Grandpa,
My brother has done 8½ years in prison. He is due to get out in February 2019. A man from the parole came out to inspect my house so that (brother) can live with me when he gets out. That man told me that I am not allowed to have a computer or smart phone. He told me I have to get rid of my father’s army pistol and saber. I have to put a chip in my dog, too. And then he told me I have find someplace else for my daughters to live! The state can’t make me do that! I have rights. How can I report this agent for trying to make me do all of that?!
Grandpa says: I seriously doubt your agent worded things as crudely as you portray. The state does not force you to do any of the things you mentioned. However, your brother is not allowed to have access to the material things you mentioned, such as the weapons or the internet. The dog is to be chipped as a way to identify the dog. The dog must be no where near the agent when the agent comes to see your brother. As to farming out your daughters, I believe you are exaggerating.
With the stipulations you described, I can guess the kind of crime your brother committed. If he did what I think, he must have had a very good attorney to have gotten a sentence of only 10 years at 85%. But he still cannot live in a house with children. Period. So instead of trying to report the agent for following the law, redirect your efforts toward finding a place for your brother to live for the next three years. I have sent to you a list of agencies and organizations that may be of some help in your efforts. Please pass the list on to your brother.
Grandpa,
Over the Thanksgiving holiday we spent a lot of time playing Spades. I have never been much of a card player, yet I did enjoy this marathon session. Never before had I heard the term “nil bid”. I was told that it means that a player will not take any tricks in a hand. I was not sure I believed it, even though I went along with it for the fun of the companionship and the game. Is there really such a bid?
Grandpa says: Yes. If a player does not believe he/she can make take any tricks, the player can bid nil. This is a good ploy to use to pass along sandbags to the opposing team. A successful nil bid garners the team 100 points plus what the other partner gains. Beware, if your nil is set, you lose 100 points. If a player has not looked at her/his cards before bidding, one can bid double nil. I would never make such a bid unless the other three players’ bid total 11 or more. Double nil bid is worth 200 points gained or lost. I “bid” you peace.
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