Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Top Ten Perks of Being The Pope

10. He gets his own bobblehead: My head bobbles, but nobody is making toys out of it.

9. Chicks dig a guy with power: Dude can get anyone he wants in Vatican City. From what I hear, he’s got a serious habit habit, if you know what I mean (insert wink emoji here).  

8. I tried for years to Get McDonald’s to serve breakfast all day: One wave of his triton and it’s Egg McMuffin’s for dinner.

7. He gets featured on #ThePhilFactor again: Come back for my Throwback Thursday later this week to read a Phil Factor from the ancient days of the internet, 2005, featuring the newly elected Pope then.

6. The Popemobile! In the pantheon of super vehicles the Popemobile ranks right up there with the Batmobile and Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine.

5. He’s the real transgender pioneer: Enough with transgenders acting like they are so nouveau.  Male Popes have been wearing dresses for centuries. Speaking of that, when do we get a female Pope? If there were an attractive female pope, I might suddenly return to Catholicism. When I’m elected Pope or Sexiest Man Alive, whichever comes first,  I’ll change that rule.

4. He gets to use my middle name: When the Pope sends you a DM on Twitter asking if he can go by your middle name, you say yes.

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3. When he get’s the Kohl’s scratch off coupon he always seems to get 30%, and his receipt says he saved $482.00 just for buying a pair of socks.

2. Always gets first pick in his fantasy football draft. 

 

1. He’s so cool that he’s got a Ray-Ban endorsement! 

Have a great Sunday, thanks for reading and bless you! ~Phil

Is Daylight Saving Time Really Necessary?

This is my bi-annual reminder that tomorrow night in the United States we move our clocks forward by an hour and my reminder to you that it’s stupid. I’ve been posting this every Fall and Spring since 2006 and will continue to do so until the government does away with Daylight Savings Time.

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When I’m elected President, or Sexiest Man Alive, whichever comes first, I’m going to pass a law getting rid of Daylight Savings Time. I don’t know if all other countries do this. I do know that not all the U.S. states abide by it. Hawaii and Arizona have essentially told Daylight Savings to eff off. They don’t care if the rest of the world does it.

Daylight Savings Time was created in 1918 to give farmers more daylight in which to do their work in the fields. Call me crazy, but why the hell didn’t someone just suggest that the lazy ass farmers drag themselves out of a bed a little earlier each day? Because those cud chewing, overall wearing, udder jerking lay-abouts can’t be bothered to set their alarm clocks we’re all stuck changing time?

I don’t know if anyone else remembers this, but in 2007 the U.S. Congress, in another colossal waste of their time and our tax dollars, extended daylight savings time by a few weeks on either end.

First off, since it’s called daylight savings time because we are using less daylight in the winter months, why isn’t it called Daylight Spending time from March to November.

Secondly, at this point all the farmers (except the creepy Amish ones) have electricity and alarm clocks, which may not have been the case 120 years ago. I can get away with saying that about the Amish because my demographic data shows that for some reason I have very low readership among the Amish. I guess they just don’t get me.

Reportedly the reason Congress did this is to save energy. How will changing our clocks twice a year save energy? Don’t we set our thermostats and use heat based on the outdoor temperature, not how light out it is? I’d like to save the energy I expend changing my clocks! I’d like Congress to tell me when I get that back. Congress has again proven to be the biggest collection of morons outside of…well…I guess I can’t think of a bigger collection. Why doesn’t Congress set their alarm clocks an hour earlier so they can get up early and get more of this important work done?

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B.T. dubs, if we set our clocks forward an hour now but we turn them back in the Fall, over the course of a year what difference does it make?

If we have learned anything from every single time travel movie, it’s that we shouldn’t muck about with time. Also, according to statistics,  the day after we change our clocks there are more workplace injuries, car accidents, and for the day, a 10% rise in heart attacks. Also, all the sleep experts I consulted on Instagram say it’s bad.

I for one am not going to go for this stupid daylight savings time thing anymore. I don’t work at a farm or for Congress, so I told my boss that for 6 months I’ll be to work an hour early or late, however it works out. When I’m elected President, or Sexiest Man Alive, whichever comes first, this is going to change!

If you’d like to support my bid for President or Sexiest Man Alive, please hit the Facebook, share button below, but hurry because you have an hour less to do it in this weekend. Or is it an hour more? Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading! ~Phil

New Years Eve For Boomers!

