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Daily Inflammation

The only rule to Daily Inflammation…There are no rules! If you are afraid of Virginia Woolf then this is not the section for you. The stream of consciousness flows as I share keen insights rooted in common sense, separating fact from fiction, truth from lies, microwave safe dishes from those that arc and explode, developed from seventy years of living what only can be described as “The common, everyman lifestyle” (except for the microwave part which was only recently learned).
This is Controversy Central! I’ll know I’m successful when I have to issue my first tearful apology. “My words were taken out of context…Boo Hoo”

Things I Can and Can’t Live Without

11.21.2024 by Fred Berman //

Like Winona said: “…everything is changing fast, they call it progress, but I just don’t know.”
Time to take a real needs inventory.

What I Can Live Without         What I Can’t Live Without
 1. Microwave Ovens                            1. Linda & Family
 2. Cellphones                                           2. A Bamboo Back Scratcher
 3. Cars
 4. Electric Blankets
 5. Starbucks
 6. Television
 7. Nintendo or Xbox
 8. The Cloud?
 9. Air Fryers
10. Social Media
11.  Armani Suits
12.  Gluten

At my age you get a much better sense of what is important in life.

Categories // Daily Inflammation

Tempura-Fried Maple Leaves: A Japanese Delicacy

11.20.2024 by Fred Berman //

If you are not a fan of eating raw fish, aka Sushi, or slimy but super-healthy Natto, you may still find something good to eat in a Japanese restaurant.

Most of us rake up autumn leaves and throw them into a yard waste bag.  But in Japan Maple leaves are the main ingredient of a fall delicacy called Momiji Tempura, a popular snack that originated in the city of Minoh, about 10 miles north of Osaka.  The leaves used in momiji tempura are freshly picked off trees.  Preparation involves soaking the maple leaves in salt water, frying them in a tempura batter, and coating them with sugar and sesame seeds for a sweet, crunchy treat.

That is so interesting I am going to try a few other plants and see if I can create a unique American delicacy.  Come over tomorrow and you help me decide between Minced Oleander Leaf and Sweet & Sour Hemlock!

Categories // Daily Inflammation, Linda Presents: Fred’s Favorite Inedible Recipes, Match Wits with Inspector Cretín, Short, Short, Short Stories, Never-Ending Story: Until it does..., The Gospel According To Me! Why Are We Here?

“I Could Use a Good Ass-Kicking…

11.19.2024 by Fred Berman //

…I’ll be very honest with you!”  Vinnie Gambini’s admission to J.T. when he went to collect the $200 J.T. lost but refused to pay to Mona Lisa Vito.  Perhaps it was just a fictional encounter between Joe Pesci, Chris Ellis and Marisa Tomei in one of the greatest cinematic classics of all time, My Cousin Vinney.  If you haven’t seen it correct that egregious error ASAP!

I am still in a daze wondering how the majority of Americans, and more specifically the Republican party, chose a lying, cheating narcissistic felon to be their leader.  I have a friend in England who was vacationing in the Maldives, a spot popular with Russian tourists, who said the bars were wild with Russian celebrations when the results of the American election were announced.  Our allies did not share their joy.
BUT…
The American people have spoken so I shall give myself the ass-kicking I deserve (feel free to pile on) and sincerely hope I am wrong.  Maybe the President will end his name-calling and search for retribution and honor the American judicial system and see that those responsible for crimes against the country are punished.  Perhaps he will be the leader of all our citizens and give a voice to the millions in our country with opinions that do not mirror his own.  Isn’t that what we all hope for?

Vinnie Gambini was considering an ass-kicking over $200.  Our stakes are quite a bit higher.

Categories // Daily Inflammation

“The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step”

11.18.2024 by Fred Berman //

       The aphorism has been credited to Lao-Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher, (Although modern researchers think it may have been first said by his frat brother Moshe at a toga party in Lao’s honor).  It means you have to get started, even with only one tiny movement forward, to get anywhere, no matter how long or fraught with danger the journey ahead.
       The problem is after the first step there’s another and another and another.  Steps, Steps, steps, no end in sight; no light at the end of a tunnel. But if a light there be, are you really willing to go into the light?
       Better to go back to bed and reconsider beginning your journey at a later date. I speak from wisdom born of experience; real or most likely, imagined.
       Hear me, Grasshopper.  This will be on the test!

