re Rev. James (Jim) R. Kok Funeral, March 21, 2026 Subject: Invitation to Contribute a Final Farewell

Remembering Jim Kok (1935-2026)

for anybody unsure, this is about the James R. Kok who grew up in Hills (MN), Bellflower (CA) & Holland (MI) and became a Christian Reformed Church (CRC) pastor, working most of his career at Pine Rest Christian Hospital in west Michigan, & the rest of his career mostly at the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California. (this is noted because there are/were more than one Rev. James R. Kok affiliated with the CRC over the last several decades).   (His wife's name is Linda). 

 (I am not in charge of posting the official obituary so I am posting a secondary obituary notice here on my own website blogs to provide further context & information). There has been some obituary information posted online already at the following links:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647

https://www.communityfuneralservice.com/obituaries/james-kok

https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-kok-obituary?id=60896647

On March 21, 2026, all are welcome at the burial ceremony at Artesia Cemetery in Artesia (CA) ( 11142 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703 beginning around 9:00 am (pst). It is a small cemetery and we do not know how many people will attend. If more than expected do attend, we hope the cemetery staff will help direct you to "overflow parking" outside the cemetery (but apparently parking in the high school parking lot across the street is discouraged)  

Later in the day, all are also welcome at a  formal memorial service at the Shepherd's Grove church (4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604) later in the day beginning at 1:30pm (pst), after which there will be gathering in the community hall at the same location for refreshments & an informal time for people to reflect, socialize, & remember Jim, possibly with an open mic to share stories, as well as a photo slideshow, & memorial table etc) 

here's my version of Jim Kok's life & legacy: 

Blessed are those who mourn,

 for they shall be comforted." 

— Matthew 5:4

Remembering James R. "Jim" Kok (1935–2026)

James R. Kok, affectionately known as Jim, 

passed peacefully on February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, 

family, & a lifelong dedication to Christian kindness.

 In a striking alignment with his mission, his passing occurred on February 17, 2026, 

which is also known as Random Acts of Kindness Day, a fitting reflection of the life 

he spent serving others with compassion, 

care, love & kindness.

Born on March 29, 1935, in Hills, Minnesota, Jim was the second of five children: 

Sherwood, Jim, Faith, Kay, & Gary. As an infant, he moved with his parents, 

Gareth & Katherine, to Bellflower, California, where his father founded Valley Christian School 

& served as pastor of a Christian Reformed Church (1st Bellflower CRC aka 

"1st Bell "). The household was steeped in faith, learning, & service, shaping the values that would guide Jim's life.

The family later relocated to Holland, Michigan, where Jim attended Holland Christian Junior High & High School. 

Tragedy struck during Jim's teenage years when his mother, Katherine, 

passed away just as Jim was in his final years of high school, leaving a 

profound mark on him as he struggled with "grief" early in life, which influenced the 

depth of compassion & understanding he would later bring to his Christian ministry.

 During this time, basketball became both a passion & a source of friendship  

& community, as he played alongside his lifelong friend Tony Diekema 

( future  president of Calvin College) 

at Holland Christian High, 

&  later Don Vroon as well (future Calvin professor & coach, RIP) 

(among others he remembered fondly), 

continuing together at Calvin College (original location) 

& winning multiple MIAA championships.

Growing up, Jim worked various jobs to make ends meet. In Bellflower, in the 1930's,

 he picked & sold avocados door-to-door; & also sold the Press-Telegram from street corners, 

& even drove a tractor for alfalfa harvesting time

 (Bellflower at that time still being mostly an agricultural & dairy farming area). 

Later, still growing up,  in Holland (MI) he also worked as a  "paper boy" 

delivering the GR Press & Holland Sentinel. In addition he worked at various local grocery stores; 

& at the Holland ballpark selling popcorn & peanuts. 

As a young adult he also worked at Chris Craft, as well as another factory, 

while going thru college; among other things. As a child he enjoyed boating on 

Lake Macatawa & also the "car life" with his brother Sherwood. 

After college, Jim studied at Michigan State University (MSU) for a master's

 in counseling & worked in Kalamazoo in vocational rehab for one year 

while also still playing basketball for various leagues with friends etc. 

After one year in Kalamazoo, Jim answered God's call to ministry 

starting at  Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia &

 then Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, 

eventually becoming an ordained pastor for the 

Christian Reformed Church. 

His pastoral care experience included internships at the University of Michigan 

& a hospital in Gowanda, New York, & he went on to become a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)

 supervisor & Pine Rest Hospital & later the Crystal Cathedral, 

mentoring generations in spiritual care, grief support, 

& compassionate counseling. 

He also started the annual  International Care & Kindness Conference 

at the Crystal Cathedral.

During seminary, Jim met his beloved wife, Linda Peters, daughter of Leo Peters of Butterball Farms. 

Together they raised four children—a daughter & three sons—

across New York, Michigan, Iowa, & California, & were blessed with 

many grandchildren who continue to carry forward his legacy of faith & kindness.

Jim's ministry spanned decades: serving as pastor in Iowa City starting in 1965, 

14 years as CPE supervisor at Pine Rest Hospital in Grand Rapids, 

& many years as Director of Pastoral Care 

at the Crystal Cathedral in California. 

He authored several books, contributed a weekly column to The Banner, 

and for many years led the annual International Care & Kindness Conference 

at the Crystal Cathedral, inspiring countless attendees to 

embrace Christian compassion in both words and actions.

Even in retirement, Jim continued mentoring, counseling, & supporting family, friends, & his community. 

The timing of his passing on Random Acts of Kindness Day 

poignantly mirrors the heart of his lifelong mission: 

to model & promote Christ-centered 

kindness & care for all.

Jim Kok will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, 

cherished grandfather, uncle, loyal friend, mentor, & servant of Christ. 

His life stands as a testament to faith, resilience through grief, 

& a steadfast commitment to loving & serving others.

Rest in peace, Jim. Your faith, care, & kindness, will continue to bless the lives of many.

***************************

Subject: Invitation to Contribute a Final Farewell  

(must be received by Thursday, March 5, 2026 per funeral home deadline)

 (or if they are received later, maybe we can try to make special arrangements to include them)

Dear Family & Friends

As we prepare to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved father James R. Kok, 

we would like to invite each of you to contribute a final farewell to be placed with his 

casket for the March 21 burial. This can be a letter, a card, a favorite photo, or any fond sentiment you wish to express.

• If your contribution can be typed or is a digital photo: Please email it to jkokccc@gmail.com. 

• One of us will take care of printing it.

• If it is a card or other physical item: Please mail it  (or deliver to):
  16828 Chicago Ave
  Bellflower, CA 90706
  Be sure to mark the envelope "For the Casket" so it is handled appropriately.

We hope this gives everyone an opportunity to share memories, love, 

& gratitude, creating a lasting tribute that will accompany our beloved father 

(& grandfather, uncle, friend etc)  in their final rest.

Thank you for taking part in this meaningful gesture. 

Your words, pictures, and sentiments will provide comfort & a lasting memory for all of us.

With love and remembrance,

The Kok Family

******

note: The formal term for items like notes, letters, cards, or small keepsakes placed in a casket "in loving memory" is generally funeral or burial memorabilia, but more specifically in mortuary and archival contexts they are often called casket or burial offerings. Other accepted terms include:

• Casket letters – usually personal letters placed inside the casket.

• Funeral keepsakes – more general term for cards, notes, or small mementos.

