tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2550347953141463792024-03-05T15:53:27.541-05:00THE BRYCE IS RIGHT!The observations of writer Tim Bryce of Palm Harbor, FL, USATim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.comBlogger1747125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-14237030992146069522022-10-11T15:28:00.000-04:002022-10-11T15:28:40.042-04:00UNDERSTANDING CHANGE OVER THE YEARS<p><i>BRYCE ON AGING</i></p><p> I recently wrote this for a good friend on the occasion of his 80th birthday. He is a great guy and I wanted to encapsulate a lot of what we have discussed over the years.</p>
<p align="justify">As Jack Benny said, "I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either." And if you don't know who Jack Benny was, you've missed a lot.</p>
<p align="justify">My friend is now entering his 9th decade and is doing a bit of trail-blazing for our group. I started to think about what both he, and all of us, have learned along the way. So, I want to review this by decade.</p>
<p align="left">IN OUR FIRST TEN YEARS</p>
<p align="justify">Early on, we develop a dependency on our parents who try to teach us valuable moral values. If they do not, it defaults to churches, scouting, teammates on the playing fields, schools, or the media (which has a lousy track record these days). Parents check out our friends to see if they are good for us; if not, we hear about it. "Stay away from that punk, he's an idiot," they said (and quite often they were right).</p>
<p align="justify">If we are lucky to have them, we love our grandparents, not because of opulent gifts, but by the love and attention they provide, such as homemade baked goods, trips to the zoo and museums, knitting and sewing, fishing, and attendance at our first baseball game. They also try to teach us the history of the family and our cultural background which, hopefully, we will heed.</p>
<p align="justify">We attend school and develop friends, some for life. Some of us love school, others revolt against it for many years, and fight the system.</p>
<p align="justify">This is the "Age of Discovery." You learn what you like to eat and what you abhor. To this day, I still can't bring myself to eat lima beans or liver.</p>
<p align="justify">It's a glorious time and your only true vacation from life, you just don't know it at the time.</p>
<p align="justify">Boys and girls discover the charm of the other sex, but don't understand why. We learn to dance with each other, most doing it badly. Boys either know how to get along with girls or are clumsy as they fear catching the deadly "cooties" disease.</p>
<p align="justify">You learn about death, through a grandparent or other favorite relative. Suddenly there is a void in your life which we do not understand. Most of us never figure it out, other than to say we wish we had spent more time with the person.</p>
<p align="justify">We enjoy the simplicities of life, such as a root beer barrel, rock candy, an ice cream soda, your grandmother's homemade cakes and pies, owning your own bicycle (which you take everywhere), picking some fruit, catching a fish, or buying a comic book. As a kid, you discovered a dollar could go a long way and we saved every penny.</p>
<p align="justify">We suffer numerous bruises, breaks, cuts and accidents. At first, mothers panic, but as it happens more repetitively, they begin to say, "Oh, he'll get over it."</p>
<p align="justify">Mothers never sleep and constantly listen for signs of mischief. They offer classic maxims like, "If you're not careful, you'll put your eye out," "Be careful or you'll blow your hand off," and "Wait until your father comes home." If you really got out of line, you got swatted. In my house, you got "the strap." Even my grandmothers kept a flyswatter or switch nearby to keep us in line.</p>
<p align="left">TEENAGE YEARS (11-19)</p>
<p align="justify">We are quickly moving towards maturity, and stand in awe of puberty. Mother's maxims change to, "Stop it or you'll go blind."</p>
<p align="justify">It is at this age where we learn we have to make our own decisions. What our parents had to say was important, as well as our peers, but we reluctantly learn we are ultimately responsible for our actions and decisions and nobody else.</p>
<p align="justify">Physically, our bodies grow and change, and our hormones rage. This is when the parents give us "the talk" which we're all surprised by; but I think Hollywood has changed all that. I think our grand-kids can now give us a better "talk." It would be scarey if we replied, "Gee, I didn't know that."</p>
<p align="justify">We take on small part time jobs, be it at a gas station, drug store, flipping burgers, or whatever. From this, we learn the important concept of "responsibility;" that we will have to work with others who depend on our abilities, regardless of how mundane we think the job is. My first job was as a SOHIO station attendant in Cincinnati where I pumped gas for $1.65 an hour. At our station, gas was 35 cents per gallon (but I also knew places where you could get it for 29 cents). Regardless, this simple job taught me responsibility, how to work with the public, and the necessity for portraying a proper image; I was not just a "grease jockey," I was a representative of a big company who taught us to wear a clean uniform, cut our hair, and make everyone feel welcome so we could cultivate return business. Now, it is just the reverse.</p>
<p align="justify">As we come to the end of the teenage years, we knew we were running out of time, and adulthood was just around the corner. We also knew we would have to seek independence soon, and it scared us.</p>
<p align="left">Our choices were simple:</p>
<p align="left">* Get a job</p>
<p align="left">* Go to college</p>
<p align="left">* Attend a trade school</p>
<p align="justify">* Attend the military - where you learned structure, discipline, and gave the person a sense of purpose.</p>
<p align="justify">What we choose during these critical years affect us for the rest of our lives.</p>
<p align="justify">It is during the teen years when we learn to drive, scaring the hell out of mothers, and driving fathers crazy as they watch their car insurance skyrocket. Driving a car, teaches us the joy of independence, and to be a responsible driver; because if we screw up here, we can hurt more than ourselves.</p>
<p align="justify">We develop an attachment to the music and film of our time. At first, we listen to our parent's music, but we quickly gravitate to our own. Parents don't understand the music and constantly yell, "Turn that garbage off!"</p>
<p align="justify">Teens also start to experiment with booze and drugs as a form of escapism. The sad thing is, particularly with drugs, it can lead to death. As such, understanding addiction becomes incredibly important.</p>
<p align="left">OUR TWENTIES</p>
<p align="justify">Studies from around the world show there is a proper sequence to follow in order to succeed in life: Education -> Career -> Family</p>
<p align="justify">If you get this wrong, you will have a difficult time in life. This has been proven all over the world, and starts to become obvious at this stage.</p>
<p align="justify">As my father-in-law used to say: "We have 30 years to learn, 30 years to earn, and 30 years to burn (the money)."</p>
<p align="justify">This leads to marriage. I tend to believe you should be certified in order to get married. I've seen too many people marry for the wrong reasons, particularly one based on sex only. As a Notary Public in Florida I have had the opportunity to marry people. I always admonish them to think of marriage like the Tango, that beautiful Latin dance requiring the skills of both partners; and that is what marriage is, a partnership requiring commitment, and like the Tango, marriage can be just as beautiful if you do it together.</p>
<p align="justify">The seeds of religion were planted years ago in Sunday School, but they begin to blossom now. As a youngster you weren't sure what everything meant. Baptisms and confirmations were mysteries, but we begin to understand it was mostly lessons in morality. Now, in our twenties, we seek such morality, we want to pass it on to our offspring, and we take comfort that a higher Supreme Being is out there.</p>
<p align="justify">With a family underway, we become a little more self-conscious about the world around us. We take out life insurance to take care of our family and put aside money for college tuition (Yes, this all begins in our twenties, if we are lucky). We also start to become sensitive to our civic responsibilities, such as voting and jury duty, something nobody prepared us for.</p>
<p align="justify">At work, we are aggressively learning our craft. We discover there is a big difference between a career and a mere job. We all seek enjoyment in our chosen craft, but many settle for just a job. The ultimate goal of work is to leave the world a better place than before we got here.</p>
<p align="left">OUR THIRTIES</p>
<p align="justify">Sometime during this decade we start to ask the disturbing question, "Have we become our parents?" Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you interpret it), the answer is, "Yes," as we find we have to make the same decisions our parents made.</p>
<p align="justify">Our house becomes a major investment for us, we now have an un-Godly amount of insurance on our houses, cars, and medical. So much so, insurance agents start to smile when they see you are calling them.</p>
<p align="justify">We now have little ones underfoot who demand our attention, particularly at school functions, clubs and on the athletic fields. Now is the time to teach them the importance of good grades and being courteous, such as writing a sincere thank you note to someone, particularly grandparents.</p>
<p align="justify">It is at this time you become more active in nonprofit groups, such as churches and temples, fraternal groups, professional associations, homeowner associations and school groups. You do this more for peace of mind than anything else.</p>
<p align="justify">At work, you are becoming a master of your craft; people look to you for resourcefulness in getting a job done.</p>
<p align="justify">Yes, we are definitely starting to become our parents.</p>
<p align="left">OUR FORTIES</p>
<p align="justify">When we reach the age of forty, we say "Whoops," as it dawns on us that our life is half over and we better get moving. This is when we start to take on more responsibilities and become managers and department heads.</p>
<p align="justify">Our management style either involves micromanagement, telling everyone how to do their job, or we manage from the bottom-up by carefully training our people, empowering them, and turning them loose on their work. You learn you cannot afford to have people love you, as you've got to get a job done. Nor can you afford to be Atilla the Hun. Your goal is to promote teamwork and discourage rugged individualism, thereby creating win-win situations for everyone.</p>
<p align="left">OUR FIFTIES</p>
<p align="justify">I've found that once you enter your fifties you become more reflective on where you've been and where you're going. Now, more than ever, you embrace a sense of family, particularly as your children graduate, get married, and start families of their own.</p>
<p align="justify">One nice thing about becoming a grandparent is you are now at liberty to spoil your grandchildren. You give them money, candy, and toys, and their parents begin to wonder, "Who is this guy?" "Is this the same guy who made us do chores, cut the grass, and keep the house clean for fifty cents?" While your children scratch their heads, you finally get the last laugh.</p>
<p align="justify">At work, you have earned senior status, and become an important resource to the company as you mentor and try to educate the younger people. If they're smart, they will listen as you possess the history of the company. You also can describe what has been tried and failed, and what works. Hopefully, they'll listen.</p>
<p align="left">OUR SIXTIES</p>
<p align="left">I call this, "The Big Slow Down."</p>
<p align="justify">When you turn 60, people start treating you differently. "Ok old man, sit in the corner, eat your cookie, and we'll take it from here." You still have a dance or two left on your card and still want to make a difference, but management and the younger workers begin to shove you aside.</p>
<p align="justify">It is also at this time when Retirement raises its ugly head. Some people welcome it, others resist it. Now we have to think about Social Security, Medicare, Insurance supplements, and keeping a constant eye on our portfolio.</p>
<p align="justify">You find personal conversations with your peers change from such things as management, production, and the competition, to things such as sciatica, macular degeneration, Milk of Magnesia, GasX, hemorrhoids and impotence. And it occurs to you, it was more fun the other way around.</p>
<p align="justify">You consider attending your 50th high school reunion. Some will go and have a great time catching up with old friends; others will remember the jerks of their class who are still witless. Consequently, you decide wisely to stay home. After all, we have Zoom don't we?</p>
<p align="left">OUR SEVENTIES</p>
<p align="justify">This is when we become more cognizant of the changes around us:</p>
<p align="justify">* We cannot relate to the fashions of the day, preferring clothes and material from our younger days. For example, we can no longer find the type of underwear we wore for years.</p>
<p align="justify">* We no longer understand the vernacular. For example, people say things like "Woke," "Meme," "Apps," and "Social Equity," and we scratch our head.</p>
<p align="justify">* We do not understand their music and dancing. Frankly, it looks like a group of people in heat.</p>
<p align="justify">* We start forgetting things, be it a name or word, or even worse, to shave, brush your teeth, or wash your hair in the morning. You've done it for so many years, you believe you already did it. You are also apt to lose TV remotes, cell phones, and keys.</p>
<p align="justify">* The political world has changed. It is totally different than what you remember. You just don't get it. Nor do you understand the morality of the day. It is not what you grew up with.</p>
<p align="justify">* Due to our gastrointestinal problems, we now eat food in smaller portions and it's more bland.</p>
<p align="justify">* Travel, which was considered a great joy earlier in life, is now considered loathsome. Besides, we no longer have the strength to climb mountains anymore.</p>
<p align="justify">* We have difficulty with the technology of the day. We use smart phones for nothing but communications, and ignore the hundreds of icons on it. Plus we still write checks and balance bank accounts using paper; either because we do not know how to set it up, or we simply do not trust the banks. Regardless, we develop a dependency on our grandchildren to fix the TV remotes, cell phones, and change all the clocks.</p>
<p align="justify">* In terms of romance, we chase each other around the bedroom but quickly forget why.</p>
<p align="justify">* Friends pass away without notice and we find ourselves alone.</p>
<p align="justify">Basically, we are afraid of getting beat up by age. We're a little heavier now, we've lost or are losing our hair and hearing</p>
<p align="justify">It is around this time, we lose a spouse, and life is not the same anymore. There is an emptiness inside us and feel like we've lost an appendage. For those lucky to have stayed married all these years, enjoy every moment together and cherish your time. You are very lucky.</p>
<p align="justify">We now find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of being matriarch or patriarch of the family, something we didn't sign up for, but now expected to pick up the check at family dinners.</p>
<p align="justify">You may not be strong anymore, but you're smarter now. You are no longer able to pick up large stones or move refrigerators in a single bound, so you find other, more imaginative ways to get the job done, such as picking up the phone and calling a son or grandson.</p>
<p align="justify">You start planning for your demise by making sure your wills and related paperwork is in order. You also begin to consider who was good and bad to you over the years. You also negotiate with funeral homes for services and your final resting place. Many people think this is morbid, but you want to do what is right. One suggestion before making the final decision: alcohol. It's easier to face a mortician when you are inebriated as opposed to clean and sober.</p>
<p align="justify">You find you spend more time in doctor offices than any other place, for tests, biopsies, consults, or routine checkups. You find your trips to medical facilities commands your social calendar, and you object to it. Interestingly, in doctor offices you can still find the same issues of "Boys Life" and "Sports Illustrated" you read back in the 1960s.</p>
<p align="justify">Physicians tell us to take a multitude of pills and medicines, thereby becoming the largest meal for us during the day. We take so many pills and medicines, we feel like a walking test-tube experiment. It's very dehumanizing.</p>
<p align="justify">Then again, everyone insists you get some form of exercise, even if you've got bone-on-bone in your knees, neuropathy in your feet, your spine is out of alignment, bone spurs in your shoulders, and you now wear an adult diaper. Nevertheless, to keep people happy you go to a gym to stretch, lift weights, walk, and use bicycles. Does, this honestly make you feel better? Hardly, as your arthritis is still in a "seek and destroy" mode in your body.</p>
<p align="justify">What is most important is to keep your mind active. You read more, particularly history. Most people think you're crazy for reading a hardbound book as opposed to a computer tablet. They think you are not in step with the news, but you are actually more aware of what is going on than younger people. You are also much less interested in being "politically correct," and more interested in just enjoying life.</p>
<p align="justify">You finally discover that the simple things in life are the best. Trinkets and expensive toys no longer impress you. All you want is:</p>
<p align="left">* the love of a good woman.</p>
<p align="justify">* a good drop of whiskey, perhaps a cigar, and some stimulating conversation.</p>
<p align="left">* Plus a good root beer barrel every now and then.</p>
<p align="left">Your mantra is now KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid.</p>
<p align="left">OUR EIGHTIES</p>
<p align="justify">I really cannot speak about this decade with any authority, but I presume it is time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and keep it simple.</p>
<p align="justify">Again, to quote Jack Benny, "Give me golf clubs, fresh air, and a beautiful partner, and you can keep my golf clubs and the fresh air."</p>
<p align="justify">I guess the point of this essay is to realize we live in a constant state of change, and our ability to adapt over time. This that tests our fortitude. Some recognize change for what it is, and others openly resist it. Some people think the secret to longevity is simply to remain current with technology. I tend to believe it is an amalgamation of such things as technology, fashion, our vernacular, customs, and changing moral values. This is difficult to assimilate, particularly when you grew up with certain values. As for me, I don't worry about such things and try to treat people courteously and professionally, with a little common courtesy thrown in.</p>
<p align="justify">Just remember, there is no denying an old Bryce's Law, "If there is anything constant, it is change."</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith.</i></p>
<p align="justify">Tim Bryce is Host of "Senior Voice America" in Clearwater, FL, Mon-Fri, 8-10am, TAN TALK RADIO, 1340AM, 106.1FM.</p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="justify">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-27813655013354017002022-03-14T14:16:00.002-04:002022-03-14T14:16:24.228-04:00TIM’S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART IV<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- My concluding entry.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/ubrHzV7besE" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="left"><i>* In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/11/16/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-i/" target="index">PART I</a> - I discussed learning of my liver cancer and what went through my mind.</i></p>
<p align="justify">* In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/12/07/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-ii/" target="index">PART II</a> - I described the first phase of my treatment.</p>
<p align="justify">* In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2022/01/19/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-iii/" target="index">PART III</a> - I discussed the second round which was a turning point for me.</p>
<p align="justify">Now, in PART IV, I want to conclude the series and discuss where I stand and what I have learned.</p>
<p align="justify">As many of you know, I have been on a roller-coaster ride with my liver since last October; today marks six months which may not sound very long for treating cancer but it seemed like an eternity to me. I am not fully cured, but I have made remarkable progress. I underwent two procedures to kill two sizeable tumors, then began Immunotherapy representing a monthly drip to cause my immune system to attack the micro-tumors in the liver. I have taken several such treatments already this year. The fact is, I may never be 100% cured of cancer but things are shaping up nicely. However, I'll likely have to monitor it for the rest of my life.</p>
<p align="justify">My last operation was in January and I've been undergoing the Immunotherapy ever since. In late February, I underwent a CTscan to check on my progress. The doctor's office called and left a Voice Mail message informing me the results were good, but little else about my condition. I ended up playing "phone tag" with the doctor, but we never hooked up. I was beginning to worry about this, but assumed if the CTscan was bad, I would have received an urgent call from the doctor. Fortunately, I was right.</p>
