hi how are you?
do you like the sun?

Yes, I love the sun, It's a mystery, I always wonder about it.

The sun is our friend, known for its constancy, loyal, unswerving in its dedication to its duty.

Yes you are right, did you know or ever heard someone said the sun is a star?

yeah, i knew that.
some people dont.
the sun is a pretty ordinary star.

It looks so much different from the regular stars.

Yeah, the atmosphere changes its color.
from the moon, it looks white.

Yes you are right, the sun looks more like an orange color, It amazing how the eyes see differently from a distance.

Yeah, the sunsets on mars are blue because of the atmosphere.

Wow, that's amazing especially when there is only one sun, did you know the diameter of the sun is 109 times that of the earth?

Yeah, the sun is huge.

it accounts for almost all of the mass in the solar system.

What do you think about facebook, do you have an account since so many things were going on with facebook?

I never had an account.

i was worried about privacy and data usage.

I have an account, but never login to it, I don't even remember my password, as you said privacy is my Issue.

I think that the kids are migrating away from facebook anyway.

fb will have to change.

Yes, you you right, there are so many other sites out here.I didn't know a third of all divorce filings of 2011 in us contain the word facebook.

Yeah, the connections probably are not just friendships, but a little bit more than that.

Did you know that there are more people on facebook than people in the world 200 years ago?

That sounds right.
the population has grown enormously.
Anyway, great chat!

Did you know 30% of american adults use facebook as their primary source of news?

That sounds about right.

people look for news to support their thinking.

Have a good night!

Yes you are right, It was nice chatting, you have a good night also.


70% of Nevada is a lot of land.

The federal government should either transfer that land back to Indigenous nations or charge market rates to extractive industry and use the revenue to pay everyone a Citizen's Dividend.

Hey I think that is a great idea, I would totally support that.

Cool!

What do you think of Congress trying to protect war criminals from the Geneva Convention?

I think its very interesting, I wonder if other governments around the world would do the same.

I'm sure some have -- but I assume it's governments that commit the worst war crimes that exempt their people from accountability.

That is most likely true as well.

Did you know about the Norwegian government donating a billion to help save amazon rainforest?

That's excellent!

Reforestation is really important.

I recently read that rewilding the world's previously forested areas could suck a decade or more worth of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Yeah it sure is, wow that is crazy.

I think that is one of the most important issues we face as a planet.

Same.

I'm really optimistic at the progress we'll be able to make once we reach the tipping point, but fearful we won't reach that point quickly enough.

Really cool about encoding a horse .gif in a DNA molecule.

Nanotech is amazing.

That is amazing!

I am hoping all of those advancements in technology can help save our planet in general.

Me too.

The cost of solar energy seems to be going through something like Moore's Law, so hopefully when most of the current coal generating infrastructure is ready to retire there'll be a big tipping point to solar in a short time.

Yeah I think they are getting so small and more powerful that they are building roads with them.

Printable solar panels are also cool.

I think the main bottleneck is storage tech now, so hopefully they'll find ways to make batteries a lot cheaper.

Yeah good call, the battery technology is really what needs to advance, and and easier system for disposing of them.

Those lithium batteries for cars seem to be a big improvement.

Hopefully the US economy will be less dependent on cars though.

Yeah I agree, I hope we can get away from cars or at least gas powered cars.

And get back to the kind of community layouts before the Model T, when they started designing towns around the car.

The history of the car is very interesting, I think most people think that Ford invented the auto.

He did make them really cheaper -- I think the biggest innovation he made was introducing tools that could cut hardened steel instead of hardening it after it was cut and warping it, so the parts were really interchangeable and didn't have to be hammered into place.

Good call, I would have to agree with you on that, you sure know your stuff.

Thank you!
Nice chatting with you :)


Hello,  did you know the norweigian government donated money to save the amazon?

Yes!

I just happened to read up on it recently.

It is interesting the choices various governments make regarding the environment.

I also read recently that nevada is mostly owned by the government.

I wonder what the government plans to do with so much land in Nevada.

Since it is mostly barren, I'm curious if they use it for bases and weapons testing.

That makes sense.
Military property.

Speaking of the military, how comfortable would you be with the fact that the US passed legislation to protect government employees from being prosecuted under the geneva convention?

I am not sure,  what do you think of it?

Well, I am honestly conflicted.

On one side, it is good to know the government is backing its employees and people regardless of how grey their actions.

On the other, there is a reason the geneva conventions were created and passing legislation means we have potentially violated it.

I see,  I don't think I know much about politics or this topic.

That is interesting though.

I concur.

Btw, since we are on the topic of government and to get off this grave topic, have you heard that a conman managed to impersonate a government employee and see the eiffel tower?

I did,  that is crazy!
Twice!

He simply used his skills, confidence, and charisma to make it appear as if he truly was a government employee finding an alternative to scrapping the eiffel tower due to the high maintenance costs.

Yeah,  maybe he took acting classes or he is knowledgeable in that area.

I wonder what he would say are his key advice when pulling a successful con.

Have you ever seen that movie Focus?

That was very enlightening inside view on a con artist's life.

I never have, but it sounds intriguing.
Could you elaborate?

The movie goes more into misdirection when doing a fast con and how they practice.

In a long con,  they do mind tricks and make the person think its a great idea,  they do so much research and planning its amazing.

Wow that is fascinating.

I guess these skills would make conmen masters at social skills, appearance, and research.

Right.
Do you like cars?

While I must admit I don't have much familiarity, I do admit I like cars.

the drive through was invented in 1975!
its been good chatting!


do you know much about the governent?

SOme stuff.
Do you know what WIkileaks is?

Yes that website that reveals government secrets

Yes they once revealed documents that showed how the government was trying to destroy them

Yeah.

In Nevada the government owns 86% of the land.

Yeah and I wonder what they do with all that land

I wonder too but then again, most of it is just desert not much to do there

True.

Did tou know a guy in France sold the eiffer tower, twice?

Yes he was good at impersonating officials

Yeah.
Do you like cars?

Love them.

DO you know how the drive thru came about?

Yeah that was because soldiers were not allowed to get out of their cars in fatigues

Yeah McDonald's was good to accommodate them back in 1975

Yeah true.

Do you know why the trunk of the car is called that?

Yes because in the old days the cars had wooden trunks

Yeah.
Do you know who Jonn Mardenborough is?

Yeah that guy that became a professional car driver after he beat 90 000 people in gran turismo

yeah.

Do you know the emperor of Japan is a scientist?

Yeah and he still published in journals, pretty cool

I know.

Do you know who invented the world wide web?

yea an english guy in 1989 who was working at the CERN

Yeah we are so glad that guy did that


Did you know the sun is actually white?

Wow no I didn't know, because the sun always appear to be yellow.

Yeah, it is from the atmosphere.

Did you know about three quarter of the sun mass consist of hydrogen, the rest is helium?

I can believe that.

Also a lightening bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun.

That seem hard to believe, but again, when thinking about it, a lightning bolt is truly fire.

Yeah, that is pretty cool, huh?

Ever read the terms of service off the internet?

Yes I read it before, but all the Internet services i had, say one thing and after having it for a while it seem to lose speed.

Yeah.

Man they are boring to read, aren't they!

Yes you are right, I never truly read the entire thing.

would you believe I was raised in the country and have seen lightening set trees and fields on fire.

Interesting.
Do you use facebook?

I am a fan of facebook, but I have never  post on facebook or sign in, because I don't trust facebook anymore.

I don't post either.
But I have an account.

Did you know that myspace turned down offer to buy facebook for $75 million dollars in 2005?

I can believe it.

They probably would have run it into the ground anyways.

LOL

Yes you are right, did you know Burger King for every 10 people unfriend on facebook get a free whopper?

Yeah, I did.
How much does a whopper cost?
$1.25?

I think so, well that's kind of low for going through those  changes.

Yeah, I think so too.
For a whopper?
LOL.
Hilarious.

Did you know the sun is only 1 billionth size of the biggest star in the galaxy?

No, I didn't know that.

But I hear it is pretty small in the context of things.

Well, nice chatting with you.

Yes you are right, It was nice chatting with you also.


Hello how are you doing?

Do you facts about the internet?

The 3 horizontal line menu on apps and websites is called a hamburger button.

I did not know about it.
Please tell me more.

i don't have any more detail on that one.

But here is another interesting one: The current library of alexandria has a saved copy of the internet in case the internet burns down.

That was interesting.
Is the government paying for it?

Not sure.
lol

I did not expect you to know.
Sorry for asking a silly question.
What would I do without internet?

lol Oh I see.

Well heres another fun fact There is 3g cell service and internet capabilities at the peak of mt.

everest.

I wonder who built it.

It is hard enough for me to get internet in my backyard.

yeah lol some parts of my city in the hills have really bad internet.

But Everest is where you have to post selfies,,, so I guess it makes sense lol 7% of people read the full terms when buying a product or service on the internet

Good to know about the 7%.

I myself am to lazy to read terms on the internet.

I read most of it.
definitely not all.

So, you are one of the 7%?
Just kidding.

Lol Yes!

It doesn't even matter,  cuz even if they say something bad in the terms of service I justify it in my head because I need my phone service lol

Sometimes I feel we have no choice but to accept the terms because we need the product or service.

Yeah I know.

Weird.

Did you know The sun produces enough energy in one second to meet the needs of the entire planet for 500 000 years.

I did not know that.
It's unbelievable, isn't it?

I know right,  everyone should be investing in solar!

The sun has so much energy but not too many people use it to power their home.

I know.

My friends who have it say their bill is always less than $20 a month

We need to use solar energy more.

Here is another fact:  "A lightening bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun".

Wow!
Well its been nice talking to you,


Would you ever want to be a baseball umpire?

I don't think any kid dreams of growing up to be a ref or umpire.

No, I would not.
Umpiring is a special calling.

I guess you become an umpire out of a sense of justice.

In the past, there were three umpires on the field: one for the home team, one for the visitors and then a neutral party.

Interesting I did not know that.

I did learn that baseball managers wear uniforms because they are actually allowed to play if they are needed.

I can't imagine any of today's managers playing.

But perhaps in the past, one of the players acted as a manager.

Did you play kickball as a kid?

Apparently it is called soccer-baseball in Canada.

Yeah, I played kickball.

It didn't require much equipment so we could play any time.

