The Wizard of iPhone Speaks (20-22)

Opening Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian (recorded live via iPhone) -- closing banjo music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- Civil War MedleyLate breaking News — USA Today digital edition lists states when aurora will be visible, but does not include Vermont, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, but does include Michigan.PS I'm not talking about the graphic, I'm talking about the printed list!

Piano music courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian Church.“….at a time when mainstream media outlets are widely distrusted, the number of people who want to pay for quality news in America is distinctly smaller than the number of those who want to order two-ply toilet paper that will arrive the next day….”New Yorker Magazine May 25, 2025, P/34 commenting on Jeff Bezos' management of the Washington PostHe ought to know he founded Amazon! It reminds me of a quote from Fred Friendly television executive: “No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public…”

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Freddie O'Connell Frets Over ICE Doing Their JobWe have 7.5/B$ to spend on Smart Traffic Lights, but local residents in need are a federal problem.Maybe what has Freddie's nose out of joint — we are not picking up the tab for hotel accommodations like NYC. (Amazon's former home).The opinions expressed in this segment are my own and may not represent the attitudes of any sponsor or other supporter of this podcast..

Piano Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian  Church used with permission.A subtitle for this podcast might be BridgeMaven Returns, Series II, number two, my interview with William Lefko. In this episode, Bill tells me about The Big Club, as Precision Spade is now called, by those who use it…This interview was recorded live via iPhone at Vanderbilt Bridge Club and has been lightly edited — William is an engaging speaker, and it's in my plan for us to hear from him again…Join me later this week, when I explain the facts of life in 21st Century America to the publisher of Poets & Writers….Here's my title: “There's no Crying in Baseball … There's no Crying in Baseball” — I'm sure you recognize Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own… In the opinion of this writer, probably the best baseball movie of this or any other era…

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church (used with permission)Fearless Freep (AKA Freddie O'Connell)  Strikes AgainNot content with spending 7.5/B$ we don't have, Freddie O'Connell minions pick your pocket again…Here's the 411: Just in time to celebrate The  Steeplechase! You'll receive a revision of your tax bill, and of course, it's going up.For those of you not in the know, “Fearless Freep” is a cartoon character who is the nemesis of Yosemite Sam.PS. You never see Fearless Freep on the screen

Music courtesy of Blair String Quartet, recorded live by iPhone at Harpeth Presbyterian Church (2011)A token of my appreciation is winging its way to Rachel Cruis  for her recent post on cheap places to travel (in the USA)She almost got it right. The place to visit in Ok is Oklahoma City, not Tulsa. Oklahoma City is my pick; it's a city of museums, including the Cowboy Hall of Fame! That alone is worth the price of admission, as they say, but there are others!Also not making her cut is Kansas City MO, the home of the negro league baseball hall of Fame, a must-visit for any real baseball fan.  While the exhibition is not on the scale of Cooperstown, it is best described as more immersive! Also, Kansas City is the home of a Major League Baseball team, the Kansas City Royals (American League),  and the site of The KC Massacre (At the railroad station).  The machine gunning of “under-armed” FBI agents escorting a prisoner launched an 18-month crime spree, which ended in Chicago, with the killing of John Dillinger at the Biograph Theatre.

Piano Music courtesy of Steinway Piano Gallery -- Down by the riverside, recorded live via iPhone (2014) used with permission.Madame Attorney General (of New York State) went one better. While residing in New York State, she purchased property in Virginia and listed it as her primary residence, to get favorable “mortgage terms..” Blip — that's Tax FraudIn case you missed it — The Law of the State of New York requires that members of the administration (ie government), be residents of New York State.Now, of course, because she is a doubly disadvantaged minority, she's entitled to flaunt the law. (By her reasoning). 

Piano music courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian Church-- used with permission. (Down By The Riverside) A new money grab by Apple — “iWork for the Cloud…”Forget The Cow Jumps Over the Moon let's talk about the cash cow in your pocket or person…Do you remember the bad old days when ATT controlled the iPhone? they charged for voice mail, billed twice for sending and receiving texts… Well those bad old days are back and on SteroidsHere's the 411/ If you subscribe to Apple News, it's $9.99 per month, Apple Music is going to cost you $16.99 That's on top of the $10.99 I pay for iCloud access, and finally, there's Apple TV for another $9.99 months, not including what you already pay for iPhone Service.

