Translations

Showing posts with label Life (such as it is). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life (such as it is). Show all posts

Thursday, February 02, 2023

Windows 11, version 22H2 – My Public Complaint to Microsoft (published 2-2-2023; article #388)

12/11/2020 photograph by Joseph Pearson on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Groundhog Day greetings, to my local, regional, national, and international readers – especially to you, dear reader. The groundhog didn't see his shadow around these parts, if it matters.

On this cloudy, damp, and cool winter day, I will regale you with my public complaint to “Microcrap” (as I call them). This is my 94th article, by “Life (such as it is)” topic.

My desire had been to finish the sixth article, in my Christian Evidences series. The article will be, Lord willing, on the inspiration of the Bible, as verified by its accuracy. I have been working on the article, on and off, since 12/18/2022.

On Friday, 1/27/2023, however, “Microcrap” had other plans! I will vent my temporal and technical frustrations, in this public complaint to “Microcrap.” I wonder if “Microcrap” will stumble across my complaint and, if so, will even care. That monopoly needs to be partitioned.

Don't be concerned! This Appalachian Irishman found a solution.

Winders” 11, Version 22H2

Ever since 9/22/2022, “Microcrap” has been wanting me to install the optional Windows 11, version 22H2 (otherwise known as the “dreaded 22H2”). In brief, I had to rollback that optional install of 9/22/2022. The dreaded 22H2 did not allow my Windows Live Mail 2012 (email software) to work properly – as it had been doing for years.

Yes, I know that, since 1/10/2017, Windows Essentials 2012, which includes Windows Live Mail, has not been “supported” by “Microcrap.” The email software, however, had been working fine – before the dreaded 22H2.

Early on the morning of Friday, 1/27/2023, I had awakened my desktop computer, as usual. I went to the kitchen, to start coffee brewing and to make my bowl of cereal. I wasn't gone long. When I returned to my home office, I was shocked! The “Winders” 11 software had already started a forced install of the dreaded 22H2! (The install had been optional, which I had been ignoring, for four months.)

In expected fashion, once completed, the dreaded 22H2 did not allow Windows Live Mail 2012 (email software) to work correctly.

My public complaint to “Microcrap,” specifically, is that updates should always work with older “Microcrap” software, such as Windows Live Mail 2012. Six full days, off and on, of my life, from 1/27/2023 to 2/1/2023 were wasted, in frustrated efforts – until Thunderbird worked!

New Thunderbird

With the need to use other email software, I began to seek options. I require software that will store emails on my desktop computer. (Emails are backed up on an external drive and on a secure website storage platform.)

Initially, I selected eM Client software. Unfortunately, after five days (1/28/2023 – 2/1/2023) of various attempts, that software refused to cooperate completely with my one “Comcrap” (another monopoly that needs to be segmented) and my two Juno email accounts. On 2/1/2023, the kind gentleman, whom I had allowed access to my computer, indicated that not even he could get eM Client to work properly. eM Client lost the chance to make $59.95 off me, after my 30-day trial period.

Thunderbird had been my second option. It became my option, late yesterday afternoon. The appearance is not as pleasant as eM Client, but Thunderbird cooperates with my “Comcrap” and Juno email systems. Thunderbird is a product of Mozilla, which is also the owner of the Firefox web browser that I prefer. The software is free.

Conclusion

As of 4:12 PM today, analytics informs me that, in the last seven days, this website had 586 total views. The total views, by nation, were as follows:

United States 180, Russia 126, Belgium 74, Germany 71, United Kingdom 32, Iran 23, Poland 15, Netherlands 13, France 8, Sweden 7, Belarus 6, Spain 3, Japan 3, Nepal 3, Ukraine 3, Argentina 2, Canada 2, Iceland 2, Guernsey (an island in the English Channel, off the Normandy coast) 1, Other (unknown) 12

For the last six days, “Microcrap” frustrated me, due to their forced install of the dreaded 22H2. Thankfully, Mozilla's Thunderbird email software came to the rescue.

God created the universe in six days (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3). Could “Microcrap” make another update that would allow even their outdated software, such as Windows Live Mail 2012, to work as it had been doing? I doubt it. “Microcrap” is not that competent.

My readers are welcome to share the content of this email, in effort to educate “Microcrap.” They need to be educated.

This 388th article reminds me of my third article: “Give Me a Horse and a Dirt Road (published 3-9-2006; article #3).” I think that I'll go read that article now.


Sunday, January 01, 2023

APPALACHIAN IRISHMAN: 2022 RECORDS (published 1-1-2023; article #384)

Introduction

New Year's Day greetings, to my local, regional, national, and international readers – especially to you, dear reader. Has it been a year, since my last article – of two days ago? My, how time flies! I hope that everyone -- even if not a legal resident in Tennessee – voted early and often, as I did, for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!”