Speaking of money, apparently a man found three millon dollars worth of baseball cards in his grandfathers attic.

I wonder what his grandfather was planning to do with them.

$3 million?

I would sell those and invest the money!

So would I.
Maybe he forgot they were there?

Yeah, old age will do that to you.

I would keep track of everything I collected because you never know when it could become valuable.

Baseball is also popular in Japan.

I don't know whether they collect cards there though.

Speaking of Japan.

Do you Travel?

Japan's highways are tolls, so it costs more than $300 to travel across the country.

Yeah, the highways move smoothly because few people use them.

They cost quite a bit.

Still, you get what you pay for.

I wouldn't mind traveling to the Netherlands.

The dutch are creating a bus that travels 160 mph!

That's insane!

But I guess it's a good alternative to a train, and to driving yourself.

I wonder if it has a special lane or not.

True.

An island in Michigan apparently bans vehicles.

Have you heard?

Yes, I think they wanted to avoid the impact of the automobile.

I must be nice to have a place with a slow pace of life.

Maybe if you like reading or something.
I always loved Ender's game.
Have you read that?

No, though I've heard of it.
Was it made into a movie?

Yes.

It is also suggested reading for many military branches.

I guess the military wants to encourage strategic and tactical thinking.

Not a bad idea to be honest!


hello, lets discuss the umpires

Have you ever been an umpire?

no unfortunately, but I am very interested.

I like a lot Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council

He was referring to Kavanaugh who himself has no business being an umpire or a judge

yes exactly, I mostly admire in umpires that they have always been considered authority figures, like judges.

Both are subject to a lot of scrutiny, and we do what we think is right by rule and tradition.

The strike zone as they say can vary from one umpire to the next just like a judge's decision on a case

yes exactly.

Judges and analysts who describe an umpire's job in those terms are oversimplifying, do you agree?

I don't think Kavanaugh is fit to be an umpire let alone a judge.

Kavanaugh is one of the bests for me, he is very straightforward.

Hopefully the other justices on the court will help him learn to contain his temperament

maybe lol Have you heard that the rule book states that a runner must avoid a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball?

Yes, it is a basic rule of base running that umpires must watch out for

And you know I also learned that Unlike a judge, an umpire can't deliberate over days or weeks, reading briefs over and over, debating with law clerks or fellow judges.

I just don't know why

Umpires have milliseconds to make a judgement on whether or not a pitch is a ball or a strike

it is so interesting... did you know that When baseball was invented in the mid-19th century, it was a bit more like our adversarial court system.

There were three umpires: One was hired by the home team and one by the visiting team, and a neutral third party was there to step in if the advocates couldn't agree?

Throughout history, judges and umpires alike have been seen as neutral and objective and trusted with making tough calls

yes they were.

and plus As with judging, the tough calls are hardly ever obvious.

No matter how a judge (or umpire) calls it, there will always be someone on the other side to question the call

That is for sure, I totally agree with you.

Do you like baseball?

I do but enjoy the work of the Supreme Court more and can't stand the fact Kavanaugh was confirmed to the highest court of the land

I like him to be honest, he is one of the best for me.

Did you know that Baseball managers wear uniforms because they are technically able to play for their teams if the need arises?

I did not know that


Are you a fan of baseball?

Actually I'm not a big fan.

I do understand it, though, unlike football!

Growing up, I had a teacher who played pro-baseball in Japan; did you know is just a polular there as here?

Yes, they love it.

I used to know someone who also played in Japan.

The closest I ever came to being a fan was when I collected baseball cards with my brothers as a kid.

Did you know a gentleman found 3 million dollars worth of baseball cards in his grandfather's attic????

I wish I could be so lucky!!!!

I remember that.

Apparently he had like 15 Homer Wagner cards.

As to not depress the market value, he auctioned them off one at a time over several years.

Smart guy.
I didn't know that.

What I found out recently was that baseball managers wear uniforms so they can play if required.

That seems unique to baseball.

You must be a baseball fan!!!

LOL That is quite unique.

I attended a baseball game in Seattle once.

I have to admit it was really fun!

I have other interests, though, one of them being travel.

Have you ever gone to a foreign country?

I have done work in England (North Sea Oil), Middle East, Russia, and Australia, all oilfield related.

I have travelled to Japan and New Zealand for Vacation.

And, France for an ancestery tour.

WOW!!!!

That's quite a bit of travel!

Did you find that in Japan all of the highways are tolls?

Quite expensive, as it costs more than three hundred dollars from one end to the other!!!!

Yes, but I am a fan of toll roads.

I like that the users bear the cost of keeping the roads up.

It seems fairer than a sales some other tax unrelated to roads.

What do you think?

Very good point!

However, I wouldn't want to have to pay that much.

Here, at least we have a choice.

Toll or not.

What are your thoughts on alternative transporation.

The dutch are designing a  commuter bus that  supposedly travel 160 MPH.

That is either a very short commute time or a very long commute distance.

I like the idea.

When I was in Europe I used the trains and such.

It is relatively convenient and not too expensive.

The US should have something like that.

That bus is a little scary though.

A bus at 160 MPH would be horrible in an accident!!!!

I liked the trains in Europe as well.

Personally, even though I have a truck, I cycle as much as possible.

Its 10 miles one way to work so it is a good way  to exercise.

Is it considered safe to cycle on roads in your area?

Yes, it's considered safe.

It's the drivers who are crazy!

They go way too fast around here!

Speaking of speed........do you read very fast?

I saw that there is a world record for speed reading.

This woman had a speed of 4,700 words per minute!!!!

Can you believe that???

I was not aware of that.

I am a reader, not fast but thorough.

I have reading more since the advent of ebooks.

I think reading is "a lost art" sort of.

I read a lot, but our youth don't seem to be that interested.

I fear the younger generation are more visual stimulated than intellectually curious.

Did you know that the novel "Starship Troopers" is considered essential reading by our military?

I wonder why.

I have never read it, and it doesn't sound interesting to me.

Reading is a great escape, though, and allows one to produce their own "visions" in their heads.

I hope the military doesn't need THAT!!!!

LOL

I agree, I would have never thought that to be required reading for soldiers.

I guess I need too add it to my reading list to find out why.

Good chatting with you.

Thank you.
Have a great day!!!!
!

You too


Hi, how are you?

Hi!
I am good!
So do you like Baseball at all?
I like to play it sometimes.

I love baseball.
Who is your favorite team?

I have to go with my home team the Az Diamondbacks, how about you?

I agree Baseball is a great sport!

I am a cubs fan.

I love going to Wrigley and drinking too much and getting sun burned in the bleachers.

Do you go often?

Oh wow, that sounds like fun, I have never been to Wrigley.

I don't get the chance to go very much but would like to!

Did you hear about the guy who found 3 million dollars worth of 1900s baseball cards???

In an attic, wow!

Wow!

That's a lot of games at wrigley!

I also like going to minor league baseball games.

I was schocked to learn that the managers wear the uniform in case they have to play.

That is a lot of games you could go to hahaa!

Really?

That's interesting!

I wonder if they ever have to play?

One day I may have to travel and get to Wrigley for a game one day, would live to visit the stadium.

Yeah.

Up until 2005, a married couple could have told you when the games were scheduled, they made the schedule!

Another fun fact!

That is interesting!

I bet that job is crazy stressful lol.

I guess some Dutch are creating a commuter bus that goes 160mph....that would be cool and you could get to a game really fast!

Unless you crashed...
Imagine that bus on the movie Speed!

EW!

Lol no thanks....second thought lol.

Speaking of speed...I was reading about a lady who won a speed reading competition by reading 4,700 words per minute!

Wow, how is that posiible!

Wow, that's so fast.

I read really slow but comprehend a lot.

I wonder how much she comprehends...

I doubt she could retain any of it lol, so crazy.

So do you ever travel?

I like to go to the ocean every year, favorite place in the world to me!

Me too!

I want to retire to a coastal town where my biggest concern is what dinner to eat breakfast in.

What ocean do you prefer?

I go to Huntington Beach, such a beautiful area, I haven't traveled to the East coast yet but want to.

I read that the East coast is a lot different than the west coast.

I think so.

I am from chicago so we do not have any oceans.

I think that is why i romanticize about them.

I live in the desert so I make it a point to go to California once a year!

Travel time is only 6 hours so not too bad, good drive.

But oh man the beach is my sanctuary, I could live there if I could afford it!

Always to Huntington Beach?
What is there to do for fun?

I hang out in the little ocean side cafe's and shops.

They have a pier with a ferris wheel on it and you can walk and go in and out of shops too or eat amazing food right above the ocean, just lovely!

I could sit on the beach all day and read or sleep haha

Do you have kids that you take with you?

My kids are adults so yes if they are can, otherwise I go with a friend.

I think it keeps me going!

Travel and reading are favorites to get me out of the same ol stuff everyday, sometimes I go to san Diego or L.A too

nice.

I went with my kids and parents to Michigan and had a lovely time.

Nice chatting with you!


Do you go to concerts at all?

I sure do.

Did you know Ramones toured for 20 years?

Yeah and played a total of 2263 concerts in that time

Yes , and Linkin Park also played lots of concerts in a single year

Yeah 324 of them in 2001, that is insane

I know right?

That was all because their album was too successful

Yeah.

There is an ancient theater in Croatia where concerts can be held

Yeah same as in Pompeii, where pink floyd once held a concert

eah but without any audience.
King of strange

Yeah I know.

A Creed concert was once so bad that people sued them.

That is horrible Do you like cars?

I love cars.Do you know how the drive thru was invented?

Yeah it was all because soldiers were not allowed to leave their cars in their fatigues

Yeah McDOnald's had a great idea about that in '75

Yeah for sure.
Do you know how Cadillac got its name?

Yes that was after the founder of Detroit, de la Mothe Cadillac

Yeah.
DO you like country music?

I like some of it actually.

Goeorge Strait is a cousin of Jeff Bezos

Nice, small world.

There are only 2 african-americans in the hall of fame for country music!

Yeah that is strange.

Henry Ford paid money to make sure jazz does not take over country music

That is strange, each genre has its place


Howdy!
Ya'll a country music fan?

I love country music concerts!

I have been to private homes and even nightclubs for concerts.

Oh, do tell!

In Croatia there is an ancient roman ampitheater.

Have you ever been to a concert there?

I haven't!

That sounds cool!

