Bag of Randomness
Thursday, June 25, 2026


Here’s something I thought would take 10 minutes max, but it’s now taken days and is still unresolved.

I got my Frontier Internet (A Verizon company) online statement. It said there are updated deals and promotions, and I should contact them. So I logged in to my account and started a chat session.

The rep told me she couldn’t help me because I’m in a homeowners association (HOA), and I would have to contact them. I told her I live in a rental house, and the area I live in isn’t part of any HOA. She insisted she can’t help because my account is labeled as part of an HOA, and I needed to call the Frontier department that handles HOA accounts; she gave me the phone number. She also informed me that it would be up to the HOA if I could change my plan.

I remember that about a year or two ago, I called Frontier just to see if I could get a better rate. It was handled in less than 10 minutes, and I received a much better deal. So, all of this is bewildering. Anywho, I called the number and fought through the phone tree. Eventually, I spoke to an agent who said her department couldn’t help me and didn’t understand why the other agent had provided me with her number. So, I decided to call the number on my bill.

This next rep informed me that yes, indeed, my account is labeled or tagged as HOA. And only the HOA would make any changes to my account. Again, I clarified I’m not part of an HOA, but then explained that I’m actually part of a “bulk contract discount” that gets looped in with the HOA-labeled accounts, and other agents just see “HOA” and go off of that. I sought to clarify if this was something due to something I did, and she couldn’t answer. However, she gave me a phone number to Utility Profit, and explained that if I were eligible for any promotion or discount, they would go over them with me. For the record, I’ve never heard of a “Utility Profit.” She ended the call by telling me that if I didn’t like anything that Utility Profit had to offer, I could call her department back, ask to get removed from the “bulk contract discount,” and be treated as a regular customer. It appears that Utility Profit is a tool that property managers use, and I haven’t found anything really negative about them.

Well, I called Utility Profit. I get a message saying they don’t take real-time calls and that I’ll receive a text to schedule a call with a representative. Sure enough, I get the text, but I can’t schedule the call today or the following day.


I’m sure I’m the only person who feels this way, and I will proudly own it, but I hate backup cameras on automobiles with a passion. Why? Because of the countless times I’ve been annoyed beyond all get-out, driving in parking lots looking for a spot with a vehical in front of me, watching them pass a spot and thinking I could then snag it, see them abruptly stop, only to back in and take what I thought was mine. This was never a problem before the backup camera, and now people who normally wouldn’t back into a spot, especially drivers of large trucks and SUVs, pull this annoying stunt. Granted, they have the right and aren’t doing anything wrong, but it annoys the living heck out of me.

Rant over.


1st-of-its-kind mission will attempt to save aging space telescope using robot spacecraftNASA’s Swift telescope could be destroyed in months if nothing is done.

This will be pretty darn impressive if they can pull this off, especially when you check out this detail – 250 days!. And, they launch this coming Saturday.


How many Dallas Mavericks fans know that Shawn Kemp’s first NBA practice was with the Mavs, all because of a dunk contest he heard on the radio? He was an 18-year-old student at Trinity Valley Junior College in East Texas. He heard on the radio that the Mavs were holding a dunk contest, and the winner would get to practice with the Mavs all weekend, for a total of three practices. Little did he know that he would be practicing with future teammates Detlef Schrempf and Sam Perkins. Hear him tell the story himself below.

So, why was he at Trinity Valley Junior College in tiny Athens, TX, a thousand miles away from his hometown in Indiana with a population of about a thousand? In short, he was committed to Kentucky but had low SAT scores. He was advised to avoid the media spotlight and go to Texas, as junior colleges in Texas were a hotbed of elite basketball talent at the time. His childhood friends later noted that Trinity Valley was a blessing because it was far enough away that “he could just be Shawn,” giving him his first break from fan expectations since the fifth grade. But get this, he connected with Larry Johnson, who was balling at Odessa College. Jerry Tarkanian was doing his best to recruit LJ, and the master plan was for Kemp and LJ to go to UNLV together. Kemp abandoned the UNLV plan after befriending Magic, moving to California, and playing pickup games with the Lakers legend at UCLA.