Piano Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission. Audio clip courtesy of News Channel 17/Nashville, less than 15 seconds (fair use) The issue before the Senate of Tennessee is whether or not an “illegal” has access to a taxpayer-funded activity ie Our Public Schools.It's caused quite a stir in the latest rent-a-mob and they once again confused a legislative assembly for a Football Stadium.The Governor wasn't having it! He not only reminded them they were welcome only as spectators, but threated them with arrest… for interfering with the business of the house…As a further clarification, the bill is not yet come before the house, unknown to the gallery, the vote was on a motion to “table” or postpone debate. I recommend to those student “activists” to find a copy of Roberts Rules of Order, and bone up on the legislative process…

Closing music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission. However, most of the time, the Speaker is looking at a room full of empty chairs, with a smattering of visitors in the gallery.If a woman is elected to Congress, she's expected to be present, Yes, I can understand her needs are special but here's the problem: In the Congress business is conducted in person, as in being present, and that's a “job” related requirement. Speaking strictly “proxy” voting is “voting in absentia” — that's not allowed in any assembly. It's not possible to accommodate everyone, it's just like when you went to grade school, you were present or absent —- there's not a third option. An “excused” absence is still an absence.Yes, I understand this is the 21st Century and times have changed, but in the operation of our government — everything must be transparent and not hidden.

Banjou Music courtesy of Banjo HangOut, Civil War Medley -- used with permission.Here's the problem —- not only tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and severe thunderstorm warnings, and these don't even include those previous warnings, known as “watches”.Here's the difference — “a watch” means that condition is “possible”, supposedly a “warning” means “probable” or likely, and a lot depends on their interpretation of our friend Dopler Radar…Take it away Wikipedia --  "A Doppler radar is a specialized radar that uses the Doppler effect to produce velocity data about objects at a distance.[1] It does this by bouncing a microwave signal off a desired target and analyzing how the object's motion has altered the frequency of the returned signal."

Closing music courtesy of Steinway Piano Gallery -- recorded live by iPhone (2014), used with permission. This tome was sparked by an article in a recent New Yorker Magazine, a reporter was in search of the ultimate King Cake in New Orleans, and wound up chasing a phantom of local variants, not exactly “kosher”. Question Is adding chocolate an improvement or varient?

Closing Banjo Music courtesy of Banjo HangOut, Waiting for The Robert E. Lee, used with permission.I'd like to engage the Flutz capacitor and tell you something about Lee Harvey Oswald, that Walter Cronkite failed to mention…While the media acknowledged that Lee Harvey Oswald had been a marine, they failed to look at his service record.To begin with, The Marine Corps the first job is to learn to shoot, and they are much more rigorous about it than the Army. Every Marine earns a sharpshooter medal. 

Closing piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission.The way Wikipedia tells the story, this took place at the Earl's home. I suggest it was more likely at a  “gentlemen's” club in the afternoon.Now here is where the story becomes murky. Knowing the sensibilities of the time. The slab of bread was on a plate (hopefully small) and accompanied by a napkin knife and fork! It's not clear as to what happened next, did the Earl of Sandwich fold over the bread and pick it up?It is clear that other players said “I'll have what Sandwich is having!” And the name stuck. We would know it as an “open-face sandwich”!

Closing music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian (recorded live via iPhone) used with permission.collegial 2(def)characterized by consideration and respect among colleagues… — coligiality.Certainly, we have been on a downward trend since the delegates to the democrat convention in San Fransico, booed the presentation of the colors by local Boy Scouts. I maintain that it was that event, not the “butterfly ballot, " which lost Al Gore and Florida electoral votes…

Opening music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, closing courtesy of Banjo HangOut (Come the fount of every blessing) used with permission.The dirty little secret about soliable coffee, (the trade name for what we know as instant coffee) is it's made from higher-grade beans.Generally, mass-market roasters like Maxwell House use robusto beans, which are more widely & easiest to grow. These beans respond well to a light or city roast. It's careful roasting that delivers that elusive ingredient we know as flavor or taste.But the added process of dehydration requires the more exotic Arabic or varietal beans.Regardless of the process, the coffee we consume is still just three things — beans, water, and time. Those are the ingredients, how they come together is the receipt. 

