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"The strongest of all warriors are these two—Time and Patience." — Leo Tolstoy

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— MY TWO CENTS WORTH —

Scamming is a nasty business. It represents such a financial and emotional intrusion on our lives. Most of us have been targets and victims of scammers. In fact, it’s so prevalent that practically every email, every social media advertisement, and nearly every phone call we get can be considered suspicious. Scammers have one clear goal: to separate us from our money. 

In this country, it is difficult to arrest and convict scammers. To put it succinctly, our legal system is full of loopholes that favor scammers, sadly. But it brought a smile to my face this week when I read that the Singapore government is implementing judicial caning for scam offenders, which includes recruiters and syndicate members. 

The penalties range from six to 24 strokes, in addition to existing prison/fine sentences for severe offenses. This action reflects Singapore’s zero-tolerance position of using physical punishment to deter large-scale online fraud that has cost billions and destroyed people’s lives. 

Some in this country despise the idea and label it torture. But the scammers are torturing their victims in multiple ways. So, I don’t care if it’s torture. When it comes to scammers, the more painful, the more beneficial it is for society. Spank them, cane them, remove their tongues, or burn them at the stake. I don’t care. When it comes to punishment for scammers, I’m in the “anything goes” camp.

On a more pleasant note, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to extend my heartfelt thanks for your loyalty in reading and commenting on the stories I post. Have a great Christmas season and a happy New Year. Above all, make the last days of 2025 memorable! 

 — DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) Texas Ranger Jim Gillett knew the risks when he violated international law by crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico to track down a cold-blooded killer. But the pursuit of justice proved a potent elixir for a man who had no quit. "The Legend of Jim Gillett"

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— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(2) Sour Patch Kids Glow Ups, OREO Chocolate Covered Pretzel cookies, and  Nature Valley Fudge Chip Peanut Butter Boppers rank among the best new snacks of 2025. Here they are ranked from worst to best.

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(3) Elvis Presley was known for his weird and wonderful gift-giving. Here’s a cross-section of the kinds of gifts he gave to members of his inner circle.

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(4) Arthur Wynne, a British-born journalist who worked for the New York World, is credited with creating the world’s first crossword puzzle. The “Word-Cross” puzzle made its debut on December 21, 1913.

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(5) I witnessed a fender-bender the other day. No one got hurt. While waiting for traffic to clear, I wondered whether any records existed about the country’s very first traffic accident. A quick search revealed that the first car accident in American history took place in 1891 in Ohio City, Ohio. 

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(6) In case you missed it, Merriam-Webster unveiled its 2025 word of the year. And, the winner is slop. 

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(7) Time for a chuckle or two, thanks to the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards. Here is the gallery of 2025 finalists and winners.

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“It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brains fall out.” –Carl Sagan 

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