<p align="justify">Finally, on March 10th, I sat down with the doctor and reviewed the results. First, he claimed I made great progress and I am actually getting better, but I still had a way to go on my road to recovery.</p>
<p align="justify">"Think of it this way Tim," he said, "Your liver was in a boxing match and got pretty beat up. It is now on the mend, but it still needs some time to heal before it climbs back into the ring."</p>
<p align="justify">For all intents and purposes, my two tumors are dead and the Immunotherapy has done its job in terms of arresting the micro-tumors. The CTscan showed some lesions on the liver from the operations, but the doctors were impressed on how well I responded to the treatment. As I said, I am certainly not cured, but I have made significant progress and hopefully, later this year, I can stop my monthly Immunotherapy drip. </p>
<p align="justify">Although this was all good news, the one tidbit that caught my attention was that I was now allowed an occasional glass of Scotch, something I haven't tasted in six months. Oh-la-la!</p>
<p align="justify">Because of my condition, this will be my last installment on this subject unless something Earth-shattering occurs. So, what did I learn from this? Am I any wiser? I would like to believe so. Here is what I learned:</p>
<p align="left">LESSONS LEARNED</p>
<p align="justify">* Be sure to attend your primary care physician appointments and take pertinent tests. As for me, routine blood tests detected my problem. Fortunately, we caught it early.</p>
<p align="justify">* Take nothing for granted; life is precious and we should enjoy every day.</p>
<p align="justify">* Make sure your estate paperwork is in order. When was the last time you checked it? In my case, it was thirty years ago.</p>
<p align="justify">* Maintain a positive attitude. Now is not the time for depression or resignation. Contact your doctor if you have such negative feelings. I went into this mentally preparing myself like I did when I was a young man playing football, with determination and "stug" (as my old football coach said, "That's guts spelled backwards.") We used it as a code-word.</p>
<p align="justify">* Surround yourself with good people who can offer sound advice. I was fortunate to have two retired doctors who coached me accordingly. The support from my family and close friends was also invaluable. I was also fortunate to have a good medical team on my side, people I literally trusted with my life.</p>
<p align="justify">* Listen to your body and allow it to heal. The two procedures I underwent took the wind out of my sails. I would try to do some simple chores, but my body said, "No, you're going to sit down and rest!" Fortunately, I acquiesced.</p>
<p align="justify">* Prayer works - I experienced an avalanche of messages and e-mails from people all over the world praying for my recovery. This inspired me greatly. With so many pulling for you, it can motivate just about anyone. However, you must first believe! </p>
<p align="justify">Actually, I feel rather lucky. Sure, I wish I hadn't gotten sick in the first place, but to turn things around in six months is not too bad. In hindsight, having been a full-time caregiver for my wife and mother over five years was rather exhausting. When the last one passed, I think my body succumbed to the pressure and I slept hard afterwards. It was during this time when I believe the cancer took root. The point is, even though I took care of them, I wasn't taking care of myself. As we get older, it is necessary for us to pace ourselves and know our limitations.</p>
<p align="justify">Finally, God bless all of you fighting this horrible disease, and all of you who support them.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-37119343287404096852022-03-09T05:00:00.006-05:002022-03-09T05:00:00.194-05:00IS TRUMP STILL IN CHARGE OF THE GOP?<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Most definitely.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/4Wga7iNuMNg" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><p align="left"><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.</p><p align="left">I am frequently asked if President Donald Trump intends to run again for president in 2024. I have met many former Trump voters who would like to see another candidate, claiming the president is too abrasive and polarizing. I counter by asking, if it was between Trump and Biden, who would you vote for? They all respond, "Trump." If it was between Trump and Kamala Harris or Hillary Clinton, what then? Still, "Trump, Trump."</p>
<p align="justify">Republicans may have a problem with the 45th president in terms of his personality, but they do not deny he delivers on his promises and believes the world would be better off with President Trump in the White House. Democrats understand this, which is why they continue to harass him in the courts and Congressional committees, as they know he represents a challenge to their control of the government.</p>
<p align="justify">It may be too early for President Trump to announce his candidacy for office, but make no mistake, the answer is an unequivocal, "YES!"</p>
<p align="justify">At the <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/27/cpac-straw-poll-trump-desantis-00012138" target="index">Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)</a> held last month in Orlando, President Trump handily won a straw vote for president:</p>
<p align="justify">59% - President Donald Trump<br />28% - FL Governor Ron DeSantis<br />02% - Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</p>
<p align="justify">You'll notice there was no mention of Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Marco Rubio, Gov. Chris Christie, or any of the other Republican candidates who ran in 2016. This speaks volumes in terms of who leads the Republican Party.</p>
<p align="justify">The victory for Trump was similar to the 2021 CPAC straw poll. Both polls also reflect the popularity of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will likely be the Vice Presidential candidate and the successor to Trump. This would be a wise move, as the two candidates get along, and Trump could turn over to DeSantis a country running smoothly under Republican control.</p>
<p align="justify">As I mentioned in <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/03/04/why-trump-is-still-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with/" target="index">my 2021 column</a> on this subject, Trump has three objectives to overcome should he be elected:</p>
<p align="justify">1. ELECTION REFORM - to rectify the farce we experienced in 2020.</p>
<p align="justify">2. ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT CENSORSHIP - e.g., disbanding "Big Tech" companies who controls social media and bans conservative talk.</p>
<p align="justify">3. WEED OUT THE RHINOs - the GOP needs strong new leadership. Sen. Mitch McConnell's days are likely numbered, as are Sens. Romney, Sass, Collins, Murkowski, Toomey, and certain members of the House, particularly Rep. Liz Cheney.</p>
<p align="justify">As evidenced by CPAC, President Trump still runs the Republican party and is preparing for a fight with the Democrats and news media. When you think about it, no other Republican is qualified to take on this challenge which will inevitably become a fight for the American soul.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-25028727931924519552022-03-03T11:45:00.001-05:002022-03-04T07:36:35.809-05:00Senior Dating<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- in the 21st century.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/PQgAgGbTdXo" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="left">Thanks to the Internet and personal ads, senior dating is growing in popularity at an astounding rate, especially since the Baby Boomers are reaching senior status. However, it can be awkward to those who have been out of circulation for a long time due to marriage or are unfamiliar with how to use a computer. As a widower myself, I found myself at odds with today's dating scene. I had to learn the protocols of dating all over again. In a way, it reminds me of the first time you asked a young lady out at age 16, you're simply not sure of yourself and the date becomes a bit awkward. The same is true in senior dating.</p>
<p align="justify">Before we get into the nitty gritty, let's take a moment to consider what we want from a dating partner. In my case, I had been married for nearly 40 years and, as such, have no real interest in getting married again. After all, I understand the purpose and responsibilities of marriage and I cannot see it applying to me any longer. Plus, there is the problem of divvying up finances late in life which can kill any relationship, as well as alienating your heirs. So, I do not see another marriage in my future.</p>
<p align="justify">One of the first things you have to ask yourself in dating is what kind of person are you looking for? A friend or companion, marriage, someone to help take care of you, or simply a sexual partner? Personally, I have found those relationships based solely on sex are without sand and doomed to failure. However, some people just want this simple primal need satisfied.</p>
<p align="justify">When we select friends, we are looking for people to play with and confide in; in business, we look for people we can respect and trust, be it another employee, a customer or vendor; when selecting a spouse, we're looking to the future and hoping to build a family. As for me, at this stage of my life, I am looking for a person who is candid and honest in conversation, and has a great sense of humor (very important). I also want intellectual, emotional, and physical compatibilities. Morality and common interests and experiences are also important. Age is not very important, but I limit it to people who are four years younger or older than me, thereby we can relate in terms of history and entertainment.</p>
<p align="justify">In my searches on-line I typically find divorcees and widows. The divorcees seem to be very active, wanting to climb mountains, go kayaking or canoeing, skydiving, running a triathlon, raising a herd of animals, go hiking or backpacking, and travel to Timbuktu. The widows tend to be more sedate and confident, and preferring walks on the beach and a glass of wine now and then. I have found them typically more fun to talk to as they have already climbed the mountains, but now just want to enjoy life like I do.</p>
<p align="justify">The point is, it is very important to know what you desire before you embark on your search as you will save time and will more likely find the right person. Please be honest with yourself.</p>
<p align="justify">There is a plethora of resources to help locate a person. If you are afraid of technology, let me suggest you stick with the "personal" section of newspapers. Here you will find people with a variety of interests and ages. When responding to someone, do not come on too strong as you may frighten the person away. Suggest a "meetup" at a neutral public place, such as a restaurant, tavern, or coffee house.</p>
<p align="justify">If you are more adept at technology, let me suggest one or more of the dating sights on the Internet. Here is but a handful (there are actually many more):</p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.match.com/" target="index">Match</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.matchseniors.com/" target="index">Match Seniors</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.ourtime.com/" target="index">Our Time</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://dating.silversingles.com/" target="index">Silver Singles</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.singlesover45.com/" target="index">Singles Over 45</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.eharmony.com/" target="index">eHarmony</a></p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.matchseniors.com/" target="index">Match Seniors</a></p>
<p align="justify">Many of these sites work the same way, but there are some nuances that make them unique. Some are free to use but most include a subscription fee.</p>
<p align="justify">Perhaps the most popular dating site is Match.com. Like others, they prompt you to formulate a profile. For Match.com, they want you to define the following attributes about yourself:</p>
<p align="left">- Age (DOB)<br />- Height<br />- Condition (e.g., athletic, curvy, a few pounds over, etc.)<br />- Marital status - single, divorced, widowed, separated.<br />- Location - used to match people and alert you when someone has physically been near to you through GPS technology <br />- Range in miles - used for search purposes; For example, by establishing a range you can limit your search to people within a 50 mile radius of you if so desired as opposed to the whole United States. This dramatically cuts down on the number of people you meet, which is a good thing.<br />- Education<br />- Religion<br />- Political persuasion - e.g., conservative, liberal, moderate.<br />- Hometown<br />- Line of work<br />- How often you exercise<br />- Vaccination (Covid-19)</p>
<p align="justify">These attributes are used by people to search for a suitable partner. Please note: You enter only what you want, but the more precise you are, the better the chances of finding someone compatible. </p>
<p align="justify">You can also add photos and text describing yourself. The photos should be recent and not what you looked like in your twenties. The text is used to sell yourself and typically describes what your interests are and what you want in terms of a relationship. This section is perhaps the most important. Think of it as your "sales pitch."</p>
<p align="justify">My female friends on Match tell me about outrageous photos they have seen of men, whereby they are bare-chested, reclining on a bed, with only one thought on their mind. In my experience, the ladies tend to dress more appropriately, but every now and then you come across a suggestive photo.</p>
<p align="justify">The ratio of women to men on these services is at least 2:1, probably higher though. This gives men a distinct advantage in terms of locating a person.</p>
<p align="justify">To make contact with someone, you can simply "like" them, and see if they "like" you back, or develop a text dialog with them. They may or may not answer. Not answering generally means they are either not interested or haven't checked Match.com in quite some time.</p>
<p align="justify">When you use these services, you have to use a lot of common sense. Yes, there are deadbeats out there trying to mislead or cheat you. I even heard a story of a woman who loaned thousands of dollars to a man, never to see him or the money again. So, the biggest challenge in using these on-line services is to find a trustworthy person who shares your interests and morality. </p>
<p align="justify">I don't want to paint a totally bleak picture, after all there are many good people on-line. I'm just warning you to look before you leap.</p>
<p align="justify">Normally, after making contact through the service, it is suggested you talk to the other person by telephone. If there is a connection, ask for a "meetup" at a neutral public place, such as a restaurant, tavern, or coffee house. If the meeting goes well, propose to meet again on a date; if not, just let it go and walk away.</p>
<p align="justify">Something I hear from my female friends is that men will sometimes stop a dialog cold without an apparent reason. This typically angers women. If you wish to stop the dialog, just send a message that you do not believe you are a good match for the other person, and wish them well in their continued search.</p>
<p align="justify">Like I said, these services are open to anybody, irresponsible people as well as courteous people. Some women have suggested to me there should be some form of psychological test in the service to evaluate a person's morality, as well as their emotional and financial stability, particularly for men. Such a feature would probably make the service more rewarding.</p>
<p align="justify">One lady friend of mine came across a profile which included the initials "FWB" in the person's description. She was at a loss as to what this meant and researched its meaning. It turned out "FWB" stood for "Friends With Benefits" meaning the person is open for sexual activity. This turned her off immediately. Most of the women I have met through Match.com want to be treated like ladies, with respect and not taken for granted.</p>
<p align="justify">If you are concerned about the other person, investigate their background. You can do a full background check, for a fee, but perhaps a check with your County Clerk of the Courts will reveal what you need to know. They have search engines listing any infractions the person has been involved in, from minor indiscretions to major criminal action. Obviously, you will want to avoid a person with a shady past.</p>
<p align="justify">I am often asked, what my final advice is for people interested in using these dating services. I simply say, "DO IT!" Fortunately or unfortunately we now live in the 21st century and computers have become the de facto means to find people with common interests to our own. You can hope to find a nice person at church, a nonprofit, at a party, in business, or introduced by a friend or relative, but using these computer dating services to locate someone while maintaining your anonymity is invaluable.</p>
<p align="justify">So, what have you got to lose? Quite simply, loneliness. The first step is entirely up to you. Good luck.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-73632664521815103692022-02-17T07:54:00.000-05:002022-02-17T07:54:30.874-05:00WHAT'S AT RISK IN THE UKRAINE?<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Russia is playing a dangerous game.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/9BiDSvI-arY" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><br /><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="left"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/putin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="250" height="155" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/putin.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />Russia's threat to invade the Ukraine is reminiscent of Germany's threat to invade the Sudetenland, Austria, and Poland beginning in 1938. Whereas Hitler made good on his promise, the western world now waits to see if Russian President Vladimir Putin will do likewise to the Ukraine. Tensions in the region are at the same high level as in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.<p></p>
<p align="justify">We would like to believe Putin is smart enough not to engage in a military operation that would trigger a major NATO retaliation, but if we have learned anything about Putin over the years, he's a man who doesn't like to bluff.</p>
<p align="justify">In theory, the trouble is being triggered by the Ukraine's desire to join NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization). This concerns Putin greatly as he doesn't want a wall of NATO countries on Russia's doorstep. Most of Europe supports NATO, but there are still a handful of countries who do not, fearing the Russian bear to their East. This includes Austria, Belarus, Serbia, and Finland who is particularly sensitive to the Russian threat and walks a tight rope between East and West.</p>
<p align="justify">The vast majority of European countries have banded together around NATO, primarily to keep Russia in check. If these countries trusted Russia, there wouldn't be a need for NATO. The fact remains though, they do not, and this is an affront to Putin.</p>
<p align="justify">Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Putin and publicly claimed a negotiated settlement is still possible. If so, this would allow a way for Putin to save face and not invade. We'll see.</p>
<p align="justify">Let's assume the worst for the moment, and Russia does indeed invades the Ukraine. The news media is saying it could come any day. I tend to believe it will be shortly after the Winter Olympics. This would mean next week after the countries and their dignitaries have split up and gone home.</p>
<p align="justify">From a military perspective, there is really nothing to stop the Russians from sweeping into the Ukraine and taking over. Neither the Ukraine, NATO or the United States have enough troops on the ground to push the Russians back. In addition, there is only one U.S. Navy Task Group in the area, featuring the nuclear aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman and five supporting ships. Do not underestimate the power of this task group, but it will not likely be enough to thwart Russian land-based aircraft and missiles. Hopefully, help is on the way.</p>
<p align="justify">Instead, the west will probably counter the Russians through economic and diplomatic sanctions. In response, the Russians will likely turn off the gasoline spigot to the world, thereby accelerating inflation, something we are already at a 40 year high. This would be a moot point if we were still energy independent, but this was curtailed by President Biden early in his administration as he wanted Americans to use less fossil fuels and move to "cleaner" energy. </p>
<p align="justify">Should Russia turn off their oil resources, not only will America have difficulty operating, but so will our NATO allies. Translation: prices are going to go through the roof, and our economies will be shaken to their core. This will inevitably slow business, raise unemployment, drive stock markets down and hurt portfolios; all because we rejected a policy of energy independence.</p>
<p align="justify">Let's just pray the showdown abates. If it doesn't, there will be short term gains for Russia but it will ultimately hurt them in the long-run, and regardless of how ruthless he appears, I do not believe Putin wants such a legacy as his 25 years in office slowly winds down to a close in 2024.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="337" height="80" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="80" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-37218036697688633802022-01-19T12:48:00.002-05:002022-01-19T12:48:39.222-05:00TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART III<p> <b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b></p>
