Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sunday Update

My update is as last week, work front and center. Next week the same. Four days at one CPA firm, four returns for another CPA firm, and three business meetings on my own. Other than that I really have nothing to do.

Now on to the Entertainment world. Tomorrow on The Bachelor they will announce this season's lineup for Dancing With The Stars. According to rumors on the Internet the following are in the running to fight for this season's championship:

Pamela Anderson, John Stamos, Danielle Fishel, Kate Gosselin, Kevin Federline. Gerg Louganis, Even Lysacek, and Jennifer Gray.

Since the rumors are almost always wrong I would guess none of the above will be on this year!!

As to who will replace Samantha Harris as hostess? It won't be my niece. As a lot of you remember her agent submitted an audition tape to the producers of DWTS but they wanted somebody that people actually knew. The rumors have Melissa Rycroft, Brooke Burke or Vanessa Minnillo being the hostess.

Next Sunday is the Oscars. I still have An Education and Precious to go to, to complete my mission of seeing all nominated films by the award show. The hosts for the Oscars this year? Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The Producers? Adam Shankman, known by a lot of you as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, and Bill Mechanic.

Last week on The Amazing Race the grandmother and her daughter were eliminated. I was really kind of sorry to see them go!

It is now your turn. Write about anything you want to. Refer readers to any sites that you want. Tell me about your life. Anything exciting going on in your life? How about your friends' lives? I want to know about all of you! Don't hold back!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Let's Talk

According to the following article the last thing a man wants to do is to sit down and talk to the woman in his life. I couldn't disagree more. In most cases I would rather sit down with a cup of coffee and have a nice chat with a woman friend then I would share a beer with a guy friend.

http://www.bvonlove.com/2010/02/25/does-she-talk-too-much/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bvonlove.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Fdoes-she-talk-too-much%2F

Here is how some of my chats with men go:

"Wow. Lindsay Vonn crashed again. Can you imagine the emotions of someone that trains her entire life towards a goal and then watch it crash right before your very eyes?"

"She is hot."

Or maybe we are talking about life.

"Taking care of a dad with dementia is really about the most emotionally difficult thing that I have ever done."

"Did you see the Trailblazer game last night?"

Now the picture changes to myself and a woman friend having lunch or coffee. I start the conversation.

"How are you doing? Everything OK, with your mom."

"She just had surgery. I've been taking care of her for a couple of weeks."

"I know how that goes. Anything I can do to help."

"You have enough on your plate. I can't imagine what it must be like to be a care giver for as long as you have been."

Almost every time I sit down with a woman friend, married or single, relative or not, we have inspiring and interesting conversations. About life. About news. About marriage and dating. Any number of subjects. When I sit down with a man friend it is about the game or the woman not about each other.

OK, there was one time when I dated a compulsive talker and maybe a few times I was saying to myself "please God, make her shut up" but that is the exception to the rule.

Who would you rather talk to? A man or a woman? What do you think about the article? Would my take on things change with marriage like the author says it does?

Friday, February 26, 2010

Can You Bear Less Cussing?

If you can't bear the first story for the day you can cuss at me from now until midnight February 28 even if you live in California. However, you Californians can't swear at me the first week in March because your legislature passed a cuss free week. First before we cuss together let's talk about bears. Here is a story that appeared in this morning's Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2010/02/the_oregon_zoo_hopes_to_educat.html

According to a side bar of the story that didn't make it online we all need to:

Drive less.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Plant a tree.

Use more insulation and less hot water.

Use the off switch.

Turn down the heat and air conditioning.

Hang laundry out to dry.

Don't let your car idle.

Buy local.

Recycle.

OK, I do most of what is on the list but I sure am the heck not going to air my dirty laundry in public. Although I don't think I will plant a tree I do have five big trees in my backyard that were there when I bought the house. Damn leafs. How much on the list do you do?

Now, how often do you cuss? Me? Very seldom. I've been known to drop an F-bomb but very rarely. I usually never say more than darn it. I take a lot of deep breaths and say a lot of non-sensical words but seldom to I swear in public. Now my TV may not be safe at times but the public has nothing to fear from this mouth. If you like to swear a lot I would kindly suggest not visiting California the fist week in March:

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_14470806?source=rss

Good idea? Bad Idea? Tell me what you really think.

May you bear whatever comes your way today and not cuss to much!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Genetic Testing

Overloaded with work today so just a brief post but what I think is an interest topic, genetic testing:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-25-1Agenetictesting25_CV_N.htm

What do you think? Good idea? Bad Idea? Would you submit to a test that would allow a medication to be developed just for you? Wait and see how it works?

Frankly, I am all for it. I am for anything that cures illnesses or makes the quality of life better for anyone. I'd even be willing to submit myself to be tested. And you?

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Celebrating Women

First up is the elderly, the normal, and the stable. The older and female version of me.

http://www.mercurynews.com/sunnyvale/ci_14457566?source=rss

I would love to have known this lady. I would love to ask her, did you ever once in your life consider moving to another city? I am curious to the posters here, how many places have you lived in during your life? My list includes the following:

Billings, Montana.

Pocatello, Idaho.

Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Ashland, Oregon.

Los Angeles, California.

Portland, Oregon.

Now on to the young and inspiring. This is the good story of the week. Get the tissues out and celebrate this young woman and the people helping contribute to her normalcy:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-22-ashleyprom22_cv_N.htm

As always your comments are welcome!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Lying & Spying

First up is whether or not you should lie to your boss:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/02/19/lie-to-your-boss/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl9|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fjobs.aol.com%2Farticles%2F2010%2F02%2F19%2Flie-to-your-boss%2F

I suppose when I was younger there was a time or two when I was less than truthful with my boss but over time I came to the conclusion that honesty was the best policy. I can live with myself by being truthful, I can live without a job if I am let go for honesty. If I were a boss, I would much prefer honesty to being lied to. Things out in the open are easier to talk about and solve if a problem exists.

What about you? What do you think of the article? Have you ever or would you ever lie to a boss? What if you were the boss, would truth set the employee free?