• Memorial tributes – can include any written or symbolic items left with the deceased.

• Interment items – a formal term in funeral service documents for things placed in the casket before burial.

re MacKerricher State Park, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kg978gLgtfqNZYXi9?g_st=am 

I really enjoy this state park and was excited to return again after 5 years. Normally, day-use visitors can go through the right lane quickly while campers check in on the left. On my most recent visit, the right lane was blocked (by a less -than -thoughtful ranger) which meant everyone had to wait in the camper line. It was taking so long I eventually left feeling disappointed. I still love this park, but I hope when I return in the future 5 years from now there will be a clearer process for day-use visitors to enter more smoothly.

24100 MacKerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA 95437

photos: Summer Mission Trip 2025 (June-July), part 1a & 1b

photos: Summer Mission Trip 2025 (June-July), 

part 1a

photos: Summer Mission Trip 2025 (June-July),

part 1b

stay tuned for summer mission trip 2025 part 2

 (July-August-Sept)

Re Fred Meyer store 915 NW 45th St, Seattle, WA 98107 😡👎

https://maps.app.goo.gl/otay2N3eHxbJRjiY9?g_st=am 

I DON'T LIKE IT that they've imitated Walmart with their little yellow highlighter that they ( try to) demand to slash across your receipt as you leave. I'm a well-established professional person & I don't really like having somebody from Mexico (possibly an illegal immigrant) being the judge of my honorability .

 CAN I ASK HIM TO SEE HIS IMMIGRATION PAPERS ? Even Walmart knows enough not to press their luck with their yellow highlighter as you exit. I just nod and they nod back because I know they have NO LEGAL RIGHT TO ACTUALLY DEMAND to see my receipt.

 Likewise at Fred Meyer. But here I am visiting Seattle & the immigrant demanded to see my receipt 🧾 (BUT HE COULDN'T EVEN SAY IT IN COMPLETE ENGLISH) and then he even failed to unlock my grocery cart wheels which locked up as I went out the door. 

SHAME on Fred Meyer. 

Not coming back 👎😡

REVIEW OF Los Altos Library 13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022

the library is fine. once in a while a strange patron will come in and act weird . like today, i'm sitting in the back area and an asian lady comes in and stares at me with great intensity & it felt like anger.  it was quite disturbing- like she hated me- and i never met her. it was difficult to avert her gaze because she kept her eyes locked on me for a MUCH LONGER TIME THAN IS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE.

I was literally sitting with my laptop MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS. very creepy. and definitely a form of HARRASSMENT. I don't deserve to be harassed. I'm a good person, and a good citizen. I pay my taxes, treat people kindly, and am a positive contributing member of the community. Next time I will report it.
______
The other problem which is the problem at most of the local libraries is that the AC is too high . Yes, it's middle of the summer, but the actual outdoor temp is NOT that high lately (7.22.25). I shouldn't need to be "bundled up" inside to feel comfortable. 

👎😡Re NOISE POLLUTION at Safeway , 645 San Antonio Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zW87AiybNMimv2VQ9?g_st=am 

7.21.25 do they have to do the POWER WASHING at 9:15 p.m. in the evening ? We wake up to the sound of LEAF BLOWERS and try to fall asleep to the sound of power washers . That's why we pay the big bucks to live in Silicon Valley 😡👎😡👎😡👎 

re Sunnyvale Library 665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

ABOUT A year ago (2024)  i was using the Sunnyvale library for about a week every day while waiting for my auto repair. I noticed at the time that there was a couple in one of the corners that always left their stuff on the desk (laptop, etc) and would leave for an extended amount of time. Seemed strange to me. THen they would return and whisper to each other.

I returned recently about a year later and noticed these two (male, female, darkish complexions,  married couple ?) were still there ! And their stuff was still on the desk and they were gone again. While I was working on my laptop they returned. THen they left again. Then the guy returned. As I packed up my stuff he turned and looked at me and  SEEMED TO BE TAKING A PICTURE OF ME. Not sure what that was all about but I didn't like the way he did it- nor know for what purpose .

I also noticed that all the tents that were scattered around the back were gone. What happened to the campers ? Not allowed anymore ? Well, the couple in the corner seems to still be CAMPING INSIDE . And leaving their stuff there for extended periods of time without being present is simply INVITING A PROBLEM . Nobody does that. You TAKE YOUR STUFF WITH YOU when you're going to be gone for a while. I hope security puts an END TO THIS FIASCO. This is NOT THEIR PRIVATE PERSONAL CORNER of the library !!!!

CC: LIBRARY MANAGER 

I have always lived by this Bible verse

I have always lived by

 this Bible verse:

"Do not take revenge, 

my dear friends, 

but leave room

 for God's wrath, 

for it is written: 

"It is mine to avenge; 

I will repay," says the Lord."

     ......      -Romans 12:19

Speaking of which, when I was a student at Fuller, there was an  incident in which I was a victim of police brutality. When I took them to court, the opposition somehow got some of the papers I wrote for a class at Fuller Seminary, and they quoted something that I wrote to try to portray me as justifying violence. 

Not only was it misquoted and out of context to try to make me look like a person who justifies violence in some cases (as opposed to 'just war' at a plural or 'corporate 'level), the question is which person(s) at Fuller seminary saved the papers that I wrote and gave them to somebody in the opposition in my case against the city. 

(And it raises another question about why they're making copies of papers that I wrote, & apparently of students in general? Why they keeping/copying the intellectual property of students and trying to make a psychological profile of them?  When I write a paper for a class, I assume it's read by the  almighty professor , graded, & returned to the student. And that's the end of it. But this might not be the case at Fuller .

It's kind of sickening, eerie,  & creepy to say the least. 

If you are a current student at Fuller Seminary, you might want to inquire about whether they they are keeping your intellectual property, and God forbid that anything should happen again such as happened to me,  whether they will use it against you , or allow it to be used against you in an inappropriate manner out of context. 

But then, of course, if they're doing this furtively behind the scenes, will they be honest if you inquire about it? ) And I don't mean to cast aspersions on everybody at Fuller, it may be just a few rogue persons )

But somebody (singular or plural) at Fuller Seminary betrayed me and tried to make me look like a bad person, or a  person with potential for violence. 

This was/is very disturbing to say the least. Who, at Fuller is so high and mighty that they think they can decide who is a good or bad person ? All of us come from different backgrounds and different walks of life and spiritual progression. The word progression means spiritual growth. Nobody comes in to Fuller like a perfect little innocent saint nor leaves as a perfect person.

 None of the professors either. Neither attending Fuller nor working at Fuller makes you a perfect person. We are all still on a journey hopefully improving in our walk with Christ daily. Whichever rogue person or persons is behind this kind of nonsense, to put it mildly, needs to take the log out of their own eye first. 

Are they taking your intellectual property and putting it into some sort of psychological AI processor and coming up with some kind of profile based on very superficial material. Or handing it over to somebody even more supercilious in the psychology department to "analyze"? People who think they know much more than they actually do?  People who think they know more than God Himself? 

Fuller seminary also takes grants from pharmaceutical companies. Huge grants by the way, not just a few pennies here and there. So you need to ask who are they bowing down to in reality ? What drives them? Can you trust them ? Who are they in bed with ? 

And of course, there's good people at Fuller seminary: students, staff , & faculty. But if the central nervous system is controlled by a few corrupt individuals, as they say " a bad apple ruins the whole batch. "

 I was and am a good person with good intentions, a good♥️ heart,  and still growing in Christ ✝️ on a daily basis. I have never advocated violence against other individuals or taken the law into my own hands. And I have never used violence against anybody. Repeat: NEVER. 