Congratulations! Your Pontiac Fiero has taken you past the threshold of normal adulthood. Now as a bona fide Boomer, you’re faced with the perplexing challenge of navigating New Year’s Eve like an adult adult. (yes, I meant to say adult twice) Fear not boomer-in-training; I’m here to help you gracefully waltz into the new year without tripping over your slip-on Skechers. (BTW, Skechers feel free to contact me if you’d like to sponsor The Phil Factor.)

1. The Wardrobe Dilemma: Pajamas or Actual Pants?

So you invited neighbors Barb and George over for drinks and watching the apple, ball, or sponsored logo drop in Times Square. Now you face the age-old question of what to wear. As a Boomer, the struggle is real—do you opt for the sophistication of actual clothes or succumb to the allure of cozy pajamas? The answer: both. Consider rocking the “business casual on top, party on the bottom” look. That way, when the clock strikes twelve, no matter where you are, you can triumphantly kick your guests out and declare, “I’m ready for bed!” It’s your living room and you can damn well wear whatever you want. Pro tip: pajama jeans(Also Phil Factor sponsor opportunity available)

Pic from MarketWatch.com

2. Decoding the Art of Adult Conversations

Gone are the days of discussing the latest video games or keeping up with current music. As a Boomer, your conversations now revolve around mortgage rates, the stock market, and the enigma that is Boomering. (Yep, I invented the verb “Boomering” copyright pending.) Navigate the party small talk with poise, dropping gems like, “Have you diversified your investment portfolio lately?” or “Here’s how I get more calcium in my diet…” That’s always a crowd pleaser.

Pic from X.com

3. The Midnight Toast: A Symphony of Wine Glasses

Let’s be honest, we’re probably not staying up until midnight, right? But we can pretend we are and toast at 10:00. In our twenties, the midnight toast involved questionable shots and clashing beer mugs. Now, as a Boomer, it’s all about the symphony of wine glasses clinking together. Pro tip: choose a wine that pairs well with Boomering, like a robust red that complements the complex flavors of your frustration with the internet and “kids these days.”

4. Crafting Resolutions: From Skydiving to Financial Savvy:

While your younger self might have resolved to skydive or backpack across Europe, your grown-up resolutions are more practical. Consider pledging to finally organize  your decades old junk drawer, conquer the art of meal prepping, or become a master at assembling IKEA furniture without a single leftover screw.

5. Countdown Contemplations: Balancing Excitement and Responsibility

As the countdown commences, the challenge is to balance the excitement of the impending new year with how much stress you think your heart can tolerate. Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, like successfully adulting your way through tax season or paying for your daughters wedding in Maui.

Pic from Insider.com

6. Champagne Popping Mastery: No Eye Injuries, Please!

Boomers pop champagne with the finesse of seasoned sommeliers. Ensure a smooth and injury-free cork release by holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle, gripping the cork firmly, and twisting the bottle—not the cork. Remember, no one wants to start the new year with a champagne-induced black eye. Pro-tip: If you go cheap enough, you can find champagne with a screw cap. Don’t worry, Barb and George won’t know the difference and they may be dozing off on your couch by this time

7. Post-Celebration Recovery: The Hangover Survival Kit

In our twenties, a hangover was a badge of honor. As a Boomer, if we made the mistake of one too many drinks, it’s a serious matter that requires a well-prepared survival kit. Stock up on electrolyte-infused beverages, pain relievers, and a gourmet breakfast delivery service, because pancakes delivered to your door are the epitome of Boomer luxury.

So there you have it—the essential guide for Boomers navigating the temporary, whimsical world of New Year’s Eve. Remember, being a Boomer doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor; it just means you’ve upgraded from partying all night to laughing about it the next day. Here’s to embracing the chaos, celebrating the wins, and proving that being a Boomer can be as hilarious as it is rewarding.

Cheers to Boomering in 2025! Thanks for reading and Happy New Year! ~Phil

My Life-Long Friend Judy Izzum

That pic above is the kind of information I didn’t have as a kid. I grew up as a Catholic kid in a middle class neighborhood in upstate New York. So, you would think that if I’m in New York there would be a lot of Jewish people around. You are sadly mistaken.

New York is a pretty big state. There’s upstate and downstate.  Downstate is New York City, Long Island and a couple counties just north of New York City. That whole area is a five hour drive from where I live. The downstate area is filled with many unique, wonderful cultures, and the Jewish community is one of them. The upstate part of New York is more homogenized, although there are some quirky cultural things going on in different places.

This one is available on Amazon

When I grew up, I didn’t think that I knew anyone that was Jewish. I was sheltered.  My Irish Catholic mother was too busy training me to be the next Pope. It wasn’t until I went away to college at 17 that I really discovered the Jewish religion. Many of my college friends were from downstate and chose to go to college upstate.

