Guns Don't Kill People, People Kill People

     I'm sure you've heard that phase often and it's true but there's more to it. The gun lobbyists want you to believe that the more guns we have the less problems there will be. The truth is guns don't solve problems people solve problems.

     So the link between both of these statements is 'People'. The answer to all our problems is how people treat people on a daily basis. If we treated each other with dignity, I'm sure the American public would feel better walking around town without a gun strapped to their side.

     The gun manufacturers and lobbyist would never agree with that last statement because it affects their business. That's expected but is it really the right approach? The violence around the word is out of control, which I suspect most rational people would agree.

     People of the world have many different beliefs and opinions, which seems perfectly fine to me. We need to hear other opinions. New ideas help our minds grow and expand. This will help society progress. Some people are very passionate about their beliefs, which is great but debates can become heated. Discussing opposing viewpoints is an important step in solving problems but it works better without the influence of guns.

     What would the current race for the presidency look like if the candidates were packing sidearms? It's a scary thought. So instead of choosing to open carry for protection why not choose an open mind for progress.  "Just Saying...."

Provel

     Provel cheese is distinctly St. Louis as is pork steaks, toasted ravioli and thin crust pizza. Provel is a processed cheese made of cheddar, swiss and provolone. Despite the fact the provel consist of three cheeses critics will say "It's not even legally cheese". If it is made from three legal cheeses how could that be?

     Judah Friedlander from 30 Rock called it melted plastic from the 80's. That's just cruel. Imo's uses it exclusively on their pizzas but Pi rejects it, even to the point of wearing shirts with Provel crossed out.

     You've heard the line from the Jeep commercials "It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand". It's a catchy phrase and somewhat condescending but it gets the point across. You feel like your missing by not driving a Jeep.

     Well, I think it's high time we stand up for Provel. We need a t-shirt that says, "Provel, It's a St. Louis thing you wouldn't understand" and maybe on the back of the shirt it could say "It's called a pork steak, get over it".

     We're from St. Louis and we take our traditions seriously. “What High school did you go to?” -------- ”Just Saying…”

Humor

     There are as many varieties of humor, as there are bones in your body. Hopefully, one of those bones is a funny bone. Humor can be a dual edged sword, slicing off jokes as quick as a meat slicer, but other times the sword will cut to the quick with no laughter at all.

     A sense of humor is an asset in dealing with life struggles. Life is serious, but don't take it too seriously. Humor will lighten your mood in stressful times and show you a different way to look at life. Since people enjoy different types of humor it's important to know your audience and for them to know you. It's ok to push the boundaries but stay a step or two back from the edge of the cliff.

     There is dark humor, slapstick humor, vulgar humor, toilet humor, subtle humor, sarcastic humor and intellectual humor just to mention a few. Each of these will make someone laugh but not all of these will make everyone laugh. Learn to laugh at yourself and others will learn to laugh with you.

     I think we all have a humor comfort zone, some form of humor that best represents our personality. Certain types of humor tickle our funny bone, some types confuse us and other types repulse us. Find the style that suits you and stick with it. Everyone won't love it but you can't please everyone. You will notice over time others may start to appreciate your humor once they know your personality. This is a win for both of you. Enjoy it.

     Some people are serious because life is serious and being frivolous is a waste of time. Woo Hoo! Thank God, that's not me. "Just Saying..."

It's Human Nature

     We all say it, I've said it, without even thinking what I meant. We use it as an excuse to explain someone's behavior. It seems to justify the automatic negative response people have to life. Something’s we do or see often generate an automatic fixed response that requires no thought.

     We are born with survivor instincts. We fear the unknown until it becomes familiar.  It's human nature to protect ourselves. But is it accurate to say human nature is the culprit that causes us to treat others in negative ways.

     Is it human nature to always put yourself first, not get involved in others problems, judge people because they are different, or could these be things that are learned from our background and experiences.

     Attributing your actions to human nature seem to clear you of the responsibility for these actions but it doesn't. I think we are born with the basic human nature survival instincts and everything else is acquired in life.

    I've heard it said."You can't change human nature." I believe that's true if it refers to the basic human nature instincts we are born with but not the expanded definition many live by.

     If we are refining the definition of human nature why can't the definition be? It's human nature to help others, live an honest life, be responsible with all of our resources, honor others for their achievements, be respectful and trusting of people, etc. "Just Saying..."