We ask for spiritual intercession for Fuller Seminary to weed out some of the evil within. I ask prayer warriors to pray constantly without ceasing for Fuller Seminary and a Holy Spirit breakthrough!

🙏✝️🙏✝️🙏✝️

re the overbearing Stanford "RED" employees (bag searchers, ushers, watchers, ticket takers, etc) 👎😡

Attn: Stanford administration re The Red Plague at Stanford athletic events 😡👎

These Stanford employees in red (ushers, bag searchers etc) take their jobs TOO DAMN SERIOUSLY which takes ALL THE FUN out of being a spectator. There has NEVER, repeat NEVER,  been a serious threat or even a problem of drunkeness etc at a Stanford sport event. 

The RED PEOPLE literally are so bored to death because of good behavior, they have to find,  or create things, to NITPICK about to give them a sense of purpose.

 It's really SAD 😡.Berkeley doesn't have this problem. The "watchers" there are laid back 😎and cool and make it an enjoyable experience, and includes younger people as well as African-Americans. Why has the fun- loving Stanford community been inflicted with the Red Plague ⁉️

Is it even legal for @Stanford to try to BAN ALL PERSONAL VIDEO FOOTAGE on campus ?

Is it even legal for

 @Stanford to try to BAN ALL PERSONAL VIDEO FOOTAGE

 on campus because they're a private institution ⁉️

(or was the hag in red just trying to intimidate or bully me ? 

Or did she totally misunderstand

 the memo ? My guess is that Stanford instructed their so-called security people (or  however you describe those people in  obnoxious total red uniforms at every single event: ushers, watchers, mostly elderly people who perform various functions mostly MICRO- MANAGEMENT in nature) to make sure people are not videotaping an entire sporting event for commercial purposes, personal profit etc 

So this lady sees me come in and start videotaping the first minute or so of the event (beach volleyball) . She either  misunderstands the memo & concludes that there should be no video taping at all by any individual, or she erroneously assumes I'm going to continue taping for the next 60 minutes. If it's the former, she needs to be reinstructed. If She still can't comprehend it,  she needs to be fired.

 If it's the latter, she needs to watch and observe the person with the camera for more than 60 seconds before concluding this person is trying to film the entire event. Seems like she should be watching any "suspect" for at least 10 minutes or so to see if the camera stays up the entire time. 

I had just arrived and had only been video taping maybe a minute or so which is usually what I do and then I'll sit and watch and usually leave early (to be honest, I get bored at beach volleyball contests pretty quickly)

re nitpicking at Milpitas Library

i went to the upstair section and sat in a soft chair with the laptop cord plugged in to the nearby desk. moments later the white lady told me that "policy" doesn't allow it  (apparently watching me intently, i don't know why, other than she is one of those white females who likes to nitpick white males (in a mostly non-white library, predominantly asian now)  so she can feel superior)  (she had to twist her neck to watch me as she was normally looking the opposite direction). meanwhile I see kids sitting on the floor in one section (probably also a policy violation), and after I moved to a new seat an asian guy sat down and put a blanket over his head and fell asleep and started snoring loudly and nobody said anything about it. what this tells me is that I was targeted not because of a serious "policy violation" (hardly anybody walks in that corner so it would not be a actual tripping concern) but because of being a white male. SHAME ON THIS LADY.

But also, why not add some plugs near the soft chairs on the 2nd floor. I can't sit very long in the hard chairs at a desk because of a hip disability. If it's a serious concern to have a cord stretched over to a desk , add some plugs near the soft chairs to accomodate those of us with disabilities .

Some Catholic priests have a HIDDEN AGENDA when they say

Some Catholic priests 

 have a HIDDEN AGENDA 

 when they say

 "pray for the 

unemployed or

 underemployed ". 

Can you figure out 

 what it is ? 

re not always walking in a straight line on Stanford campus & occasionally pausing

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pkngQvGLz9U6rQKe9 

Normally I walk in a STRAIGHT LINE to my destination on Stanford campus. However, occasionally, I may have to pause or even reverse direction for various reasons . In some cases I have to take a phone call and I'd rather pause to talk. In other cases I may not know exactly where my event is located. I may have gotten it wrong so I need to consult my phone. I may have passed it and need to double back. 

Why am I telling you what is probably obvious to most people ? Because apparently there are some people, usually female,who are easily disturbed by any aberration in a male person's walk. They seem to think that any kind of pause or change of direction is a clue that they are potential predators. I don't know how to get it through to them because you can't talk to such persons usually. So I am posting it here maybe they'll read it or maybe some of you will be able to communicate it to them better than I am. 

99% of men are NOT predators, including me 🚫. In fact, most of us men are able & willing to help a woman in distress. But if you keep treating us men like we are the enemy you're not going to have many friends left. I now have to pre-plan my walk accordingly if there's a certain type of female in the vicinity so that I don't cause alarm and, God forbid, get misinterpreted in my intentions. 

For example, recently I was walking to my car and it was dark and a female was a few steps ahead of me and she was nearing my car. And I was on the other side. And I knew that if I crossed over directly towards my vehicle I would almost intersect with her and she would think I was walking straight at her. So I paused and pulled out and pretended I was talking on my phone so that it would seem natural. But I didn't notice that there was another female coming up behind me. So after female #1 had passed and I crossed over towards my car apparently this set off the alarm bells in female #2 & suddenly she went running past me because she didn't want to take the chance that I was hiding in the shadow of 2 cars lying-in-waiting for her, instead of actually I was standing next to my car door by that time trying to get my key in the dark clock.  

The point of the story is to hopefully communicate to nervous females that 99% of us males ARE NOT PREDATORS. But if you keep treating us like we are potential predators you are alienating your potential protectors in case anything actually does happen. 

And trust me, most men are NOT thinking about raping a woman as they walk down the street. Nor are they even thinking about you as a sexual object. Most men are JUST LIKE YOU, trying to get to their car or their destination. Period. Full stop. 

--

My message to a female university student after delivering her lost keys

Dear student, 

In the "real world" 🌍 you probably NEVER would have gotten your keys back. Most people wouldn't take the time to try to locate you, contact you, & then also deliver them to you. There's NO LEGAL OBLIGATION.  And I obviously didn't do it for a financial 💰 reward.

 Nor because you were "SO NICE ABOUT IT" (altho try to  remember that BEING NICE does help in the real world.) Oh that's right, you did include "please" x1, & then you concluded with an imperative to let you know when I drop them off. A little bossy. People don't like bossy in the real world 🚫👎. 

The ONLY REASON I did this is because I am a Christian✝️. I don't know if that means anything to you. I hope you will go out of your way to help somebody likewise in the near future. 

Your keys were dropped off at the location you requested at 3:50 pm (PST). 

NO REPLY NECESSARY 

-Anonymous -

powerful words: inspiration

Golden One Center home of the NBA Sacramento Kings

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XZt6xvJKQSGyThe68 

It's ok but just like at a no-fun stanford football games they have ushers assigned to be full time "FEET WATCHERS" ... going around telling people to keep their feet on the floor. What this tells me is the seats are TOO CLOSE TOGETHER 👎. 

I have a hip disability which means if I sit scrunched up for too long I will be in severe pain for the next 24 hours. All that  is necessary to avoid this,  is to be able to stretch my leg out straight. Sometimes I can do that if I sit by the aisle. Otherwise it is nice to be able to put my leg over a chair . 