Next up is spying:

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/02/22/opinion-big-brother-should-be-expelled-from-pennsylvania-school/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2010%2F02%2F22%2Fopinion-big-brother-should-be-expelled-from-pennsylvania-school%2F

While I can see some benefits of spying on students at their home, such as to prevent teen suicide or school shootings, I think because of the risk of using the spying for out of control violations of privacy what the school is doing makes me shudder. It is one thing to have the study halls and libraries monitered at school, it quite another thing to be spying on the kids at home. What do you think? Is the school on the right track? Or have they derailed?

Inquiring minds want to know

Monday, February 22, 2010

Teaching How To Respect Women.

When I was quite young, a mere third grader, a bunch of us young developing men went to one of the guy's grandmother's house. She went out to the kitchen to get us some cookies and milk. When she came back into her living room, I stood up. That is what my parents had taught me. Respect the elderly, treat women with respect, and show good manners no matter what environment you were in. I was the only one that stood up when the grandmother came back into the living room. I was rewarded. The grandmother not only gave me the cookies and milk, she gave me a dollar. A dollar was a lot of money then. She used me as an example of good manners. The scene taught me that good manners pay.

I open the door for both men and women. If you are coming out of a store with your hands full that matters more to me then what sex you are. I do open car doors for women. I will pull out their chair at dinner. I try very hard not to talk with my mouth full. I wash my hands after doing men things. I try to live good manners.

All that being said, then why did I have such a negative reaction to the following article?:

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/arizona-teacher-adds-etiquette-to-lessons/19355240?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Farizona-teacher-adds-etiquette-
to-lessons%2F19355240


Am I the only that is reacting negatively to what the teacher is doing? I think it is great that the young men are learning social skills but instead of teach equality among the sexes is the teacher in some way being sexist?

I would be interested to hear your take on the article. Is what the teacher is doing good? Bad? Sexist?. Shouldn't he also be teaching some type of social manners to the female students?

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sunday Update

Happy Sunday everyone! Here is my life update: work. Now it is your turn to update me on what is going on in your lives! I really miss hearing from, Kim, Snug and Kaye. I'm glad Dona and Mary Z check in on some posts! I know Mary is up to her ears in tax returns and Ellen always has to much on her plate. Bev travels, writes, travels some more, and writes some more. I catch up with her by her blog. After tax season I am going to put all the blogs on my blog following list. Dona's, Mary Z'S, Bev'S, Sian's and anyone that posts here that has a blog will have a link here. I am also considering submitting my blog to blog roll for their editors' review. I am going back and forth on whether or not to submit my blog, I would hate to get a failing review!

Here is a special update just for Pat. A Portland woman was eliminated from Project Runway last week. Here is her take on the show:

http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2010/02/project_runway_portland_design.html

I know are a lot of Top Chef fans out there and I know that DR is a dynamite cook and loves a good recipe. And what is interesting is a chef with the same last name as DR was nominated! Good cooking must run in the family! The James Beard Awards are the cooking industries Oscars. Here are the local chefs that were nominated for the James Beard Awards:

http://www.oregonlive.com/dining/index.ssf/2010/02/beard_semi-finalist_announced.html

On a personal note, I am on an entertainment mission. That mission is to see all ten Oscar Nominated movies by the time the Oscars are televised. I am at eight. The only two left are An Education and Precious. I think they are on the agenda for next weekend. Once I've seen all ten movies I will give you a quick opinion on each film.

Speaking of entertainment, The Amazing Race started last Sunday. The first team eliminated was Dana and Adrian. The team that already annoyed Pat and I, Brent and Caite, came in second. However, they incurred a thirty minute penalty which knocked them down to seventh place. I've never rooted for a penalty before. I really haven't picked a team to root for and so many teams had problems last week I just can't predict who will be eliminated tonight.

The blog is now yours. Tell me everything!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Yodel Lady Who?

Hello everyone. My life is boring. Right now life is all about work. All work and no play makes the dull even duller. However, in the midst of a dull life it is good to find out that I am not alone:

http://www.aolnews.com/science/article/scientists-make-it-official-people-are-so-predictable/19364257?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fscientists-make-it-official-people-are-so-predictable%2F19364257

Maybe I am not interpreting the article correctly so I need to ask you, can a person be predictable and not be dull?

Things are certainly not dull in Helvatia, Oregon. It is a farming community not far outside of Portland. Helvatia is Swiss for Switzerland. Noted for being beautiful farm country and having neighborly folks, the community wanted to avoid their beloved country being taken over by housing and business developments. They decided the best way to express their concerns to the Washington County Oregon Board of Commissioners was not to be boring. Read how they fought city hall here:

http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2010/02/helvetia_persuades_planners_to.html

Do you know how to Yodel? My dad did he was great at it. He used to entertain us at parties. What would you do if your beloved land was about to be taken over by housing developments? How far would you go to save your land? Truthfully, I am not sure I know the answer. Maybe I'd learn to Yodel.

May your day be filled with music and may you join me in being predictable.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Finds & Lists

Not much today just a couple of articles that interested me. Everyone knows I love a good wallet story. Here was one in today's Oregonian that I just found touching:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/02/mystery_of_the_stolen_wallet_s.html

Kudos to everyone involved in getting the wallet to the man's daughter. So many would have just found the wallet and ditched it. Not the construction company employee or the hospital staff. They went above and beyond the call of duty. I would have made a couple of attempts at finding the owner and then pretty much forgotten about it. What would you have done?

Next up is a list that shocks me that I didn't make. The 100 least powerful people. I am less powerful than Meg Ryan, no? OK, there is that little thing about having to be famous to be on the powerless list. What list would you like to be on?

http://247wallst.com/2010/02/16/the-100-least-powerful-people-under-100-2/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2F247wallst.com%2F2010%2F02%2F16%2Fthe-100-least-powerful-people-under-100-2%2F

According to Mom and her caregiver I should be on the one hundred best sons list. Wow, do I ever have them fooled. I'd like to be on the one hundred funniest men list, now that would be an accomplishment! What list would you like to be on? Best dancer list, best singer list, best daughter list, best looking list, or just any list you can create is game! Inquiring minds want to know.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Man Makeover

I don't wear tailored clothes. I like a nice dress shirt and pressed pants. When I go to church it is suit city. I would never go on a date wearing flop flops or shorts unless it was a beach date. I would dress to respect both the venue and the woman I was dating. I even wear cologne. But makeup? I don't think so. Now I am asking you if you think I should do what is mentioned in the following two article, a man makeover.