I would have loved to have gone to the concert for dogs thrown by Lou Reed in 2010.

But, apparently, you are no dog.

So don't feel bad.

Pink Floyd recorded a live concert in an ancient roman amphitheater in Pompeii, and they didn't invite anyone to attend!

Pink Floyd is one my top ten favorite bands.

I love listening in my car.

Good thing I'm not in Ohio where it is illegal to warm up your car.

Yeah, but it gets so cold in Ohio during the winter, it is best to never turn it off anyway!

You what else should be illegal?

Creed.

Their 2002 concert was soo bad, their own audience members sued them!

I bet the band took a quick get-a-way car out of that town!

That is almost as brutal as calling country music hillbilly music before Connie Gay renamed it.

Nice!

I wonder when the band U2 openned for themselves mascara-ding as a country band called the Dalton Brothers from Galveston, did they ever call themselves a hillbilly band?

I assume they did!

Those were the times!

Country music even had a celtic element to it.

Nice.

U2 has put on a lot of concerts ove the years, but I wonder if they played as many concerts as the band, the Ramones, who over 20 years played over 2000 concerts?

That would hard to beat.

I would love to hear them do a cover version of the 1996 NFL country album.

Sure!

Hey, you ever wonder why there are only 2 zfrican americans in the country music hall of fame?

Is it because of its roots in folk music?

These questions keep me up at night... Like, why is the trunk of a car called a trunk?

After all, an elephant's trunk is in the front of that vehicle!

I love classic cars.

I wish I was as lucky as a NY man that bought a house with classic cars in the barn.

Were any of those classic vehicles named Cadillac, after french explorer, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac?

That's a great question.

I hope Cadillac makes self driving cars The good aggressive mode is pretty cool.

You like aggressive vehicles?

In South Africa it is legal to equip your car with a flame thrower.

That is aggressive mode!

No doubt!

I wanted to buy one of elon musk's flamethrowers but didn't order one in time.

There is always Christmas!
Nice chatting with you!


Hello there, do you attend many music concerts?

I do, I prefer live concerts to not live.

Yeah same here, I used to go quite a bit but not so much these days.

What was your favorite concert ever?

I like pink floyd.

They apparently recorded a live concert at the roman amphitheater in Pompeii with no audience.

I am a fan too, but mostly of their first album.

I have seen some footage, it looked so cool.

Interesting.

Well apparently Creed is so terrible that attendees of their concerts, that they got sued.

I read that as well.

I think that's pretty sad.

If you don't like it, don't buy a ticket next time.

Well in Croatia there is a roman amphitheater that is still used today.

I think that is so cool, I would love to see someone play in that venue.

Yeah, it would be cool to see it.

Did you know that 1886 was regarded as the birth year for the modern car?

I think I have read that before, wasn't it a German inventor as well?

I believe it was Karl Benz to be honest.

Pretty cool.

Good call, yeah very cool.

And then, thanks to Mr. Ford, the car years later became mass produced and widely available.

Apparently it is legal to put a flamethrower on your car in South Africa.

That sounds like a real life version of Grand Theft Auto, or better yet Twisted Metal!

Yeah, pretty crazy!
Do you like U2 the band?

They are pretty good, I would say their earliest stuff is probably the best.

How about you?

Yeah, I like the first few albums, but I admit I haven't listened to them in a long time.

Oh yeah I haven't heard those albums in forever, I know my older brother was into them as well.

Well apparently they played country music wearing wigs once in texas.

That is probably the best thing I have ever heard about them.

Nice chatting with you, hope you have a good day.


Hey, what do you think about this: A man in France impersonated a government employee and sold the Eifel Tower...twice!

Wow that's impressive haha!

Also impressive that the Chinese governmnt censored the word for censorship!

That's wild!

No more fake news...let's ban it all?

There are governments doing some good: The Norwegian gov donated $1 billion to save the Amazon jungle.

Is that like buying Florida swamp land?

Haha that's a great question.

I have no idea that's definitely a lot of money.

One place I want to go is Monaco though.

They eliminated the income tax back in 1869.

I guess they make enough money through just their Casino stuff

Nice, Must be like Nevada.

The federal goverment already owns 86% of the land there, so they gotta make their money off of gambling...

That must be it haha.

I heard that one of the original Facebook investors renounced his US citizenship.

Apparently the US government publishes everyone who does that, so his name is definitely on that list

I bet they pay less taxes now... Do they publish that list on Wikileaks?

You know, Wikileaks published the Goverment's plan to destroy Wikileaks?

Knowing how the Government works, because of this leak it may be the first time the government knows what it is doing...

Yeah that's actually pretty scary.

Did you hear about that on the radio?

I personally don't really listen to the radio that much, I mostly listen to YouTube, what about you?

I try to catch the latest, cutting edge news and information broadcast from that Finnish radio staion that broadcasts in classical Latin... Bad news just seems more palatable that way!

Haha good point.

Do you like Hanson by the way?

Apparently was the most requested track on an alt-rock radio station.

I guess their only other choice was to tune into those electromagnetic storms from Jupiter that can be heard on AM radio

Haha yeah I would have to test that out.

Do you like Bill Murray?

He used to do radio voices.

One of them was the Fantastic Four, and you would do the Human Torch back in the 70s

Two of my favorites: the Fantastic FOur and Bill Murray!

They don't make them like that anymore!

I like to listen to old radio drams, and there is a website where you can listen to thousands of hours of old broadcasts for free!

Nope they sure don't make it like that anymore you're right haha.

Did you ever listen to Bing Crosby?

I guess back in the forties he would take up literally half of all radio time because he was so popular

Nice!

Is he Canadian?

In Canada the radio stations are required to play at least 40% of their music from Canadian origin.

Between that and Bing Crosby, that doesn't leave much air time!

No it wouldn't haha.

Although I can't say how good Canadian radio would be because I can't think of any good Canadian artists haha.

Did you hear back in the thirties one of the most popular acts on the radio as a ventriloquist, that is definitely baffling haha

There is something magical about not seeing the ventriloquist's lips moving!

You ever hear of Foxhole radios?

I have heard of those.

How are they made again?

I know that they were used in World War II

Soldiers would MacGyver a radio out of razor blades and pencils!

What some people would do just to listen to Bing Crosby!

Haha I bet they would.

One radio station I wouldn't listen to is one that converts solar activity into a sound that you can listen to.

That sounds really boring.

I'd probably rather listen to Canadian radio haha

Nice!
Thanks for chatting with me!


hi!

Hi, can you imagine the US not charging income tax like Monaco!

no that's crazy!

Did you know 86% of Nevada is owned by the government, crazy!

No, i didnt!
Why do they own so much?

I think it's a power trip, not sure!

You know the government does what it wants lol

I would agree with you!

Do you think the US is a strict as China?

They censor the word "censorship".

Oh wow, I do not think the US is as strict as China

My brother was in China teaching English and even the internet is locked down there.

I kinda this its odd that we publish peoples name who renounce their citizenship.

I agree!

China is very strict from everything I have read.

Was your brother happy in China?

I think the government goes too far most of the time in some countries.

He enjoyed China!

He missed a lot of the thing back here in the US though.

Are you a Hanson fan?

I bet he missed a lot!

I am not sure are you talking about Hanson the singers?

I hear them on the radio once in awhile.

Yes, exactly!

They are actually from a town near where i lived in Oklahoma.

Can you believe that they had a song that was the most requested on a Alt/Rock station?

Wow, I was not aware of that.

They were pretty popular for awhile!

Did you know in Canada all radios must play 40% canadian music???

Wow.

Haha, i didnt know that.

Come to think of it i dont really even know that many Canadian bands.

I don't either!

lol, some of the Governments want to rule everything i think.

There was a man who acted as a government official and sold the eiffel tower!

2 times!

Maybe the government isn't doing to well if they've had to be bailed out by JP Morgan.

Right??

Our world is so mixed up, hopefully one day our Government and politicians will make sense for a change.

Are you affected by the government shut-down?

I cant believe they've shut down 17 times.

I am not thankfully!

But I know many who are and I think the Government needs to be the ones to not get paid until they sort everything out!

I did hear that many are still collecting salaries while not working.

Thats not good.

They are?

I think I heard that but it will be delayed in getting paid.

Only the people actually working should still be paid as usual it's not right how the system works.

have a great day!


hey there, do you listen to the radio much?

Sometimes, not too much though.
What about you?

From time to time.

If you listen in the AM you might catch JUpiter's storms

That would be kind of cool.

That would be some interesting nature sounds.

I'd like to listen to some solar activity.

Exactly.

THere is also a website where you can listen to free radio dramas

That would be cool too.

Apparently in the 1930s one of the most popular radio acts was a ventriloquist, I'm kinda baffled by that, just like many contemporary critics.

Oh wow.

soldiers in WWII made radios using razorblades and pencils

That's really crafty.

Where there's a will there's a way I guess.

Did you know that Bill Murray voiced The Human Torch in the 1970?

Did not know that.
He is all over the place.
Do you understand latin at all?

Very, very little.
Do you understand it?

Not really.

But there is a radio in FInland that gives the news in latin.

That's pretty awesome.

Yeah.

Switching to politics, how do you feel about the president being chosen by a lottery?

That would be kind of weird, but it's not much difference than an election.

You never know what you're going to end up with.

Yeah.

It worked for Venice in the middle ages, they had a great governing body

Maybe the U.S. should give it a try.

Did you know that Monaco eliminated income tax in 1869 because the revenue of the casino was sufficient enough to sustain their government?

That would be really wild.

Yeah they are a very rich country for sure.

In the US politicians in kentucky are required to swear an oath that they have never participated in a duel

That's very interesting.

I wonder how many have lied?

Apparently in 1895 J.P. Morgan bailed out the U.S. Government.

They are a strong company for sure.
Do you shop at walmart at all?

I do.

I live half a mile from one and that's where I do most of my shopping.

Apparently in new york city there are no walmarts due to opposition from local unions

Oh wow, that's kinda crazy.

I would feel out of place.

I'm from the South and there's a Wal-Mart on every corner here.

There you go.
It was nice chatting with you.


Hi, how are you?

I am well.

I am learning about animals and how many there are on our planet.

Do you know how many?

I have no idea but would love to know.

There are over 7 million animal species on our planet, insects contribute 1 million to that number

Wow.

That's a lot.

I thought there would be a lot less than that.

