Some Straight Talk About COVID-19

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Gary

Patrick McHale is the president and chief executive officer of Graco, a large and successful manufacturer with their corporate headquarters are located in Minneapolis.

Their company website explains some of the things they do: “We pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows, and pump the ink onto your bills. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house, and texture on your walls. We’ve been a part of your daily life for more than 90 years.”

Mr. McHale comments on the experience of the company with the COVID-19 epidemic, on the relevant data, and on the shifting public health advice in the current company video and can view below.

He captures the attitude of the authorities in the refrain: “Shut up and put on your mask.” He restates in concise form many of the themes that we have pursued as we have followed the course of the epidemic. His concision extends all the way through to his conclusion: “My closing line this week is: Wake up!”

Quotable quote: “For almost six months now most of our politicians have been putting in place mandates that have had tremendous negative consequences on people’s lives. They’ve told us they’re listening to the medical experts. The media has worked 24/7 to scare people. They’re pushing a single narrative, focusing on those medical experts that are the biggest fear mongers, the “sky is falling” group of medical experts. Dissenting medical opinions are not allowed. Shut up and put on your mask.”

Parallel Parking Advice

Posted on August 29, 2020 by Gary

When I was in high school, you needed to take Driver’s Ed, as a class, in order to qualify for a drivers license in California. There were usually 2-3 students in a car with the instructor.

As I recall, it was actually worthwhile and I learned what I needed to pass my drivers test on the first try.

One of the trickiest part was parallel parking. It seems easy now, but is intimidating to many people.

Here is an approach that should work for people in most cases.

Line up your front wheels with the rear wheels of the car ahead.

Turn your wheels towards the curb, all the way

Draw an imaginary line, and reverse into it

Draw an imaginary line in your head that connects the outside wheels of both cars. Pretend you see it, stationary on the pavement, as you toss your car in reverse and begin backing up. When your inside rear tire touches it, stop