts...

My random unfiltered responses which are normal for me now drift off to the Tuttle-netherworld...you're probably better off in that respect.

David Wier

David C:

The first thing I thought of was Always On My Mind, but I knew WN didn't write it, so I thought you had stumped me. Glad to see my memory is not all that bad after all 

David Cordell

This is part of an article  from Bill O'Reilly's website:

Does the NFL Hate Cops?

On Sunday next, during the Super Bowl halftime show, the world will be treated to a rap fest featuring performers who have embraced violent, anti-police lyrics. We used to see musicians like Paul McCartney and Prince perform at the Superbowl. Not anymore.

Now under the banner of "diversity and inclusion," National Football League chief Roger Goodell is showcasing some pretty vile "entertainment." Remember, Goodell is the guy who allows "social justice" slogans like "Black Lives Matter" to be printed on helmets worn during games.

I have not seen "Back the Blue" on any football helmets, have you? Why is this slogan thing a one-way street?

The headliners this coming Sunday are Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus), Dr. Dre (Andre Young), and Eminem (Marshal Mathers, no relation to Jerry).

All three have made tens of millions of dollars putting out recordings that contain harsh, disrespectful lyrics, which can be corrosive, especially to children and other immature minds.

Let's look at the resumes. First Calvin.

"All you (n word) out there, take your guns that you use to shoot each other and start shooting these bitch-ass mother (fing) police."

That's from Snoop's latest recording, one I presume Mr. Goodell enjoys very much.

Next, there's Andre Young, aka Dr. Dre.

"Shoot that (mf-er), gas (mf-er) police."

And finally, the always effervescent Eminem.

"We hate po-po (police)."

On the surface, this halftime show is strange. The NFL is run by millionaire white guys who have little interest in street culture. Yes, many of the players listen to rap-hip hop, but I believe it is not yet piped into the huddle. Maybe next year.

Since the Superbowl used to be a family-friendly event, what the deuce is Goodell doing, and why are American corporations sponsoring the exposition?

Two reasons. The fat cats want to be woke and cool. And they believe few will protest this anti-American stuff for fear of being canceled. I fully realize just by criticizing the halftime show; I'll be branded a racist. That's the way it works these days; go up against the "progressive" agenda, the demons will descend.

And the progressives do not like American law enforcement.

The truth is we all live in a society of corruption, and, incredibly, the white establishment is advancing the cultural danger. Rapping about killing police officers should be unacceptable in a civilized society, not rewarded.

Gary Puckett

David C

These are end times and there is a warning in Isaiah 5:20-"Woe to those that call evil good, and good evil...".The world is one big lie and our only hope is in Christ Jesus. 

Steve Keene

Gary Puckett,

Amen to that brother!

Steve Keene

Jan,

I try to be nice to you and I am rejected at your every opportunity.  I guess I will just have to watch the Desert Big Horns and their lambs graize on the shoulders of Rim Rock Road on my own.  I have always been fascinated that the Big Horns are a subspecies that is 30 lbs smaller than the Big Horns in Rocky Mountain National Park that eat the Alpine flowers, lichens and mosses on the Tundra above 14,000'.  The 40 Desert Big Horns seem to have no fear of people and are almost friendly.  Evidently they have not been conditioned to despise people like me, as you have been.

Steve Keene

Lowell,

Im praying you will improve, but don't worry about that dozing off thing.  About an hour after every meal l have the same problem, so it must be age related though I have encountered many "pain in the necks" in my life.

Jan Alexander

Steve,

I apologize… actually I was trying to make light of the matter for I knew you wouldn’t look at the clip I posted, based on your response … My posting it wasn’t necessarily about the religious aspect but about personal and group behavior in these times and the personal responsibility we all have to try to bring things together.  Actually I was  trying to be funny. I can’t help what was posted on the other site that resembled my gif…  It wasn’t my intention .. I did post the “clip” in response to seeing what was on the other site and watching the back and forth squabble between a few of you…  which is getting alittle old…

As I said before , I am an independent when witnessing bad behavior on both sides of the isle.

If you are ever around G.J. , keep me posted.. .I am not there yet . When I do get there , I will be busy settling in for a while and looking forward to a date with a nuerosurgeon..Whoopie.

Now to keep my mouth shut for a while… I am getting into too much trouble. ..

Maybe we should boycott halftime , turn off the TV and everyone in the stadium go to the john and buy a beer at half time; if ratings really matter.  I wouldn’t have known what they rap being I don ‘t listen to that style of music… and I do agree… hope like heck they don’t sing anything like that … 

There , I removed the gif...

Here , this one is funnier... can't help it.

Bob Davidson

Lance,

Our move was okay.  We are still unpacking boxes and waiting for new furniture.

I've met most of the neighbors.  They are all pleasant.  Much more ethnically diverse than the McMansion trust funders in the old neighborhood.  The fun Heights people and the long-time residents are mostly gone from Woodland Heights.  When I moved there, I found dozens of people I liked and had a lot in common with -- the walkable sidewalks were a major neighborhood amenity.  The local buzz was "a small town in the big city."  As those people left and their World War I era houses were torn down and replaced by million dollar plus McMansions, a different kind of people filled up the place.  They live behind big fences and gates, are suspicious of the neighbors, and drive angrily and impatiently.

