HE DID WHAT?! THE SUPREME COURT

⚖️What’s going on in our Supreme Court? ⚖️

with Anthony Newcombe

⚖️This month’s topic: Allegations of bribery in our Supreme Court ⚖️

I guess it really does not matter which side of the aisle you put yourself. The bottom line is there cannot be rampant bribery allowed at the highest levels of the judiciary! Period.

Even if we were talking about a Supreme Court Justice whom you agreed with, the fact that we are even in the midst of something so destructive to our country should be enough to make your skin crawl.

Let me digress. Imagine if we simply sat back and allowed criminals to rob us of our belongings, kidnap our children, or beat us to a pulp when we are standing in a line at a convenience store.

Imagine if we allowed a random shooter to wind his way through the city and mow down everyone and everything in his sight. How about thinking about enabling a rogue police officer to roam about the city having his way with anyone he encounters?

The answer is (or at least hopefully is) we would never stand for any of these. So, if we really want to show the country that we care for it, we’d better hitch up our straps, think seriously and DO SOMETHING before NOTHING IS PUNISHED.

We cannot keep looking the other way. We need the concept of law & order to come from the very top. If not, we cannot expect our citizens to behave. No “self-policing,” “honor system,” or the like. We spend enough taxpayer money on so many things that aren’t nearly this consequential to our future. We can do better in this area too, correct? What is there to hide?

We need independent oversight with teeth. If we do not get it straight, we cannot expect those committing the crimes to do it for us. Exactly like we expect it done in our communities.

What do YOU think?

-A.N.

PROFILE

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author, narrator, and full-stack web developer.

Make up your minds people!

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit befuddled by the “wishy-washiness” (for lack of a better term) of our current approach to running our country. Let’s just get right to it.

First, we need to figure out what our actual priorities are. I just received a weather report yesterday that over two feet of rain (yes, that is correct) was expected for the south Florida region in less than 8 hours. Normally, hearing that rain is headed to south Florida is nothing unusual. However, when the Ft. Lauderdale Airport becomes frickin’ Lake Okeechobee in less than an hour (requiring extensive closure), it registers. It really registers.

So, if political and corporate leaders wish to tout Florida as “the place to be,” shouldn’t they also pay the same attention to how people plan to navigate these apocalyptic conditions? In other words, it seems a fool’s errand to pack a state with people, homes, businesses, etc. while simultaneously ignoring the fact that the state can’t handle the worsening weather conditions, right?!

By the way, not to pick on Florida, but we can see this happening pretty much everywhere. Heavy snowfall one week, and dry fire conditions the next (see New Jersey or California). Tornadoes roaring through the mid west, south and also touching down in California.

I guess my point is: at what point do we figure out that we are in over our collective skulls? Do we need to see one of our states literally “fall off the map” in order to do more? Does some location need to sink?

What do you think?

A.N.

Profile

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author & narrator, and a full-stack web developer. He enjoys most outdoor activities and hopes to be able to survive the probable apocalypse at some point …

Golf is FUN!!

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

white round medication pill on green grass field — *Photo: Credit to Markus Spiske on Pexels.com*

This month: Golf’s Hole-In-One

It might be … it could be … IT IS!!

Wow! You did it! What a feeling!

A – HOLE – IN – ONE!!

It doesn’t matter if you make one at a par 3 course, a full-length municipal course, a private course, or a tournament course, there is a certain type of celebration that only one type of shot generates. That, of course, is the HOLE IN ONE celebration.

Everyone in the vicinity turns into sort of an antique: they freeze, gawk, point, and then applaud the golfer who brings them this once in a blue moon moment. From some old timer during a skins round on a retirement course to Tiger Woods during a professional tourney, witnesses in general go completely bonkers for this privilege.

Not to brag, but I was fortunate enough to make not one but TWO holes in one in an 18-month span. Unfortunately for my playing partner, he had to witness both. And he’s a much better golfer than I’ll ever be.

My philosophy: try to hit every pin I see (sucker-pin or not!). His strategy: shoot within a 10-foot circle of each pin. So, though he rarely (if ever) posted an 11 on his par-3 holes (like I have), he also didn’t give himself too many chances at an “Ace.” No risk, no reward I’ve seen somewhere.

While watching the final round of the Players Championship today, make a note of the percentage of fans hanging out on the island hole, number 17. If asked, I’m sure most of them would admit they are diabolical weekend hacks who are just waiting to see a millionaire pro hit a bunch of balls into “the drink”/ a.k.a. “lake” surrounding it.