For me it was fun learning about the Jewish religion from my friends, and I was thrilled one year when my friend gave me a dreidel and taught me the song: “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made it out of clay, and when it’s dried and ready, oh dreidel we will play.” Thank you my college friend Gary. That song has been in my head every December since we met.

After having many Jewish friends in college and learning what surnames were most likely to be Jewish, I realized that I had had Jewish friends my entire life and just didn’t know it.

As an adult I’ve always craved learning about other cultures and religions because I felt like I grew up very generically.  Go watch That 70’s show. I think the parents in that show were modeled after my parents. In the picture below, I was most likely to be Eric (actor Topher Grace) in the top right.


At the end of the day though, there’s very little difference between religions and the people that practice them. Every religion has different repetitive, quirky traditions and every religion in  the world is based on the “magic guy in the sky” premise, so who cares if someone wears a different hat or says a different prayer? At 17 I thought my Jewish friends were this new and interesting novelty when it turned out that I had Jewish friends my whole life.

If I was Jewish, this would be me every December

If I was Jewish, the above pic would be me every December. During the holiday season when Hanukkah and Christmas overlap, it feels like Hanukah doesn’t get the big publicity that Christmas does, and that’s a shame because they have 8 days of one holiday. If that’s not an excuse to day drink, I don’t know what is.

Anyway, I just want to say Happy Hanukkah to all the Jewish friends that I’ve had in my life, even the ones that I didn’t know were Jewish. Now that they know I know, I hope they don’t expect eight presents times the number of years that I didn’t know they were Jewish.

If I could ask my Jewish friends two things: 1. Could you decide on one spelling of your holiday? And 2. Could you make Hanukkah start on the same date every year?

Shalom and Happy Chanukah my friends~ Phil

My 2025 Psychic Predictions

I know you’re wondering, “is this guy really a psychic?”  Guess what? I wonder that too. In 2014, my first post about psychic predictions was intended to be all jokes. But one of the absurd predictions involving Justin Bieber and the Kardashian’s came exactly true. So I decided to publish my psychic predictions every year and I keep getting more things right!

Pic from Psychic4Insight.com

As I’ve said every year, some of these predictions are intended to be completely humorous and others are completely serious. If it popped into my head as I’m writing this, I’m going to put it in here, because no matter how absurd an idea might be, it might also be true.

Donald Trump; The Geographic President? Because he forgot to insult the native Inuit/Alaskans during his first term in office, he wants the Alaskan mountain named Denali to go back to the name Mount McKinley, the name it had before 2015. Are we sure he’s not going to turn around and name it Mount Trump? Or is that the name of the wall at our southern border? He has also said he wants to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

He also wants to take back the Panama Canal, which the United States gifted full ownership of to Panama in 1999. He has talked about buying Greenland and taking over Canada. None of those things will happen in 2025. Prediction: In a ridiculous waste of time, he will get the mountain re-named, but the Gulf of Mexico will keep it’s name, the Panama Canal will remain in possession of Panama, and Greenland and Canada will not come under American control.

2025: The Year of Pete Davidson: In the past I have made a few jokes at Pete’s expense. Prediction: In 2025, Pete will come roaring back in the eyes of the public and will be recognized for his talent rather than his dating accomplishments. Pete, thanks for reading. I got your back.

Thank you Daily Mail online for this perfect picture. Also, thanks for the drinks your staff bought for me at the hotel bar in Rome in 2009.

Is The World Going To End? I enjoy my celebrity psychic predictions, but this is the most important prediction. Someday, life on Earth will end, and the December before it happens, I’ll tell you. Today is not that day my friends. Neither is any of the 365 days in 2025.  Sure the possibility of a nuclear war is looming, but it won’t be the end of humanity in 2025.

Putin taking a holiday. Even detestable dictators need a break now and then. Pic courtesy of Getty Images

Putin, Ukraine, and the war: As allies continue to abandon him, the Russian leader will spontaneously quit his job and retire to Margaritaville, Cancun. While he may not be the most popular guy at the pool bar, surprisingly, he tips well.

Yes, the scenario in the previous paragraph is just wishful thinking. I’ve never done this, but I’m going to roll over my 2024 prediction that the Ukraine war will end and Vladimir Putin will pass away under suspicious circumstances. I have a strong feeling on this one.