<p align="left"><i>- Turning the corner?</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/PWcijBFiikc" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.<br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b>.</span></p>
<p align="justify"><i><img alt="tbliver1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5925" height="233" src="https://bryceisright.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/tbliver1.jpg" width="249" />In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/11/16/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-i/" target="index">PART I</a>, I discussed learning of my liver cancer and what went through my mind. In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/12/07/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-ii/" target="index">PART II</a>, I described the first phase of my treatment. Now, in PART III, I want to discuss the second round which, hopefully, will be a turning point for me.</i></p>
<p align="justify">In mid-December, I began my Immunotherapy, which is a homeopathic-like approach to treating my tiny tumors. Basically, I am injected with two chemicals, Zirabev and Tecentriq, designed to trigger my immune system to fight microscopic tumors in my liver and the blood vessels feeding them. The cost for these drugs is mind-boggling, even after Medicare and my insurance supplement. Nonetheless, I haven't much of an alternative, and I'm pushing forward with it.</p>
<p align="justify">Just prior to receiving my "drip" of the drugs, my doctor reviewed the possible side effects; e.g., skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential death. Of course, I had to sign forms to hold the doctors harmless should something go awry. Come to think of it, they would probably have more men willfully volunteer to take the drug if they said a possible side effect would be a five hour erection. I imagine there would be long lines if they had such a proviso. My doctor thought I had a point, after all, this is how Viagra got started as a heart medicine.</p>
<p align="justify">Afterwards, I went in for my first "drip" which lasted about an hour and a half. Thinking of the side effects, I was a little nervous at first. Fortunately, the "drip" ran its course and I didn't feel the worse for it. I just didn't like sitting in a chair for an hour and a half to take it. This will now become a monthly routine for me (I went in for my second "drip" on January 6th). This time I was smart enough to bring a book.</p>
<p align="justify">Just before Christmas, I went in for a Post-Op consult with my surgeon, who performed my first procedure on one of my large tumors. We scheduled January 13th (a Thursday), to go after the second and final large tumor. God willing, this will be my last. A CTscan in a few weeks will reveal if all of this is working.</p>
<p align="justify">The second procedure went off fine but I was a little disoriented from the medication and sore at the point of entrance (the groin area). The surgeon thought it went well. I spent the rest of the day in an easy chair falling in and out of sleep.</p>
<p align="justify">As an aside, in my first procedure, I was asked to lower my underwear a bit on the table for the doctor to access the groin area. Okay, no problem. On the second procedure, "Okay Mr. Bryce, take off the underwear."</p>
<p align="justify">"Excuse me?" I asked. I was instructed to drop them off the table. Now I understand these are professional people who have seen a lot of things, but having to reveal your modesty to the four female nurses in the room was a first for me. Maybe I would have felt more comfortable with a brass pole in the room. Afterwards, my lady friends laughed at my modesty. "Oh Tim, you don't know what we have to go through. What you are describing is nothing new."</p>
<p align="left">Maybe, but it was a first for me.</p>
<p align="justify">The next four days were miserable. Unlike the first procedure where I felt the pain of the incision on Day 3, and had pain medication to treat it, this time I experienced severe stomach cramps and bloating. The pain was such, that I only slept two hours the first night, thereby turning me into a zombie.</p>
<p align="justify">Realizing there was a blockage somewhere, I turned to good old Milk of Magnesia which eventually broke the log jam. Nonetheless, I still had no appetite and couldn't eat for four days, thereby causing me to lose weight. I drank plenty of fluids, but eating was a No-No.</p>
<p align="justify">To make matters worse, I had a plumbing problem outside my house. It seems the main water line from the street to the house was ruptured by a tree root, causing me to lose water. As this was the weekend, the plumbers wouldn't come out. You cannot imagine how uncomfortable it was to go out to the main valve, get down on your hands and knees, and turn the water on and off, particularly after an operation. Fortunately, the plumbers had it all corrected on Monday.</p>
<p align="justify">For four days, I flayed around my house in pain and needing sleep. Finally, sometime on Sunday night the pain abated. I woke up knowing something had changed and I felt much better, So much so, I got up early Monday morning, ran the laundry, took a shower, made coffee, and did a puzzle at the kitchen table. I wasn't 100% yet, but I was definitely in the 90s. I lost weight during this process. I'm almost back to my fighting weight as in my high school football days. This was unbelievable to me.</p>
<p align="justify">Bottom-line: it's good to be back amongst the living. I just hope that I do not have to go through this type of operation again.</p>
<p align="justify">As you know, I like to find a little humor in everything, but this is not funny. I feel like I've been beaten down, thereby killing my spirit. It's kind of like getting a "noogie" everyday, and you tire of it rapidly. I don't know if it is depression, but I find I am more irritable these days, ready to snap at anything, and time has no meaning anymore. I may not have the most severe case of cancer, but what I have weighs heavily on me. It is hard to be be optimistic and positive when this hangs over you, but I will persevere.</p>
<p align="justify">In talking this over with some senior friends of mine, it seems as we get older, our problems do not decrease but actually multiply, be it health related, home, politics, health, financial, family, etc. In football, this is known as "piling on" which is bound to unhinge anyone. It's a matter of how much "piling on" we're willing to accept before we snap. It tests all of us.</p>
<p align="justify">Sometime in early February, I am scheduled to get a CTscan which will reveal where I stand on my road to recovery. Hopefully the surgery is over, but I'll still have my monthly "drips." Thank God I have enough books to read.</p>
<p align="justify">Again, many thanks to all of you who extended best wishes during this process. You're wonderful people.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i><img alt="tim75x75" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5855" height="75" src="https://bryceisright.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/tim75x75.jpg" width="75" />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p><i>Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2022 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-62741122871845474002021-12-21T05:00:00.013-05:002021-12-21T05:00:00.181-05:002021 YEAR-END WRAP-UP<b><i>BRYCE ON BRYCE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- My most popular columns and audio segments this year. </i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/aXGn7IM3V3o" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="left"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEqMLBkYe6P0MhIS7p1zov5JuVZL7b7xuS0fB649TG91aw-QfSAj9uNxiZeb-2mLY7NfYLbp0T93JfrDQD9QArd_mxPScevUewg0y1RKW1kHFziBMGG5KpLmP1RxO5uXjykGRSGnRl4_1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="499" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEqMLBkYe6P0MhIS7p1zov5JuVZL7b7xuS0fB649TG91aw-QfSAj9uNxiZeb-2mLY7NfYLbp0T93JfrDQD9QArd_mxPScevUewg0y1RKW1kHFziBMGG5KpLmP1RxO5uXjykGRSGnRl4_1/" width="320" /></a></div><br />This is my last column for the year as I prepare to enjoy the holidays and rest up for 2022. As has become customary, I'm using this opportunity to review my top essays from the past year.<p></p>
<p align="justify">As you know, I write on a variety of subjects, such as management, systems, technology, social issues, politics, and observations of our changing world. Sometimes my work is instructional and informative, other times it is controversial or humorous. I certainly hope it isn't boring. By the number of subscribers I have, their comments, and the hits I have on my web sites, I do not believe this is the case.</p>
<p align="justify">This has been another fiery political year and, as such, my political columns did very well. Nonetheless, what follows is based on my "hits" on my web pages.</p>
<p align="justify">Interestingly, my readership has expanded beyond Florida. Currently, the following countries follow my work: USA, Ireland, Ecuador, Germany, France, Italy, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, Norway, United Kingdom. This is based on circulation.</p>
<p align="justify">This was a difficult year for me personally. I lost my mother in the Spring, and I discovered I had liver cancer in Autumn, something which I have written about recently. On the plus side, I am now the proud Papa of my first grandchild, who has become the apple of my eye. I have also met a wonderful woman who has been very supportive during these troubling times. As such, I count my blessings as opposed to problems. I must remember to write about romance in our senior years. It's rather enchanting. </p>
<p align="justify">Writing has always been an important outlet for me. It helps me maintain my sanity. As my illustrator buddy said, "If they were to make you stop writing, and have me stop drawing, they might as well give us a Viking funeral here and now and put us out of our misery. It's what we do and who we are."</p>
<p align="left">My top columns for the year include:</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/01/05/the-catch-22-in-nonprofits/" target="index">1. THE CATCH-22 IN NONPROFITS</a> - Jan 05, 2021 - This really didn't surprise me as it was published at the beginning of the new year as nonprofit organizations are just beginning a new fiscal year. It questions the competency of the leaders of such groups. This is why I wrote the book, <a hre="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/nonprofits.htm" href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/nonprofits.htm" target="_blank">"How to Run a Nonprofit: It doesn’t Require Rocket Science."</a></p>
<p align="justify"><a href="http://timbryce.com/2021/01/19/trying-to-kick-trump-under-the-bus/" target="index">2. TRYING TO KICK TRUMP UNDER THE BUS</a> - Jan 19, 2021 - Number 2 and Number 3 discussed the "Stop the Steal" Protest in Washington, DC on January 6th. So their rankings didn't surprise me. People want to know the truth about what happened that day, and so far they haven't received it. It disturbs me greatly that protestors are still locked up without a speedy trial twelve months later. This is simply outrageous.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/01/09/what-really-happened-at-the-stop-the-steal-protest/" target="index">3. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AT THE "STOP THE STEAL PROTEST"</a> - Jan 9, 2021</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/11/16/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-i/" target="index">4. TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART I</a> - Nov 16, 2021 - Number 4 and Number 5 are also closely related as I described my approach to conquering my liver cancer problem. It is my hope these writings can start a dialog among cancer patients and give the general public a glimpse into our thinking process.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/12/07/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-ii/" target="index">5. TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART II</a> - Dec 07, 2021</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/05/27/republican-clubs-falter/" target="index">6. REPUBLICAN CLUBS FALTER</a> - May 27, 2021 - This grabbed the attention of Republicans where I essentially made the observation, "The emperor has no clothes." Something that didn't sit well with the GOP hierarchy. However, the grass roots people loved it as I spoke on their behalf.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/08/24/floridas-parents-bill-of-rights/" target="index">7. FLORIDA PARENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS</a> - Aug 24, 2021 - this was a new bill within the State of Florida. Other states have also tried this. It ultimately is a reminder that parents should have more control over their children's educational rights, as opposed to local government. This has spurred attendance at local School Board meetings.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/05/06/inheritance-aftermath/" target="index">8. "INHERITANCE AFTERMATH"</a> - May 6, 2021 - Following the loss of my Mother, I prepared a punch list of items to consider when shutting down an estate. I hope a lot of people will heed my advice.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/06/15/republican-values/" target="index">9. REPUBLICAN VALUES</a> - June 15, 2021 - I discussed the core values of Republicans, something the general public simply doesn't understand.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/05/04/for-the-love-of-white-castle/" target="index">10. FOR THE LOVE OF WHITE CASTLES</a> - May 4, 2021 - In early May, White Castle Restaurants finally opened a store in the Orlando area. This was enthusiastically greeted by displaced Yankees now living in Florida. Here I discussed what it means to them. <br /> </p>
<p align="justify">I also provide an audio version of most of my columns for those people on the go, courtesy of YouTube. I would like to believe people listen to me at the gym or beach, but more realistically, people tend to tune in while they are traveling or at work. Interestingly, the popularity of my audio segments is not the same as my written columns.</p>
<p align="left"><b>AUDIO SEGMENTS ON YOUTUBE</b></p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/l-OEBrlSPCo" target="index">1-REMOVING PALMETTO PALMS</a> - Thu, June 10, 2021 - This was far and away my post popular audio segment, which surprised me as I was describing only the removal of Palmetto Palms on my property. I guess a lot of people hate them as much as I do.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/uFkI2nfv0IM" target="index">2-WHY IS EVERYONE HIRING?</a> - Tue, June 8, 2021 - During the summer, I spotted several "Hiring!" signs. People would rather take government stimulus money as opposed to working. How can they look at themselves in the mirror?</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/KDBJXnChlds" target="index">3-"HOW TO BECOME A TYRANT" - MUST SEE TV</a> - Tue, July 20, 2021 - This was based on a mini-series on Netflix which described the characteristics of Dictators over the years. A lot of what was described can be seen today in the political world.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/Bk0vp5Vixtw" target="index">4-BIDEN'S FIRST 100 DAYS</a> - Thu, Jan 21, 2021 - my predictions of what Joe Biden would implement in the first 100 days of his administration.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/majkhw6w1F4" target="index">5-WHO ARE THE DOMESTIC TERRORISTS?</a> - Tue, Feb 9, 2021 - Well, according to Congress, it's not Antifa of BLM, but parents voicing their displeasure at school board meetings.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/lEtqTGHXM70" target="index">6-FACE-MASKS ARE HERE TO STAY</a> - Tue, Mar 2, 2021 - Regretfully so.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/KQEBdkuvemo" target="index">7-THE JIM CROW SHTICK</a> - Tue, Apr 20, 2021 - I produced this as a means to educate people about Jim Crow laws. I'm amazed how many people do not understand their origin.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/NezF5C8Kbrg" target="index">8-WHY TRUMP IS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH</a> - Thu, Mar 4, 2021 - It is now rather obvious that our 45th President is still the figure-head of the Republican Party.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/otRDH8NZG0k" target="index">9-THEY ARE KILLING THE GAME</a> - Tue, Apr 27, 2021 - This was an unusual piece where I discussed how MLB is changing the game of baseball through rule changes.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://youtu.be/aEjnWcPcbLk" target="index">10-IS JOE GOING TO MAKE IT?</a> - Thu, July 29, 2021 - I discussed the president's mental acuity, something people are finally questioning.</p>
<p align="justify">I will be on sabbatical for awhile until I am ready to get back in the saddle for the new year. Until then, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, Good Night!</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AsMBzGTJQ9DwmBEGVyAZuyUk4T0bkUfqUi0PKx5f1tAe06y9cBnct3mEOhupzjz2kAdYw-W3ryejE53rWbbd9I5rrkdNy93MlPAMMXKZLFeCqRwrKnFPcTymG8CeNI7QQf52scdq15hyphenhyphen/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="99" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AsMBzGTJQ9DwmBEGVyAZuyUk4T0bkUfqUi0PKx5f1tAe06y9cBnct3mEOhupzjz2kAdYw-W3ryejE53rWbbd9I5rrkdNy93MlPAMMXKZLFeCqRwrKnFPcTymG8CeNI7QQf52scdq15hyphenhyphen/w73-h72/image.png" width="73" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-69773118401996673472021-12-14T05:00:00.013-05:002021-12-14T05:00:00.197-05:00THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- It is certainly not about the commercialization of the holiday, or Santa.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykxTTfKJpWY" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6QTfX7xGsZtShukWz3wSXPFt3vgSZ2jzWSVAVLGA-s8e7dZW7GBSf8KBTSq3CUwWIMV5n7jsNavS_zPN6H3WiOKi61Ons6u2w5l11fl3h8YyGOSbR4XuC9fyncf7K7W1AvO51o2m4k5/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="494" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6QTfX7xGsZtShukWz3wSXPFt3vgSZ2jzWSVAVLGA-s8e7dZW7GBSf8KBTSq3CUwWIMV5n7jsNavS_zPN6H3WiOKi61Ons6u2w5l11fl3h8YyGOSbR4XuC9fyncf7K7W1AvO51o2m4k5/w131-h124/image.png" width="131" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br />NOTE:</i></b> <i>I originally wrote this piece back in 2013. I was pleased with its reception. I think it makes an important point about Christmas. I also believe it would make a great TV show for the season. Let me know what you think. - TB</i><p></p>
<p align="justify">He arose in the morning groggy and disoriented. He didn't know where he was or recognized the surroundings. It was a small room, very neat and clean, with a sofa, desk, and big bed. Anyone would recognize it as a hotel with all of the amenities. He had no memory of how he had gotten there. Sunlight peeked between the curtains. The television was playing a Christmas gala, complete with classic holiday music. The entertainment was broken up by the occasional commercial where announcers were promoting everything from toys to clothes, jewels, and automobiles. Each announcer admonished viewers to hurry as there was just one day until Christmas.</p>
<p align="left">"Christmas? Where am I, where have I been?"</p>
<p align="justify">He slowly stood up and went over to the window and opened the curtains to look outside where the grass and roads were covered with a thin layer of snow. It was cold, but not frigid. People could be seen walking on the streets carrying packages, cars moved quickly along a boulevard, and pine trees were adorned with tinsel, bulbs and lights. He didn't recognize any of it which confused matters further.</p>
<p align="justify">He washed himself in the bathroom and then spotted some clothes neatly folded on the sofa, complete with shoes and socks. The clothes fit remarkably well. The shoes, which were actually a set of leather and rubber boots, also fit comfortably. He combed his hair before putting on the jacket and wool cap hanging on the chair at the desk. He unlocked the door and stepped outside into the cold air and surveyed the area around the hotel. Nothing looked familiar; did Europe look like this? </p>
<p align="justify">A woman dressed in a heavy black coat passed by him and greeted him good morning.</p>
<p align="justify">It was English, but the accent wasn't recognizable. He replied, "Good morning," to the woman who hurried away before any other questions could be asked.</p>
<p align="justify">He watched her hurry down the street heading towards a large building where several cars were already parked. A sign in front read, "Springdale Town Mall." He was curious and thought people at the building might hold some answers. So He followed the woman to the mall, crossing the street carefully as it was busy with vehicles. The traffic lights seemed strange to Him, as well as the lines on the street, along with the the commotion of the cars and their horns. As He approached the entrance to the mall, He could hear the sounds of Christmas music coming from the mall's PA system in the parking lot. In between songs, announcers touted their products and admonished shoppers there was just one more day until Christmas. He really didn't grasp what was going on.</p>
<p align="justify">He entered the mall which was the largest structure He had ever seen. Inside was a cavernous multitude of lights, more music, and thousands of people circulating. There seemed to </p>
be hundreds of shops offering a variety of wares; toys, cutlery, sporting goods, jewelry, and many other goods. Virtually all had signs in their windows promoting sales and reminding shoppers there was now less than a day to Christmas. He paused by an electronic store where many television sets were displaying Christmas shows. The shows were mesmerizing and He became somewhat intoxicated by the sights and sounds emanating from the televisions.