Others will admit they are looking to witness only the 23^rd or so (don’t quote me, it’s close enough) ace in a professional round at TPC Sawgrass since its inception. Few, it any, will drop their tee ball into the “Sunday hole location” in the back right swath of the green. But, if it does somehow, you will witness absolute BEDLAM. So, do what we all do: grab a snack, a cool beverage, an anticipate “the ace.”

It is, from one hack to many others reading this, THE MOST amazing moment in golf. Of course, that’s IF you have the guts to go for it!

PROFILE

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author and narrator, and weekend golf hack who has broken more windows than he’d ever admit. He can be heckled on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere online. He’s one of those who doesn’t believe in “bad publicity.”

SUPER SUNDAY!

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

This month: All the hub-bub concerning the Super Bowl halftime show

Everyone seems to be all in some type of tiff about the show. This year it’s Rihanna. Last year, it was concerning “honoring crime and criminals” with the Dr. Dre/ Snoop/ tribute to Compton. Some years back, it was Beyonce and all the stuff about militancy.

Let me tell you something. Look, Prince is no longer with us, Bruno Mars can’t do it every year, and we live in an era where no one is even considered if deemed a “has been.” I’ll go out on a limb and say, “just ENTERTAIN ME!” As long as the set is entertaining and everyone gets home safely, do we really give a sh*t?! Answer: we should not. Or, should we?

What do you think?

See you guys in the spring!

-A.N.

Profile

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author & narrator, and full-stack developer. In addition to this monthly blog, follow his 3 Questions with Anthony Newcombe on ANJET for luxury travel related topics and his book recommendations.

The “New” Lazy

A Closer Look

with Anthony Newcombe

This month’s topic: The “New Lazy”

la·zy

/ˈlāzē/

adjective

adjective: lazy; comparative adjective: lazier; superlative adjective: laziest

unwilling to work or use energy.

“He was too lazy to cook”

Or, how about, “We were too lazy to drive to the drive thru”

Our household just received the latest “new thing.” It is, in fact, a digi-coupon from DoorDash informing us (don’t quote me) something like “… save 15% on our orders from Del Taco in the next 15 days!”

Del Taco? Do you mean the drive-thru Del Taco?” Seriously?! So, let me get this straight. We can’t even rally enough to throw on some clothes and drive ourselves to the drive thru?! In just a few short years of Covid-19, we’ve now become so lazy that we can’t even bring ourselves to do what the formerly lazy people did before the shutdown.

It says a lot about how easily we can be persuaded “after the fact.” We’ve normalized something as simple as getting into our cars and driving a few blocks down the street. We’re even now willing to include a “delivery charge” just to be able to keep ourselves firmly planted in place. What’s next, having someone to bring the delivery into our homes and arrange our plastic cutlery for us prior to engorging?

Hold on a sec. My security cameras just informed me that “Dasher” is here with my lunch.

Gotta go!

See you in the new year – have a safe holiday and don’t eat too … well, you know you will! <);^)

A.N.

PROFILE

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author & narrator, and full-stack web developer. His insta handles are @50AINT30 and @anjet123

#ImmediateGratification #WhatHaveWeBecome #LowEnergy

CAST YOUR BALLOT!!🗳️

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

This month’s topic: Why are there so few prerequisites in running for congress?

BACKGROUND

Like some of you (okay, many) the past few weeks, we’ve been perusing and marking our bingo cards – I mean, election cards- in the hopes of putting in charge the group that is destined to either botch our next several years or rescue them from the “evil ones” (you feel free to pick your sides – my job is hard enough here folks!).

Then, we patiently endure seemingly endless hours/ days/ weeks in tallying everything up. Then, we huddle up around our televisions (or computers) and moan, groan, cheer, and sigh as the results slowly and methodically drift across our screens. We’ve even been conditioned to wait for “run-off results” later in the year. How does that help to increase “voter turnout?” Koo-koo, right?

My question is: why are we putting ourselves through all of this when it seems all the “elected” must do is find enough people to mark their ballots in their direction? I mean, I don’t know about you, but I personally think it’s irresponsible to run for office to create the laws of the land when you can’t even prove that you know anything about anything.

Are members of congress lawmakers – or very expensive seat fillers with rubber stamps?