 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_baLNKr3toE


I recently canceled my YouTubeTV subscription; the price hikes have been outrageous. Here’s a brief history of their base plan.

  • 2017 (Launch): $35 per month
  • 2018 (March): $40 per month
  • 2019 (April): $50 per month
  • 2020 (June): $64.99 per month
  • 2023 (March): $72.99 per month
  • 2025 (January): $82.99 per month

Thankfully, I was recently gifted an older version of a vSeeBox and have since canceled all my subscription services, as the device allows me to stream (or use video-on-demand) anything on any platform, watch cable or live television (over 2,000 channels), and watch any pay-per-view event without a subscription. I never heard of the device until I was gifted one, and learned its main competitor is the SuperBox. It’s almost too good to be true. You’ll have to do your own research, but here’s an article comparing the two.

One feature I really enjoy is the 24/7 channels of a specific television show that run without any commercials. Some are sequential, but I like the ones that play them in random order. Some of the ones I watch the most are Black Mirror, Cheers, House M.D., The X-Files, ALF, Knight Rider, The Simpsons, and The Office. I just wish there were a Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul version of those channels.

Oh, and if you are an NFL fan, yes, the NFL Sunday Ticket is a part of this, as well as any televised sport in the U.S. or abroad.


Earlier this month, the Oregon Symphony had a JAWS in Concert performance. Someone came prepared.


I feel sorry that our troops have to do this, but this soldier couldn’t have handled it any better.


So that Saul Goodman return video wasn’t just a one-off

A week later, Saul is back again, this time educating the viewer on the ins and outs of representative democracy. Saul4Democracy now seems to be an ongoing series, and I couldn’t be happier to see more of everyone’s favorite ambulance-chaser.


The perils of driving a banana car.

Giant Banana Pulled Over in Montana: Driver Says Cops Have Stopped Him 100s Of Times 

His favorite stop happened in a small mountain town in West Virginia. A traffic light turned red. Braithwaite stopped. The light turned green and he made a leisurely turn through the intersection.

A few moments later, flashing lights appeared behind him. A police officer marched up to the banana and delivered the news.

“‘The reason I pulled you over, that light back there, you peeled out.'”

For a moment, Braithwaite didn’t know if he was being serious or not.

Here’s how it started.


Loyce Edward Deen was the first and only aviator buried at sea inside his airplane.It was part necessity, and all honor.

 

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on Bag of Randomness
Thursday, June 25, 2026

Bag of Randomness
Monday, June 22, 2026


I unexpectedly had a good Father’s Day. DaughterGeeding and I aren’t as close as I would like, but she agreed to come over and watch Project Hail Mary together. When she arrived, I was delightfully surprised when she presented me with this gift she made of us riding a roller coaster at Disney California Adventure Park many moons ago.

She’s also been dipping her toe into Catholicism, and invited me to go to youth Mass early that evening. I’ve always wanted to attend a Mass, so this was a delightful, interesting, and educational first for me. I asked for a pic to mark the occasion. Good gosh, I’m not photogenic. I hate the way my eyes squint, but I guess that’s just the half-Asian part of me. But one stranger, a rough-looking fellow whom I’ve never met before, went out of his way to wish me a happy Father’s Day, and it came over as rather sincere. I thought about that moment on the ride home; I was unexpectedly touched by it.

The sixteen-year-old also started working her first job. If you are ever out shopping at Target, you just might see her. She was also offered a job at Whataburger, but chose Target. Her first round of interviews was virtual or with AI. It’s a different world we’re living in, folks.

She’s only had her driver’s license for less than three weeks and already had her first flat.


I spotted this exercise reading bike at my local library. I guess these things are common in libraries? I really don’t know.