<p align="justify">He wandered the mall examining the various stores carefully. Each was decorated in red and green colors, with wreaths, and the smell of pine and sweet candy hung in the air. Electric lights, snowmen, and miniature railroads offered animation. Gifts were wrapped in a special type of green and red paper and ribbons. All in all, it was a feeding frenzy of shopping. He wondered what the purpose of all this activity. There were several signs mentioning "Christmas," but He didn't make the connection.</p>
<p align="justify">There was the smell of food in the air which caused His stomach to growl in hunger. He passed the mall's Food Court which featured several restaurants offering a variety of strange looking ethnic foods. He watched cooks prepare Japanese sushi and Chinese cuisine, none of which He recognized as something edible. The Mexican restaurant smelled of spicy hot peppers. The only restaurants which somehow resembled familiar food was the Italian restaurant, although He balked at pizza, and the Greek restaurant featuring gyros and souvlakis, both offered on pita bread.</p>
<p align="justify">He asked the clerk for a gyro as it appeared to be made of lamb. The young clerk prepared the meal accordingly, complete with French Fries and a cola drink.</p>
<p align="left">"That will be $5 for the gyro special," she said.</p>
<p align="justify">He looked perplexed by her request but quickly figured she was asking for money of which He had none. He tapped his trousers with his hand and heard the distinct click of metal. He reached inside his pocket where He retrieved some coins valued at $2 each. "Will you take these?" He asked.</p>
<p align="justify">The clerk took three of them and presented him with a $1 bill saying, "Here is your change. Thank you. Next!..."</p>
<p align="justify">He walked away from the restaurant with his tray and found an empty table to sit and eat. He studied the $1 bill carefully. He had never seen paper money before and didn't recognize Washington's portrait. He ate the gyro hungrily. He enjoyed the taste of cooked lamb as well as the pita bread. The French Fries seemed peculiar to him though. He picked one up and inspected it carefully. Nearby at other tables, people were eating them. He then broke one in half and tasted it, and it was good, even though He didn't know what it was. "A French Fry? Hmm...," and He ate the rest. He examined the cola drink suspiciously. He took a sip and found the taste medicinal in nature, and the bubbles tickled His nose. Spotting a nearby water fountain, He emptied the cola down its drain and replaced it with water which tasted remarkably clean to Him.</p>
<p align="justify">He saw others dumping the trash from their trays into the garbage and followed suit. The meal had served its purpose and He felt refreshed. He then returned to wandering around the mall. The music and hubbub was beginning to give Him a small headache.</p>
<p align="justify">It was mid afternoon when He came to the center of the mall where he sat at a bench on the second floor. He marveled at the immensity of the mall and as He looked down to the bottom floor He discovered a long line of children waiting for someone named "Santa Claus." Dozens of children waited patiently to sit with a fat man dressed in a red and white costume. He assumed the man was elderly as he wore a white beard with matching color hair.</p>
<p align="justify">An elderly woman came and sat on the bench to rest her feet. She was loaded with several packages and looked tired from her trek around the mall.</p>
<p align="justify">"Excuse me, but who is that man down there?" He innocently asked the woman.</p>
<p align="left">She looked down to see the object of His attention.</p>
<p align="justify">"Are you kidding me?" she said, "It's Santa Claus and his elves talking to the kids of course."</p>
<p align="justify">He said, "I'm sorry, I am not from around here. What is a Santa Claus?"</p>
<p align="justify">She looked at him inquisitively but gave him the benefit of doubt. "He is actually called by many names, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and many others around the world. He is considered the patron saint of Christmas and is best known for delivering presents to children on Christmas."</p>
<p align="left">"Christmas, there is that name again," He thought.</p>
<p align="justify">He watched the children one-by-one visit with the old gentleman. Some appeared timid and scared, others enjoyed a good conversation with the man, others were loud and animated, demanding certain presents on Christmas Day. It was all rather unclear as to the purpose of the meeting with Santa other than it was an outlet to promote the purchase of more gifts. He was amazed by the length of the never-ending line and requests for more gifts.</p>
<p align="justify">The greed and opulence of the season was too much for him to stomach any longer. He took his leave of the mall wanting to head back to the safety of the hotel room. Unfortunately, He became a bit disoriented and couldn't find the same door from which He entered, and exited on the opposite end of the mall where nothing looked familiar.</p>
<p align="justify">He had spent considerable time at the mall and it was now late afternoon with long shadows and the sun beginning to set. All He could see were rows of neat wooden homes adjacent to the mall. He was unfamiliar with the architecture and wanted to take a closer look. He entered a subdivision and was amazed how orderly the houses were aligned and well maintained.</p>
<p align="justify">As the sun set, decorative lights were switched on and lit up the houses and the adjacent trees and shrubbery. Various statues of snowmen, Santa Claus, and angels were also lit and music could be heard in the air. There also seemed to be reindeer everywhere; on top of houses, pulling sleighs, or metalic statues on front lawns, some were animated appearing to be grazing. In was very reminiscent of the storefronts in the mall.</p>
<p align="justify">He walked several blocks in amazement as the houses turned darkness into light. Other people also walked the neighborhood in order to see the decorations. Cars began to enter the streets where they moved slowly so parents and children could admire the decorations. As pleasant as this all ways, He was at a loss as to what it all meant.</p>
<p align="justify">As He exited the neighborhood, He was presented with two large structures, one with a crucifix atop it, and another with the Star of David. He was appalled by the crucifix and began to wonder if people still practiced the tortuous custom. The large cross stopped Him in his tracks and He began to tremble. He noticed the other structure bore the Shield of David, a symbol He was familiar with through Judaism.</p>
<p align="justify">It was nighttime now and both buildings were active with people, the Temple celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, and the Church preparing to celebrate Christmas mass. Being more familiar with the Shield of David, He approached the Temple, where people were exiting for the evening. Still inside was the rabbi who was bidding goodnight to the attendees. He worked his way to the rabbi, a middle aged man who appeared to be of good nature.</p>
<p align="justify">He said, "Rabbi, I am a stranger to this area. As I have walked around the village I notice there is a fascination with 'Christmas' here. I would like to know more."</p>
<p align="justify">The Rabbi smiled and said, "Well stranger, you are actually in a good place to learn. I would like to sit down and tell you more, but the hour is late and I have another appointment. However, I recommend you visit the church next door where they are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. I am confident they will tell you the full story tonight."</p>
<p align="justify">He took his leave of the rabbi, who locked the Temple after He exited. Many people were entering the house of the crucifix, men, women and children. As it appeared to be safe, He overcame his timidity and reluctantly approached the church. At the door, He was warmly welcomed by greeters. The inside appeared to be a place for religious retreats, with several rows of pews, and an altar at the front. </p>
<p align="justify">As the service began, the congregation rose to its feet and began to sing, accompanied by an organ. He was startled by this, but found the music strangely comforting. He looked about and saw everyone singing in unison, along with a choir which sang as one. The pomp and circumstance was impressive. He looked on in horror as a small boy walked slowly down the center aisle carrying another crucifix with an effigy of a person nailed to it. The boy proudly presented the cross at the front of the congregation before placing it in a stand. He was bewildered by the display and was prepared to turn and run, but something inside him told him to stand his ground. After the entrance of the clergy, the music stopped and everyone returned to their seats.</p>
<p align="justify">The minister welcomed everyone to the evening's Christmas celebration. This was followed by a sweet celebration enacted by the children of the church who were dressed in colorful costumes. The minister narrated the story of the birth of Christ and the children acted out the story. He listened intently. He heard the names of Joseph and Mary, which were well known to him, as well as a place called Galilee. He listened to their story of the birth of their savior. Aside from the shiny costumes and some obvious literary liberties, it was a story He knew well, and his spirits perked up noticeably. He was no longer afraid but felt quite at home.</p>
<p align="justify">After the play, the minister asked all first time visitors to rise and be recognized. One-by-one he welcomed each visitor, asking who they were and where they were from. The minister finally asked the stranger to introduce himself.</p>
<p align="left">"I am known as Jesus of Nazareth," He said.</p>
<p align="justify">The minister thought He was mocking the congregation and quickly confronted the stranger. Anger was in the minister's eyes but before he could utter a harsh word, He said, "I am a stranger to this area," and raised his hand in peace to shake the minister's.</p>
<p align="justify">It was only then the minister saw the scars from the crucifixion. There was something in the stranger's demeanor and eyes that made him realize he was now in the presence of something special. The minister froze until He placed his hands on him in comfort. The minister smiled and knelt to his knees. The congregation didn't quite comprehend the situation, but followed the minister's lead and knelt.</p>
<p align="justify">He said, "Please rise, you are all my children. I'm not sure why I was sent here but I believe it has something to do with the meaning of Christmas, something I didn't quite understand until I witnessed your pageant."</p>
<p align="left">"Yes, this is your birthday, your eminence," the minister replied.</p>
<p align="justify">"I have been among you this day and have witnessed many things, most of which I do not understand, particularly the greed of this day. I hope they are not using this day to celebrate such a weakness."</p>
<p align="justify">The minister was embarrassed, "I am afraid a lot of people have forgotten its purpose. It is not about shopping, it's about You."</p>
<p align="justify">"In my time, we celebrated birthdays by the breaking of the bread. We didn't have opulent presents. Instead, we offered our love, fellowship, and trust to others. If this is truly my Birthday, let us celebrate likewise," and loafs of bread appeared in His hands.</p>
<p align="justify">Jesus moved to the altar and broke the bread into small pieces for everyone to consume. The minister assisted by pouring wine.</p>
<p align="justify">"Here, eat and drink. Do this for the remembrance of Me. My message is simple: I love you unconditionally. You may not believe in me, but have confidence that I love you. Do not dwell in hate. Practice love and do unto others as you would have others do unto you. It's really not that difficult, is it?."</p>
<p align="justify">As the last morsel of bread was consumed and wine drunk, He turned and disappeared into the ether with the exclamation, "Remember!"</p>
<p align="left">First published: December 23, 2013</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkvs4VeLNlT_RS4VhEroZ3JCyAFompSJd-YZzs3dns3qjVXKHctjyfT1i9LjcsRaBHXegrQevSJdOhzlgHD7N_o6W7DrpWUOZ602-wrEnhT6k9L2J4WwopKSSaxwIcMFuSBqpSiWRKvUb/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="98" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkvs4VeLNlT_RS4VhEroZ3JCyAFompSJd-YZzs3dns3qjVXKHctjyfT1i9LjcsRaBHXegrQevSJdOhzlgHD7N_o6W7DrpWUOZ602-wrEnhT6k9L2J4WwopKSSaxwIcMFuSBqpSiWRKvUb/w63-h65/image.png" width="63" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-29305662777095542362021-12-07T05:00:00.015-05:002021-12-07T05:00:00.190-05:00TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART II<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- The treatment.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/HsXnZkaAlm0" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR8GowrPAb3Ka8P9vYFn7NCKgGix2XHvre_dUO1pbkeTsCRAtmgimwhWPUzyszJgjPSz_R4YwwIXngPgwgJbCW5jzw8br0JYcDkqDXqYfHytaf9JlwpqgwVz96KvzhCoUyk2CMMFy79uU/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="990" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwR8GowrPAb3Ka8P9vYFn7NCKgGix2XHvre_dUO1pbkeTsCRAtmgimwhWPUzyszJgjPSz_R4YwwIXngPgwgJbCW5jzw8br0JYcDkqDXqYfHytaf9JlwpqgwVz96KvzhCoUyk2CMMFy79uU/" width="255" /></a></i></div><i><br />In <a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/11/16/tims-fight-with-cancer-part-i/" target="index">PART I</a>, I described how I discovered cancer in my liver; the emotions I felt and my approach to the problem. Here, in PART II, I describe the beginning of my therapy.</i><p></p>
<p align="justify">Previously, I discussed how my medical team recommended the treatment I was to pursue. Chemotherapy and radiation was not used because the cancer remained localized in the liver and had not spread to other parts of my body. Consequently, they were to go in and surgically cutoff the blood vessels to my two large tumors, thereby killing them. This was to be done in two separate procedures.</p>
<p align="justify">On November 15th I had a consult with my surgeon, a doctor who performed two biopsies on me earlier in the year, and someone I trusted. He told me the pros and cons pertaining to this approach, "As to cons Tim, I want you to understand this is not a cure, but it will improve your quality of life and lengthen your time on this planet. However, you will likely have to monitor your condition for the remainder of your life and take action if it resurfaces."</p>
<p align="justify">I responded by saying I would just like to be rid of the tumors and see what happens.</p>
<p align="justify">I've discovered medical care is all about trust. I have confidence in my medical team, but their administrative support staff leaves a lot to be desired. You get the uneasy feeling the left hand quite often doesn't know what the right hand is doing. This is particularly true when you have multiple parties involved. As for me, this includes my Oncologist, my Surgeon, my Primary Care Physician, and another surgeon from Tampa General Hospital. Scheduling and communications between all parties were at times confusing. I do not blame the physicians, but I have some serious doubts about their administrative processing. As I've mentioned before, I also grow weary of answering the same medical questions over and over again at time of check-in. Oy!</p>
<p align="justify">I also discovered Cancer is an equal opportunity disease. It doesn't care about your station in life. In my many trips to visit doctors and test facilities, I think I've met people from all stratas of society. This leads me to believe you cannot buy yourself an easy out in terms of finding a cure. Consequently, cancer patients are on a constant quest for any cure that might help them, either legitimate or quackery.</p>
<p align="justify">Frankly, I am baffled why Cancer is proliferating and not abating. The waiting rooms at cancer centers are full. Is it because of the timing of the baby boomers or an insatiable pharmaceutical industry? Perhaps both, but I thought we would have made more progress by now.</p>
<p align="justify">On November 30th, shortly after Thanksgiving, I met with my Oncologist to discuss the road ahead. The surgery was scheduled for later in the week, December 2nd, to tackle my first big tumor. We would then perform tests to see if this was working properly and, if so, address my second tumor in early January.</p>
<p align="justify">My Oncologist wanted to go beyond this. As you may remember, I also have smaller tumors in my liver, and they are microscopic in size. In discussing my situation with his colleagues, he recommended Immunotherapy, which is a homeopathic-like approach to treating my tiny tumors. Two expensive doses of medicine would be injected intravenously to trigger my immune system to kick in and fight the microscopic tumors and the blood vessels feeding them. It sounded like a good idea to me as I could not withstand major surgery to remove the tumors. On December 16th, I will be administered the two drugs: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bevacizumab" target="index">Zirabev</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atezolizumab" target="index">Tecentriq</a>. The cost for the one treatment is a whopping $19,509, but after Medicare and my supplement, I'll have to pay $3,936.80. This will fulfill my deductible and the price should go down further for ensuing treatments. Nonetheless, I was noticeably startled by the costs.</p>
<p align="justify">On December 1st, the day before my surgery, I posted on Facebook, "Tomorrow morning is Round One with my fight with the Devil. I'm suited up and ready. Put me in Coach..."</p>
<p align="justify">I wanted to let my friends know I was mentally prepared for the operation. I wanted to see what kind of "Iron Man" I really was. I earned this title my senior year when I was playing football at Wyoming High School (Cincinnati). The award was given to the person who spent the most time on the field. As I was on every team, except the kickoff team, I won the award handily. I was proud of this, and it left an impression on me; it meant, if you wanted to get something done, you went through Bryce. This followed me through my professional career as I learned the importance of being resourceful and helping others, thereby making yourself invaluable. Now it was time to see if the "Iron Man" moniker would give me the strength to help conquer my Cancer.</p>
<p align="justify">The day before the operation, I occupied myself by running errands and making sure I had food in the fridge. I picked up a prescription of oxycodone for my pain medication, of which I never tried before, but my friends warned me it was strong stuff. I even washed my car, and put salt in my water softener. I did all of this to stay distracted from tomorrow's ordeal. I was confident, but for some reason my stomach was upset, probably due to nerves. I took a pill to settle it down.</p>
<p align="justify">Late in the afternoon, I thought about God, and asked if I had led a good life. I recognize people do not always like what I have to say, both personally and professionally, but I always sought to honestly tell the truth, warts and all. I know a lot of people have trouble with this, thereby causing me to butt heads, but I couldn't sleep with myself if I didn't seek the truth. I miss my father with whom we held many animated arguments; not vicious, but cerebral where we hammered out a lot of problems for our product and customers. I miss his mental gymnastics greatly. I closed with a prayer.</p>
<p align="justify">The day of surgery, I woke early, got on the computer and checked my e-mails. I then showered and prepared myself according to the instructions given me by the surgeon's staff. My brother came and drove me to the appointment and picked me up later. By 7:00am I was prepared both administratively and personally. At 8:00am I was the first one scheduled for surgery. They gave me my "martini" and I slipped off into La-La Land. I don't know how long I was out, but I suspect it was an hour long procedure. I woke just as they were moving me out of surgery and back to my room where I would stay for the next two hours where the staff would observe me. Remarkably, I felt no pain whatsoever. The surgeon told me the procedure was very successful and went smoothly. One day later, I still felt no pain. "So much for the pain medication," I thought.</p>
<p align="justify">Later in the day, I wrote on Social Media, "Just got home from surgery. First procedure was successful. Still dopey from the meds. Resting at home under new meds. First thing I ate after fasting was four White Castles, thereby completing the cleansing process."</p>
<p align="justify">Basically, I wanted to let my friends know how I was progressing and that I still possessed a sense of humor.</p>
<p align="justify">Two days after the surgery, the pain finally kicked in, strongly I might add. I finally reached for the oxycodone which did its job rather well. I also felt lethargic and disoriented, so I settled into an easy chair for most of the day. The next day was a little better, but I still felt shots of pain whenever I coughed. Laughing was equally painful.</p>
<p align="justify">I guess the lesson for this chapter is realizing the mental gymnastics involved in planning for a cancer operation or any major surgery for that matter. You go in hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst. This becomes rather taxing and wears you down. I'm not beaten yet, but I haven't won either. The mental anguish wears heavily on you, at least it did for me, and grinds down your alertness and sense of humor.</p>
<p align="justify">Finally, I was very moved by the show of support over the last couple of days by well wishers. It was simply amazing and just plain good Ju-Ju! I literally heard from hundreds of people from around the world who offered kind thoughts and prayers. As I learned a long time ago, Prayers Work!</p>
<p align="justify">Next up: follow-up reviews of the procedure, a CTscan, and I begin the special meds on December 16th of which I am concerned about the side-effects. After this, the surgeon will go after Tumor #2 in early January and hopefully this will all start to abate. Then, of course, there are the Christmas holidays which normally means little to me due to the commercialization of the holidays and the loss of my wife around this time two years ago.</p>
<p align="justify">Many thanks to my family and inner circle of friends for your assistance during this time of difficulty, you were invaluable. A special thanks to "L.D." for nursing me back to health.</p>
<p align="left">I will write Part III of this log sometime in January as I learn more.</p>
<p align="left">In the meantime, I will persevere!</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZrf1BiX2xWeXZ1pGJfCRbqg4fzBEDHyEGaVk5gMlfpYpx2pDptrmQOGlmpCY-T3ys_vsYoT_fxk8OmLADBGdUBg7crAsJI_y6pDlaYSTwDMIyV8iLjeD2xO2bdIuLF5CUNoJQGI5tunS/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="99" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZrf1BiX2xWeXZ1pGJfCRbqg4fzBEDHyEGaVk5gMlfpYpx2pDptrmQOGlmpCY-T3ys_vsYoT_fxk8OmLADBGdUBg7crAsJI_y6pDlaYSTwDMIyV8iLjeD2xO2bdIuLF5CUNoJQGI5tunS/w78-h77/image.png" width="78" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-23851109339760414952021-12-01T05:00:00.018-05:002021-12-01T05:00:00.192-05:00THE CHARM OF A RAINY DAY<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- The idea is to relax, right?</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FV8fPPdwm7o" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="left"><i>NOTE: The following is an excerpt from my book, <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/seniors.htm" target="index">"Tim's Senior Moments,"</a> a great gift idea for parents this holiday season.</i></p>
