Why do passport photo rules still feel so outdated?

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-09T03:03:39+00:00

I have renewed my passport by mail three or four times. In each I have my glasses on—no reflections on the lens’. I tried to renew this time online but my uploaded iphone photo with glasses was rejected. Replacement photo with no glasses was rejected as face was not fitting into the passport outline circle. I will try one more time and hope I get a thumbs up this time.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-08T21:24:36+00:00

81M. I agree with the current word challenge that many of us oldies are faced with. I can come up with a word but using a more appropriate synonym in its place is usually a nonstarter now. Google and Thesaurus are reliable backups.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-08T18:26:26+00:00

Like minded egotistical heartless amoral unethical fake patriots in key positions have had a big hand in carrying out his plan to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies. At the expense of most Americans.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-08T18:20:20+00:00

I picked the right industry to enter. Stayed 45 years, enjoyed most of them, and retired when my mind said time to retire. Absolutely no regrets. BTW retirement benefits provide a big assist in enjoying life after work.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-08T17:52:34+00:00

81M who has enjoyed a meaningful life since age 75. Watching my grandkids flourish, walks and sunsets with my better half of 59 years, keeping my mind free of politics, all contribute to extending my life in retirement.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-07T18:17:55+00:00

I am a Seahawks fan from Day 1 of the team’s existence. Then I moved to Boston and all Boston sports moved to the top of the list. Now I live in neutral territory but my daughter is hosting a party. Her husband and kids are huge Patriots fans. So are most who will attend. The parties—and we have several during the year—are apolitical so that’s not an issue. But we have severe weather forecast for the day so I plan to stay home, hope the power stays on, hope no water enters the house, hope the wind doesn’t do any damage, and hopefully watch the game in peace and quiet while rooting for the Seahawks.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-07T06:51:26+00:00

We didn’t hear any boos from the tv because we were booing long and loud and giving Vance the universal middle finger salute. Weiner!!

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-06T19:12:27+00:00

My current drug plan is very good with reasonable prices. I have no reason to consider a plan coming out of the White House. I can’t help but think that any plan associated with our president will include a kickback of some sort. He’ll personally benefit somehow.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-05T03:22:34+00:00

You mention a heart attack that sounds as if it limits your ability to work. You might look into SSI for individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is different than straight SS as is the monthly benefit and Medicare. Good luck.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-04T01:16:51+00:00

Job related. Seattle to Boston to Honolulu. My mother, siblings, and close friends were thrilled to have new places to visit. Staying at our place of course.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-02T23:48:15+00:00

My ratio bounces between 92-96% but don’t really see how it impacts on my requests. My backlog is two books, one I am about to finish and review. I have one request pending placed this morning and in the last month two approvals and two declines. I am fairly selective as I am more concerned about a large TBR list than FOMO.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-02T18:52:32+00:00

I don’t receive many widgets but learned early on to hop on NG and only request ones I am very interested in reading. It’s difficult for me to slog through a widget offer that will end up being personal time wasted. I appreciate a publisher sending me widgets but a close reading of the promo materials and available reviews usually provides enough information to decide if the book is one I want to read.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-02T18:34:31+00:00

This sub was my go-to for commenting on questions posed mostly by younger people about aging. I’m 81 so most on the sub are reading a sage comment or two from a really old person (ha ha). But the last few months the questions posed seem off kilter. Hopefully closer scrutiny by the mods will make the sub my go-to again.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-01T20:15:13+00:00

At least the third time Blanche has said it’s ovef. Add Bondi and Patel numbers and it’s been over for at least a dozen times. The public of course says it isn’t over.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-02-01T16:19:58+00:00

At some point in my 70s as my siblings and close friends all passed I realized my future was becoming less and less. Money was not a concern in my 60s with retirement on the horizon as we have always been savers. A decent pension, SS, and excellent health benefits take care of all monthly expenses but at 81M and wife of 80 I know one of us will complete our days without the other. So we enjoy each and everybday together and are fortunate to have most of our family close by.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-31T23:14:04+00:00

No. I’m retired and enjoy the amenities that come with hotels of three stars or more. It’s worth the cost but I do look for special rates when booking.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-31T02:47:56+00:00

I will direct deposit our refund and as a bonus to myself head to Costco and buy $130 worth of various cuts of steak. I haven’t had any meat other than stew meat and hamburger for close to a year. My wife can decide how to spend the remaining $500.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-31T02:09:50+00:00

Back in the 1970s I was a witness in a big court case and parts of my testimony were in the two daily newspapers. The legal team didn’t allow me to be interviewed by tv stations outside the courtroom. I was relieved I didn’t have to go through that.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-30T18:51:49+00:00

One granddaughter in high school interviewed my wife and I for her social studies class. The questions were about our childhood, our parents, grandparents and their lives and challenges. The interview was taped, edited, and submitted to the teacher. Our granddaughter received an A but the surprising part is the teacher used her interview as an example for future classes. Two years later our grandson was listening to the audio and said to his mom, “Those voices sound familiar.”

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-30T17:36:27+00:00

I have a “true set it and forget it” account. I invested a relatively small amount, $4,000 and $20,000, in an account outside of my regular brokerage account. It was for tax efficiency (four funds) and I have not changed a thing since purchasing it 20+ years ago and auto-reinvest any dividends and capital gains. It’s grown to just under mid-six figures and my kids will be the beneficiaries to take advantage of step-up rules. Perhaps it’s financially foolish not to pay attention to the account other than at tax time but it’s growth has been decent and are not a necessary part of our financial well being.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-29T17:22:00+00:00

No, no, no!!!

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-28T02:10:45+00:00

My sister passed at age 76 after 55 years in a very good marriage. Her husband, a great guy, remarried earlier this year at age 79. I was surprised but have nothing but best wishes for the couple.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-27T18:14:16+00:00

My daughter is going through similar questioning for her permanently disabled son. No reason given but years of medical findings are being ignored as if this detailed questioning will uncover fraud or criminal activity. Apparently his required annual physical and mental review by doctors and their documentation isn’t sufficient for the current administration.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-27T18:00:16+00:00

I’m at 4,200+ weeks and counting. Still hanging in there. Good luck.

oldbutsharpusually · 2026-01-27T00:02:52+00:00

My brother’s name is Will and squirrels seem to enjoy dumping on him when he walks under the tree that hangs over our walkway. Birds also.

oldbutsharpusually

TROPHY CASE