Is there anything else you were surprised to read about in the article?

The amount of living animals on the planet currently is 20 quintillion!

How fascinating!

You're right, that is fascinating.

I just found out that Jupiter has radio storms so strong that they can be picked up and heard by an am radio.

Wow!

I am curious to try that and to see if it works.

Do you know of any other fun facts about Jupiter?

Yes, according to canadian law, all radios are required to have at least 40% of the music played be canadian.

Interesting.

I would not think that there was even that much music to play.

Do you know of any Canadian musicians?

Yes, Nickleback and Avril Lavigne... And sorry, that was not about Jupiter...

It was about radios though which is very interesting.

Did you know that soldiers in world war II made radios from razorblades and pencils?

I did not.

I thought it would have been more sophisticated than that.

There is a website where you can listen to thousands of episodes of classic radio dramas for free

Wow.
I hope no one hiccups on the radio.
Do you know why we hiccup?

I do not, why do we hiccup?

It is from our evolution when land animals had both gills and lungs

Wow, I had no clue.

Do you know anything else about the human body that may be of note?

Humans lost their body hair 240,000 years ago.

I would have thought sooner than that

I have seen some men that that has not really applied to...

I operate pools and have seen some hair!

Haha how funny.

Well those humans would be happy to know that they can regrow a rib.

HA.

They may need more evolution than that...

It was nice chatting with you

You too.


Hi!
Are you familiar with Jazz music?

Hey!
Yes, I am familiar with it.
Are you?

Yes, but I have a tough time categorizing it as "America's classical music" since it's very upbeat while classical music seems a bit mellow.

Right, also it's largely improvised while classical is the exact opposite

Exactly!

It's surprising to see that there's regional variations of jazz music, I wonder whether or not I'd be able to tell the difference.

Reminds me of BBQ sauce, I only taste tangy or mustard or sweet.

Yeah it is like BBQ!
They even have it in Pakistan

Oh really?

I don't think I've ever hard of it on the radios.

Clint Eastwood is also a jazz enthusiast and he even scored several films, as if he wasn't talented enough already!

Right!

I didn't know that trumpet players grow goatees for comfort while playing.

Oh!

That's kind of neat, I remember my sibling playing it in high school and quit shortly after because he said it was painful, I guess teens would have a difficult time growing goatees.

Do you play any instruments?

Yeah, I play guitar.
I played piano and trumpet as a kid.
No goatee for me.
How about you?

Oooh, I've always wanted to play guitar.

I dabbled in flute in school but the instrument is probably laying in the basement somewhere.

I preferred sports like basketball.

That's funny, I always wanted to play basketball when I was kid but I had a coordination/lack of height problem lol

Haha, but it's the guitar that woos people!

It's funny how there's a basketball court on the top floor of the Supreme Court and is referred to as "the highest court in the land"!

That is funny!

Physicists proved that granny style was the best way to shoot freethrows

I would love to see the professionals implement that style of shooting for laughs, if it's proven to be effective, why don't they shoot that way?

I'd love to see it too.

That kid in the movie Hoosiers did it, I don't why guys in the NBA can't

I haven't seen that movie but they should probably rename it from granny style to something a bit more cool or hip, maybe that way more people would use it

right lol, rebranding might do the trick.

I didn't know Air Jordan's were banned by the NBA when they were introduced

I don't think I see players sporting Air Jordan's now, are they still banned?

Well even when they were banned, Nike was willing to pay the fine for each game.

That fine was probably a lot cheaper than marketing the shoes.

I don't know if they're still banned.

Maybe other show companies are paying more these days, like Reebok

Speaking of Reebok, did you now they offered Allen Iverson $800K per year and when he turns 55, Reebok will give him a $32 million dollar paycheck?!

Talk about great retirement

That's a great contract.

I always thought deferred money was the way to go for athletes considering how short their careers can be

Maybe they can be a coach, since they are the highest paid people in 39 out of 50 states!


Do you own a car?

I do!

Did you know that the first patent for a car was given out in 1886 to Karl Benz?

I didn't know they were being developed so soon.

I never knew that, I thought Henry Ford made the first car in like 1908

He made the first car that was widely available to people.

that make sense, i never knew that.
Have you ever owned a cadillac?

I never have.
Wish I did!
lol

Me too, do you know they were named after the founder of Detroit?

I did know that ironically.

They were named after the French explorer Antoine de la mothe Cadillac.

Wow, long name.

Cadillac rolls of the tongue a little better lol.

Yes!

lol  I would be curious to see the flame throwing cars in South Africa.

They are built with them so they can prevent carjackings.

that is a good way to prevent, but is it the safest one?

lol

I know right?
What if they fell into the wrong hands?
Scary to think about.

Right lol.

I don't think I would equip my car with it.

I would be too scared how close it would get to the gas tank!

Yes!

lol  how about Jann Mardenborough who became a pro race car driver by beating 90,000 people in the Gran Turismo video game.

Interesting.

that is awesome lol!

I used to play that game all the time.

I didn't beat that many people, I wish I would have so I could get famous too

lol Do you know how the backs of cars came to be called trunks?

I don't know, did they have something to do with wood or elephants?

In the old days, people used to carry wooden trunks on the backs of their cars!

I would hate to see what an elephant would do.

lol

Wow that makes sense, elephant was probably far fetched lol!

It was so nice chatting with you!

Yes!

I was surprised to see that McDonald's didn't add drive thrus until 1975.

It was nice chatting with you too!

I couldn't live without the drive thru lol.

Enjoy your night!


Hi there!
Are you a transformers fan?

Hello!

I have watched most of the movies and loved the toys as a kid!

Awesome!

I can't believe it's been 12 years since the first one came out in 2007.

Time is flying by.

Geez!

I can imagine the movie did take along time to put together considering how fast the CGI goes

Yes!

in the 2007 film did you know there are an average of 1.53 explosions per minute?

lol

WOW!

Thats alot lol.

When I first saw, it was borderline dizzying speed

Yes!

Did you know the director Michael Bay was the human flicked away by Megatron in the first movie?

How I was that were real.

LOL  Did you happen to see Bumblebee that came out in Dec. of 2018?

I haven't seen that one yet but have a soft spot for Bumblebee.

I have not seen it yet.
Have you?

No.

I haven't seen it.

I was going to ask you what you thought of it.

It'll probably be different fro teh rest.

optimus price has died more than 25 times in the comics lol

I saw that!
That is a crazy amount.
Are you a fan of car history?

I am!

I actually work in the car industry.

I see that Cadillac was named after a french explorer.

Yes!

Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac who was also the founder of Detroit!

Hah its legal to have a flame thrower on your vehicle in South Africa

I wouldn't want to be around those!

That would be scary if they fell into the wrong hands.

Heh, sounds like fun to me!

LOL  I didn't know McDonalds didn't have drive thrus until 1975.

I thought they came out earlier than that.

I would have thought so to, they had to appela to the military.

Yes.

I agree.

Before I get going, did you hear how Jann Mardenborough became a professional race car driver?

I wish I could play a video game and do that!


I think it is fascinating that President Obama could still be President even if he was born in Kenya like Trump used to claim.

I do as well.

I find it interesting how candidates change their attitudes and even accents when speaking in different states.

Absolutely like Hillary Clinton and her southern drawl while in the south.

I wonder if people find it appealing or demeaning when they hear it?

I find t demeaning personally.

She obviously has the ability to speak very well considering she won a grammy for best spoken word album

Exactly!

The President of Indonesia should have received a grammy for his 3 pop albums while in office.

I still can't believe they stripped the trees of coconuts when President Obama visited.

He should make a pop song about the missing nuts!

I agree!

its amazing how much the secret services protect the presidents.

Obama's code name for them were renegade.

I suppose Renegade is better than being called President Banana like they do in Zimbabwe.

Can you imagine answering to President Banana?

No I could not!

At least the policies have changed since 1805 and the runner up in a presidential election is not automatically made the vice president.

Come on that would have been fascinating to watch Hillary Clinton be President Obama's Vice President.

Maybe if she served as VP she would not have bungled the Russian "reset" button with an "overload" button.

Freudian slip I am sure.

hard to believe that she was president of the young republicans in college.

She definitely was a politician from the start.

Not loyal to party or accent.

Whatever people think of her she did  serve our country from 1993-2016.

That is quite a long time.

yes, its hard to believe that she has sewrved as the First Lady, a Senator, Secretary of State as well as a Presidential nominee.

Maybe she lost because she served for too long.

People knew too much about her.

President Obama only served for 3 years as a Senator before he won the Presidency.

True.

Its hard to believe that Franklin Roosevelt vetoed 635 bills and Obama only 2.

Sometimes I have to zoom into the white house on google maps to catch a glimpse of better times when Presidents compromised instead of vetoing everything.

I wonder if wealth plays a part?

The top three wealthiest presidents in american history were JFK, Washington, and Jefferson.

I didn't realize that!

Do you think they were offended when they discovered the guest house is larger than the white house?

It is probably the first time they received the smaller living quarters.

I know its hard to imagine as huge as the white house that the guest house is larger.

Its amazing to look at all the guest that have visited the white house one of them being Steven Hawking.

Absolutely!

I wish I witnessed the Stephen Hawing lecture hosted by President Bill and Hillary Clinton.

I bet it was fascinating.

I'm sure Hillary was very involved giving her experience as a public speaker, a lawyer, and a writer.

I enjoy talking about Presidents, but I have to run.

Thank you!


Hello - how are you today?

Hello.

I am good and yourself?

Have you read or scene anything about fishermen rescuing a humpback whale?

I have no read about that.
Do you like the radio?

I like listening to the radio.

Currently I am trying to find out how to hear storms on Jupiter with it.

I would love to hear the storms from Jupiter lol.

I would too.

I've heard that am am radio can somehow pick them up.

Did you know soldiers in WWII made radios using razorblades and pencils?

No I didn't know that!
How did they do it?

Not really sure, but I think they used the pencil and razorblade as the diode.

That's pretty impressive and creative!

Speaking of creative, there's a website where you can listen to old radio dramas for free.

Those were always creative back in the day.

That would be cool to listen to.

I think it would be too.

I mean, it seems like back in the day radio dramas had to be emotional, detailed, etc because a person didn't see anything, they just listened.

So to keep listeners they had to be good.

Yep exactly.
Do you like animals?

I love animals!