<p align="justify"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippprH7sFyStc5gwNhNnYJe-cXHpj7MzC9AqOYPA0tk8RjmzHByPdPSmmSp7DqN8Jj33MpTBw5AxZeS9qyCa0CaXVmOTsOfLOk8OJseBagkn8OKrrW7N011g6OlTcvxuSpP_tiito0bK6P/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1278" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippprH7sFyStc5gwNhNnYJe-cXHpj7MzC9AqOYPA0tk8RjmzHByPdPSmmSp7DqN8Jj33MpTBw5AxZeS9qyCa0CaXVmOTsOfLOk8OJseBagkn8OKrrW7N011g6OlTcvxuSpP_tiito0bK6P/w174-h97/image.png" width="174" /></a></div><br />Recently, we were supposed to have a rainy day on a Saturday here in Tampa Bay. Not just a little rain, but according to forecasters, a real soaker with thunderstorms lasting all day. Such precipitation is unusual for Florida. Sure, we have our share of hurricanes, but not your basic rainy day as experienced by northerners. Usually, it rains for about an hour before clearing up and the sun shines though.<p></p>
<p align="justify">I was really looking forward to the day as I wanted to catch up on some sleep and do some minor odds and ends around the house, maybe even read a book if I was lucky. As a child growing up in the north, I relished such days as we stayed inside and played cards or held marathon Monopoly sessions.</p>
<p align="justify">I heard thunder in the distance before sunrise, causing me to snuggle down further into bed instead of getting up, retrieving the newspaper, and having breakfast. The bacon and eggs could wait, my sleep couldn't. I had found the perfect spot and burrowed in deeper. An hour went by, then two; the thunder dissipated in the distance, but still no rain. So far, the weather forecasters were batting zero.</p>
<p align="justify">I slowly got up, and went for the paper. Outside, it was quiet with no sign of moisture. In fact, it looked like it was going to be a nice day. After breakfast, I performed a little cleanup and prepared myself for the day as it seemed obvious this was going to be a regular day. So much for my sleep and relaxation.</p>
<p align="justify">I then went to the supermarket and did the grocery shopping for the week. It's kind of nice going to the store early in the morning before the other patrons descend on it like a pack of locust. The shelves were amply stocked and few people were clogging the aisles. I finished the shopping in no time at all. Still, there was no sign of precipitation. </p>
<p align="justify">After dropping off the groceries at home, I decided to fill the car with gas and have it washed, usually a sure way to entice the rain gods. Again, nothing happened.</p>
<p align="justify">I returned home and seeing overcast but no menacing clouds, I decided to mow the lawn, another good way to attract rain, kind of like performing a rain dance. Alas, nothing happened. After edging, trimming, mowing and blowing, I was finally done and ready to relax. However, I first needed a shower as I had become sweaty and dirty.</p>
<p align="justify">So, what should I do for the remainder of the day? Go shoot some trap? Perhaps throw a fishing line off a pier or just go down to the beach. Or maybe hit a bucket of golf balls? I figured I would get in my newly cleaned car and just go and see where it took me. But just as the garage door opened...BOOM! The skies opened up and we were deluged with rain. Needless to say, I was disappointed.</p>
<p align="justify">So, what to do? I was clean, my chores were done and I was ready to have some fun, but now what? Before you could say, "Hurricane Elena," I found myself in bed under the covers, which is where I wanted to be seven hours earlier.</p>
<p align="justify">I thought, "ah, finally!" And I again snuggled down for a much deserved nap. But just before I lost consciousness, I heard the rain stop, sunshine began to come through the window, and the birds began to chirp again outside. It was then that I made a solemn oath never to listen to weather forecasters again. They lie.</p>
<p align="left">First published: May 6, 2016</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9FKNAEy5ApXTOnkvBcLbWHnWM7noJgFNgWWqak1buk24hXNlNLKU_CYmKDxWlPBtYaZbb_IZCHD2FatXDH6kSpap6FoweHrZ0MzJzrmLuQLG0221oZJKWO1SlRmBod3H0N4qUOfeK5P1/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="98" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9FKNAEy5ApXTOnkvBcLbWHnWM7noJgFNgWWqak1buk24hXNlNLKU_CYmKDxWlPBtYaZbb_IZCHD2FatXDH6kSpap6FoweHrZ0MzJzrmLuQLG0221oZJKWO1SlRmBod3H0N4qUOfeK5P1/w62-h63/image.png" width="62" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2016, 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-90143990177252883652021-11-23T05:00:00.011-05:002021-11-23T05:00:00.189-05:00THANKSGIVING & THE LOVES OF OUR LIVES<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Celebrating the many loves in our lives.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjtSQPx72I8" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><br /><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tbj2hk_Ymq7U6Ln1JnXKyQStvMLp-PjIi35uCKa6i68B-NRyOApZGo-Ukl_yhIDWAMRBPsrikpiINCifoWh3ksdFn2eRGuA5j5jGwVOIn8ahsPtc3csB3kBPta5-uzjP66I35yjCysfF/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="248" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tbj2hk_Ymq7U6Ln1JnXKyQStvMLp-PjIi35uCKa6i68B-NRyOApZGo-Ukl_yhIDWAMRBPsrikpiINCifoWh3ksdFn2eRGuA5j5jGwVOIn8ahsPtc3csB3kBPta5-uzjP66I35yjCysfF/" width="318" /></a></div><br />Thanksgiving is a favorite of mine and I have written about it on numerous occasions (see below). It’s more than just the food, it’s about being around friends and family. It’s the telling of a joke or story, a fond memory, and a glass of cheer. All of this reflects on the love we have for those who surround us, to wit - <p></p><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /></p>
<p align="left"><b><u>THE LOVES OF OUR LIVES</u></b></p>
<p align="left">Throughout our lives we touch a lot of people.</p>
<p align="left">Before you are born, you are the twinkle in your father’s eye.</p>
<p align="left">When you are born, you warm your grandmothers’ hearts.</p>
<p align="left">When you are a toddler, you are the apple of your mother’s eye.</p>
<p align="left">When you are in grade school, you become the buddy of your grandfathers.</p>
<p align="left">You form bonds with family and friends that often lasts a lifetime.</p>
<p align="left">When you play well in a game, you are celebrated by your teammates.</p>
<p align="left">As you enter your clumsy teenage years, you are the scourge of your parents,</p>
<p align="left">But when you graduate from school, you are their pride.</p>
<p align="left">As a young adult, you finally meet the love of your life.</p>
<p align="left">When you marry, your mother is delighted but your father shed’s a tear.</p>
<p align="left">When you have children of your own, your friends and family rejoice.</p>
<p align="left">When you succeed at work, you are the toast of your business associates.</p>
<p align="left">As you retire, you surround yourself with old friends and reminisce.</p>
<p align="left">And when you are gone, you reside in the recesses of our loved ones’ memories, all of whom you have touched.</p>
<p align="left">Each person touches many lives, not only receiving love but passing it on to others as well.</p>
<p align="left">And when we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let us give thanks for the blessings we have and the love we share.</p>
<p align="left">Happy Thanksgiving.<br /> </p>
<p align="left">My other columns on Thanksgiving:</p>
<p align="left"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tims-2017-thanksgiving-grace_b_5a157f34e4b0815d3ce65b90" target="index">* Tim’s 2017 Thanksgiving Grace (Huffington Post, 11/22/2017)</a>
<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/2016/11/23/how-not-to-cook-a-thanksgiving-dinner-2/" target="index">* How not to cook a Thanksgiving Dinner (11/23/2016)</a>
<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/2013/11/27/a-thanksgiving-moment/" target="index">* A Thanksgiving Moment (11/27/2013)</a>
<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/2012/11/20/what-are-we-giving-thanks-to/" target="index">* What are we giving Thanks to? (11/20/2012)</a></p>
<p align="left">First published: November 26, 2019</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZGAtqwWWTBffG1_Y_Prges4WspjTLu6dizMumO9Wpbb67fMCtdejf1JK5jSlDbR5Byibr_3XDJ-vMlAbae20X5I5FdfVxJ910l2uNWCQ-KdPMCsvX54cTc4AHYAGCVi4RuyGQGLTj6Pw/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="99" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZGAtqwWWTBffG1_Y_Prges4WspjTLu6dizMumO9Wpbb67fMCtdejf1JK5jSlDbR5Byibr_3XDJ-vMlAbae20X5I5FdfVxJ910l2uNWCQ-KdPMCsvX54cTc4AHYAGCVi4RuyGQGLTj6Pw/w71-h71/image.png" width="71" /></a></i></div><i><br />Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-32787985303591388532021-11-16T05:00:00.022-05:002021-11-16T06:21:10.805-05:00TIM'S FIGHT WITH CANCER, PART I<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- A personal look at what goes on during such a fight.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/Sbbz2CfOV5U" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><br /><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/tbliver.jpg" /><span style="text-align: left;">I've got cancer; Stage 2 liver cancer to be precise. I've been sitting on this piece of news for some time now and have only shared it with family and close personal friends as I didn't want to be awash in sympathy cards and notes through social media; I still don't want to hear it. I'm going to beat this devil, which is probably what every person diagnosed with some form of cancer says, but I think I have a good medical team in place and I am optimistic. I am therefore writing this to let people know what it is like to go through this process, what goes through a patient's head, and hopefully help someone along the way.</span></p>
<p align="justify">Years ago, I wrote a column titled, <a href="https://timbryce.com/2009/02/17/cancer-the-big-kahuna/" target="index">"Cancer, the Big Kahuna"</a> of diseases which described the various forms of the disease. Since then, I have lost a lot of friends to the many forms of it, e.g., pancreatic, lung, brain, and more. Each had a unique experience in their battle with it. I realize there is no super-cure for cancer, but we have still made considerable progress during my lifetime. As of this writing, I am in my 67th year on this planet and there is still a lot I want to do with my life, but I am now mindful I have a problem and will watch the clock carefully.</p>
<p align="justify">What triggered all this was a routine review of my blood by my primary care physician who informed me my platelet count was falling. According to the National Cancer Institute, "a platelet is a tiny, disc-shaped piece of cell that is found in the blood and spleen. Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. They help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal. Having too many or too few platelets or having platelets that don’t work as they should can cause problems. Checking the number of platelets in the blood may help diagnose certain diseases or conditions."</p>
<p align="justify">To check on this, I was turned over to a specialist who ordered a biopsy of my bone marrow as produced from my hip. As it turned out, I was producing a lot of good blood, but something was eating up the platelets. This resulted in a series of tests, including an MRI, CTscan, and another biopsy on my liver. After all this, I was called in to speak to the doctor who broke "the news" to me. He was all business and "matter-of-fact" in his demeanor, and I appreciated his brutal honesty and professionalism, even though this wasn't the news I hoped to hear. I learned a long time ago in business of the necessity of not sugar-coating anything of a serious nature. Political correctness be damned.</p>
<p align="justify">As I drove home, "the news" started to sink in and I found myself in a Twilight Zone or fog, wondering how the hell I got cancer. It was a very odd feeling, particularly since I feel pretty healthy right now. </p>
<p align="justify">There was no real history of cancer in my family, other than my maternal grandmother who fought and lost to cervical cancer, but neither my mother or father had any trace of the disease. I was asked if I had any exposure to Hepatitis C or a dirty needle; none to my knowledge. I was also asked if I used excessive alcohol; I said "No" as I consider myself a social drinker. The only other possibility was that I had become rather heavy years ago which may have created a "fatty liver" which would lead to cirrhosis of the liver, and cancer. For those of you who remember, I threw off considerable weight some time ago. I also stopped drinking a few weeks ago after hearing "the news," which is helping me to lose weight.</p>
<p align="justify">Another thing I thought about while traveling home was Mickey Mantle, the legendary New York Yankee slugger who I revered as a kid. In 1995 he succumbed to an aggressive case of liver cancer. The doctors tried to give him a donor liver to solve the problem, but this didn't occur. This too passed through my mind. Something else, for five years I was the primary caregiver for both my wife and mother who lost their battles to COPD. I find it rather ironic that I am now the patient and not the caregiver, something I never thought would happen.</p>
<p align="justify">The first thing I did when I got home was to "circle the wagons." I reviewed the results with my former primary care physician who retired a couple of years ago and lives nearby. He read through the documentation carefully and clarified a few things my doctor had mentioned to me. I also reviewed it with a friend who is a retired Oncologist. He too confirmed the findings of my Doctor. I consider myself to be fortunate to have two friends from the medical community who could coach me accordingly.</p>
<p align="justify">As mentioned, I notified family and friends about my condition which surprised just about everyone. I asked them to keep this quiet while I tried to sort out what to do. One was a breast cancer survivor who fought her battle just a couple of years ago, so she was particularly sympathetic with my plight. My immediate family was very supportive, but I am determined not to let this have an adverse effect on their lives.</p>
<p align="justify">As some of you may know, I lost my wife almost two years ago. Recently though, a lady friend has entered my life who also fought and beat breast cancer about five years ago. She has been a tower of strength to lean on and I appreciate her candor on the subject. This group represents my safety net which I think is natural for humans to create as we want as much advice as possible</p>
<p align="justify">One of the first tasks I performed after learning of "the news" was to have my will and related estate paperwork updated. I had not reviewed the documents since we left Cincinnati in 1985. As good as it was, it still needed some updating which a local attorney handled promptly. He also helped me prepare a Power of Attorney, and a living will. This is something I should have been more mindful of, but finally put it to bed.</p>
<p align="justify">Following the initial shock, I then underwent a battery of tests and visited specialists who confirmed my diagnosis and discussed various treatments. The tests revealed the tumors were localized in the liver and not spreading. I also discovered how liver cancer is treated is not quite the same as with other forms of the disease. For example, chemotherapy is not applicable in this case. A liver transplant is one option, but I was told mine should be handled differently. In addition, surgery could be used to cut out the tumors and the liver can grow back. Unfortunately, in my situation, there would be a lot to cut out and my liver would never recover. The final treatment, and the one I will be undergoing, is to go in with vascular surgery and cut the blood vessels in the liver feeding the tumors, thereby killing them. So, the lesson learned here was: keep an open mind and consider all options. My doctor friends, as mentioned earlier, agreed this was the right road for me to take.</p>
<p align="justify">It is unlikely the surgeon would get 100% of everything on the first pass, so I might have to undergo the same treatment a second (or third) time until it has all been eradicated.</p>
<p align="justify">So, how do I feel about all this prior to embarking on my therapy? At first I was a bit in shock. As I said, physically I feel fine right now which caused me to disbelieve I have a problem. Then you ask yourself, "Why me?" Once you get past this stage you start focusing on the problem with a clearer head. More than anything, I appreciate the professionalism of my medical team. This has given me a sense of confidence and optimism.</p>
<p align="justify">Am I scared? I suppose I should be, but I have lived a good life, have seen a lot of the world, met a lot of people, and I'm proud of my family. Instead of being scared though, I have been preparing myself mentally as if I was going into a football game much like when I was a young man. I am not so much concerned facing a formidable opponent and getting hurt, but I am now focused on beating my enemy on his home turf. I realize pain will be part of the game, but I believe I can take it. Frankly, I like my odds of winning.</p>
<p align="justify">One last thing I've noticed since my diagnosis. The next day, I went to a local family-style restaurant I frequent and ordered my meal. Across the room in a booth, an argument erupted between a husband and wife. From what I gathered, it had something to do with simply keeping the house clean. It turned rather loud and nasty with a few choice expletives thrown in for good measure. To me, it seemed blown out of proportion. I just looked on in disbelief at the rage over something rather innocuous as cleaning a house. It was then that I realized we as humans tend to worry about the wrong things.</p>
<p align="justify">Now on to the next stage: implementation, which will occur shortly.</p>
<p align="justify">Remember this: all of this was triggered by a simple and routine blood test.</p>
<p align="justify">Again, please no sympathy cards or notes. A little prayer wouldn't hurt though.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.<p></p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLubdbX6M0eZ5LeLZz-jLYJsZAmAWGYjpEXHQH4w2CGvyEi9nNto2uk0y1iHinmC-BxNZWEqFU4wdatYsC9YrwRTI1OQ9_RhctO6hsc0Kj_4KVvtVvJlkhfPc6w_0KUCaCs3TG0Am8KrfJ/s100/timtrib.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="100" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLubdbX6M0eZ5LeLZz-jLYJsZAmAWGYjpEXHQH4w2CGvyEi9nNto2uk0y1iHinmC-BxNZWEqFU4wdatYsC9YrwRTI1OQ9_RhctO6hsc0Kj_4KVvtVvJlkhfPc6w_0KUCaCs3TG0Am8KrfJ/s0/timtrib.jpg" width="100" /></a>T<i>im Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></i></div><p></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-70337665132713478982021-11-09T05:00:00.005-05:002021-11-09T05:00:00.195-05:00JOE BIDEN'S COAT TAILS?<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Bad news for the Democrats as we approach the 2022 mid-terms.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/w5k_duFem6I" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/BidenAsleep.jpg" />The recent election on November 2nd was a small, off-year contest. Yet, it was a major victory for Republicans and gives us a sense of what to expect in 2022 and 2024. During the election, the key Virginia positions went to the Republicans, including the governor's mansion, and it appears the State House is reverting back to GOP control. This news is significant as Virginia was a highly contested state, one which the Democrats were determined to control. Other contests included several House seats which switched back to Republican control, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/02/minneapolis-police-department-vote-result" target="index">Minneapolis voters</a> rejected the notion of replacing the police with a public safety department, something Democrats have been fighting for. However, Virginia alone has put the Democrats and their News Media into a panic mode.</p>
<p align="left">All of this adds up to several things:</p>
<p align="justify">First, Americans are rejecting the liberal agenda of the Democrats, and prefer common sense solutions and smaller government. In Virginia, the key was school curriculum and the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT). This resulted in vocal school board meetings and President Biden labeling concerned parents as "Domestic Terrorists," something that enraged the parents. Beyond this, Virginia became a referendum on the national priorities of the President and the Democrats. </p>
<p align="justify">The timing of the Democrats couldn't be worse. After being elected with 81 million votes, which was touted as the most ever cast for a presidential candidate, Biden's popularity shrunk radically in just nine short months to a 36% approval rating according to <a href="https://zogbyanalytics.com/news/1047-the-zogby-poll-president-biden-s-job-performance" target="index">Zogby</a>. <a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3824" target="index">Quinnipiac University</a> has him at 38%, while Gallup and NBC have him at 42%, which is also low. Further, <a href="https://komonews.com/news/connect-to-congress/as-biden-approval-slides-voter-fears-mount-about-direction-of-country" target="index">more than two-thirds of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction</a>, including half of the Democrats. <a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/right_direction_wrong_track_nov01" target="index">Rasmussen</a> supports this by claiming only 29% think the country is headed in the right direction. All of this is an indictment of President Biden's policies and the liberal agenda embraced by the Democrats.</p>
<p align="justify">During the Virginia race, President Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and former President Obama, campaigned vigorously, all for naught. Instead of concentrating on the Virginia school problem, they opted instead to draw a parallel between former President Trump and Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin, hoping they could touch on the anger issues of the 2020 election. Interestingly, it did not, and in the end, it cost former Democrat Governor Terry McAuliffe the election.</p>
<p align="justify">This means President Biden has no coat tails for Democrats to ride on as we approach the critical 2022 mid-term election, which will likely put the Congress back in Republican hands. In other words, his endorsement would mean the kiss of death to Democrats running for office, and they will find themselves alone, fighting for re-election. To take it further, I cannot imagine President Biden running for re-election in 2024, and there is nobody on the horizon to replace him, certainly not Vice President Harris.</p>
<p align="justify">Frankly, Democrats should be unnerved by the results of the 2021 election as it foretells the future. The Democrats simply went too far, too fast in pushing their agenda. Between inflation and the economy, illegal immigration, energy, and foreign affairs, the Biden administration has not enjoyed any success by any stretch of the imagination, and Americans are pushing back in the voting booth. Consider this, GOP candidate Youngkin was at a 10 point deficit just a couple of months ago, yet he hung on, rallied the state and won handily as governor. Basically, he has carved a template for other Republicans to follow in 2022.</p>
<p align="justify">Yes, this is how unhappy Americans are with the Democrat agenda and President Joe Biden.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-23396318442361222372021-11-02T05:00:00.005-04:002021-11-02T05:00:00.206-04:00SEND IN THE MILITARY...<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- ...to fix our supply-chain problems.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/ynB2MXZwZNg" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/miltruckers.jpg" />We're hearing a lot about a massive supply chain problem whereby we do not have enough port workers and truck drivers to unload and ship materials throughout the country. Imports are radically up, and exports lag woefully behind, a telltale sign of problems with trade and the economy. Experts claim this supply chain problem will have an adverse effect on our upcoming holiday shopping season. To compensate, the Biden Administration proudly announced a deal to keep certain ports open around the clock, but the fact remains there are worker shortages.</p>