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 from the Original Butterball family (when it was exclusively associated with butter,not turkey) Leo Peters as a child

https://x.com/AmeriPrayer1/status/1862147213285105824?t=U4yAzb825Q21acyKQpH-_g&s=19

Happy 

#Thanksgiving 

🦃! ✝️🙏🇺🇲

This little guy with his bicycle 🚲 was the actual 'Butterball' founder ( not originally associated with turkey but butter 🧈.Makes sense doesn't it ? ). 

Read the whole story of the 'Butterball Family 👇👇

https://peters-appreciation.blogspot.com/2015/12/they-should-do-this-w-butterball.html?m=1

Re Stanford University: this review is about the dreaded hateful "STANFORD STARE DOWN"

Usually 4 or 5 stars EXCEPT this review is about the dreaded hateful "STANFORD STARE DOWN"  that some at Stanford aim at people they don't like even if they've never met the person. This is usually a lefty political thing towards people the lefty person deems to be conservative.

 I've been the brunt of the dreadful STANFORD STARE by people I've NEVER met or spoken with and committed NO sins against. They will aim their steely eyes 👀 at you in the middle of a lecture or wherever .

 It's a creepy feeling to be the victim of this unwarranted attack. It really is an attack. And I've never even voiced my political affiliation around people at Stanford. It's not relevant when I'm attending a lecture etc.

 Somebody please STOP these creeps from afflicting us decent people with the horrific Stanford Stare 👁️👀🚫🚫🚫. Quoth the raven 'NEVERMORE'. 

I am also reporting it to the Stanford administration when I can document it with video/photo/name etc. They should be EXPELLED for this unethical behavior 👎.

Re potentially dangerous homeless fellow in forest on edge of Stanford campus near Town & Country

https://maps.app.goo.gl/zHyZhVyKTbs3haQU7 

Normally 4 to 5 stars, but recently 3 stars because of African American homeless fellow in the woods on Stanford property (across from Town & Country car wash).

 On 11/8/24 I took a shortcut walking back to my car which I parked off campus to avoid fees and this fellow was sitting by a tree near the road and immediately stood up & started yelling aggressively & staring menacingly. He apparently had a sense of entitlement to being there & said something disparagingly about "Stanford students" even though I'm not a student (just attending an event) . 

I thought about calling Stanford police but hope this might alert them instead. Would like to see them patrol these forest areas on foot periodically to prevent this sort of problem before it leads to an actual incident.

Re chubby male employee at rinconada library

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CDh6tcdnJRwCwaX39 

The chubby male employee seems to have taken a particular interest in my presence at the library like I'm a high school rebel and he's the principal, despite me being ALMOST 60 YEARS OLD . I'm also disabled (chronic pain) but try not to show it.

 I think his behavior is "knee jerk" ( ie reflexive) based on some stereotype in the back of his mind and I hope he can work thru this without there being a need for confrontation or talking to his superior. 

I use the library strictly to get work done . I'm not there playing games, nor fooling around, nor idly wasting time. Please leave me alone. And NO SHARP GLANCES please . 

Re rinconada library , Palo Alto CA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gJViRzDu9vGU2BGg7 

There's an African-American fellow at this library who is literally at the library every single day and always at the same public computer. The problem is that this raises the problem of a sense of "entitlement" - a false sense of "ownership", despite this being a public place meant for everybody. Not a big problem but I notice he gives me a sharp glance every time I enter and exit. It's the sharp glance that bothers me, like passing a "gatekeeper" every time. 

And the chubby employee likewise sometimes. I don't think the chubby male employee likes me. Makes me feel like I'm in high school again with a random teacher not liking me for no good reason despite me being almost 60 now. Isn't there a mandatory retirement age here ?

 As long as I'm doing nothing wrong, I prefer to be IGNORED. And I can assure you, I am doing nothing wrong. Just working on my laptop, editing writing material. 

re San Mateo Libraries, esp Atherton LIbrary

I remember the old Atherton library (ie a trailer). The new Atherton library has attracted a lot of "supremacists": but not the white kind (who don't really exist very much, especially not in CA; where whites are actually a minority) . I'm talking about those who think they are  superior to white people .

 I'm a "white person" (although never thought of myself as such growing up)  who has lived all over the world, & been very successful, including numerous academic degrees; & studied several different languages (including Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, & Arabic; oh, I almost forgot, also Aramaic) & yet I've experienced people here who assume I am a "stupid white boy" . It's the most disgusting grotesque racist thing in the world. 

And the white staff at the library, as good as they are (the best!) don't know how to handle it. If a white person (esp white male) gets wronged by a non-white person (maybe a micro-aggression, or even a more overt aggression) in their minds it's been so ingrained that the "minorities" (who are actually the majority in CA ) need special treatment and empathy and extra patience etc, or even assume that the white person  is to blame for "triggering" them (or if we did unintentionally trigger a person; find a way to educate us as to how sometimes unknowingly we  are triggering them so we can try to accommodate without also compromising our intellectual honesty & integrity, & freedom). 

San Mateo library needs to start training for the increasing opposite scenarios where the minority person (who is actually a majority in CA, repeated for emphasis) is the aggressor. They need to at least begin entertaining the idea that a "person of color" can and will become an aggressor at times; and how not to re-victimize the white victim by assuming the white person intentionally did something to "trigger" the minority person (who is the majority, repeated for emphasis) and therefore "deserves" the wrath of the person of color.  Please start discussing this amongst staff and management before it is too late ! 

Imprecatory prayer re Mean😡 Ken at library

I was at a public library minding my own business when a guy named Ken came in and demanded that I switch my laptop plug to a different outlet so that he could use the one I was using. There was another outlet nearby which he could have just as easily chosen to use by sitting in a different seat, 2 steps away but he refused my suggestion. 

When I didn't immediately jump up to change my plug, he got angry and yanked my plug out and put his in. I couldn't believe it! I called an employee over and she tried to moderate, but she was too mild-mannered & didn't dare rebuke Ken. So I asked to see the manager.

 Mary the manager came out a few seconds later & also tried to moderate , a little more authoritatively, but still not very effective. I decided to leave the library after voicing my complaint. I thought Ken should have been kicked out. Several days later I'm still losing sleep over it. I feel insulted & bullied and thought library staff would back me up a little more than they did. 