The game plan:

http://www.asylum.com/2010/02/17/a-day-in-the-life-of-sexy-me-one-writer-undergoes-a-man-make/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asylum.com%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fa-day-in-the-life-of-sexy-me-one-writer-undergoes-a-man-make%2F


Women's reaction:

http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/02/18/note-to-men-do-not-attempt-a-man-makeover-makeup-isnt-sex/

After reading the article I am sort of leaning against it. OK, that is an understatement, there is no way in hell or heaven that I am having a makeover that involves going out in public wearing makeup. I have, however, worn makeup when I was in plays in drama class in high school.

I think I'm middle road territory. I think the before of the guy is a little to scruffy and rumpled. I am suprised women like that style. I think the after went to far.

Your take and advise on this would be dearly appreciated.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Does Money Make People Happy?

Not according to an Austrian millionaire. What do you do if you end up wealthy and it wasn't all it is cracked up to be? This is what the millionaire is doing:

http://www.aolnews.com/money/article/money-made-life-miserable-so-millionare-karl-rabeder-is-giving-it-away/19356181?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fmoney%2Farticle%2Fmoney-made-life-miserable-so-millionare-karl-rabeder-is-giving-it-away%2F19356181

I am not sure if I had that winning lottery ticket that I would give all the money away. My Mom thinks I would but I don't. I would give a good share of it to friends and relatives to make their life complete. I would set up a charitable foundation to help the needy. But I would keep plenty for myself. I'd keep enough that I wouldn't have to worry the rest of my life. I certainly wouldn't give it all away. What would you do if you found yourself rich and you were unhappy? Would you give it away?

What do you think will happen to Karl Rabeder after he ends up penniless? Do you think he will wish for his money back? Will he miss the trips around the world, the luxury cars, and the rich lifestyle? Or will he be happy in his mountain home getting in touch with nature? I think he is going to rue the day he gave it all away.

I hope we hear what his life is like a year from now!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Pajama Game

Before writing about the Pajama Game I thank DR for her blog entry yesterday, it was so well received that of course she is welcome back anytime! If any of you would like to try your hand at blog posting please let me know by email at williamjdahn@aol.com. Email your post to me and I will turn the blog over to you for a day.

Next up let's read about the cutest damn kid on the face of a planet.

http://www.mercycorps.org/bijagutoff/blog/19833

Several merchants in his neighborhood saw what the little boy was doing and provided with a space, pastries, and raffle prizes where Amiri hosted friends and neighbors all day last Saturday. They raised well over a thousand bucks and my guess is they made their goal five grand. Priceless.

Now on to the pajama game. According to an article that I read people are wearing pajamas to the grocery store, to drop their kids off at school, and even on airplanes. OK, confession is good for the soul. Have you ever wore pajamas outside of the four walls of your house? To the grocery store? To the doctors office? To pickup your mail? To get to Starbucks for the morning shot of coffee? On an airplane?

I've never have or never will I wear pajamas on an airplane. If I am going down in a plane crash I don't want to be buried in pajamas. I have, however, worn pajama bottoms to the grocery store, to pickup my mail, on my morning walk, and to Mom's. Now the fashion mavens have designed a new product for people like me that are to lazy to put on a pair of jeans before going out. Check out this link:

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/02/04/pajamajeans-the-next-snuggie/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stylelist.com%2F2010%2F02%2F04%2Fpajamajeans-the-next-snuggie%2F

Now come on all you outstanding women and men out there let's confess, who of you have taken the easy route at times and went out amongst the public in pajamas? At forty bucks a pop are you a likely purchaser of pajama.jeans? Or is this just a passing fad that is meant to play to our desire to be comfortable?

On to a more somber note. One of the designers mentioned in the above article recently committed suicide. Alexander McQueen was despondent over the death of his mother. The above article and my blog post in no way, shape, or form is meant to diminish the loss of this great designer. You can read the story of his death here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1250249/Alexander-McQueen-commits-suicide.html

Monday, February 15, 2010

Pets In Charge

Today's entry comes to us from guest blogger, DR. She is an editor and writer. She has authored many books including, When Someone You Love Has Cancer. She is also an important contributor to the blog and I am proud to call her my friend. I hope you will enjoy her take on the love we show our pets and the love they show us. Please enjoy the writings of a professional writer and welcome her with comments!

Who's in Charge

Lots of us here have pets or have had pets. Some of you may have seen the following or parts of it. How much of it applies (or has applied) to you and your household? How much would apply, if you had a dog or cat?

Dear Dogs and Cats:
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.

(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

As an example, we had invited-themselves-over guests for the superbowl game. M went up to pop popcorn and came back to find Skeeter (who's 12-1/2 years old, with cancer,) curled in the corner of "his" recliner (which was really "my" recliner" and Skeeter's favorite spot, if she's not in my lap)

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's Skeeter, in HER recliner," Himself replied.

"What should I do with her? Just put her on the floor?"

(Not likely, in THIS house)

"Well, you can sit down carefully, so she can lay beside you, you can pick her up and put her on your lap or you can pick her up and put her on my lap," Himself responded.

How about in your house? Who rules the roost?

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Love Of A Lifetime

Happy Valentines Day everyone. Hope this and everyday is a day you will feel love all around you and everyone will make you feel appreciated. To start today's blog entry check out this very romantic story:

http://news.holidash.com/2010/02/10/longest-married-couple-will-now-take-your-tweets/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.holidash.com%2F2010%2F02%2F10%2Flongest-married-couple-will-now-take-your-tweets%2F

Now the bad love story of the day:

http://www.switched.com/2010/02/11/man-dumped-over-pre-loaded-sexts-on-his-phone/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.switched.com%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Fman-dumped-over-pre-loaded-sexts-on-his-phone%2F

What do you think should be done with the employees for their misguided hoax? I'd fire them without even thinking a second about it.

Now on to the updates.

Work is still going pretty well, however, there are times when I feel torn in to many directions. That just raises my blood pressure until I take a deep breath and realize there is only so much one man can do. I really like the main male partner. He is a new partner this year. The male partner from last year is still there but he tired of taxes and sold out. He rents a little office space and just works on business valuations. The new male partner is younger . Both are good dudes.:

The Olympics started Friday and while I loved the opening ceremonies the death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili from Georgia in Russia dampened my Olympic spirit. At least the twenty-two year old died doing what he loved but I am sure that doesn't make it easier on his family, friends, and teammates.