Last evening, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was in bed, about 9 PM as usual. I joined her, about 10:30 PM, at my usual time. We enjoyed “sleeping in the New Year!” I'd seen enough of the #1 Georgia versus #4 Ohio State college football playoff semi-final game. The game should have started before 8 PM. Early in the third quarter, Georgia was behind by eleven points (24 to 35). This morning, I was amazed to learn that Georgia won (42 to 41)! The championship game, on 1/9/2022, between Georgia and TCU starts at 7:30 PM. Go Dawgs!

My 12/31/2021 article focused on this website's records in 2021 and since 3/6/2006 (my first article). I record my website analytics on the first of each month, to track total views the previous month. On this cloudy to partly sunny spring (in winter) day, I might as well write about my 2022 records.

You, as a reader, are appreciated. May God's richest blessings bestow to you in 2023, as you serve Him.

2022 Statistics and Total Viewers by Nation

In 2022, I published 96 total articles, which are 25 fewer than in 2021. (“Website Archive” shows the articles by month.) Total views in 2022 were 26,360. I started publishing more articles in 2019. Since my retirement, on Friday, 5/13/2022, I have had more time to write better articles on topics (under “Topic Sections”) of interest. Some articles are very serious. Some are on “life, such as it is.” Some are humorous. Some are a mixture of topics. I will always affirm the biblical worldview and the good in Appalachian-Irish heritage!

As of this morning (1/1/2023), at 8:22 AM, my website had 163,058 all time total views, since 3/6/2006. Since I've been publishing more articles, my viewership has increased. Last month, I published nine articles, and my website had 2,646 views. In 2022, this website received 45 comments. Since 3/6/2006, my first article, this website has drawn 212 comments. (Some comments are mine, either as replies to comments by others or as additional notes to an article.)

In the last twelve months (January - December, 2022), annual viewer totals, by nation, were: United States 11.9K, Russia 3.34K, Germany 2.09K, Netherlands 1.1K, China 503, United Kingdom 497, Belgium 462, France 451, Canada 437, Sweden 400, Turkey 374, Ukraine 191, India 190, Estonia 159, Poland 110, Hong Kong 85, Norway 77, Romania 73, Japan 72, Other 3.86K. (I hope that Ireland is included in “other!”)

My public journal and commentary continues to draw local, regional, national, and international viewers. Analytics show me these data only. Your identity is secure on this website. I see only numbers, not names. If you are a subscriber to this website, then I don't know anything about you. I do not know the number of subscribers, their names, or their email addresses.

While I'm pleased that my website maintains viewers, I wish that more folks would comment every now and then. Of course, I too read websites, often without leaving comments. I comment on certain websites often, since I enjoy the articles. The “Folks, to Whom I Subscribe” section lists five websites. I comment on at least three of them often.

2022 Top Ten Most Viewed Articles

I thought that I'd share my list of top ten most viewed articles in 2022. Analytics give me some idea as to why articles are being viewed, often based on the title. The following is my top ten list in 2022, in order from number one to number ten.

Four articles are from 2022. Three are from 2021. One is from 2014. Another is from 2009. My inaugural article, of 3/6/2006, was the eighth most viewed in 2022. That article, in which I was just having a little sarcastic fun, remains my most viewed article of all time.

5/15/2021, SATURDAY: FEARGHAIL CLAN CONTACT, “MASK OFF” CONTINUES, UNCLE BOBBY, & ARMED FORCES DAY (published 5-15-2021)

IF I WERE THE DEVIL” – Inspired by Paul Harvey (published 7-22-2022; article #340)

ROGERSVILLE IS THE SECOND OLDEST TOWN IN TENNESSEE, NOT DANDRIDGE! (published 8-7-2021)

HOW TO PRONOUNCE "APPALACHIAN" - REVISITED (published 12-12-2009; updated 11-20-2022)

DENOMINATIONALISM: 2012 Discussion Continued (published 10-12-2022; updated 10-26-2022; article #364)

Devil's Nose, 11-29-2013 Hike (published 1-1-2014)

BIBLE and FAITH DISCUSSIONS - CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT (published 1-31-2021; updated 9-17-2022)

HOW TO PRONOUNCE "APPALACHIAN" (published 3/6/2006; inaugural article)

9-17-2022 Football Review: Georgia Bulldogs compared to TN Vols (published 9-18-2022; article #358)

BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW - BOOK RECOMMENDATION by BARNA: “American Worldview Inventory 2021-22: The Annual Report on the State of Worldview in the United States” (published 6-7-2022; article #332)

I'll keep writing, as folks keep reading. Thank you for stopping by every now and then, to drink a cup of coffee with me!

