Sunday, January 23, 2022

IT'S GETTING COLD MATILDA (Week of Jan 17)


ITS ALL GREEK TO ME (Delta, Omicron) As the pandemic drags on, it seems we are losing a lot of folks that psychedelically punctuate my youthful memories. In music alone, Charlie Watts (Stones), Mike Nesmith (Monkees), Meatloaf (Bat outta Hell), etc. Not to mention the number of "mature" rockers who have had to suspend or cancel concerts over the last three years. Elton John has been trying to do his farewell tour since 2018! In our advanced ages, it is both a precaution for their health as well as us rockin' seniors not to expose ourselves to the Pande. Saw an article that indicated that 70% of downloaded music is "oldies". I would think that would rattle the newer artists. We are officially the elevator music of our time. 

In the stupid news, I listened to a "lady" tell a school board very vehemently that if masks are mandated on Monday not only will my children not be wearing them, but I will bring all my guns "Loaded" to school. Over a piece of cloth? I am gobsmacked (I love that word) to say the least. How much more evidence does one need? I am not sure if it is a lack of intelligence, education or laziness that keeps people in the proverbial dark ages. Though they yell "freedom" (except for women's rights of course) they would rather be "told" what to do by their puppet masters. Sad and dangerous-double whammy.

What is especially galling is the cold and evil fingers of Omicron have hit way too close.  My own sweet little grandson got sidelined this week. Thank all the gods he is fully vaccinated and his bout consisted of a runny nose and sore leg for two days. But what if he had been one of the unfortunate who got deathly ill or died, or unwittingly exposed another vulnerable person? All in the name of freedom for somebody who can't wear a face bra or get vaccinated.

UPDATE - Joseph is officially bored, over his quarantine, and anxious to get back to school Monday. 

SHIFTING GEARS Watching a commercial for new trucks I noted the Chevy Colorado was cheaper per month than the full-sized Silverado. Odd as the Colorado is smaller. And why do they not make the old 2 door (with back seat) Silverdo anymore which is why we hang onto the 2012 model we have. Which is another rant entirely, whole chapter actually. 

Anyway, the commercial reminded me of how happy a construction employee was at MIOSHA when I snagged a baby truck for him.  At MIOSHA, consultative staff worked from home offices and "toured" several counties to solicit and service clients. At one time I oversaw the distribution of State cars for our group under the State's philosophy of "if we can get it cheaper do it". Though promoted as a safety organization the hue and cry and twisting through knotholes to try to get, I don't know, trucks for construction consultants traveling on construction sites and 4-wheel drive for the northern and UP folks traveling in massive snowstorms, was torture.

 I literally had to wait for someone to die, well retire, to get my mitts on an appropriate vehicle.  Seniority or buddies with the governor (other departments) should not have been an issue when peoples' well-being is at stake.  Though when has Government ever been particularly logical? I actually went to the power/s that be to make the case for safety, from a department literally writing tickets for "lack of" safety to deaf ears. When one of my employees died in her sleep, (I got a call from the client that she had not shown up to teach that day) and while I was working with her shocked and bereaved husband, I was forced to think about how I could snare her car and assign it before it was taken back by eager hands outside the department. Macabre as that sounds, there was always a lot of intrigue, drama and competition for people who needed cars to get them. 

BACK TO WORK Vacays over and I have to start thinking about podcasting again. Have a script in the hopper for Home Office Ergonomics and a questionnaire out to a Consumers Safety skate tentatively entitled 'Line of Fire". I also have another one on hold ready to get started. My problem is getting the MSC Board Chair and current President to work with me. Since their questionnaires went out "crickets". As the Committee wants the MSC one to be posted first before the conference it means I have to track them down, script them and force pithy quotes from them before March-sigh. Also as February is Jury month, I may have to get creative. Sure lucky I'm retired as I apparently have way too much to do! Meanwhile, several friends are already there, or in the process of, escaping to Florida. Stay warm and Peace out....

                                              



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