Dancing with the stars will announce this season's cast on March 1 on the final of The Bachelor. The hot rumor is that Pamela Anderson has signed up to appear. As to who will replace Samantha Harris as hostess, the rumor right now is either 'E! News' correspondent Ashlan Gorse or former 'Access Hollywood' anchor Nancy O'Dell. Since the show is slated to start March 22 there should be an announcement of the new hostess soon.

OK, you know the drill. This is your day to update on what you have been doing and what you will be doing in the near future. Let me know how all your family and friends are doing. Are you watching the Olympics? If you are new to the blog or haven't posted before please do so. We would love to meet you!!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Where In The World

The Amazing Race Starts this Sunday and here are the teams:

Brent & Caite, Dating models from South Carolina.

Carol & Brandy, A dating couple from Los Angeles.

Dana & Adrian, A married Couple from Arlington, TX.

Jet & Cord, Cowboy brothers from Oklahoma.

Judy & Shannon, Grandmother & granddaughter from Texas.

Joe & Heidi, A married couple from El Segundo, California

Dan & Jordan, Brothers from Rhode Island.

Jordan & Jeff, This Jordan is female and this is a dating couple from Illinois.

Louie & Michael, detectives/friends from Rhode Island.

Monique & Shawne, Moms & attorneys from New Jersey.

Steve & Alice, Father & daughter from Encinitas, Calif.

You can read their bios here:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/bio/brent_and_caite_16/bio.php?season=16

To read their bios click on their picutre right above the red navigation bar. There is some really interesting information on their bios. I liked some of the questions that they asked on the bios so well that I am going to ask them of you!

Favorite hobby? For me it is writing, walking, and reading.

Favorite place you have visited? Ashland, Oregon.

If you could switch placeS with someone who would it be? Tom Hanks.

Where in the world that you haven't visited would you like to visit? Germany & Holland.

Your turn, I am really anxious to read your answers. Who are you picking to win the race? I am hoping the grandmother/granddaughter win but I am predicting that the detectives.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Today We Are Going To Be Good

Yesterday we talked about celebrating the ridiculous holiday known as Valentine's Day. Today we are going to talk about good things. Teens doing good things. Good customer service. Good titles.

Sometimes we think of teens as worrying about nothing except dating and skipping school. Sometimes we are wrong. So very wrong. Here is a story of what some teens in Clackamas County, Oregon are doing:

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2010/02/clackamas_county_students_mobi.html

Next up is good customer service. Let's celebrate those that just go above and beyond the call of duty to make us feel appreciated and appreciate our business.

Believe it or not first up on good customer service is the Sherwood Post Office. They remember me from when I was mailing a ton of stuff when I had my business. I don't do as much mailing as I did back then but they still treat me with a lot of respect. Sometimes when it isn't busy we just chat a bit.

Then there is one waitress at Shari's Restaurant here in Sherwood that always makes Mom and I feel welcome. Always "here are my favorite customers, the lady that looks nowhere near her age and the son that always makes me laugh." I don't really know if we are her favorite customers but it sure makes us feel welcome. When we took my sister and her husband in there they were surprised at how nice she was to us. Of course, sis, thought she was interested in dating me. Sis thinks every woman that says hi is interested in dating me. She isn't. For crying out load she is 30 years younger then I am. Bless Sister's heart to think the best of me.

Now on to Nordstrom's. One of the blogs I go to posted an entry about how she was treated at a Nordstrom's in the Los Angeles area. I think her words are worth passing on here:

http://satellitesistersblog.blogspot.com/

Finally, is the Hotel Max in Seattle, Washington. While I have never stayed there, I am betting they have really great customer service. I mentioned the hotel on the blog yesterday. Lo and Behold Jen Joyce of Hotel Max posted a message on the blog. You can read her comment here:

http://thedahnreport.blogspot.com/2010/02/helping-your-celebrate.html

Now on to titles. Jen has a title that I would love to have, "Captain of Makin' It Happen." Now isn't that a great title? Not customer service expert, or public relations guru but "Captain of Makin' It Happen." That title had me wondering what other titles I would love to have. One would be "President Of Making People Happy." Another would be "Sergeant of Making Sure People Have Fun." Then there would be "Master Of Making Dreams Come True."

Questions for the day. Do you know of any teens in your area that are doing good things? Would you like to give a shout out to anyone in your area that goes the extra mile to make you and/or yours feel appreciated? Hairdresser? Gas Station Attendant? Regular checker at the supermarket? Bank Teller? And the last question is what title would you like to have?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Helping You Celebrate

Coming up Sunday is the most idiotic holiday on the planet. The day that makes all the single people feel less of themselves for not having someone to show that they love them. The day that makes involved and married couples feel obligated to do something special for their other. For those involved or married why do you need a day to remind you to be kind to the person you love? Shouldn't you do a little something every day to make your special one feel appreciated?

Although I am not all that enthused about love day I am still willing to help you with celebrating the date. But first how about an article about love going to the dogs:

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/02/puppy-love-takes-on-a-whole-new-meaning-love-at-the-dog-park/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2Fpuppy-love-takes-on-a-whole-new-meaning-love-at-the-dog-park%2F

Next up is what roses mean by color. Listen up ladies, don't give the man in your life pink roses. Pink signifies femininity. Guys don't send red roses to your mom since red means passionate love. (I've done that before.) Lavender means you are putting your significant other on a pedestal. Blue flowers, other than roses, can be a great choice! To help you with just the right choice of flowers here is an article for you:

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/01/20/flower-meanings-by-color/?ncid=AOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001?ncid=AOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001&icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl6|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fshopping.aol.com%2Farticles%2F2010%2F01%2F20%2Fflower-meanings-by-color%2F%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMshopDYNLprim0001

OK, now that you have selected the perfect color of flower for the love of your life, added the perfect gift, had a special dinner at a romantic restaurant you probably want a sexy hotel to celebrate your love. At the following link are the top ten sexiest hotels in the U.S.:

http://www.gadling.com/2010/02/04/tripadvisor-reveals-americas-sexiest-hotels/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl4|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gadling.com%2F2010%2F02%2F04%2Ftripadvisor-reveals-americas-sexiest-hotels%2F

New York, New York has three on the list. Los Angeles folks are going to have to come to Portland, Oregon and stay at The Hotel Lucia, number 4 on the list. No hotel in the L.A. area made the list. If not Portland, the L.A. folks could go to Seattle, Washington and spend the weekend at The Hotel Max which came in second.