My public journal and commentary is a means, by which I attempt to serve the Good Lord, record family history and heritage, uphold the good in Appalachian culture, affirm the biblical worldview, critique “poly-tics” (as I call it), record some of my hikes, and enjoy a bit of sarcastic humor. I am a conversationalist, public speaker, and writer. This forum is a way that I express myself.

Conclusion

The evening is approaching, as the sun sets. Supper will be within the hour. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I pray that 2023 will be a good year. We could all use one.

Please remember to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. Do not worry. God provides what we need when we need it, until we meet Him. See Matthew 6:25-33.

Good New Year's Day evening, y'all. Thanks for reading. Don't be too shy to comment!


Saturday, December 24, 2022

TVA Rolling Blackouts - 12/23-24/2022 - Christmas Eve Commentary (published 12-24-2022; article #381)

 Unplugged black cord” (1/7/2021), by Kelly Sikkema, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Northeast Tennessee can have a little bit of winter. Sometimes, it falls on a weekend.” I have said that, during a cool snap, ever since Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I returned from Russia (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999).

Welcome to a northeast Tennessee winter weekend! It started yesterday (Friday, 12/23/2022). December had been mild, with lows in the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit (F) and highs in the 40s and 50sF. Yesterday, in our neck of the woods, the low was 5F (-15 Celsius) and the high was 10F (-12 Celsius). This morning, the low was 3F (-16 Celsius). It looks like the high will be in the low 20sF (-5 or -6 Celsius).

Tomorrow, Christmas day, the weather prognosticators predict the low to be in the mid-teens (about -9 Celsius) and the high to be about 30F (-1 Celsius). They claim that the warming trend will continue, until lows reach the 30s to 50sF and the highs reach the 40s to 60sF. Our winter weekend may stretch into five days – but not a full week.

Our “Brave” Excursions into the “Frigid” Weather

Yesterday, about 1 PM, I walked to the mailbox, to flag up our annual homeowners insurance payment. The temperature was 6F (-14 Celsius). The sun was shining brightly. A cold breeze was blowing. I had on blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt, with socks and shoes. I stayed out in the front yard a while, enjoying the crisp air and sunshine. If I'd been out longer, I would have needed a coat. About 5 PM, I walked to the mailbox, to get Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's Kohl's bill (for a Christmas gift). The temperature was still 6F (-14 Celsius), but the sun had gone behind the ridge to our north, and the wind was stronger. Molly, bravely, ventured out with me. We didn't waste any time, getting back indoors! The lack of sun and the stronger wind were the differences. In the afternoon, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had driven, bravely, to visit her folks. She also had gone last minute Christmas shopping, bravely, with her youngest sister, who had come in on Thursday.

Today, about noon, I walked to the mailbox, to get the junk mail. The temperature was about 10F (-12 Celsius). The sun shined brightly. There was no wind. I had on the same type of clothes as yesterday. It felt great! Molly, however, chose not to enjoy the balmy temperature with me. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was backing out the garage to go visit her folks. Please, dear, don't come back to tell me that you also shopped for that final, last second Christmas present that you didn't buy yesterday!

How does this involve TVA rolling blackouts? I'll explain and comment. I will conclude by transitioning to the 12/23/2022 family gathering and to final thoughts on Christmas Eve.

Rolling Blackouts, 12/23-24/2022

Yesterday morning, while cleaning up, I heard the WQUT-FM (Tri-Cities classic rock) disc jockey mention that the rolling blackouts had taken the station off air for 15 minutes. Later, at 12:01 PM, we had a rolling blackout that lasted 15 minutes. No notice was given. We had to take our “collectively equal share” of the “collective suffering.” Thankfully, we had no more blackouts.

Today, we have had two rolling blackouts so far – 8:10-30 AM (five minutes longer than the dictated 15 minutes) and 11:00-15 AM. My youngest brother called, after our second blackout, to say that they had endured three already today. We had no notice, before the blackouts. My computer has had three KUB reboots so far (one yesterday and two today).

Yesterday and today, around the blackouts, I did some internet searching. I'll cite a couple of sources.

“TVA resumes rolling blackouts across East Tennessee,” on WATE-TV, by Hope McAlee, posted 12/23/2022, 11:55 AM EST; updated 12/24/2022, 9:53 AM EST and 12:21 PM EST. Notice that I included the two updates today. What I'd seen, just after our 11:00-15 AM blackout, when I started this draft article, was:

Saturday

9:50 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board tweeted that it was informed by TVA that their system is stabilizing and they expect the mandatory electric outages to no longer be necessary after 10 a.m. Saturday.

