Thomas Lee Unplugged: Insights & Inspiration

The past few months have been a delightful journey of connection and discovery since I became involved with the Moose. What started as an interest in community involvement has blossomed into something far more profound. It's been an unexpected source of joy to connect with so many incredible individuals, each bringing their unique stories and perspectives to our shared experiences. These interactions have blossomed into friendships that have grown into something truly special, resembling a family bond that transcends mere acquaintance. In many ways, these friendships have become a lifeline, a source of support and camaraderie that I didn't realize I was missing. It's a stark contrast to my biological family, which has become increasingly distant in recent years. The losses we've faced have cast a long shadow, creating a sense of disconnection that's hard to shake. It's disheartening to realize that even when family members live in the same city, they can feel wo...

There are certain singers whose voices are so unique and powerful that they remain unforgettable, no matter how much time passes. Think of Hank Williams, Sr., Elvis Presley and, for me, Patsy Cline. There was something special about her voice, a depth of emotion that came through in every note. Patsy's ability to effortlessly transition between high and low notes, combined with the raw emotion she poured into each performance, set her apart. Starting her career in the late 1940s, she signed her first record deal in 1954. In 1955, she released her debut single, "A Church, a Courtroom, Then Goodbye," marking her official entry into the music industry. Even 62 years after her untimely passing, Patsy Cline's music continues to resonate with fans of all ages. Her songs have a timeless quality, speaking to the heart in a way that few artists can achieve. She remains an icon, her influence still felt in country music and beyond.

While AI offers numerous advantages simplifying various tasks, it has also become increasingly problematic, particularly on platforms like Facebook. The social media giant employs AI to enforce community standards, including those concerning "profile integrity." This technology scans user accounts for suspicious behavior, such as fake profiles or spam, and can automatically suspend accounts upon detecting potential violations. Many users, myself included, have experienced unjust account suspensions for alleged breaches of these standards. Although Facebook provides a 180-day appeal window, many find their accounts permanently disabled without further recourse. Despite its claims of fostering connections, Facebook's flawed AI algorithms often disrupt these very relationships. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks of unwarranted account suspensions and advocate for a more transparent system that safeguards user rights. By sharing our experiences, we can collect...

I had a good laugh recently when a colleague described Patsy Cline’s music as being for “old people.” It’s amusing how music can be categorized by age, especially when such timeless classics continue to resonate with listeners of all generations. I enjoy the older music like Hank Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones and many others from the 50s and 60s county, but none of them touch me in a way Patsy Cline. I’ve shared before how my fandom for her music started when I seen the documentary movie called Sweet Dreams. That’s where I was introduced to classics like “Crazy”, “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking after Midnight”.  As time went on I slowly started listening to more of her music, fast forward to today in the age of Spotify, I’ve been introduced to so many timeless classics of hers, it’s almost like rediscovering Patsy for the very first time. As we’ve entered the Information Age I’ve been searching the web reading so much about her life, the start of her career and her d...

Here we are Mother's Day today, there's a familiar ache that resurfaces, a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable loss I experienced in 2010. It's a day that many celebrate with joy and gratitude, but for those of us who have lost our mothers, it can be a stark reminder of their absence. The world seems to buzz with tributes and celebrations, yet there's an empty space that no amount of festivity can fill. The pain of losing a mother is a unique and profound sorrow. It's a loss that permeates every aspect of life, from the mundane to the monumental. The memories we shared, the lessons she taught, and the unconditional love she provided become both a source of comfort and a reminder of what we've lost. Mother's Day, in particular, amplifies these feelings, as the world collectively honors the women who shaped our lives. Yet, even in the midst of grief, there's room for gratitude. I find solace in the memories of my mother, in the moments we shared, and in...

So, here I am, back to rant about the behemoth that is Facebook. After my original account got the boot a few months ago—thanks to the lovely domino effect of an Instagram hack—I thought I’d try my luck again. I mean, everyone deserves a second chance, right? I set up another account, hoping to reconnect, share some memes, and keep up with friends and family. But, surprise, surprise, it got disabled too. Seriously, Facebook? This time, the reason was something about “profile integrity,” which apparently targets users with multiple accounts. Let me tell you, I was floored. I hadn’t done anything shady. I wasn’t running a bot farm or spreading misinformation. I just wanted to use the platform like a normal person. The sheer frustration of being caught in Facebook’s algorithmic net, where innocent words or phrases can get you flagged, is beyond words. It’s incredibly disheartening when you consider how much we rely on social media to stay connected. Facebook, in particular, touts itself a...

I caught the Facebook ban again, and honestly, I'm just as clueless as everyone else about why it keeps happening. It all started when my Instagram got hacked. Since it was linked to my original Facebook account, that one got the axe too. Facebook gave me the whole "appeal in 180 days" notification, which did absolutely nothing. And let's be real, Facebook tech support is basically a myth. So, like many others, I created another account, thinking I could start fresh. Nope. The process repeats itself. It's honestly devastating that a single word, a phrase, or, as we learned during the peak of COVID-19, not much at all can trigger a Facebook ban. What's even sadder is that Facebook has become the main way for many of us to connect with friends and family, and they can just sever those connections because of a flaw in their algorithms. I'm sure it's just as frustrating for those I keep sending friend requests to over and over again. Hopefully, someday Fac...

I woke up this morning to a notification that my Facebook account had been permanently disabled for supposedly violating their terms and conditions. Seriously? My posts are all about my love for moose, my admiration for Patsy Cline, and updates about my daily life. It’s beyond frustrating that Facebook can so easily disrupt connections and friendships over minor infractions. I often wish my friends and family would ditch Facebook for platforms like Twitter, or that someone would create a new social media app to rival Facebook, just like what happened with MySpace. Remember how quickly everyone jumped ship? While social media has its perks, it can be addictive and often replaces real, face-to-face interactions. For now, I’m focusing on connecting with people through Instagram or Snapchat, hoping a new platform emerges that makes Facebook obsolete. It’s time for something fresh and less controlling, don’t you think?