Do you like animals?

There are so many different kinds of animals on the planet that it is amazing when you think about it.

I love animals too.

There are 20 quintillion animals on planet Earth.

Wow!

That is a lot!

Seems like I've seen something on tv about there still being animals that have yet to be discovered and named.

In this day and age, that is really fascinating to think there are creatures on our planet we know nothing about.

I agree.

Animals develop white patches on their foreheads when they are domesticated.

Really?
I wonder why?

It doesn't say, but that's pretty interesting.

That is interesting.

You know, speaking about undiscovered animals a second ago, the loch ness monster has never been found.

Even still though, Scotland has it listed as a protected species.

Do you believe in the Lochness monster?

I guess in a way I do, or at least I have hope that it's real.

I'd like to think that out of those millions of animals that are undiscovered on earth there just might be a dinosaur or two.

Do you?

I think it's a possibility, but I feel like we would have discovered it by now.


Do you ever look up places on Google Maps only to zoom to see what they look like up close?

Apparently if you do that to the White House, you'll see Obama

Wow that's funny!

I should certainly try that some time.

I wonder if it's in India, I know he visited there and it was a big deal.

I'm not sure, but I know India removed all the coconuts in the area surrounding one of his destinations.

Just in case

I wonder why that is!

Obama is an interesting and secretive person at times.

His secret service code name is renegade for some reason.

That's a legit code name!

It might be so the coconuts don't accidentally fall on his head.

Ahh that's a good point, I wonder if it's as tropical in Kenya.

Which on another note, if he had been born there he could have still been president.

I wonder why that is.

Is Kenya secretly owned by the US, or did I not pay enough attention in history class?

Ahah I guess it's just a misconception.

Did you have any strong opinions on Obama?

I thought it was interesting he only vetoed 2 bills throughout his presidency.

Compared to FDR's 635 bills, that's nothing at all, but it might also depend on which party had majority in Congress at those times

Yeah that's a good point.

Are you interested in individual presidents at all?

Not really, but I do like random facts, like how the first President of Zimbabwe had the last name Banana

Wow I bet it was hard to take him seriously.

Then again I'd imagine if you were the president of Indonesia, who released 3 pop albums while in office, it would be hard to be taken seriously also

Unless it's good music.

It might help when running for re-election.

Maybe the people in that country are a big fans of pop

Yeah true, maybe Trump should consider doing something like that to boost his revenue.

After all, he somehow isn't one of the three wealthiest presidents in U.S. history.

JFK is the most recent of the top 3, but I guess it shouldn't be surprising that a Kennedy would be that wealthy

Oh yeah, but I'm sure they measure for inflation.

Otherwise I'm sure Trump would hate it.

Although I bet not as much as he hates the U.S. guest house being larger than the White House.

He has so many other buildings, that he probably doesn't mind.

He would hate it more if Hillary Clinton became President

Oh definitely, although I think they both can be considered as having been false at times.

I don't think this is a huge deal, but she adopts a southern drawl when campaigning in the South.

I don't know if I'm impressed or appalled at that one.

Back in her college days, she was a Republican

And more than that, she was actually the president of the Young Republicans at her school.

I wonder how her political views shifted since then.

Maybe marrying Bill changed everything for her


Do you like Carmelo Anthony?

I did when he was playing.
What is he up to now?

I think he's leaving the Thunder and is thinking about going to Heat

Hmmm...I think this is old news.

He just signed with the Golden State Warriors a few days ago.

lol

He did?

lol I guess this article is outdated then I think the Warriors have a great team this season, they always do

I take that back.

I just looked.

He's close to signing with them.

lol  There was talk of him possibly going to the Lakers so it's correct.

lol  I'm sorry.

I should just jump to some facts like how the New Zealand basketball team is nicknamed the "tall blacks" yikes!

Thats ok seems like guy changes team real often, the Thunder wants to help him find a new team I guess no hard feelings there

When I just looked it's mind boggling at the teams being thrown out there that he might be going to.

lol Do you know that the US Supreme Court building has a basketball court on the top floor and it's known as "the highest court in the land"?

I didnt know that, that is really interesting, I wonder if theres any big tournaments played in that court.

I'm not sure.

I wonder if any of the judges play up there?

I can see Ruth Ginsberg taking a granny shot which physicists proved that shooting granny style is the absolute best technique to consistently score points from the free throw line.

I wonder that as well, maybe they play against lawyers and in rare cases against convicted felons.

lol In 39 out of 50 states, the highest paid state employee is either a college football or basketball coach.

Interesting.

Sounds like a nice career path lol I bet the inventor of the game James Naismith made a lot of money as coach

He probably did I'm sure.

He ironically was the only losing coach in the history of the University of Kansas.

Yeah, sounds like he didnt understand his own rules lol, there is a team that has a really racist nickname in New Zealand

I saw that.
What were they thinking?
Do you know who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is?

No, who is he?
is he a pro basketball player?

Yes.

He played in the 70s and 80s.

He dunked so much in college that they banned it for over a decade in college.

Woah, he sure had a negative impact on the game.

I do think that is unfair,  do you like jazz?

I do like jazz!

I think Kansas City jazz which is a hard swinging, bluesy, improvisational style is my favorite.

Jazz has deep roots, they go back to communities in New Orleans, its been great chatting by the way

It does.
Have a great night!


Hello,  do you listen to the radio?

I used to listen frequently.
I don't listen much now.
How about you?

Not too much as well.

I listen to the pandora,  spotify and google music lol

I usually go to Youtube.

I wonder how much longer radio will survive.

Radio is classic though,  and it doesnt require internet lol what if you are going on a road trip and you have no signal lol also,  there is a station that plays classic dramas for free.

I gotta wonder who's going to listen to classic radio dramas.

Must be from a previous generation.

lol true.
I am not sure either.

It's funny that Canadian law requires radio station to proote Canadian content.

I guess otherwise it would all be American.

That is cool,  unless Canadian music consist of Justin Bieber lol

There are other bands.

I guess there are far more US bands so the gov't wants to make space for homegrown talent.

It was just a joke,  but good to know thanks.

also,  in wwii soliders made homemade radios.

They wanted to listen to classic radio dramas, which were the best they had in those days.

Thats good they had some downtime then.

Do you like animals?

Did you know that there is a type of jellyfish and lobster that is immortal?

I guess their numbers are kept down by predators.

I wonder whether they are conscious of the passage of time.

Immortal is a long time.

That is true,  I have no clue if they can feel how much time has gone by.

lol It is interesting though.

Germany has given animals legal rights.
I wonder why that came about.

The Act requires stunning of warm-blooded animals before slaughter

Hm.
Interesting.
I guess they want to minimize pain.
That is a good idea.

Did you knot the loch ness monster is protected species?

That must be some sort of mistake or quirk in the law.

There is no such thing as the Loch Ness monster!

really?

you dont believe it can be possible that it exists?

or used to exists?

that is interesting.

Hey been great talking!


Hi, how are you?

Great.

Are you a fan of the NBA?

There's a battle going on about who will get Rookie of the Year, Ben Simmons or Donovan Mitchell.

I am a fan of the NBA.
Are you?

Sorta kinda...

Looking at the records, I think Simmons has a slight edge.

I think he did win it.

But it was his second year.

He was injured his first year so it didn't count.

OK. Did you know that Allen Iverson has a lifetime endorsement for Reebok for $800K a year?

Wow.
Aren't both of those pretty washed up?

Yeah, not many people will remember Iverson in a few years.

It's kind of cool that Tim Duncan stayed in school before going into the NBA.

He is a different cat.
He liked school and what it brought.

Rarely see that... Did you know that in 39 of 50 states, the highest paid state employee is a college basketball or football coach?

Wow.

I had no clue.

Jordans were banned and nike paid the fines for jordan.

He wore them anyway huh?

Funny, the New Zealand basketball team is call "Tall Backs".

I'm not sure what that means.

It means racism... Just kidding.
I think it is their national name.
Their rugby team is black 7s.

Far from the Utah Jazz, Jazz, the type of music, originated in New Orleans.

I love jazz.
Do you like it?

Certain types.

I like more of the traditional jazz.

I didn't know goatees were a jazz thing for jazz trumpeters.

It was a comfort thing, I believe...

Yes.

Did you know Pakistan has a jazz orchestra that is topping the charts.

I wouldn't have guessed that.

Me neither and I try and stay on top of that stuff.

It's funny that physicists proved that shooting FTs granny style is actually better.

Nice chatting with you!


How are you?

Do you watch the NBA, there are 30 teams in the league currently

Hi, ugh more basketball questions.
All but 1 are in the US

Yep, 29 in the USA

This surprised me: Dizzy gillespie ran in the 1964 presidential race with a cabinet made up of all the biggest names in jazz.

My parents knew him but I never heard this.

That's interesting, I hear Clint Eastwood is a huge jazz enthusiast

He is.

He made that movie years ago about Charlie Parker called Bird.

That's cool.

Did you know Pakistan has a jazz orchestra?

No, but good musicians are everywhere.

And people can like unexpected things like Tupac studying ballet, acting, poetry, and jazz.

Yea.

I never knew Jazz trumpeters grew goatees because it provided comfort

I can see that, the instrument would be painful constantly against the skin

Yea it's smart to grow one if you're playing all the time

And they play rather energetically.

Yea, I read in the 1940 Jazz became more difficult to perform so that couldn't of helped

You're talking about Bebop.

It was more challenging to play, energetic and long, technical pieces.

I guess so.
Coo jazz sounds like my type

Cool jazz is more like Spiro Gira or really mainstream cool jazz like Kenny G. I didn't know it went back to the 1940s.

It's funny how there is a programming language in which programs are written inn musical composition

Well, music and math are related.

I suppose so, I've never thought about music in that way

I don't think most people do, unless they are composers.

Maybe it would be easier to learn math by thinking of it as jazz-like harmonies


Good morning.

So just found out that Air Jordan's were banned by the NBA, but Jordan wore them anyway, and Nike paid for the fines.

Watching Jordan was amazing though

Morning back.

Yeah, it kind of feeds into the idea that there's a different set of rules for the well-off--even among the already well-off!

This definitely true, Iverson has a lifetime endorsement contract with Reebok, pays 800k a year, and then at 55, pays a lump 32mil.

Must be nice.

He has been retired for awhile

I know, I read that and was like, "maybe I chose the wrong career path?"