<p align="justify">Let's be clear, under normal circumstances we would have enough longshoremen and truck drivers to maintain the supply chain, but these are unusual times. To illustrate, inflation is up, and as <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-21/biden-tackles-supply-chain-crisis-with-few-tools-clock-ticking" target="index">Bloomberg reports</a>, "It now costs as much as $25,000 to import a 40-foot container from Asia, up from less than $2,000 two years ago." The fact fuel has spiraled upwards since the beginning of the year also adds to the cost of living.</p>
<p align="justify">Nonetheless, we now have bottlenecks at our ports to accept imports, (with empty ships leaving with our exports), and we have an immediate need for manpower. The most obvious remedy is to use the military for both unloading ships and trucking. Some might argue this is a waste of military talent. Not really, as they have been doing such tasks for a long time. Nor is it without precedent.</p>
<p align="justify">I find it interesting most Americans have already forgotten President Ronald Reagan's problem with FAA air-traffic controllers back in 1981. As a quick history lesson, this occurred just seven months into Reagan's first term. At the time, the Professional Air-Traffic Controllers Association (PATCO) had gone on strike over wanting federal pay increases and a shorter work week. Almost immediately, this caused pandemonium in commercial flight schedules with many delays and cancellations. This brought the country to the brink of closing down air transportation.</p>
<p align="justify">Angered, President Reagan warned the members of PATCO to return to work or face termination. The union defiantly resisted, thereby causing <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/reagan-fires-11359-air-traffic-controllers" target="index">Reagan to fire over 11,000 air-traffic controllers</a>. Further, these people became ineligible to be re-hired. Now, without air-traffic controllers, the President called on the military to replace the union until new controllers could be found. It was a slow process, which affected business worldwide, but proved to be an effective means to solve the problem. Flights resumed and the country returned to normal.</p>
<p align="justify">This is precisely the type of action we need today. We may not have a defiant union to deal with, but we do have an immediate crunch-problem in terms of workers. If the Biden Administration is serious about fixing the problem, bringing in the military on an interim basis is a no-brainer. Think about it; what is the point of opening up our ports 24/7 if we lack the manpower to unload the ships and truck the merchandise? That is like buying a gun without any bullets; it's totally useless.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-17016539305700354862021-10-26T05:00:00.004-04:002021-10-26T05:00:00.216-04:00WHO IS RUNNING THE SHOW?<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Obviously not President Biden.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/iEspTu98Mvk" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/whstaff.jpg" />It is not much of a secret that President Biden's approval ratings are tanking. His policies on the economy, immigration, and foreign affairs has led to his decline. In front of the press, he shows all of the signs of an old man in his dotage, e.g., lost, confused, lethargic, etc. His cognitive ability is now in question, as reflected in a recent <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/09/23/biden-loses-ground-with-the-public-on-issues-personal-traits-and-job-approval/" target="index">Pew Research Poll (9/23/2021)</a> whereby 56% of those surveyed thought the President was NOT mentally sharp. Even the foreign press openly questions his ability as leader of the free world, such as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQmcXgXyKU" target="index">Australian media</a> (click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNqFCOASIt0" target="index">HERE</a> for another video). </p>
<p align="justify">All of this makes you wonder, who is really running the government? Personally, I believe it is a group of young administrators, fresh out of college, who possess a zeal for the liberal agenda.</p>
<p align="justify">Having junior people run things is actually not uncommon. To illustrate, in the medical field, particularly hospitals, doctors and nurses spend an inordinate amount of time inputting data into computers as opposed to treating patients. This means they spend less time practicing medicine, and more time fulfilling government mandated bureaucracy. So, who spends most of the time caring for patients? The junior people who do not have the knowledge and experience of the doctors and nurses. Because they are not burdened with the minutia as prescribed by government, they become the primary care workers by default, which is a bit unsettling when you think about it. The same is true in any business or government institution, particularly something as large as the United States.</p>
<p align="justify">The White House is primarily run by the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/executive-office-of-the-president/" target="index">Executive Office of the President (EOP)</a>, as created by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939. The office has traditionally been home to the President's closest advisors and run by the President's Chief of Staff who is currently Ron Klain, an attorney, a loyal Democrat consultant, and a former lobbyist. Prior to his current assignment, he had been Chief of Staff for Al Gore and Joe Biden (under Obama). He also actively worked as a senior advisor to Biden's presidential campaign. All of this means he is well connected to the Democrat machine and helped recruit the remaining office employees, of which there are approximately 1,800 with an annual budget of $714 million.</p>
<p align="justify">The EOP staff likely includes two types of people: retreads from the Obama administration who carry forward the former president's policies, and; new zealous young prople advancing the liberal agenda. I believe it is this group, the EOP staff, who is driving the country and making the hard decisions.</p>
<p align="justify">The President's senior EOP advisors work in the West Wing of the White House. The remainder are housed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just a stone's throw away from the Oval Office.</p>
<p align="justify">Also keep in mind the EOP has counterparts in the Congress where there are approximately <a href="https://www.legistorm.com/congress_by_numbers/index/by/house/term_id/64.html" target="index">13,500 staffers</a>, of which in both chambers there are...</p>
<p align="left">7,405 - Democrat staffers<br />6,148 - Republican staffers<br />13,553 - Total</p>
<p align="justify">The average age of a Congressional staffer is between 32-33 years. As in the medical analogy mentioned earlier, it is these people who perform the legwork and heavy lifting for the Congressmen and Senators who are busy campaigning, attending committee meetings, traveling, talking to constituents, lobbyists, and the news media.</p>
<p align="justify">Between the EOP and the Congressional staffers, it is these young people who are running the show in Washington. Such people historically did the busy work for their bosses, thereby allowing them to concentrate on big picture items. However, based on the President's apparent lack of mental acuity, it appears someone is propping him up and making the decisions for him, most likely Chief-of-Staff Ron Klain and the EOP. They are likely getting input from former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State John Kerry, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, representing the liberal agenda.</p>
<p align="justify">The fact President Biden cannot seem to stand on his own two feet without committing some gaffes is disheartening and cause for concern. In a way, it is reminiscent of a Star Trek episode, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c6Mcy3YnrI" target="index">"Patterns of Force,"</a> whereby a weak and aging world leader becomes a puppet as his staff works behind the scenes to implement their agenda, not his. The comparison is uncanny.</p>
<p align="justify">To me, all of this means it is time to call a <a href="https://timbryce.com/tag/what-does-a-constitutional-convention-mean/" target="index">Constitutional Convention</a> whereby our governing rules can be reexamined and amended accordingly. This would take important decisions out of the hands of the Congress and put them in a specially appointed delegation with members from each state. Such a Congress has not been held since 1787 (over 200 years). Think about it, this would be an opportunity to reform our electoral process, introduce term limits to eliminate the concept of lifetime politicians, lobbyist reform, and more. If you are waiting for the Congress to make such changes, don't hold your breath. It will never happen, and more people will arise to the presidency as puppets.</p>
<p align="justify"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_Five_of_the_United_States_Constitution" target="index">For more information on a Constitutional Congress, see Article V of the Constitution.</a></p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-70688882167313305522021-10-21T05:00:00.004-04:002021-10-21T05:00:00.218-04:00TEACHING SELF-INITIATIVE<b><i>BRYCE ON MANAGEMENT</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Where have the inquiring minds gone?</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/eMnkj-lSRMU" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/cfpayne1.jpg" />I have an old friend who has become a well recognized illustrator and now teaches illustration for an art school in the northeast. I am certain you have seen his work over the years in a variety of magazines and books. As an illustrator, he is used to working alone quietly in his studio. As a teacher though, he has to work with a lot of college-aged kids who often tests his patience.</p>
<p align="justify">Knowing my background in human behavior in the business world, he calls me now and then to lament about the attitudes of his students. Remarkably, his comments are not any different than what I hear from managers in the business world. Specifically, he complains his students show no sign of personal initiative to learn, solve problems, and try new things, but rather want to be spoon-fed by the teaching staff. They have trouble innovating, adapting, and overcoming hurdles. True, they need to listen to the teachers, but there are few willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. This is perhaps my friend's biggest challenge, to motivate them to think on their own, something all illustrators and artists must do in order to survive. If the student is unwilling to show initiative, he/she will likely fail not just the course, but professionally as well.</p>
<p align="justify">The same is true in business. We are looking for people who exhibit "self-initiative," something few young people seem to have anymore. For our consulting company, when we hired a young person, we would say something like, "Look, you're a grown-up now; you're suppose to be a professional. In this company, we believe in self-supervision. As a small company, we do not have time to supervise you 24/7. We'll train you accordingly, but we have no time for holding your hand. If we have to hold your hand, we cannot use you." We were very up-front about this. The young people either sank or swam after hearing this. Most appreciated the fact we were treating them like professionals. We quickly parted company with those who didn't, and found a replacement rather quickly. At least we didn't waste too much time on those who couldn't assimilate into our corporate culture.</p>
<p align="justify">This attitude of developing a dependency on another is a byproduct of two things: parental coddling, and micromanagement, whereby nobody is allowed to do anything without the personal approval of the boss. Basically, they are saying, "Don't think, I know what is best, just do as I say." This inhibits the initiative of the employee, hinders loyalty, and slows progress. Workers must be able to voice their opinion on work assignments.</p>
<p align="justify">We have always found it more effective to <a href="http://timbryce.com/2012/07/16/managing-from-the-bottom-up-2/" target="index">"manage from the bottom-up,"</a> meaning the boss should develop the required skills of his people to perform the work, create a productive work environment, give precise instructions for job assignments, and get out of their way. The staff should routinely report to the manager on progress. Other than that, the manager should stay out of the way unless a problem occurs effecting schedules and budgets.</p>
<p align="justify">This "managing from the bottom-up" approach has proven very effective over the years as it encourages more management and less supervision, which is the antithesis of micromanagement. Some workers resist the concept simply because they do not want to be held accountable for their actions and prefer to be told what to do, thereby eluding responsibility. </p>
<p align="justify">This, of course, leads us back to my friend's problem with his students. What is needed is to state his position at the start of the term; i.e., "Look, you're a grown-up now; hopefully, you're going to be a professional soon. In this school, we believe in self-supervision. We do not have time to supervise you 24/7. We'll train you accordingly, but we have no time for holding your hand. If we have to hold your hand, you will likely fail this course."</p>
<p align="justify">One other thing I would suggest to my friend, as well as others; provide time for the students/workers to meet and work through problems as a collective group, preferably a short meeting at the start of the day. Let the students/workers each discuss their problems and solicit suggestions and critiques from their peers. Teachers and managers should participate as moderators only. Let the workers do the talking and force them to find the way to solve problems.</p>
<p align="justify">Such meetings improve the socialization skills of the people and helps to create an esprit de corps, thereby simplifying the lives of teachers and managers.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-48185108510643443542021-10-19T05:00:00.005-04:002021-10-19T05:00:00.216-04:00GLIMMERS OF HOPE<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Finding the true human spirit on the Internet.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/0FWszFEQk9o" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/helphorse.jpg" />The spirit of the country has changed since the 20th century, and not necessarily for the better. <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1681/moral-issues.aspx" target="index">Gallup</a> tells us Americans continue to believe our morality is in decline. The country is politically polarized, our discourse is visceral, common courtesy has become uncommon, and our social skills are diminishing. It is hard to remain optimistic under such conditions, but I recently witnessed some glimmers of hope in the human spirit which shows promise.</p>
<p align="justify">I have been a fan of YouTube for a long time, and it is my go-to channel I stream on both my computer and TV. I find just about everything I want on it, including news, sports, music, entertainment, classic movies, and a plethora of odd-ball videos on a variety of subjects. It is here where I find both the harsh realities of the world as well as the glimmers of hope.</p>
<p align="justify">The videos I will list herein may not win any award, but they are some interesting segments which you will not find in the news media today. To them, it is as if such acts of kindness do not exist, but in reality, they do. However, you have to hunt to find them. What follows are some heart-warming clips which demonstrate humans do not have to be crass, vulgar or unkind all of the time; that there are still people with good hearts and well meaning intentions. There are obviously many more of these videos on the Internet, but you should think of this as a starter kit.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Bg461wVZA" target="index">Lending a Helping Hand</a> - a series of clips showing humans going out of their way to rescue animals, and the thankfulness of the rescued. True, people can be cruel and ignore others in distress, but this first clip shows what animals can teach us about ourselves.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkMDgWMaIIM" target="index">Simple acts of kindness</a> - Yes, we are capable of helping others, even those we do not know.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d09RY2xYIWw" target="index">Mowing Lawns</a> - this is a favorite of mine, representing another random act of kindness. This shows a man mowing and cleaning up a yard for free. It may not be the most exciting to watch, but it is from the heart. Anyone who has mowed a lawn will relate to it. As an aside, there are several such videos on YouTube.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8_Vt8mSRCQ" target="index">Lending a helping hand</a> - much like the lawn mowing video, a church comes to the aid of a stroke victim by expanding his driveway and adding a wheelchair ramp to his house.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mtF0EphPHY" target="index">Empathy</a> - a boy and a three-legged dog teaches the concept of empathy.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6kjZXwdyJs" target="index">Expressions of True Love</a> - shows how dogs react to their owners returning home.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W31EBx0swWk" target="index">More expressions of True Love</a> - an outpouring of love when soldiers return home. It is always a pleasure to watch.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o&list=PLAP-GCgBucFnuYfJ4z-EDunmM65NkMfdG" target="index">Inspiration</a> - A pep talk from a kid which encourages people to lead a better life.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mp-ttAXW4w" target="index">Signs of respect</a> - as expressed by athletes.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYnTrR7I1EI" target="index">Common Courtesy</a> - as conveyed by a television station in Detroit, Michigan.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvcrv3GY1WY" target="index">Citizenship/patriotism</a> - another favorite of mine showing a group of people taking the naturalization oath to become citizens of the United States. The looks on their faces at the end are priceless.</p>
<p align="justify">* <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93MPdJEZ8_c&t=308s" target="index">The Young Crooner</a> - A young man, Sal Valentinetti, wows the crowd on America's Got Talent with his charm and his voice singing a Sinatra classic. His story and music is heart-warming.</p>
<p align="justify">Such videos are important as they teach by example, and hopefully, people will emulate them. They also reveal we are not all jaded and evil, but possess compassion, empathy, charity, kindness, and respect. Seniors in this country like to talk about the "good old days" when there was more courtesy and spirit of cooperation. Such virtues are not as visible today, thanks to the news media and changing social mores, but fortunately there still seems to be some deep-seeded respect for the human spirit. We can learn a lot about ourselves from these videos, as well as the many others on the Internet. It may be wise to watch these "glimmers of hope" now, before someone removes them later.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-49695289955275302352021-10-14T05:00:00.004-04:002021-10-14T05:00:00.185-04:00BUILDING TEAM MORALE THROUGH LEADERSHIP<b><i>BRYCE ON MANAGEMENT</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- How a classic World War II movie teaches the basic lessons of leadership.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJhC9dDCUx4" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/12oclock.jpg" />In the movie, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyUgqk6z7rY" target="index">"Twelve O'Clock High,"</a> actor Gregory Peck plays the role of a World War II Brigadier General charged with taking command of an American B-17 bombing group stationed in Britain, and suffering from a bad case of "hard luck." To make matters worse, the men of the group hold a fondness for Peck's predecessor, yet were prone to making mistakes and missing targets. As a result, the group experiences heavy losses and morale worsens. As Peck takes command he makes it clear to his group he doesn't accept the concept of "hard luck," that the men should stop feeling sorry for themselves, and they need to build their confidence.</p>
<p align="justify">Remarkably, this movie represents a text book description of leadership. So much so, for many years it was considered mandatory viewing in the Officer Candidate Schools in the military as part of their curriculum on leadership. It is also something managers should observe in business, even today. </p>
<p align="justify">Due to the nature of the war at that moment (1942), Peck has no time to coddle his young flyers and realizes they have to mature quickly. If his bombing group folds, others could potentially do likewise which could impact the outcome of the war. So, he explains this to the group and why it is necessary for them to take on a professional attitude. Recognizing the discipline and work involved, the young soldiers resist Peck at first, but eventually succumbs after realizing Peck's refusal to compromise.</p>
<p align="justify">Peck finds it necessary to replace elements of his management team, specifically his #2 man, the Air Exec. Interestingly, Peck selects a man who, at first, shows contempt for Peck, but recognizing the flyer's impeccable credentials, he promotes him, a decision he doesn't regret as he realizes the job was more important than his personal feelings.</p>
<p align="justify">Next, Peck halts all bombing runs so he can hold practice missions to determine the skills of his crews, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, Peck weeds out the weaklings of the group and puts them in a separate dead-beat team labeled the "Leper Colony," where they are forced to turn things around. </p>
<p align="justify">From the outset, in order to change the psychological dynamics of the group, Peck recognizes he must instill a sense of pride and confidence in his men; that they are not "hard luck" misfits, but professional soldiers who can get the job done with an esprit de corps.</p>
<p align="justify">Aside from being an interesting tale about World War II, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_O'Clock_High" target="index">"Twelve O'Clock High"</a> is a worthwhile management read teaching several lessons:</p>
<p align="justify">1. A manager should try to earn the respect of his workers, not their love. Any manager who tries to win a popularity contest is courting disaster. In the movie, the demise of Peck's predecessor could be traced back to his close attachment to his men. Instead of looking at problems objectively, his mind was clouded by too much empathy for his men. Managers must walk a fine line between jocularity and discipline. Too much familiarity breeds contempt for the manager, and too much discipline can make life unbearable for workers. In Peck's case, his men initially exhibit slovenly behavior. To curb it, he deliberately intimidates his men to teach them such behavior was unacceptable and discipline would be enforced.</p>