Pic from USA Today

The Royals are always one of my favorite topics. In 2025 King Chuck and Camilla will face medical challenges. I’m more worried about Camilla than I am about Chuck. Rumors of marital troubles between Prince Harry and Meghan will stir the media at some point. Oddly, during the damp season in London, King Charles will spend a few weeks at Margaritaville, Cancun.

Bollywood actress and dancer, Malaika Arora

Bollywood! Yes, I’m dipping my psychic toe into the Bollywood celebrity pool. Prediction: Popular actress Malaika Arora will begin dating Pete Davidson Rahul Khanna . If there’s a cougar in Bollywood, it’s Malaika and she would meet her perfect match in the younger Khanna.

 Does anyone else remember this short lived 2012 ABC show? It was titled The Neighbors. It’s fun. Find it on streaming and watch. Pic from Ron Tom/ABC

One last prediction: This is the year aliens become real! Yes, I said it and I’m not taking it back. They’ve been in the news for the last few years, and in 2025 we will all know for certain that they exist. With that acknowledgement, countries will display unprecedented unity at the United Nations to discuss and cooperate while Donald Trump tries to make the aliens pay tariffs and taxes for entering the United States.  He will also claim dominion over their planets.

Thank you for reading and feel free to stay for apps and drinks later by the pool! ~Phil

Ten Weird Holiday Traditions From Around The World!

My first baby picture! (pic credit to https://www.artstation.com/yoneyu )

Ten Weird Holiday Traditions From Around the World

10. South Africa: In South Africa deep fried caterpillars are the traditional holiday meal. Who knows why? Maybe they believe that eating caterpillars symbolically will make their life turn into a butterfly or some such nonsense. Or maybe caterpillars are just really tasty. Who are we kidding? Anything deep fried IS really tasty.

sundried-emperor-moth-caterpillars-photo-credit-gizmag

9. Catalonia, Spain: I’ve been to Catalonia, but not during the holidays when children beat a decorated log that poops out candy. It’s called Caga Tio.

If you want to buy one of these, it’s available from Amazon in the U.K.

8. Caracas, Venezuela: Residents of this one town, Caracas, go to Christmas Eve mass on roller skates.

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7. Germany: In Germany they hide a pickle in the Christmas tree and the first child to find it gets a small gift. I would bet that in German bars around the holidays  “Hey gorgeous, how would you like to play hide the pickle?” is an overused, and probably unsuccessful pick up line.

6. Ukraine: In the Ukraine, instead of tinsel and lights they decorate their Christmas trees with fake spider webs and spiders. Apparently they watch The Nightmare Before Christmas  a little too often.

Let’s hope this year they catch an evil Russian dictator in their webs

5. China: In China families bring their pets, dogs, cats, and birds to a special mass on Christmas Eve to have them blessed. In Chinese culture it is believed that animals are more susceptible to demonic possession and the ceremony is thought to “cleanse” them for the coming year.  That is why most households have a “lucky cat” statue to ward off evil spirits.

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4. Estonia: Families go to the sauna together. I’m cool with going to the sauna, but with my family? Ugh.

This is like one of those awkward Christmas family pictures

3. Great Britain: Tradition dictates that each member of the family must stir the Christmas pudding in a clockwise direction and make a wish. Reportedly 90% of wishes are “I wish is wasn’t cold and rainy.”

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2. Guatemala: They sweep out their houses on Christmas Eve, with brooms they borrowed from the Norwegianscreating a pile of dirt in front of their home. Then they burn an effigy of the devil on top. Geez, Guatemala, lighten up, it’s Christmas! It’s supposed to be fun.

1. Greece: In a twisted version of Elf on the Shelf, the Greeks tell their children that the Kallikantzaroi, a race of evil goblins that live undergroundcome to the surface to wreak havoc during the twelve days of Christmas. Nice, parenting by terror. What’s more traditional than that? I think that Greece and Guatemala should just get together and terrify their into submission.

Well, one of those ten is a fake. Which one do you think it is? Check the first comment below for my answer. Have a great Saturday! ~Phil

The Lady of The Lake: An Awesome Paranormal Movie

Remember my awesome interview with psychic and paranormal investigator Amanda Paulson about a year and a half ago? If you don’t remember that, go read it HERE first. In that interview Amanda told me about the documentary she was working on. Guess what? It’s finally available! If spooky is your thing, this is a movie you’ll want to see! Here’s the trailer!

It maybe be the winter holidays, but spooky is forever. Go rent or buy her movie and support one of my favorite Phil Factor alums! Have a great Wednesday!