Altho, maybe I'll eventually end up being able to use the "the highest court in the land" at the US Supreme Court, which would be pretty cool (but still maybe not worth 32 mil).

That would be sweet to play on.

I find it a little sad the amounts that are paid to people playing sports or musicians.

In 39 out of 50 states, the college football or basketball coach is the highest paid employee.

I guess you can see where our societies priorities lie.

Really though.

And some even aren't all that great--I mean, the inventor of basketball is the only losing coach in the University of Kansas' history.

(Although I guess historical coaching compensation probably differs from today anyhow.)

Yeah that coach probably made 50k back then.

Speaking of musicians I did not know that Clint Eastwood is an accomplished Jazz pianist, and has scored several of his films.

He seems do be successful in a lot of things.

Oh word?

I recently read something about that too, which was also pretty surprising to me.

He doesn't seem to be the type to be enthused by jazz.

At the same time, it is "one of America's original art forms" and Eastwood is sometimes thought of as quintessentially so, so that does kind of fit.

Love the Man with No Name trilogy.

But I would like to visit the apartment of the Harlem woman who has held free Jazz concerts every Sunday.

That would be pretty interesting.

It definitely would be.

I wonder who the top performers were who would stop by?

Or if, today, Pakistan's jazz orchestra would stop by?

That would be one cramped apartment.

Going back to the NBA, I had no idea Reggie Miller was always in the shadow of his sister in high school.

He scored 40 pts in a game once, was bragging about it, and was told his sister, Cheryl had scored 105pts and broken 8 national records.

Must have been humbling for him.

Maybe if he were shooting "granny style" he'd have hit that 105, haha.

(Also, wait, can we just recognize how incredible 105 pts is in one game?

Like woah.

I wonder if Cheryl holds those records still.)

She should have been in the WNBA, but I guess it wasn't really a thing back in the 90s.

Also, I think it is hilarious that Kareem got college basketball to ban the dunk when he played.

I can just see coaches, "Well, he is so tall, it's not fair and we don't have guys that tall.

Let's ban it."

Haha

Kinda surprising it took so long to get the WNBA to be A Thing.

After all, there were already like four leagues in the US and Canada.

But yeah, Kareem dunking out the dunk is pretty legend.

Yea, and it is still on the outskirts of media attention.

I mean, the NBA is almost 60 years, and they have had many amazing stars play the game.

I did not know that Tim Duncan sacrificed money and stayed in college for 4 years to get his degree before joining the NBA.

College education is one of the main reasons that a lot of college athletes really pursue their sport.

I know a couple of friends who wanted to stop their sport (swimming), but had to keep doing it for scholarship reasons.

Of course, they didn't have the opportunity to go on to be professional, like Duncan did.

Are you actually a basketball fan, or are a lot of the facts here new to you?

Some of these are new, I grew up in the Jordan area, living in Chicago at the time, it was amazing.

Miss Starter jackets, lol.

One thing I did learn was I always thought the basketball hoop was 12 feet mounted, but apparently it is 10 feet mounted.

It definitely points to how sad my jumping ability was and still is, lol.

Oh, you used to play?

In a league, or just casually with friends?

Yeah, I don't know anything about the sport.

You could tell me the net was 15 feet off the ground and I'd believe you.

Most of my experience was from elementary school P.E.

classes, so, you know, ten feet to a 4-foot-tall kid seems pretty high.

Do know the scoring at least -- though I didn't know a normal basket was called a "field goal," which was a new term to me.

Yeah I played in high school for 2 years, nothing major was on B team, coach favortism and all that.

I did not know that the NBA players are the world's best paid athletes by average annual salary per player.

I would assume it was baseball or futbol (soccer).

I guess that is why so many people go for basketball, I know it feels like there is not a lot of parity, team wise in the league.

Yeah I would have assumed it would have been American football, or yeah soccer would make sense too.

But you weren't going for the big bucks when choosing basketball--just for the love of sport.

Were any of the teams you were on part of USAB, which is recognized by FIBA?

Or is USAB more professional stuff?

I think USAB is more for Olympics.

Yea I would not that good, lol.

I played for the love of the game, and always dreaming I was Jordan, Dominique Wilkins or Clyde "the Glide" Drexler.

It was fun talking, take care

You too!

Have a great day!


Hello there, do you follow basketball much?

I do, I love it.

I know the NBA is made up of 30 teams, which includes one in Canada.

Yeah same here, and my favorite team is doing really well so far this season so I'm pumped.

I think there will be at least 3 teams from Canada by 2030.

That would be interesting!

SAs much as they make it's hard to believe that five years after retirement 60% of players are broke.

That is really hard to believe.

They should be teaching the rookies that come into the league how to invest properly.

Yes, I agree they should.

Did you know they fired coach Stan Van Gundy for saying NBA shouldn't be playing on Christmas day.

Yeah I think I read about that back when he said it, I can respect his view.

I can too!

Back to the finances on NBA players, about 30 years ago legend Spencer Haywood chose $100,000 upfront instead of a 10% stake in Nike.

Holy cow!

Just think of what that stake would be worth today!

Today it would be worth a whopping $8.62 billion if you can believe it.

Oh man, wonder what old Spencer is up to these days with all that $100,000?

Probably long gone sadly.

NBA player Tim Duncan of the Spurs actually sacrificed money and stayed in college for four years instead of going directly into the NBA.

Yeah I heard about that years back when he chose to, I think it was a good move, he still had one hell of a career.

I agree.

Nothing wrong with an education.

I did not know that the NBA was one of four major professional sports leagues in the US and Canada.

Somehow I thought there were more.

Yep one of the four major, and unlike everywhere else in the world, soccer is not one of them.

Now that is a surprise.

I know NBA players are the world's best paid athletes by average annual salary per player

Yeah they sure make a ton of money, but their careers are usually pretty short.

I am not really sure how long their careers last, are you?

I think about 8-10 years would be considered a good career.

Wow.

It's not a long time, but it is when you consider all the activity!

Well, the NBA is widely considered to be the premier men's professional basketball league in the world.

It is, and it is becoming more of an international players league, my team has the best in the league and he's from Greece!

Nice talking to you, hope you have a good day.


Hello how are you doing today?

Hi, I'm good.

Was reading today that the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, is the only losing coach in the University of Kansas's history which is pretty funny.

That's pretty ironic.
Do you like basketball?

Not really but there are some pretty interesting facts about it.

Like the US Supreme Court building having a basketball court on the top floor and having it known as "the highest court in the land"

That's funny!

I saw that in 39 of 50 states, the highest paid state employees are either a college basketball or football coach.

That's crazy!

I can't believe that!

Another funny random fact is that the New Zealand basketball team nickname is the "tall blacks"

That would never fly in the US.

People would be rioting over a name like that.

Right?

They definitely would.

Seems like a lot of people are rioting over the Wizards playing against the Bulls and their loss.

I don't watch too much basketball.
Mainly just college.
Never really got into the NBA.

Well the Wizards lost to the Bulls 113-94 and it's being called "unacceptable".

It's like the team isn't even trying.

They lost against the Heat too and it seems like these are 2 games they should have won.

Wow, that's not good.
Do you like jazz music?

I do, I think it's really cool how Clint Eastwood is a jazz fan and has even scored several films including Million Dollar Baby.

Do you like jazz?

That is pretty cool.

There is a programming language in which the programs are written in musical composition with jazz-like harmonies.

Wow that seems interesting about the programs.

I didn't know that.

But random basketball fact, air jordans were banned by the NBA and Michael Jordan wore them anyway, probably because Nike was willing to pay the fine each game.

LOL that's hilarious!

Did you know Pakistan has a jazz orchestra that's topping the charts?

I did not know that!

I wonder what they sound like!

And if they've ever stopped by that apartment in Harlem where the woman has held free jazz concerts every Sunday for 20 years.

Seems like a lot of top performers occasionally stop by so this could be their venue!

That's pretty cool.

Jazz musicians grow goatees to provide comfort when playing.

I did not know that but that explains a lot about jazz musicians I've seen.

I'm really into the blues but recently found out that

I love blues music.
Do you like country?

I love country music.

I recently found out that European military band music is one of the roots for jazz just like the blues.

The home of Jazz is New Orleans just like the US could be the home for country music.

It was really good talking to you!

Definitely!

and if ever on the court, you should know it's been proven that shooting "granny style" is the best technique to score points on the line!

Take care!


do you like basketball?

I sure do, Do you know who Karem Jabbar is?

Yes he is the guy that overused the dunk shot and it got banned for a while after

Yes.
DO you know who invented the sport?

James Naismith and ironically he is the only losing coach at U of Kansas too

Haha go figure.

NFL coaches are the highest paid state employees in many states

Yes that is true.

Have you heard of the highest court in the land?

Yes that is in the US Supreme court's highest floor

Yes I wonder how many people use it though as they are there to work mainly

Yes true.
do you like jazz music?

I love it.

Do you know who tops the charts as the best orchestra in jazz?

That is the Pakistani orchestra, they are super good at it

Yeah.

DOo you know why the trumpeters have goatees?

Yes because it makes playing much more comfortable

Yes.
Do you watch the NBA?

yes sometimes.
DO you know who Reggie Miller is?

Yes the guy that could not get a break from his sister being so good

Yesh she broke 8 national records in a single game by scoring 105 points

Wow what a family of talented kids overall

I know right?

Did you hear Iverson signed a contract with Rebook?

Yes for $800 000 every year until he turns 55


Hi do you like to watch basketball?

I watch the NBA from time to time.

I love that it is the premier basketball league in the world.

I watch on occasion.
Mostly during tournament times

Nice yea the playoffs are fun.

The league was founded way back in 1946.

Been around for a long time now.

It was invented at the YMCA along with Volleyball.

Interesting yeah it is a bit similar to volleyball.

Currently there are 29 NBA teams in the USA and one in Canada which I think is lucky for Canada.

Definitely.

Id like to see it expand more into Canada.

Yeah that would be interesting.

I think it would help increase its popularity.

Right now it is based out of New York.

I didnt know that.

I guess it is somehting I never thought of.

Vasectomy rates increase during march because of the NCAA tournament.

Men want to stay home and watch it.

LOL

haha wow that is funny.

The inventor of basketball was coincidentally the most losing coach in Kansas history!

I know!

How can you be bad at the game you literally made up.