I'd thought, “Liars! We had a blackout at 11 AM, which is after 10 AM!” In the early afternoon, while writing this article, I saw the 12:21 PM update:

Saturday

12:15 p.m. Update – TVA said rolling blackouts have ended and thanked everyone for doing their part to help conserve energy and maintain the power grid for 10 million people in the seven states that TVA services.

Noon Update – The Knoxville Utility Board announced that TVA has ended the mandatory outages for KUB’s service area. The City of Oak Ridge also said that rolling blackouts for their area had been terminated.

11:30 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board issued a statement that TVA has extended the requirement for them to reduce their power load, meaning that rolling blackouts will continue.

So far, so good, at the time of this typing! I hope that the folks at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) do not change their minds – again!

“TVA, Local Power Companies Manage Record-Setting Power Demand,” on TVA.com, 12/24/2022 states, in part:

On Saturday morning, December 24, TVA directed local power companies to implement planned, short duration, intermittent power interruptions to maintain system reliably. This action is similar to steps that TVA and local power companies took on Friday, December 23, to help ensure power system reliability. This measure is expected to be temporary until the highest peak power demands have been met.

During the 24-hours of December 23, TVA supplied more energy than at any other time in its history – 740 gigawatt-hours, or 740 million kilowatt-hours. The cold also produced a winter record for peak power demand of 33,425 megawatts at 7 p.m. CT when the regionwide average temperature was 9 degrees.

We have had stretches of either very cold or very hot weather before, when the electricity demand was high. Storms, snow, and ice have damaged power lines, which caused power outages. Yesterday and today, however, are the first times that TVA has mandated rolling blackouts. My commentary on this follows.

Commentary on Rolling Blackouts

I had wondered: “what is the reason for these new, never before done, rolling blackouts, with no notice, by TVA dictate?”

“Our Power System,” on TVA.com states, in part (with my emboldening added for emphasis):

TVA’s power portfolio is dynamic and adaptable in the face of changing demands and regulations. Our emphasis has moved away from traditional coal-based production and toward cleaner forms of power generation, and today the power we deliver is nearly 60 percent carbon-free.

Meanwhile, we’re decommissioning some of our oldest coal-fired units to make way for these new, more efficient forms of power production. It’s a natural evolution—one that fits with our historic mission of providing reliable, low-cost energy that makes life better for the people we serve.

Who is the “our” in the title? TVA is a government entity. We the people manage the government – or we are supposed to do so. The government works for us – or it's supposed to do so. I hope that “our” means “we the people,” not “TVA.”

I tried various searches, but I could not find annual TVA electric output totals by year. If anyone reading this article can find valid sources, please comment!

I speculate, however, that TVA's electric output has declined, since they have mothballed coal-fired steam plants, such as the John Sevier steam plant, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. (The plant was demolished, from April 2015 to May 2017.)

TVA, of course, has been under various federal, socialistic government dictates to produce more “clean energy” and to reduce its “carbon footprint.” These dictates advanced under President Obama. President Biden continues to advance the dictates. I'm sure that many Democrats and several Republicans have been and are in favor of these dictates.

Don't read into my remarks what I'm not saying! I am a conservationist, not an environmentalist. The difference is in the worldviews. I will define my terms and explain. (This section is included as my seventh entry, in “Worldviews in Conflict” topic.)

A conservationist has the biblical worldview, which values environmental stewardship. As good stewards, conservationists take care of what God has entrusted to us in nature. The ethical use of natural resources, to better mankind, cares for and manages the environment, for future generations. Humans use, manage, and improve the ecosystem. We are not intruders. I paint with a broad brush, but my definition aligns with other reputable website sources that I have viewed.

An environmentalist, however, has a pantheistic worldview. The creation is worshiped above the Creator. The needs of humans are lower than the needs of the environment (climate, air, land, water, animals, and plants). Humans are separate from the creation and act “immorally,” by disrupting it. Again, I paint with a broad brush, but ask any “tree hugger” if my concept is not correct.

Christmas Eve Commentary

That's about enough on that mundane topic! I'm done. Let's move on, shall we? After all, this is Christmas Eve!

Can Christmas Eve fall on the 22nd, not the 24th? Yes, it can, and it did for the Fearghail clan! On Thursday, December 22, 2022, my youngest brother and his family came down to visit, have Christmas dinner (or lunch, as the Yankees call it) with us, and open gifts! The decision to visit early this year was motivated by the current bit of winter that started yesterday and by Christmas falling on Sunday this year.