<p align="justify">2. A manager should design his department in such a way as it can function without him. Basically, a manager's task is to do himself out of a job. By doing so, he is displacing the management responsibility on a group of people as opposed to just one. This is a clever way to communicate to workers this is the will of the group, not just one person. If it becomes dependent on just one person, the whole group will fail if the manager fails.</p>
<p align="justify">3. Open the lines of communications. The manager must effectively communicate the necessity of a task to his workers, along with its urgency. Only then will they put forth the proper amount of effort it deserves. In the film, Peck gives his men the shock treatment by telling them they are in a "shooting war" and there is no time to coddle them, plus he believes in their abilities. Beyond this, Peck develops a rapport with a young Lieutenant who acts as a spokesman for the flyers. He does this in order to get a pulse of what his young men are thinking.</p>
<p align="justify">4. There is no such thing as "hard luck." The morale of the bomb group plummets under Peck's predecessor. As much as they liked their Colonel, they felt sorry for themselves, and lacked confidence in their ability to do anything correctly. Such an attitude can be very demoralizing and contagious thereby causing workers to make more mistakes than necessary. A change of attitude is warranted, which leads to the next point...</p>
<p align="justify">5. Managers need to build self esteem in their workers, thereby fueling their confidence and building pride in workmanship. The message, "There is dignity in all forms of work," must come across loud and clear. Sometimes it is beneficial for management to pay special attention to his workers who should respond positively to such attention. Somehow the manager needs to communicate how important or challenging the work is. This means investing such things as time, money, clothes, changing the surroundings, or improving the technology to perform the work. Such token gestures are noticed by workers who appreciate the recognition of management and respond accordingly. With rare exception, workers rise to the occasion when faced with new and exciting challenges, as opposed to tedious and repetitive tasks.</p>
<p align="justify">6. Managers must encourage workers to strive for perfection, but realize they may never achieve it. A program of continued practice helps to identify minor flaws in workmanship which can be corrected. In the movie, Peck orders several practice bombing runs to correct weaknesses in targeting and flying in formation. Such practices also raise the awareness of workers to think about their work product and the processes involved with producing it.</p>
<p align="justify">7. It is easier to lead workers if they trust you. Quite simply, workers are more likely to follow you if they have confidence in your abilities and decision making skills. This means managers must demonstrate they know what they are doing. Talk is cheap, action is more visible to workers. As such, managers need to go the extra mile further to earn the confidence of their workers. Immoral behavior is not tolerated. If workers suspect the manager is a liar, cheat, or does not support them, they will quickly turn on him.</p>
<p align="justify">8. <a href="http://timbryce.com/2018/08/28/creating-a-skills-inventory/" target="index">Develop a skills inventory.</a> In the picture, Peck reviews the dossiers of all of the members of the group, studying their strengths and weaknesses. From this, he makes decisions as to assigning people to their area of expertise. In the corporate world, skill inventories are used to track the talents and experiences of workers, along with their level of proficiency. Such a tool is invaluable for selecting people to suitable assignments, not to mention identifying the need for additional training.</p>
<p align="justify">9. Identify your weakest workers and encourage them to perform better. Peck assigns a B-17 as the "Leper Colony" where all of the dead-beats of the group are placed. Such recognition encourages them to try harder. In this day of political correctness though, it is unlikely Peck's tactics would be used. However, it is necessary to somehow put a spotlight on workers who are not performing to their fullest potential. Today, Employee Evaluations are used to document worker strengths and weaknesses, which is normally reviewed between the manager and worker in a one-on-one basis.</p>
<p align="justify">10. Get some wins under your belt to build confidence. In the movie, Peck's group bombs a target that others couldn't. For their efforts, they were awarded accommodations for distinguished service. This helps build their confidence. This also explains why sports teams have preseason schedules to not only judge the ability of players, but to instill confidence. The same is true in business where it is wise to start small before tackling major assignments. Mentors and coaches should be nearby to offer advice.</p>
<p align="justify">11. As manager, articulate your objectives, their urgency, your plan of attack, then lead your workers into battle. Today, it shouldn't be so much about micromanagement which can stifle worker creativity and initiative. Instead, the manager should establish the right working conditions (corporate culture), provide them with the best training, tools and techniques available, empower them, and turn them loose.</p>
<p align="justify">It's amazing what workers can do with a little leadership, such as conquering the skies over Nazi Germany.</p>
<p align="left">First published: April 7, 2014</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2014, 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-59412202027094460262021-10-12T05:00:00.004-04:002021-10-12T05:00:00.203-04:00LIVING BEHIND FACADE<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Why do we hide behind things?</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/CfUbM5oHs44" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/mask.jpg" />I was recently in North Carolina on a little fishing getaway and stayed with an old friend I've known since High School. He lived toward the middle of the state, out in the country, and adjoining a massive lake. It was one of those areas in the country where you either had a nice, massive house and property, like my friend, or a mobile home with a small farm surrounding you. I'm not going to pass judgement on which home was better as we do what we can to survive, but I observed both types of properties lived behind some form of facade, and this got me thinking. </p>
<p align="justify">Some homes lived behind a plethora of flotsam and jetsam, while others were more orderly, yet I suspect most of it was facade. Ultimately, it represented the image people wanted to express, either "I don't care anymore" or "Welcome." It was here when I realized how dependant people are on facade.</p>
<p align="justify">We all use some form of facade to our advantage, such as cosmetics to hide a blemish, hair styles, personal hygiene, tattoos and body piercings, clothing and fashion, decor, automobile types, jewelry, even political correctness. All of this is geared to transmit certain messages to others telling them what kind of people we are, and what our interests happen to be. By doing so, it speaks volumes of our values and morality, e.g., what we deem to be important and what we do not.</p>
<p align="justify">We're all trying to convey an image of some kind, particularly when we are young. Is it the true us? Hardly. It is how we want people to perceive us. Facade hides our flaws and imperfections. Perhaps the best way to think of it as a deflector shield, thereby telling the public what we want them to know about us, and what we do not.</p>
<p align="justify">Behind facade is the naked truth, something we're trying to conceal for one reason or another. We do this because we fear honesty and it may reveal a weakness about us to the world. As Jack Nicholson said, "You can't handle the truth!" </p>
<p align="justify">We also see signs of facade on social media where it is having a negative impact on teens, particularly girls, who are falsely replicating themselves as other popular students in their school or celebrities, and it is far from reality. Such false identities greatly impact the ego, particularly if it is detected by others nearby who publicize the falsehood. Then there is the matter of dating sites on the web; talk about facade! Both men and women retouch photos and write glorius descriptions of themselves in the hope of securing a date.</p>
<p align="justify">All of this implies people tend to suffer from an inferiority complex; that we do not want others to know the naked truth about us as we consider it embarrassing. Whereas we tend to be consumed with facade at an early age as we try to build careers, but as we grow older we tend to become less concerned with facade because we become less consumed by what people think.</p>
<p align="justify">Just remember, a coat of paint works just as well on rotten wood as it does on good wood. What will we find when we peel back the paint on you?</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-44463147913095461592021-10-07T05:00:00.004-04:002021-10-07T05:00:00.207-04:00OUR RIGHT TO FAIL<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Don't take away this important God-given right.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/i8PJuN3SbUA" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/failure.jpg" /><i><b>NOTE:</b> I originally published this article in 2009, back when the government was offering stimulus money to banks and manufacturing companies during the Recession, a policy I opposed both then and now. The point of the article is as relevant today as it was back then, especially in lieu of the $3.5T stimulus bill President Biden is proposing, which includes a list of new entitlements and a redistribution of the wealth. What I am herein describing is an inherent part of capitalism of which I am a proponent, the "natural" way of encouraging change in our society, certainly not socialism. I hope you enjoy it.</i></p>
<p align="justify">As a youngster, one of the things I learned early on was that winning and losing was a natural part of any game I played, be it baseball, football, hockey, Monopoly, cards, you name it. Somebody wins, somebody loses. Nobody likes to lose, but as I have written in the past, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you have tried your best, but still failed. In fact, I have more respect for the person who valiantly tried and lost, as opposed to the person who won by cutthroat tactics or cheating.</p>
<p align="justify">The point is, failure is a natural part of life and an inherent property of evolution (see Charles Darwin). It is a strong message telling us what we are doing is not working, and we can either learn from it and change or ignore it and perish. It's nice to have a safety net, but where would we be if nobody took a risk? Without failure, life stagnates. We cannot make progress if we are not allowed to fail. Entrepreneurs, adventurers, and other Type A personalities understand in any venture there is a certain element of risk, whereby they will either reap the rewards of success, or taste the agony of defeat. They weigh the risks carefully, then work overtime to assure success, but they clearly understand there is no such thing as a guarantee for success.</p>
<p align="justify">There are people today who want to eliminate our right to fail, that nobody should experience the pain or embarrassment of defeat. This is why I have a problem with government bailout and stimulus plans. They will only be a temporary fix, and the companies will not make the severe and necessary changes to survive in the years ahead. Only failure will cause them to make the required changes. To my way of thinking, the government bailout plans are only delaying the inevitable.</p>
<p align="justify">All of the greed and corruption we allowed to creep into our business practices have finally come home to roost. Consequently, companies are no longer maintaining a competitive edge in business, and are losing money due to unscrupulous self-centered interests and just plain stupid business decisions. The companies are all sorry for the problem and promise to never allow it to happen again. I don't believe an accused murderer could say it any better. They all want redemption without having to worry about paying a penalty. I'm sorry, but that is not how the game is supposed to be played, but then again there are those who want to change the rules so that nobody loses. This is just plain wrong.</p>
<p align="justify">If you believe companies will make the necessary changes in their policies and operations, simply because the government is going to bail them out, you are taking it in the arm. Like it or not, failure is the only real catalyst to invoke change. Nothing is more powerful to truly change someone than failure; ask anyone who has experienced it.</p>
<p align="justify">Nobody likes to take their medicine, but I'm afraid it is time to pass out the Castor Oil and tablespoons. It may sound silly and I don't expect a lot of people to jump on the bandwagon, but it's time to "Protect our right to fail!"
</p><p align="left">First published: March 9, 2009</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p><p></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-73821582239492244272021-09-28T05:00:00.008-04:002021-09-28T05:00:00.378-04:00READING THE SIGNS OF AGING<b><i>BRYCE ON LIFE</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- It's easy; just check your mail box.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/syuv59xvl3w" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/mailbox.jpg" />Normally, we see signs of aging in the mirror: a new wrinkle here and there, some more gray hair, drier skin, and for men, possibly a receding hairline. Recently though, I have discovered a more precise way of detecting advanced aging, and you need go no further than your mail box where the Post Office delivers the bad news routinely.</p>
<p align="justify">In my case, I recently received a brochure in the mail from a nearby assisted living facility who suggested now is the time to move in. Frankly, I was surprised by the literature as I am comfortable in my home and have no intention of moving at this time. This got me thinking though as to how they got my name and what triggered my inclusion on their mailing list. I suspect it originated from county records or perhaps from my wife's untimely death a couple of years ago. Either way, they believe it is time for me to think about downsizing, being put in a small room and stare at the walls. No thank you.</p>
<p align="justify">Aside from this brochure, I have noted other hints of aging through the post office:</p>
<p align="justify">* I routinely get offers to buy my house. I suspect they believe I am too old to maintain my current residence, and they want me to move along. Sorry, but I am just fine where I'm at, thank you.</p>
<p align="justify">* Hearing aid brochures are also common. I get the feeling if you are past the age of 70 it is a requirement you must wear them. The same is true of medic-alert devices should you take a fall, which is actually something to take seriously as we grow older.</p>
<p align="justify">* I've also been receiving several invitations to get a free lunch from people who want to re-invest my portfolio. This somewhat confuses me as you should have something planned earlier on, even if you have minimal savings. So, why should I change horses in mid-stream this late in the game? As an aside, I'm told the lunch is "delicious," which causes me to wonder how they prepare their baloney.</p>
<p align="justify">* I also hear from funeral homes who urge people, "It's time to start planning for the inevitable." Coupled with this is burial insurance, which is nothing more than a term life insurance policy. If you've already got a life insurance policy, you obviously don't need burial insurance, but they try to sucker you anyway.</p>
<p align="justify">* Reverse mortgage promotions are still around, but this is done more on television than through the post office.</p>
<p align="justify">* There is also Medicare supplement requests, <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: start;">attorneys</span> hoping to update your will, and a long list of charities begging for your money. I try to stay off these lists as they can fill up your mail box rather quickly. I'm still getting requests from charities my mother supported. As for me, I try to give money anonymously so I can avoid additional junk mail. </p>
<p align="justify">The mail we receive is not so much about how to enjoy life in our declining years, just how to get at your money. For example, I no longer receive subscription requests for publications such as Playboy, Sports Illustrated, or Architectural Digest. Instead, its AARP Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living.</p>
<p align="justify">I also no longer receive much in the way of travel brochures to exotic lands. Instead, I see flyers featuring bus rides to nearby casinos to spend my Social Security money. Sorry, but I'll pass; I still know how to get to Las Vegas on my own.</p>
<p align="justify">I guess what bothers me the most about the mail is that it assumes I have one foot in the grave which I resent. Yes, we're all cognizant of the passing of time, but I do not need it shoved in my face every day by the post office. </p>
<p align="justify">To solve the problem, I believe I'll cut a large hole in the bottom of my mail box and put a trash can under it. After all, this is where this nonsense belongs.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-91379045445981494542021-09-23T05:00:00.005-04:002021-09-23T05:00:00.301-04:00THE AMERICAN PSYCHOSIS<b><i>BRYCE ON POLITICS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- The glass is half-empty.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/RACUk1yU0Y4" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/deprogramming.jpg" />As I talk to friends and contacts around the country, I sense a general malaise in the land, and, No, I do not believe the weather has anything to do with it. It's been building for some time now, rivaling the level of angst in last year's "Summer of Hate." According to recent polls, Americans have lost faith in their government and other institutions (click <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/352316/americans-confidence-major-institutions-dips.aspx" target="index">HERE</a>), such as schools, organized religion, and the media. Rasmussen reports Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction (click <a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/right_direction_wrong_track_sept20" target="index">HERE</a>), and President Biden's approval ratings continue to plummet (click <a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/biden_administration/prez_track_sep21" target="index">HERE</a>). Americans feel beaten down and are becoming apathetic. When the people become despondent, and nobody is watching, this is when things start slipping in the back door, such as socialism.</p>
<p align="justify">It is difficult to point at anything with pride these days: the federal government keeps spreading fear and defiance in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic; our borders are not secured, illegals are crossing over in record numbers; taxes and inflation are rising; the economy can be described as "sluggish" at best; we're no longer energy independent; there is also the recent black eye of the Afghanistan debacle; inner cities like Chicago are still battle zones; even the tragic death of Gabby Petito makes us question our moral fiber. All of this adds to a lack of confidence in how we are operating.</p>
<p align="justify">I first took notice of this phenomenon five years ago (click <a href="https://timbryce.com/2016/08/01/is-the-news-causing-depression/" target="index">HERE</a>) as we approached the 2016 election. At the time, I pointed the finger at the news media for the doom and gloom they reported. Today though, I believe it has gone beyond the main stream media and reflects the changing morality of the country.</p>
<p align="justify">As I said in 2016, "The news we hear is unsettling to our sensibilities. We are easily disturbed when our sense of right and wrong is tested, be it through an act of our government officials, corruption, or some other indiscretion. It simply offends us that such an act could occur."</p>
<p align="justify">Whereas, years ago we read daily newspapers and watched the evening news around dinner time, today we live in a 24/7 news cycle. Unfortunately, this has a tendency to disrupt our concentration at work and even sleeping patterns. With all of the bad news being fed to us around the clock, is it any wonder we find ourselves in the doldrums? As I wrote, "Thanks to technology, the news acts like a drug we are addicted to. Even though we are alarmed by what we hear, we cannot seem to change the channel, and want to know more. This is what the news media is counting on in order to fill their coffers. This explains why on a slow news day, they manage to find a small scrap of news and blow it out of proportion to unsettle us."</p>
<p align="justify">We can no longer ignore the events of the day, which is why we're in a purple funk. We feel helpless to do anything about it. As I see it, we either start taking tons of anti-depressants or get off our ass and change the country, starting with cleaning out the government (through elections), and slamming the door on Fake News. Americans have to learn reactionary politics put the country in this dilemma. If we have any hopes of surviving this depression, we have to become pro-active. Our mindset has to change if we have any hope of enduring this period. As President Kennedy said in his inauguration, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." In other words, let's challenge Americans to contribute to the public good, not its destruction. Frankly, it is time to move forward as opposed to backwards. Only then will we rise up from this depressing psychosis we are embroiled in.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-13159796114756447172021-09-16T05:00:00.004-04:002021-09-16T05:00:00.257-04:00AVOIDING POLITICAL CENSORSHIP<b><i>BRYCE ON THE MEDIA</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Some sage advice for those of you who want to write.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/uxVMOFb6Z44" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/censor.jpg" />So you are a conservative and want to write a political OpEd piece, eh? And you want publishers to print it and social media to promote it. The reality is that it is easier said than done. I do not care how well you write or the importance of your message, it is necessary to form relationships with members of the press. Even conservative publications are tightly controlled by publishers and editors. Frankly, it's a "good ole boy" club you have to contend with. You're best chance for success is to correspond with them to establish some rapport. If they happen to make a presentation somewhere, be sure to attend and introduce yourself sometime during the meeting. Like most people, publishers and editors like to associate a name with a face (remember this, next time you print business cards). If you cannot contact them this way, pick up the phone and call them to discuss your idea for writing.</p>
<p align="justify">I have been writing political copy for several years now and I have learned a thing or two about censorship along the way. Hopefully, the following tips will be of use to you in getting your article published. First, let's consider the embodiment of your article; here we need to discuss the Title, the Body, and Follow-up.</p>