Opening piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church-closing The Entertainer courtesy of BanjoHangOut (used with permission)The election of Andrew Jackson ended the domination of Massachusetts and Virginia in the pantheon of early presidents..Of course, along the way, Jackson had to dis' the Congress and the Supreme Court. But it was as Teddy Roosevelt once remarked:“Be sure you are right, then go ahead!”Here's your digital tip of the week — This is a good time to remind everyone to buy a power strip to connect your always-on devices (except your internet modem), and turn them off when you leave home… 

Closing music courtesy of Banjo HangOut The William Tell Overture Our current Congress is more concerned with political posturing than doing any real work, like creating a budget.We have been “operating” on continuing resolutions since the Obama administration…You may not remember Congressional leaders told us, “We know The Affordable Care Act is flawed… we need to pass it to fix it!PS/During his first term President Trump reminded Congress of their “promise….” They reneged on the deal.Institutions are hardly ever a problem it is the people who are flawed. After all if power corrupts — Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutily…

Closing Music courtesy of Tuba Christmas, Bowling Green, KY, (used with permission) This is the last appearance of Tuba Christmas (20-24).The views expressed in this podcast are those of the writer and producer and may not represent the attitudes of others,  including any sponsor.Here's your digital tip of the day —- Heard on New Channel Two Nashville — “spend your way to wealth….” Earn “cash back” from your banking partner…Using the figures given spending $25,000 you would earn  $62.50 Spend lavishly to earn 2% cash back… —- it's a crock “No one ever spent their way to wealth…” Thank You, Dave Ramsey….

Closing music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- The William Tell OvertureThis podcast continues with a “Constitutional Minute”It escapes our notice that the election of Abraham Lincoln was a seminal event. Not just because it triggered secession.The election of Lincoln was the birth of political parties as we now know that term. The nation was emerging from what historians have labeled “the era of good feeling” a monumental misnomer if there ever was one. It earned its name because there were no political parties. The House of Representatives comprised Federalists and “Anti” Federalists with a smattering of Whigs (Anti-Jacksonian-democrats).There were no political parties in The Senate, there was no direct election of senators that had to wait for the 17th Amendment 1913.During this so-called era of “good feeling” it forced two presidential elections into the House of Representatives 1801 & 1824. Both times in a dispute over electoral ballots.

Music courtesy of Tuba Christmas Bowling Green, KY, (used with permission)There's a new subscription “savings” app on your horizon it's called “Rocket Money” and there are others. It's free to download but bears these dreaded words… “in-app purchases…”  translation subscription is required.There are others of course, but what makes these Apps work is setting up a budget and loading all your accounts. The App won't work unless you do!Those subscriptions are not “lost” they are alive and well and have taken up residence in your online “wallet”. Where they may be out of mind and sight.It's just one more reason to never engage a third-party payer! It's too difficult to open a dispute… Every user should be aware there are some Apps that may not be canceled —- Apple Music & Apple News, once these two are engaged there's no going back. 

Music from Chasing Tuba Christmas 20-24 from Bowling Green, KY, used with permission. Bowling Green was special, they played music from the catalog rarely heard, except for Jingle Bells.Joe Biden was so ashamed of awarding the Medal of Freedom -- he waited until Saturday, hoping to keep it out of the news cycle. 

Music courtesy of Tuba Christmas Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bring a Torch & Tennebaum--used with permission. There was no election fraud in 2020. The Titanic might have missed the iceberg if they hadn't been competing for The Blue Riband of The Atlantic. ie Fastest Crossing! President Biden is committed to border security & domestic justice!Widening the Airport access exit on i40 in Nashville will not solve the problem! Too many passengers “Herr Mozart.”   The “return” of La Nina is a weather fraud. It's not neccessary to name the return of a normal pattern. It's an illogical extension of our pattern of him-a-canes and her-a-canes.

Opening & Closing Music from Chasing Tuba Christmas (20-24) Bowling Green, KY (used with permission) Hack number four of the five AI HacksSynmamyms & Homonmyms represent a problem Dead Air (How Orson Wells Captivated a Nation) On October 30, the Mercury radio theater presented a radio adaptation of HG Wells' story War of the Worlds. It was necessary for the suspension of belief to choose a rural location.  How about Grovers Mill, New Jersey?Here is a fact you need to know, (Grovers Mill)  doesn't exist in New Jersey or any other state of the union.  While AI might be great for constructing romance or horror novels, writing non-fiction requires more effort from the creator and editor.

