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Thinking Out Loud
/ News Archives / HomeHEAT WAVE UNHAPPINESS
I was out for a run yesterday evening (yes, I can be a fool at times) and I was almost hit going thru a four way stop in a neighborhood. Now, most days and most drivers would without a thought allow a runner to pass on by. I was even on … Continue Reading HEAT WAVE UNHAPPINESS
Under Pressure: Finding the Perfect Father’s Day Card
My father recently said to me, “You find the most wonderful cards.“ Though a man of few words himself, he really appreciates a well written message with an appropriate backdrop. Following such a compliment was the pressure of finding yet another fitting Father’s Day card to be soon followed by a … Continue Reading Under Pressure: Finding the Perfect Father’s Day Card
Nope Not Ever
One should be very very cautious of saying “I’ll never do that.” I personally do my very best to avoid this sort of ill advised proclamation. Because we all change. Oh do we change. This I am fully aware of. As I grow up and grow older I see ever so … Continue Reading Nope Not Ever
Voluntary Simplicity
Over 10 years ago, Scott Simon and the public tv folk did a documentary on “voluntary simplicity”, living on only what is necessary, avoiding excess consumption, reducing stress and actually becoming “anti-materialistic.” They ran it again on the Documentary Channel this afternoon and it really caught my attention. Here, in our … Continue Reading Voluntary Simplicity
Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
“Mildly obese” were the words written to describe me. What an awful thing to say, I thought to myself. No – it is not politically incorrect? But how about emotionally damaging? Mentally harmful? Hurtful? Or just plain wrong? Some medical terms should be disallowed no matter how accurate they are. “Mildly … Continue Reading Tell Me Something I Don’t Know
Winter Driving Tips
On Sunday January 11th, my wife, Linda, and I were driving our Scion over the mountain road that over looks our home. It was 9 a.m. and we were on our way to Church in Oldtown, Maryland. We had gotten no more than a mile up the mountain when the road … Continue Reading Winter Driving Tips
What’s Your Sign?
With the winter plainness, I have begun to take notice of everything unnatural. The trees are bare, the ground is not yet covered in snow, and even the evergreens are beginning to blend into the background. Then suddenly, while driving, I top a small hill and out on the horizon I … Continue Reading What’s Your Sign?
It’s winter but spring is coming!
As I considered all the dire financial forecasts that are coming out of Wall Street as well as from our nations capitol, and pondered what impact my diminished retirement account and shrinking equity in my home would have on my future (near and long term), I began to consider what one … Continue Reading It’s winter but spring is coming!
HELP. Who gives it? Who gets it?
Is it really as bad as we keep reading and hearing? I don’t know. I don’t even want to voice an opinion publicly. There are enough of those out there already. Do GM, Ford and Chrysler need help? Well of course they do. I’m not sure that is news though. What … Continue Reading HELP. Who gives it? Who gets it?
Black Friday 2008 Not As Dark As Expected
What a night! It’s 4:00AM on Black Friday and I have spent the last six hours traveling interstate 81 on an information gathering mission. You see, I took it upon myself to travel the interstate from Hagerstown to Martinsburg to check out what was happening at the various retail stores and … Continue Reading Black Friday 2008 Not As Dark As Expected
Meet the Author of “Thinking Out Loud”
Hello…. Howdy…. Good day as well as Buenas dias to our Hispanic community. I extend my greetings to the fine men and women of the eastern panhandle. My name is William Clay Hopkins Jr. (but all my friends call me George) and I have been given the opportunity to contribute to … Continue Reading Meet the Author of “Thinking Out Loud”
Why voting for Santa Claus may not be as crazy as it sounds
On the eve of Election Day 2008 I’m going to posit an idea that may sound crazy but if you hear me out hopefully you’ll be convinced that it has some merit. The idea… Vote for Santa Claus. Still here? Haven’t clicked away? Waiting for the punchline? There isn’t one. Santa … Continue Reading Why voting for Santa Claus may not be as crazy as it sounds
What Makes You Go AUGHGH?
Is it - the ads for the news telling you they will tell you the news at 11? Couldn’t they just tell us something now? Like why are all grocery carts made with one bad wheel? Please – somebody go into the grocery cart wheel repair business. I know someone works … Continue Reading What Makes You Go AUGHGH?
Services Needed - Apply Within
There are many services I wish would come to Berkeley County. Most of which are in surrounding counties, but with gas being so high, I am not going to drive across the county line to get to them. So if there are any entrepreneurs out there, listen up. I would like … Continue Reading Services Needed - Apply Within
Wanted - A solution to an age old problem
Have you ever wanted something? Something you need to shop around for, it could be a handy man, or that hard to find item that will fix your carpet shampooer. I know I have. I was looking the other day for furniture wall straps. I looked everywhere and could not find … Continue Reading Wanted - A solution to an age old problem
Like Pulling Teeth
I was recently looking for a place that a couple of my friends, moms like myself, could go and have a good time. You know get out of the house. We all received our stimulus checks and have cash to spend. Oh, it didn’t matter what kind of fun we had, … Continue Reading Like Pulling Teeth
Why do I win so many lotteries?
As I checked my e-mail over coffee, I discovered that I had won the Japanese/European Lottery and I was now 1,000,000 Euros richer. Wow! And all I had to do was reply to Mr. Hirohito, who sent the message, and he would get back to me and tell me what to … Continue Reading Why do I win so many lotteries?
I guess it’s official…
This was in my morning e-mail…did you get it too? Dear Bill, I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have … Continue Reading I guess it’s official…
What Some Hillary Supporters Are Screaming
Was this organized or what? Hillary’s most extreme supporters are not taking the Rules Committee’s decision with any kind of good sportsmanship. For instance: Was this organized or what? Hillary’s most extreme supporters are not taking the Rules Committee’s decision with any kind of good sportsmanship. For instance: This must bring … Continue Reading What Some Hillary Supporters Are Screaming
“Mother’s Day, A Birthday Message”
“Your Father Provided The Substance…Your Mother Provided The Essence…As Well As The Means For You To Grow…And Take Shape…This Is Your Reason For Being…So Thank Her…Remember All of the Praise Goes To, and Belongs To God, and to God Alone. So! Take A Moment and Think About That for Awhile…Then Do … Continue Reading “Mother’s Day, A Birthday Message”
When The Going Gets Tough ?????
Back in 1972 which may seem like a lifetime to some, a rock band from north of the border called the “Five Man Electrical Band” wrote a minor hit simply called “Signs”. The tune began with these words…. “Sign sign everywhere a sign…..” I bring this up, not to reminisce, but … Continue Reading When The Going Gets Tough ?????
Coming Soon!!!
COMING SOON !!! What do you think it is? I’ll bet you don’t guess this one correctly. Did you say Bank or possibly another development of new homes? I certainly would have. It appears that every new building going up is either a bank or a house – and a BIG … Continue Reading Coming Soon!!!
My weight seems to be the only thing going down…
Returning from the gym at Shepherd University this morning, after the workout I do 3-4 times a week, I was bubbling over that my weight has now dropped a total of 34 pounds. 34 Pounds in 3 months… heading decisively to my birthday goal of 40 pounds down by May 24 … Continue Reading My weight seems to be the only thing going down…