Please pray for me to find inner peace 🕊️ without revenge. Help me to be like Jesus & turn the other cheek.  But also I believe it is justifiable to pray for punishment of Ken by God if it is according to God's will. This is called an IMPRECATORY PRAYER. Thank you

Re vandalism at North Branch Berkeley library

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yy4PYNuS3J3t8Uz98 

Somebody vandalized my car because it had a political sticker that was NOT pro-Liberal . However, their face was caught on my car camera which Auto- activates. I have already reported it to police and will file charges as soon as the person is identified (and they will be). I do NOT CARE how passionate & EMOTIONAL you are for your Lefty cause, it is still a CRIME to vandalize or even "merely" pull a sticker off a car (or deface it) because you don't agree with it. YOU WILL BE PROSECUTED 🚓🚨

Check out this review of AutoZone, 2720 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95822

https://goo.gl/maps/TgSfxC3USZopmLJP7?g_st=am 

10.22.24, 11am (PST): The BLACK GUY working here simply LIES when you ask to do a CEL scan (check engine light) and says " IT'S BROKEN" . Will report it to corporate HQ . Shame on you 👎😡

Imprecatory prayer 🙏

re atherton library , san mateo county ca

great staff and management ! I want to also encourage management to have an "action plan" in advance about how they will deal with a "minority" person who becomes belligerent and disrespectful towards staff or other patrons, including towards white patrons, if they do not immediately get what they want. Minorities have become so coddled and appeased in every single way that some are like spoiled babies when they don't get what they want. The knee- jerk reaction by management is to appease them even when they are violating the rights of others just to make the problem go away, but that's not always the right response. White people deserve to have their rights respected also. Please have a meeting about this so you will be properly prepared in advance. Maybe do  a "role play" to run through various scenarios that might possibly arise.  I know you all want to be as "nice" as possible, but in some cases you might have to be STERN , even towards minorities.

review of stanford university

I have been a part of the stanford community for a long time. Usually it's a good experience even though I tend to lean a little more towards the RIGHT politically than many of the lefties around campus. Nonetheless, usually everybody respects the differences as long as  people don't impose themselves on others in an appropriate manner.

 However, I DO have the right to promote my political views on my vehicle wherever I go, on or off campus, just as lefties do. So recently as we approach the November 5 2024 election I placed a page-size paper on my back window telling people my political position (no, it did not include the word "Trump", even though that would be legally protected as well).

The morning after the Stanford-SMU game I found somebody had vandalized my car, pulling my political promotion off the window. I have an video camera that automatically activates that DID CATCH the face of the person who did it and will be reporting it to the police. 

Large or small acts of vandalism are nonetheless PROSECUTABLE . And YES I will press charges. I don't care how emotionally passionate you are about your lefty views. You will still be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if you vandalize my vehicle by intentionally touching it in any way. 

Also to Stanford Administration: Please warn students that no matter how passionate they may be for or against a political person, they ARE NOT ALLOWED to commit criminal acts because of their emotional passion. Please warn them that they can and will be expelled from Stanford if they are caught committing crimes.

Ode to Ken the Slob, At Atherton library

Ken the slob, a bully so loud & proud

At Atherton library, he'd push thru the crowd

Scowling & sneering, filled with spite

Mistreated folks with all his might

Books he'd toss & papers he'd tear

His manners Gone, & kindness rare

He mocked & jeered, no soul was spared

A hater's heart, dark & bared

But one day came a quiet foe

A gentle patron, wise & slow

With steady gaze & words precise

She met his wrath with calm advice

"Ken," she said, "your time is done

You've had your fun, but now you run

For every insult & every sneer

Karma's creeping, drawing near"

Ken stood up,  but not for long

Her steady gaze too fierce & strong

His bluster broke & courage fled

HE SLUNK AWAY, his face turned red

Out the door, tail tucked tight

Ken vanished fast into the night

No more a bully, no more a king

He left in shame, NEVER seen again 

correction Re: Review of O'Reilly's at 813 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

this is a mostly male Latino operated franchise, and they are definitely NOT the most helpful boss dudes. I hadn't been here for a few years; then I was in the area & needed a few things quickly. First time in I bought the stuff I needed, no problem. The Latino clerk with long hair didn't say thanks or anything, but at least he did his job.

So I went out to my car and fixed a few things; then I wanted to do a CEL scan (Check Engine Light) so I went back in. THere was one guy behind the counter. Sometimes waiting can take a long time. I noticed another Latino employee in an aisle and asked him if he could get the Scanner for me.

 He refused and said "He can help you" (pointing to the guy behind the counter). So I waited, and finally got up to the counter and politely asked the fellow for the scanner. He responded "I'll be out there in a minute" . He'll be out there ? I can do it myself. I had my driver's license in hand as well in case he wanted it (sometimes they do, sometimes they don't; it's never predictable).

But I said okay and told him where I was parked. I thought he was being sincere & legitimate, and would come out in a few minutes. I waited, and waited, still waiting. He never came out. It wasn't accidental.

I have never done anything bad here. It was pure prejudice as best as I can tell. I'm sorry I can't change my skin color . THe only problem is that it is actually ILLEGAL to refuse service based on skin color.

"The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that no business (public or private) serving the public can discriminate based on a customer's national origin, sex, religion, color or race."

This place needs a MAJOR SHAKEUP. The only problem is that they probably have no choice other than to take what they can get. Nonetheless, I will file a complaint and hope for some changes.

-disgusted-

Review of O'Reilly's at 813 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gdCsJZ2PK5fBDA468

this is a mostly male Latino operated franchise, and they are definitely NOT the most helpful boss dudes. I hadn't been here for a few years; then I was in the area & needed a few things quickly. First time in I bought the stuff I needed, no problem. The Latino clerk with long hair didn't say thanks or anything, but at least he did his job.

 So I went out to my car and fixed a few things; then I wanted to do a CEL scan (Check Engine Light) so I went back in. THere was one guy behind the counter. Sometimes waiting can take a long time. I noticed another Latino employee in an aisle and asked him if he could get the Scanner for me. He refused and said "He can help you" (pointing to the guy behind the counter). 

So I waited, and finally got up to the counter and politely asked the fellow for the scanner. He responded "I'll be out there in a minute" . He'll be out there ? I can do it myself. I had my driver's license in hand as well in case he wanted it (sometimes they do, sometimes they don't; it's never predictable). 

But I said okay and told him where I was parked. I thought he was being left, and would come out in a few minutes. I waited, and waited, still waiting. He never came out. It wasn't accidental.

I have never done anything bad here. It was pure prejudice as best as I can tell. I'm sorry I can't change my skin color . THe only problem is that it is actually ILLEGAL to refuse service based on skin color. "The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that no business (public or private) serving the public can discriminate based on a customer's national origin, sex, religion, color or race." 

This place needs a MAJOR SHAKEUP. The only problem is that they probably have no choice other than to take what they can get. Nonetheless, I will file a complaint and hope for some changes. 

-disgusted-

Check out this review of Stanford University on Google Maps

https://goo.gl/maps/Q2eAD8K7yqXm3sM87?g_st=am 

In general I'd give 5 stars but I give it 3 stars because of what happened today and it's just one individual that caused it so it's not a reflection on Stanford itself. Although she was probably a student. 

So I'm at Encina Hall 123 which is a place where they have frequent lectures. I came in a few minutes late so everybody's already seated and I set my laptop and jacket on top of the table by the door assuming it's very safe and sound right there. 

There's one seat open which I find. And I listen to the lecture, & a few minutes later a gal comes in, and of all places she DECIDES TO TRY TO SIT ON THE TABLE. And the table is strange because it tips intentionally for some reason so any kind of weight on the edge of it will cause it to basically flip to the side. 

And lo & behold as she puts her butt on the table there goes my laptop and jacket sliding down the table to the floor with a big thump 👎😦. 

She didn't seem to even try to catch it. Nor did she even try to pick it up. I couldn't believe it. So I have to scoot past everybody again to get back over there and pick it up HOPING AGAINST HOPE that it's not broken. 

Dropping laptops on the ground is not exactly good for them. Fortunately it was in the case. And maybe my jacket acted as a cushion and landed on it. And she didn't even say sorry when I went over there. 

Now I'm sitting through the rest of the lecture anxiously wondering if this thing is going to start again & work properly . So the first thing I do is find an empty room after the lecture and start it up and MIRACULOUSLY everything still worked. Thank God, literally 👆.