<p align="justify">1. The Title - give some serious thought to this as it will be used to entice people to read your article, and will be monitored by social media which automatically scans titles to alert them of potentially unsuitable content. For example, try to avoid the following keywords from your title: BIDEN, TRUMP, OBAMA, REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT, LIBERAL, CONSERVATIVE, ANTIFA, BLM, KAMALA, AOC, ILLEGAL, IMMIGRANTS, BORDER, AFGHANISTAN, IRAN, GREEN, BUDGET, ENVIRONMENT, SOCIALISM, CAPITALISM, POLITICS, POLITICIAN, etc. Such words are automatically picked-up by social media and may result in one of three things: voiding or delaying your posting, the triggering of "fact checkers" which will also void your copy, or suppression of the dissemination of your message. For example, it has been my experience on Facebook, where I have nearly 2,000 "friends," depending on my posting, either they will all see it or only a handful (my political pieces typically fall into the latter category). Social media also monitors patterns in your postings which can result in an adverse effect on your readership. So keep this in mind when you create your title, your headline is important to getting your article posted and promoted.</p>
<p align="justify">2. The Body - keep it clean and avoid crude language. Both publishers and social media alike will scan your copy looking for foul language and will stop your article from being published if so discovered. Also, add facts to support your argument, but be sure to note their source. Better yet, embed links into the copy to allow the reader to visit the source of the fact.</p>
<p align="justify">3. Follow-up - provide a very brief bio of yourself (one to two lines at most). Be sure to include information on how to contact you, such as an e-mail address or web site. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU PRINT YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER as you will likely be harassed by wackos.</p>
<p align="justify">If your article is published on the web, be sure to follow reader feedback. Under no circumstance should you get into a heated debate with a detractor, just ignore them or, better yet, delete them if possible. As Mark Twain said, "Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."</p>
<p align="justify">Here are a couple more things I have observed regarding social media and e-mail:</p>
<p align="justify">1. In some social media, such as Facebook, you may join different clubs. For example, I belong to several political clubs within Facebook. If I have a political column I want to promote, I may "copy and paste" a notice in the clubs as well as notify certain friends (what I like to call "germ carriers" - people who will help spread your message). Here's the problem: if you "copy and paste" too fast and too often, social media will automatically detect this and cancel your postings. So what can be done? Two things: do not "copy and paste" too rapidly, and slightly alter your postings. For example:</p>
<p align="left">TEACHING RACISM IN THE CLASSROOM - Here is one way left-wing politics penetrates the classroom.<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/?p=5844" target="index">https://timbryce.com/?p=5844</a></p>
<p align="left">TEACHING RACISM IN THE CLASSROOM - Here is one way left-wing politics penetrates the classroom.<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/09/07/teaching-racism-in-the-classroom/" target="index">https://timbryce.com/2021/09/07/teaching-racism-in-the-classroom/</a></p>
<p align="left">BRYCE - TEACHING RACISM IN THE CLASSROOM - Here is one way left-wing politics penetrates the classroom.<br /><a href="https://timbryce.com/2021/09/07/teaching-racism-in-the-classroom/" target="index">https://timbryce.com/2021/09/07/teaching-racism-in-the-classroom/</a></p>
<p align="justify">As an aside, this "copy and paste" phenomenon is actively used by the Democrats, particularly in the "Letters to the Editor" sections of newspapers. They simply "copy and paste" the same text for publication in several national papers. If you are properly organized, it takes just a few minutes to perform this.</p>
<p align="justify">2. This same phenomenon occurs in e-mail, particularly if you are trying to send bulk e-mails. If you are using Gmail, Yahoo!, MSN or others, they will be automatically looking for bulk e-mails and, if you are not careful, you will be classified a "spammer" and none of your messages will get through. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do here: break down your e-mail list into smaller batches (30-40 receivers at most); change the name in the "Subject" section of the e-mail to avoid detection of repetition (see above), and; mail to your receivers as "Blind Carbon Copies" (BCC), this keeps people from seeing the other receivers on your list.</p>
<p align="justify">3. If you don't play by the rules of the social media, or write something they do not like, you may get suspended for a period of time (aka, "Facebook Jail") or expelled completely. You can fight the suspension, but I haven't heard of too many people being successful in reversing their decision. The length of suspension varies, anywhere from days, to weeks, to months, to permanent. When you come back, you are put on a watch list and carefully monitored. Another way to overcome this problem is to register as a new user, but use a substantially different name. The only problem with this, you lose all of your "friends" you have connected with over time, thereby hampering your ability to communicate with them (which is what the social media wants).</p>
<p align="justify">The last point I want to make is regarding fights with Liberals regarding your work. If you write several pieces regarding politics, as I do, and they are not aligned with Democrat dogma, they will assign an individual to monitor and criticize your work. The person's objective is to harass, discredit, and tempt you into a fight. No matter what you write, they will disagree with you, regardless of how logically correct your argument is. Not surprising, the person is usually an "anonymous" person to avoid identifying themselves and face retribution themself. As such, they are cowards.</p>
<p align="justify">If your work is routinely printed in a journal, particularly if it is a public periodical, they will demand the publisher censor you and suppress your 1st Amendment Right to free speech. Again, this is what happens when you become popular and do not follow their political dogma.</p>
<p align="justify">When you are censored by a publication or social media, do not be surprised if you are not allowed to defend yourself. We must remember the mainstream media is very liberal, as is social media, making their stranglehold on what is printed or said rather formidable. They have a deep disdain for opposing opinions and will go to any lengths to thwart them.</p>
<p align="justify">Mark Twain seemed to sum it up accurately when he observed years ago, "It has become a sarcastic proverb that a thing must be true if you saw it in a newspaper. That is the opinion intelligent people have of that lying vehicle in a nutshell. But the trouble is that the stupid people, who constitute the grand overwhelming majority of this and all other nations, do believe and are moulded and convinced by what they get out of a newspaper, and there is where the harm lies."</p>
<p align="justify">The most important trait you, as a writer, must possess is perseverance. Keep looking for new venues to write for, such as a conservative club newsletter, local papers, political blogs and podcasts, etc. Next, learn from your mistakes; consider language and sentence structure, excessive use of jargon, typographical errors and punctuation. Most importantly, KEEP WRITING! Practice makes perfect.</p>
<p align="left">Good luck!</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-6651031316226108582021-09-07T05:00:00.004-04:002021-09-07T05:00:00.230-04:00TEACHING RACISM IN THE CLASSROOM<b><i>BRYCE ON EDUCATION</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Here is one way left-wing politics penetrates the classroom.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/QunsVGv8ajk" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/NEAracial.jpg" />We have had suspicions about what academia is teaching our youth for some time now. For example, are they espousing liberal dogma as opposed to math, science, languages, literature, or even physical fitness? Recently, I came across some rather hard proof of their intentions in an 80 page PDF document titled, <a href="https://neaedjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Racial-Justice-in-Education.pdf" target="index">"Racial Justice in Education,"</a> as produced by the <a href="https://www.nea.org/" target="index">NEA (National Education Administration)</a>, the largest labor union representing public school teachers. It is widely known the union is very liberal and actively supports the Democrats. To illustrate, according to <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?ind=l1300" target="index">OpenSecrets.org</a> the NEA donated $20 million in 2016 to Democrat campaigns. One of its members is Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States.</p>
<p align="justify">The NEA booklet is touted as supporting "racial equality." It states, "Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education, to break down the barriers to racial equity, and to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world." Sounds noble, right? The reality though is the booklet is to be used by educators to teach students about racism from a liberal perspective.</p>
<p align="left">The booklet makes some rather interesting observations:</p>
<p align="justify">"Systemic racism is so deeply rooted in our history, culture and institutions that there’s no escaping it. Visible or not, its impacts are ever-present." (page 12)</p>
<p align="justify">- This sounds more like an obsession as opposed to a true problem. I do not believe for a moment that Whites live simply to repress other racial groups. This smacks of paranoia.</p>
<p align="justify">"Racism is perpetuated by silence, and silence is complicity. Being 'colorblind' often serves as a pretense to downplay the significance of race, deny the existence of racism, and erase the experience of students of color." (page 15)</p>
<p align="justify">- Translation: You must publicly state you are not a racist every 30 minutes but still beg for forgiveness.</p>
<p align="justify">"If you are white, you may be used to the privilege of not having to think or talk about race, especially your own." (page 15)<br />"White people are racially privileged, even when they are economically underprivileged. Privilege and oppression go hand-in-hand:" (page 34)</p>
<p align="justify">- Does this mean Whites are privileged simply because of their race? Hardly. My family, for example, came up the hard way. My grandparents immigrated to the United States after World War I, legally I might add, and worked hard to move up in the world. We never looked down our noses at someone's station in life, but we did expect people to work professionally and productively, assume responsibility for their actions, and behave morally. So, I fail to see how this is privileged. Neither did we consider ourselves "oppressed," we were just happy to have the opportunity to prove ourselves through the American free enterprise system.</p>
<p align="justify">"Minority/minorities (definition) - A term that has historically referred to non-white racial groups, indicating that they were numerically smaller than the dominant white majority. Defining people of color as 'minorities' is not recommended because of changing demographics and the ways in which it reinforces ideas of inferiority and marginalization of a group of people. Defining people by how they self-identify is often preferable and more respectful." (page 33)</p>
<p align="justify">- This is pure political correctness. For example, if your candidate loses an election, you are in the "minority" and the "majority" won. The use of the term is about numbers, not race, and I bitterly resent their insinuation.</p>
<p align="justify">"Illegals (definition) - Many outlets have changed their style guides to stop using 'illegal' as it applies to immigrants..."</p>
<p align="justify">- Another attempt to impose political correctness on the masses. In this situation, did the person try to enter our country lawfully? If not, it is an "illegal" attempt to gain access to the United States. As such, it is a perfectly legitimate word. Check any dictionary.</p>
<p align="justify">"Racism (definition) - Historically rooted system of power hierarchies based on race - infused in our institutions, policies and culture - that benefits white people and hurts people of color." (page 35).</p>
<p align="justify">- This again implies only Whites can be racist, which simply isn't true. I have traveled the world extensively, visited many cultures, and found racists just about everywhere. To suggest Whites have a monopoly over this is ludicrous. In reality, this is an attempt to make Whites feel guilty about being White. Sorry, but I simply do not buy it.</p>
<p align="justify">"Talking about racism is just a start. Taking action is the biggest driver of change. Create opportunities and strategies to move from awareness and analysis to action and impact. You and your students can go beyond the classroom by advocating for equity in your school and school district. Speak up and speak out. Be intentional about supporting more voices and leadership of people of color. And be proactive by proposing bold and concrete solutions that embody the values and vision of equity and inclusion for all." (page 20)</p>
<p align="justify">- Shucks, and here I thought the purpose of public school was to teach math, science, languages, etc. I never realized it was intended to train students to become revolutionaries. Such discussions belong at home around the dinner table, not in schools.</p>
<p align="justify">The DEA booklet goes on to promote left-wing policies, such as:</p>
<p align="left">* Eliminate police from schools. (page 52)</p>
<p align="left">* Join state comprehensive immigration reform campaigns. (page 58)</p>
<p align="left">* Support Black Lives Matter events and efforts to remove public symbols of racism and white supremacy. (page 63)</p>
<p align="left">* Start or support a campaign to remove statues or change school names that celebrate white supremacy or demean people of color. (page 63) - (by who's definition I would ask.)</p>
<p align="left">* Fight voter suppression, voting ID requirements. (page 75)</p>
<p align="justify">The NEA booklet is strictly political dogma of the left and has nothing to do with teaching a normal curriculum which is what the taxpayers pay for. Instead, it is an instructional manual to teach students how to become liberal fighters.</p>
<p align="justify">I certainly do not deny the existance of racism, but it is certainly not limited to the United States, nor is it applied by a single race, but by all races.</p>
<p align="justify">It is apparent to me that whoever actually wrote the NEA paper hates Whites and possesses some rather intense anger issues. It is far from "fair and balanced." Instead of trying to transform our youth into revolutionaries, I would much rather see a curriculum teaching them their Constitutional rights which expresses their individual liberties and equality, but that is not what the NEA is interested in. Instead, they are more interested in inflaming racism for political gain.</p>
<p align="justify">At least, we now know of one source where this type of nonsense is coming from, the NEA. Here, at last, is tangible proof, in black and white, on how the left is trying to mislead our youth. Parents should now try to find out who is using the document in the classroom. School boards should be asked this point blank.</p>
<p align="justify">For more background, see, <a href="https://www.freedomfoundation.com/labor/nea-racial-justice-guide-backs-left-wing-priorities-like-defunding-police-banning-voter-id/" target="index">"NEA 'Racial Justice' Guide Backs Left-Wing Priorities Like Defunding Police, Banning Voter ID," by Maxford Nelsen.</a></p>
<p align="justify">A tip of the hat to old friend Rick Trader of <a href="https://conservativecommandosradioshow.com/" target="index">Conservative Commandos</a> radio show for the lead.</p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-255034795314146379.post-29399218547962051742021-09-02T05:00:00.003-04:002021-09-02T05:00:00.235-04:00TROJAN HORSES OF ISLAMIC SUPREMACY - BOOK REVIEW<b><i>BRYCE ON BOOKS</i></b>
<p align="left"><i>- Want to know the truth about Islam? Read this book.</i></p>
<p align="left">Click for <a href="https://youtu.be/R7ZfjVsE7ZU" target="index">AUDIO VERSION</a>.</p><font face="arial" size="-1"><b><i>To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com" target="index">TIM</a> a request</i></b></font>.
<p align="justify"><img align="right" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/blog/trojanislam.jpg" />This September marks the twentieth anniversary of the 9-11 disaster, an orchestrated attack by Islamic Supremacists to terrorize the United States. Since that time, we have invaded and conquered Iraq, took out the mastermind of 9-11, Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, eliminated ISIS from the region and much more. Interestingly, in spite of our involvement it is remarkable how naive most Americans are pertaining to Islam, a "religion" at the heart of these problems, yet has a huge bearing on our future. Enter Dr. William H. Urban and his 2018 book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trojan-Horses-Islamic-Supremacy-Stomping/dp/1717500544" target="index">"Trojan Horses of Islamic Supremacy,"</a> a timely exposé explaining the purpose and goals of Islam, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood.</p>
<p align="justify">Over the years, I have learned a lot about the Islamic faith, but Dr. Urban's book ties it all together in a tidy, easy to understand package. It is meticulously researched and well organized in such a fashion that it should be considered a must-read reference book all Americans should have access to.</p>
<p align="justify">Islam is a religion primarily made up of tribes. As such, there are several factions involved, but not a single head like the Pope for the Catholic Church. This explains the number of internal disputes within the religion. Whereas Christians think of God as a loving entity, Muslims live in fear of their god. The book also makes the point, "It is the nature of Islam to dominate, not to be dominated; to impose its laws on all nations; and extend its power to the entire planet." Further, "Killing the infidels is our religion; Slaughtering them is our religion; Until they convert to Islam or pay us tribute" - noted al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Musah al-Zarqawi; July 9, 2005</p>
<p align="justify">At the Tehran Conference in 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad described his country's "War Preparation Plan" which included, "The destruction of Anglo-Saxon Civilization." In addition to terrorist activities, this is being done by infiltrating and subverting the Western world's educational institutions, government agencies, and the news media. And they have been very successful in this regard, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood. Bottom line, they want to replace the U.S. Constitution with Sharia Law, thereby overthrowing the American government.</p>
<p align="justify">Dr. Urban defines the scope of various Islamic groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, CAIR, and many more. One thing which surprised me was the fact American political activist and tax reduction advocate Grover Norquist has also been active with Islamic organizations. He is married to a Muslim and has been instrumental in helping to secure political appointments for Muslims in the past few presidential administrations. Also, former Secretary of State John Kerry's son-in-law is a Muslim. Urban also points out the Obama administration was loaded with members of the Muslim Brotherhood, and George W. Bush also met with members of the Brotherhood even in spite of 9-11.</p>
<p align="justify">Urban begins the book by describing the properties of the Islamic religion, followed by a historical perspective. He then details what the government has discovered over the years, for example:</p>
<p align="justify">* Raids in 2002 and 2004 by the FBI and other intelligence agencies discovered intel related to the Muslim Brotherhood, that they are interested in overthrowing the American government and instilling Sharia Law. </p>
<p align="justify">* Under Obama, a CBS news investigation found the State Department sent hundreds of millions of dollars to refurbish mosques and save other Islamic sites around the world. AMERICAN TAXPAYER DOLLARS! Anyone remember the concept of "separation of church and state"? Why didn't Christian and Jewish institutions receive comparable money? Hmm...</p>
<p align="justify">* The return of money to Iran by authority of the Obama administration is scary and financed terrorist operations for years to come. $150B was returned with $18B going to the spread of Islam.</p>
<p align="justify">* While it is well known President Obama was a Muslim sympathizer, President Trump overturned Obama's policies in 2017 and became the first to stand up to Iran and terrorist organizations.</p>
<p align="justify">Dr. Urban ends his thesis with a "Call to Action" listing items the Federal Government should deploy to put Islam in check. Unfortunately, none of it will be done by President Biden.</p>
<p align="justify">Since the book was published, we have seen new peace treaties between Middle Eastern countries and Israel, the destruction of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the recent Afghanistan meltdown by the Biden administration, as well as a reversal of Trump's executive orders on Muslims entering the country and the erosion of immigration borders thereby allowing terrorists to sneak in. Nonetheless, the book provides incredible insight into how Islam works. Quite simply, Dr. Urban "has put it all together."</p>
<p align="justify">The book's Appendices includes a well organized Glossary of Terms, History, and more. It is available in hard cover or paperback through most on-line stores. It is factual, well organized, and thoroughly researched. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. All Americans should read it. Why? Let me put it to you this way, as Dr. Urban explained to me, "The FBI reports 80% of mosques (in America) are armories."</p>
<p align="left">Think about it. </p>
<p align="justify">To contact Dr. Bill Urban, drop him an e-mail at: <a href="mailto:urbanww@gmail.com">urbanww@gmail.com</a></p>
<p align="left"><i>Keep the Faith!</i></p>
<p align="left">P.S. - For a listing of my books, click <a href="https://timbryce.com/mba-press/" target="index">HERE</a>.</p>
<p align="left">Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.</p>
<p align="justify"><img align="left" height="75" src="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/mbatim.jpg" width="75" /><i>Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of <a href="http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/" target="index">M&JB Investment Company</a> (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at <a href="mailto:timb1557@gmail.com">timb1557@gmail.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left"><i>For Tim's columns, see: <a href="http://www.timbryce.com/" target="index">timbryce.com</a></i></p>
<p align="left">Like the article? <a href="mailto:timb001@phmainstreet.com?subject=Checkout_THE_BRYCE_IS_RIGHT&body=http://www.timbryce.com/">TELL A FRIEND.</a></p>
<p align="left">Copyright © 2021 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.</p>
<p align="left">Listen to Tim on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzlyev3ctntfTg0XyodMR" target="index">Spotify</a>, <a href="http://s36.myradiostream.com:21972/listen.mp3" target="index">WZIG-FM</a> (104.1) in Palm Harbor,FL; <a href="https://www.svatampabay.com/section/svaradio" target="index">SVA RADIO</a> - "Senior Voice America", the leading newspaper for active mature adults; or tune-in to Tim's channel on <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">YouTube</a>. Click for <a href="
http://www.youtube.com/user/TimBryce/videos?flow=grid&view=0" target="index">TIM'S LIBRARY OF AUDIO CLIPS</a>.</p>
Tim Brycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975527925576100714noreply@blogger.com0