Au Cochonnet Marin

Whether it is basketball, soccer, or any sport, everyone appreciates a good match—especially when both sides engage in a balanced exchange of skill and strategy. But few people care for bluster and insults. And when it happens, the crowd quickly picks up on it.

The key to any competition is staying composed and clear-headed, refusing to let passion throw you off course. While you can’t allow your opponent to rattle you without a swift and effective counterpunch, it’s crucial to remember the adage: “La colère est mauvaise conseillère”—anger is a poor advisor.

Move quickly, but always think before you strike back. A bull rarely succeeds when charging headlong into its tormentor. A well-aimed, calculated blow will always have more impact than a blind, rage-fueled attack. Size may offer an advantage, but agility and skill often decide the victor.

Last night, in a widely publicized contest, two contenders for the American Top Job stepped into the spotlight to sway the American public. It was a new version of Captain Hook versus Peter Pan.

But this encounter wasn’t a contest of physical strength but a showcase of oratory prowess. One side came up empty, while the other delivered a masterclass in rhetoric. Peter Pan’s goal was simple: goad the volatile captain and make him lose his veneer of civility, a task made all the easier by his well-known reputation as a bully boy.

Words have the power to elevate or destroy, and last night, Captain Hook found himself technically knocked out by a more agile and knowledgeable opponent.

To paraphrase Winston Churchill:

“The former president is not a very modest man, but indeed, he has a lot to be modest about.”

Come November don’t let emotions blind you—side with the younger, smarter, and more coherent candidate.

Alain

 

Today, nearly everyone carries a smartphone—a powerful mini-computer that has become essential for organizing and managing our lives. This remarkable device is already incredibly smart, with its capabilities expanding exponentially.

For now, humans remain in control, albeit sometimes tenuously. Does anybody fully understand and use all the amazing capabilities of this “gadget”? I doubt it. The day is rapidly approaching when a smartphone’s proficiency will surpass our own.

The once-master may soon become dependent on, even subservient to, what was once merely a tool—and may come to fear it. In criminal investigations, smartphones have already turned against their owners, providing evidence of their misdeeds.

Are we, perhaps, creating a monster that will one day enslave and control us? Aren’t we foolishly racing towards a future reminiscent of Planet of the Apes? I’m inclined to believe that what we dismiss as fiction might be closer to reality than you think.

Some might scoff, but robots are becoming too numerous and too intelligent to be fully trusted. They already operate quietly in many spheres, making significant decisions without human intervention.

Take the cars of the future, for example. These vehicles are quickly becoming fully autonomous, capable of making life-or-death decisions. But should you always trust your machine? Some people think not.

And what if some malicious genius manages to corrupt your loyal butler, turning it against you? Fiction? I don’t think so. It seems not only possible but increasingly likely, given the sophisticated capabilities of today’s hackers.

To sum it up, whatever we create must be controlled—and, if necessary, neutralized. Unchecked power, whether in the hands of men or machines, is not just dangerous—It is foolish.

Alain

Schmoozing is an essential mental health activity—just as important, in my opinion, as sleeping or talking to a therapist. This is especially true when you’re retired and no longer have the daily interactions with peers that you once did.

First, let’s remember that “No man is an island.” Regardless of social status or wealth, everyone needs companionship. Humans are social creatures who thrive in the company of others. When deprived of this, they age and deteriorate more quickly.

Now, let me clarify what I mean by schmoozing. To me, schmoozing means “to converse informally, to chat in a friendly manner.” While Merriam-Webster adds that it is “especially to gain favor, business, or connections,” I must disagree with that. I don’t meet my friends to ask for favors. Like most people, I do it to share a few laughs and break the monotony of the passing time.

Almost every day, after spending a few hours at home, I usually go out for a coffee break. Sometimes I do this alone, and other times with people who share my odd sense of humor.

Have you ever noticed how dogs wag their tails when they meet in the street? That’s how I feel (and I believe most people feel) when we gather for a cup of coffee. It’s not what we say that matters; it’s the friendly spirit that animates us.

With conflicts and natural disasters making headlines daily, life can be extremely stressful. Without someone to share your concerns with, it can become unbearable.

During my stays at my regular coffee spot, I noticed a small group of four aging Caballeros.  They meet every day to chat and “schmooze”. I think it’s an excellent and healthy habit—one I wouldn’t mind being part of such a group.

The conversations you have with your spouse or partner never have the same “laissez-faire” and “joie de vivre” as those you share with your friends.

When you talk to your spouse, you tend to measure your words and speak carefully. But when you’re chatting with your pals, you can shoot from the hip with total abandon—and it’s highly therapeutic.

This is why I recommend the “schmoozing solution” to all my friends. Schmoozing isn’t boozing, and unlike the latter, it won’t leave you with a hangover or an angry partner the next morning.

Let’s get together and schmooze!

Alain