Today’s blog is an excerpt from an article in the New York Times by Ross Douthat:

It feels as if we’ve been hearing about self-driving cars for a long time, but now they’re really here.

Ferrying people to work and school and nightlife from Los Angeles to Nashville, poised to spread to just about every big city in America.

My guest this week is very optimistic about a future where the cars take over. He writes about self-driving automobiles and transportation policy on his Substack, “Changing Lanes,” and he’s a co-author of a recent book with the stark title “The End of Driving.”

We talked about the potential benefits of this transformation, and as someone who loves the open road, I pressed him on what’s lost — in freedom and mastery — if we don’t have to be in the driver’s seat anymore.

In my own life, when I do not have an answer to an important problem, I say this prayer first:

“Be with me Lord when I am in trouble, be with me Lord, I pray.”

Next, I do research. I ask people I know and respect.

One of our offspring uses AI often as a starting point. He seems to get some good ideas.

I try to decide on a plan that makes sense for me and for the situation.

Sometimes that is difficult because it is such a thorny issue.

I know I must take action but am hesitant.

I begin slowly and carefully.

Maybe my plan begins to work, maybe not.

I keep trying and eventually the solution becomes clearer.

I don’t give up.

The look on her face tells it all.

She has been forgiven for some previous act she regrets.

Forgiveness is difficult for many people.

And the more harm that has been done, the less inclined the offended party is to forgive.

Sometimes people aren’t ready to fogive now or ever!

When, however, you won’t forgive, you carry extra baggage around with you forever.

Don’t do that. It hurts you and the other person.

Forgive and forget!

If not today, when?

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t the only person in baseball bothered by the rule. 

It allows the Los Angeles Dodgers to carry an extra pitcher because of Shohei Ohtani’s designation as a two-way player.

Another head of baseball operations says the combination of that rule…

…and another allowing Ohtani to remain as a hitter after he is removed as a pitcher…

…creates the “most lopsided” advantage in major professional sports. (NYT)

What do you think?

Single-family RENTALS are a modern version of a starter home, which have gone nearly extinct in the United States.

But their existence challenges the American ideal that suburban single-family houses are meant for homeowners.

And their growth is now in jeopardy.

Congress’ largest housing package in nearly 40 years includes a section restricting single-family rental communities backed by large investors.

Large investors finance an estimated 62% of new single-family RENTAL homes. (CNN)

Of course, the demand for single family RENTAL homes is extremely strong!

This is because young people can’t afford to BUY a home at today’s prices.

In a time like this, budgets are tight.

But, none us like to deprive ourselves of something we want.

So, how do you distinguish between wants and needs?

Your emotions could be the key factor driving either choice.

Or, you may be a more practical person who takes the time to question if it is really a need.

Regardless, I think the worst possible consequences of going ahead must be thought of first.

I think this consideration will help you do or not do something you want.

I know it sounds like a simple approach, but simple beats complicated every time!

Thought the summer travel season was looking bad?

Brace yourself: It could get even worse.

On top of higher airfares and fees because of the war in Iran, airlines in Europe and Asia are now facing a potential shortage.

This will raise the odds of flight cancellations and schedule cuts.

The US is in no immediate danger of running out of jet fuel, but the global shortage is driving up fuel prices for US carriers.

They are cutting back on cheap airfares and less profitable flights, a move that’s likely to drive up airfares for US travelers particularly in the summer months. (CNN)

Let’s face it. A dog is a great companion!

Here are some qualities dogs possess:

LOYALTY-This is such a great attribute dogs display every day.

FORGIVENESS-We should all be as forgiving as our dog.

PATIENCE-Like Jobe the biblical character, dogs put up with a lot.

AFFECTION-Dogs like to snuggle!

PERSEVERANCE-Dogs aren’t quitters.

I wish people possessed all those qualities.

If not today,when?

Change is always difficult, but sometimes necessary.

Each of us is still a work in process.

It must begin with the desire to become a better person.

Is there one change that is more important than other possibilities?

I think someone who loves you would be a good resource.

That same person is probably the best one to give you feedback on your progress.

God is not finished with you yet.

We can always become a better person today than we were yesterday!

If not today, when?

Albert Einstein

I believe difficulty provides a most profound learning experience.

Of course, we learn from our successes also.

But, we pay more attention to a failure because it hurts so much.

I also think we can get the greatest benefit from a failure by making a plan not to repeat it.

We can make our life a contiuous learning opportunity with a commensurate effort to do so.

If not today, when?