We enjoyed about four hours of great family time! Our nieces regaled us with stories about their current basketball season. My brother and I talked about mischievous things that we had done in our teenage years. We shared some family memories. Molly was also happy to see everyone. Thanks, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, for preparing a fine meal, on the unexpected date!

Conclusion

My paternal grandparents didn't connect to electricity (for lights only) until Dad was already several years old. They used coal oil lamps and candles for light. In winter, firewood heated the home well enough, if family wore enough layers of clothes and had enough blankets on the beds. A rolling blackout may have occurred – if the fire went out, before more wood could be brought in to stoke the coals.

If mankind must serve the creation, instead of the Creator, then those environmentalists should give up all modern electrical conveniences. That would be consistent. They should all return to living like Dad was raised – until Granny and Papaw connected to electric lights.

If mankind serves the Creator, then those conservationists should use the environment to improve mankind, replenish the environment, and leave it better, for the next generation.

Hey! What do you know? KUB has not done a third rolling blackout – yet.

Merry Christmas, to all my readers – especially to you, dear reader. The eternal Word was born of a virgin, lived as a man, ministered and showed us God in the flesh, was crucified for our sins (yours and mine), was resurrected, and ascended back to heaven. Christmas is the traditional commemoration of Jesus' birth.

I don't care at all for the commercialization of Christmas. I do not need any Christmas presents. I have the gift of God. That is enough.


Wednesday, June 15, 2022

LANCE CUNNINGHAM FORD: RECOMMENDED (published 6-15-2022; article #333)

Introduction

Howdy, to my national and international readers! I hope each of you is doing well, by God's grace! That is my written prayer. Here in these parts, our outside temperature gauge is showing about 95F, on a mostly sunny day. It's a scorcher. I'm glad that I am not loading baled hay in a wagon today! I did that enough, in my teenage years.

In my June 7, 2022, article, I had stated, in the introduction:

As a quick aside, our car hunt saga (mentioned in the introduction to my Monday, May 30, 2022, article) is over! On the anniversary of D-Day, we completed the purchase of our new, 'ol car. Our “long-suffering” '08 Honda Civic was replaced by a new, to us, car. In a few days, I plan to write and publish an article, on the details.

I am writing and publishing the article on the details today.

Temporal life includes moments in time that make lasting memories. Some memories are not pleasant, such as the passing of a loved one. Some are pleasant, such as graduation, marriage, and so forth.

How does car buying rate as a moment in time? It can vary. I have unpleasant and pleasant car buying memories.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed a car purchase experience that will be a lasting and pleasant memory! This article is to recommend Lance Cunningham Ford (865-317-6211) – for car purchases and for service after the sale!

The gentleman, whose name that I mention, in my following remarks, has given me approval to mention him by name. I am honored to do so!

Purchase Experience

I had searched Lance Cunningham Ford's website, among several other websites, for pre-owned sedans. I had seen the 2012 Nissan Sentra SR on Lance Cunningham Ford's website.

As an aside, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I plan, Lord willing, to pay in full a substantial principal balance later this year. We, therefore, had to limit our funds, to purchase a pre-owned sedan, to fit our plan. We hope, in the Lord, to be debt free, later this year.

On Tuesday, 5/31/2022, I called Lance Cunningham Ford and reached Travis Thomas, salesman. We conversed well. Travis emailed me his live video of the 2012 Nissan Sentra! His “going the extra mile” effort impressed me! The car would be ready for our viewing, after some detail work was done.

On Friday, 6/3/2022, Travis called, as he promised, to state that the detail work was done. I had planned to call him the next day, to set the time that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I would arrive to inspect the car.

On the morning of 6/4/2022, I had delayed my call to Travis, as I explored a few other online automobile search options. Travis called me – which I appreciated. He was not, and never was, “pushy.” His call was just to touch base on the plans, since I'd not called him yet.

On that Saturday afternoon, my wife and I enjoyed about three hours, at Lance Cunningham Ford! We met Travis Thomas and an outstanding Sales Manager. The Sales Manager and I are of the same generation. Travis is a younger man. Our rapport with those men was excellent! The Sales Manager and I, being in the same generation, talked as brothers, as if we had known each other for years. Travis and I talked as good friends. They interacted with us professionally and personally.

After the test drive, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman gave her “thumbs up,” for the purchase. (That was important, since she will drive the car mostly!) The price negotiation started. I was prepared. I had a printout with my typed notes on it. (Hey, Sales Manager, thanks for telling me how impressed you were, with my detailed notes!) The negotiation was a mutual agreement. There was no “used car salesman” type games. It was straight forward and fair, with several points of courtesy and humor interjected! The “price was right.” We “made a deal.” Since we had driven to Lance Cunningham Ford in my 2006 Nissan Frontier, we made a down payment, on the 2012 Nissan Sentra.