Opening & closing music courtesy of Tuba Christmas Bowling Green Ky (Used with permission ) Tennebaum (opening) Carol of The Bells (closing) Digital Tax Tip of the DayDon't use your debit card at the Publix Pharmacy!The charge will appear on your statement as “grocery”. The store receipt is printed on heat-sensitive paper and will fade over time. Later this week on Content Matters, a homage to Bob Newhart -- I place a call to Joesph Pulitzer -- editor and publisher of the New York Sun and benefactor of Lady Liberty. He raised the money to build the pedestal on which she stands in New York Harbor.

Music from Tuba Christmas Bowling Green, Kentucky, used with permission, they play the music not played much from the Tuba Christmas catalog Join me next Monday when I explain how to make resolutions that matter, Content Matters on Wednesday my interview concerning the battle of Nashville 170 years ago..

Music courtesy of Tuba Christmas Huntsville, AL, used with permission. This performance is special because of the activities of a player sponsoring a  Christmas Trivia Content with prizes, and the music was special too...Next Time Chasing Tuba Christmas Episode #3 from Bowling Green, Kentucky -- They play selections from the catalog that are not usually played. Join me then.

Opening Music by Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble -- used with permission, Jingle Bells, Silent Night & We Wish You A Merry Christmas Tuba Christmas Gallatin.Guests in this podcast are the Poet Laureate of Gallatin and the conductor of Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble.Next Time Tuba Christmas from Huntsville, AL 

My editorial schedule is in shambles thanks to the return of a head cold twice in two months -- Tuba music from Chasing Tuba Christmas 20-23 Nashville, Tennessee, by G.R. Davis and vocals by the Diva of Tuba Christmas Carmen Sanders. -- Closing piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Here is a digital tip of the day Your friends at Metro are so busy ordering those “smart traffic light” garbage No tax notices have been sent out as required BY LAW

Opening and closing music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission...Next time How Charles Dickens invented Christmas...For example: the wine mentioned above “Piper/Sonoma”, is a fine product of a very prestigious French Producer Piper Hiedisick, which my wife enjoys, but personally find on the sweet side.You may also look for at Harvest Wine for: Mum's Napa, and Botranger “Estate bottle”, pinot-noirHere's a dirty little secret: Mumms Napa is mechanically discouraged before it's bottled and sealed by cork and cageFYI in the 90s, Napa & Sonoma vineyards were decimated by a vine-killing insect, and affected vineyards had to replant as much as 30% of their vines. 

Opening piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, closing banjo music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- William Tell Overture.Next Time on Wizard of iPhone, Champange What to Buy,  When to Buy and How to Store.  America's favorate celebratory beverage. PS it's a hold over from our British cousins. Just like our Victoria Christmas celebration. (That programing is comming in December) 

Piano Music Courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church used with permission -- closing Great is Thy Faithfulness, Here's my summary: Be intentional about your motor oil, Pay the premium for synthetic oil, check your oil regularly, keep some paper towels or fast food napkins in your car… carry a quart of (your recommended weight) make-up oil under the front seat, and open your hood before fueling. Here's your iPhone tip of the week — if you are looking for a business phone number in your car — Open Maps, type in the name and zip of the business, voila you will see a link to their website — click on the domain, and look for “contact us” —

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, closing banjo courtesy of Banjo HangOut Waiting for The Robert E. Lee... used with permission. In New York, all is forgiven, she won the state after dissing The Al Smith Dinner, Georgia didn't deliver (No Dominion Software,  neither did Pennsylvania (thanks to Oprah's favorite son), Wisconsin did it right this time, and Detroit counted ballots in public for a change from 20-20...  All in all, a return to the promise of America a fair and honest election.

Piano Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, closing Banjo Music courtesy of Banjo HangOut "Waiting for The Robert E. Lee" used with permission.The so-called era of good feeling ended with the rise of our first named political party, Andrew Jackson was their first president…In that “Era of Good Feeling,” Congress had factions, not named parties….There were Federalists and anti/Federalists, Tomas Jefferson was an “agrarian” and a devout anti-federalist despite his work on The Declaration….That was the first division of Congress… — In his  (new) farewell address upon declining a third term, Washington warned against petty partisanship and foreign entanglements. It didn't take; the divisions were too great. Join me on Monday -- when we talk about preventive maintenance for your favorite ride how to change your oil.