 Needless to say, this was a

 VERY STUPID THING by a

 so-called smart Stanford student which could have been made a little less upsetting if she had been conscientious about trying to pick it up and making the effort to apologize. But it didn't happen. 

i was wondering what happ'd to Jim V- Bosch one of my English profs. Apparently he's not happy with the CRC anymore

The churches – Calvin Church, Grace Church, and Church of the Servant (COS) – join Sherman Street Church in leaving the CRC. 

i was wondering what happ'd to Jim V- Bosch one of my English profs who I really appreciated ( I still remember "Anonymous Bosch" in the Chimes).  Apparently he's not happy with the CRC anymore after Synod 2024 ( btw, i was there! not as a CRC delegate, but just an interested individual who grew up in the CRC & GR, mostly).  I  sensed he wasn't a far -right conservative (neither am I) but I thought he was a moderate with some theological convictions about the danger of too much "compromise".  I personally agree with the CRC decision because I feel the church must have a minimum set of standards before it becomes meaningless.

 It's sad to see these CRC churches deciding to leave the denomination. I pray for the Lord to convict their hearts and turn them in the right direction! Hear our prayer Lord. 

"If you're not in agreement, you've got a year to change your mind. And then after that time, you are going to be forced to leave the denomination," said James Vanden Bosch, professor emeritus of English and a member of Calvin Church's disaffiliation committee. "We'd rather do it on our own terms and our own schedule."

NOTE: 

I attended three of the four churches above periodically during college. I remember when COS was starting out in the gym at Seymour School. I remember Jack Roeda. He was a great pastor & seemed to like me  (until he was told some false & blasphemous rumors about me spread by some of my so-called "friends" who I didn't realize were so far left; and actually despised me for being moderate, if not conservative at the time. They set a "honey pot" trap to try to bring me down; and when it failed they spread false rumors anyways. I wasn't savvy enough at the time to realize what they were doing. Shame shame shame on them). 

 And I remember Mark Vermaire preaching at Sherman (one time he played the song "What if God was one of us; just a slob like some of us" (by Alanis Morrisette) as a sermon illustration.  I also remember the pastor from Grace during the 80's when the Diekemas attended there, and then Jack Kooreman took over (he was in my Greek class at RBC). And my parents were married at Calvin CRC, a short walk from my mother's EGR childhood home. 

We pray for you to reconsider before you make a decision that will probably never be reversed. It's forever. Talk to God on your knees. 

https://calvinchimes.org/2024/09/21/three-grand-rapids-churches-submit-letters-of-disaffiliation-to-the-crcna/

re Auto Zone on San Pablo, Berkeley CA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLLWiZRWAWogaUMe7

Thanks to the Auto Zone crew at this location for all your help. I know his name is not Isaac but that's what I thought it was- anyways he helped remove my battery from a tricky spot, and the other fellow helped put it back in. All the while I thought I lost my phone somewhere during the wait; only to discover it had fallen down into the engine! Glad I found it before I drove away. It sat in there while I let the engine idle for about 10 minutes getting very hot; but still worked. Praise the Lord! It was not "in my sheets" which Isaac suggested to check; but didn't make sense to me. The "sheets"? THen I realized he must have come out to talk to me when I had walked to McDonalds and he must have seen all the stuff in my car - and made an assumption. I don't blame him, but the truth is I am moving across country- back east (not permanently; working on another degree) ! I put as much stuff as I could in my vehicle, and shipped the rest. I know it looks like a mess and people make assumptions. I was just passing thru Berkeley when I had a few issues and decided to be on the safe side by getting the battery charged. Anyways, that's the back story, to help you understand. Also thanks to the manager- she was also very nice and helpful. God bless you all

Re St Ignatius Church, San Francisco

https://maps.app.goo.gl/a5naV4bvsS4RLgBt7 

I am wondering if they should discontinue asking the people "What else should we pray for?" at daily Mass given it seems like the radical lefties have discovered it's their opportunity to POLITICIZE to everybody. For example, recently a guy said "Pray for the Haitians to not be persecuted" .

 This is shortly after the national media controversy about Haitian immigrants allegedly eating people's pets in a small town in Ohio ( as well as local ducks & Canadian geese) . The lefties want to say this is a myth but it doesn't take much research to find out there's some actual truth to it. 

For a lefty parishioner to make this into a prayer request is political propaganda. What about the people who are losing their pets? And seeing their way of life being degraded by excessive uncontrolled immigration not out of actual concern for immigrants but with hopes of skewing the election⁉️

 Furthermore, in general the Bible promotes obeying the laws & local authority & we should be helping the Haitians become properly integrated into American society by learning American customs & laws, not by excusing their irregular behavior & marginalizing the people who live here. Shame on this parishioner for using prayer time for his lefty political agenda. 👎☹️

Jack Holwerda | Hey Dude Women's Wendy Sport Mesh Wide Walnut Size W10 | Women's Shoes | Women's Slip On Loafers | Comfortable & Light-Weight | Loafers & Slip-Ons

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJXBNB5H?aref=7S5yv680wR&aaxitk=8c0431abccc42e74d6ec160a1dec7b59&language=en_US&tag=ss-us-20&ref=dacx_dp_578665888928196545_577876393383167990 

live update: Kamala is doing almost AS BAD as Joe did at the last debate versus Trump

live update: Kamala is doing almost AS BAD as Joe did at the last debate versus Trump. It is very pathetic & sad. She is unable to defend herself with solid policies and plans. I don't see how she can continue after this. But who else do they got? They have no other choice at this point. 

Re Corpus Christi monastery

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FT1CSh2BsPWPbiqg7 

The heavyweight has a new tactic: he comes in at the very last moment. But I still leave when he comes in. There's something UNNATURAL about him. Something OFF. I would actually like to see a rule made that people CAN'T attend Mass every single day. Because for some HABITUAL ATTENDEES it's no longer a HEART ❤️ habit. it's a ritual : nothing is changing in the person.

 They're just GOING THRU THE MOTIONS and the mass lacks meaning (for them) (& drives some others away, like me). It's too legalistic which is a major turnoff to me. I come to mass for a genuine authentic experience, not a ritual. Nor a perfect attendance certificate. 

---

It's good but there's one "heavyweight" wearing a full suit (the same suit) and always arrives late and never takes the Eucharist/host/communion. He clearly has an agenda but is it in accord with the communion and body of Christ⁉️How long do you give a perpetual visitor/observer to "come around" ⁉️Is he trying to dominate us? Assert superiority?

 I'm wondering if he comes from a different religion and is just using the monastery for self -serving purposes? Anyways, when he comes in, I go out. I'll be back in a year to see if he's still doing his daily ritual at the monastery.

And there's nothing anybody can do: he's perfect, at least on the outside. makes no noise, seems to be kneeling in prayer etc. But what about inside? What will Jesus say ⁉️ what about Pride ? What about Evangelism outside the church walls? What about legalistic Ritualism ? What about a " White Washed Wall" ?

Balboa branch library, Newport Beach ⛱️

https://maps.app.goo.gl/skTg2yZHcGeKP86h9 

I don't like it when employees act as if they're the hosts and we're the guests. Those of us who live here are taxpayers and so we are PARTIAL CO-OWNERS of the library. And if the library receives Federal funding which it probably does then even people from out-of-state are partial co-owners. But more important than where the money is coming from is a sense of care and concern for the library. Which I have a LOT of. I want to see the library stay in NICE condition and keep a good environment.