Now that I have enhanced all your love lives and gave you some good tips for Valentine's Day I am off to kick back tonight which is my Friday. Tomorrow is a me day.

Have you had any friends that found love through their pets? If I tested you about the meaning of the color of flowers how would have you done on the test? Are there any sexy hotels in your area that should have made the top ten sexy list?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Good & The Bad

First, the good news I got a really exciting email from my cousin Belva. Don is her husband. Here is the email:

I am forwarding an e-mail we received from Don's niece, She is 46 and had a stroke 10years ago that left one side paralyzed. She is a remarkable person and I thought I would share her story with you. She has never once felt sorry for herself and does everything -when I feel sorry for myself, I think of Joanie. I hope all is well with all of you and congrats on Saints win- we were sure rooting for them.

Belva

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: kj
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: 2/10/2010 12:24:07 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subj: Exciting news :-)

Hi Everybody!

Well, I have some exciting news! You know my stroke support group is doing some fundraising for the American Heart and Stroke Association with their Heart and Stroke Walk. Well, Lisa Pickens and Mary Anderson, the two that I work with when I volunteer at the hospital, encouraged me to submit my story in their "Cinderella" promotion. Out of numerous entries they chose mine!!

I am slightly overwhelmed as you can expect, but here is a sample of what I won! Ken and I get to go to the Governor's Ball in Portland Feb. 20th. A designer, Cindy Taylor, already came to my house and fitted me for the gown she is going to make for me! Ken gets fitted for a tux on Thursday. I get a gift certificate at Macy's for some shoes. We get to stay in the hotel after the event. I get my hair and make up done at Robert's Salon. AND I get my choice of Tiffany Jewels to wear to the event! I, of course, have to return them afterwards! :-) A publicist called me this morning, wanted to get some more details about my story and is going to get hold of more reporters. There will be a story in the Oregonian and more than likely the news stations. HOLY ....! Lisa and Mary what did you get me into!! I'm not having a panic attack yet, but am darn close! :-)

So, I figured you would like to know!

Love, Joanie

Anyone that has a stroke at the age of 46 and keeps going on despite the limitations that a stroke causes deserves some good in her life! I don't know Joanie but after reading her email I am excited for her. When the story comes out in the Oregonian I will post a link here. In the meantime good thoughts, positive vibes, and if prayers are your style please send them Joannie's way that she has the best night of her life!!

Now the bad. Research has shown that banning talking on cell phones while driving doesn't reduce accidents. Here is the link to the story:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/insurance/cell-phone-bans-for-drivers-arent-reducing-crashes/19337017/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl6|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Finsurance%2Fcell-phone-bans-for-drivers-arent-reducing-crashes%2F19337017%2F

I kind of think the research is flawed because accidents caused by cell phones would be hard to trace. If you have an accident while talking on a cell phone are you going to admit it? And some states have a catergory for the cause of accidents called "distracted driving" and place using cell phones in the same catergory as putting on makeup or eating a cheesburger. I really hope that this so called research doesn't lead to the overturning of the cell phone laws.

Do you think cell phone usage increases your risk of having an accident? I do.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Super Sunday

Today is my summary of Super Bowl Sunday and it is all about communion, the game, and the ads. For those of you that don't give a rip about any of that here are a couple of things to keep you busy:

First please welcome Naomi to the blog. I've posted some things from her before. She is an outstanding woman and fits right in here with all of you. She figured out how to post and you can read about her catch here:

http://thedahnreport.blogspot.com/2010/02/great-catches.html

Next up is a fess up. Got to fess up to providing wrong information on a blog post some time ago. Brad & Angelina have not split. In fact they are suing the publication that put out that information:

http://www.popeater.com/2010/02/08/brad-pitt-angelina-jolie-lawsuit/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl2|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2010%2F02%2F08%2Fbrad-pitt-angelina-jolie-lawsuit%2F

Now on to Super Sunday and it was super too. I had a really nice day. First I took Mom to church. It was Communion Sunday and boy have things changed since I took Communion just a couple of years ago. Maybe the new procedure has more to do with the minister being blind then it does a change in church policy. They did refer to where you took communion as the "communion table". Instead of several people lining up to take communion you went to the communion table one at a time. The communion prayers were said to the whole congregation first. Before even starting the Communion prayers the minister invited everyone that wanted to take Cmmunion to feel welcome to do so. She stated that since it was God's table and not the church's table that everyone there was welcome to participate whether or not they were a member of the church.

After Church I went home for a while and then over to my Sister's house for a game party. Sis had hot dogs, salsa, chips, salads, chili, and I brought cupcakes and a veggie tray. I really enjoyed watching the game with family and friends. What a great game! This game was the most watched TV show in history beating out the final of Mash. The Saints won one more than a game. Both the City of New Orleans and the team came from the depths of dispear to a pinacle to be proud of!

Some of the commercials were great. Some of the commercials stunk. My winners were Doritos, E-Trade, Snickers, Google & Denny's. I didn't agree with the USA Today admeter rankings. I did like the Snickers ad with Betty White that came in first in the USA Today ranking but I wouldn't rate it first. My favorite ad was a Doritos ad with a little boy saying to his Mom's boyfriend, "Two things. Don't look at my Mom and don't eat my Doritos." I ranked the Denny ad with the chickens in the top 5, the admeter had them at 18. The E-Trade ads with babies were just damn cute. Google made my top five because their ad was very professional and there was no doubt from beginning to end what product was being promoted. Anheuser-Busch was fourth in the USA Today ratings and sixth in my rankings. There is just something adorable about a horse and a bull growing up together as friends.