While on one of my bike rides last week, this caught my attention.


We are just 12 days from celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday, and this is what the front yard of the People’s House looks like. Not to mention, that Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool isn’t looking so good either.

New Photos Show Ellipse Before-And-After Trump UFC Fight


He felt some instant relief.


I remember how this campus used to be a big deal.

Luxury tower planned at JCPenney’s Plano HQ campus

A 22-story luxury high-rise is planned for 6501 Legacy Drive in Plano—on the site of the former 100-acre JCPenney headquarters. The project, known as The Parks at Legacy West, calls for  261 multi-family units and three adjacent townhomes.


 

 

 

 

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on Bag of Randomness
Monday, June 22, 2026

Bag of Randomness
Friday, June 19, 2026


Norway has certainly caught my attention.


 

President Trump is hearing it from both sides, and the general public, about how bad his deal with Iran is. Heck, even Senator Bill Cassidy said, “Reagan is rolling over in his grave.”

But here’s the funny part. Cassidy forgets about Iran-Contra and the Arms for Hostages affair, when Reagan literally sold weapons directly to Iran despite an arms embargo.

Trump signed the treaty with Iran at Versailles. We all know that the 1919 treaty signed there didn’t work out so well. But I suppose there was a symbolic reason Trump was at Versailles, as he’s the acting POTUS on our nation’s 250th birthday. Yup, get ready for a fun piece of trivia.

In 1783, the palace was the site of the signing of the last two of the three treaties of the Peace of Paris (1783), which ended the American Revolutionary War.


In the year 1946, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Trump were born. Yup, all in the same year. Bush on July 6. Clinton on Aug 19. And Trump, on June 14.

Biden was born in 1942. So, I guess if they all lived in the same neighborhood and Biden was a high school senior, those fellas would either be freshmen or in the eighth grade.

As for Barack Obama, who had a big day yesterday with the opening of his Presidential Center (Library), he was born on August 4, 1961.

I spotted at least three tan suits at the event. First was Obama Foundation board Member Marty Nesbitt, who gave a short speech.

So did Isiah Thomas, Stephen Colbert, and David Letterman.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama gave an eloquent speech honoring her husband’s work and character. How special it must be to be loved like that. It made the former president tear up.

Obama’s intro music for campaigns and conventions was U2’s City of Blinding Lights. Bono and the Edge (and Jacknife Lee on piano) played a version of it at the event. In another nice gesture, especially after the former first lady was insulted by a fight at the UFC event last weekend, Bono changed some of the lyrics to honor her. He also added another tweak to honor the other former presidents in attendance (remember Bono visiting W’s ranch?).

Bono started riffing toward the end of the song, singing about performing in front of “46, 42 and 43,” a reference to Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who were all in attendance for the opening. He then added “44 and family” for the Obamas, whose daughters, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, were also there.

Bono ended the song by singing “Michelle ma belle,” the lyric from The Beatles song “Michelle.” 

Here’s the clip.

This is a nice photo of former President George W. Bush and Michelle Obama; it almost looks like they are dancing. But it appears she was gifted some Altoids.

 

It’s always nice to see former presidents and their spouses get together for something other than a funeral.

During Obama’s speech, he praised both Mitt Romney and the late John McCain. I noticed Cindy McCain was in the audience. That just seemed nice. She actually suffered a mild stroke in October while in Rome, Italy.


Some of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner appears to be falling apartThe “American flag blue” coating appears to be peeling away in some sections.

So, how exactly is President Trump going to “fix” this mess? Is he going to blame that Oklahoma company he chose for doing shoddy work? Remember, he specifically chose this company and didn’t allow any other companies to bid. Is he going to make that company fix it for free because they didn’t do it right? Will the blame go to the paint/epoxy company? I wouldn’t doubt that he would blame China or another country, claiming they made the paint/epoxy.