Haha my question exactly.

Well sports are huge in this country no doubt.

39 out of the top 50 paid employees in the states are either a college football or basketball coach!

Looks like it is time for a career change for me...

I could use that pay for sure.

Did you know Shaq only made 1 3 pointer in his entire career?

Haha I believe it.

I would also believe he only made one free throw.

He should have switched to granny style to increase his chances.

For real, no matter how it looks, it is the most effective.

Id do it, and work to make it popular.

That would be funny.

But no one would laugh after you make 100% of your shots!

Its cool how basketball is global though.

New Zealand calls their team the tall blacks.

Did they give themselves the name, Id be interested in the history of that one.

Yeah I'm not sure.

They call their rugby team the all blacks so it might just be their theme color.

True.

Are you excited for the Space Jam sequel?

So excited just hope it is well done.

It would be cool to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in it.

Once his dunk got banned from college hoops!

I know, I couldnt imagine basketball without it.

Me as well.

Although a basketball hoop if 10 ft tall, some of the players make it look so short.

They really do, it is so hard for me to even touch the net.

Guess I ll have to work on jumping.

Its been nice chatting!


How many zeros are in quintillion?

Because I hear that there are about 20 quintillion animals on Earth.

I am pretty sure there are 15 zeros in a quintillion, that's a lot of zeros.

I am guessing that humans are way more than animals.

Yes, can you imagine a 40,000 years old painting.

I wonder how man came to those many years?

How about 20,000 years ago?

Remember cavemen were the first humans?

Creating art in the caves was one of their many skills.

Yes, can you just imagine thinking about the oldest known human craft, a 40,000 year old lion's head.

Are we talking about an actual lion's head, framed on the wall?

This was an actual lion's head made from Ivory which was found in Germany.

Wow.

I wonder who was the lucky and brave warrior to desperately slash a lion.

That's something to think about, I don't know maybe back then hunters were braver than they are now.

I'm pretty sure food was harder to come about, maybe I am wrong, but that's just my opinion.

Interesting.
Well, that was the prehistoric times.

Yes, so true.

If you haven't been, would you like to visit one of those caves if you get the opportunity?

To be honest.

I do not think I have the courage to go by myself.

Hahaha, you are so right, it does sound a little scary, but also Interesting.

Imagine the value of a lion head Ivory.

Would you go in a cave like that?

Still, I would start crying and screaming, even though the lion is dead.

I think I would, but only if I am touring with a large group of people, because who knows what may  be in that cave thousands of years.

I wouldn't go by myself.

Exactly!

There should be a tour that would cost about $5 to $10 to walk in.

That's true, now we know that there were the human beings back in those days and this will provided us with their behaviors.

It is insane to view our perspectives to survival of the fittest was different from back then.

Did you know that in 2002 germany was the first country to give animals legal rights?

There are human rights, and then there are animal rights.

I guess it's fair.

Yes, In germany drivers have to stop and let animals cross the road or where ever they maybe crossing.

I am proud of their law due to animals can't talk or have human knowledge.

Interesting.
Isn't that the same thing with the USA?

Sad but true.

The US getting stricter on their rules when it comes to animals.

can you Imaging animals having a lungs and gills.

Well, all animals have lungs and fishes have gills.

I heard back in the days certain fish had both, which they could live on land for a while and water, this maybe a myth, I am not sure.

Interesting.
Well, it was nice to chat with you.


Hey.

You follow politics closely?

Hilary Clinton actually won a grammy before.

I do, and really?
she won a grammy?
what for?

Yeah for best spoken word album for her audio book!

She makes a lot of money!

I bet she does, she is a really smart woman, Hillary Clinton was the president of young republicans in college

Interesting now that she's a democrat.

She also did a lecture with Stephen Hawking!

She did wow, Im envious of that Stephen Hawking is one of the best figures in the history of mankind

I agree, a super genius.

She almost became president too.

Obama endorsed her but it wasn't enough.

Hard to believe he was president for so long (2009-2017).

Trump stole the elections from her, and yeah he served for two terms

What's crazy is that FDR vetoed 635 bills during his term and Obama vetoed only 2!

Is that a good thing or a bad thing lol?

sorry I dont follow politics that much

I guess it could be argued either way!

Obama got a lot of stuff done.

One thing I want to try is to zoom in on the white house using google maps.

Apparently you can see Obama.

He did I agree, he was one of the best presidents in my opinion, his codename for the secrete service is renegade, thats a coool codename

Yeah that is cool.

When he visited India all the coconuts in the trees surrounding him were removed, I assume so they wouldn't fall on him.

He is safe from them yeah lol, he used to be a Senator before he became president

Yeah I think he was pretty liked back in Illinois.

Seems like he got a lot done from 2005-2008.

That was a strong basis for him winning the presidency

Yeah definitely helped for sure.

All that controversy with him being born in Kenya doesn't matter because he would still be eligible to run regardless.

I guess theres no way to discredit him and opposing candidates use that as an excuse.

Yeah.

But little do they know nothing can stop the renegade!

Nothing cant stop him indeed, Barack Hussein Obama II, he must also be a great attourney

Yeah I bet he is!

First ever African American president is a huge accomplishment!


Hi!
Do you listen to jazz?

Yes, I do.

I like Jazz a lot, there's all kinds of Jazz styles that I like such as hard-swinging jazz, bluesy, improvisational, gypsy and Bebop.

There are a wide variety of styles, I always liked the swing.

Me, too.

I also like Cool Jazz because of its calmer, smoother sounds.

Clint Eastwood is a huge fan of Jazz.
and even plays the piano.

Yes, Clint scored several films too including Million Dollar Baby.

I never knew he was that talented.

Yes, him and lots of others.

Did you ever hear that jazz trumpeters grew goatees because it provided comfort when playing.

I have heard that, but as a musician myself, I dont know if I believe that.

Ok, what about that there's a programming language in which the programs are written in musical compostiton?

I havent used/worked with that before, but I think it is really neat

Yes, and the functional program has jazz-like harmonies.

I need to check that out.
Is it C#

I'm not sure.

It could be although I know C# and I never heard of that.

I just thought it was one of few programming language names I know and it shares its name with a musical pitch.

I'm not sure.

But I do know that Pakistan has a jazz orchestra that is currently topping the charts.

That is really neat!

I love how Jazz has also become world wide.

Even a Harlem woman has held free jazz concerts at her apartment every Sunday for the last 20 years.

That is some dedication.

I am glad people like her are dedicated to the advancement of the art and giving people and outlet.

Yes, top performers occasionally stop by her apartment.

I wonder who comes over?

Maybe Wynton Marsailis!
Its been great chatting!


Good morning!
How are you today?

I am good.

Just thinking about the choices a raccoon gets to make.

Racoons are crazy, I heard about one that climbing up a skyscraper for no discernible reason.

Im surprised he didnt fall!

There might be a reason.

A public radio reporter Tim Nelson said the raccoon was likely raiding a pigeon nest.

At some point it could go up or down.

wow, do you think raccoons eat pigeons?

Food, is food.

I think they might like eggs.

The thing I dont quite get is Raccoon was famous.

Fame equals money.

What did Raccoon do with its money, go to Denny's?

well Denny's does have a lot of eggs, and we both know how much raccoons like eggs

People like animals can be irrational.

One of the most popular radio acts of 1930's was a ventriloquist.

Radio act?

how would we even tell if hes moving his mouth or not!

thats crazy.

I wonder if I can listen to those old broadcasts on that classic radio drama database online

I bet the ventriloquist was a good comedian.

Sadly, I do not know the name.

It might be funny to listen to.

Bill Murray did voice work in the 1970's.

Im a big fan of Bill Murray and his films, hes done a lot of great ones in his day

The classic battle between Murray and the gopher.

I guess our complex brains are suckers for a sort of cute destructive animal and a struggle.

humans have always been fascinated by animals.

And with over 20 quintillion ones living on the planet, we ought to be

It has been said that humans use tools to a higher extent than any other animals.

Got to use tools to cook food and tweet.

haha of course.

We've come a long way from using our tools and skills to be great persistence hunters.

We are naturally good at running long distances

It is a good thing to go for a run.

Humans are the only mammals that can not breathe and swallow at the same time.

I wonder who discovered this important fact.

Id guess the guy who invented the Hymlec Maneuver!

Dr. Hymlec.

That guy got famous thats for sure.

I wonder why humans want to wear clothes while running.

I would run much faster without clothes.

to hide their shame!

We used to not need them as much, but we lost all of our body hair maybe 240000 years ago making them more necessary

Its cold out.

I run so  fast no one can see me just to stay warm.

Goose bumps are to make your fur stand up, so you appear larger.

me and all of my fur haha

Should you ever use a bunch of tools and build a rocket ship, you will find it impossible to burp in zero gravity.

So, belch before you hit the big red launch button.

I'll have to keep that one in mind, thank you!


Hey.
You an NBA fan?
The league was founded back in 1946.

Hello - not much of an NBA fan, prefer college.

What about you?

Nice yeah me too I like March Madness.

But I still think the NBA is fun to watch sometimes.

They make a ton of money with endorsements.

Iverson gets paid 800k per year from Reebok.

I love March Madness.

That's crazy he gets paid that much from Reebok.

I saw Tim Duncan decided to stay in college for four years instead of going directly to the NBA.

Yeah I think that was a good choice on his part.

He may have sacrificed some money but he got an education.

I agree.

I once saw that Air Jordan's were banned.

Apparently, Jordan still wore them and had Nike pay for the fine.

That is dedication to a brand!

Why would they ban them?

Reggie Miller was always a good player but his sister was even better.

Not really sure why they would ban them.

That's crazy his sister was even better than him.

Did she play in the WNBA?

I think so.

She scored 105 points and broke 8 national records in her time.

Very impressive.

Very impressive.

Physicists have proven that shooting granny style is the best technique.

Haha that's funny.

Not a glorious way to shoot which explains why no one uses it since Barry.

LOL - it says that most NBA players don't shoot that way because it looks stupid.

Yeah how funny would it be if everyone use it.

What's crazy is that in 39 out of 50 states the highest paid state employee is either a college football or basketball coach!

That is very crazy.
I would have never imagined that.

Me as well.

The New Zealand basketball team was nicknamed the Tall Blacks.

That would never fly in the USA!

I can't imagine that being tolerated in the U.S.