Thanks for reading! ~Phil

“THE Most Fun Theory About The Drones”

Pic courtesy of Fast Company

For the last four weeks swarms of drones have been spotted over northern New Jersey from dusk to dawn. Some have flown over Donald Trumps resort/golf course and others have flown over military installations and every on-site filming location of The Sopranos. But are they really drones?

As someone who monitors developments in most paranormal realms, the mysterious drone swarms have the paranormal people buzzing, and I think there may be merit in that. I said “may“, not definitely.

Here’s why I think that these “drones” might be more than we think:

1. Don’t shoot the drones? The general public has been told that it’s illegal to shoot down drones. Thank goodness for that. In northern New Jersey, you can only imagine how many bullets would be filling the skies. Ok, so you and I can’t go skeet shooting for drones, but what about the military? Why aren’t they shooting them down? I’m pretty sure the Air Force has the technology and firepower to take down some drones. During the Gulf war in the 1990’s the Air Force literally shot a missile into an enemy leaders front door from 30 miles/48 kilometers away. But they can’t get some kids toys out of the sky?

Also, just yesterday the government said that they believe several of the drones are manned, being flown lawfully.  That may be why they’re not shooting them down, and it implies that they know more about them than they’re letting on.

Pic from New Atlas

2. The Government Conspiracy Theory: Could they be government owned drones? Is the U.S. government trying out some new technology? Or possibly spying on someone? Maybe it’s a new tactic to monitor mob activity. So far the government claims they’re not theirs. Other than that, the government has been suspiciously quiet.

3.  The drones aren’t limited to New Jersey: In recent days the drones have also been seen over southern New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland, indicating that they are probably not controlled by any normal citizens just being mischievous.

Beneath the above map of drone sightings the headline read: The FBI leader says it’s “concerning” how little his agency knows about the drones. That’s concerning to me because (and here comes the most fun theory about the drones: What if these drones are remote craft sent out by UFO’s/alien spacecraft, or are actual alien spacecraft that are doing some reconnaissance about our planet before they decide to visit?

Seriously, how great would it be if our planet is about to have that “take me to your leader” moment in history where we meet aliens peacefully? I’m rooting for that and also hoping we don’t have to call in the Transformers to save us. I’m also tempted to go buy myself a drone and start freaking out my neighbors.

In the comments, what do you think the drones are?

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading! ~Phil

Ten Reasons to Love The Holidays

This isn’t my house, but I wish it was.

On Saturday I posted my Ten Reasons to Hate The Holidays. If you haven’t read that, then you need to. It’s a prerequisite. Now I’m providing this as proof that I’m not some Ebenezer Scrooge or Grinch.

10. Ridiculous Holiday Light Displays: That’s not my house above, but I wish it was. I love people that take the decorating and lights waaaay too far. I wish we could do it all year long. If there’s a neighborhood that decorates all year long, let me know. I’ll move there.

9. Getting presents: Well duh! Free stuff that we didn’t know we needed or wanted? Yes please! Notice that the presents are only 9th on my list? That’s because I’m not superficial and materialistic.

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8. Nutcrackers: I buy my nuts pre-cracked but I love these guys anyway for no good reason.  As much as I love them I’d also love Stephen King, or maybe me, to write a Christmas horror story where nutcrackers come to life and terrorize people like Chuckie. Imagine how creepy they’d be if you added sharp teeth! (Yes, that herd of nutcrackers is at my house staring at me right now)

7. Holiday Movies: Check back here next Tuesday for my list of the ten best holiday movies.

6. Time off from work: Let’s be honest, how many of us love our job so much that we’d do it even if we didn’t get paid? Bueller? Bueller? Yeah, I didn’t think so. I’m taking the week off between Christmas and New Years. Don’t worry, I’ll still keep blogging because I’d do that even if they didn’t pay me.

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5. Holiday Specials: Come back in two weeks for my top ten holiday specials. The Grinch is a total badass but he’s not number 1 on that list.

4. Awkward Family Holiday PhotosI don’t care if they’re real or fake, they’re funny. I hope someday to create my own that becomes a meme on the internet.

3. Sometimes jerks try a little harder not to be: Including me. I don’t think I’m a jerk, but it’s nice that me and most other people try a little harder to be cordial, except online when we make snarky remarks at people that leave comments..

2. My holiday tie collection: Yes, this is one you should love too. This year I own enough holiday themed ties that I can wear a different one every work day from Thanksgiving until Christmas. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you’ve probably seen them.

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1. _________________________

Red Gift

Number 1 is left blank for you. What is it that you love about the holidays above all else? Put it in the comments what you love most about Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or New Years Eve. Have a great Tuesday!~Phil