 Those who care about, & use the library most, have the greatest investment. Employees are good but some are just doing it for easy money. Let's face it. It's not a difficult job sitting behind the desk all day.

 Those employees who TRULY CARE about the library and the patrons are more invested in the library as well. We are co-owners together. 

re Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tustin Ave, Santa Ana CA

Firestone Complete Auto Care on Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HUs5cvg3Q2qR86jXA

i just don't like it that they call me "boss" on the paper that tells the mechanic what is the issue that the "customer" is concerned about. I am a customer or client or patron, not "the boss" and not your boss. I don't pretend to be the boss or the authority etc. In my experience, calling a person "boss" is a little bit snarky. Please don't keep doing it. 

there was a guy named Bob

Bob Devries, oh what a sight to behold,
A man with a story, both brash and bold.
With a wink and a smile, he'd take the stage,
Loving the spotlight, the center, the rage.

Narcissism's charm was his favorite delight,
He'd bask in the glory, from morning to night.
Like a ham in the limelight, he thrived on the cheers,
Yet his antics to embarrass brought mostly sneers.

The success he achieved, well, that's quite a tale,
It came from his name, not from hard work or scale.
His father's science legacy, 
Gave Bob all the fame, but not a true friend.

In Grand Rapids he stayed, a homegrown delight,
Never venturing far, never soaring to heights.
He knew his own town like the back of his hand,
But the world's greater lessons he'd never quite understand.

He was kind of a homeboy, with comfort so dear,
Yet the world passed him by, year after year.
So much to discover, so much to explore,
But Bob never ventured outside his own door.

He quit far too early, left much still undone,
His potential was vast, but he never did run.
The lessons of life were left to the breeze,
For Bob Devries missed out, on much that he could seize.

So here's to Bob Devries, a tale so entwined,
A character of charm, but with much left behind.
A life lived in shadows, in the comfort of home,
With a name and a legacy, but a heart still unknown.

there was a guy named Jack Holwerda

Jack Holwerda, a character quite rare,
With a dash of vanity and a bit of flair.
He lived in a world where he ruled the day,
Though often his actions led him astray.

In the mirror, he'd spend hours so fine,
Admiring his image, making sure he'd shine.
His pride was as large as a mountain so tall,
But his courage was tiny, he'd never play ball.

He feared the competition, it made him quite ill,
Never touched a sport, never climbed that hill.
While others ran races or threw a great pass,
Jack stayed in his room, polished his glass.

A clean freak by nature, his home was pristine,
Every corner was spotless, every surface was seen.
But behind the façade of his meticulous way,
He had a few secrets that led him astray.

Steelcase trucks were his next great affair,
He tried driving them, but did so with care.
The engines roared loudly, the wheels turned with might,
But Jack's driving skills failed him, try as he might.

When it came to his neighbors, oh what a delight,
He'd sneak and he'd borrow things out of sight.
Sometimes he'd take what didn't belong,
A curious habit, but it felt so wrong.

Yet despite all his flaws and his moments of shame,
Jack Holwerda's life was never quite lame.
He'd laugh and he'd stumble through missteps and more,
A peculiar character, with stories galore.

So here's to Jack Holwerda, in his quirky old way,
A mix of the funny, the bold, and the grey.
Though flawed and imperfect, with traits so unique,
He's a fictional fellow whose life's far from bleak.

8/14/24 my complaint re patron at NBPL (newport beach main library)

on 8.13.24 I found a nice spot (or so I thought) in the southeast corner of the library (2nd floor) as the library was opening for the day. I only use the library for a few months a year &  I hadn't sat in this section for a while and realized how nice the light was coming thru the windows. Nobody else was there yet (or so I thought), but I noticed a few articles of clothing scattered around the area. I thought somebody must have forgotten them and they weren't picked up by the staff for some reason (turns out this guy scatters his stuff around apparently to try to keep people away. So he had done this already in the first few minutes of the library opening.

I began my work on my laptop (ongoing project) and a little while later a guy came in singing. He set a bunch of bags down in one chair (#1)and then he went to a different carrel (#2) nearby in my line of sight. A few moments later he popped up and moved over to a carrel (#3) at the end of the row where he had some more "stuff". A few minutes later I noticed there was a shirt behind the curtain next to me hanging over one of those portable round laptop "desks";  apparently with the intention of being dried by the sun, like a clothes line.

I didn't know this was also the fellow's stuff (but it turned out to be, #4). The guy returned to carrel #2 and then bounced up to discard a banana peel. Back to #2 he sat for a few seconds, then let out a LOUD BURP without apology. I finally said something: "YOUR BEHAVIOR IS INAPPROPRIATE. I will report you if this continues. This is NOT your living room".

He totally ignored me as if he couldn't hear me. But I know he could hear me. I knew he wasn't deaf because he also periodically was talking on his phone. A few moments later he BURPED LOUDLY again ( other patrons heard it as well, looking over towards him). So this time I walked over to the desk and talked to Chris about it. Chris said they are aware of this fellow and said he is "mentally ill" but that they "must personally observe the inappropriate behavior" themselves in order to take action.

He said they would do a "walk by" in a few moments. And he DID walk by and noticed the scattered stuff all over the area and gently told the fellow that he needs to keep it all together in once place. The fellow obeyed the instructions without a response, putting all his stuff together by his #2 spot.

Chris left and I resumed working on my laptop. The fellow talked on the phone again, sounding as if he was able to function NORMALLY in that regard. I don't think he's mentally ill as much as he is simply self-centered and could CARE LESS about other people. I don't think this is a matter of having compassion for a mentally ill person as much as it is about a person willfully defying socially acceptable behavior & normal etiquette. Anyways, since the library is not a psychiatric hospital, we're not here to take care of him and bend backwards to allow inappropriate disruptive behavior that is driving people out of this area.

Nonetheless, I left the area for the time being: I try to get outside for exercise every day around this time.  Later when I returned I chose a different area; but did make an effort to to see if he was still there and YES he was- and his "stuff" was spread out again. And as I was leaving at the end of the day I intentionally walked by again and he had a ton of food items all over the place.

 One day later 8/14/24 around opening time I thought about sitting in the "nice light" area again but there he was already - all set up- and all his belongings spread out again. Chris was back behind the desk . I get the feeling he doesn't like doing rule enforcement and didn't approach him. He will do it if asked, but who wants to be the one who asks for rule enforcement every day. Then I will become the "bad guy".

 But  I shouldn't  feel forced to find a different area of the library just because of one selfish jerk. By the way, this same guy smirked at me later in the day as he walked by, as if he had "won". I don't think he's low IQ mentally ill. I think he's just a selfish dude who doesn't care about others.  He also drives a car ( I noticed him in the parking structure on one occasion) so he apparently is able to function normally in this regard (pass a driver's license test, drive without getting tickets, accidents etc).

Based on my conversation with Chris yesterday (that they are "aware" of him as it seems to be an ongoing long-term issue) I get the feeling that they are just allowing him to do his thing unless there's a complaint. I don't want to be the guy who complains every day. I just want normal rule enforcement- nothing extreme. I'm not so uptight that I come and complain about every little thing but this seems like a chronic problem that will continue to get worse as this guy has a GIGANTIC SENSE  sense of ENTITLEMENT to this area of the library, at the EXPENSE of OTHERS. I hope library administration will take note of this. It's NOT fair to everybody else. 