Now the bad. Godaddy.com ads are absolutely atrocious. They are extremely sexist. It made me really lose a lot of respect for Danica Patrick. We already know about my flexible ethics and I would have been less offended at Patrick posing in Playboy then I would have at her appearing in the Godaddy.com ads. At least in Playboy she would have been promoting herself instead of a sexist website. The ads show Patrick in a tub without much on talking to a "godady" girl who pulls open her top and says "show me more." Who is in charge of Godaddy.com anyway, Charlie Sheen? On a final note. The Focus on The Family ad was just there, it rated 54th out of the 65 ads that ran during the Super Bowl. If the mood strikes you, you can watch any ad here:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/admeter/2010admeter.htm?csp=hf

Hope you had a great day this last Sunday whether you watched the superbowl or not!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Killer Songs

We have all heard the term "killer song." We usually mean that the song is so good that is is a "killer song." However, according to the following article Frank Sinatra's "My Way" is literally a killer song.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/world/asia/07karaoke.html

"Take Me Home Country Roads" by John Denver and Coldplay's "Yellow" have also lead to violence. According to reports a Thai man killed nine of his neighbors after singing the John Denver song. And in Seattle, Washington a man was punched in a bar after singing "Yellow."

I don't mean to make fun of violence or death but since my take is that people that reacted to the above mentioned songs in a violent manner were already a few fries short of a happy meal before hearing the songs. Rather than discuss what in these songs lead to violence let's discuss annoying songs that could cause us to do something mildly violent like ruin a CD.

First up on the list is "It's A Small World." While I love the Disney ride the song drives me absolutely nuts. I hear someone sing that song and I can't get it out of my mind for a couple of days. The following web site agrees with my number one choice:

http://stereogum.com/archives/the-22-most-annoying-songs_005188.html

Second up is a song that isn't on their list. "Don't Worry Be Happy." Damn I hate that song. For crying out loud I am happier when I worry!

Third on my last would be "Macarena," I don't know how to do the idiotic dance and have no desire to learn it.

Fourth would be "Lying Eyes" by the Eagles. Leave her you doofus and quit singing about a wife that cheats on you. Move on for heaven sake.

Fifth on the list would be "Louie, Louie." OK, I admit this one might be jealousy. I mean these guys wrote a song with only five or six words in it and made millions. Heck even I can write a song with five words in it!

What is on your list of annoying songs that might cause you to do damage?

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Updates

Super Bowl Sunday is all about predictions and updates.

My Super Bowl Prediction: Saints 38 Colts 35 in the first overtime game in Super Bowl History.

My prediction of the commercial rankings in the USA Today ad meter is the Budweiser first quarter ad where men's voices change will be first. Second will be the third quarter ad where a sleepwalker goes though hell to get a coke. Denny's fourth quarter ad where it is a good day for free breakfasts but a bad day for chickens comes in third. The Focus On The Family commercial that airs in the first quarter will come in last. The Dove ad that floats throughout the game where it takes a man from birth to adulthood highlighting moments like his first kiss and graduations has a shot to finish way up there.

On to updates. First up is the battle between the charitable teen and McDonalds. It looks like there may be a friendly settlement between the fast food giant and the fund raising teen. The king of the cheap hamburgers succumbed to public pressure and asked for an in person meeting. According to the following article there will be some of kind of concession on both sides. The giant not suing and the teen changing the name in some fashion to please McDonalds. My guess is the solution will be using Mcfest instead of McFest. Read the update here:

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/05/mcdonalds-may-be-ready-to-end-the-beef-over-teens-mcfest-chari/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F05%2Fmcdonalds-may-be-ready-to-end-the-beef-over-teens-mcfest-chari%2F

Next update is that I wanted to bring you update on how I am doing with my new reduced role in the care giving world. There is still a lot to do because many things Mom still prefers me to do. However, I don't feel the stress that I felt before Sister moved here. It also is making going back into the working world a lot easier because the pressure of the worry about Mom isn't weighing on my mind. There are some adjustments and I do miss some things. I guess in a way caring for Mom gave me purpose and for a long time I kind of floundered around without that purpose. Now that I started work that gives me purpose to softens that blow. The other adjustment is there are times when I miss taking Mom out, just the two of us. What I really miss is watching people react to Mom. She has such a pleasant face that people really kind of flock to her and when they find out she is in her nineties they really treat her with a tremendous amount of respect. I suppose one could say she is a babe magnet because I get a lot of side benefits of being with her. Hugs and kisses on the check from waitresses and hostesses. Sometimes they even give us free things. It makes me feel kind of special but it also makes me recognize the good in Mom that other people see that I am sometimes to close to her to see. Overall, however, not spending nights at Mom's has actually made our relationship better because there isn't the subconscious resentment on my part and that makes mom more relaxed. I also now am free to take over for a weekend or a week if I so desire.

Now it is your turn. Tell me about you and your relatives and/or friends. Are there things about the people in your life that you don't really think about until you watch how the react with others? What did you do last week and what is on the agenda for next week? Tell me everything. Tell me anything. Post anything you damn well please!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Great Catches

DR's Mom is in the hospital in Arizona. They did some tests and know it isn't heart related. They suspect a gall bladder attack. The hospital staff isn't allowing her to take her regular medication until they find out what is wrong with her. She was kept her overnight in the hospital. DR's sister is monitoring the situation and DR is in constant contact with her. Let's send the famous blog healing prayers, good thoughts, and positive vibes in the direction of DR, her sister, and her Mom.

I am looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday. New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts. My guess is Dona and The Shankster are rooting for the Colts but I am rooting for the Saints. I just think a win would be good for the city of New Orleans. My sister is having a super bowl party tomorrow. My contribution is to be a veggie tray and cupcakes with little footballs on top of them. I am also going to record the Super Bowl at my house. I love a good game but you can't watch the Super Bowl without checking out the commercials! I almost enjoy rating the commercials more than I do watching the game!

In addition to the Super Bowl tomorrow I am taking my Mom to church. If you remember the church we go to the most often has an incredible woman as the minister. She is blind but that doesn't keep her down or negative. She is always ready to go the extra mile. A few days ago she called Mom and told her since it was Communion Sunday and that since she knew how hard it was for Mom to get to church she would like to come over to Mom's after church and give her communion. I talked it over with Mom and we decided it is just as hard for the minister to come to her house as it is for us to go to church. I am taking Mom to church tomorrow. We go to the Metzger Methodist Church. Methodists have what is called "open communion." Open communion means anyone can partake in it, even non-members of the church. Some churches only allow members to take communion. Not ours. One of the things I like about it. Now I just have to figure out how to navigate the wheelchair up to the communion table.