Baby Water and Bread Dip Spice

     I discovered a new product at the grocery store the other day. It was a new type of bottled water, not spring water, mineral water, well water, sparkling water, protein water or purified water but it was baby water sometimes called infant water. There seem to be an endless choice of juiced up waters available to us now so what benefit does baby water have over the others.

     So I asked a lady stocking shelves "What the hell is baby water?" I believe I used those exact words.

     She answered, "It's not for drinking but bathing."

     I laughed and said, "Do you sell senior water?"

     "Yes, it's called alcohol," she said.

     I laughed and dropped the rest of my questions. Not totally convinced she gave me the right answer I decided I would look into it later. If this new designer water is good for babies why isn’t it good for older adults. We shouldn't be cheated out of this innovative elixir.

     In the mean time I needed to get spices that you sprinkle into olive oil for dipping bread. It usually comes in a grinder, which is very convenient. So again I asked another employee about the spice grinder, and she looked at me like a puppy looks when they are puzzled. You know how they torque their head back and forth trying to understand what you're saying. It made feel like I was an alien with two heads speaking a language from another world or dimension.

     She took on my challenging question and roamed around the store in a futile attempt trying to fulfill my request for this spice grinder.

      I finally told her, "Don't worry about it. I can do without it but do you have baby water?"

     "Oh yes, it's on the end cap of aisle 17," she said.

     "Thanks," I said and walked away.

      From this encounter I conclude, baby water is something everyone requests but asking for a spice grinder is suspicious. It's apparent that you can never have enough varieties of bottled water. If you don't believe me just look at the store shelves and count the selections. I used to drink water from the garden hose. Hum, I wonder if they have hose water?

     That same day I researched baby water on a Google and found that it is for drinking not bathing, so the employee had that wrong. Apparently the water God put on this earth is tainted and can only be safely consumed by people over 60 years old.

     Maybe it's too late but I have a suggestion for a new type of water. I would like to see helium water. This could be a great item. Think of the benefits. If you knocked over a glass of water it would just float in mid air until you cleaned it up. It could be really good diet water. The more you drank the less you would weigh. Although I guess the side effect would be speaking in a high pitched voice like Pee Wee Herman. "I know you are, but what am I?"

How many races are there?

     There are quite a few different races. Too many to count but here's a few that come to mind. Auto races, balloon races, Olympic races, space race, charity races and Oh Yeah, the human race. Skin color does not matter and we are all part of the human race. We have many more things in common as humans, which should bring us together. So why is skin color tearing us apart? Skin color and gender are subsets of the human race. We all matter the same.

     People will judge others it's said to be human nature, which is unlikely to change. Isn't it better to be judged for our personal accomplishments rather than being judged or miss-judged do to being a member of a group? We are all looking to make our mark on life but what does that really mean? To me it doesn't mean you will be famous. It might be that you will be famous only with your family as a great parent and provider. That matters.

     Choosing to distinguish yourself solely by your skin color will likely alienate others of a different skin color. It's important to know the objective. Are you trying to bring people together or alienate others? Everyone wants to distinguish themself in some way but doing this with positive personal accomplishments will last longer.

     There will always be people that see themselves as superior but that doesn’t make it so. I suggest ignoring them and get on with living your life to the fullest. "Just Saying...."

US Olympic Gymnasts

     Congrats to Simone Biles and Aly Raisman great Olympian champions. You have every right to be proud and silly with joy. I apologize for the reporter calling your interview with Bob Costas awkward or embarrassing.

     What this reporter doesn't understand is you're young girls pumped up with enthusiasm and excitement because you won Olympic medals and this spilled over to the interview. That's Ok. You have the right to be silly, actually everyone does. What's wrong with being excited to meet Zack Efron? Absolutely nothing. Getting giddy over having pizza and a burger doesn't surprise me either. You probably haven't had those in months. I still get excited when I think about a juicy bacon cheeseburger. I think your excitement over these common things just makes you more endearing and special. It shows even though you are Olympians you still like the same things as other young girls.

     Bob Costas is 64 years old age and a well renowned sportscaster who doesn't need to prove himself every time he does an interview. Maybe, it didn't go like he expected but he smiled throughout. What's wrong with that? Every interview doesn't need to be serious.

     Simone and Aly, I hope you always keep some silliness in your life. To the reporter who wrote the article I say. What were you doing when you were nineteen? “Just Saying…”