Violin music courtesy of Dr Ming Wang, Amazing Grace, used with permission.According to America's favorite financial guru, Dave Ramsey, Christmas will be in December again this year….That means his Christmas Giveaway is back for November….To enter, simply visit Ramsey Solutions of the WWW, search for Christmas Giveaway — and fill out the required fields — you will be prompted to receive a daily reminder to your chosen e-mail…The next day, your reminder email will contain a direct link to the giveaway.Here's a helpful hint you might like to know — you may enter daily from each device, no need to use an alternate email, but you may…FYI/Dave Ramsey is a little like Apple — he may send you email offers, but he doesn't sell your data — He doesn't need that money…. He's already a media Giant….PS/You may also enter seven days a week…

Opening music courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian Church, closing  Spiro plays The Entertainer courtesy of Steinway Piano Gallery -- recorded by iPhone at Green Hills Mall (2014), used with permission. Norway Cement Plant Aims to Clean Up - Headline NYT Tuesday, Oct 29 p/B2This plan, as written, is so full of factual and logical errors as to bewilder any knowledgeable reader and is further complicated by my belief the Times “writer” had engaged Chat/WTF….“More than half a ton of the gas arises from every ton of cement that a plant like this turns out.”NYT 10 - 29 - (20-24) P/B1If these numbers are accurate, it might make more sense to spend those Euros on an environmental upgrade to the existing facility, which apparently is only 25% efficient. Perhaps they should consider powering the cement plant with an overdrive-equipped cyber/truck by Tesla.

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission.In 2020, both Georgia seats were vacant. Georgia law required a special election, unlike Tennessee, where the vacancy is filled by Governororal appointment for that term's remainder. While the 20- 20 presidential winner was clear, both Senate races were a statistical tie. This writer is reminded of Mark Twain's words: “There are lies, damn'd lies, and statistics.” Next Time on Wizard of iPhone Special, some comments on “the era of good feeling.” It wasn't so good after all. 

Banjo Music Courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- used with permission...The admission by Senatorial Candidate Johnson that she's a “gun owner”  is more threat and intimidation than information… It comes under the heading of news I'd rather not have….Memo to ABC News/NYC — If there is such a thing as “truth in advertising….” I most strenuously object to today's Harris/Walz commercial….Camilla Lies (as usual)No president can ban abortions the Supreme Court returned that matter to the states! You know those guys who told the Senate Nominating Committee, “ I won't interfere with a woman's right to choose.”  That is, Except for Judge Bork; he refused to answer that question.FYI/He wasn't confirmedJoin me on Monday for Wizard of iPhone Speaks we conclude our discussion of the role of the Senate of the United States….

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church -- used with permission...The admission by Senatorial Candidate Johnson, that she's a “gun owner”, is more threat and intimidation than information… It comes under the heading of news I'd rather not have…. Tape excerpt courtesy of News Two Nashville  -- less than 30 seconds (fair use doctrine)Would you expect your guest to pay for a meal -- it's bad manners.

This content has previously been published as a Monday Holiday re-run, join me later this week for an analysis of WSJ content 10-14-(20-24)-- a "variation" on it's over for Apple, Yes, you can send texts even without cellular service, I explain How & Why it works.

Opening music courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian Church, closing courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church.Kimberly Clark  Corp, producers of toilet paper and other paper products (stock symbol KMB), are poised to announce a special dividend based on news from Mobile, AL, after a recent surge in TP purchases ahead of a planned Dock Strike… Mobile residents must be advised they may run out of bananas before TP.Join me later this week for the Content Matters (the magazine) podcast, Chat/WTF loves to hate, and we'll talk about how Europe is fighting plastic waste.The weather dunces of Fox News Weather strike again.“Kvetching about supersaturated soil….”