Writing about the Super Bowl brings to mind great catches. I am sure that during the game tomorrow there are going to be some really great catches but none are going to be as great of a catch as a fourteen year-old made. Probably saved a life:

http://www.gnn.com/article/teen-catches-tot-falling-from-window/892481?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fteen-catches-tot-falling-from-window%2F892481

What is on the agenda for you for Super Bowl Sunday? Going to watch the game? For the commercials? Or since everyone is going to be indoors watching the game are you going to take the opportunity to go to a movie or shopping where there will be no crowds to fight? What is the greatest catch you have ever made? Catch a typo that would have cost a lot of grief for you or your employer? Catch a deadline that everyone else had ignored? My greatest catch was a few years ago when noticing signs of a stroke in Mom I got her to the emergency room within an hour. That probably not only saved her life but allowed them to immediately administer medication that helped her to recover fully. Your turn.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Settling.

Before discussing settling just some other information first. Here is a link to Kaye's Mother's obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=lillian-iden-hutchison&pid=139304304

Wow, what a surprising background. It always amazes me what a varied group that have done so much in her lifetime that post here. Forensic handwriting expert among other things. Kaye obviously came from good stock.

How is work going? I am glad you asked. Wednesday was my first day back into the work force. I am working Monday through Thursdays. It may expand to six days a week later in tax season but right now it is four days a week. I was really surprised at how much I remembered from last year. I wasn't as nervous as last year. Of course a lot of the first day was spent recalling the procedures and getting familiar with their equipment. The second day was actually good hard work. The people there are really nice. They have several new staff members. The new folks seem more professional than some of the ones they had last year. I am looking forward to a much easier tax season than last year. Definitely there won't be fights be between two female employees, with me stuck in the middle, like happened last year. I was also very touched when I looked up at the chalkboard above my desk and there was some notations from last year that I hadn't noticed before. "Come Back!" was one of them. All in all a good first couple of days at work! Next week the production starts!!

Now about settling. In an article a woman suthor advises other single women to "settle." Here are the first couple of paragraphs:

"Just in time for Valentine's Day, the world has found its anti-Cupid. Her name is Lori Gottlieb, and she's a pretty, 42-year-old single mom who will be on the Today Show tomorrow. So why is the blogosphere calling for her head!?

She just wrote a book called "Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough," advising you to, among other things, give the online date with bad breath a second chance, and not ix-nay a guy over his unfortunate taste in denim."

You can read the entire article here:

http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/02/03/marry-him-lori-gottlieb-should-you-settle?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemondrop.com%2F2010%2F02%2F03%2Fmarry-him-lori-gottlieb-should-you-settle

That kind of advise just stuns me. Doesn't that just play into the notation that "I don't deserve better" and doesn't that promote poor self-image? Sure there are a lot of women and men that do have such high expectations of the opposite sex that no man or woman could satisfy their definition of Mr. or Mrs. Right. However, that is different than settling.

Your comments are always appreciated! Of course you are welcome to post on anything written today or any day on the blog!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

We Are Grumpy!

Before today's post wanted to let you know that I heard from Kaye: "Please send my hugs and thank you's to Donna..., Tell Lady DR I can feel her hugs, and thank you...
To Mary Z.... Thank you, I needed those :). Memorial services will be Friday @ 10:00 am. The announcement for Lillian Hutchison will be in the Austin American Statesman, Georgetown Sun and Houston Chronicle on Wednesday, 2/3/10. I'll send you a link then." My prayers and good thoughts are still with her and her family.

Just a couple of interesting articles about studies that I find conflicting. Here is the first article:

http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/02/01/is-we-the-key-to-a-happy-marriage/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemondrop.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fis-we-the-key-to-a-happy-marriage%2F

Could a happy marriage be that simple? According to the article couples that use "we" and "our" in their conversations instead of "I" are happy and have a better chance having a successful marriage. Also according to the article the we and our group solved disagreements easier and were closer and happier than the I folks. The author of the article finds that quite annoying. This brings up some questions. In your circle of friends do the we and our couples seem happier to you? For the married folks what camp are you in? We or I? Do you agree with the author of the article and find the we people annoying? Are couples that dress alike just as annoying?

I couldn't help but relate the above article to another article that I found. This article concludes that grumpy folks are more evolved than happy folks. Does this mean happily married couples that use we and our are not evolved? You can read the pro grumpy article here:

http://www.asylum.com/2010/02/01/grumpy-people-may-be-more-evolved/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl8|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asylum.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fgrumpy-people-may-be-more-evolved%2F

Do you agree? Do grumpy folks appear more intelligent than us happy ones? After reading the above two articles did you envision a couple skipping down the street singing "we are grumpy"? Inquiring minds want to know.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I'm Nominate Myself For?

Let's have some fun today. What award would you want to be nominated for? You can make up your own award, like best care giver, or best blog poster, or best everyday hero. Or you can choose an award already in existence. Then once you tell me the award you chose for yourself in fifty words or less give me your acceptance speech!

What brought this up is that Monday and Tuesday were big for award followers like yours truly. First up on Monday was The Razzies nominations. The Razzies honors the worst of the year in films. Then on Tuesday morning the Oscar nominations for the best in films of the year were announced. Let's do the worst first.

Sandra Bullock, for All About Steve, was a worst actress nominee and John Travolta for, Old Dogs, was a worst actor nominee. Films nominated for the infamous award were 'All About Steve', 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra', 'Land of the Lost', 'Old Dogs' and 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'. There were three special categories this year; Worst Film Of The Decade, Worst Actor Of The Decade, and Worst Actress of the decade. I won't mention any of the films because not only did I not see any of them, I don't remember any of them. Worst actor of the decade has some surprises. Who do think was the worst actor of the decade? You can choose from Ben Affleck, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, and John Travolta. I kind of like most of those dudes. Who do you think was the worst actress of the decade? You can choose from Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton. Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna. I like most the actresses too! Well, except Paris.