Yeah.

The Supreme Court even has a basketball court on the top floor.

Would be iconic to play there.

That would be awesome to play there.

I saw that Kareem's dunk was banned from college basketball for about a decade.

Wow what a statement to make.

The inventor of basketball ended up coaching at the University of Kansas!

I wonder if he made that rule...

That's pretty interesting.

He might have been the one to make that rule LOL.

Yes perhaps he was!

He was the most losing coach in Kansas history!

Have a good one!


Are you interested in politics?
I definitely am.

I am!

I love learning new facts about the presidents, etc.

Do you know what the first president of Zimbabwe was called?

I know it had something to do with a fruit.

He was called president banana.
What a funny name for a president.

lol That's it!

The top 3 presidents in the American history were JFK, Washington, and Jefferson.

I believe Trump is now in that list.

Is that wealthiest presidents?

Hahha...yes....my fingers were going faster than my mind!

lol

Ha ha.

No problem.

Did you know that the guest house is larger than the white house?

I wonder why.

I didn't know that.

Up until 1805 the runner up in the US presidential race automatically became the vice president.

Can you imagine that now?

We are so partisan.

Would it be a complete disaster or would it force us to work together more and not vilify each other as much?

I thought the same thing myself.

I'm wondering if it would work better and force them to stop fighting among both parties.

Although it could have the reverse effect too and cause chaos.

lol

Very true.

I would be very curious about that.

Did you also know that the president of Indonesia put out 3 pop albums while he was in office?

Now that sounds funny.

I wonder how the country was doing while he was recording those.

lol  Did you know that Hillary Clinton won a grammy for best spoken work album?

I did not.

Do you know what spoken work it was for?

Yes.

It was for the audio recording of her book "It takes a Village".

I don't remember that book but I will have to look into it.

Did you also know that if you zoom into the white house on Google maps you can see Barack Obama?

I didn't know that.

I'm going to have to try it!

I like President Obamas secret service codename - Renegade.

(Cue the Styx song....lol).

Ha ha, I did not know that.

I guess if you're picking one you might as well pick a cool one.

Did you know that he only vetoed 2 bills while in office?

I didn't know that.

I see Franklin Roosevelt was the opposite of Obama and vetoed 635 bills.

That is an insane amount of bills.

That actually might be a bit of overreach.

It was very nice chatting with you.

Have a good day.


Do you enjoy the NBA by any chance?

The NBA is my favorite professional sports league.

I am a fan of the New York Knicks & grew up idolizing Allen Iverson.

He did well for himself.

He signed a contract with Reebok that would pay him $800,000 per year until age 55 and then a lump sum of $32,000,000.

Incredible.

What he did for Reebok as a brand will surely not be in vain.

I loved his Reebok commercial featuring the rap artist Jadakiss.

I don't remember that commercial.

Did you know that Air Jordan's were banned in the NBA when they were released?

Its unbelievable, but Jordan still wore them anyway as Nike was willing to pay the fines for each game.

That makes it easy.
Are you familiar with Tim Duncan?

Yes, arguably the greatest power forward of all time & greatest San Antonio Spurs player of all time.

That's him.

He stayed in college for four years and sacrificed money instead of going directly into the NBA.

Yes, Tim has always stuck to his morals and core values.

Even to this day after he retired from the NBA.

Glad to hear that.

Did you know that Reggie Miller's sister overshadowed him in high school?

She broke 8 national basketball records.

Yeah Cheryl was an outstanding high school & collegiate player.

The story goes that Reggie scored 40 points in a game & was bragging about it on the way home only to learn that Cheryl scored 105 points.

Hopefully it kept him humble.

Were you aware that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar got the dunk shot banned for over a decade in college because he was so successful at it?

Yeah, that is almost as shocking as learning that the inventor of basketball James Naismith is the only losing coach in the history of the University of Kansas.

That's unfortunate and not what you would expect.

It kind of disgusts me that in 39 out of 50 states the highest paid government employees are college football or basketball coaches.

Absolutely, especially since college athletes don't receive a dime & are unable to hold a job.

I agree.

It's ridiculous.

We put too much emphasis on sports at that point.

Did you know that the supreme court building has a basketball court?

Yes known as "the highest court in the land".

Ha ha.

That's funny.

Did you also know that there is a New Zealand basketball game?

Yes, basketball is a global sport & very popular, especially in Europe & China.

Unfortunately New Zealand has a team name with racial undertones.

I heard it was called the Tall Blacks and was wondering where it came from and if it was racist.


Do you like basketball or money in basketball?

Yes I love basketball.

It looks like Carmelo's leaving the OC Thunder.

I gather that he didn't spend much time there.

Do you think he'll land on some other team for very long?

Well it looks like he's going to Atlanta for the draft, but he's already 34 so where ever he goes, he's aging.

Is 34 old for the NBA?

Do you think that's why his style is more of a catch and shoot scorer?

It sounds like a lot less running.

I think it is.

Prime age is early 20s and he's a decade beyond that.

I know for sure that it's old for football.

But he will be ok, he gets to collect his $27.9 million salary for the 2018-2019 season and he will become a free agent.

Man, I'd retire at that point.

How does he get a full salary and then the chance to earn another full salary someplace else?

That's messed up.

He has a no trade clause and approved this trading deal because he knows the Hawks won't take him.

He had his career lows this year which is likely due to his age and knowing this was going to happen, so now he'll just essentially be phased out and forced to retire unless he's picked.

Do you think he could be a good mentor to younger players?

I know this is something some older players of done.

He must have some good success over time to have been given such a rich contract at OKC.

He might.

All pro athletes get into something post career, like Michael Jordan for instance.

Did you know that Space Jam is the highest grossing bball movie of all time?

I didn't know that.

It was a fun movie when I saw it as a kid.

I probably shot hoops for the rest of the week after seeing it.

That's just how sports movies affect me.

Haha I definitely did too.

I'm a big fan of Warner Brothers too and Merry Melodies.

And another thing with NBA retirement, 78% of players have gone bankrupt post career, or 5 years after retirement 60% have gone just broke.

I wonder how Michael Jordan is doing.

I find it hard to believe that the millionaires go broke.

You'd think there would be a class for college BBall players just about how to manage your finances once you hit seven figures.

It happens to a lot of people, even people who win the lottery.

They just think they have all the money in the world and go out and buy mansions and private jets.

I think it's smart what Allen Iverson did, signing a perpetual deal with Reebok.

He'll never be more than a year away from a fresh $800k.

Oh yeah.

And Jordan's sneaker empire isn't going any where.

I bet Spencer Haywood kicks himself.

He chose $100k upfront for Nike, but if he accepted the original offer, his holdings would be worth almost $9 billion.

Who is Haywood, and how does that deal work?

He's an NBA legend.

30 years ago when Nike emerged, he was offered a deal to buy into the stock.

If he kept his money invested, he would have been loaded.

He cashed out $100k 30 years ago.

Oh boy.

That's a bad deal.

I wonder if he just needed the cash, or if he just didn't see Nike's potential.

I can't fathom how the apparel industry works when the valuation is that high, and they still pay out so much for endorsement deals.

Do we really pay that much profit to them?

Probably both.

And yeah endorsements pay millions.

Gatorade big time.

Profit depends on how the stock is doing in the market.

But overall, NBA athletes are the world's best paid athletes by average annual salary per player.

Crazy that they could ever end up broke.

Maybe they should stop buying islands and giraffes.

I bet there's a lot of money lost due to scams.

It's unethical, but there are plenty of people trying to siphon off that money.

Islands and giraffes are interesting scams.

They're scamming themselves by not investing and/or saving and just spending frivolously.

I have no sympathy.

Anyways, it's been a great chat but I gotta run!


Hi, how are you?

I'm doing quite well, how about yourself?

I am well, thanks.

I was surprised to hear there are 20 quintillinion animals on the planet.

Yeah I was quite surprised with that as well.

Although I'm more curious to know why animals develop a white patch on their head when they become domesticated.

Do you have any idea why that would be the case?

My cat actually does have white patches on his face.

I have no idea but that would explain the white patch on my head after I got married...

hahaha See I would assume that is a result of stress.

It would seem animals would lose color based on a stressful life if it coincides with how humans live.

But aren't animals in a much more stress free life in a domesticated setting?

I am really intrigued by this!

I am starting to wonder if the list of facts are actually factual now that I think about it...

But animals do not know any different way of living so their stresses are only when they are being hunted.

I suppose that is true as well... Now I'm also curious if this applies only to animals with fur or if this would also apply to animals with more fleshy surfaces.

Like if you were to domesticate a dolphin for instance, would it develop a white, shiny forehead?

I am not sure.
What about lizards?
Do you think they would?
Would albinos make better pets?

haha are albino lizards more domesticated?

Are they more content?

We need answers!

haha Insects are considered animals in this case.

I wonder if they go through the same process.

Speaking of insects I think it's insane that there are 1 million species of insects!

That means there are only 500,000 non insect type animals.

Creeps me out.

Do you think they're mostly microscopic insects?

I know the Loch Ness monster is a protected species.

Does that help?

I wonder if it has a white patch...

haha hmmm I'm not sure about that.

No one has really domesticated him just yet!

Unless they're acting like having him as a tourist attraction is domesticating him.

In other incredible facts I was surprised to learn that Jupiter's radio storms can be heard on AM radio!

What do you think they sound like?

Like Kazoo from the flintstones... That's my best guess.

What do you think?

hahaha yeah I think it would be really hard to decipher.

I suppose if it is considered a storm it would sound kind of like inclement weather here on earth.

Astronomers use it as white noise to fall asleep to?

Well considering they're the ones who most likely discovered it I wouldn't be surprised if they listen to it regularly.

Radio waves overall are quite interesting.

I always wonder how many frequencies I can hear out of the possible ones there are which I am not really aware of how many.

Do you happen to know?

I have no idea...

Although I do know humans can regrow a rib.

Bodies being able to regenerate is really fascinating.

I have a cut on my hand that is taking forever though!

It seems crazy that a rib can grow in just a short 2-3 months, but a cut on my thumb is taking more than a week.

I also find it fascinating that most other plants and animals can make their own vitamin c, but we can't.

It's what makes oranges so tasty!
Mmmmmm vitamin C...

Since it's a defect in our genes I wonder what part of our evolution was the cause.

Domestication... Nice chatting with you!