I mean, some of these “candidates” couldn’t get elected dog catcher because most American voters love their dogs (cats too) way too much to put them through hell dealing with an incompetent “d-catcher” for the next 2-6 years. There must be a better way.

REQUIREMENTS FOR RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

So, basically, there are age and residence restrictions. Should the candidate be required to know anything about the law? Why not? Why would a lawmaker not be required to know anything about the law before occupying a spot that pays nearly $200,000 per year of tax-payer dollars?

SOLUTIONS/ PROPOSALS

Pages: 1 2

A Closer Look

with Anthony Newcombe

Topic

This month’s topic: Why are NFL players allowed to get behind the quarterback and push him into the end zone, but the defense can’t sack him in the pocket?

Issue

Many of my followers follow me to get a giggle or two once a month. However, today, I’m not playing around anymore. I know we’re only about a third of the way through the 2022 campaign, but it’s starting to look like this is going to be an infuriating season. Right, non-Philly fans? You’re undefeated at the time of this writing and your MLB team is in the NLCS. So, sit down and shut up for now.🤓

I just hate to see such an exciting, addictive sport like football turn into a hapless medley of contradictions. One example is the allowance of pile-driving the quarterback (running back or “wildcat back”) into the end zone or across the first down marker. Does this jibe with all the other rules like: hitting a defenseless receiver, leading with the helmet, striking a quarterback during a running slide, or myriad pass interference calls in the secondary?

What about the flags they constantly throw when a field goal defender launches himself off the backside of a wide-haunched teammate? I thought they were “trying to protect the safety of the players first and foremost?” How is that achieved in this matter? Oh, and don’t get me started on the quarterback sack issue. You know, the one where certain quarterbacks (wink, wink – not any of my team’s!!) are afforded the launching of the yellow laundry while others are completely ignored?

Personally, I’d think a player would prefer his own teammate place his cleats on his cushy tushy while he leaps into the air to “Mutombo” a field goal kick (“NO, NO, NO!”) rather than dig his helmet into my spine and heave ho forward like some ancient Spartan of the past just to get me another yard or two.

My wishes aside – seriously, is one really “safer” than the other? I think not. It’s kind of ridiculous if you ask me. I think the game is getting so far away from its intended roots that we might want to call it something else soon. How about “Pickleball?” No?

What do YOU think?

P.S. Apologies for being such a serious stiff this month …

-A.N.

PROFILE

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, published author and narrator, full-stack developer, and a very humble guy. He thinks he’s “super-skilled” around the house, but his wife would definitely say otherwise …

A Closer Look

Let’s take a closer look …

with Anthony Newcombe

#CancelStudentDebt – some alternatives?

The Issues:

Who gets relief?
What happens to those who “responsibly” paid off their debt?
Who’s on first? ⁉️

Mark Cuban weighed in on this matter a few months ago. If the super-rich say we should do something, then, shouldn’t we just fall in line? America seems to follow the lead of the rich and famous every single time. What changed this time around? Did I miss something?

Background

Anyone who follows me online knows one thing: I’ve made myself abundantly clear on my position regarding this subject matter. It’s littered on my social media profiles, I post about it all the time, and I honestly believe it’s as much a hindrance to our young graduates’ futures as inflation, climate change, gun control, abortion rights, and/or any of the other “hot-button topics” we spend so much time and effort arguing about these days. Let’s face it: a pile of debt does absolutely nothing positive for someone starting out in the current business or real-world environment.

Solutions

However, let’s not be selfish or naive. We know there’s another side. Let’s go there. Right now. One counterargument is: “Why overlook those who paid their balances?!” Let’s not do that.

What if the government followed through and struck $10,000 of student debt for those who are carrying a balance at this time; while also providing a $10,000 federal tax credit to those who can prove they already paid their balances in full? Of course, included could be an “opt-out” provision for those who don’t require either, correct?

Like everything else, it’s never going to be a cheap or simple solution. Just like with all the other ongoing crises: Ukraine, Covid-19, homelessness, etc. However, what it does provide is a reasonable alternative that is fair and all-inclusive. And how do we pay for it? It seems as though somewhere in that $30 trillion dollar pile of debt we’ve accumulated, there must be something that can be shifted around to do this. Congress just needs to work much harder and more diligently to find a way to make this happen.

It’s sort of like that old auto mechanic commercial, “you can either pay me now, or pay me later.”