Monday, June 6, 2022, was the anniversary of D-Day. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I drove our “long-suffering” 2008 Honda Civic to Lance Cunningham Ford. (Wouldn't you know that the air conditioner cooled all the way there! The A/C hadn't been doing that!) We finalized the trade-in of our Civic for the Sentra. That was easy. All the routine paperwork signing did not take that long. We fully understood all the details. There were no “hidden surprises.”


Photograph by Travis Thomas, using Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's “smart” phone.

Travis Thomas took the above photograph, using Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's “smart” phone. Our “long-suffering” 2008 Honda Civic is on the left. Our 2012 Nissan Sentra SR is on the right. Who are those folks in the middle? Wait! I know! They are Mr. and Mrs. Appalachian Irishman – very satisfied Lance Cunningham Ford customers!

Service After the Sale Experience

During our 6/4/2022 inspection of our 2012 Nissan Sentra, I had noticed that the tires needed to be rotated, from back to front. On Friday, 6/10/2022, I drove our newly purchased sedan back to Lance Cunningham Ford, for a scheduled tire rotation, balance, and alignment check.

The Christian young man, in the service department, provided professional and personal service. I got to know him, when we had opportunities to converse. He knows that God will be the unseen presence in his home. After the service was completed, as I prepared to leave, I asked him, “Who will be the unseen presence in your home?” He replied, instantly, “God will be.” The wedding date for his fiancée and he was upcoming, in a few more days. This young man and his bride will include God, as the guiding source, in their home!

By the way, the cost, for the rotation, balance, and alignment, was very reasonable. We may take up the young man's suggestion, to select Lance Cunningham Ford, for routine oil changes and service! Who knows? I may come with her! I hope to see the young man again.

Conclusion

I hope to keep in touch with Travis Thomas, the Service Manager, and the Christian young man. They are each welcome to come by to visit or to hike House Mountain with me!

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I met several other employees of Lance Cunningham Ford. On 6/10/2022, I met and conversed with more employees. Without mentioning them by name, the two receptionists are fine and Christian ladies. The “too tall” young lady, who provided the “sign here and here” sales transaction service, on 6/6/2022, appreciated my sense of humor! The “sign here and here” part was professional and personal. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, on 6/4/2022, became reacquainted with a young man, who had been one of her students. He is a salesman and appears to be “turning right and going straight” in life! I hope that they keep in touch! We met other staff and sales representatives. To a person, each one was congenial and friendly.

I believe that Lance Cunningham Ford, as led by their General Manager, knows how to build a team of professional and personable employees. I do not care for “car commercials,” on radio or TV, as they are often unrefined and insulting. The Lance Cunningham Ford commercials have never been crass. They have class. The jingle runs through my mind, at times, with a lasting memory of a pleasant moment in time!

Travis Thomas and Lance Cunningham Ford both have my written permission, here and now, to share this article -- as published, without redaction, on any media format -- to benefit him and that fine company. I want to freely share our memory of our purchase and service after the sale experiences.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

MY THIRD 'BIONIC' TOOTH (published 5-12-2022; article #324)

 Introduction

This is a funny, “life, such as it was,” article. I had to find something to do, while I was bored, working at home!

My article of October 24, 2020 mentioned my second 'bionic' tooth. I got my first 'bionic' tooth, in 1982 – after having chipped an upper right tooth, when I'd bitten into a hamburger that had a bone fragment in it.

On Thursday, 2/3/2022, at the office, I decided to chew some gum. I chipped an upper, right tooth – on chewing gum! I can't make up this stuff folks! It happened. Apparently, they don't make forty-year-old fillings like they used to do.

2/11/2022

On 2/11/2022, Friday, I took the early afternoon (12 - 1:45 PM) off work (from home). My dentist cleaned and investigated. The mold was cast for my new (third) crown. I took the photograph, below, after the appointment. I'd saved the front part of my tooth that broke off and a few of the old (about 1982) fillings that had chipped out also.

 

3/4/2022

On Friday, 3/4/2022, my dentist set the temporary crown on my chipped tooth. The total time, including driving, was from 11:30 AM to about 12:45 PM. I remember swallowing Novocain. It was the fault of no one. It just happened. I returned home, to finish the work-at-home day. After work, I put together a new pole lamp, for my home office. I felt fine.

In the early evening, the Novocain that I had ingested had a variety of unpleasant adverse reactions. My mind was fuzzy. I had trouble walking. I was dizzy. I felt like crap! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman knows! After lying on the bed a while, about 8:30 PM or so, I started to feel better.

