If it weren’t for spam I would be lonely. No one would call or even write. As it is, however, I get too much unwanted attention with at least a dozen daily attempts to extend my warranty, get more benefits from Medicare, or offer insurance discounts. Occasionally, there’s even some porn. My phone now tells me if it’s potential spam, but this has also caused me to block-out welcome callers. With everyone blocked, I now know that all my calls are spam.
Today is an early Leadership Zoom call, as we reflect on the sorry state of I.U. basketball, struggling business, home improvement updates, and how much we miss live music. Another “Archie Miller must go” e-mail got through my spam filter. He should just resign and save us all a lot of money. It will take years now to restore “The Glory of Old I.U.” I give up on this season and will focus all my energy on fighting spam.
Spam
I’d be lonely,
If it weren’t for Spam.
People who think,
I give a damn.
No one would write,
Or even call.
It seems these days,
No one cares at all.
When the phone rings,
It’s Medicare.
Or Life Insurance,
So please beware.
Extend your warranty,
Buy a discount card.
Another unwanted call,
Always be on guard.
Blocking them all,
Just won’t matter.
With endless lines,
To spread their chatter.
Annoying offers,
They’ll never end.
They’ve got your number,
Or e-mail to send.
You’ll unsubscribe,
Until you’re blue.
Or text STOP,
Delete them, too.
But they’ll be back,
To bug you more.
They might even knock,
On your front door.
With everyone blocked.
All my calls are spam.
If you need to reach me,
Send a Telegram.
Copyright 2021 johnstonwrites.com
It was another winter day that required going underground. I watched several other runners navigate the plowed streets filled with ruts and tire marks. There was a time when I loved to run in the snow, but with balance issues I’m reluctant to risk a misstep. I did the short distance to the parking garage and was the only activity on the lowest level. The Streak continues at 4,430 consecutive days. I’m now in front of the television set waiting for the I.U. game against Ohio State to start. I have an ominous feeling, concerned about another poor shooting performance.
We continued our Hitchcock marathon last night over a Sorrento’s pizza, the only restaurant open on our block. The snow is at about five inches with several layers of crust underneath. This was supposed to be a big Valentine’s weekend for area dining establishments, as capacity restrictions were loosened. Instead, Mother Nature reared her ugly head. I continue to empathize with the food business in these tough times. Last night’s Hitchcock thriller was The Wrong Man (1956) and the start of Spellbound (1945). We’ve already seen Lifeboat (1944), Dial M for Murder (1954), Suspicion (1941), North By Northwest (1959), The Lady Vanishes (1938), To Catch a Thief (1955), Marnie (1964), Rope (1948), The 39 Steps (1935), Rear Window (1954), Saboteur (1942), Vertigo (1958), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) and The Birds (1963) over the last month.
I received a couple of e-bay shipments today containing sports collectables. One was postage due and did not include an item presented in the offer. I’m in a sour mood on dealing with this after a poor I.U. half of turnovers, shot clock violations, and missed bunnies. I hope the day gets better. At least I have heat unlike some of my friends. There would be nothing worse during this pandemic than no TV or heat to go with it. Although, I wouldn’t have to watch this game or look for Hitchcock cameos.
Just another Sunday in February. “Sunday” Brunch on the radio and a much too early 9 a.m. I.U. basketball game against Iowa. Another sloppy start by the Hoosiers on the verge of losing an unheard of four games straight at home, and I need whisky to cope, although a Bloody Mary would be more appropriate. Oh yes, and the Super Bowl is this afternoon…Ho Hum. Brady vs. Mahomes – I can’t say I really care. Not even some good commercials to watch or a decent half-time show.
Clang…Clang…Clang… go the baskets – and frustrating turnovers to boot. Missed free throws and long scoring draughts add to the misery. It’s like a reoccurring nightmare, dating back too many years. Then, suddenly, a brief moment of competency and an unexpected half-time lead. It’s hard to figure out this Hoosier team, but Garza on the bench for Iowa certainly helped. By the way, we had the halfway lead against Illinois on Monday night and that didn’t turn out so well. We need another marquis win to make the tournament and it doesn’t matter if it’s against the same team twice.
Tom Brady changed uniforms this year, but will still be playing in his tenth Super Bowl today. Since I’ll soon be a Florida resident, I should probably support his Tampa Bay team. It’s incredible in life how some people get all the glory, while others get none. Patrick Mahomes is the defending champion, so it’s hard to see either as an underdog. I’m sure I will waver back and forth on which team to support. Without a party, the Clydesdales, or a star musical performance, it’s hard to get excited. However, there’s little else to watch. I’m not encouraged by the Hoosier start to the second half either. It could be just a another long day – not necessarily Super!
P.S. Super lucky win by IU 67-65 on an Armaan Franklin last second shot, despite shooting 23-64 (35.9%), 6-23 from 3, and 15-24 (62.5%) from the free throw line. Trayce Jackson-Davis had an impressive double-double with 17-points and 12-rebounds. Looking at these horrible stats, it really was a miracle victory! We needed a break – but it’s too bad we can’t play Iowa every week.