Any thoughts?

See you in August (try to stay cool till then guys!)

-A.N.

Profile

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, author, narrator, and full-stack developer. He blogs about nearly every topic possible and enjoys tinkering in the yard on weekends.

A Closer Look …

with Anthony Newcombe

Date: June _13, 2022

Topic: Inflation: Can we offset it? Here are some thoughts

Everyone keeps talking about “inflation, inflation, inflation.” If you ask me, it’s one of those topics that you don’t even need to discuss to understand that it exists. It’s the “elephant blocking the gas pump. Perhaps it’s the elephant blocking the grocery aisles. Or maybe it’s the same elephant pushing the interest rates to unthinkable levels in such a short span of time.

Backdrop

Regardless of who (or how) we may believe is ultimately responsible for all of this, the fact of the matter is that we are a nation of 330 plus million, living in a world of 7 plus billion people. We are consuming the same air, energy resources, and food at a pace we’ve never seen in history. We’re an aging country that is unable to bring in anywhere near as many replacements as we are (and will continue) losing for the next 15-30 years or more. Oh, and lest we (not) forget, we are still grappling with a pandemic which, predictably, has morphed into a years-long menace.

Solutions

So, where does that leave us? Well, in my humble opinion, I think we might want to pass some of the infrastructure bills that are collecting dust in D.C. The more able-bodied people who are yanked from their video and FB screens and are out replacing some grossly outdated structures around this nation, the quicker we can produce some actual dollars that aren’t printed and sent out from D.C.

Also, this might bring a little fresh air into the lungs of the same kids who are taking over streets our streets, smash-and-grabbing merchandise off our retail shelves, and, of course, breaking into our cars and houses to pick up a catalytic converter or a Rolex watch to sell online or in the black market somewhere.

Yes, I know what you’re going to say. “We need tougher policing – these kids are savages!” (Or something to the like). Perhaps, some are, and in some ways, we do. But I believe the majority have simply lost their way somewhat and need to be shown a legal and hopeful method to win. Raising rents, tuition, ignoring homelessness, and pretending that everything will take care of itself if we just elect (fill in the blank), will NOT do the trick. We need to offset our losses. We need to provide the right sort of distractions. The ones that give a positive new pathway, that burn energy from frustration, that teach new skills, and that, most importantly, supply a focus and the ability earn actual dollars worthy of the effort put in!

Any thoughts?

See you in July 🌥️ (Let’s bring the sun out!)

-A.N.

Profile

Anthony Newcombe is a 4-time entrepreneur, author, narrator and full-stack developer. He blogs about almost every current topic and likes to tinker around in the yard on weekends.

A Closer Look … 😡😡

with Anthony Newcombe

Date: Wednesday March 9, 2022

This month’s topic: Why does it feel like anything now means everything?!

THIS FIGHTING TAKES PLACE … EVERYWHERE!

It just seems like any subject we discuss nowadays is like the end of the world. Airports/ airplane aisles, vaccines, masks, reading choices, luxury taxes, hirings and firings, gasoline/ grocery/ ticket lines – you name it – we will fight each other seemingly to the death if we don’t agree with something for it. You don’t like what someone says on a plane? Kick their a**! Don’t like the mask they’re wearing? Kick their a**! Don’t want to pay luxury taxes to small market teams? Refuse to field any players or teams…STRIKE! Not to mention all the unnecessary bombing and warmongering going on in the world.

ALMOST ANYBODY FIGHTS … EVEN THE ONES WHO CLEARLY CANNOT

Where did all these a**kickers come from? I’ve never seen so many people (most of whom honestly can’t fight) balling up their fists and letting it rip! Women just the same! It’s just odd to me. I always thought I was the one with had a somewhat of a short fuse, but it appears the saying, “If you live long enough, you’ll see it all” really applies more now than ever.

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Perhaps it’s a confluence of so many negative events dovetailing – and combusting – in real time. Or maybe it’s something else. Am I missing something, or are you do you seeing the same thing? If you asked me, I would like to see this kind of energy going towards rebuilding roads and bridges, relieving student debt, cleaning up the environment, and getting a grip on our dependence on foreign energy. All I know is we need to collectively try another path. Because this one isn’t solving anything. Otherwise, I don’t see us having a whole lot left to argue and fight over in the end!

Any ideas?

See you in the spring! ☀️🍃 ☀️🍃☀️🍃

-A.N.