Former Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson is 86 years old and has decided to move from Maui to Frisco, TX. And he says he loves being back in the Metroplex. He said Maui is a great place to live, but not a great place to die. I’m shocked that anyone with so much wealth would want to move from paradise to North Texas. Not to mention, the man has a strong affinity for weed.

He and his son were being interviewed by The Hardline on The TICKET. They are focusing on NBA Europe in a partnership with Luka.


As all of you are well aware, it took the Knicks 53 years to win a championship. If we apply that to the Dallas Cowboys, our next Super Bowl win will be in 2049.


I always thought it was odd that Texas didn’t have closed primaries. I was also surprised that Texas’ open primary system has been in use since the early 90s.

Full Article


Movies and TV shows casting in Dallas

Here’s a sampling:

  • Investigation Discovery Texas Ranger Documentary Series
    • Roles:— Justin (lead, male, 18-24)
      Roles pay up to: $150, 10 hours of work
  • ‘Psychomachia’- Project type: feature film
    Casting various parts for our latest Christian independent film, based on the poem by Christian Roman poet Prudentius, a gritty, adrenaline-pumping rock musical about seven Virtues who do battle against seven Vices for the salvation of one man’s soul; a kind of Christian variation of KPop Demon Hunters. You Connection is a Christian nonprofit company in Dallas, Texas, producing film and theatre.

    • Numerous Roles (supporting, 10-80)
      Roles pay up to: $1,200
  • ‘Glass Cannon’ – Series
    Casting actors who can get real and deep for characters in a life story about a young MMA prodigy rising to the top at the expense of his own livelihood, “Glass Cannon.”

    • Roles:— Justin (lead, male, 18-24)
      Roles paying up to $200
  • ‘Sugar Daddy Blues’ – Scripted Reality Series
    Synopsis: A wildly wealthy, completely ordinary tech-support infrastructure mogul uses his fortune to find companionship through sugar-dating apps, only to find himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of disastrous, high-maintenance dates with hyper-niche internet subculture archetypes who want everything except a normal relationship.

    • Roles:— Bunny(lead, female, 18-29); Sage(lead, female, 18-29); Roxy (lead, female, 18-29)
      est 40 hours of work

 

Bob Odenkirk Brings Saul Goodman Back After ‘Better Call Saul’ for PSA Celebrating America 250


 

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on Bag of Randomness
Friday, June 19, 2026

Bag of Randomness
Monday, June 15, 2026


I watched Steven Spielberg’s newest movie, Disclosure Day, yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. At 79 years old, there’s no telling how many movies he’ll direct, especially when it comes to science fiction. His last science fiction film was 2018’s Ready Player One. Also, he was able to get his musical score compadre, 94-year-old John Williams, to come out of retirement to make this his final score of his legendary and iconic career. (Variety: ‘Disclosure Day’: John Williams Recorded Two Hours of Music Over a Six Month Period for his 30th Collaboration with Steven Spielberg (Exclusive). However, the famed director said he has talked to him about scoring his 31st movie. But as for Spielberg, I think we’ll be lucky to get three or four more films from him as the director.

From the previews and commercials, I was a bit skeptical about what Emily Blunt would bring, but after understanding the context and complexity of her character, I think this was the best performance of her career. I also thought the cinematography was great and will end up winning an Academy Award.

Colman Domingo’s performance stood out, and as good as Colin Firth is, his performance annoyed me a bit.

If you are an X-Files fan like me, you’ll certainly appreciate this film. You’ll also appreciate this film if you are a fellow die-hard U2 fan, as Bono’s daughter, Eve Hewson, has a prominent role.



I remember this guy’s show being on ESPN in the morning before SportsCenter became a thing. As fit as he was, 71 surprises me.

Gilad Janklowicz, famed ‘Bodies in Motion’ host and fitness pioneer, died suddenly at 71, with no cause of death released.

  • ‘Bodies in Motion’ aired nearly 600 episodes over 42 years, first on ESPN from 1985 to 1996 before moving to other networks including Fox Sports and FitTV.