People in Kingwood talk about things other than crime and taxes, which is nice.  Good Dog, a food truck that turned into a real restaurant, which was located a couple of blocks from my old house, was the victim of an armed robbery this weekend.  I liked the owners, a married couple, and enjoyed their food.  They have a dog-friendly patio and my guys and i liked to walk down for a meal.  I miss being close to the superb restaurants -- suburban places are either chain outlets or pretty blah -- but the prices seem way low in comparison.  I also miss being able to see my kids and grandson easily.  Now it's a typical Houston drive (the old wheeze is "everything in Houston is an hour away from anywhere else.")

The main difference is the lack of inner city snark -- people are just what they are, without attitude.  Plus the extra half hour each way commute.  Also, I went to my old Kroger to pick up Terry's meds the other day:  I noticed all the tatooed gangbangers that had before seemed like part of the background.  We don't have them in the suburbs and I don't miss them.

I absolutely loved the 1919 bungalow I lived in for 31 years -- wavy glass, irreplaceable hardwood floors, shiplap walls, ancient plumbing, etc..  The crime, miserable city services, and taxes made it not make sense. 

In Kingwood, I also love the wooded hiking trails.  Whenever I'm off work, the dogs and I do bike rides in a peaceful wooded setting that doesn't exist in the inner city.  Our morning walk is almost all on the trail.  They pick up trash twice a week and actually show up -- it's a private company, not City of Houston.  Everyone warns me about the Homeowners' Association Karens and their fines and warning letters, but apparently we haven't done anything wrong yet. 

Wayne Gary

All  REVISED

I remember Mrs Mann from Trig and Analitic Geometry.

She never mentioned what she did in WW II.  Here is part of her Obit

Elizabeth Gaines Born April 19, 1911 in Jasper, Alabama and died Monday, September 2, 2013, age 102 in Dallas, Texas. Elizabeth graduated from University of North Alabama and started teaching math at age 19. During WWII she was recruited to work in Ballistic Missiles at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Md. for the war effort. During this time she worked around a number of noted scientists including Albert Einstein. She also worked on the very first computer which covered three full stories of the building where she was located. Elizabeth's responsibility was to mentally check the accuracy of the computer. While at Aberdeen she met her future husband, G.B. Mann, a Civil Engineer and graduate of SMU. They moved to Dallas in 1947. Elizabeth applied as a Substitute Teacher at Richardson High School. She taught Calculus there for 18 years and served as the Head of the Math Department and Sponsor of the Student Council.

I found the complete documentary

There is a video called "Top Secret Rosies" which tells the story.  Here is the Youtube site

https://dai.ly/x3t7y9y

https://dai.ly/x3t7y9y

Wayne Gary

Lance,

If you have not watched the 1hr video then you should. It is very interesting how the women helped program the first computer and used pencil and paper to prove the computer was accurate.

I hope you don't get "nose bleed" when you move into your new abode.

Lowell Tuttle

Bob, Kingwood was annexed by the City of Houston in 1994 and was excluded from law changes the Govt of Texas made a couple of years later.

So, how do you get non Houston garbage service?   Non Houston water service?

Just curious...

Is there just not yet an expiration of the garbage and water contracts yet?   Will the City of Houston eventually take over?

Do you have Houston Police?

Bob Davidson

Lowell,

We have city water, but on a different system than regular Houston -- I still pay the city, but signed up on a different platform and pay differently.  The garbage pickup is from a private company.  The different "villages" have their own contracts with different companies.  We have Best Trash. 

We have Houton city police and a city fire station.  I've only seen one Houston police car is Kingwood.  I see lots of constables.  Humble, just south of us, has a very aggressive traffic enforcement police presence.  People tell me that the part of Kingwood near 59 has a lot of breakins and car thefts.  Unlike the Heights, there aren't armed security guards at the businesses.

Internet is way worse.  There are only a few providers and no fiber optic. 

Marty Fulton

CorDELL - I've always had good luck with Dell PC's - desktops.  I highly recommend visiting www.microcenter.com.  Their store is on Central EXPY just south of Richardson.  3 yrs ago, the power supply went out on a unit that was 4 or 5 years old.  While I was waiting on the replacement from ebay, I bought a refurbished unit that was faster, more RAM, etc. etc.  Less than $300.  No problems with it WHATSOEVER.  Maybe an external hard drive (standalone) is the answer for you.  Make sure you have cables to copy the files from your old PC to the external.  And you can always boost your RAM capacity by adding boards.  Cheers

Kurt Fischer

Wayne:

I went ahead and watched the Rosie film on Amazon Prime.

Obviously one theme of the program was the women themselves were known as "computers".  While the film had an emphasis on their role in the development and use of the ENIAC computer, most of their work was done on mechanical calculators which could add, subtract, multiply and divide.  The machines were all gear driven and worked in a way that as each digit was computed in an answer, the top of the machine had to be moved over one space.  Each space was called a "register".  To this day the same language is used with computers.

These machines were called "comptometers".  They mentioned two brand names in the film.  Oddly enough, I own an old Monroe comptometer.  My father used it in the insurance industry.  In fact, while I was going to Texas Tech, I would work in the summers for the actuarial department at Fidelity Union.  Back then most of the actuarial calculations were still performed on comptometers and there was a department of women who ran them.  The machines made a tremendous amount of noise with the spinning gears and mechanical clatter.  So things didn't change that much between 1945 and 1970 or so.

I remember when my father got his first electronic portable calculator.  It could do all of the comptometer functions, but immediately with no noise.  The odd feature of the calculator is it would retain a large number of decimals, such that you would get your answer on the first "screen" and then hit a button to see the remaining decimals on a second screen.  I think that feature disappeared very rapidly in newer models.

Just of bit of memory.