You can see a complete list of the Razzies here:

http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2010/02/01/razzie-nominations-2010/

Now on to the Oscars. Sandra Bullock shows up there too. You might say that would indicate an up and down year for the charming starlet. What surprised me about the Oscars is that 500 Days of Summer didn't get nominated nor did Invictus. What did please me is that The Blind Side was one of the ten films nominated for best picture. I was pleased to see The Blind Side nominated not because it was the best picture of the year but because it was a family movie. One that several generations could attend together and not be embarrassed. Maybe this will lead to more family friendly movies! Leading the way was The Hurt Locker and Avatar with nine nominations each. The top award nominations:

Best Movie: 'Avatar', 'The Blind Side' (seen), 'District 9'(ssen), 'An Education', 'The Hurt Locker'(seen), Inglourious Basterds' (seen), 'Precious', 'A Serious Man'(seen), 'Up'. and 'Up in the Air'(seen).

Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, 'Crazy Heart', George Clooney, 'Up in the Air', Colin Firth, 'A Single Man', Morgan Freeman, 'Invictus', and Jeremy Renner, 'The Hurt Locker'.

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, 'The Blind Side', Helen Mirren, 'The Last Station', Carey Mulligan, 'An Education, Gabourey Sidibe, 'Precious', and Meryl Streep, 'Julie & Julia'.

Best Supporting Actor: Matt Damon, 'Invictus', Woody Harrelson, 'The Messenger'
Christopher Plummer, 'The Last Station', Stanley Tucci, 'The Lovely Bones' and
Christoph Waltz, 'Inglourious Basterds'.

Best Supporting Actress:Penelope Cruz, 'Nine', Vera Farmiga, 'Up in the Air', Maggie Gyllenhaal, 'Crazy Heart', Anna Kendrick, 'Up in the Air', and Mo'nique, 'Precious'.

You can see a full list of the Oscar Nominations here:

http://www.moviefone.com/oscars-academy-awards/nominee-winner?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moviefone.com%2Foscars-academy-awards%2Fnominee-winner

Does any of the nominations for the best or worst in films surprise you? Now what award did you nominate yourself for and give me your acceptance speech. You deserve some glory and you can have today on the blog!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A Hidden Problem?

Yesterday we talked about corporate abuse of the little guy. Today we are talking domestic abuse. An article just had me shaking my head in disbelief. The article claims that domestic abuse OF MEN is as common as domestic abuse of women. This is directly quoting the article:

"more than 200 survey-based studies show that domestic violence is just as likely to strike men as women. In fact, the overwhelming mass of evidence indicates that half of all domestic violence cases involve an exchange of blows and the remaining 50% is evenly split between men and women who are brutalized by their partners."

You can read the article here:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/a-hidden-crime-domestic-violence-against-men-is-a-growing-probl/19297449/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Fa-hidden-crime-domestic-violence-against-men-is-a-growing-probl%2F19297449%2F

I might find the article more believable if they hadn't used Tiger Woods as an example. The other example they used was Chris Henry who was a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He died when he jumped (or fell ) from the back of a pickup that his fiancee was driving. They had had an argument, she took off in the pickup and he jumped into the back of it trying to get her to stop the car. That doesn't sound like she abused him, does it?

I do agree with the article that men are less likely to report being abused then women. The notion is that a man that claims to be abused is likely to be perceived as weak or unruly and most likely will be mocked rather than have his complaint taken seriously. I also agree that more research on the subject is needed. I just don't believe an abused man is as common as an abused woman.

One of the surprising bits of information in the article is the following:

"A recent 32-nation study revealed that more than 51% of men and 52% of women felt that there were times when it was appropriate for a wife to slap her husband. By comparison, only 26% of men and 21% of women felt that there were times when it was appropriate for a husband to slap his wife. Murray Straus, creator of the Conflict Tactics Scale and one of the authors of the study, explained this discrepancy: "We don't perceive men as victims. We see women as being more vulnerable than men."

It surprises me that, that many people would think it was OK to hit someone that you either love or did love. What happened to biting your tongue and taking a nice walk until things settle down?

The article ends with the quote:

"There is no doubt that domestic violence against men can be reduced; the domestic violence initiatives of the past 40 years have brought a hidden crime to light and provided protection for millions of women. The next step is to admit that domestic violence is not a male or female problem, but rather a human problem, and that a lasting solution must address the cruelty -- and suffering -- of both sexes. "

Do you agree with the final quote? (I'm still digesting the information.) Are you surprised or do you believe that men are abused as often as women? (No.) Are there any situations where it is OK for a woman to slap or hit a man? (Rarely.) Are there any situations where it is OK for a man to hit or slap a woman? (No.) Looking forward to your input.

Monday, February 1, 2010

McUpdate

I may be sued for today's blog title but I am hoping that you will all stand behind me as I go screaming to fast food jail. I would appreciate it if you would consider taking up a bail collection if that happens.

Today I bring you an updated story that really isn't all that surprising. At least I don't find the uproar against a corporate giant surprising. Instead I find it extremely predictible.

Remember the young woman that had a charity event and tried to trademark the event using part of her last name? Not surprising is that she has become an Internet sensation. Facebook groups have been formed to support her. A boycott is being formed. There is no doubt that McDonalds is losing the public relations battle. The young woman and her attorneys have asked several times for an in person meeting to a come to friendly solution. However, the hamburger giant is not coming out of hiding for a face to face meeting. Instead they are issuing written responses. During the story there is mention of another lawsuit that I find incredible. Quoting the story:

"To top things off, the story comes even as McDonald's was ordered to pay big in a Dutch court for firing a worker over serving an extra slice of cheese. The court ordered McDonald's to pay the worker the salary for the remaining five months of her contract: a total of 4,265.47 euros."

Seems like a warning would have been sufficient. That extra piece of cheese ended up costing the idiots in charge a ton. These two stories make me wonder if McDonalds just thinks they can push around the little guy anytime they want. That sounds abusive to me. You can read the updated story here:

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/01/27/mcdonalds-may-win-in-court-over-teens-charity-name-but-losing/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl6|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2F27%2Fmcdonalds-may-win-in-court-over-teens-charity-name-but-losing%2F

Are you surprised about the continuing saga and the backlash against McDonalds? What about firing an employee for using an extra piece of cheese? Firing a little extreme? When you were out in the work force what were some of the abuses by the corporate big wigs that you witnessed? Did you ever say "cheese" and get fired?