Local World Cup Tidbits:

It’s pretty amazing how much the Dutch and Dallas have embraced each other. Kinda interesting to see all this enthusiasm for a game in the Cowboys’ home stadium, yet Cowboys fans have never been this enthusiastic for their home team.

FIFA found a way to address the blinding sunlight at the Cowboys’ home stadium.

There are certain things I absolutely admire about the Japanese culture.

It doesn’t even matter if they are in a wheelchair.

What a pleasant surprise to see a former number one overall NFL draft pick join in as he follows the Japanese team.

And at least one Cowboys cheerleader is rooting for Japan.

One thing I’m a little tired of is seeing all the reactions of foreigners visiting Buc-ees for the first time.


Solar generates more energy than coal in US for 1st time: In May 2026, solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, while coal supplied 12.2%, according to an analysis of official monthly and preliminary hourly generation data.


When I first saw the headlines for this, I thought it had to be fake. And there’s footage; thankfully, all I’ve seen has the final part blurred.

Woman, 21, Plummets 131 Feet to Her Death After Bungee Jump Staff Allegedly Forgot to Attach Bungee Cord

When horrific events like these happen, I often think about the workers who are responsible for retrieving the body and the cleanup. I’m sure there’s a certain amount they get used to, but I’m sure there’s a whole lot they will never get used to.


Dallas Cowboys fans have long been frustrated with Jerry Jones as the General Manager because, instead of focusing on football like any normal general manager, he’s preoccupied with non-football matters like real estate, oil and natural gas, and other business ventures unrelated to building a better roster or supporting the coaching staff. He’s done nothing but make the Cowboys mediocre.

President Trump, likewise, doesn’t focus on presidential matters and gets preoccupied with paving over the Rose Garden, tearing down the East Wing and building a massive and over-budgeted ballroom, revamping the Kennedy Center, hosting the Kennedy Center Honors, painting the reflecting pond (that’s now covered with alae), building a Triumphal Arch, hosting a tacky UFC match on the grounds of the White House, and that’s just what I can come up with off the top of my head.

As Jerry Jones has done nothing but make the Cowboys a mediocre franchise, Trump is doing the same to our beloved country, and that’s indisputable.

What do most Americans think of that tacky UFC event at the White House?

A recent survey from Reuters/Ipsos showed many Americans were also apprehensive of what has been dubbed “UFC 250,” with only 16 percent calling it appropriate to host such an event at the White House.


A federal court ordered that Trump’s name be removed from the Kennedy Center by the end of the day Friday. They complied, albeit hours late and in the most cowardly way, and I feel sorry for the workers who had to work at that odd time.

Around 2 a.m., crews began constructing scaffolding around the signage site, according to live footage of the process. The workers later dropped a covering over the site, blocking a view of the removal process.

The scaffolding with a tarp remains after the removal of the lettering early this morning from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, following a federal judge’s order to remove U.S. President Donald Trump’s name from the institution, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 13, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

But several folks snapped a pic through an opening on the side.

Resurrecting such a gigantic tarp at odd hours may be the perfect metaphor for an administration that lacks transparency and is full of cover-ups. Sadly, as of last night, the giant tarp was still up.

And I haven’t even mentioned the literal circus at the White House this weekend.

Speaking of recent circus-related politics.

And I bet some minimum wage worker had to clean it up.


I’m not sure what was up with ABC’s coverage of the Knicks’ win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, which gave them their first championship in over 50 years. After the final buzzer, they followed Wemby and several San Antonio players to their locker room rather than focusing on the winning team celebrating on the court. That’s just a weird decision. Heck, if they were so intent on how the losing team reacted, they could have done a picture-in-picture thing and kept the focus on the champions. In case you are wondering, all the Spurs players seemed composed; it was nothing special.


Yes, the City of Arlington did indeed try to woo the Stars.


Listen.

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on Bag of Randomness
Monday, June 15, 2026