Watch "Y U will get a $75 parking ticket on Friday in Bellflower CA even tho it says "no parking Sat or Sun" on YouTube

See

https://youtube.com/shorts/RD2pAw53tFY?si=dK4G970qQh6X66AI 

Y U will get a $75 parking ticket on Friday in Bellflower CA even tho it says "no parking Sat or Sun

Why you will get a $75 parking ticket on Friday in Bellflower CA even tho it says "no parking Sat or Sun" . very deceptive ... I originally gave them the benefit of the doubt that this was just INEPTITUDE that they enacted two different no parking ordinances at different times and didn't bother to check the discrepancy between the signs and how it could be misleading to people who weren't from the area .( the locals of course figure it out pretty quickly because word of mouth and/ or they just always park in the parking lot). but I'm not really a local ( I just have relatives who live in the area) and I just drove up one day and turned around in the church parking lot to park on the street and of course I wouldn't see the "no parking on Friday" down at the other end of the street. I only saw the "no parking on Saturday or Sunday." but since it was a Friday no worries. 30 minutes later I come out of the church and I have a $75.00 parking ticket. and yes I appealed it. I took the time to do everything in writing and documented it with pictures & even made a video, a separate video from this one. and provided a link to the person who was reading my appeal. but it was quickly obvious that whoever was doing the appeal processing just rubber stamped it with a big NO. might as well be a big FU . Furthermore, the appeal doesn't even go to the city of bellflower. you you send it to an office in Tustin, which is a city in a different county from Los Angeles county. it's the neighboring Orange county. all the while you NEVER see any names of any judges or commissioners nor even the name of the person who wrote The ticket . it's all totally anonymous. so that there's no accountability. you also notice that they happen to drive by EXACTLY DURING MASS or right as its ending AS IF THEY WERE HOPING for some sucker to be parked on the street. 

 I wasn't waiting around to see this street cleaner with the parking ticket person behind them. my ticket was almost a year ago. I just happened to be back from Mass today and then I saw them as I was leaving around 830 and of course all the memories came flooding back into my mind.

I even sent a separate letter to the commissioners at bellflower. Therefore it can no longer be said this is ineptitude.. it's  DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE at best, or intentional corruption at worst :

 a no-parking trap, similar to setting up a speed radar at the bottom of a hill. 

 I pray an imprecatory prayer against these people in bellflower who are committing this parking corruption. let God do the Justice in the end. 

Re CIA experience

My only personal interaction experience with the CIA is one time I was in Washington DC I drove into their long driveway entrance because I heard they had a museum .. 

...suddenly me & my golden retriever in my station wagon were surrounded by guards & treated like a potential terrorist, & received a ticket, forcing me to make arrangements to return to DC for a court hearing until my congressman got the case dismissed. 

Also the  freakin excessive -aggressive dude with no discernment abilities who gave me the ticket got fired 👍. And yes, they do have a museum, but apparently it's only for employees. 👎

re Ray's Auto Repair on Lomita Ave in Harbor City CA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BLNrAkgmbd7BgnhJ8 

After returning from a cross-country trip to the East Coast and back I decided my car needed new struts & shocks. Especially in the East Coast with all the bumpy roads there it was banging like crazy. Not so bad out here in the west coast where the roads don't get as bumpy and potholed ( because we don't have the cold weather,) but I still wanted to do new struts for preventive maintenance. 

So I checked around different places to see how much they would charge me just for labor and Ray came out with a VERY LOW OFFER of $240. I wasn't going to argue with that, so after receiving the struts via eBay I brought them to Ray, and he did them very quickly. He knows all the expert shortcuts. 

However, I wonder if he has a memory issue or if this was just something he decided to circumvent. Cuz when I went to pay, the price was now $340. Even at $340 that would still be the lowest price offer. I was actually planning on giving him a nice tip but since he jacked it up $100 I decided to pay that price without arguing. 

I also asked him to let me know if he saw anything underneath that I should be concerned about. He didn't have any suggestions after the job was done and after taking it for a test drive.

 It was actually Ray's grandson who gave me a subtle tip about changing my tires. The grandson must have noticed my two tires on the passenger side were getting bad. I had not noticed it because the wear and tear was on the inside that you wouldn't see unless you got underneath a little bit.

 I had noticed the weird wonkiness and vibrations & wasn't sure what that was all about. The new struts and shocks helped it a little bit, but it was still vibrating & getting worse. So after leaving there a few days later I had other things checked out elsewhere and then I noticed how bad the two tires were. I appreciate the grandson's advice.

 But why didn't Ray give me a STRAIGHT HEADS-UP about that ? He must have felt it when he took a test drive as well. When I saw the tires especially after they had been taken off, anybody would know these were REALLY BAD. And since he was underneath, I would assume he would have noticed that, especially if the grandson had as well. 

I'm not too proud to admit I need all the help I can get when it comes to auto repair. I was never taught anything about it growing up, and I just keep learning little by little as I as I go. 

Otherwise, mostly good experiences with Ray 👍

Elizabeth Ann Seton church, Irvine CA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRvR7jWwpSGq7Jdv8 

Just thought maybe the administrator could ASK the ubiquitous Latinos with their gas-powered leaf blowers to do their incessant 🌿 blowing at ANY TIME on Any Weekday EXCEPT at the exact time people are arriving for mass ( & leaving) (ie 8-9 am). I tried to nicely ask the fellow and as soon as he realized what I was asking, he put his earbuds back in and ignored me as just another "intolerant el stupido gringo white guy."

Watch "July 27, 2024 BAPTISM 🕊️event at Pirates Cove CA 🏖️#JesusRevolution✝️🙏👍Greg Laurie Harvest" on YouTube

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ec8BXXtaxj8?si=8PzBZE2fMHXm4WRH 

Re Ibotta cash back app

Ibotta does a pretty good job about offering rebates on purchases, but sometimes they have snags when you purchase the same item, same purchase, even if the offer says "limit of 5" for example. 

More than once I've purchased 5 items that are supposed to give me $1 cash back each, with a 5 item limit per purchase. Yet Ibotta only automatically gives $2 cash back. You have to go thru the process of reporting "missing cash back" and sometimes scanning each items code.

 Or if this doesn't work then you have to contact Ibotta support by email and wait for them to do an in-person review.  Sometimes they will ask for a photo of something etc. usually you will get what was offered if it is all legit, but it's a little aggravating.

 Sometimes since it's only a few dollars you just give up. But everything on Ibotta is just a few dollars. I've made 100's of dollars on "just a few dollars" and appreciate ibotta.

 

But 

I hope they can resolve this  "glitch".

Corona del Mar State Beach

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dQ8zVidZbB1J8LEj8 

In a few more decades this beach and neighborhood will be considered 'GHETTO' ( the beach already is; the neighborhood not yet). It's getting there fast ... The nice neighbors put up with a lot of disrespect from people who travel here to use the beach but don't give a damn about those who live here. I hate to say it, because it'll hurt me as well, but they need to eventually start making it pay parking or restricted parking etc just to keep the people who don't give a damn about others, OUT 🚫. Almost all free beaches with free parking eventually get RUINED by those who only go to free beaches which is most of them in California unfortunately. It's one group in particular. You will find them at every FREE location. The east coast is already figured out how to stop this. Many of their beaches are "resident only" or high fee prohibitive parking. I was there this summer and I was upset about it because I'm not a resident, and thought how nice we have it in California that almost all our beaches are free. But then when I returned and immediately got insulted by some of these people who only go to free places ( not the first time) , I realized maybe it is BETTER the way they do it on the East Coast.