Categories // Daily Inflammation

Do You Know the Intent of the Third Amendment to the Constitution?

11.17.2024 by Fred Berman //

 A question to all of you insane douchebag gun nuts that twist the intent of the second amendment to mean it’s fine to satisfy your bloodlust by arming yourself with an unlimited amount of automatic assault weapons.  Can you explain the third amendment or any other of the 27 that have been ratified?  Can you define ratified?  Can we at least agree on the fact you are an idiot?

That’s how my day is going.  How’s yours? 
Has any government official tried to quarter a soldier in your home during peacetime?

Categories // Daily Inflammation

“Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged”

11.16.2024 by Fred Berman //

We all do it.  Trying getting through a day without judging some thought or action of another person.  We have differing opinions as to what is important but I believe there is one area where judgment is swift, undeniable and indulged in by everyone; watching the occupants emerge from their car when parking in a designated handicapped spot.

On average about 1 out of 10 people emerging have little sign of a condition requiring close proximity to the front door.  But looks can be deceiving so, just like we have to do when we watch a bunch of disingenuous travelers pretend to need extra time board the airplane before us, we must simply suck it up.  We senior citizens should not have to do the major amount of sucking it takes to get through the day!

Who can I see about that?

Categories // Daily Inflammation

On This Day in 2001 Microsoft Released the Xbox Gaming Console: An American Victory!

11.15.2024 by Fred Berman //

     Prior to November 15, 2001, Japanese manufacturers Sony and Nintendo.  Microsoft lost tons of money bringing the system to market but Bill Gates was afraid gaming systems would eventually compete with PCs.
     Fortunately for Microsoft they acquired game developer Bungie and their launch title game release, Halo, became one of the best-selling games of all time.   Halo ushered in a new age of first-person shooters in online gaming,
     We silly old baby boomers had to be satisfied with shooting cut-outs of moving ducks or black bears in a shooting gallery.  Just a clink and a bell instead of spurting blood. 

     Better living through modern computing!

Categories // Daily Inflammation

People in Hell Want Ice Water: Why Not Give it to Them?

11.14.2024 by Fred Berman //

What would a world where everyone’s first thought was how to help rather than how to take advantage; how to alleviate suffering in others because you can; to share when you have extra and ask for help when you need it.

But a truly empathetic population might lead to world peace and that is just not good business.  I don’t think the CEOs and shareholders have anything to worry about.  

Categories // Daily Inflammation

Science 101: Why Do Stars Twinkle?

11.13.2024 by Fred Berman //

The twinkling of stars, or “stellar scintillation,” is actually a complex phenomenon involving the physics of light and the Earth’s atmosphere. When light travels from one medium to another, it refracts, or changes direction.

However between air pollution, light pollution, and atmospheric interference like clouds, we city dwellers rarely get the opportunity to see stars twinkling.  I am one of the fortunate people that sees stars twinkling every time Linda walks into a room.  Before you dismiss this as “romantic twaddle” Dr. Neal deGrasse Tyson, there is real science behind the phenomenon. 

When an Angel walks into a room and the image is refracted by the light passing through the retina which directly connects to the sub-dominal cortex of the brain, the light emitting diodes naturally flutter contrapuntally to the beating of one’s heart reflecting back to the medulla oblongata and subsequently registers refracted light almost identical to the interspatial light of a twinkling star. This entire quantum chain reaction occurs in .3141592 (rounded) of a second nobody other than those schooled in advanced theoretical physics notice the change.

By completing this course you have earned 3 Continuing Education Credits and I believe I earned a peanut butter cookie.  Has anyone seen the orderly?

Categories // Daily Inflammation

Is it Just Me? A Carrot Au Natural! Obscene Veggie or the Beauty of Nature?

11.12.2024 by Fred Berman //

This carrot is straight out of a 2 lb. bag of organic carrots I opened this morning. I may have embellished the top with a few dots but the structure is all natural!

Linda accused me of what my prudish generation called having a “dirty” mind.  But seriously folks, am I the only one who sees it?  Can’t you just hear the lascivious carrot sneering his taunt “Why don’t you munch on THIS for 10 minutes?”

Behold the grandeur of Mother Nature!

Categories // Daily Inflammation

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