The next day, Saturday, I awakened, still tasting Novocain in my mouth! I was sluggish. By the early afternoon, however, I felt fine again. I did the usual trash haul and other chores, as usual.

Never, never ingest Novocain! It is not pleasant! See the WebMD article on “Novocain Injection.” It does NOT include details on Novocain INGESTION!

4/4/2022

Monday, 4/4/2022, was a “rich, full” day. My wife, fortunately, was on her spring break vacation week. Her aunt Mona Beckner (age 100) -- about whom I have written, in January and April, 2022 -- was hospitalized that day.

In the midst of aunt Mona's status, I had my usual monthly chiropractic adjustment, during my work-at-home lunch hour. Afterward, I was off work, for my final dental appointment. The total time, including driving, was from 2:30 - 4:45 PM. My dentist was overbooked. I waited. Finally, my third new crown ('bionic' tooth) was in place – with NO NOVOCAIN! I'll never agree to Novocain again!

Conclusion

Well, I finally decided to publish this little article. It's funny. It was “life, such as it was.” I had to do something, while bored and working at home today.

By the way, please await a future article. It will be about my future, undiscovered country!



Sunday, May 01, 2022

LIFE, 'SUCH AS IT WAS,' LATE MARCH 2022 TO 4-1-2022: Coat Hanger, China Test Kits for China Virus, 'Bionic' 6-Year Anniversary, Vietnam War Veterans Day, Advance Knox Psychobabble, CHS Yearbook, National Atheists' Day (published 5-1-2022; article #316)

Introduction (5/1/2022, Sunday)

Happy May Day, y'all! See my article “5/1/2021, SATURDAY, MAY DAY: TRIBUTE TO A FINE OFFICER (Published 5/8/2021, Saturday, VE Day),” for May Day details. I doubt that many Russians are celebrating May Day today. See my Sunday, March 20, 2022, article. I still keep up with all the sad details of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.

I have a backlog of rough draft articles and some articles that are in my mind only. This writer must get some of the backlog published and out of my mind!

Initial Introduction (4/3/2022, Sunday)

On Sunday, 4/3/2022, at 4:20 PM, as I had begun to write, I had wondered why I didn't hike that weekend. The weather had been right. My last hike was on House Mountain (hike #178, #42 “bionic”), on 4/18/2021. See my 4/25/2021 article. I decided to take a hiking sabbatical, for fall and winter 2021 - 2022 hiking. I could have hiked several times. I chose to focus on my website articles instead. I haven't stopped hiking – yet! My “bionic” body can still enjoy a good hike!

This article catches up on most of the “life, such as it was,” in late March 2022 to 4/1/2022. This is a long article. If you become bored, you are welcome to stop reading. I almost didn't publish this article. I wanted to get this into my journal, here, despite the passing of aunt Mona Beckner. (See my 4/10/2022 article.) Life must move on – until we, who are ready, join her, and so many others, at Home.

3/27, Sunday: Coat Hanger

Do you see the coat hanger, on the right (southwest) window? I modified the coat hanger, of course. That's the master's bedroom window, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman sleeps also. The view looks south, toward our “back 40.” I took the photograph, on 3/27/2022, Sunday afternoon.

The plastic rod that adjusts the blinds had broken many moons ago. I had been adjusting the blinds by hand. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, being vertically impaired, could not do so. My coat hanger adjustment rod works just fine! It's how a country boy uses his improvisation skills!

I thought that you would laugh!

3/28, Monday: China Test Kits for China Virus

On Monday, 3/28/2022, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman granted me permission to write the details in this section.

See my 1/23/2022 article on aunt Mona, to set the context. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman felt sickly, on 1/23/2022, Sunday. She didn't work the next day.

For historical context, my Dad (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008) left this world on January 25, 2008. On 1/25/2022, my wife took a made in China home test, for the China virus. She tested positive. She stayed home and off work the rest of that week. My wife had the usual symptoms of a bad cold. She consulted her PCP, by phone. She didn't need any prescriptions. She took care of herself, at home, with some help from me. I worked at home all that week, since I had been exposed to the China virus. I felt fine.

On 1/29/2022, I bought a made in China test kit, at the local CVS. That's the sales receipt, in the above photograph. The other made in China test kits were “free,” provided by the USSA government – via a family member. Of course, the USSA government bought the “free” test kits from China – since the kits are made in China.

On 1/30/2022, Sunday, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman felt well enough. She took another made in China test. She tested positive again. Her PCP had told her that she would test positive for a few months. She went back to her work-a-day world the next day.