Opening piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church -- closing banjo music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- William Tell overeater  (used with permission)An Open Letter to Senator Marsha BlackburnI know you are busy doing the people's work and running for office, but when the dust settles TVA's recent increase needs a look-see!Their recent increase was bad math and violates the 10% ceiling.  Any increase of 5 1/2 percent on top of 4 1/2% amounts to 10.1%When your banking partner pays you interest on the interest you have already earned, it's called “compound” interest. Fractions have rules of their own. I know Miss Cornwall told me so. We are reaping the benefit of 50 years of outcome-based education. Two plus Two is never Five, no matter how good you feel about it! PS To illustrate my point, three weeks ago, a Media pudent (supposedly financial) said, “Lowering the Fed rate effects credit card interest”! And that's not true either! My description of credit card interest rates would be usurious'Or Just as in your local supermarket labeling 1/3 smaller than 1/4!

Opening & closing music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church (Grant Us Wisdom) used with permission..Memo to Peggy Noonan WSJ 09-28-20-24Candidate Harris dodges The Al Smith dinner to collect her late entry Emmy for her debate performance in the category; “Best Portrayal of a Person Who Cares by SomeOne Who Doesn't.”'There are no teleprompters at a banquet! Join my podcast, Wizard of iPhone Speaks I will tell the real story of Al Smith & his role in the election of Franklin Roosevelt  

Opening piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church (Ode to Joy) -- Clsing courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian  Church "Blue Grass Trio" Amazing Grace recorded live by iPhone.I collected postage stamps when stamps did more than validate use. Commemoratives were designed to tell a story.Although the first postage stamps were issued in 1848, stamp collecting received its first emphasis with the Columbian Exposition of 1891/1892 in Chicago. Two cent purple, “Columbus Landing in The New World…” The stamp was so popular that it morphed into regular usage and was finally phased out in 1922.It remained the most popular stamp until it was succeeded by the Elvis Presley commemoratives, which will show you how far we have fallen as a nation…

Piano Music courtesy of Bellevue Presbyterian Church, closing Banjo music courtesy of Banjo HangOut "Waiting for The Robert E. Lee.".

Her-A-Cane Francine Trashes The European Model….Piano Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Banjo closing course of Banjo HangOut, William Tell Overture...Today's digital tip of the day :The Ford Motor President and Tesla drivers can relax; there are no EVs in the top twenty most stolen vehicles in America!

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission.The “conversation” is sent to each participant on Wednesday's email reminder, for convenience it's always a single page.Here's a current example…“Yet the healed man is every bit as insistent as the Syrophoenician woman.”Text from Feasting On The Word by Year, B FallSeri strikes againI'm not clear if this Hack Four of writing by AI “mismanagement” of homonyms or a new Hack “Creation” of redundant phrase!Intellectually at least, the synaptic Gospels are written at the dawn of The Roman Age. All of what we know as “the Middle East” was Roman territory!There might have been a province of Syria, but Phoenicia was never a place. They were early traders and merchants plying the waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea from the Levant, Crete, & Rhodes, but not Egypt! 

Piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church -- used with permission.Word Trivia sends a daily message to my inboxUsually, it's a daily word definition however, each Friday it's a longer “article” on the peculiarities of this language we call English. Today it was those pesky Homonyms that dot our linguistic landscape. I know I can hear the shouts in the background “They're homophones”.  Yes, I suppose I'm out of step with current usage, but I never accepted the concept of Language Arts as opposed to teaching English.  After all, I'm not ashamed of speaking English and it's a matter of self-respect to speak correctly.Homonyms & synonyms too remain a problem for Seri (and no doubt Alexa). 

Banjo Music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee"That's another Chinese import like $1000 Nikes. Translation Wind & Water illustration of the harmony of life! But I prefer Now you see it, now you don't, because you can see water, wind is invisible.Just like our Metro mayor announcing an amended (as in reduced) transportation plan ahead of the referendum on the 7$/B plan.  Not to be outdone TVA joins the fray with their “smart math”.  I don't care what they claim in terms of real dollars a 5.45% increase on top of a 4.5% is more than 10%. Your electric bill is calculated in dollars, not percentages!Ask your local banker! They call it “compound interest” when they pay you interest on interest already earned.Or better still as Rush Limbaugh used to remark “Follow the money!”

Instead of hectoring your local grocery retailer -- rising prices are being fueled by transportation cost, ie deisel fuel and gasoline -- even the railroad uses diesel fuel...Music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian Church, used with permission. 

Banjo Music courtesy of Banjo HangOut -- Cabaret