On 2/1/2022, Tuesday, and again, on 2/21/2022, Monday, Presidents' Day, I tested negative twice, using made in China tests, for the China virus. Aside from a mild case of “the snots,” I felt fine. Either I have had the China virus, when I didn't know it, or I am immune naturally.

Interestingly, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had the first (two-round) China virus immunization series (2/24/21, 3/26/21). She had the booster immunization (12/28/21). (Note: Mom, Betty Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000, became ill on 12/28/1999.) My wife, despite the immunizations, still came down with the China virus. I have never taken a China virus immunization. I have not yet had the China virus – unless I did but treated it as a minor cold.

I'd glad that you are recovered fully, from a bad cold, dear! Thanks for allowing me to publish these details! Love you! Mean it!

3/29, Tuesday, Includes Four Sub-Sections

3/29/2022, Tuesday, needs four sub-sections. Yes, it was a “rich, full” day.

'Bionic' 6-Year Anniversary

The reading of my 8/26/2016 article, “I’M STILL ALIVE – WHY? (Published 8/26/2016),” will set the context. Over the last six years, I have mentioned “my bionic life,” a few times.

At least I worked at home, on the sixth anniversary of “my bionic life!” When I work at the office, I pass, going and returning, “the kill spot,” where my '95 Nissan pickup died and where I almost died, on 3/29/2016. That was a Tuesday also. I remember.

Vietnam War Veterans Day

I had heard about Vietnam War Veterans Day. I had forgotten about it, on 3/29/2022. The following are quotes from the websites cited.

“National Vietnam War Veterans Day is acknowledged on March 29 every year, honoring anyone who served during its 20-year time.” “It was President Donald Trump who signed the Act on March 29, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on this day to honor everyone who served during this time, whether they were in Vietnam or not.” “. . . it was founded in 2017.” (Source: https://nationaltoday.com/national-vietnam-war-veterans-day/.)

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 was signed into law by 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”(Source: https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/about/national_vietnam_war_veterans_day/.)

S.305 – Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 is available, in full detail at https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/305/text.

Welcome home, to all Vietnam War Veterans. This once great nation honors you. I wish that this once great nation would live in honor of your sacrifices.

Advance Knox Psychobabble

Advance Knox (https://advanceknox.org/about) is some type of Knox County Tennessee government initiative, as far as I can figure out. They want to do great stuff for the county, so they claim. During my lunch, while working at home, on 3/29/2022, I attended a “virtual” meeting on the Interweb.

The organizers asked us to enter our points of view on various topics. I, as others, did. The meeting appeared to be a way for those folks to gather demographic and opinion research only. I asked that an organizer call our landline later that day or soon. I wanted to talk to someone, by phone at least. I was assured that I would be called.

On 4/4/22, I replied to the 4/4/22 email that I had received, from contact@advanceknox.org. I stated, as I had requested, in the 3/29/22 virtual meeting, that I was still awaiting a phone call from those folks. I had and have requested phone conversation with Advance Knox. As of this date, Advance Knox has not called me. The crickets chirp only.

The bottom line is that Knox County will not turn farm land, in our area, into “McMansion” subdivisions! Various Interweb groups stand against it. I am a “virtual” participant in Gibbs Planning Advocates – GPA (via https://www.kcpa.us/post/gibbs-post-meeting-follow-up). We will see what these Advance Knox taxpayer-funded bureaucrats do. Will they listen? Who knows, at this stage.

CHS Yearbook

I had wanted to place an advertisement, for this website, in the 2022 Cherokee High School Yearbook. Cherokee High School is in my hometown. I was too late, but I did converse, by email and phone, with a fine instructor at the school, on 3/29/2022.

This fine instructor emailed me her painting of Devil's Nose and her poem titled “Devil's Nose.” I have permission to share them, in a future website article. I plan to do so. I have not had the time to do so yet.

4/1, Friday: National Atheists' Day

April the first, annually, is called “April Fools' Day. I prefer to call it National Atheists' Day.

“The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God” (Psa. 14:1, 53:1, KJV). Atheism is a foolish notion. I affirm my written words, in my Friday, 4/2/2021, article “ATHEISTS' DAY, GOOD FRIDAY, RESURRECTION SUNDAY.”

I have helped several atheists on their journey to find salvation – especially in Russia. To any atheist readers, you are welcome to contact me. I will debate – in an effort to convert you – if you are interested.

Conclusion

On Good Friday, 4/15/2022, I had written: Resurrection Sunday is coming! This temporal “life, such as it is,” events – some good and some not good – will be placed in the context of everlasting life – eventually.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:57-58 KJV).

Read the entire 15th chapter, by the inspired apostle Paul. At aunt Mona Beckner's funeral (4/13/2022) and gravesite (4/14/2022), the godly minister read from that chapter.